Review of THE EARL'S MISTRESS by Liz Carlyle

Liz Carlyle has been a favorite author and an auto-buy for me for many years now, but sadly, THE EARL'S MISTRESS isn't one of her better books. The writing wasn't bad, it was more that I really didn't like either Isabella nor Anthony.  I can't put my finger on what it was about them, but they just didn't work for me.

I felt that the romance between Isabella and Anthony was rushed and forced. I enjoy books with BDSM and hot, erotic sex scenes, and there was plenty of them in THE EARL'S MISTRESS, but I have to have an emotional connection with the characters to keep me interested in the story. I found that I couldn't believe in their Happily Ever After with their relationship feeling so contrived. I cringe to say it, but I kind of didn't want them to end up together.

I will still buy and look forward to Ms. Carlyle's books upcoming books, I've loved too many of her previous books to give up after one I didn't care for.

From the publisher:

New York Times bestselling author Liz Carlyle creates her darkest, most sensuous story yet, as a delectable but desperate governess runs headlong into the path of a notorious rake

Women rarely refuse the wicked Earl of Hepplewood, whose daring exploits are only whispered about. But when his new governess answers his proposition with a slap, then stalks out, references in hand, Hepplewood finds more than his face is burning.

Isabella Aldridge has brains, bravado, and beauty—but the latter is no use to a servant. Her circumstances are desperate, and with Hepplewood's words ringing in her ears, Isabella realizes she must barter her most marketable asset . . . her body.

But when fate sends Isabella back into Hepplewood's arms, the earl must make an impossible choice—draw Isabella down into his sensual darkness, or behave with honor for the first time in his life.