American heiress Piety Grey has fled to London, escaping her mother and stepbrothers' plots to take her money. Upon arriving in her new home, Piety meets Trevor Rheese the Earl of Falcondale. The earl is gruff and abrasive, but chemistry forms between the two regardless. When Piety's family turns up in England, and the Earl's nemesis finds his way there as well, Piety and Trevor must decide if they truly love each other and if their love is worth risking everything for.

THE EARL NEXT DOOR is the first book in Charis Michaels's Bachelor Lords of London series. The story is highly entertaining and funny, and the characters are well-written and memorable. Piety Grey is a one-of-a-kind heroine, who for all the disasters that have befallen her life is full of life and energy. She is independent and knows her own mind, but she isn't too pushy or bossy. She is an extremely likable heroine. Trevor is a unique hero with an unusual backstory that adds to his mysterious and romantic persona. His kindheartedness and protectiveness will endure him to readers. From the moment they meet, Trevor and Piety have romantic tension, and it leads to steamy scenes well placed within the story. The secondary characters are very well done. The Marchioness of Frinfrock is hilarious, and readers will wish they had a nosey busy-body neighbor with so much grandmotherly affection living near to them. The sparring dialogue between Trevor and the Marchioness of Frinfrock is delightful to read and very witty.

THE EARL NEXT DOOR has an abundance of antagonists, but Michaels makes sure each fits into the plot right when they need to. The Limpetts do overshadow Trevor's nemesis a bit, but overall they are all cruel and dastardly, and this is exactly how I like my villains. The story is fairly fast paced, and will keep a reader's attention as secrets and personal feelings are revealed. The climax is a bit haphazard, but gets the job done, and the ending will leave readers ready for the next book. There are some historical inaccuracies, but overall the story is well told. THE EARL NEXT DOOR is a fun and humorous romance with characters who have great chemistry and witty banter.

Book Summary

American heiress Piety Grey is on the run. Suddenly in London and facing the renovation of a crumbling townhouse, she’s determined to make a new life for herself—anything is better than returning to New York City where a cruel mother and horrid betrothal await her. The last thing she needs is a dark, tempting earl inciting her at every turn…

Trevor Rheese, the Earl of Falcondale, isn’t interested in being a good neighbor. After fifteen years of familial obligation, he’s finally free. But when the disarmingly beautiful Piety bursts through his wall—and into his life—his newfound freedom is threatened…even as his curiosity is piqued.

Once Piety’s family arrives in London, Falcondale suddenly finds himself in the midst of a mock courtship to protect the seductive woman who’s turned his world upside down. It’s all for show—or at least it should be. But if Falcondale isn’t careful, he may find a very real happily ever after with the woman of his dreams…