Matthew, the Earl of Selkirk, originally from Edinburgh, is in London for business, and he needs a housekeeper for a month or so. Miss Annabelle Tyne, part-owner of the Quality Employment Agency, is short-staffed, and she has to fill the temporary position, because otherwise the Earl's patronage will end, and she is not about to lose a client who is of noble extraction. Annabelle packs her things and goes to the Earl's house; as she was handed the key by the gentleman who came on the Earl's behalf. Matthew, who is not an early Earl, chose that specific day to be quite contrary, and this causes Annabelle to see very quickly much more of the Earl than she ever expected.

WHEN EARLS GO BAD had me smiling from page one, and the only time I didn't was when I shed a few tears towards the end. Annabelle is a most unconventional miss: she says what's on her mind, babbles endlessly, she's easily distracted, and yet by being herself she spreads sunshine wherever she goes. Whereas "the Earl of Dour" is logical, practical, and serious; he abhors waste of any kind, be it time, words, or smiles. And he is completely overwhelmed by the irrepressible, bubbly, and delightfully irresistible Annabelle. Never have opposites been so perfectly matched: Annabelle and the Scottish Earl are engaging, marvellously well-drawn characters, who surprise us on every page. Moreover, and this is quite a tour de force, they are the book's only characters, aside from necessary and brief appearances from secondary players.

WHEN EARLS GO BAD is a novella filled with joy, happiness, humour, and witty dialogue. Each chapter begins with a quote from "A Belle's Guide to Household Management", and as the book progresses, those delectable tidbits are tinged with quaint double-entendres, and are so hilarious that they could be worth reading for themselves.

WHEN EARLS GO BAD is exquisitely written, fast-paced, and -- I would not dare call them sex scenes -- the lovemaking is sublimely erotic, sensual, and deliciously wicked. Megan Frampton was a new author to me, and with WHEN EARLS GO BAD, she has gained a new devoted fan. A must- read for historical fiction lovers!

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