Unfortunately, I felt this one was a little rushed. It wasn't an overly long story which meant we have to go from meeting to HEA in 164 pages. In this case, it wasn't just that it was rushed, that made me squint and scowl at my Kindle, it was the dreaded...duty or love?
Leo is carrying the burden of his father's death in his mistress's bed. While Leo and his mother held no love for the man, they still must suffer through the humiliation. After their year or mourning, Leo heads to London to get their finances sorted out. A lot of doors previously open, are now closing in his face. What's Leo to do? Find a wealthy wife with a good name, of course.
With a candidate picked out, who is neither nice nor lovable, Leo has resigned himself to a loveless marriage. His mother does not want him to marry the woman and decides to show him who he should have instead.
Ivy is a young woman who is working hard with her fellow suffragettes, to give women equal rights and the right to vote. Her ambition will likely leave her unmarried, but it's a sacrifice she's willing to make. When a dear friend, and fellow suffragette, asks her to a house party she accepts with a smile on her face. Ivy remembers her friend's son who was also her childhood friend and can't wait to see him again. She can't forget how much she enjoyed his company and still thinks of him fondly.
While Ivy and Leo's first meeting was orchestrated, the time they spent together afterwards was because they couldn't help themselves. Both Ivy and Leo have plans for their life, and neither plays a part in each other's plans. While being with each other is a temptation, they know their futures are set to be apart.
I really thought this story had potential. Besides being rushed, I was also frustrated because Leo was lusting after Ivy, while still convinced he was marrying someone else. This, while probably true to the time, was still something that did not show him in a good light. He wanted to have his cake and eat it too, yet it would be Ivy's reputation left in ruin.
Love comes heavy and fast between Ivy and Leo. Unfortunately, my eyes rolled to the back of my head in the sex scenes. Leo talked to Ivy like she was a bloody horse.
"Easy, sweetheart, easy,"
...and it wasn't even just the once. Leo said that twice. Definitely not sexy.
So, unfortunately, An Earl by Any Other Name was not a winner for me. Huge potential, just missed it by that much.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.