The Theory of Earls by Kathleen Ayers
The Beautiful Barringtons #1

Delightful with a tinge of darkness – a romance to be savored

What I liked:
* Margaret “Maggie”: synesthete who sees music in colors, daughter of a tin miner and uppercust mother, oppressed by her guardian aunt, pretending to be less than she is, aspires to have a comfortable life, wants control in a time that women didn’t have much say, sensual, intelligent, aware, a woman I wouldn’t mind having as a friend
* Welles “Tony”: one day to be Duke of Averell, hates his father, loved his mother, musically inclined, part owner of a gambling establishment, has many siblings by women other than his mother, a rake and a rogue, difficult to like (at times) and yet lovable, too.
* Leo: Tony’s best friend and half-brother, tells it like it is, likable, astute, someone I want to know more about
* Amanda: Tony’s stepmother, duchess, mother of four daughters, kind, generous, interesting
* The Barrington sisters: Andromeda, Phaedra, Theodosia – each with a talent of her own – looking forward to reading their books in the future
* Olivia: related to the Barringtons and a ward of sorts…might show up in a book of her own
* Margaret’s backbone and the way she stood up for herself…eventually
* Welle’s love for his siblings…and the way he grew through the story – would love to see him ten years in the future
* The chemistry between Tony and Maggie – they really did see one another, communicated (eventually), and have potential for the love match they both deserve
* The music tie-in
* Knowing that there are more books to look forward to in this series.

What I didn’t like:
* Marcus – the Duke of Averell…his behavior when younger hurt more than one person though he did come around later it was too late for some that he hurt deeply
* Aunt Agatha and Lord Winthrop
* The power the ton had and thinking about how men were in control of so much back then

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to the author and IndiePenPR for the ARC – this is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

BLURB

“Chemise. Stockings. Piano.”

Three words, uttered by the beautifully rakish Lord Welles, leave Margaret Lainscott speechless. His improper request, that she play the piano for him in her…underthings is as shocking as it is titillating. Margaret should never have asked his help in reintroducing her to Lord Carstairs. But his friend meets all of Margaret’s criteria for a husband; passably attractive, of below-average intelligence, and possessed of an obsessive outdoor hobby which will leave her free to pursue her own life.

Welles is one of London’s most committed bachelors, known for his notorious dealings with women and his part ownership of one of London’s pleasure clubs. He’s long admired Miss Lainscott’s unrestrained passion at the piano; a passion he suspects is not reserved only for her music. Welles is certain Miss Lainscott will not entertain his improper request despite the attraction burning between them.

A young lady such as Miss Lainscott would never ruin herself willingly.

And Welles? Nothing would make him compromise his heart…

Until a duet with a passionate pianist changes his mind.

The Theory of Earls is a steamy, sexy regency romance with a guaranteed happily ever after and the first in a new series, The Beautiful Barringtons.

4-5 Stars ( )