Nice Earls Do
Series: Goode's Guide to Misconduct #0.5
Author: Susanna Craig
Published December 27th 2022 by Zebra

Goodreads Synopsis
The prequel novella to a new series that offers a modern twist on the genre, from Susanna Craig, one of the most acclaimed voices in Regency romance. Will appeal to fans of Ella Quinn, Sabrina Jeffries, and those who love faster-paced, innovative historical romance featuring strong women.

Award-winning author Susanna Craig launches a new Regency series, based around a daring new ladies’ magazine, with this sparkling novella about old friends—and new secrets...

To readers of her popular magazine, Goode’s Guide to Misconduct, “Mrs. Goode” is an expert in all domestic matters. Household management, home décor, entertainment... there is nothing about which she lacks an opinion. Who better to assist the Earl of Bennett, newly appointed guardian to his niece and nephew, in turning his house into a home?

The widowed Lady Manwaring is the farthest thing from a domestic doyenne, so when asked to pose as Mrs. Goode on behalf of the book’s true author, she warily agrees. On arrival, she’s surprised to discover that Lord Bennett is actually her childhood friend, Kit Killigrew. Tabetha might be an imposter, but her attraction to Kit is all too real...

After years separated from the woman of his dreams, Kit’s eager to do more than play house. Will Tabetha’s big reveal ruin everything, or lay the foundation for true love?
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Finding out that her stepson Oliver was the lauded Mrs Goode might've been a shock to Tabetha, Lady Manwaring, but she promised she would protect him from the moment they met. So when 'Mrs Goode' is needed by a bachelor gentleman to design a nursery for his orphaned niece and nephew, Tebetha decides she will pretend to be the lady, and Oliver will come along as her 'secretary'. Everything is perfect, until Tabetha sees the gentleman, and realises he is her childhood best friend, Kit Killigrew. Kit never forgot about his Beth, the woman he's always loved. Seeing her again after twenty years, now widowed, and he now an Earl, it's as if fate has played a hand. And he'll do whatever it takes to make sure he doesn't lose her once more.

I hadn't realised this was a novella/prequel to Susanna's new series when I first requested it, but it was a great introduction to the Goode's Guide to Misconduct series. Both Tabetha and Kit are in their 40's, and they are different people to the ones they once knew. Even so, the connection is still there, as are the feelings which once were simmering, and now are bubbling over. Yes, this book was very short, but seeing the way Tabetha and Kit came together, and embraced Edmund's children as their own, was lovely. I'm really excited to read this series, properly, and Nice Earls Do has definitely whet my appetite!

Dates Read:
January 14, 2023

Rating
4 Stars