The Earl Next Door
Series: First Comes Love #1
Author: Amelia Grey
Published May 28th 2019 by St. Martin's Press

Goodreads Synopsis
What does a Wickedly Wonderful Widow really want? One noble suitor is about to find out. . .

Adeline, Dowager Countess of Wake, is all on her own after her husband’s sudden death. The good news? Losing him allowed her to find herself. Finally, Adeline is free to do, go, and be as she pleases. She cherishes her newfound independence and is not looking for another man to wed. But seeking out a new lover? Well, that is a whole ’nother story. . .

Lord Lyon, son of the two-timing Earl of Marksworth, wishes to have a respectable, loving wife someday. When he meets the beautiful and self-reliant Adeline, Lyon is instantly smitten. But Adeline would rather have the handsome suitor in her bed than to take his hand in marriage. It’s a scandalous proposal—and one that’s hard for Lyon to refuse. Unless the fire of his passion can melt Adeline’s resolve. . .and he can find a way to be the Wickedly Wonderful Widow’s lover for all time?
Goodreads

Review
After the Salty Dove sunk a few years ago, Adeline found herself widowed, and also free. As the Countess of Wake, her marriage had been a disaster, with her husband being cruel and abusive over the lack of issue, and she was never allowed to leave the country estate. Finding friends in two other widows, Julia and Brina, they set up a school to help all the daughters and sisters of the crew lost at sea on the Salty Dove, right in the heart of London. When Adeline moves into the home opposite the school, to be able to keep a closer eye on the pupils as they settle in, she finds herself battling with her handsome neighbour, Lord Lyon, son of the Earl of Marksworth. They soon butt heads over the noise of the school, and the lingering chemistry and attraction between them. Adeline is adamant she won't marry again, and find herself at the mercy of man like before, but she agrees to take Lyon to bed. He agrees, at first, but it's soon clear he wants Adeline, and all of her. Will Lyon be able to convince Adeline to marry, or will he have to settle?

I hadn't really heard of these books until I spotted the third one available to review on NetGalley, but decided to buy the books, and it was well worth it. I loved the premise of the plot - three widows united in the grief, finding it difficult to navigate society in their new state, and wanting to help those less fortunate than them. They met at the dockside, where the affects of those who perished were gathered, and spotted the children and widows of the crew members being held back until the 'ladies' had had their time. This felt wrong, and though it took them a few years to organise the school, they were adamant it would happen, and Adeline is overjoyed to find herself in her own home, and free, for once in her life. Her and Lyon had the perfect chemistry and the banter between them was fantastic. There were some tense moments at first, especially when it came to Lyon getting used to the school, and him accusing her of being a prostitute on the first meeting, but it soon became an easy friendship, and then a loving relationship. Adeline was scarred by her experiences in marriage, but she wants Lyon, and thinks he would be more than happy to accept an affair. And he is, at first. But Lyon is also adamant to never marry except for a love match, and when he falls for Adeline hard, he will stop at nothing to convince her he cares and is nothing like her late husband. I loved the way they overcame the angst, and the ending most of all. It's made me even more excited to see Julia and Brina's stories.

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