Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Sometimes the courage to live your life as you know it was meant to be requires putting your life in the hands of a notorious rake…

As the son of a duke, Christopher “Kit” Seymour, Earl of Castleton, was born to be one of the most powerful men in England. The trouble is that Kit does not want to be a man at all. He feels most comfortable in the company of women, championing their causes. All he wants is a simple life, and his father knows it.

Which is why Kit’s life is in danger…

Lord Devereaux Ogilvy is one of the most notorious rakes in London with a string of broken hearts amongst the ton behind him. The time has now come when his mother wishes him to marry, but rather than finding a bride, Devereaux is far more interested in the frightened young earl he rescued from thugs one night.

When Devereaux invites Kit to a ball only to have a mysterious young woman, Miss Kitty Dryden, arrive instead, everything takes an exciting turn. Kitty could have the life she wants and a permanent protector, and Devereaux could satisfy his mother’s demand that he marry…if only the two of them can keep the secret from getting out.

 

 

Enticed by an Earl is a fast-paced, heartfelt, very early-Victorian, gay romance that involves a rake with a conscience and a vulnerable earl with a dream of living a different life entirely. The Tales from the Brotherhood series follows directly after The Brotherhood – Origins MM Regency Romance series and continues to tell the story of the early days of The Brotherhood.

 

Book Review

“Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” ~ Christian D. Larson

Kit, the main character of Merry Farmer's book 'Enticed by an Earl', is a gentle young man who prefers chatting with his female friends to attending a boxing match his father insists he go to. The violence of the fight traumatizes him, unlike his younger brother, George, who enjoys it. Kit's father despises Kit because he is not a "manly man" like his brother. Although Kit has no desire to be Duke of Bedminster, whether he or his father likes it or not, as the eldest son, Kit will inherit his father's title.

Lord Deveraux Olgive (Dev) is, by his own admission, a dilettante who cares little about propriety, doing what he wants with whom he likes. One day, while on his way home, he witnesses a young man (Kit) being assaulted. Dev rushes to rescue him, fighting off the assailant. After the attack, seeing how shaken Kit is, Dev offers to accompany him home. As they walk together, the two men get to know each other better. Dev finds himself quite taken with Kit in unexpected ways, which begins a connection that promises to change their lives.

Kit is almost positive that his father is trying to have him killed so his brother, George, can become Duke instead of his elder brother, whom he deems unfit. After several attempts, Kit runs for his life and goes to Dev, the only person he knows who will help him. Dev devises a plan to make it appear that Kit has been murdered and dumped in a river; if the scheme is successful, it will allow Kit to live as Kitty, whom Kit feels is his true self.

Merry effectively portrayed the conflicts faced by transgender individuals. I connected Kit and his struggle to align his inner identity with his outward appearance. My son, who was also transgender, experienced similar challenges as he sought self-acceptance. He was one of the most courageous people I’ve ever known. Thanks, Merry, for tackling this complex subject.

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book was purchased by the reviewer.

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 236 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	06-June-2025
Price	$4.99 ebook, $14.99 paperback
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Enticed-Earl-Tales-Brotherhood-Book-ebook/dp/B0F4NDVQYM