Book Review: The Earl and the Enchantress by Paullett Golden

I enjoyed reading this story featuring Lizbeth and Sebastian. The two meet in a library during a ball and despite a tense initial interaction, they bond over their mutual distaste for marriage and love of books.

The banter between Lizbeth and Sebastian was wonderfully written. I found myself smiling as they teased and joked. I enjoyed Lizbeth. I love how she sticks to her belief that communication is key in all relationships. I don’t blame her for being wary of marriage, though I was surprised that she dropped her convictions and couldn’t be without him so quickly. There were a healthy couple chapters towards the end where she drove me insane though, especially when disregarding a specific request and then defending herself by deliberately twisting the person’s words. Also, if you seek out advice from someone you don’t get to discount it and say “Oh well she doesn’t know anything, do you see how messed up her marriage is?” You sought her out, you nincompoop! You were very aware of what that person is like. And guess what? It ends up being the best advice for your situation!

There were big portions of the book where I could not stand Sebastian and as a result my reading significantly slowed down. I understand he was written to be a man with a dark past that has scarred him and shaped the way he views the world and others but his waffling and “executive decisions” drove me insane. Good ol’ Bassie’s “Oh I have this dark past and no one will understand me or it but oh lordy I can’t live without my book-loving enchantress! But wait she will come to hate and leave me too so it’s for the best that I ignore her and brood like a child rather than communicate like she has requested so many times.” Don’t get me wrong, there were times when Sebastian redeemed himself acted like a confident, charismatic suitor rather than a whiney, tortured lad and in these moments I enjoyed his character. I think if some of his agonizing could have been cut from the story and I would have had an easier time sticking with our couple.

The smutty scenes were filled with interesting imagery. Lots of sea references complete with waves. After the first one, they were smidge too repetitive and lengthy for my tastes.

Aunt Hazel was a saving grace, distracting me from the violent thoughts I entertained about our brooding hero. I thought Aunt Hazel would be a typical marriage hunting, stern matron after the first chapter but she quickly became my favorite character once Charlotte gets married off. Least favorite? Probably Charlotte. I have little patience for vain characters that show no personal growth throughout the book. I know she wasn’t a main character and will get her own book so I can’t really gripe too much.

I saw that Charlotte gets the next book. I wish it was a different character, which I can’t introduce without spoilers, but alas I will have to wait for that one. Also, I feel like Aunt Hazel needs a novella so I can enjoy her not so subtle matchmaking again.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.