Review: Why Earls Fall in Love by Manda Collins

Young widowed Georgina Mowbray is settling into her role as Lady Russell’s companion quite well–until the lady’s nephew Dominic, the Earl of Coniston, arrives in Bath for a visit. Georgie’s always found him shallow and too smooth, and trusts him as much as she trusts most men…which is to say, not at all. But Con turns out to be more intriguing than she remembers–and completely irresistible…

Pretty, practical Georgie is nothing like the women Con usually woos–especially since she seems blind to his charms. But his elderly aunt is so fond of her that Con is determined at least to be sociable…with the occasional flirtation thrown in just for fun. But things take a serious turn when a dangerous figure from Georgie’s unhappy past appears and threatens to bring her harm. Con will do whatever it takes to keep Georgie safe. And if he can show her that all men are not menaces, he might be able to keep her in his arms and never let go…

Intrigue and romance in a fabulous historical setting, what more can a reader ask for? Not much yet Manda Collins provides that and so much more. This story is full of fantastic characters headed by the lead couple and if they are any indication of this author’s skills she is surely going on my must read list. The backdrop of an amazingly serious situation is woven seamlessly throughout the story but does not make a dark depressing note, rather I found myself buoyed by the attitudes and optimism of the women forced to deal with brutish men. Con won me over from his introduction, but Georgina Mowbray was a harder sell and much more worth the effort! Georgie is a sensible woman doing what she must in life and while she is more no-nonsense than idealistic she is pleasant and practical.  I loved that the Earl of Coniston brings about a softer, dreamy side of her and that she brings out a more solemn aspect to him. I’m looking forward to reading the other two Wicked Widow novels as after already meeting both ladies in this story they have already captured my curiosity.

Manda Collins