Caffeinated Reviewer

I enjoy author Diana Quincy’s writing, particularly her historical romantic suspense. The Earl That Got Away is a Persuasion retelling set in Victorian London and featuring an Arab-American young woman who meets her lost love when her sister marries a Duke. Filled with tension, this second chance romance tugged at my heartstrings and frustrated me.

In the second installment of Diana Quincy’s steamy Victorian historical romance series, a Persuasion retelling, an Arab-American young woman is reunited with the lost love of her youth and forced to reckon with their past and undying tension.

American Naila Darwish always regretted calling off her engagement to the man she loved because he wasn’t successful enough for her family. Eight years later, she travels to England for her sister’s wedding and gets the shock of her life when she runs into Basil again. Overjoyed, she wonders if the fates have given her a second chance at love.

But Basil Trevelyn is not the same carefree young man Naila rejected all those years ago. Having unexpectedly inherited a noble title, he is now the Earl of Hawksworth, one of England’s most sought-after bachelors. Still bitter after Naila’s heart-wrenching rejection all those years ago, Hawk is cold and distant, suspecting Naila is after his money and position.

When the two lost lovers are repeatedly thrown together, they discover that the chemistry between them burns brighter than ever and that some feelings are too strong to deny. Will they allow pride and lingering resentment to keep them from seizing their last chance at happiness?

While The Earl That Got Away is a standalone romance in the Sirens in Silk series, I recommend beginning with The Duke Gets Desperate to avoid spoilers regarding the first romance. You’ll also get to know key characters that appear in book two.

American Naila Darwish is what one would consider on the shelf for the marriage mart. Long ago she fell in love with a young man who asked her to wed, but it was a forbidden romance. Her Aunt and family wished for her to marry within their community and/ or to a man of rank. The young man, an Englishman, was without a title. Now she dotes on her nieces and nephews and takes care of the family. Once she wore colors and sparkled, but that light dimmed when she obeyed her family and not her heart.

Now eight years later, Naila is here for her sister’s wedding and is shocked when Basil, the young man she refused, is in attendance. He is no longer untitled, and she wonders if this might be a second chance.

The Earl That Got Away is a second-chance romance, filled with tension and miscommunication. Basil is hurt and angry. He still has feelings for Naila but cannot let go of the sting of her rejection. Naila slowly lets down the walls she has erected around her heart and even wears colors, but these two knuckle-heads bungle things up every time they speak. It was infuriating. Their sizzling chemistry was electrifying, and even the Duke and her sister noticed, but jealousy, miscommunication and fear kept getting in their way. It was a slow-burn until their passion exploded, but even intimacy wasn’t enough to sort things out. I wondered if these two would ever find a happily ever after. Even Naila’s family interfered.

I closed The Earl That Got Away with a smile despite the frustrations along the way. I am curious to see what the next story in the series will bring.

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About Diana Quincy

Diana Quincy is an award-winning former television journalist who decided she'd rather make up stories where a happy ending is always guaranteed. Fans of Madeline Hunter, Lisa Kleypas and Sabrina Jeffries will love Diana's Regency world of dashing dukes, irresistible rogues and the headstrong, determined women who capture their hearts. New York Times bestselling author Grace Burrowes says SEDUCING CHARLOTTE is "Sweet, steamy, and thoroughly enjoyable...Equal parts action, passion and fun." Growing up as a foreign service brat, Diana lived in many countries and is now settled in Virginia with her husband and two sons. When not bent over her laptop or trying to keep up with laundry, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family and dreams of traveling much more than her current schedule (and budget) allows.

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About Kimberly

Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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