BOOK REVIEW- The Earl Next Door (First Comes Love Book 1) by Amelia Grey

Description

What does a fiercely independent young widow really want? One determined suitor is about to find out. . .
When Adeline, Dowager Countess of Wake, learns of her husband’s sudden death, she realizes she’s free. At last, she can do, go, and be as she pleases. Finally, she can have the life she has always dreamed of. She doesn’t need, or want, to remarry. Especially not the supremely dashing future Marquis of Marksworth, who makes Adeline yearn for his desire. . .
Lord Lyonwood, son of a philandering marquis, will not be like his father. He wants to run his estates and watch them flourish—and find a wife who brings love to his life. When he meets spirited and self-reliant Adeline in a case of near-scandalous mistaken identity, Lyon feels he’s met his match. But Adeline isn’t interested in a marriage proposal. She will only accept becoming his lover—and Lyon finds it hard to refuse. Unless the fire of his passion can melt Adeline’s resolve. . .
AMAZON  3 STARS

The first meeting between Adeline and Lyonwood was everything you could hope for when it came to being dramatic and also embarrassing!  But it was also only the first of several. They did end up butting heads over misunderstandings time and again.
There is such a good relationship between Adeline and two other widows.  I enjoyed how they were staunchly for each other.  They not only had the strong friendship between them but also the strong desire NOT to remarry.  Each one had their own reasons but Adeline's seemed to have been the most harsh experience.  I could clearly see why she never wanted another man to control her life and every action she wanted to do.  What she hadn't counted on was that Lyon wasn't exactly like the usual wealthy, handsome entitled gentleman.  He was a man of honor although several of their run-ins kind of made he look more beast like at times.  But the truth does come out about what he is really like and each time it does makes it harder for Adeline to resist him.  But of course she does, so that makes the story challenges continue for quite a while. 
The school that The Three Widows established added to the story.  Because we are talking about little girls there are several of them who are mischievous and try their limits more than once.
There is a H.E.A. with a sweet Epilogue.

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