This past weekend, Matthew decided to tackle the garage organization project armed with an army of zip ties and a heroic level of optimism. Of course, within an hour he was consulting my color-coded sticky notes and asking whether boxes should be sorted by “camping” or “miscellaneous family mysteries.” While he wrangled plastic bins and I supervised with a mug of tea, I found myself stealing moments to read Three Abductions and an Earl. Somehow, a Regency romance offered just the right escape from our real-life chaos and clutter. There’s something so wonderful about getting swept up in a world of witty banter, dramatic twists, and characters far more entangled than our garden hose. And unlike the garage, this book left me feeling truly accomplished when I reached the final page.
Plot Summary
Three Abductions and an Earl by Tessa Candle is the first book in the Parvenues & Paramours series. The story centers around Lydia Norwood, a clever and unconventional young woman whose family has recently lost its fortune, making her struggle to find her place among London’s elite. Lydia’s resourcefulness (and her penchant for tree climbing) sets her apart from the ingénue debutantes vying for the notoriously honorable yet exasperated Earl of Aldley. When the Earl returns to London after mourning his father in France, he crosses paths with Lydia, who once rescued him from the clutches of a scheming rival. Their meeting sparks a tangled journey of abductions, comic misadventures, and dangerously intricate social games—all against the vibrant backdrop of Regency England. The Earl must grapple with rivals, scandal, and his own heart, as he and Lydia dodge enemies and the strictures of society, each risking more than their reputation for a chance at love.
Why I Love This Book
I love how Lydia feels refreshingly real and imperfect, sometimes bold, sometimes hilariously awkward. Her dry wit and ability to survive one disaster after another gave me endless reasons to root for her. The banter between Lydia and Lord Aldley is sharp but never mean-spirited. I was drawn to the emotional vulnerability, especially as the story gently explored themes of loss, identity, and longing for acceptance. The pacing kept me eager for the next twist—there’s just enough tension and peril to keep my heart racing, but it’s balanced with moments of warmth, quirky humor, and beautifully described settings. I especially appreciated that the romance never overshadows Lydia’s journey of self-discovery. The supporting characters occasionally threaten to steal the spotlight, and that just makes the sprawling cast feel even more alive.
Who Will Like This Book
If you enjoy Regency romance with smart heroines, emotionally awkward nobles, and plenty of witty banter, you’ll likely love this story. Fans of slow burn, enemies-to-lovers, and historical settings where social scandal is just one misstep away will find a lot to savor. The story isn’t especially dark or taboo, but it does play with some complicated, morally gray choices and moments of tension. I’d recommend it if you appreciate heroines who refuse to play by the rules and heroes who can’t help but fall for them, even when it’s inconvenient.
⚠️ Trigger warning: kidnapping, manipulation, injury, grief, emotionally complex situations, some sexually explicit scenes, and Regency-era gender norms.
Tagged As
Regency romance, historical romance, witty banter, slow burn, enemies-to-lovers, unconventional heroine, honorable hero, scandal, kidnap/abduction, London society, Parvenues & Paramours series, emotionally awkward hero, strong supporting cast, steam level moderate, indie romance, HEA, morally gray situations
Steam Level
The romance includes moderate sexual tension and a handful of explicit scenes, but the steaminess is tightly woven into the fabric of the story—never gratuitous, always advancing character and emotion. There’s plenty of chemistry to satisfy readers who crave a touch of heat alongside intricate plotting and emotional stakes.
