Wow, where to even begin with West End Earl by Bethany Bennett? Bennett's first book, Any Rogue Will Do, was phenomenal and I fell in love with it immediately, but you never know if a second book will live up to a first. Let me tell you, she knocks it out of the park with West End Earl.

Ophelia Hardwick has been masquerading as her dead twin brother for over a decade. If she can last until "Adam" comes of age, she'll receive the inheritance that is her due, but she has to steer clear of her grasping uncle until then. As Adam, Phee works as a steward/assistant to Calvin, the Earl of Carlyle, who is always having to clean up his father's messes, and must give his sister a grand debut, not to mention manage the finances of himself, his father, and several friends who come to him for investment advice. He couldn't function without Adam Hardwick, aka Puppy, who is also one of his closest friends and confidants. When Cal finds out that Puppy is actually a girl, he also realizes he's wildly attracted to her. Of course, she's been in love with him for years, so everything should be fine and dandy, except of course it isn't - between his wayward sister, her terrible uncle, and his father's meddling, it seems like they'll never find their happy-ever-after.

This book could have gone in so many ways. The main female character has been parading as a man - and continues to as well. Bennett is so careful, though, and handles this whole situation with such ease and aplomb, it's astounding. It never feels condescending or insensitive. Cal is a great character, and so is Phee. She's not afraid of telling him like it is, and is utterly unapologetic about who she is. The whole book is so matter-of-fact and it's just a joy to read.

Thank you so much to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. Bethany Bennett is one of my auto-buy authors, and I can't wait to get this one on my shelf, too.