Manic Pixie Dream Earl by Jenny Holiday book review

In Jenny Holiday's, "Manic Pixie Dream Earl," we follow three Regency-era Earls—Effie, Simon, and Archie—on their annual men-only holiday filled with laughter, friendship, adventure and unexpected twists. Effie, the flamboyant Viscount Featherfinch, is a poet who writes under a pseudonym. He has a correspondence with Julianna, the editor of the magazine that publishes his work.  Julianna assumed that Effie (Edward) is a woman. They have been writing letters and have become quite close. When Julianna decides to crash Effie's trip to Brighton, she discovers his true identity, leading to a surprising connection that transcends their initial friendship. As they navigate their feelings, both characters confront their pasts—Effie's struggles with a traumatic childhood and Julianna's issues with societal expectations. Their journey explores the complexities of love, friendship, and identity, culminating in a heartwarming tale of acceptance and growth. 

This book combines humor, emotional depth, and queer representation, appealing to romance readers seeking something unexpected and relatable. With a dual POV that allows insight into both Effie's and Julianna's thoughts, readers experience their evolving relationship in a nuanced way. The portrayal of diverse identities—Effie as demisexual and Julianna as bisexual—adds to the the narrative. Additionally, the strong themes of friendship and support among the Earls resonate deeply, highlighting the importance of chosen family. Readers will appreciate Holiday's clever twists on classic tropes, including mistaken identity and reverse age gaps, all set against a vibrant historical backdrop. I like how they break all sorts of conventions in class, swimming, staying in the same house and working.  There is definitely an HEA for the couple and their found family.  I was hoping for a bit more from the children side of things, but I guess that is what makes this book unique to the historical romance genre.  A fun read, a fun cover and definitely some entertaining characters.