The Elusive Earl by Maddison Michaels Published by Entangled: Amara on August 27, 2018
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Brianna Penderley has a knack for getting into precarious situations, especially when it comes to her love for archaeology. In the heart of Naples, her terrible Italian has her accidentally becoming engaged to two men at the same time. Of course, Daniel Wolcott—the Earl of Thornton and the only man ever able to vex her—shows up to rescue her.
Daniel has spent the majority of his life exercising rigid control over his emotions, determined never to become the rake his father was. But when he goes to aid his mentor’s danger-prone niece once again, he finds himself struggling to control his attraction to a woman who is his complete opposite.
When their situation goes from bad to worse, Daniel and Brianna find themselves swept up into a perilous adventure, and they must work together to set things right. Now, if they can just avoid killing each other in the process.
~~Reviewed by Barbara~~
This is an exciting, action-packed, and romantic addition to the Saints and Scoundrels series by Maddison Michaels. This new author seems to be off to a great start. The writing is intelligent and witty and the two main characters are very interesting. At times you want to kiss them and at other times you want to spank them. Especially our hero because he is one of the most pig-headed and stubborn characters I’ve ever read. I was actually beginning to wonder if he was ever going to have his grand epiphany. But, when he finally did, it was a great one! I couldn’t put the book down because it was so fast-paced and exciting that I just had to see what happened next.
One thing that impressed me thoroughly is that the author actually got the name right for someone marrying a peer. Yes, she plainly spelled it out and I loved it! She’s obviously done her research. When Bree has to pretend to be married to Daniel, her name would be Brianna Thornton – NOT Brianna Wolcott.
It seems that Daniel Wolcott—the Earl of Thornton, has been rescuing Brianna Penderley her entire life. She is high-spirited, self-assured, adventure-loving and has a real talent for getting herself into trouble. Isn’t it lucky that her uncle is the head spy-master for England and he can send someone to extricate her from whatever it is she has gotten into? Unfortunately for Daniel, he is the one his boss always sends. When Bree was really young she had romantic notions about her best friend’s older brother, Daniel. That is until she got to know how very stodgy and boring he really was.
Bree’s latest adventure is one of the best yet. Somehow, she has managed to get herself engaged to two, yes two, different Italian men – all without being able to speak the language. Once again Daniel is sent to rescue her only to find her climbing out an upper floor window at the ball she is attending. Then they get word that Bree’s cousin has been kidnapped. To free him, she must bring her mother’s journals to a location several days away from where they are. Thus begins the journey that will have betrayal, friendships, frustration and lots of danger and in the end – finding an exciting treasure.
Bree’s family history is a fascinating one and it involves murder and rescue as well as a loving family life with an aunt, uncle and two cousins. Her aunt and uncle treat her just like their daughter and love her unconditionally. You’ll love her entire family when you meet them. Her aunt is an absolute hoot!
Daniel’s family was dysfunctional, to say the least. His father was a philandering wastrel who almost left the earldom in financial ruin before he died. His mother was a weak-willed lady who loved his father unconditionally and was hurt by him over and over and over. Daniel grew up observing his family dynamic and vowed never to be like his father and never to marry for love because he might hurt and/or be hurt. So, when he finally has to marry to produce an heir his bride will be very biddable – you know – dull. It was fun to watch Daniel fight his attraction to Bree throughout the entire book – and to finally witness his acceptance of his fate. There were so many times I just wanted to kick him in the rear. Bree was as stubborn as he was, but she recognized the attraction early on and didn’t really fight it – except when he’d say or do something hurtful.
This was the first book I’ve read by this author, but it definitely won’t be the last. I really need to go back and get the first one and read it because I’m sure it is just as interesting and exciting.
“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”
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About Maddison Michaels
Indoctrinated into a world of dashing rogues and feisty heroines when she was 14 years old, Maddison Michaels is a prolific reader and writer of romantic suspense and historical fiction. She gets her daily dose of suspense from prosecuting real life villains in the Courts.
A member of the RWA and RWA Australia, Maddison is as passionate about her writing as she is about her other two loves; her family and her cups of tea. Luckily she gets a healthy dash of romance married to her wonderful husband and her exercise regime is kept on track by her six-year-old daughter, who ensures Maddison is kept very busy chasing her around.
Maddison’s historical novels are her way of time traveling back to Victorian London to experience a cornucopia of intrigue, romance and debauchery all from the comfort of her living room!
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