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A seductive Welsh earl on the brink of ruin. A wealthy cit in search of a hero.
Miss Evelina Franklin reads too many romance novels. She’s certain a handsome duke—or dashing highwayman—is in her future. In the meantime, Evie entertains herself with the admirers vying for her fortune.
The Earl of Brecken needs cash. His late father left their Welsh estate in ruin, and his mother will not let him rest until it is restored to its former glory. Notorious for his seductive charm, he searches the ballrooms for a wealthy heiress. His choices are dismal until he meets Miss Franklin. Guileless and gorgeous with an enormous dowry, she seems the answer to his prayers. Until his conscience makes an unexpected appearance.
Read an Excerpt
London, 1819
Lifting his glass, Madoc’s well-practiced smile returned. “Here’s to long, dull days of leisure. May I never take boredom for granted again.”
Sunderland guffawed. “By all means, enjoy them if you can before you become an earl. After that, your days may not be filled with intrigue, but you will certainly stay occupied. My estate, properties, and seat in the Lords demand much of my time.”
His friend’s statement gave him pause. “I hadn’t really thought about the future, in that sense, but you’re right enough. I’ve been trained for the title and know what is expected of me. Yet, having the responsibility solely on my shoulders scares the hell out of me.” Madoc sighed. “If I fail an assignment, my disappearance will cause little harm. Another man will take my place, and the task will be accomplished. But making decisions that affect the lives of my tenants, people whose livelihood could be crushed by a man’s whim…”
The earl nodded. “The obligation can be heavy at times, but it’s our duty to maintain our inheritance, our family name. Those who tend the land and the animals, work within our abodes, are all an integral part of the system. Treat them fairly, and with the dignity they deserve, and you’ll do well. It’s that mutual understanding and a common goal to make life better that will bond you to them.”
“Blast, if you don’t sound like my father.” Madoc laughed. “Next you’ll be telling me it’s time to find a wife. Speaking of, how is Grace?”
*sigh* I already miss Doc and Evie. I loved, just loved this couple. I will admit that at first, I thought Fenella is the heroine. No worries, I bought her book and can’t wait to dig into her story. Back to Doc and Evie. Theirs is a slow, sweet, satisfying romance. Ms. Wynne takes her time with them but not at the snail’s pace that some historical authors do. Lord, I can’t tell you how many times I get bored with the “will they or won’t they” in historical romances. Then once the romance takes off, the book is over. Ugh. Not here. While it is gradual, you can feel the love that is becoming between them.
I especially loved Doc or Madoc. While at first not exactly forthcoming to Evie in his plight, he does court her properly, and it is sweet. Evie is not a whimpering simp either. Ms. Wynne writes her with compassion, longing, and loyalty to her sister and family. I just wished that maybe she would have stood up to her mother more. That woman could be a wretch. Look I get that she wanted her daughters married but ease up on Fenella and let Evie do her thing. I know that’s part of the process but still.
I will have to say that I really felt for Doc’s momma. Very sad but she just couldn’t keep her mouth closed, could she? Ugh. And Evie’s dad? OMG!! Loved him. Caring, compassionate and so totally different than his social-climbing wife. I enjoyed knowing that he knew about Doc’s plight but kept it to himself. The understanding and support that he gave Doc are great. I saw signs that he was going to be a great father-in-law to him. Sweet, sweet.
Overall, I loved this story. It’s part of a series of books by different authors so this one stands alone. Ms. Wynne gives you just enough of the Wicked Earl’s Club and what it stands for so don’t worry. However, I’m very interested in Kit’s story so I need to look into that one. Don’t pass this gem of a historical romance. It hit all the right notes for me and now on to Fenella and Kit’s stories.
About the Author:
Bestselling and award-winning author Aubrey Wynne is an elementary teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by night. She resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule, and barn cats. Obsessions include wine, history, travel, trail riding, and all things Christmas. Her Chicago Christmas series has received the Golden Quill, Aspen Gold, Heart of Excellence, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence and twice nominated as a Rone finalist by InD’tale Magazine.
Aubrey’s first love is medieval romance but after dipping her toe in the Regency period in 2018 with the Wicked Earls’ Club, she was smitten. This inspired her spin-off series Once Upon a Widow and the Scottish Regency series A MacNaughton Castle Romance with Dragonblade Novels.
Find Aubrey
Website: https://aubreywynne.com
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This does sound like a lot of fun.
Thanks so much for sharing my new release and the kind review. It makes me day when I know a reader enjoyed my work. This is also part of the Once Upon a Widow series. You can read about Darby, Sunderland, and Fenella!
Thanks for hosting!