Eliza is forced into marriage with no idea her life will change for the better. Married less than a year, her unwilling rake of a husband is surprisingly kind to her—until his sudden death. The widowed Countess of Sunderland remains under her in-laws’ protection to raise her newborn daughter. But her abusive father is on the brink of financial ruin and has plans for another wedding.Nathaniel, … wedding.
Nathaniel, Viscount of Pendleton, gains his title at the age of 12. His kindly but shrewd estate manager becomes father and mentor, instilling in the boy an astute sense of responsibility and compassion for his tenants. Fifteen years later, his family urges him to visit London and seek a wife. The ideal doesn’t appeal to him, but his sense of duty tells him it is the next logical step.
Lord Pendleton stumbles upon Eliza on the road, defending an elderly woman against ruffians. After rescuing the exquisite damsel in distress, he finds himself smitten. But Nate soon realizes he must discover the dark secrets of her past to truly save the woman he loves.
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5 Stars
The Wicked Earl’s Widow is the second book in the Once Upon a Widow Series by Aubrey Wynne. This was an intriguing historical romance with drama, action, humour, suspense, second chances, secrets, lies, discoveries, danger, intrigue, kidnapping, and some mystery.
The story is set along the same timeline as Rhapsody and Rebellion, and there are some interconnected details and characters from other of Ms. Wynne’s books. Nathaniel is best friends with Gideon from Rhapsody and Rebellion; and is the childhood friend of Grace from ‘Earl of Sunderland’ (Wicked Earl’s Club Series Book #4). Eliza is Grace’s cousin. I really enjoyed discovering all the interconnected details- as well as trying to unravel the ‘mystery’ elements of this story.
Eliza had a hellish childhood, at the hands of an abusive and violent father. He married her off as soon as he could- treating her like merchandise in a business arrangement. Eliza was both worried about her new husband, but quite relieved to be out from under her father’s oppression. She is surprised to find her husband is gentler and more caring than she’d expected, developing feelings for him along the way. So, she is genuinely devastated when he dies in a riding accident, leaving her a widow and single mother to their two year old daughter. Her father doesn’t take too long before he is hounding her about marring again- heavily in debt, he needs her to make a wealthy match to pay off his debts. Then, when her safety is threatened, Eliza is forced to flee London to the safety of her cousin’s country estate. But along the way they encounter an old woman being set upon by rogues. She won’t look the other way and pretend she didn’t see anything, so she takes matters into her own hands and does something quite out of character- saving the old woman in the process. This is where Nathaniel arrives on the scene, offering his assistance, and then somewhere to rest from their taxing journey.
Nathaniel is the Viscount of Pendleton. His father died when Nate was only a boy, leaving him the title and estate. If it hadn’t been for the kindly estate manager who took Nate under his wing, Nate may have had an entirely different life. When he sees Eliza for the first time, he is immediately intrigued by her. She was quite the conundrum- fierce yet fragile, terrified yet valiant- and so utterly stunning. He had a feeling there was so much more to her and her story than she was letting on, and he was determined to find out what, and to win her trust. He feels quite taken with her and Thea, as well as triggering his protective nature. When danger follows her, he’s determined to keep her safe. What happens you ask? Well you will need to read the book to find out. It is definitely one book that historical romance/regency romance lovers won’t want to miss.
This story showcases Ms. Wynne’s creative storytelling talents and gives the reader a very immersive experience. There was so much happening in this book- but it was all wonderfully choreographed into a smooth and entertaining read.
The characters are all so well developed- each with their own individual personalities. They were so easy to like, or detest (as in the case of a certain character). Althea (Thea) and Cyrano were adorable additions to the story and definitely stole the scenes they were in.
It is told from several points of view, which gives the reader a much broader perspective of the story, events, thoughts, feelings, and motivations which occur.
So, if you like a great regency/historical romance, with wonderful characters, and a story that will pull you in and engage you from beginning to end- then this is definitely the book for you!
Thank you, Ms. Wynne!
This is a romantic, dramatic, heartbreaking and suspenseful story. Nate is kind, charming, chivalrous and protective. Eliza is vulnerable, strong, determined and brave. When Eliza’s father demands that she marry his business partner, or he’s going to beat her mother, she asks her in-laws to raise her daughter because she doesn’t want to subject her to any abuse. They say no and spirit her away instead of giving in. Nate rescues her from a footpad by his home, even though it was the footpad who needed saving by the time he got there, and brings her there instead of letting them continue. A change of plan, a precocious child and new feelings for both Nate and Eliza complicates the issue, and a few twists force them to face the future. It’s maddening reading about what Eliza’s father does to her mother, but it’s made such an impact on her life that it can’t be glossed over. It’s very interesting and suspenseful.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
Aubrey Wynne is at it again with “A Wicked Earl’s Widow,” the second book in the Once Upon a Widow series. I unfortunately read these books out of order, but I don’t feel it took away from the book at all. Each story, while having some overlapping characters, are basically standalones and fine to read in any order that I’ve seen so far. In this book we meet Lady Eliza who was forced to marry, as most young women of more noble blood are, Conrad the Count of Sunderland. At his passing soon after their marriage, she is left pregnant and praying that she is safe from her abusive father. Years pass and she is in danger, so she flees to her cousin Grace’s home. Along the way she meets the handsome Nathaniel, Viscount of Pendleton. While Eliza’s story is not an entirely happy one, the story that Aubrey Wynne has created is lovely. I really enjoyed reading about this era and how high society worked back then. The main characters are such a treat to read about even down to the appropriately named blood hound, Cyrano. Nathaniel is a proud, brave man who will do anything to protect those he cares for and makes for a wonderful hero. Overall, a great book to read! Parts of it were a bit upsetting, but it only goes to show the resilience of the characters. So, I give “A Wicked Earl’s Widow” five stars!
A Wicked Earl’s Widow by Aubrey a Wynne is the second book in the Once Upon A Widow Series. This is a brilliant example of historical romance and is a book that will grip you from start to finish.
Reading this book make me feel like I was transported into the story.
Eliza and Nate were the perfect characters for each other. The way their story’s connected and added to the overall depth of the story was great.
This is an author that I am always guaranteed to enjoy whatever they write. Aubrey has such an easy writing style that you find yourself immersed in every story. This was an overall great book.
A Wicked Earl’s Widow
By Aubrey Wynne
5 stars
I loved this book! After reading and loving the first book in this series I was really excited to start book 2 and I wasn’t disappointed! I think that I have definitely found a new historical romance writer to love! I loved all the twists and turns this story held, there were some that I definitely didn’t see coming.
I loved Eliza and I really did feel sorry for her, she was in the clutches of some pretty nasty family who were determined to marry her off to someone equally as horrible. I loved how the author made me hate characters as well as love some of them! I was definitely waiting for something to happen to Eliza’s father so that she could lead a happy life!
I will absolutely be looking forward to reading more from this author again in the future and would highly recommend this book to lovers of historical romance and also for anyone looking to read something a little different! Although part of a series this book can be read as a standalone! I can’t wait to read book 3 in the series!
Wicked Earl’s widow is the heartbreaking story of Eliza an abused woman who finally takes a stand to protect her daughter from Eliza’s abusive father. On her way to her cousin who we met in the Earl Sunderland she meets Nate, Viscount Pendleton. He is everything we dream, hardworking, loyal and of course stunningly handsome. This book may have triggers for some as it did for me. But keep reading it has a HAE after and her father gets what he has coming in an explosive ending.
A Wicked Earl’s Widow #2 – I enjoy the stories by Ms. Wynne, but this one is just OK. Good storylines well told but the dialog is not authentic. This is a quickly read, clean romance set in England during the early 1800s. The characters are good and likeable, well almost all of them, and there’s plenty of love and caring mixed with a touch of suspense. This story is not on the same level as some of her previous books. I contacted the author to review her books and received this copy through Booksprout. Needs minor editing; mainly, missing words. 3*
Rolf’s Quest – This story has an overview, which I appreciate knowing what the story is about before I read it. The few books I’ve read by Ms. Wynne I have enjoyed immensely, and I found this book entertaining. The well thought out storylines of Merlin’s curse, magic, true love and the journeys that need to be traveled meshed together into an interesting story. There’s plenty of romance, danger, intrigue and suspense. While not my favorite genre anymore, Merlin and company, this book kept my interest anyway. I contacted the author to review her books and received this one through Booksprout. 4*
Saving Grace – This is my first read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Well written and intriguing, a good historical background well blended with the present immerses the reader deep into the pages. There’s a touch of magic bringing a fantasy element to the story, which adds a richness to an already lovely story. The parallels between Chloe and Grace are similar even though there’s 300 years between them; prejudice and hatred still exist. Korinna’s story and her part in this story adds to the magic. Even with the dark, the light shines through and too soon the story is finished. Clean with no profanity. Needs minor editing. 4*
For the Love of Laura Beth #4 – I absolutely love Ms. Wynne’s books and this is my favorite of the ones I have read. Life before, during and after the Korean War, and the lives of the families of the bride and groom living and suffering through this period of time. The storylines are interesting, while the characters just tug at your heart and you want to know what happens next. There is sadness, joy and a gamut of emotions that keep you from putting the book down. The vivid descriptions let you be there with all the characters and the events. Even everyday life isn’t boring. There’s no profanity, explicit sex or violence, but a great understanding of what everyone faces and faced. This is not a book to speed read but to savor each page. I couldn’t stop reading. I contacted the author to review her books and receive this book through Booksprout. 5*
A Wicked Earl’s Widow (Once Upon A Widow Book 2) by Aubrey Wynne
Four Stars
Aubrey Wynne has a stunning way with words. The story places you in a time where there were no laws for abuse or women. A time where your father or the Male relative over you could sale you out like cattle. We never know how strong we truly are until someone or some thing steps in your way. Eliza couldn’t see how strong she was because her fear was so big. Nothing in her life was easy. But her strength came through when it mattered and that is what I believe counts. Nate was my favorite he took to Althea and Eliza like it was written in the stars. I liked that the author didn’t try to hide Nate’s feelings. It’s a really good story and the characters make it even better. Everyone deserves a loving family. A place to feel safe and welcomed.
Eliza marriage was not as bad as she had feared, but fate took him away from her. Now under her in-law’s protection, the true villain shows up, but so does the hero of our story Nathaniel. This quick read has looked at so many emotional states and its written word was so superbly done. I loved the bloodhound and the sweet child and I know you will too. I highly recommend you pick this one up you will be glad you did. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
This book was totally unexpected an WOW! Normally I shy away from these type of books but this one had me hooked!
Eliza endures so much, an ass of a father and a dead husband. Things don’t look good for her BUT enter Nathanial. He’s completely shrewd and rude and Eliza’s next husband because Dad is close to financial ruin. OMG the chemistry, the want, THE EVERYTHING between these two were amazing and then some! I refuse to give away details but the love story needs to speak for itself!
I have fallen in love with this author and this series. I’m on my knees dying for more!
Wonderful Regency romance with some suspense. Eliza has a horrible, abusive father and when it becomes clear that he is threatening both Eliza and her daughter, the Falsburys (her in-laws) hatch a plan to try and keep her safe. The plan involves travel along back roads to their destination. When Eliza comes to the rescue of an older woman being accosted by a couple ruffians, she meets Nathaniel. Their attraction to each other is instant and it was great to see how their story unfolded. Absolutely loved this book.
Eliza and Bate’s story in Aubrey Wynne’s A Wicked Earl’s Widow (Once Upon A Widow, Book 2) is a nicely complex but easy to read Regency romance that’s perfectly written with a strong plot and excellent cast. Read the publisher’s blurb. If you find it interesting then you’ve got a safe bet you’ll love this romance. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend.
***SPOILERS***
I was crying well into the first chapter. This is an emotional read where the father of the heroine (Eliza) dishes out emotional and physical abuse onto his wife and daughter. Art imitates life and unfortunately it is real. There is contentment, understanding, peace until the threat of the father arises again to intimidate Eliza to be sold again to his aging business partner for 30,000 pounds promising harm to her daughter Althea if she refuses. Eliza’s in-laws send them away to an undisclosed location. Eliza rage emerges when she comes across two young ruffians physically attacking an elderly woman. She comes to her rescue. Nathaniel, Viscount of Pendleton is rushing to her side. When he reaches her, she faints? Eliza is stronger than she realizes. Eliza and her daughter were on their way to her deceased husband’s twin brother’s home. Kit is married to Eliza’s dearest cousin Grace. But Nathaniel brings them to his home to recover from the ordeal. Kit and Grace have decided that it is too dangerous for Eliza and Althea to stay with them. It is arranged for them to stay with Nathaniel, Grace’s childhood friend. Eliza is a survivor and so is her mother even though her mother is still living with her father and his abuse. Nathaniel and Eliza are attracted to each other. Eliza is a demure gentle female unlike the “avenging angel” she became defending an elderly woman. Nathaniel is a kind and thoughtful man. Even though he lost his father at the age of twelve, the estate steward Ezra taught Nathaniel to be a good man and a responsible Viscount. Ezra is like a second father to Nathaniel. When Nathaniel is apprised of the danger to Eliza by her father, he becomes protective and is glad she and her daughter are staying with him and his family. His mother and sister have taken to Eliza and Althea and have welcomed them. Eliza does not realize that her father found out where she was. She has no idea of the danger he is bringing. When the father comes, he kidnaps Eliza and seriously physically abuses her mother in front of her to get her to do his bidding. Eliza left a trail. Hopefully Nathaniel’s bloodhound will find her. When Nathaniel does all heck breaks loose. Such a heartbreaking story with a happy ending. I highly recommend this book and advise to have some tissues with you. I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I continue to enjoy this author and series. The characters are clever and the plot is easy to follow. This tale was a quick read and one I found to be engaging and pleasant. The plot holds true to the summary and even if you have it figured out from the onset, I believe you will still enjoy the time
A Wicked Earl’s Widow (Once Upon A Widow Book 2) By Aubrey Wynne. I’m slowly but surely becoming a fan of historical romance stories and this one may have just pushed me over the line. This is is not only well written but it’s a journey I enjoyed taking with these wonderful characters. I’m a sucker for characters that have a bit of a back ground I can understand and connect with. The author does a wonderful job of writing a storyline that had me completely hooked and wishing it didn’t have to end. It’s well written and paced nicely never feeling rushed or lacking anything. I’m giving this story a five star review and highly recommend it and the author.
This was a sweet, endearing read that had it all. A widow and her young daughter are on the run from her horrid father who after beating her most of her life, is now threatening her daughter unless she marries an old man that he owes money too. To escape this horrible predicament her husbands parents send her to the country to hide with her cousin. Unfortunately, or fortuitously, that is not where she ends up! Humor, passion, horror and revolution are just some of the emotion experienced whilst reading it and I finished it in one sitting eager to see the happily ever after. Five stars are a must for my first Aubrey Wynne novel! Now I have to go back and read the first one!
I was pleased to have received a Netgalley copy and I have freely given this review.
This is a clean historical romance story that I enjoyed cover to cover. It is a fast, engaging, well written story that I read in one sitting. Eliza is a woman who has not had the best of life. She has an abusive father who arranged a marriage only to have her husband die. Now she finds herself facing another arranged marriage by her father. You will have to read this book to find out what happens next. The characters are strong, connectable and lovable. I highly recommend this story.
Oh, what a wonderful book this was to read! Wonderful and yet heartbreaking at times. I can’t even imagine how horrible it must have been for the women in the 1800’s not having any say in their lives, especially under the rule of an abusive father or husband. Eliza, the heroine in this story, runs away with her 2 year old daughter to escape another arranged marriage by her evil and sadistic father. She meets Nathaniel, Viscount of Pendleton, and he vows to protect them. This is the first time Eliza experiences true joy and love. She is still not safe from her father, though, as he threatens to harm her mother if she doesn’t give in to him….
I absolutely adored Eliza’s daughter, Althea and Nate’s hound, Cyrano….too cute for words!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Wow… What an ending!!! A Wicked Earl’s Widow by Aubrey Wynne is book 2 in the Once Upon A Widow series. Though it is in a series this book can be read as a standalone. This is a sad story but yet it was truly wonderful. It is one of those books that you know something bad is going to happen but you just don’t know when. It had me sitting on the edge of my seat. This story had shaken every emotion you can think of and the writing is just so superb. It definitely brings the reality of the 1800 regency era and the roles women played at that time. This story has abuse, cruelty, kindness, wonderful friends, running away, deaths, a forced betrothal, supportive in-laws, a wonderful young daughter, depression, protection, lies, guilt and yes love. I highly recommend this book!!
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
The Wicked Earl’s Widow is a clean historical romance by Aubrey Wynne. This is a fairly quick read, perfect for those with limited reading time. This book is appropriate for all ages. Ms. Wynne has once more shown her talented story-telling abilities with Eliza and Nate’s tale. Eliza and her mother were abused by her father for years before he married her off for money. Her husband died and her father now wants to marry her to an old man. Nate finds Eliza along the road whipping a man that was beating an old woman. Nate and Eliza’s story is loaded with drama, humor, spice, action and suspense. I enjoyed every page of this book and look forward to my next book by Aubrey Wynne. The Wicked Earl’s Widow is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.