HIS ACTIONS COULD BE TREASON… by doing one last whisky run – however, if he’s caught, he will face a traitor’s death.
SHE IS RUNNING FOR HER LIFE…
Emma Thorne’s uncle is trying to kill her and so far has failed, thank goodness. But with only one month until she reaches her majority, inherits her fortune and is released from his guardianship, she knows she is not safe. Emma escapes to a nearby estate where she stumbles upon a house party being held by the Wicked Earls’ Club and finds herself at the mercy of the most extraordinary earl. One who could save her or see her condemned.
PERHAPS THEY CAN SAVE EACH OTHER.
When innocent lies become reality and danger follows them every step of the way, could love be the answer to both their problems, or will their passions be their undoing?
more
Oh! My Goodness! You know if it is Madeline Martin doing the writing, there will be a handsome Highlander. You would never believe this is Martin’s first Regency period book. She nailed it! Way to go! Of the books I’ve read in this series so far – this is my favorite. How many authors could give you a full-length book in a novella? You get one here. Nothing is skimped on – you get fully developed and very relatable characters, a well-written, well-plotted, very believable story and a wonderful love story – not to mention the sweet epilogue.
Alistair Johnstone, Earl of Benton, didn’t want to be an earl, didn’t want to travel to London and certainly wasn’t wanting a wife, but he ends up with all three. Alistair is half Scot and half English, but he has never liked the English because of their treatment of him while he was at school – and his grandfather’s treatment of his mother. His parents had been a love match, but his grandfather had driven them apart and turned that love to hatred. Alistair spent most of his life living with his mother and embracing his Scottish side, but when he was sent to Eaton by his grandfather, he had to learn English ways and tamp down his Scottish heritage.
When his grandfather died, Alistair tried to turn down the title, but that wasn’t possible – besides – he needed the money to refurbish his castle in Scotland. His mother did not take to him staying in London very well. So, she got herself into trouble that he would have to rescue her from – of course, she made sure she wasn’t the one to tell him because she wanted to pretend she didn’t need his help. Now, as a mother, I absolutely cannot imagine doing something that would get my son hanged for treason, but that is what she did. Yet – she was still supposed to love him. Not sure I buy that, but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. Alistair gets the news of his mother’s dilemma while he’s attending a house party with the other Wicked Earls – and he plans his departure to Scotland immediately.
Emma Thorne lost her mother early in her life and was raised by a loving father. While he wasn’t of the aristocracy, he was a gentleman and was very rich. Nobody other than her father had ever wanted her for anything other than the fortune she would inherit. When he died five years ago, Emma’s uncle became her guardian. My goodness, what a piece of work he was! He wanted it all for himself and tried to coerce Emma into marrying his son who was just as bad as he was. When that didn’t work, he tried more drastic measures – he tried to murder Emma. However, it was her maid who died – simply because she resembled Emma and was wearing one of Emma’s old gowns. Emma manages to escape the house, but the uncle is in hot pursuit. She heads for a house that she hopes is empty – only to find it occupied by a raucous bunch of men having a house party. She’s covered in blood and cannot go inside – so she hides in the barn. It isn’t long before the lovable dog, Beast, discovers her, and Alistair is there as well. Alistair believes her story and takes her to Scotland with him. She’s only a month away from her twenty-fifth birthday and then she can inherit and be free of her uncle’s guardianship – and that trip will get her past her birthday.
The trip to Scotland finds them chatting and learning more of each other and coming to care for each other. Of course, arriving in Scotland provides a problem – after all – his mother doesn’t just dislike the English – she loathes them. To say that Emma is not welcomed by his mother is putting it in the mildest terms.
The return to England is filled with unhappiness and turmoil as well as suspense. The declaration scene is wonderful and fraught with danger. Will they survive? Will they get their HEA? You’ll surely need to read this wonderful novella to find out!
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages…
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
“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.”
Great read!
Another delightful adventure from Madeline Martin. Alistair helps Emma out of a difficult situation and they develop a relationship that they are both unprepared for. This was a most enjoyable, easy to read story that was difficult to put down until the end. I loved the inclusion of Alistair’s dog Beast in the story as well. Read the blurb it gives a good synopsis; I don’t want to give anything away. This is a book well worth picking up, as are any of Madeline Martin’s books. She is truly a masterful storyteller!
Alistair Johnstone is the reluctant Earl of Benton, raised Scottish, he wants nothing to do with his English heritage, but when his grandfather dies, he has no choice, much to his mother’s dismay (and rage). He is attending a house party hosted by the Wicked Earl’s Club when he learns that his mother is in trouble and he needs to return to Scotland right away. While discussing his mother’s dilemma with his valet, he spies Emma hiding in a stall with his dog Beast.
Emma is running for her life, she is a month away from inheriting her father’s vast fortune and ceasing to be under her uncle’s guardianship. Her uncle has tried to force her to marry his son Conrad, but she refuses, so now it appears that her uncle has a new plan. Emma finds her maid Jenny dead and her servants urge her to go, pointing out that Jenny was wearing one of her dresses and looks like her from the back – Jenny was not the intended victim, Emma was. Emma takes off and knows they are following her, she heads for the nearby estate and lets her horse go, she hides in the stables and overheads Alistair and his valet McKenzie talking. He spots her just as her uncle arrives and he covers for her. After her uncle leaves, he says he will help her, but wants some answers.
Alistair sneaks her into the house and there is a comical scene with Emma trying on disguises, they settle on a shocking gown and will pretend that she is his lover. They leave and successfully fool her uncle before they make their escape. Once in the carriage, Emma tells Alistair to leave her in the next village – he assures her he will not hurt her and goes as far as to give her a dagger to “protect” herself. He offers to take her to Scotland and ensures that he will give her safe passage back to London. Emma agrees. They travel together and let the innkeepers assume that they are married, for the sake of her reputation (and to throw her uncle off her trail). They arrive in Scotland and he sees his cousin Hamish, Hamish sees Emma and makes a comment, but Emma tells him they are married. A statement that Alistair agrees to, but what Emma doesn’t realize is they are in Scotland and by declaring themselves married in front of witnesses – they are in fact married. Alistair decides to keep this from her and figures he will sort it out later. They share a room and finally give into the desire they have both been denying.
They travel to his castle and Alistair is dismayed when he sees that nothing has been repaired. Emma begins to have doubts about Alistair – maybe he is just after her money and all his compliments and sweet words were just a ruse to trick her into falling for him. If this revelation wasn’t bad enough, she then meets Madge, Alistair’s English-hating mother. Madge is livid that Alistair has brought Emma to her home. She spits at Emma’s feet, demands Alistair make her leave and refuses to leave her room until she is gone.
Emma has had enough and asks to be taken to her room. Alistair takes her and explains why Madge is so hateful and he says he will go talk to Madge. As he leaves, Emma realizes that she is falling in love with him. He talks to Madge and learns why the repairs haven’t’ been made, she is still angry, but it is clear she loves him and misses him, which is why she forced him to come home.
Emma spends a restless night and when she hears someone at her door, she thinks it is Alistair – but it is Madge – a raging, screaming Madge who charges at Emma. Emma grabs the dagger Alistair gave her – she is tired of being the victim and will not go down without a fight!
Alistair goes looking for Emma and finds her in the great hall with Madge – they are both drunk. Alistair helps Emma back to her room and she finally explains why she doesn’t believe Alistair’s compliments are sincere. Alistair tells her she is wrong, what she believes are flaws are what he likes best.
The next day, Alistair meets with Hamish, they are preparing to smuggle whisky to England for Madge. This was the great emergency that brought him to Scotland, she made promises to some very shady people and there was no way she could deliver the whisky. Alistair has to save her, but if he is caught smuggling Scots whisky into England, he will be tried for treason. He also doesn’t want Emma to know, because it will only further her belief that men only want her for her money. He makes the final preparations with Hamish and they enter the hall. Emma and Madge are together and Hamish addresses her as Lady Benton. Emma is embarrassed and says it was a lie, but Madge points out that because they declared themselves in front of witnesses, they are in fact married. Emma is stunned and then angry – why didn’t Alistair tell her? And when Madge mentions her fortune, she feels betrayed, she loved him and believed that he was sincere, but now she knows she was a fool.
The next day before she leaves, Madge talks to her and tells her that she thinks that Emma and Alistair can be happy and that Emma is welcome at the castle. Emma is touched, but is not sure Madge is correct about her and Alistair. When they finally set off, he tries to talk to her, but she is not having it. And when she asks about the carriage and the cart, he lies. She calls him on his lie and he finally tells her everything. She is still upset and heartbroken, but even worse – still in love with him. Alistair doesn’t want to lose her, but he has no idea how to right the wrongs he has done.
Can Alistair convince Emma he loves her? What about her uncle? And the whisky? Is there anyway for these two to overcome the hurt and betrayal? You’ll just have to read the book to find out!!
This was a well written, fully fleshed out novella, it has amusing moments, steamy love scenes, lies, betrayals, crazy mothers and evil relatives, a sweet dog and very hard won HEA.
This is the ninth installment of the Wicked Earls’ Club, but like the previous books, it is a stand alone title. I highly recommend this book and the entire series!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by the author*
Alistair Johnstone’s days of running whisky come to an abrupt halt when he inherits an earldom. After years of living in Scotland and denying his English heritage, he now must return despite his mother Madge’s bitter contempt and when her attempt to run whisky goes awry, Alistair is forced to step in and save her by doing one last whisky run. Emma Thorne’s uncle is trying to kill her and so far has failed having killed her maid. There’s only one month until she reaches her majority, inherits her fortune and so will be released from his guardianship, she knows she is not safe. Emma escapes to a nearby estate where she stumbles upon a house party being held by the Wicked Earls’ Club and finds herself at the mercy of the most extraordinary earl.
A lovely read, a long novella that drew me in from the start. The characters were very well portrayed, the story well paced & kept me turning the pages. Emma has low self esteem after her appearance has been ridiculed & it takes Alistair tries to convince her she’s everything he wants in a woman but things don’t go to plan. There are misunderstandings, smuggling, murder & of course romance all packed into this engrossing book. These Wicked Earl books definitely are wicked.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
I enjoyed this story greatly and found it hard to stop reading. It starts with a bang, races through more danger with a lot of trust and love growing between Emma and Alistair. Emma is so innocent yet trusts Alistair from the beginning. Alistair, despite being a member of the Wicked Earls’ Club, actually impressed me with his consideration for others and Emma’s predicament. Madge, Alistair’s mother, is a quirky character, and I enjoyed her. I highly recommend this book.
I received this story as a gift, and this is my unsolicited review.
This book was such a joy to read. It was short and sweet but had a complete novel in it. Murder suspense, adventure , romance and of course your handsome Scottish highlander. Madeline knows how to create characters you can relate to and you just have to love Alistairs dog Beast. This book was a nice change from your usual Ton/ballroom stories but not heavy as some Scottish stories can be. Well worth reading. I received this book as an ARC but have ordered it to keep to read again.
Fabulous Read! Madeline Martin’s Earl Of Benton is book #9 and is part of a 12 book series written by 12 different authors. Each book acts as a stand alone. Madeline never disappoints in her writing. I can’t wait for her next book to be released. Her characters come alive and can be rude and funny at the same time. Madeline’s descriptions are right on and detailed so you don’t miss a beat. This is a charming, steamy story of rescue, protection, smuggling, deceit, greed, prejudice, innocents, devotion, murder, acceptance, lies and love. This book is amazing and I didn’t want it to end. Travel back to 1816 London with Alistair Johnstone -Earl of Benton, Lady Emma Thorne and Beast the Dog.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Madeline Martin has hit a home run with this addition to the Wicked Earls Club offerings. Granted, I haven’t read every offering in the series but this one ranks up there with the ones I have. This was more novella length but the author has managed to pack a lot into the package. A new Earl from Scotland who didn’t want to accept his English grandfather’s earldom, and a lovely Regency miss desperate to escape a vile uncle and marriage to his despicable son, contend with circumstances beyond their control. Alistair Johnstone, Earl of Benton, has to step in to save his mother from her attempts to smuggle whiskey label them traitors. Emma Thorne, an heiress to a great fortune, barely escapes death at the hands of her uncle when her maid is mistaken for her and murdered. There is plenty of action, a surprising amount of humor, and a wonderful, sweet romance. There is some steaminess that develops in the relationship between Alistair and Emma but it is not overly done. All in all, this was a delightful, enjoyable read. This work was offered as a gift by the author in an online historical romance author chat. I voluntarily offer this unsolicited review.
An Easy Read!
This is Alistair and Emma’s love story and I loved the way these two characters play against each other as they fall in love.
Also thrown in for good measure is their adventure with whisky running, his crazy mother and her greedy uncle and cousin – all of this makes the story easy to read and very enjoyable.
Emma Thorne is in fear for her life. Alistair Johnstone is a whiskey runner and he inherits an English Earldom, one he doesn’t want. Would you run away if you found out that your guardian wants to kill you for your inheritance? That is exactly what Emma had to do, and little did she know that when she flees it will lead her to the sexy Alistair Johnstone who is the Earl of Benton and he will try to save her. Emma is so innocent yet trusts Alistair from the beginning. Alistair is a member of the Wicked Earls’ Club, and he actually has consideration for others and Emma’s predicament.
Alistair’s mother Madge is determined to keep the family’s business of running whiskey alive no matter the cost so, when his mother’s attempt to run whiskey goes awry, Alistair is forced to step in and save her by doing one last run however if he’s caught, he will face a treason/traitor’s death. I really liked Alistair’s dog Beast! Things did kind of heat up between Emma and Alistair sexually. Does Emma and Alistair save Emma’s inheritance? Does Alistair get caught running whiskey? What happens to Emma, Alistair, Madge, Beast [the dog] and Emma’s guardian??
The Earl of Benton meets Emma and they travel to Scotland. She needs to hide for a month. The two have a fantastical tale. In the carriage Emma asks The Earl if he would keep his eyes closed while she changes her stays and shift and puts on a proper dress. He says he will. Except, Emma doesnt take into account the pitted road. They hit a hole as she is reaching for her shift and ends up naked in the Earls arms. Does he open his eyes? What happens on their journey? Enjoy the book. I did.
Miss Emma Thorne is a month away from her 25th birthday. She will have complete control of her fortune and that does not settle well with her Uncle and cousin. Her evil Uncle wants her to marry her cousin so they can have complete control! Mistaking Jenny, her maid for Emma her uncle murders Jenny and the rest of the staff whisks Emma away. She takes off and hides in a stable where the Earl of Benton is trying to hurry back to Scotland. When Alistair Johnstone see Emma hiding in the corner with blood all over her he knows she is in trouble! He lies to her Uncle about seeing her and takes her with him to Scotland. It’s only for a month what could possibly happen? She tells him why she is running and he agrees to protect her. He doesn’t share why he is going to Scotland because he doesn’t want her implicated in his smuggling whiskey. Something he doesn’t want to do but he can’t turn his back on his mom! Well on the way Emma nervously tells his cousin they are married, Alistair agrees knowing once both announce they are wed in Scotland, you are wed. Now he has to break the news to Emma!
Excitement at every turn and a few twists make this Wicked Earls tale a delight! A very fast read once started I couldn’t put it down!
I really enjoyed reading this story! Emma in her innocence making declarations and how Alistair backed her up! Alistair finding out that even though Emma was innocent, she still had a steel spine! The description of the red dress with Emma in it. The story progressed quickly (but not too quickly) and I loved Madge!
I was gifted a copy of this book. Emma Thorne’s life is in danger. Her uncle craves her vast copper fortune and will go to great lengths to obtain it. When Emma’s maid is murdered, she flees from her estate only to find herself at the mercy of the Alistair Johnstone, Earl of Benton. Would he be willing to save a woman whose clothes are mysteriously stained with blood? Will helping her expose his dangerous and secret life?
“He caught her, locking her against him and keeping her upright. His arms and chest were impossibly solid and there was a pleasant smoky scent about him. He was staring down at her, his face a mere inch or two from hers. His eyes had appeared dark from afar. Up close, they were a captivating deep blue, like the sky on the tail end of dusk before the star-flecked blackness swept in.”
I am a huge Martin fan. I have read every book she has written and am always longing for more. This story did not disappoint. I found it romantic and hilariously funny at points. Highly recommend.
Let me start this by saying that I received this as an ARC for an honest opinion. I LOVED this book! The hero, Alistair, I mean who can go wrong with a name like that, and his heroine, Emma, are just so likable. Alistair and Emma are thrown together in an unfortunate circumstance and they end up falling for each other. This book has it all- murder, mystery, love, and a happy ending. Every book that I read by this author is superb! If you are looking for a good Scottish hunk and his bonny lass, look no further than this book! When I started this book, I couldn’t put it down until I was finished! Best read in a while!
This is a wonderful read that pulls you into 1816 London with Alistair and Emma and Beast the loveable dog. Alistair is at a party when he finds out his mother is in need of his help in Scotland. While preparing to leave he finds Emma in the barn hiding beneath some hay. She pleads with him not to give her away. He hears her story about her Uncle trying to kill her and he agrees to take her to Scotland. Their adventure of trust and falling in love is a wonderful one. So curl up and read this and I promise you won’t be sorry. The characters jump off the page and you will find yourself falling in Love right along with Alistair and Emma. I hope Madeline Martin writes more Regency romance. I will anxiously wait for more. This is certainly a 5 star read. I was gifted this book for my honest review.
A fast paced adventure from beginning to end, I loved the story of Emma and Alistair. Literally running for her life, Emma is trying to escape her guardian uncle who is trying to kill her. Kill her you say? Well, she is about to inherit a fortune when she comes of age which is just in a few weeks and of course he wants it himself! Fleeing to a nearby estate, she runs into Alistair Johnstone, the Earl of Benton who is at a house party with members of the Wicked Earls club. Desperate to get away he takes her with him to his home in Scotland. Well what an adventure they have with a lot of twist and turns and with evolving feelings between the two. Emma and Alistair each have their own issues and it is wonderful to see how each is resolved. In her usual fashion, Madeline Martin draws the reader in with her wonderful characters and excellent descriptions. Loved this story and guarantee you will too!!
I was gifted this book & am so glad I was – it was a fast paced, wonderful, romantic, suspenseful, spicy adventure I really enjoyed the 2 main characters; Alistair Johnstone, Earl of Benton & Emma Thorne & the secondary players were very loving & supportive along the adventure. Alistair battled between his Scottish & English worlds as to which one he belonged, his Mother hated the English & of course, Emma was English but in the end they all found their HEA. I recommend the Wicked Earls Club series to all Historical Romance lovers & this one is a great one in the series.
I read this book in the boxed set. This story has been a favorite of mine in this series. The Earl of Benton was a well-written hot Scot. Emma was a wonderful character as well. It was nice to have a heroine with curves. This book was entertaining and a quick read. The ending felt a little rushed, but overall a good story.