Miss Hannah Pendleton is nursing her pride after her childhood crush falls in love with another. Determined to break a few hearts of her own, she hurls herself into the exciting and hectic schedule of a first season. Hannah finds the glitter and malice of London and its society both intriguing and intimidating. Always clever and direct, the smooth manners and practiced words of the gallant but … meticulous bachelors do nothing to stir her soul until…
Since his wife’s suicide on their wedding night, the Earl of Darby has carefully cultivated his rakish reputation. It keeps overprotective mamas at bay and provides him with unlimited clandestine affairs. But when Nicholas sees a lovely newcomer being courted by the devil himself, her innocence and candor revive the chivalry buried deep in his soul. The ice around Nicholas’s heart cracks as he desperately tries to save Hannah and right a hideous wrong committed so long ago.
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Nicholas, the Earl of Darby is a cynic when it comes to love and women. He’s nurtured his rakish status over the years and with good reason: he’s hunting the man responsible for leading his first wife to commit suicide. He’ll not put an innocent in harms way. But upon meeting his best friend’s sister, Hannah, his heart has other plans. Hannah is a breath of fresh air and the more he’s around her, the more he wonders if she can rescue him from a lonely life. But his dreaded enemy, the same man he’s hunting to avenge his first wife, ensnares Hannah in a wicked trap. Can Nicholas save her before it’s too late to confess his feelings or will history repeat itself?
To say I loved reading Earl of Darby is an understatement. From the very first page, my heart broke again and again for Nicholas. Such heartache wrenched sobs from my throat. Vengeance ruled his heart and it wasn’t until Hannah bright spirit broke through the darkness did Nicholas finally heal. The characterization of Nicholas and Hannah, as well as the minor characters, is incredible and I found myself growing attached to them all. The suspense and action surprised me but added such depth to the story, I found myself holding my breath as I whipped through the pages. The last part of the book shocked me but rang with historical accuracy. The ending filled my romantic heart with all the feel-good emotions. I hated when it ended because I wanted to stay, at least for a little while longer.
If you’re a Regency romance fan, you’ll love Earl of Darby. Plenty of holiday traditions and foods pepper the plot to immerse the reader in Christmastide bliss. Highly recommend!
Favorite Character/Quote:
“Today, I feel like a new man. This is a new beginning for me. You are my chance to start again.”
My Rating: 5+ stars
The story is well written, entertaining and holds your attention. Darby learned on his wedding night that his new wife was not a virgin, had bern raped by a member of society and was pregnant. He left and later returned to find his wife Alice had hanged herself and left a letter of apology and named the man who had raped her. Five years later Nicholas is still trying to find evidence against the now Duke of Colvin in order to bring him to justice. This is where he meets Hannah and things start to change for him. He still seeks justice but also falls in love. There is a HEA but a lot happens first, among this Hannah being terrorized by the Duke. This is a great love story and i would recommend it as a great read.
Earl of Darby
Wicked Earls’ Club
Once Upon A Widow Series #4
Aubrey Wynne
https://www.facebook.com/magnificentvalor/
Release date 11/19/2019
Publisher Plato Publishing
Blurb:
Miss Hannah Pendleton is nursing her pride after her childhood crush falls in love with another. Determined to break a few hearts of her own, she hurls herself into the exciting and hectic schedule of a first season. Hannah finds the glitter and malice of London and its society both intriguing and intimidating. Always clever and direct, the smooth manners and practiced words of the gallant but meticulous bachelors do nothing to stir her soul until…
Since his wife’s suicide on their wedding night, the Earl of Darby has carefully cultivated his rakish reputation. It keeps overprotective mamas at bay and provides him with unlimited clandestine affairs. But when Nicholas sees a lovely newcomer being courted by the devil himself, her innocence and candor revive the chivalry buried deep in his soul. The ice around Nicholas’s heart cracks as he desperately tries to save Hannah and right a hideous wrong committed so long ago.
My review:
Will an Earl sets on revenge, be able to let the past go to make room for a new love …
Slowly I am discovering the many authors writing for this charming series, The Wicked Earls Club.
And today Mrs Aubrey Wynne was one of them.
As she pointed out in her Afterword note, the story, a Christmas themed tale begins on the worst omen, yet, it is to emphasize the journey the hero will face until he finds peace.
Nicholas, perfect name for a avenging angel during Christmastide. While he was as much a victim as his late wife, he bears the burden of her irremediable decision, and never allowed himself to rest until he sets her soul free from her suffering. But in doing this promise, he got himself trapped in the way, now locked up in the coffin of the walls surrounding his heart.
Hannah has longed for her soulmate all her young life, and she definitively thought she had found him in the person of her brother’s childhood friend, while her instant attraction to Nicholas unsettles her to no end, until she sees a glimpse of the real man he tries to hide behind his society’s mask. From there, she decides to open her eyes and heart to catch him as he might not realize, yet, how much he will need her.
In all, a wonderful story of healing and the strength love can give us.
On a special note, I loved the author gave some particular scenes the outlook from both sides, it is refreshing.
I am just a bit disappointed is the dashing cover model is not sharing the blond hero, fair features.
5 stars for this moving tale.
I was granted an advance copy by the author through Netgalley, I preordered too my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/500872213835288?d=n&sfns=mo
4.25 Stars
Miss Hannah Pendleton is looking forward to her season as she will see the object of her childhood crush but discovers he’s fallen in love with another. Since his wife’s suicide on their wedding night, the Earl of Darby has carefully cultivated his rakish reputation. It keeps overprotective mamas at bay and provides him with unlimited clandestine affairs. Nicholas agrees to keep an eye on his sister Matilda as she makes her debut, he’s pleased she becomes friends with Hannah who is the sister of one of his best friends, what he didn’t bargain for was how grown up & alluring Hannah had become.
As well as being part of the Wicked Earls series it’s also the fourth book in a series, it could be read on its own but we’ve met Gideon & Nathaniel in previous books. I was surprised at the prologue & did wonder how the book would work out, at the same time I was intrigued. I loved Hannah who was a breath of fresh air & who gave Matilda confidence. Nicholas was a complex character intent on writing a wrong & determined not to trust. Together they complimented each other. I also loved the mix of romance & mystery. Aunt Bertie was delightful & so deserves her own HEA. I read the book in two sittings & loved it
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
An emotional Regency romance, this novella comprises shades of light and dark as the Earl of Darby deviates from his mission to chaperone and protect Miss Hannah Pendleton during the season. Fortunately, his own sister is also making her debut and the two girls quickly become friends. Unfortunately, Nicholas’ investigation has not gone unnoticed and Hannah soon finds herself in the crosshairs of a man who considers himself untouchable. Hannah’s outrageous aunt brings some light relief to this fairly intense story as well as some laugh out loud moments. I received a copy of this novella as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
This is the third book in the Wicked Earls’ Club: Once Upon a Widow Serie, an amazing Regency Romance. I like the quotes before each chapter. The Prologue is heartbreaking. The story is well written. Hannah and Nicholas’s story is beautiful. Nicholas, Earl of Darby, is handsome and protective. Hannah is sweet, candid, and lovely. The storyline is well balanced, with intrigue, suspense, and romance. The supporting characters are great. Harry Frost did an outstanding job with the narration. I enjoyed it. I love Aubrey Wynne’s writing. She NEVER disappoints. I highly recommend this Series. I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Loved it!
This is a well written book. Nicholas found himself in the midst of the great deal of trouble and works hard to get out of it. He swears to never trust a woman again but things change and he changes with them. I highly recommend this book it’s a quick read…
Earl of Darby is the fourth book in Aubrey Wynne’s Once Upon A Widow series. It’s a historical romance with a bit of tragedy and mystery thrown in. The eponymous hero, Nicholas the Earl of Darby, is haunted by his fateful marriage that ended with his wife’s death on their wedding night. He is seeking revenge, struggling to trust any women after being lied to by his mother, and is generally a bit of a mess.
Hannah is more than a match for Nicholas and, when she is in danger of meeting a similar fate to his wife, his protective instincts kick in. With Hannah’s friendship with Nicholas’ young sister, Mattie, she is more than just a love interest and her character is developed and interesting.
Although part of a series, this book can work as a standalone. The series follows different characters in each book, with the characters then appearing as side characters in each other’s books. But if you enjoy this, you’ll love the others so you might as well read them! This one’s kind of a Christmas story but you could get away with reading it at other times of the year.
For me, this is a four star book. I’d recommend it to fans of regency stories, with a warning that it does feature rape and suicide.
i love a good regency novel and I indulge in them from time to time. Aubrey Wynne has hooked me with her writing and I can’t get enough! I was shocked with the beginning with this story but completely fell in love by the end! This story had so much heart and pain mixed in between but the journey and ending were so incredibly beautiful! This was such incredible story that just lifts your spirits and makes you want to consume all of Aubrey Wynne’s books!
5 Star
Earl of Darby (Wicked Earls’ Club) (Once Upon A Widow Book 4) by Aubrey Wynne is a Historical Romance Story that I loved reading. I found myself lost in the pages. Historical Romance is one of my favorite genres. I love reading and imagining what it would have been like. This is definitely not my first read by this Author and not my last. Hannah and Nicholas. As Hannah is getting ready for her first season she learns the one she had a crush on has fallen for another. Nicholas isn’t seeking out anyone to marry he’s experienced a tragedy and is a bit thrown off when he feels an attraction to Hannah. Can these two act on there feelings for one another? Who will Hannah choose? Can Hannah and Nicholas have a future together? Find out what happens next in this must read. I can’t recommend not just this book but this Author as well. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
Earl of Darby (Wicked Earls’ Club) (Once Upon A Widow Book 4) by Aubrey Wynne. This entire series has been stealing bit of my heart since book one and yet again I find a piece missing! I’ve been really enjoying all these stories and this one was no different in that regard. Once again this author completely hooked me from page one. This author and series has really opened my eyes for historical romance, you see I wasn’t much of a fan but that’s definitely changing now. The characters from start to finish completely drew me into their world and I couldn’t stop reading. Each character brings something unique to the storyline, everyone being complex and relatable. The storyline is well written and paced nicely never feeling rushed or lacking. Each character has a story to be told you won’t want to miss. I’m excited to see where the author takes readers next. Five stars and highly recommend.
Earl of Darby by (Wicked Earls’ Club) by Aubrey Wynne is the fourth book in the Once Upon A Widow series. This book can be read as a standalone.
Aubrey Wynne is one of those authors that always knows how to create a great story and this is just another one to add to that list. It was quite a quick read but was easy to get lost in. Nicholas and Hannah were very likeable characters that you could not help but get behind.
The story was well developed and moved along with an easy pace. If you like historical fiction then this is a book for you. And for any fan of this author it is a book worth the read.
Earl of Darby (Wicked Earls’ Club) (Once Upon A Widow Book 4) by Aubrey Wynne
5-Stars
Earl of Darby (Wicked Earls’ Club) (Once Upon A Widow Book 4) by Aubrey Wynne takes readers to another time and place. This is part of an on going series but can be read as a standalone. This book starts out with a very sad experience for main character Nick Darby with the death of his first wife. It left him with a sense of revenge and changed his character and led to an interesting plot to occur in the main story. I loved his wit and humor though. Hannah who is originally introduced in one of the easier books is smart and graceful. She is sweet and kind. Her story begins in preparation of coming out to society. Darby and Hannah’s paths cross and Romance happens. It was a beautiful and light story. It was an easy read a d very enjoyable. I highly recommend it.
Earl of Darby is a poignant tale about Nicholas, a young man struggling with his dark past who tries to right the wrongs done not only to him but others. It is also the story of Hannah, a woman who must come to terms that her future will not go the way she envisioned. The attraction between these two is sweet and seeing them grow and accept their attraction was beautifully. Wynne has created a story filled with complex characters and beautiful dialogue that swept me away into a world I hated to leave.
Even though this says book 4 you do not have to read the first three in order. You really should read the other books but the order isn’t necessary.
Wynne is a fantastic writer of historical romance. I love it! The Earl of Darby is full of fun surprises causing you to want to read without stopping, which makes this a quick and easy read.
Gowns, carriages, and social events abound in this historical romance. Nicholas has a haunted past he is trying to avenge. Hannah has marriage in mind. These two characters did not see the other coming their way. This story gives “fate” the spotlight, making this story funny as well as sweet and adventurous
5 Stars
The Earl of Darby (Wicked Earl’s Club) (Wicked Earl’s Christmas) is the fourth book in the Once Upon a Widow Series by Aubrey Wynne. I am really loving this historical romance series- they just seem to get better and better with each new release. There is plenty of drama, action, a little danger, some humorous moments, suspense, second chances, secrets, lies, intrigue, historical detail, passion, a little mystery, and of course- a wonderful romance.
Ms. Wynne proves herself to be an incredibly good storyteller- painting vivid imagery full of wonderful attention to detail. She brings her stories to life, giving her reader a very immersive experience. There was quite a lot going on in this book- but it was all superbly orchestrated into a smooth, captivating, and very enjoyable read.
Like with all her books, the characters are really well crafted- becoming ‘real’ individuals. This gives the whole story an extra level of believability. They were so easy to like, or detest (as in the case of a certain character)- again proving Ms. Wynne’s writing talents. Being able to get a reader to invest in some characters, while detesting others- is no easy task. But Ms. Wynne manages this, easily.
So, if you love regency romance, historical detail, 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!
One of my favourites, for sure!
Thank you, Ms. Wynne!
Earl of Darby (Once Upon a Widow #4 (and Wicked Earls’ Club) by Aubrey Wynne
Stars-4
This story starts with such a sad trauma for Nicholas and his late wife. This scene is what drives and motivates Nicholas. Hannah is bright and charming. Nicholas and Hannah have excellent chemistry. I love that they both got to tell the story from their point of view. I very much enjoyed this story!
Earl of Darby by Aubrey Wynne’s is the fourth book in Once Upon A Widow series or twenty first book in Wicked Earls’ Club series AND it is a Christmas story! I have read Aubrey’s work before so I knew that it should be good but in no universe did I imagine that her historical Christmas story would start with a suicide AND she pulled it off!
We have Earl of Darby and he has not celebrated Christmas for the last five years, since his wife committed suicide on their wedding night that was Christmas Eve! As you can imagine he has lost all trust in anyone female so the only interaction he has with them is when they are his mistresses … and then we have Hannah who is in her first season and she is a lovely young miss and she befriends earl’s shy young sister after Hannah’s brother introduces Hannah to his best friend, the earl.
The earl is supposed to keep an eye on Hannah and his own sister and of course he doesn’t think much of it until Hannah starts working her magic on him and everything changes … the road from revenge to new love is not an easy one and I admire how the writer spins the story. I welcome you into the world of Regency romance filled with holiday traditions … what bliss!
Earl of Darby (Wicked Earls’ Club) (Once Upon A Widow Book 4) by Aubrey Wynne is a Christmas tale steeped in tragedy, but it is also a romance that is fun and will make you laugh at the Aunts view of the world and her charm. It is very well written and captures your heart and steal your emotions.
The Earl of Darby has lived the last five years as a rake after the horror he faced. He is also on the hunt for the one monster who caused his pain and the pain of so many others. However, he is called upon to keep an eye on his mates’ sister as he escorts her and his sweet sister to their coming out in the ton his emotions lead him in a direction he did not see coming.
Hannah is looking forward to the balls, parties and being in the city. She is excited to see the one who has stolen her heart, but she quickly learns that her heart really beats for another. When she finds herself alone in the dark with a monster, she is not sure she will survive to tell him exactly how she feels.
I am enjoying the stories that Aubrey has written and look forward to more.