Love comes to those who need it most. What will happen when an earl determined never to love meets the only woman who can tear down his defenses?Lady Nicola Emory adored her brother’s best friend, John Randall, Earl of Bainbridge, from the moment she met him. But the handsome earl, a mysterious and tormented agent of the Crown, never gave her any notice until the eve of her betrothal to another … betrothal to another man. How was she to know that her intended betrothed was plotting to overthrow the Crown? When Nicola stumbles upon the proof of his treason, she’s suddenly on the run for her life and John is the only one who can protect her. But in saving her life, will he put his heart at risk?
John Randall long ago decided never to allow anyone into his heart. Protecting the royal family and defeating England’s enemies are all he needs in his life. That suddenly changes when he’s forced to go on the run with Nicola Emory, the one girl with the power to steal his heart. With every hour they spend together, he finds his solid wall of protection collapsing. He’s faced death many times before and doesn’t fear it. But admitting his love for Nicola will force him to confront the demons haunting him since childhood. Will digging up those dangerous memories free his heart? Or close it to love forever?
more
Love the Farthingale sisters. Great books.
Fun with good characters
I enjoyed this treatment of the friends to lovers trope. Both John and Nicola had secretly loved the other for years and believed the feeling was not returned. Finding themselves on the run from a murderous villain forces them into close contact and eventually they must confront their feelings.
The suspense and adventure was well done. I was drawn in and eager to see what new troubles came into the picture. Some secondary characters contributed humor while others added complications. I was surprised by the reveal at the end. In all, it was a satisfying read.
Who doesn’t love a road story, especially one between a cynical spy and the girl who’s loved him forever but who finally gave up. Lady Nicola Emory had loved John Randall, Earl of Bainbridge, at first sight. He ignored her (he had to because he was an agent of the Crown) and she becomes betrothed to another man. Not only is her future husband unfaithful (she catches him) he also is of interest to Randall, since he is likely a traitor. She has to leave, fast, and Randall and her take off. Their journey to love, both physically and emotionally, is a wonderful read. The Farthingales are a great family, with their stories always an enjoyable read. Meara Platt has another winner.
I do love this series and this book was a fine addition to it, even if it was rather different.
It has not the same chain of funny events even when dark looms around but it still has the witty banters I was used.
It was a rollercoaster of a ride, at each turn of their journey they faced battle and even betrayal.
Nicola found herself in this predicament because she let her hope of love slip from her, accepting to marry a man she found good-looking but didn’t loved, but not knowing he lacked in faithfulness. Luckily for her, she discovered his real face right before the announce of her betrothal. And now she is on the run for her life because she wanted to find a proof of his non-commitment to her.
She is no weak woman, sure, she was all her life sheltered but despite the events she will face, she will rarely break down, she acts first, and thinks later but she is always able to listen and obey when more than her life is at stake.
For a well-bred young woman, she was able to endure a lot and she never backed down. She also speaks true and does not hide her feelings.
John Randall has always known, if he ever should marry, it would have been with Nicola, but she is his best friend’s sister and his line of work plus an oath he made in his past forbid him to do so. But now her life is threatened, he will do anything to protect even if it means keeping her with him, for him. He is a guardian, vowing to protect with his own life is necessary, and Nicola is the one who was able to go past the barriers he has built around his heart, but in doing so, she turns his world upside down.
It was an entertaining and very enjoyable read.
First can I say, I truly loved everything about this delightful story from page 1? Sorry, I had to get that out of the way! Meara Platt does it again with her compelling characters that come off the page and the sparkling dialogue and humorous thoughts and banter. History comes alive in her beautiful prose describing the Highlands and surroundings. Yes, I longed to be there!
John was on a mission for the crown to break up a ring of rebels who were smuggling goods. When sitting in a local tavern, who should come to the door? “Bullocks, what’s she doing here?” It was none other than Nicola, his best friend’s sister, who he had know for a very long time and had not been able to get her out of his mind, much less his heart.
Nicola was so feisty and not afraid of anything, except the man she was betrothed to, Somersby, who she had found in a compromising position before their wedding. Then the action takes off with some critical evidence found against Somersby and John takes her on a journey to keep her safe.
Did I mention that Nicola was secretly in love with John too? Be prepared to not be able to put this book down once you have started because it is so entertaining. Did I mention I adored this story? Well once more can’t hurt. I can only stress to read it and you will find out. Although part of a series, this can be read as a standalone, but why would you want to do that? Trust me, you will want to read them all!!
What an amazing read! I couldn’t put this book down! Earl of Hearts by Meara Platt is book 6 in The Farthingale Series. Though in a series this book can be read as a standalone. I found this story to be charming as well as action pack that kept me intrigued from the first page to the last and you never quite know who is friend or foe. I found the characters to be delightful and charming. Some even had a bit of wit to them and I love that in a story. I could not predict what would happen next so I just had to keep reading to find out. Meara has a true talent for writing and I found this was very easy yo read and understand what was happening. This story has greed, treason, revenge, kindness, protection, endurance, duty, pride, murder, a broken betrothed and a love that can never be or can it? You will just have to read this wonderful story to find out and I highly recommend the you do!!
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
What a great story – I loved it! Lady Nicola Emory is Julian Emory’s (Tenth Viscount Chatham & married to Nicola’s best friend Rose Farthingale) sister & she can’t remember when she hasn’t been in love with her brother’s best friend, John Randall, Earl of Bainbridge. However; John has never noticed her other than being Julian’s little sister.
John Randall has devoted his life working for the Crown to protect England & the people with an ulterior motive of revenge to find the people who killed his family when he was only six years old. He would never give his heart away to love & you have to remain unmarried to serve the Crown in the capacity he worked.
Suddenly, John & Nicola were thrown together & on the run for their lives. They have quite the adventure, full of action, danger, mystery, murder, robberies, humor, romance & just a really good story. The people they met on their escapade were great; some fun, likable & some not so much.
I highly recommend this book to everyone & the whole series is wonderful – you won’t be disappointed as Meara Platt spins such a wonderful story with great characters & families that you just get hooked on & immersed in their lives. I received this ARC as a gift & have given my honest opinion without going in too much detail so I don’t ruin the read for you.
Earl of Hearts, by Meara Platt is a wonderful read. This book is genuinely a sweet romantic story to lost in. The writing definitely holds the reader imagination. The story is easy to read and follow. Meara provides enough information to explain circumstances that needs it.
The details of different scenes provides just enough visualization to the readers. Meara’s writing is not boring nor dull. This book has brought action, suspense to keep you turning the page. The book also has some hot romance to keep the flames burning while reading. John and Nicola romance stands up against secret agents, traitors, venomous locals and a villainous lords.
Nicola’s character is not a simple lady to be left at home. She never wanted to appear weak in front of John. She jumps right in to help John decipher what her former betrothal is trying to hold over her head. John is the secret agent who bends to Nicola’s seductive ways, to help protect her from the man she is to marry. The two realize that things go downhill when they see they are being followed and dodging bulletts.
Soon they are chased through Scotland and back to England to help solve a case John and his team are working on. Along the way, John sees how much Nicola means to him. Nicola has always known how she feels towards John. I recommend this book. Until next time my fellow readers…read on! I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
This had a lot of action built in with romance. It was a fun and easy read.