CAN A WOMAN WHO DOESN’T WANT A HUSBANDWhen she had her come out, Lady Penelope Keats was one of the most sought-after debutantes of the season. But now, years later and by her own choosing, Penelope is still unmarried. She has little interest in love and prefers to spend her time at St. Thomas’s hospital in pursuit of medical knowledge and helping others. However, staying unwed when one’s mother … staying unwed when one’s mother is a notorious matchmaker is no easy feat.
AND A MAN WHO DOESN’T WANT A WIFE
Through unfortunate circumstances, James MacKenzie is the new Earl of Oakhurst, a title he never expected or wanted. When he is summoned by his only living relative, his grandmother the Dowager Countess of Oakhurst, to attend to her in London so that she might instruct him on his duties as earl, including finding a bride, he reluctantly complies. Upon arrival, he finds the older woman ill and in need of medical attention. When his grandmother proves difficult and resistant to help, he allows Lady Penelope’s aid in treating her.
MAKE THE PERFECT MATCH?
When both learn of the other’s lack of desire for love, they know the best chance to escape those seeking to wed them is to come to an agreement—one that will free them both from the pressures of matchmaking. But a marriage of convenience doesn’t imply a marriage without passion. As their feelings eventually warm toward one another, old enemies emerge and threaten everything they have worked for. Will they be able to draw strength from their blossoming love to defeat those who seek to destroy them, or will they deny their feelings and lose one another forever?
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Oh my gosh this was such a touching and captivating story! I loved the fact that Penelope was such a forward thinking woman, volunteering in the medical field and wanting to be a physician, though she would never be accepted as one. James was absolutely perfect in every way. He and Penelope made such a sweet couple and I loved the way the author built their relationship from one of convenience to love. Madeline Martin has such a smooth way of bringing her readers into her stories and then keeping them riveted until the end. I don’t think I have ever been able to start one of her books without putting it down before finishing it first. This one was certainly no exception; I loved every minute of it. Thank you again Ms Martin for the opportunity to escape into one of your amazing stories!
James MacKenzie never expected to inherit the title of Earl of Oakhurst and is woefully unprepared for the role. For the last few years he has been ignoring his heritage and living life on his own terms. He has been working as a “valet” for his friend Alistair, the Earl of Benton and has been content. But now he knows his days of freedom are over and it is time to return to London. But thanks to Benton, he won’t be alone, he will be welcomed into the Wicked Earls Club with open arms!
Once in London James is more than a little shocked to see his once vivacious grandmother “Gemma” looking so old and infirmed. A victim of gout, the dowager Countess of Oakhurst, assures James that she is perfectly fine and she will instruct him on the running of the earldom. She informs him that his first order of business will be marrying and even has a bride in mind – his cousin Gilbert’s betrothed – Judith – the woman who toyed with James’ young heart and then tossed him aside for his cousin and the title of Countess. It will be a cold day in hell before James even considers Judith, but since she was betrothed to Gilbert and had been for seven long years, he knows there will be expectations, so as Gemma pointed out, he better find someone else, tout de suite!
As he acclimates himself to society again, he is happy to see his old friend, the Earl of Kendal. Kendal agrees to sponsor him for his seat in parliament and introduces him to the Earl of Bursbury, an older man sporting a golden W on his lapel. Bursbury talks with James and not only agrees to sponsor him, but offers to introduce him to someone who is well versed in treating gout – his daughter, Lady Penelope.
Lady Penelope Keats has no desire to marry, she works at St. Thomas’s hospital and would rather spend her life in pursuit of knowledge than to be tied down to a husband. She is certain that she would have to give up her dreams to marry and that is something she refuses to do – much to her mother’s dismay. But after a run in with Dr. Bailey, one of the lead doctors at the hospital, he lodges a complaint and insists that it is improper for a young, unmarried woman to work at the hospital, she is let go and informed that she will be welcomed back, once she has rectified her “unfortunate marital status”. With no choices, Penelope turns to her mother for help – Nancy, Lady Bursbury is a well-known matchmaker, who has lamented her failure to match Penelope for years.
James dances with Penelope and invites her to tea to examine his grandmother, she gladly accepts and they part. Later that evening, Judith makes it clear that her father expects James to assume the betrothal she had with Gilbert, he blurts out that he can’t, as he is going to marry another – Penelope.
After she examines Gemma, they talk and agree that it is in their best interest to marry – they promise not to interfere in each other’s lives and most importantly, they agree not to fall in love. It seems like the perfect solution, but not everyone is happy – Nancy is heartbroken that Penelope doesn’t have a “love match” and vows to change that. And Nancy isn’t the only one unhappy with Penelope’s marriage and they will do whatever is necessary to get her out of their way.
I loved this story, James intrigued me in the Earl of Benton and I liked Penelope when she was introduced in her Uncle Noah’s book, Mesmerizing the Marquis. This story has everything you could possibly want, wonderful characters, steamy love scenes, laugh out loud moments, edge of your seat moments and a delightful competition between spouses who via for the right to claim responsibility for the match. As always, Ms. Martin’s writing is spot on, with characters who are fully developed, relatable and likable, and a story that pulls you in and keeps you turning pages until the last word is read, then you sigh at the HEA and wish there was more. This book is in the Wicked Earls Club series, but it can absolutely be read as a stand-alone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me*
This was a delightfully, lovely and romantic read. A marriage of convenience morphs into a wonderful love story between two extraordinary people who both deserve all the best life has to offer. As with any book by this author, the story is well written and compelling and the research is impeccable as always. We also had a small visit with Alistair Johnstone, Earl of Benton, and his lovely heroine Emma Thorne who is now expecting their second child.
James MacKenzie thinks he is an unlucky man. Several years ago, he was in love with Lady Judith Eaton – or at least he thought he was in love – then, when his uncle died and his popinjay of a cousin, Gilbert, inherited the earldom, Lady Judith quickly announced her engagement to him and calmly walked away from James. Since then, James hasn’t been back in England and he certainly doesn’t want to return now. There is no help for it though – as the new Earl of Oakhurst it is his responsibility to move back and take up the reins. He knows nothing of being an earl, but his lovely grandmother will quickly remedy that. According to her, one of his first duties will be to marry – and quickly – and Lady Judith is still available. NO WAY.
Lady Penelope Keats is (was) a diamond of the first water and has had many, many suitors – well, she had them as suitors for a while. As soon as she showed them her intelligence and her keen interest in the healing arts, they ran the other way. She knows she can never marry because no gentleman would allow his wife to work At St. Thomas’ hospital – even as a volunteer. Yet, now, in order to continue volunteering there, she has to be married. Where can she find a husband who will allow her to continue her pursuit of medical knowledge?
When Penelope and James meet, they quickly discover that they can be the answer to each other’s dilemma. They form a pact – they’ll marry with no strings attached. Neither wants love or children, so it will be a perfect alliance. That works – until they share their first kiss – then each wants more, but won’t share that with the other.
It is a lovely read and it was so much fun to watch these two negotiate their way through their families’ expectations, strange goings-on at St. Thomas hospital, and their original marriage agreement. You’ll love the secondary characters – we’ve actually met Penelope’s mother before (she is a matchmaker) – and James’ grandmother is a delightful addition to the story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A wonderful and engaging marriage of convenience. This story between James and Penelope kept me engaged and turns into a perfect match in the end. Another well written story by Madeline Martin.
A lady who wants to be a doctor and needs a husband. A new Duke who needs a wife. Her parents and his grandmother make the match. It was not suppose to be a love match, but the attraction between them sparks the desire for each other. It also helps to have that book. A charming love story.
Earl of Oakhurst, by Madeline Martin. This was a great book to read. I loved the entertaining romantic love story of James and Penelope. I thought that the characters were witty and a little humorous, particularly Gemma, Jame’s grandmother. She was a sneaky little woman.
Madeline incorporated a story about women during these historical times when they working towards being equals among men. Take the story of Penelope, who hopes to one day to be a doctor. Her story was awesome to read. The story was easy to read and a great page turner. The romance between James and Penelope is a sweet loving story that will have the readers delighted to cuddle up to.
OMG, you will love this innovated, ingenious, and fun story. There is such an innocent wonder about the heroine that will have you giggling at her requests.
First you meet James MacKenzie, the new Earl of Oakhurst. His father married a Scottish lass, so was raised there until his mother died at age 10. Afterwards they moved back to London and he enjoyed time with his grandmother, which he calls “Gemma”. Now with his father passing, his uncle who died seven years ago, he gets summoned to London. His cousin has been found dead in the Serpentine half naked and a lady of the night. The one person he does not want to see is his old girlfriend, Judith Eaton, the eldest daughter of Lord Chatsmore, that chose to get engaged to his cousin for the title and status.
Lady Penelope Keats, eldest daughter of the Earl of Bursbury, has studied medical book all her life. It was her dream to be a physician. She never took to society’s rules or wanted a husband. Now as a volunteer for St Thomas’s hospital she gets to work some. Her sponsor has retired so she has to be careful with the other “doctors” so as not to lose the ability to treat patients. When she questions one he gets her dismissed as she is unmarried and until that changes she can’t go back.
What the two need is a marriage of convenience! So the deal is made, however, suggestions from Gemma and Lady Bursbury, as well as kisses change thing and the fun begins. Despite a rotten Doctor, unknown knowledge of consummation, and shyness, these two turn something so endearingly tiny and very witty into an adventurous, wild engrossing find of fun
In this beautiful and heart-warming romance, James the new Earl of Oakhurst enters a marriage of convenience with Penelope Keats. James’ motivation is to avoid having to honour his wastrel cousin’s betrothal, whilst Penelope needs to get married to enable her to continue practicing medicine at St Thomas’ Hospital. Despite their phlegmatic approach to the marriage, Penelope discovers that she is curious about the marriage bed and requests a deviation from their original agreement. As the unlikely couple spends time together, the feelings they are so desperate to avoid, bubble to the surface. When Penelope’s life is put in danger, James moves heaven and earth to reach her in time and the love that is brewing in his heart can no longer be ignored. I found myself caught up in this well-written story and closed the book with a smile. I received a copy of this novel as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Madeline Martin has created another story & characters I fell in love with – it is the romantic, humorous read about a marriage of convenience between two extraordinary people. And…….how can you go wrong with a handsome Scot who takes on the Ton?
James MacKenzie is the new Earl of Oakhurst & it is not something he wants or expected. He had spent the last few years in his mother’s country of Scotland as a valet to the Earl of Benton, Alistair Johnstone. His uncle died several years ago & MacKenzie’s wastrel cousin, Gilbert inherited the title but now he was dead & now he was next to be called upon. He knows absolutely nothing about running an earldom, he hasn’t been in London for several years, not since the lady he believed he loved announced her betrothal to Gilbert the new earl. His grandmother, Gemma as he affectionately calls her, will teach him all the ins & outs of being an earl but the first thing she says is he needs to marry & Lady Judith Eaton is still available as she never married his cousin – his answer was absolutely not but he must find someone quickly as Judith’s father will be expecting a marriage between them.
In her first season, Lady Penelope Keats was a diamond of the first water & many gentlemen interested in her until she let them know her interest in the art of healing & they discovered her intelligence – they all took their interest in her the other way & she was fine with that. Now, she is completely fine with not marrying, as a husband would never let her have the freedom to work or volunteer at a hospital. The problem she is presently facing is St. Thomas Hospital will no longer allow her to even volunteer there unless she is married.
Penelope & James are introduced at a ball & quickly discover that their problem with her healing interests & the requirements & James need to marry so he won’t be forced to marry Judith could be solved by a marriage of convenience. The two of them come up with an agreement with no love or children which works fine until their first kiss. The romantic, funny & stubborness of both of them not admitting how they really feel is an entertaining read. I loved his Grandmother & Penelope’s mother was a too – the were both matchmakers & couldn’t wait for love & babies!
James Mackenzie, inherits the title of Earl and moves back to England to his grandmothers estate.
The only thing Lady Penelope wants is to study medicine and work at St Thomas’s.
She is told she is no longer allowed to be at the hospital unless she get married.
Only then, she will be able to return.
James is expected to honor his late cousins betrothal to Lady Judith, but he has no intention to do so. She broke his heart years ago when she chose James’s cousin over him.
So James and Penelope decide that a marriage between them, will solve both of their problems. Will a marriage of convenience turn into love
Being a newly minted, Wicked Earls’ Club lapel pin wearing earl has James MacKenzie, the hero, wondering how he’s going to juggle all the responsibilities now thrust upon his brawny shoulders. First and foremost is securing a wife when love has already let him down in a big way. A no nonsense marriage arrangement with the loveliest lady in London seems to be just what the doctor ordered.
Penelope isn’t looking for love either. She’s too busy and focused on her true passion…medicine. A marriage to a respectable earl will be the cure she needs to get full access back in the front doors of this men only field.
From there we are given a sweet, soon fall for each other romantic tale that even their knuckledheaded thinking can’t deny. Don’t let the Wicked Earls’ reference fool you, folks. This fella is all about respect when it comes to women, especially Penelope’s proclivity for practicing medicine. Thankfully he’s not hanging out with wayward lasses and doing scandalous things.
Overall, the writing flowed seamlessly, and I stayed fully engaged. There was only a slight touch of Scottish brogue that surfaced now and then. For the most part, the characters here came across verra Downton Abbey type of English. I enjoyed the sub-characters’ roles and was glad they were not overly done, especially the former ex situation.
It’s been awhile since I’ve read a regency romance, and this one seemed to hit the spot nicely.
Title: Earl of Oakhurst, Series: Wicked Earls’ Club (Book 19), series with books by various authors, Author: Madeline Martin, Pages: 158, stand-alone but part of a series, respectful good guy hero, doctor like heroine, only one graphic/detailed smexy scene, virgin heroine, one perilous situation, no cheating, no love triangle, romance safe.
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/PR firm.)
I just loved this story. For a novella, it felt completed. Ms Martin did a wonderful with the characters and bringing them to a HEA. I recommend this installment of the Wicked Earls Club.
A fun read. Penelope was an enjoyable character with her thirst for knowledge in the medical field and straightforward personality. James was a gentleman, just as much a book worm as Penelope. I loved how they accepted each other and taught each other about their own specialties. With the secondary characters helping them along, the story kept me entertained beginning to end.
This is my unsolicited review.
Famous last words as they discussed their marriage of convenience.
“Ye would have yer freedom to return to the hospital, and comfort in that ye are knowingly with a man ye dinna have to love,” James MacKenzie said.
“And you would be released of the obligation to wed your cousin’s fiancee by marrying a woman you do not have to love,” Lady Penelope concluded.
“Then it appears we have an agreement, Lord Oakhurst.” Thus the wonderful journey begins!
Such a different start to a story that I seriously could not stop once I began. The newly minted Earl of Oakhurst was in dire need to “learn” to be an Earl and the first direction he had from his beloved Grandmother was to find a bride. But he had a bad experience in his past and had no desire to become close or love another woman.
Penelope had no wish to marry but she was being pushed into it in order to maintain working with patients at the hospital. It was “unseemly” for an unwed lady to be on her own working. She also felt she might be unable to fall in love with a gentlman.
A slow burn that will just make you sigh with contentment. But don’t be too much in a hurry because there are some bumps and curves along the way!! Loved these two!! Perfect!!!
Earl of Oakhurst (Wicked Earls Club Book 19) by Madeline Martin is an adventurous and romantic Historical love story. While part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone.
Follow,
Lady Penelope Keats and James
MacKenzie,
the new Earl of Oakhurst on their journey from a marriage of convenience to a marriage of passion, respect, love and HEA.
Steady paced story that will keep the reader on their toes as Penelope and James navigate their way through a marriage neither wanted, to a life of peace and happiness.
There is a bit of suspense and surprises, as well as, a wonderfully romantic love story.
I adore Penelope and James, their relatives and Penelope ‘s desire to be a respected physician, which was difficult during this era. Once again, Ms. Martin has given readers, not an enjoyable and compelling read but also a compelling and heartwarming story of love, marriage and respect. Another must by Ms. Martin. Another enjoyable and satisfying read.
Raring: 4
Heat rating: Sweet/clean
Reviewer: AprilR
What a wonderful read about unwanted love. Both the hero and heroine thought that they couldn’t love so were happy to settle for a marriage of convenience. Little did they know that they would end being perfect for each other. I loved the fact the heroine had a serious interest in medicine and the hero loved ancient history. It was a nice change. There was, of course, a few sex scenes that this reviewer skips as usual and it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book. I received this book as an ARC and am very happy to do my review.
As usual for this author, we have another romantic, lol funny at times, touching, wonderful H/h that you can’t help but fall in love with. Gemma and Lady Penelopes mother are delightful. This story is James MacKenzies, the new Earl of Oakhurst and Lady Penelope Keats story. James has no desire to be the next Earl and Penelope has no desire to give up her dreams by having to marry. But, this not meant to be, for either of them. When they meet, they agree to marry, without love or entanglements to remedy their situation. This is where the fun begins. Alastair Johnstone, the Earl of Benton, is one of my heroes from another of her books, makes an appearance in this book. I highly recommend you read The Earl of Benton as well. Ms. Martin has a knack for writing such charismatic, loveable main and secondary characters that you never want to say goodbye to them. I love her writing style because they take me away from the reality of the hear and now. Thank you Madeline Martin for sharing your gift with us. I was gifted this book and am voluntarily reviewing. My opinions are my own
Penelope only wants to work in medicine. She never wants to marry.
James has been working as a valet for the Earl of Benton. He never imagined he would inherit the title of Earl. He also doesn’t want to marry.
When Penelope gets kicked out of the hospital because she isn’t married, I really felt bad for her. One reason I would hate to live in the past is the restrictions society placed on women.
They both must marry, so they enter an agreement to marry but go their separate ways.
As they say, the best laid plans don’t always work out the way planned.
This one will make you stay up all night just to see how they work out their Plans!
Earl of Oakhurst by Madeline Martin is book 16 in the Wicked Earls Club series. I did feel that this could be a standalone book if you wish to do so. This is the story of James MacKenzie, the Earl of Oakhurst and Penelope Keats.
James has newly been titled the Earl of Oakhurst and his grandmother has request that he comes to her to have lesson and of course she wants him to look for a wife. James ends up finding his grandmother is sick but is refusing to see about it. This leads him to Penelope who has knowledge in the medical field. Penelope doesn’t want to marry even though she was a very popular debutante of the season. Instead Penelope wants to get as much knowledge about the medical field and help others with that knowledge. So much of her time is spent at the St. Thomas’s hospital. But, of course Penelope’s mother is a true matchmaking mama with her own plans. When James and Penelope start to compare issues they come to the conclusion that they should work together to fight the marriage trap by going into a marriage of convenience between themselves. This will open them up to the freedom they are looking for from their matchmaking family. But of course somethings work toward a goal they didn’t know they really wanted.
I love Ms. Martin’s writing so this was a joy to read~!
The Earl of Oakhurst is the 19th book in the collection of the Wicked Earls Club series. This has been a great series to read but each book can also be read as a standalone. Lady Penelope wasn’t interested in society all she wanted to do was spend time at the St. Thomas’s hospital learning and helping. She was told that in order to keep volunteering she would need to get married. James MacKenzie just received the unwanted title of Earl of Oakhurst, which meant he had to leave Scotland and go to London. His grandmother wants him to get married and secure the title with an heir. James and Penelope agree to a marriage of convenience, but things change as they spend time together and Penelope is in danger at the hospital. Can they agree to change the conditions for their marriage? This was another great book by the author, and it was well written and had wonderful characters. The side characters help add to the drama and intrigue of the story.
I received an ARC but am voluntarily leaving a review