Brianna Penderley has a knack for getting into precarious situations, especially when it comes to her love for archaeology. In the heart of Naples, her terrible Italian has her accidentally becoming engaged to two men at the same time. Of course, Daniel Wolcott–the Earl of Thornton and the only man ever able to vex her–shows up to rescue her. Daniel has spent the majority of his life … life exercising rigid control over his emotions, determined never to become the rake his father was. But when he goes to aid his mentor’s danger-prone niece once again, he finds himself struggling to control his attraction to a woman who is his complete opposite.
When their situation goes from bad to worse, Daniel and Brianna find themselves swept up into a perilous adventure, and they must work together to set things right. Now, if they can just avoid killing each other in the process.
Each book in the Saints & Scoundrels series is STANDALONE:
* The Devilish Duke
* The Elusive Earl
* The Sinful Scot
more
A non-stop action adventure story the likes of which remind me of old Hollywood serials. Treasures, villains, elixirs, princesses and heroes abound in this great story. For me, this story is more of an adventure novel rather than a traditional romance. There are romantic elements but they are overshadowed by the treasure hunt. Do not mistake, I loved this story. It was not what I was expecting but it was a fun read. Ms. Michaels’ has again written a great tale.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
I wish I could give it more than 5 stars! One of the absolute best romances I’ve ever read!
Brianna “Bree” Penderley doesn’t have to go looking for trouble, it will find her, and when it does, Daniel Wolcott, the Earl of Thornton is usually the man to rescue her.
Brianna’s current predicament will take Daniel to Italy, she has somehow managed to betroth herself to two men at the same time. His superior in the War Office is Brianna’s uncle and he has tasked Daniel with untangling the mess Brianna has found herself in. Daniel is not happy, especially when her uncle jokes that he should marry her! Bree is a hoyden and drives him insane. Daniel is her complete opposite, he is controlled, proper and responsible. Bree is lovely, but he cannot imagine being with such a woman. When he marries, his wife will be calm, sweet and proper. His parents had a terrible marriage and it ended badly, Daniel never wants to have that kind of emotion, which is exactly why Bree is the wrong woman for him.
He arrives in Italy and finds Bree climbing out of a window to escape her suitors, he says he will take her home and they will leave for England in the morning. Bree does not agree with that plan, she is not ready to go, she is having her mother’s journal’s translated and won’t leave until she is ready! But on the way back to her home, they are accosted by the Garendetta and they want the journals. Daniel saves them and demands that Bree tell him the significance of the journals, she grudgingly tells him the journals belonged to her mother and may hold the secret to the location of the lost treasure of King Aleric. Bree and Daniel learn her cousin Travis has been kidnapped and they must travel to Cosenza to save him. Cosenza is where Bree’s departed mother is from, her parents were murdered when she was just a toddler, she was saved from the same fate and delivered to her uncle’s family. She really has no knowledge of her mother and is a little apprehensive about going to her mother’s homeland. But to save Travis, she will do anything, even pretend to be married to His Lordyness. Let the adventure begin!
They set out and find themselves in one bad situation after another. Bree learns some shocking information about her parents and finds herself forced to make her pretend marriage to Daniel real. But that is just the beginning of the shocks and surprises they have in store! There will be long lost relatives, near death experiences, kisses, treasure, more kisses and heartache before these two can even think about a HEA.
Maddison Michaels is an author who has an amazing writing style. One minute she has you laughing and the next you are cringing, all without interrupting the flow of the story. She draws you into the book and holds you in thrall until the very last page. I enjoyed the story, it was fast paced and exciting, but really light on the romance, there were a couple of heated kisses and a lot of bickering, I really wanted to smack Daniel more than once. But when they finally stop being stupid with one another, the ending is lovely and the epilogue was wonderful.
This is the second book in the series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Would you like to go on a treasure hunt? Join our heroine Brianna Penderly on a jaunt from England to lovely and dangerous Italy in search of the lost treasure of King Aleric. A funny incident sends our hero, Daniel Wolcott, Earl of Thornton, to save the day and Bree. Daniel’s exasperated to be sent, once again, by Bree’s Uncle to clean up her mess. Along the way we find too many suitors, kidnapping, lots of water, worried family, new family, intrigue, vengeance, justice, glorious treasure and love. Daniel and Bree are completely wrong for each other. She’s headstrong and reckless. He’s stuffy and abhors emotions as they only lead to chaos. Opposites sometimes attract, will our couple be able to resist or will they be helpless when faced with true love? Don’t miss the very romantic happily ever after. I’ve not read this one before.
I confess that I’d never heard of Madison Michaels until I was offered the opportunity to receive an arc of The Elusive Earl. I love a chance to check out a new author and to share my opinion of a book. I hope that my review will entice you to try out Ms. Michael’s work. You won’t be disappointed. I now have to catch up on her earlier work, I like her style.
I had no idea the journey I was getting myself into when I began The Elusive Earl. It’s got a fake-relationship and hate to love trope as well as murder and treasure-hunting packed wonderfully in a sow burn romance.
The hero Daniel is nine years older than Brianna and has been getting her out of trouble her entire life. He helps her journey through Italy to save her cousin who was kidnapped for old journals of Brianna’s mother that contained the location of King Aleric’s treasure. I’ve never read a historical novel set in Italy before. It was nice change from London and the Ton and even the Highlands.
One of the things I really loved about this book was the chemistry between the two leads, Brianna and Daniel. Although, they don’t really like each other because of personality clashes the bickering wasn’t hateful and there was a definite spark between them. The transition of each of their relation of their attraction to the other was smooth and effortless and never felt unnatural. Their relationship was a very slow burn. Spoiler alert, the author doesn’t include a sex scene! It didn’t bother me too much, but I was waiting for that moment so eagerly. I wouldn’t rate this a sweet/clean romance because the kissing and fondling time were real sensual and kind of explicit and hot. Michaels did grace me with a super cute epilogue though that completely satisfied me.
The mystery part of this was done well I thought. It didn’t overshadow the romance which is a big deal for me. Michaels incorporated the mystery with characters interaction with each other well where it was interesting and fun to read. The conflicts and disturbances that held the couple back to save Brianna’s cousin were solved easily. Maybe too easily but it didn’t take away the enjoyment of the book for me. Rather I am glad the author didn’t prolong anything unnecessarily and kept the action and movement of the characters going to progress the story.
The author includes some commentary and notes about some real facts she used in the book for inspiration. I love it when authors do this! This is my first read by Maddison Michaels and I am surely going back to read the first book, The Devilish Duke. I’m so glad I took a chance on reading this. Thank you Entangled Publishing for providing me a review copy and in no way has it influenced the opinions of this review.
Great story. Highly recommended.
This is a fabulous story, a story filled with witty banter, a romance that will have you smiling and laughing as Brianna and Daniel go after a treasure that has already been the cause of many deaths, there is danger and lots going on in this fast paced story, a story I loved from start to finish, this is one that you are not going to want to put down once you pick it up.
Brianna Penderley has grown up with her aunt and uncle in England after being orphaned as a toddler, talking about her parents murder is not something that she likes and she is always chasing after some sort of antiquity and forever getting herself in scrapes that her uncle needs to send someone to get her out of and that is The Earl of Thornton Daniel Wolcott and their relationship is pretty fiery, she thinks he is stuffy, but he has shown up in Italy to rescue her again and this time the stakes are high her life in is danger and Daniel is in full protection mode and Brianna is not too keen on it, talk about clash of strong personalities.
Daniel is determined to never turn out like his father a scoundrel and is not going to get married till it is absolutely necessary and when his mentor asks him again to go and rescue his niece Brianna after getting herself engaged to two Italians no less, he is far from happy this woman does his head in. But this time the situation turns ugly and Daniel is hard pressed to keep her safe and his heart safe as well.
This story has everything in it that a romance should there is emotion a plenty there is humour in such dangerous situations a sensual pull and kisses to make a reader swoon and honestly the banter is awesome MS Michaels you rock this story is awesome, I loved Daniel and Brianna so much, this is an exhilarating story that ticks all of the boxes for a romance that I highly recommend it, the ending is just so gorgeous I was smiling so much, and I look forward to many more thank you so much.
I loved this story of Brianna Penderly and Daniel Wolcot. It had much action and hidden identities, searching for hidden treasure and possibly love. The path is a treacherous one filled with many dangers. The characters were so vivid and realistic as was the descriptions of the scenery throughout their journey. I could not put it down once I started it. I highly recommend this book. I was gifted this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
All I can say is WOW! This is the second book from Maddison Michaels and it’s as wonderful as the first one (The Devilish Duke). I couldn’t put it down. The plot, the romance, hidden treasure and a villain who surprised me.
Brianna Penderley’s parents were murdered when she was a baby. The murderer ordered his servant to kill her, but he hid her and sent for her English uncle, Sir Walter Penderley. Her parents were searching for an ancient treasure as was the greedy villain. Bree grew up with her English cousins, Travis and Amelia, her best friend Sophie and Sophie’s brother Daniel, Earl of Thornton. Bree has always loved Daniel but he’s very stuffy and thinks he wants a loveless marriage.
The Penderleys, except Sir Walter, travel to Italy where they hope to find her mother’s journals and the treasure. Daniel is sent after them to protect Bree, and the others, as she is in danger. Daniel is aware that she is a princess and her Grandfather’s heir and takes her to him with the others following. Except for Travis who has decided to search for the treasure on his own. For Bree’s protection, Daniel marries her. Eventually, they all end up at her Grandfather’s palace. She it thrilled to have found family on her mother’s side.
Because this is a very well written story I won’t say more as it would be easy to spoil this marvelous book. Travis is rescued with the help of a woman named Sabina, and Amelia runs into Samuel Boyd, heir to an Earl who accompanies them to the palace. I’m looking forward to their HEAs. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes an adventure along with the romance.
The author takes you on a thrill ride with a spunky young lady called Bree by friends and family. She is spontaneous and fearless and often finds herself having to be rescued from scrapes by the “grumpy” Earl of Thornton. Proximity leads to love and a happily ever after.
The Elusive Earl by Maddison Michaels is book Two in the Saints & Scoundrels Series. This is the story of Brianna ‘Bree’ Penderley and Daniel Wolcott, The Earl of Thornton. I have read the previous book but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Daniel and Bree are so totally opposite personalities that keep butting heads. Bree Uncle runs the War Office and is Daniel mentor so he always seem to be assigned to getting Bree out of the trouble she always finds herself in. The latest trouble she is in has taken him to Italy where Bree has somehow became engaged to two different men…but things are worst than that. Someone is after Bree’s mother journals which may hold information toward finding a treasure. Bree’s cousin has been kidnapped to ensure they get the journals. So Daniel and Bree are off on an adventure to make things right and possible find love along the way.
Really enjoyed this book!
This was a FANTASTIC book!
We first meet Daniel in the Devilish Duke after he comes to blows with Devlin when Daniel believes his sister Sophie is being taken advantage.
The first few pages start of with a bang full of mystery and intrigue and the fast pace doesn’t let up until the book is finished.
Brianna Penderley has always been an adventurous young woman always looking for some ancient artifact and getting into some kind of mishap.
In every situation Daniel Wolcott the Earl of Thornton has always been there to save the day much to her annoyance.
Traveling to Italy to find information on her parents and the trail left in her mother’s journal she’s Mistakenly acquired two fiancés. Where trouble follows her Daniel is sure to make his appearance.
Daniel tries to live his life in the straight and narrow as much as is possible. The only person to test his temper and sanity is Brianna. When Brianna inadvertently puts her cousin in danger Daniel is the one that she turns to for help.
A fantastic page turner fast paced and entertaining. The chemistry between Daniel and Bree is a hot slow burn (took him a while). A devious vilain intent on harm and mayhem. Descriptive detail in the scenery make this a MUST read!
I can’t wait to see what Maddison Micheals has in store for us next!
I recieved a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my unbiased opinion.
Brianna Penderley is a very adventurous young woman for a Victorian miss. She loves antiques and has persuaded her Aunt and two cousins to come to Italy in search of treasure and just maybe information on her mother’s side of the family. She really didn’t mean to get in trouble, again.
Daniel Walcott, the Earl of Thornton works secretly for the War Office. His boss and family friend, has asked him to go and , once more rescue his niece from trouble. The woman has been a pain in the neck since she was a child. Always getting into scrapes.
There is much more danger in Italy than anyone could have guessed, especially for someone with Brianna’s unknown family connections. The people there seem to think she is important, and what she is looking for is dangerous.
This is a lovely fat book that will give you hours of excitement. It’s packed full of adventure and romance. Our intrepid heroine drags as much out of life as possible. Our hero just wants a quiet, peaceful life. Can they ever hope to find common ground.
I loved it.
“The appreciation you show me, after all I have done for you over the years, takes my breath away.” Or so sarcastically says our Hero Daniel to our heroine Brianna as he tries to get her out of another mishap. Actually he has been doing that all of their lives, always to the rescue of Bree. He maintains tight control over his emotions as he again goes to aid his mentor’s niece to get her out of a scrape of being engaged to two men at the same time. The problem is the suitors are speaking Italian that she does not really understand! Daniel is a spy, adventurer and a hero although Bree just thinks of him always around to help her. Seemingly they do not really like each other, but emotions under the surface are always waiting to erupt.
This story had many twist and turns that kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen next. From a treasure that everyone is looking for and thinking Bree was the key, keeps them fleeting villains and trying to find out who is friend or foe. Prepare to be thoroughly entertained and breathlessly waiting for the next book by this author!
Brianna Penderley has a knack for getting into precarious situations, especially when it comes to her love for archaeology. In the heart of Naples, her terrible Italian has her accidentally becoming engaged to two men at the same time. Of course, Daniel Wolcott, the Earl of Thornton and the only man ever able to vex her, shows up to rescue her in fact he’s been rescuing her for years
Daniel has spent the majority of his life exercising rigid control over his emotions, determined never to become the rake his father was. Daniel and Brianna find themselves swept up into a perilous adventure, and they must work together to set things right. Now, if they can just avoid killing each other in the process.
This is the second book in the series & the second by the author, once again it’s a very accomplished book. Daniel is the brother of Sophie who we met in the first book he’s seen as stuffy & proper with no sense of fun or adventure, Bree often calls him Lordyness however he’s worked for the crown for years. Bree is impetuous, lively & adventurous in fact they are like chalk & cheese but they are also attracted to each other, which they both fight & leads to wonderfully witty & engaging verbal spars. I was drawn into the book from the very first page & hooked from there until the last page, I made the mistake of starting it one evening & it was early morning with eyes drooping that I reluctantly put it down. The story flows very well & doesn’t lag at all, although there was a very satisfactory epilogue I was left wanting more & certainly want to find out about Travis’ journey & Milly deserves her HEA. If you love a romance combined with adventure then you’ll love this book I certainly did
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Series: Saints and Scoundrels #2
Publication Date: 8/27/18
This is an exciting, action-packed, and romantic addition to the Saints and Scoundrels series by Maddison Michaels. This new author seems to be off to a great start. The writing is intelligent and witty and the two main characters are very interesting. At times you want to kiss them and at other times you want to spank them. Especially our hero because he is one of the most pig-headed and stubborn characters I’ve ever read. I was actually beginning to wonder if he was ever going to have his grand epiphany. But, when he finally did, it was a great one! I couldn’t put the book down because it was so fast-paced and exciting that I just had to see what happened next.
One thing that impressed me thoroughly is that the author actually got the name right for someone marrying a peer. Yes, she plainly spelled it out and I loved it! She’s obviously done her research. When Bree has to pretend to be married to Daniel, her name would be Brianna Thornton – NOT Brianna Wolcott.
It seems that Daniel Wolcott—the Earl of Thornton, has been rescuing Brianna Penderley her entire life. She is high-spirited, self-assured, adventure-loving and has a real talent for getting herself into trouble. Isn’t it lucky that her uncle is the head spy-master for England and he can send someone to extricate her from whatever it is she has gotten into? Unfortunately for Daniel, he is the one his boss always sends. When Bree was really young she had romantic notions about her best friend’s older brother, Daniel. That is until she got to know how very stodgy and boring he really was.
Bree’s latest adventure is one of the best yet. Somehow, she has managed to get herself engaged to two, yes two, different Italian men – all without being able to speak the language. Once again Daniel is sent to rescue her only to find her climbing out an upper floor window at the ball she is attending. Then they get word that Bree’s cousin has been kidnapped. To free him, she must bring her mother’s journals to a location several days away from where they are. Thus begins the journey that will have betrayal, friendships, frustration and lots of danger and in the end – finding an exciting treasure.
Bree’s family history is a fascinating one and it involves murder and rescue as well as a loving family life with an aunt, uncle and two cousins. Her aunt and uncle treat her just like their daughter and love her unconditionally. You’ll love her entire family when you meet them. Her aunt is an absolute hoot!
Daniel’s family was dysfunctional, to say the least. His father was a philandering wastrel who almost left the earldom in financial ruin before he died. His mother was a weak-willed lady who loved his father unconditionally and was hurt by him over and over and over. Daniel grew up observing his family dynamic and vowed never to be like his father and never to marry for love because he might hurt and/or be hurt. So, when he finally has to marry to produce an heir his bride will be very biddable – you know – dull. It was fun to watch Daniel fight his attraction to Bree throughout the entire book – and to finally witness his acceptance of his fate. There were so many times I just wanted to kick him in the rear. Bree was as stubborn as he was, but she recognized the attraction early on and didn’t really fight it – except when he’d say or do something hurtful.
This was the first book I’ve read by this author, but it definitely won’t be the last. I really need to go back and get the first one and read it because I’m sure it is just as interesting and exciting.
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“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.”
I listened to this wonderful book on Audible and I was lucky enough to discover Maddison Michaels on Audible!
This is a such a well written storyline. I enjoyed it so much! Brianna Pemberly is on holiday in Naples, Italy and she finds herself engaged to two men. But, the beginning of the story, the prologue is sad and tragic.
Daniel Wolcott the Earl of Wolcott, a man determined not to become anything like his womanizing father goes to Naples to save Brianna.
While in Naples, Brianna discovers her cousin has been kidnapped. This is where the adventures begin! So much action, mystery and attraction between Daniel and Brianna. I absolutely loved this book. The narrator performed wonderfully and kept your attention.
I have to admit, this one wasn’t badly done, and will in all likelihood appeal to a lot of people who enjoy historical romances, however I found it very hard to get interested in (and stay interested in).
The characters were strong when independent of one another, and there is no doubt that they had chemistry, but the constant back and forth between acting on that chemistry, then calling it a mistake, swearing it would never happen again, and then going back to sniping at each other killed the vibe for me. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a good friemies to lovers story as much as the next person, but this boarded on tedious. I also feel as though the ending seemed rushed considering the build up. From the way the story began, I expected more – even though as stated previously – I do think this book will be well received.
I would read more from this author.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
I had not read book one of the series and started with book 2 (this one). The story was very well-written with interesting characters. It was a great adventure story and had some very exciting scenes; however, it seemed a bit wordy at times and I would have liked to have had a little more romance in the story. Overall, this was a very good story, but be prepared because it does get a bit wordy. Still, a good story that I enjoyed reading.
That was a fun read. Read it in one day. Lots of funny moments.
The Elusive Earl is part of the Saints and Scoundrels series. I haven’t read the first book in this series (The Devilish Duke)
But they can be read as a stand-alone.
Brianna was taken in by her uncle as a small child, as she had seen her parents brutally murdered, he brought her up as his own daughter.
Raised very much an independent young lady, but rather too high spirited and in trouble all the time.
Brianna is the type of girl to get herself in to awkward situations, like getting engaged to two men !! She is a funny, quirky and awkward woman.
Her love of archeology leads her to Naples, and that’s where her problems start …. trying out her Italian is funny
Daniel is the total opposite, he is true and steadfast, he swore long ago that he’d never really marry, he’d never be the rake his father was, but there is something about Brianna that gets under his skin. And when he is tasked to rescue her in Italy, he sees her in an altogether different light.
On the way home, he has to get the captain to “marry” them, he tells Brianna that they will get an annulment once they get back.
We then have a cousin who gets kidnapped.. so the pair race off to rescue the cousin.
There is mystery, there is intrigue, enough romance to keep you happy, comedy and a little danger.