“Evocative writing, a delightful Scottish setting, and fully realized characters made this a joy to read. This spy hero and writer heroine touched my heart.” —New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries From rising star Susanna Craig comes a fresh new series filled with high-stakes intrigue and thrilling historical romance that is perfect for readers looking for a fun new twist on their … looking for a fun new twist on their favorite love stories…
“Marvelous…Craig delights with a fast-paced, intrigue-filled plot and expertly developed characters. Regency fans will eagerly anticipate future installments.”
—Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW
Will scandalous secrets stand in the way of a second chance at love?
Miss Jane Quayle excels at invention. How else could the sheltered daughter of an English gentleman create lurid gothic novels so infamous someone wants their author silenced forever? Fortunately, Jane has taken steps to protect herself, first by assuming a pen name, and second, by taking up residence at remote Dunnock Castle, surrounded by rugged scenery that might have been ripped from the pages of one of her books. Her true identity remains a secret, until one dark and stormy night . . .
After years of spying for the British army, Thomas Sutherland doubts the Highlands will ever feel like home again. Nevertheless, thanks to a quirk of Scottish inheritance law, he’s now the Earl of Magnus, complete with a crumbling castle currently inhabited by a notorious novelist. When the writer turns out to be the woman Thomas once wooed, suspicions rise even as mutual sparks reignite. As danger closes in, can Jane and Thomas overcome their pasts to forge a future together?
Praise for Susanna Craig:
“Will leave you breathless, and eagerly wanting more.”
—New York Times bestselling author Jennifer McQuiston
“Susanna Craig kicks off her Love and Let Spy series with a story that has it all—captivating characters, sensual romance that scorches the page, and intrigue that kept me up reading all night. Historical romance readers will find plenty to love in Who’s That Earl.”
—USA Today bestselling author Christy Carlyle
“Susanna Craig creates a delightful story full of wit and intrigue.”
—USA Today bestselling author Ella Quinn
“With Who’s That Earl, Susanna Craig is off to a great start in her new Love and Let Spy series. The settings and characters come alive, the romance is full of spark, and the prose is as smooth as the best Scotch whisky.”
—Sherry Thomas, author of the Lady Sherlock series
“With gorgeous, contemplative phrasing, absorbing characters and a clever and unpredictable story line, The Duke’s Suspicion is a remarkable must-read.”
—Kathy Altman, USA Today
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From page one the reader is in the midst of a secret operation with Thomas. The action surrounds him. His commander from the home office has called him home. Somehow someway he is now the Earl of Magnus. All the years away from England he never forgot the young woman who touched his heart, Jane. Now seven years later destiny brings them together again under mysterious circumstances at his newly inherited castle in Scotland. Secrets keep Jane from trusting Thomas and Thomas’ secrets keep him from telling her he is the new earl along with his past. Danger falls at Jane’s feet and she is threatened and nearly killed by the least likely person. When Jane left the castle and Thomas behind, he intercepted a message from her brother. Apparently, her father found out she had money and wanted his share. He was a mean B@#t@rd and Thomas feared for her. He and his good friend from the village set out to find her and by a stroke of good luck he did. Jane and Thomas stopped fighting their attraction to each other. The next day her father comes banging on her door. Thomas swiftly took him down and held him on the ground when Jane appeared. Now was her chance to be free emotionally and mentally from the horrid man. She told him off but good. The next thing you know the whole village comes into view and all the villagers and tenants were there to greet them. Jane was confused and happy. Thomas took her to the anvil for an old fashion Scottish wedding binding their lives together at long last. I loved, loved, loved this story. It is never boring and definitely not a disappointment. This is a great romance amidst danger and secrets. A must read. I highly recommend it.
KINDLE UNLIMITED
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-1jS
Seven years ago, soldier Thomas Sutherland was stationed in Sussex while awaiting his next assignment. While there, he became acquainted with Jane Quayle, and though their time together was short, they quickly grew close, and Thomas decided to court her. On the very day Thomas approached her father, two events happened that separated the couple. Jane had a disastrous family situation occur, and Thomas was immediately shipped off to Domenica. Neither of them knew what had happened to the other, so each went on with their lives. Jane became a successful novelist, under the pseudonym of Robin Ratliff, and moved to a remote Scottish castle in Glasgow, which she leased from the absent earl. Thomas stayed undercover in the West Indies as a spy for the crown, until his superior informed him that he unexpectedly inherited a title and lands. Thomas prefers to continue as a soldier, but his spymaster insists that he return to Scotland to fully examine his inheritance before he makes any decisions.
Though Jane has leased Dunnock Castle as Robin Ratliff, she dons yet another masquerade while there, as widowed Mrs. Higgenbotham, assistant to the reclusive author. This has been her home for five years, and she is quite comfortable here. Her lease is coming up for renewal shortly, and she knows that there is a new earl, and she hopes that he stays away, just as the previous earl did. As fate would have it, the new Earl of Magnus is none other than Thomas. He hopes to inspect his property, hire a dependable steward, and return to his career as a soldier. In the meantime, he doesn’t wish for those acquaintances who still remember him to know he’s the new earl, so he only uses his given name. Knowing only the name Higgenbotham, and assuming it’s a man, Thomas travels to his castle to meet him, thinking he could possibly be the steward he is seeking. Imagine his surprise when he discovers Mr. Higgenbotham is a very lovely woman, the one he courted so many years ago.
The masquerade is on, as Jane continues to present herself as a widow, while Thomas concocts a story that he is there on an assignment from the new earl. While there is definitely wariness between them, I was surprised that neither actually held any bitterness toward the other for the way they parted. Later in the story, as we learn the truth of all that happened to Jane on that fateful day, the reasons become clear. While dancing around each other, Thomas and Jane still feel the attraction from years ago. In fact, they continued to think of each other over the years, contemplating what-if scenarios.
As Jane and Thomas become passionately involved, Thomas also really looks at his estate, and sees how badly the earl is needed. He begins to envision staying on, improving his property and the lives of his tenants, all with Jane at his side. Jane, however, learned a bitter lesson years ago — depend on no one but yourself. Her fierce independence makes her unwilling to put herself and her fortune in the hands of any man. While Thomas loves Jane, he is honorable enough not to try to hold her when she doesn’t want a commitment. I loved him for that. He also has a protective streak, determined to protect Jane from a threat posing danger to her. He also lets her know that he’s always there if she needs him. While I admired Jane’s fortitude, and understood her reasons, I also couldn’t wait for her to see past her own stubbornness, and to grab the happiness waiting for her. WHO’S THAT EARL is a playful and fun read, albeit with some sad circumstances, and is a delightful way to escape for a few hours. I am always up for a second chance at love story, and this one was very satisfying. I should also note that Thomas’s former spymaster, while somehow knowing everything about his men, also has a surprising matchmaking streak, which bodes well for upcoming books in the Love and Let Spy series.
Since her family cast her aside because of her scandalous writing, Jane Quayle has made a success of herself writing wildly popular gothic novels under an assumed name. she’s surrounded her persona in mystery, living a quiet life with her true identity kept secret at Dunnock Castle in the Scottish Highlands. But it seems not everyone is a fan when she starts receiving unnerving death threats and her identity is compromised by the arrival of a fling from her past.
Lieutenant Thomas Sutherland has developed great skill as a spy over the years, operating in Dominica for so long that he’s not sure the Highlands will ever feel like home to him again. But when he inherits the title of Earl of Magnus and its accompanying responsibilities and property, including Dunnock Castle, he has no choice but to return. More shocking that his unwanted inheritance is his discovery that the reclusive writer leasing Dunnock is none other than the lady Thomas once hoped to marry. The connection is still there between them, but Jane’s trust issues and Thomas’ commitment to the military may be enough to keep them apart.
I was so intrigued by this concept that I had to read this novel, but I must say I did expect more mystery and suspense than we got here. The villain, such as he was, was dealt with too quickly and from there the plot lost some momentum and structure. I loved Jane and Thomas together, however, and unlike several other reviewers, I actually really loved the fact that the story didn’t have any lengthy flashbacks to their previous courtship. This kept the angst level low and I appreciated it. Jane annoyed me with her stubborn refusal to trust anyone, biting off her nose to spite her face. Though a bit understandable given her family, Thomas did nothing wrong and didn’t deserve her arrogance. Nonetheless, I did find Thomas charming, enjoyed these two establishing a true home for themselves together, and found the story mostly entertaining. I loved General Scott and the concept of his retiring spy network so I plan to continue this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Who’s That Earl by Susanna Craig is the First book in the Love and Let Spy Series. This is the story of Thomas Sutherland and Jane Quayle. Jane has step away from society and lives as a tenant at the Dunnock Castle. Jane has become a very successfully Gothic writer and goes by the name Robin Ratliff to keep her identity hidden. Thomas has been away for several years while spying for the British Army but while away he has never forgotten a women who became smitten with. When he returns from the military he finds that he is now the Earl of Magnus and that he owns Dunnock Castle. Thomas learns that there is a famous author leaving there and he goes to inspect the property along with making contact with his tenant. But what Thomas finds is there is the women he could never forget. But he doesn’t elude to her that he is the owner of the Castle nor does Jane own up to who she really is either. Enjoyed their story.
Who’s That Earl is a delightful second-chance romance! Jane Quayle is an author of gothic novels writing under a pseudonym in a remote Scottish castle. Thomas Sutherland is a spy for the British Army who happens to have just inherited the castle where Jane is residing. Upon arriving, Thomas reads a threat the author has received and so begins our story.
I enjoyed Susanna Craig’s writing very much. She paints the scene very well and I felt like I had stepped into Dunnock Castle myself. There were a few times when I thought the descriptions got a little wordy, but since it did help me picture everything more clearly, this wasn’t a huge turnoff for me. Her writing flowed very well and I found this an easy read. It hooked me from the very beginning and I absolutely loved both the main characters and the secondary characters…Mrs. Murdock was perfect!
I loved Jane’s independence! She is a strong female character, as were Athena and Aphrodite, whom I loved as well! Watching her slowly let her guard down with Thomas and letting him in was beautifully written. Their back and forth banter really made this book for me!
Thomas’ reluctance to tell the truth about why he’s there showed a tender side of the character. His protectiveness of Jane, even after all the years they were separated was a great addition to the story. A little intrigue along with romance is always a good thing!
I’m looking forward to more in this particular series and will also be looking up her past series!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Lieutenant Thomas Sutherland has been stationed in Dominica for 7 years working as a spy looking for French trying to come ashore. He now has been called back to England and learns that he is now the Earl of Magnus and Laird of Dunnock Castle.
Thomas learns that the castle has a resident author who is said to be a recluse because no one has ever seen him. Upon arrival, he finds Jane Quayle, whom he had once romanced before being called for service. She says that she is just the secretary to the author who is away at the time. She also says she is a widow and her last name is Higgenbotham.
When she was young, her father found a manuscript that she had written. He was livid, threw it into the fire, and kicked her out of the house, disowning her. Luckily, she had kept a copy of the manuscript. Now, some books later, she is a successful author using a nom de plume.
They spend time catching up with one another and realizing their love has never waned. But, when she receives a threatening letter, she wonders who is after her and why. Thomas is determined to find out and protect her.
This story did not grab me. I found it dull. The setting of the castle sounded cold and dreary. The chemistry between Thomas and Jane lacked spark, but was just sex. I rolled my eyes at how she came to be at HIS castle. Too convenient. The holier-than-thou men in the story is a real turnoff. What is the time setting for goodness sake. I’m sorry, but this was not a book I can say I cared for.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Who’s That Earl: An Exciting & Witty Regency Love Story
Love and Let Spy Series #1
Susanna Craig
https://www.facebook.com/susannacraigauthor/
Release date 08/18/2020
Publisher Kensington Lyrica
Blurb :
Will scandalous secrets stand in the way of a second chance at love?
Miss Jane Quayle excels at invention. How else could the sheltered daughter of an English gentleman create lurid gothic novels so infamous someone wants their author silenced forever? Fortunately, Jane has taken steps to protect herself, first by assuming a pen name, and second, by taking up residence at remote Dunnock Castle, surrounded by rugged scenery that might have been ripped from the pages of one of her books. Her true identity remains a secret, until one dark and stormy night . . .
After years of spying for the British army, Thomas Sutherland doubts the Highlands will ever feel like home again. Nevertheless, thanks to a quirk of Scottish inheritance law, he’s now the Earl of Magnus, complete with a crumbling castle currently inhabited by a notorious novelist. When the writer turns out to be the woman Thomas once wooed, suspicions rise even as mutual sparks reignite. As danger closes in, can Jane and Thomas overcome their pasts to forge a future together?
My review :
Will she let her need to prove herself self reliable stand between her future …
I discovered Mrs Craig with her previous series, and while it was mostly set in Ireland, here she made us travel north to Scotland.
It seems nonetheless she has a fondness for female writers as her heroines.
I loved Thomas, and while he is far from perfect, once he sets his sight on a task he is devoted to it. Why as he was unable to fulfill his promise made to Jane so many years ago, he has never forgotten her, she still lingers in the edges of his thoughts.
Sure, he uses deceit to justify his stay but there they are on equal ground.
Jane successfully recreated herself but in the process, she buried a part of her younger self. Now wealthy but having to hide who she is to the world as it would be frowned upon for her to be a gothic female writer. Yet when Thomas renters her life, she is torn between her old feelings as he never really left her mind and her need of self-preservation.
Up to them to see if they can trust one another and leave past hurt behind to rewrite a better future.
At a time I was upset at Jane but she needed to realize in her term what was more important than her lonely achievement.
4.5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Kensington, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/676096992979475/?d=n
I won an advanced copy of this, and it is a keeper! There is a lot of deception to wade through, but Jane and Thomas are so cute together! Lots of great dialogue, and I am kinda disappointed that I can’t go out and buy Jane’s novels! This was a fun little world, and I look forward to the next installment! Happy Reading!
Loving a Gothic Writer
I did not know what to expect from Susanna Craig’s new series, but I found Who’s That Earl a charming romance about the art of telling a story. Jane Quayle craves independence to write, and to live self-sufficiently. When old flame Thomas Sutherland shows up at her beloved Dunnock castle after serving in the British army. Both have secrets, and they weave a multitude of lies to both assess and intrigue each other. Despite the copious amount of lying in this book, Jane and Thomas are characterized as intelligent and empathetic toward each other’s reasons. It is refreshing to read a romance where the couple seek to understand each other before making outrageous assumptions. My one complaint is that though the cover is beautiful, it is not an accurate depiction of Jane. In the book Jane is described as plain, with plump curves. This book is light take on Gothic literature, with a sweet romance.
WHO’S THAT EARL by Susanna Craig is the first book in the Love and Let Spy historical romance series and the first book that I have read by this author. The story is largely set in Scotland. At seventeen, Jane Quayle met a young British army officer, Thomas Sutherland and had a short romance. However, he was called away to duty and she was soon cast out of her family home by her parents. Seven years have now passed and they happen to meet again.
Susanna and Thomas were both characters that you could root for. They had some depth, flaws and virtues, but not quite as much as I wanted. Their motivations seemed believable, but the secondary characters lacked the depth that would have further enhanced the story. The author did a great job of creating a setting at and around Dunnock Castle. However, the mystery part of the story was easily solved. There just wasn’t enough tension or intrigue to make this novel a page turner for me. There are a couple of steamier scenes in the last half of the book.
Overall, this was an enjoyable historical romance that fell short on the history and intrigue that I was expecting. However, the interaction between the main characters was entertaining. Other readers have enjoyed this more than I did.
I won a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Thanks go to Goodreads, Lyrical Press and Susanna Craig for the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
I enjoyed this second chance romance. It doesn’t bill itself as a mystery, or a spy thriller or as a gothic romance -just a romance and it is good at just that-nothing earthshattering and perhaps a bit predictable at times but fun and enjoyable
Thomas Sutherland met Jane Quayle 7 years ago and they had a connection. So much so, that he went to visit her parents to get permission to ask her to marry him and was told she was gone. But because he received orders to ship outright away he couldn’t follow up, He was then sent to Domenica and thought of her over the years as the one who got away.
After years on Domenica, spying for the English army, Thomas finds out that he is now the Earl of Magnus and returns to the town where he spent time as a boy visiting his grandmother. He is told the estate is leased to the author Robin Ratliff and runs into Jane who is now Mrs. Higgenbottom, Ratliff’s “secretary”.. He does not tell her he is the new Earl.
It’s not a spoiler to say that Jane is really Robin Ratliff (the blurb alludes that Jane is the author of lurid gothic novels) and the story goes from trying to determine who is sending Robin Ratliff threatening letters to the H and h finding out each others secrets. Thomas and Jane have great chemistry. The housekeeper and villagers, including Thomas’s boyhood friends, and Jane’s dogs add a bit of whimsy and color.
Just when you think Thomas and Jane are headed to their HEA, Jane’s past experiences lead her to a decision to leave and when there is another threat to Jane, heartbroken Thomas rides to her rescue. and finally their HEA.
I requested an ARC of this book from Net Galley and the publisher and my opinions are my own.
Who’s the Earl
by Susanna Craig
Mr. Thomas Sutherland has been in Dominica for seven Years. He is a spy and has been helping the English.
He furtively sneaks upon an officer and sort of disables him. Come to find out he has been sent by his superior officer. He has been called home but he does not know why. When he finally meets his superior officer he finds he now has a title. He is an Earl. He does not wish to Resign his commission.
Miss Jane Quayle, Higginbotham, seven years ago they had dated and he had gone to her father to ask for her hand. Her father said he did not have a daughter. An hour later, he got orders from General Scott. And he was off.
They had such chemistry and neither one had forgotten.
Thomas and Jane.were so surprised to meet up again after so long a period. She was the one he wanted to marry if her dad hadn’t been so nasty. The characters were so good together. The secondary characters were equally as good. I love the sound of Scotland and the green trees and grass the beautiful colors. The kilts are so wonderful. It was so good and will require a reread soon. I highly recommend the book, the author has done such a marvelous job keeping our interest and entertaining us.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
DNF 61%
The cover is an attention grabber, a bit different pose than a typical historical. The blurb sounded really good, but its not the story it made out to be. Thomas and Jane unfortunately didn’t have the chemistry I thought they would have. This book lost my attention and I read more than I probably should have.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Who’s That Earl by Susanna Craig is a historical second chance romance with a very small touch of mystery.
Ms. Craig’s descriptive provided a vivid backdrop of Dunnock Castle and the Scottish highlands for this story. However, I found the mystery to be easily solved as I knew who it was just based on a character description early in the book. Jane and Thomas’s relationship seemed to be based more on their past rather than their current knowledge of each other. Ms. Craig did develop them well at the beginning of the book but once the mystery was resolved the rest of the story seemed to be rushed as Jane and Thomas resolved their feelings, faced her abusive father and returned to the castle. The one character who truly intrigued me was Thomas’s commander who seems to be more than just a brilliant strategist for the British army.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Lyrical Press via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
Lieutenant Thomas Sutherland is a spy for the British Crown. Seven years ago he met a charming young lady in Sussex and lost his heart. He left for the West Indies, she disappeared. Jane Quayle left Sussex sevens years ago. She made a life for herself as a writer of Gothic novels. Living under two assumed names, she lives independently as she pleases. When Thomas returns to Dunnock Castle as the new laird the last person he expects to see is the young lady he never forgot Two cosseted spaniels who love cheese, threatening letters, an eccentric lady writer and a sexy humorous new laird.
AMANUENSIS “God bless you!”
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Who’s That Earl by Susanna Craig is an excellent historical romance novel that also has a fabulous mystery plot added to make it even more enjoyable. This is the first book in the Love and Let Spy series.
I loved so many things about this book:
1. The Location: a rural setting/small village/Dunnock Castle in the Highlands, Scotland. Just beautiful.
2. I loved Jane and Thomas. They were both complicated, had secrets concerning their professions and past, and their chemistry with each other was impressive. I loved their personalities and actions. Very relatable, sensible, and believable.
3. I liked the plot. It was more then just a historical romance. This book had mystery, landscapes, likable village cast, and great main characters set in the late 1700s/early 1800s.
4. I loved the ending!
This is the first book by this author that I have read, and I enjoyed it so much that I have already purchased another series (Rogues & Rebels). This is an excellent start to a new series and I loved how the book finished with a teaser to the beginning of the next installment within the Epilogue. Perfect!
5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
Jane and Thomas shared a kiss they never forgot. Then he got his orders and had to leave, and her father kicked her out of the house. Seven years later, they meet again. Why does she not confess she is actually a reclusive Gothic novel writer? Why does he not reveal he is actually the new Earl? But most important, who is sending death threats to the writer? Very good suspense, with lots of twists, and two mischievous dogs. I received an ARC of this book.
Light and charming! 3.5 stars
I really like spy novels! From the description of the book, I expected more. After five chapters, they are still in discussion about who will live at the castle. I found the pace a little slow, After a while, I lost interest! Sorry, I expected more intrigue and romance! This is the first time that I read a novel by this author Susanna Craig. I liked ‘Who’s That Earl’ but felt something was missing!
I found it refreshing that the heroine Jane was an author who wrote under the pseudonym Robin Ratcliff. She had great success with the gothic theme. She became so popular with her Gothic novels, that someone threatens her for the stuff she writes. But her personal life was different! It is at this point that the hero Thomas who has a lot of experience as a spy, enters into her life a second time. Not many sparks during their second encounter. A situation that I found just plain. I wish the two main characters hadn’t known each other, I think it would have had more intrigue more sparks. Too many coincidences! Jane lives in a large castle, alone with her servants while Thomas inherits the same castle. They already know each other . I did not feel a chemistry or a current passed between the two.
If you are looking for a light and sweet novel this it’s perfect for you. For me, I expect more, suspense, mysterious and endearing characters whose chemistry explodes between them! I’m a bit disappointed!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.