A bit fantastical, and there's not a strong reason for them to *not* just be a couple already, so it ends up just being the two of them getting in their own way, mostly by stubbornly insisting that they *couldn't possibly* BE together (despite a stronger and stronger case that they should), on repeat past the point of all reason. The main characters were not that bright in general, and sometimes went into definite 'utter fools' territory (making terrible decisions and needing things explained to them like children before they catch on), which made it a little harder for me to like them. And the story was definitely on the 'predictable' side. But I did enjoy the road trip aspect and the archaeology (though that was definitely part of the fantastical quality I mentioned, think Indiana Jones but without his problem solving skills and prior experience =D ). Italy was a fun location, and I did chuckle several times, so I didn't hate it. But overall, I definitely can't rate it higher than a 3. It might interest you if you're looking for sort of a whimsical adventure story (but with a darker villain, so it's not all fluffiness), (slight) enemies to (just barely) lovers, lol, and characters generally attracted to each other but trying to resist it. ( )

“The Elusive Earl” by Maddison Michaels, a book with lots and lots of adventures, lovely banter and sweet chemistry. While the title would suggest a story mostly about a mysterious earl, it is also about a rebellious lady, with a neck for trouble. On the search for a treasure her parents were also trying to find, Miss Biranna Penderley ends up in Italy, engaged to two men and trapped at a ball. As usual, her uncle sends Daniel Wolcott (the Earl of Thornton) to save her and bring her back home to England. Little did any of them expect to have all Italian authorities looking for them, including the prince and a mad killer. Is it about the treasure or Bree’s unexpected likeliness to the late principesa?

A beautiful, beautiful story, engaging and oh, so funny. There was no moment of boredom when reading this book, as the plot was so well done. The length of it was perfect to capture all the details and for everything to fall into piece at the right moment. The search for her mother’s journals in order to find the hidden treasure of King Alric leads Bree to find out more about her ties to Italy and even discover a grandfather she knew nothing about. All these while trying to put up with this grumpy Earl that annoys her so much.

Daniel is a vexed with Bree as she is. He is so tired of always trying to save her. Yet not for one moment would he go against his mentor’s (Bree’s uncle) words. So he finds himself married (falsely so, but still married) to the most annoying and stubborn woman he has ever made. Being followed by his past, Daniel only wishes for a wife that can maintain a household. Love has no place in his life.

But if political affairs may have an easier solution, affairs of the heart are difficult to solve. But love gets what it wants, make no mistake, and these two main characters come to realize there may be one small step from hate to love. Their interactions are so well done and their personalities well developed throughout the story. Because of the length, we have plenty of time for the feelings to come into light.

All in all, this was a lovely book, with a lot of action. It has treasure hunt, murder, love, family affairs, politics and so much more. I do hope you’ll give it a try :) Happy Reading! ( )

A bit fantastical, and there's not a strong reason for them to *not* just be a couple already, so it ends up just being the two of them getting in their own way, mostly by stubbornly insisting that they *couldn't possibly* BE together (despite a stronger and stronger case that they should), on repeat past the point of all reason. The main characters were not that bright in general, and sometimes went into definite 'utter fools' territory (making terrible decisions and needing things explained to them like children before they catch on), which made it a little harder for me to like them. And the story was definitely on the 'predictable' side. But I did enjoy the road trip aspect and the archaeology (though that was definitely part of the fantastical quality I mentioned, think Indiana Jones but without his problem solving skills and prior experience =D ). Italy was a fun location, and I did chuckle several times, so I didn't hate it. But overall, I definitely can't rate it higher than a 3. It might interest you if you're looking for sort of a whimsical adventure story (but with a darker villain, so it's not all fluffiness), (slight) enemies to (just barely) lovers, lol, and characters generally attracted to each other but trying to resist it. ( )

An engaging read!

High adventure with a spitfire and a controlled Englishman who's an accomplished spy despite his appearance of never having gone beyond the ballroom. Villains abound, some more wicked than others. Legends out from history, a blighted past, murder and treasure hunting all played out in Cosenza, Italy.
Daniel Wolcott, the Earl of Thornton, has spent a lifetime rescuing his mentor's niece Brianna Penderley. Her latest escapade leaves him scrambling for Naples where Brianna has apparently managed to get herself engaged to not one, but two Italians, whilst looking for the lost treasure of King Aleric. (Michaels' author's discussion is a fascinating footnote to the action). However, the danger ramps up when her cousin Travis is kidnapped. Daniel finds himself thrust into the maelstrom that is Brianna, as he battles to try to stay one step ahead of his frustrating charge who consistently battens on the hatches of his holed up heart.
I must admit, that near the end, in a quite enchanting scene, I felt Daniel was channeling Colin Firth a là Bridget Jones. I kid you not! It was quite eerie hearing Firth's voice speaking some of Daniel's lines.
An appealing read with some delightful twists.

A NetGalley ARC ( )

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. All opinions are my own. The Elusive Earl is Maddison Michaels second book. It can be read as a stand-alone. The hero in this book Daniel Wolcott, Earl of Thornton is the brother of the heroine of the first book The Devilish Duke .... so they are linked and both are excellent reads. Brianna Elizabeth Maria Penderley (Bree) is in a bit of a situation, while visiting Italy searching for treasure and her history she accidentally became engaged to two men because she doesn’t speak Italian and thought they were asking her to dance. Her Uncle Sir Walter Penderley who is in charge of the intelligence department of the war office has tasked Daniel Wolcott, one of his operatives and close family friend with extricating Bree from this state of affairs. Bree and Daniel are oil and water ... she thinks he’s stuffy and he thinks she’s too headstrong and impulsive. The Elusive Earl is a rollercoaster ride of an adventure story reminiscent of Romancing The Stone complete with nasty villains, kidnappings, mysterious treasure, a secret journal, and lots of adventure. I imagine the author must have had great fun plotting the story, as I very much enjoyed reading it. More sweet than spicy. Publishing Date August 27, 2018
#NetGalley #TheElusiveEarl ( )