The Elusive Earl

Saints & Scoundrels Series, Book 2

By: Maddison Michaels

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

Length: 11 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

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 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. 

Contains mature themes.

©2018 Maddison Fitzsimmons (P)2019 Tantor

Dora the Explorer for adults.

At first I was pumped to read this book because the first one was well written. Half way through, I began to loose my steam.
It seemed like the author plugged in a wacky happening every 30 pages or so, overall the pace of the beats were off. Don’t get me wrong, I liked the heroine and hero, just not together. It struck me as a brother and sister being pushed to marriage, not cool.
Unfortunately I won’t be reading any more books by this author. When I read romance I need to feel that guttural, burning desire for one another, not a PG-13 slap stick version of Indian Jones.

good

Not as good as the first book, which I loved, but pretty good. More adventure than romance...so if you want lots of romance this may not be for you. I liked Brianna, although she could be a bit much, and Daniel. However, Daniel's constant rejection did get a bit old and I thought was somewhat over done.

I do recommend overall...very nice ending.

Justine Eyre was absolutely perfect as always.

Ehh

Although far-fetched, it was a good romance. The author explains some of it in the end. If you're looking for a physical relationship and passion, this isn't the book.

Define Historical Fiction

I love historical fiction, however, this book is a reach if you are looking for a novel with a lot of history woven into the story. I don’t mind a little romance but didn’t care for the detail of physical intimacy in this novel. If you are a romance fan and love farcical stories with little to no meaning; this book is for you.

Great adventure! Definitely worth buying!

The characters go on an adventure that is well thought out, multi-favored, well researched, and exciting. Good character and relationship development. Believable couple and story. And Justine Eyre gives another great performance. I highly recommend The Elusive Earl.

Unique

Every once in a while You come across a book that is a jewel and by an author you have not read but the reader was Justine Eyre so I took a chance and listened. It was fun,interesting, and complicated. The story had all you could hope for buried treasure, & unknown princess’, villains & a monster villain and of course our Hero who works for London intelligence. Take a chance & listen U will not B disappointed.

Nookyless historical romance? Boo!

If this had been advertised as a cozy historical mystery, I’d have bumped this up to “pretty good” territory. But, this was billed as historical romance. Yet, in the entire 12 hr book there’s nothing more than a few “can’t stop myself” kisses, one minor hanky panky moment, and then in the epilogue she recollects about the night’s previous nooky that she “felt to her core” … seriously?! I had thought book 1 was a slow burn, but at least in that book there was one eureka interlude, not to mention better chemistry and action.

This was a long slow simmer between childhood friends amidst a more clunkily written Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade treasure hunt. The eye-roll rating is pretty big on both the mystery/adventure, and the romance, side. The cliches are the only part of the story that’s fast and furious. How many times do circumstances contrive to allow him to stifle an oath, kisser her, then stop so the conflict can draw out? The time he comforts her in a lightning storm, or snuggles in the dark /scary cave, or he hungers over her rain drenched body…🙄. And there are so many obvious plot-points, like when Daniel says “I’d never be a fool for love and do X” … you can be darned sure the conflict will drag out just so he can have his Jerry Maguire speechifying, fool for love, moment.

If the story is fun, shorter, or sexier, I will gladly forgive the tropes (take Tessa Dare’s Duchess Deal or
Wall Flower Wager). But, this one was merely okay.

I think it was an alright read

Yes, this book did remind me of Indiana Jones and the temple of doom along with other stories. However, it was uniquely its own story. For continuity sake (if you're making your way through the trilogy), it is worth the read. The heroine is smart but can be annoyingly obstinate, the hero is a bit too logical for my taste but I loved how it all came together at the end. one thing to note lords if PDA no outright sex scenes included.

Sweet, Fun, & Adventurous

Brianna & Daniel's story was filled with adventures, hilarious dialogue, fairytale moments & so much more. I loved Bri's antics, her fearlessness and her 'Go big or go home' attitude! There were also a few tears when it was made clear why Daniel is so cantankerous & afraid to love & live. If was so great to see Sophie, Devlin, their kids & aunt Mabel join the fun during Christmas. And of course all of this was brought to life by the wonderful talents of Justine Eyre! She's amazing & her command of accents is fantastic!
As with Devlin & Sophie's story, I really enjoyed the 2nd novel in the Saints & Scoundrels series and looking forward to The Sinful Scot!

It’s fine, I guess.

The first book in this series had tons of steam. This book had zero, I mean that literally. The story was fine, but chemistry was off. The main characters didn’t click with me or each other. Them not having sex was a plot point, but for a romance novel it was clearly missing the romance.

Brilliant book

Lovely book great Storyline also read perfectly I love most books when read by Justine Eyre
If you like a good regency romance with lots of adventure then is book is for you 💕

Hhhhhhhhh

I hope you’re all good with your this is the last time I have received a text from is the day I have received a deposit of a deposit from is the last 🙉🙉🙉🙉🙉🙉🙉🐣🐤🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🐣👑👑👑👑💍🎩

Such a refreshing take on HR

As an actual archaeologist, this was so fun to listen to! Antiquarian archaeology, espionage and romance is an excellent combo! Plus 19th century Italy never gets the attention it deserves. This alone was enough to make for a great story. As for Bree and Daniel; their developing was equally refreshing. Michaels did a great job at the start allowing rapid glimpses into a long history of their battle of wills. And the sudden change as they both became more aware of each other. My only complaint was that much of the issue in their relationship was out in the open at the start and couldn’t have as much of an arch as it deserved. The romance as a result petered out toward the end. Still, the epilogue was wonderful. Really enjoyed this book and more than the Devilish Duke (though it is also a great listen). Curious about Simon and Millie, Travis and Sabine and others... mayday we will get their stories too? I hope so! Justine Eyre perfection as always.