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 ( )

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." ( )