Miss Hannah Pendleton is nursing her pride after her childhood crush falls in love with another. Determined to break a few hearts of her own, she hurls herself into the exciting and hectic schedule of a first season. Hannah finds the glitter and malice of London and its society both intriguing and intimidating. Always clever and direct, the smooth manners and practiced words of the gallant but meticulous bachelors do nothing to stir her soul until…
Since his wife’s suicide on their wedding night, the Earl of Darby has carefully cultivated his rakish reputation. It keeps overprotective mamas at bay and provides him with unlimited clandestine affairs. But when Nicholas sees a lovely newcomer being courted by the devil himself, her innocence and candor revive the chivalry buried deep in his soul. The ice around Nicholas’s heart cracks as he desperately tries to save Hannah and right a hideous wrong committed so long ago.
Reviews
HISTORICAL/REGENCY: This story opens with a tragedy that involves Nicolas and his new wife, Alice, who commits suicide on their wedding night. Five years later, Nicolas, who is now the Earl of Darby, is still carrying the guilt of her death, and is seeking redemption by hunting the man who is indirectly responsible for her choice that fateful night in 1814. His bluestocking little sister, Mattie, is about to start her first season in the marriage mart, and one of his best friend’s little sister, Hannah, is as well. His friend asks Nicolas to keep an eye on Hannah, and to stay away from her as well. Naturally, that’s not exactly what occurs.
This is a relatively short audiobook; however, the author gives each character plenty of depth and conflict, so the listener doesn’t feel shortchanged. There is one incident toward the end of the audiobook where Hannah comes across as naïve and lacking ‘street smarts,’ but everywhere else in this story she seems older than her years. She helps Nicolas move beyond his guilt from his first wife, and she is able to help Mattie ‘bloom’ under her care and attention. The pacing and the tension levels seem to be exactly right for this story. This delightful audiobook uses the themes of redemption and healing, and the power of love and acceptance throughout!
Harry Frost does an excellent job of narrating this audiobook. He is able to differentiate between each of the different characters, and provide a range of accents within the story. Other than the aunt, who often sounded masculine, all of the other voices were believable and appropriate to the story. The recording was clean and crisp sounding, and the pauses were an appropriate length, albeit on the long side. Nevertheless, it is an engaging story!
Carey Sullivan - InD'tale Magazine - 4 1/2 stars (audiobook edition)
REGENCY: Nicholas, the Earl of Darby, is haunted by the death of his wife five years ago on Christmas Eve. Since then, he has joined the Wicked Earls' Club and developed the reputation of a rake. Hannah Pendleton is excited to be visiting London to take part in the entertainment. She hopes to meet her childhood crush. Instead she discovers fate has different plans when she meets the Earl of Darby. His sister is also entering her first season, and the girls' friendship brings Hannah in regular contact with Nicholas. Although she's aware of his reputation, she is certain that underneath the public mask he wears, he seeks true love. Despite his belief that he is no good for Hannah, he cannot resist her. But he has a vow to complete and an enemy to defeat--an enemy willing to destroy Hannah unless Nicholas is willing to risk all.
"Earl of Darby" is a pleasant, quick read for any afternoon! Both Hannah and Nicholas are quite likable and deserving of the happiness they find together. Hannah's Aunt Bertie is a delightful character and almost steals the show. The story begins with the tragic death of Nicholas' wife and then jumps forward five years. At the start there were a number of characters and relationships that were difficult to keep straight. It takes time for Hannah and Nicholas to meet, but once they do, the story settles into an easy pace. Moreover, the climax and final scene on Christmas Day provide a roller-coaster ride of emotions. "Earl of Darby" offers romance, villainy and redemption to satisfy any romance reader!
Tricia Hill - InD'tale Magazine - 4 Stars (eBook version)