The Abduction of an Earl

by Linda Rae Sande

A baron hell-bent on revenge. An innocent earl. A countess caught in the crossfire.While departing the first ball of the Season, dowager countess Persephone discovers there’s an intruder in her coach. She’s momentarily shocked, until she realizes she knows the man. They had briefly been lovers years ago. But how did he end up in her coach, apparently three sheets to the wind?Jack, Earl of Wilmington, is sure he was drugged during the ball, for what else could explain his splitting headache and loss of memory? But who put him in Lady Castlewait's coach? And why?Persephone’s driver Parker is just as bewildered, and he’s determined to discover what he can. While Penelope and Jack renew their acquaintance, Parker returns to the scene of an abduction gone awry. Can switched hats, misidentified crests on coaches, and reports of gossip relating to the notorious ‘Lord JW’ provide the clues he needs to sort whodunit? Jack’s fate depends on it in The Abduction of an Earl.

98 pages, Paperback

Published April 10, 2024

About the author

A self-described nerd and lover of science, Linda Rae spent many years as a published technical writer specializing in 3D graphics workstations, software and 3D animation (her movie credits include SHREK and SHREK 2). An interest in genealogy led to years of research on the Regency era and a desire to write fiction based in that time.

A fan of action-adventure movies, she can frequently be found at the local cinema. Although she no longer has any fish, she follows the San Jose Sharks. She makes her home in Cody, Wyoming. More information about her books can be found at www.lindaraesande.com.

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dowager Countess Castlewait, Persephone has just returned to society after her mourning period so imagine her surprise to find there's a sleeping man in her coach. She's momentarily shocked, until she realizes she knows him. Jack, Earl of Wilmington, is sure he was drugged during the ball, for what else could explain his splitting headache and loss of memory? But who put him in Lady Castlewait's coach? And why? Persephone's driver Parker is just as bewildered, and he's determined to discover what he can.
A quick, delightful & enjoyable second chance romance with more than a hint of intrigue & mystery. I loved both Jack & Sephie who had fallen in love over two decades ago but she’d entered an arranged marriage & he became a spy. Feelings that had never died resurface but they have to find who Lord JW is as it’s not Jack. Charming characters including savvy servants, a well paced story some steam & two mature people finding their HEA – I loved it
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Liz Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really lovely story of two people finding true love again by accident. The accident was the abdication of the Earl, and being put into the wrong carriage. Having been drugged, Jack Wilmington is found in Persephone March’s coach.
They go back to her townhouse, and very soon they pick up where they left off. Persephone had been married off to the Earl of Castlewait, who is now dead, and Jack went off to work for the crown.
It is up to her driver, Parker, to find out the why’s and where fore’s of the situation. He returns to the scene of the crime, retrieves Jack’s hat and gets some gossip from the footman.
Absolutely delightful second chance of love. Well done Linda.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
This is a fun, entertaining, quick read. Jack and Persephone are interesting, relatable, intriguing, complex, entertaining characters. I enjoyed their romance and the path it took to get to their HEA. This two are fun characters to spend time with. I loved the mystery aspect of the story and that the Tattler made an appearance. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. The story is easy to read and get into. A lot is packed into less than 100 pages.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short second chance story with a mystery, great interaction between Persephone and Jack and some steamy scenes.
It is a very fun read, with great characters.

[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author has performed or talented skills again. She has given her readers a most irresistible love story that will have you swooning over the main male character. Lord Wilmington… Jack that is a part guest who seems to have one too many spiked drinks at a friendly ball. Finding the foxed gentleman in her carriage Lady Persephone finds herself put off guard by her long lost love. Questions start to flow from the charming Jack and Persephone as to why Jack s in the predicament that he’s in.
I was quite excited about the mystery behind the questions that are unfolding. The. Sinister characters that stalk the streets at night looking for clothing item and certain people was all to intriguingWell this sounds like a challenge for the carriage Parker. I say Parker has missed his calling. And what’s there a little mystery without some spice that really can heat things up. Oh yes while young Parker is on his merry pursuit or lovers from earlier years rekindle some much over due pleasure.
I enjoyed this book a lot. I give this book two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story!
I have now read this story twice - once in a shorter version as part of an Anthology/Collection last year and again now. It has been lengthened and now reads even better.
It is about the second chance which Persephone and Jack have and how they take advantage of this as well as what they have to do in order to find it.
It tells of an abduction, of course, and how this is turned around to their advantage.
This story is well written, has two fabulous main characters, many happy moments, some passionate ones too and a ton of really good story.
I have just finished reading an early copy of this reworked book and am happy to record my voluntary review of it as above.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witty and entertaining, I enjoyed this romance as Persephone finds a sweetheart from her past ensconced in her carriage. Without any memory as to how he ended up there, Jack is as confused as she is. But it is the street-smart coachman who is the hero of the day as he observes and deducts what may have gone wrong in the abduction of the Earl. The attraction that Persephone and Jack had as young people flares up once again, giving both of them closure in this short but sweet romance. When a case of mistaken identity is confirmed, almost everyone is happy. I received a copy of this enjoyable book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Debbie Henretty · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Abduction of an Earl, an attempt is made to abduct Lord Wilmington during the Weatherstone’s ball. He is mistakenly put into the wrong carriage, which happens to belong to Persephone March. Persephone was his love interest when he was a young man, until she was promised to another while Wilmington was away working for his country. Lord Wilmington and Persephone work together to figure out who wanted to hurt him. Now that she is a widow, Persephone longs to have a chance to get to know her first love all over again. This is an enjoyable story of attempted kidnapping, mistaken identity, and second chances at love!

[Trinnia Greenlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick, exciting, second chance romance. This short fun read begins with a blundered abduction and a villainous plot. A second chance at love for the abducted Earl of Wilmington, Jack and Persephone, Dowager Countess of Castlewait result from this conundrum. From there it's a steamy adventure to their happily ever after. I really enjoyed this book, I wish it was longer. The characters were more mature, chemistry was awesome between them and the storyline kept me reading. I couldn't put it down. Get this novella, you won't regret it


TG


I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rod · Rating 3 out of 5]

A steamy novella. This is an okay read, but the premise of the story is that Lord JW is our hero. However, he has often been away spying so not in England, and Lord JW is described as young, and he is now middle aged I surmise. The penny for everyone seems to drop towards the end of the story, but surely it would have been obvious? Also why does it seem none of ladies he has dallied with or their maids are prepared to say who he is. Just seemed a little odd, but I guess in a novella there is only a short period to tell the story.

[Bev Bridges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughly enjoyed this book, it's a short read, but full of actions in and out of the bedroom.

An Earl's second chance.
I loved this book as they are an older couple.
Excellent quality and great story as always by Linda Rae Sande.

I listened to this book via epub for sight impaired people.
I sow look forward to hearing it on audiobooks.

I would recommend this book. Thanks for letting me read it.

[Jini · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just found it weird that the H harbours no ill feelings towards h for the way she caved in to her father's wishes. It is also a little unbelievable that they just reunite after 20 years and decide to be married.

On the other hand, the author could totally write mysteries. The simultaneous solving of the confusion about the hat and Lord JW was rather entertaining to read.

[DD · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very very very short, less than half an hour to read and write review.

Persephone has been widowed and is managing the estate on her sons behalf. Leaving a ball she finds a drink man in her carriage, who surprise surprise is a suited from twenty years ago. So she takes him home and beds him.
That's pretty much it.

A waste of time and money. Am disappointed as usually enjoy this author

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute romance about a widow and her first love who get together after 20 years when someone drugs him and he is put into the wrong carriage. This author always manages to come up with different stories about the English aristocracy, and they never disappoint.

[Carolyn Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This quick read has a little of everything. A little smut, a little fun, some mystery and quick detective work. I really enjoyed reading this book.

[Corinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story. An unsuccessful abduction reunites two lovers after 20 years. A very nice 2nd chance story with humor, some spice, and an industrious coachman who's up to the task of some investigating.
I read a free advance copy; the thoughts expressed are my own.

[Aj · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining short romance filled with mystery and a second chance at love. Jack and Persephone are quite perfect for each other, lots of fun in this forever love story.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally read this book in The Regency Abduction Club anthology, but I enjoyed reading it so much that I gladly read it again.

[Joyce E Patton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet.

[Gloria Pastorino · Rating 5 out of 5]

A failed abduction leads to the reunion of two former lovers after more than twenty years. I smiled quite a lot while reading this short story and I really loved the steam and the connection between the main characters. The little “mystery” was intriguing and resolved to my satisfaction.
Highly recommended!