What do you think?
Mayfair Men of Mystery #1
An Unwilling Earl
Jacob Ashland’s life has taken an unexpected turn. He’s now the Earl of Ashland and expected to marry. But he’s done that before and had his heart ripped from his chest. When Charlotte shows up at his door needing protection, he offers to marry her––in name-only.
Charlotte, an orphan, suspects her sinister cousin of terrorizing London. When her maid disappears, she fears for her own life and runs away. Lord Ashland offers marriage, and it’s the perfect solution. But it isn’t long before she finds herself falling for her new husband.
Unfortunately, he won’t allow himself to love anyone ever again. And she knows her dark secret could destroy everything.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2019
About the author
Sharon Cullen
33 books209 followersAfter earning a degree in journalism from Ohio University, Sharon found the stories inside her head were more interesting than what was going on in the world around her. Yet, it wasn’t until years later that she decided to pursue her secret dream of writing a romance novel. Since then she’s been published in romantic suspense, paranormal romance and contemporary romance and historical romance.
Sharon’s other job descriptions include chauffer, laundress, cook and mediator to her three very busy kids, her husband and two dogs. She lives in southwest Ohio with her brood although her dream is to someday retire to St. Maarten and live on the beach.
If you’d like to find out more about Sharon and her books, you can visit her at her website. She’s addicted to social networking so you can find her on Facebook and Twitter. Friend her! Like her! Follow her! She’d love to hang out with you and talk about her passion—books.
Sharon’s other job descriptions include chauffer, laundress, cook and mediator to her three very busy kids, her husband and two dogs. She lives in southwest Ohio with her brood although her dream is to someday retire to St. Maarten and live on the beach.
If you’d like to find out more about Sharon and her books, you can visit her at her website. She’s addicted to social networking so you can find her on Facebook and Twitter. Friend her! Like her! Follow her! She’d love to hang out with you and talk about her passion—books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
March 16, 2019
It needed more...
While reading An Unwilling Earl I was entertained at a very constant level. There weren't lows and no reaching for highs, just a middle of the range ...even... methodical... continuous... level. My heart wasn't pumping in excitement, fear or enthusiasm. There was no need for hubby to be close for cuddles, comfort or to chat with when the characters frustrated or annoyed me. It was a little predictable, a touch exasperating and unfortunately a wee bit tepid.
It's always hard to read a romance where the hero has been previously married and loved his deceased wife. In this case, he wasn't really over the emotional loss and had convinced himself there was no room for love again. He does eventually grow to have feelings for the heroine but they seem to be connected to his lust for her. There were signs of his protectiveness but again, I wasn't convinced it was from a place of love. It was more about his pity for the position she was in and what she had previously faced. He came across as a martyr, not a lover.
The suspense side of the story was interesting and I enjoyed it more than the romance, to be honest. It was scary to see what little could be done to catch a serial killer in those days. No forensic teams to dust for fingerprints or databases to check for matches. Even worse, the narrow criteria used to find the killers. It was unthinkable for a man of title and fortune to be capable of brutal and savagely violent murders, so they weren't even a consideration. Only the poor and underprivileged could act in such an uncivilised and barbaric way. Things have certainly changed throughout the years.
Unfortunately, while I liked An Unwilling Earl I wouldn't say this was a winner for me. Things fell into place a little too easily and seemed unbelievable. It just needed to be fleshed out a little more. I needed more passion, excitement and fervour to convince me that this Unwilling Earl had willingly fallen in love.
I have read and enjoyed previous stories by Sharon Cullen, so I will definitely try her again in the future.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
While reading An Unwilling Earl I was entertained at a very constant level. There weren't lows and no reaching for highs, just a middle of the range ...even... methodical... continuous... level. My heart wasn't pumping in excitement, fear or enthusiasm. There was no need for hubby to be close for cuddles, comfort or to chat with when the characters frustrated or annoyed me. It was a little predictable, a touch exasperating and unfortunately a wee bit tepid.
It's always hard to read a romance where the hero has been previously married and loved his deceased wife. In this case, he wasn't really over the emotional loss and had convinced himself there was no room for love again. He does eventually grow to have feelings for the heroine but they seem to be connected to his lust for her. There were signs of his protectiveness but again, I wasn't convinced it was from a place of love. It was more about his pity for the position she was in and what she had previously faced. He came across as a martyr, not a lover.
The suspense side of the story was interesting and I enjoyed it more than the romance, to be honest. It was scary to see what little could be done to catch a serial killer in those days. No forensic teams to dust for fingerprints or databases to check for matches. Even worse, the narrow criteria used to find the killers. It was unthinkable for a man of title and fortune to be capable of brutal and savagely violent murders, so they weren't even a consideration. Only the poor and underprivileged could act in such an uncivilised and barbaric way. Things have certainly changed throughout the years.
Unfortunately, while I liked An Unwilling Earl I wouldn't say this was a winner for me. Things fell into place a little too easily and seemed unbelievable. It just needed to be fleshed out a little more. I needed more passion, excitement and fervour to convince me that this Unwilling Earl had willingly fallen in love.
I have read and enjoyed previous stories by Sharon Cullen, so I will definitely try her again in the future.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
March 28, 2019
Very easy to read!
A nice love story without too much angst!
I loved both Charlotte and Jacob! They're nice, generous and honest persons. Both are aristocracy, but they're so normal, so unformal!
Charlotte was born a lady, but her moother's family repudiated her and she lived, after the death of her loving parents, with an aunt and cousin who are very, very nasty and disturbing. In fear of how her life would continue to be: abused and denigrated, she run away and lived in the rookery, always looking over her shoulder in fear of being found by them.
Jacob was born a common, but by chance has inherited a title. So he's not feeling and actiong like an aristocrat at all.
Their is not an insta-attraction, but a slow growing love. It was nice to read a made me feeling good.
The mystery part was obvious since the beginning, but added a touch of suspense to the story.
A lovey book that will make you feel good!
A nice love story without too much angst!
I loved both Charlotte and Jacob! They're nice, generous and honest persons. Both are aristocracy, but they're so normal, so unformal!
Charlotte was born a lady, but her moother's family repudiated her and she lived, after the death of her loving parents, with an aunt and cousin who are very, very nasty and disturbing. In fear of how her life would continue to be: abused and denigrated, she run away and lived in the rookery, always looking over her shoulder in fear of being found by them.
Jacob was born a common, but by chance has inherited a title. So he's not feeling and actiong like an aristocrat at all.
Their is not an insta-attraction, but a slow growing love. It was nice to read a made me feeling good.
The mystery part was obvious since the beginning, but added a touch of suspense to the story.
A lovey book that will make you feel good!
February 6, 2023
A deliciously dark historical romance!
February 6, 2019
Excellent book! I really loved this book. The hero, Jacob, was a widowed solicitor that recently inherited an earldom, and like to be an “armchair detective “ with his best friend Lord Armbuster. When the book opens they are discussing the grisly murder of 4 women. Charlotte is on the run from her horrible aunt and weird cousin and she is dressing as a boy and living in the rookeries of London. When Charlottes aunt tries to hire Jacob to find Charlotte he turns her down but is intrigued and makes some inquiries. When he finally finds her he is drawn to her and wants to help her. I really loved Charlotte and Jacob. Jacob was wonderful. This is a true hero. He was widowed and instead of burying his pain in women and alcohol he works and spends time with friends. His wife was the only woman he had ever been with! He was kind and a good person. I absolutely fell in love with him. I am looking forward to the next book even though Armbuster the usual rake.
March 15, 2019
This was a very engaging story. Jacob is a solicitor and is happy in his work. He has recently inherited an earldom but this isn’t something he is looking forward to. Charlotte has run away from her aunt and is living in the rookeries. In spite of her upbringing, she proves to be quite resourceful. Even though Jacob was deeply affected by Charlotte’s beauty, he wasn’t ready to take things further. He has an interesting friend in Armbrust and I would enjoy reading his story. I loved the friendship between the two men and also the growing relationship between Charlotte and Jacob. There is also a mystery to solve concerned with multiple murders. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 8, 2023
2.75*
I wasn't expecting much, just an easy read. And that it is.
Both the mcs and their backstories had me invested, plus there are some refreshing elements.
But it's still a mild, average fare despite a serial killer lurking in there.
And it's not the earl who is unwilling here btw.
I wasn't expecting much, just an easy read. And that it is.
Both the mcs and their backstories had me invested, plus there are some refreshing elements.
But it's still a mild, average fare despite a serial killer lurking in there.
And it's not the earl who is unwilling here btw.
March 19, 2019
Series: Mayfair Men of Mystery #1
Publication Date: 3/25/19
Number of Pages: 245
I enjoy this author’s writing style. I liked both of the main characters and the mystery was an excellent one that was well-plotted and well-delivered. I absolutely loved that the villains got their just deserts in the end. So often, that doesn’t happen.
Jacob Baker is a solicitor who works for barristers doing research, interviewing witnesses, and tracking people down when necessary. He is also a widower who deeply and truly loved his wife, Cora, who died of childbed fever along with their newborn son. He’s been in mourning for five years now. He has also just learned that he has inherited a title, Earl of Ashland, and he is not happy with that intrusion into his life. Jacob is in a bit of a snit because of the title and all of his new responsibilities and the fact he’ll have to give up his law practice when he has a visitor, Baroness Morris, who wants him to find her missing niece – Charlotte. Jacob refuses, but he’s intrigued by the drawing of the young woman and what her aunt had to say about her.
Charlotte Morris is the granddaughter of a marquess who disowned Charlotte’s mother when she ran away and married an untitled man of whom he didn’t approve. Charlotte is now an orphan – her mother died in childbirth and her father died five years ago. Charlotte has been living with an aunt and cousin since then. Charlotte’s aunt has spent those five years mistreating and abusing Charlotte. Now that some other events have happened, Charlotte has run away and is living in the rookeries because if she went anywhere else, her aunt would find her. Ultimately, she plans to go to America to teach the husband-hunting heiresses how to properly behave in English society.
The mystery could be gruesome if it were spelled out in detail. That wouldn’t bother me, but it might bother some readers. Luckily for all of us, it isn’t detailed. There is a monster loose in London and he (or she) is stabbing women and cutting their heads off. The bodies are found, but the heads are not. Charlotte thinks she knows something that will lead to the identity of the murderer, but she is afraid of what she knows and just wants to escape to America.
I thought the mystery was more believable than the romance, but I really enjoyed them both. I did come to believe that Jacob loved Charlotte and it was nice to see them get their HEA.
Why didn’t I give it a full five stars? Well, for a couple of reasons. First, there was just way, way, way too much Cora (Jacob’s first wife) in the story. There was even a place or two where he thought of her either during or just after he and Charlotte had been intimate. All of that ‘Cora’ made it much harder to believe that Jacob loved Charlotte. Second, I think the author must have learned the term Dowager, but not its proper use. Dowager is used as a ‘title’ for every titled female in the story who has lost her husband. That is NOT the correct usage and every time I saw it used as it was, it would completely pull me out of the story. I believe the term is in the book eight or ten times and not one of them is used correctly. Third, there were story inconsistencies such as the villain murdering someone with his dinner knife, then later it was said that they were murdered with the same weapon as the other victims. Maybe I have an uncorrected eARC and all of this will be corrected in the published version of the book.
Those things I mentioned above aside, I would recommend this book and will be looking forward to the next one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 3/25/19
Number of Pages: 245
I enjoy this author’s writing style. I liked both of the main characters and the mystery was an excellent one that was well-plotted and well-delivered. I absolutely loved that the villains got their just deserts in the end. So often, that doesn’t happen.
Jacob Baker is a solicitor who works for barristers doing research, interviewing witnesses, and tracking people down when necessary. He is also a widower who deeply and truly loved his wife, Cora, who died of childbed fever along with their newborn son. He’s been in mourning for five years now. He has also just learned that he has inherited a title, Earl of Ashland, and he is not happy with that intrusion into his life. Jacob is in a bit of a snit because of the title and all of his new responsibilities and the fact he’ll have to give up his law practice when he has a visitor, Baroness Morris, who wants him to find her missing niece – Charlotte. Jacob refuses, but he’s intrigued by the drawing of the young woman and what her aunt had to say about her.
Charlotte Morris is the granddaughter of a marquess who disowned Charlotte’s mother when she ran away and married an untitled man of whom he didn’t approve. Charlotte is now an orphan – her mother died in childbirth and her father died five years ago. Charlotte has been living with an aunt and cousin since then. Charlotte’s aunt has spent those five years mistreating and abusing Charlotte. Now that some other events have happened, Charlotte has run away and is living in the rookeries because if she went anywhere else, her aunt would find her. Ultimately, she plans to go to America to teach the husband-hunting heiresses how to properly behave in English society.
The mystery could be gruesome if it were spelled out in detail. That wouldn’t bother me, but it might bother some readers. Luckily for all of us, it isn’t detailed. There is a monster loose in London and he (or she) is stabbing women and cutting their heads off. The bodies are found, but the heads are not. Charlotte thinks she knows something that will lead to the identity of the murderer, but she is afraid of what she knows and just wants to escape to America.
I thought the mystery was more believable than the romance, but I really enjoyed them both. I did come to believe that Jacob loved Charlotte and it was nice to see them get their HEA.
Why didn’t I give it a full five stars? Well, for a couple of reasons. First, there was just way, way, way too much Cora (Jacob’s first wife) in the story. There was even a place or two where he thought of her either during or just after he and Charlotte had been intimate. All of that ‘Cora’ made it much harder to believe that Jacob loved Charlotte. Second, I think the author must have learned the term Dowager, but not its proper use. Dowager is used as a ‘title’ for every titled female in the story who has lost her husband. That is NOT the correct usage and every time I saw it used as it was, it would completely pull me out of the story. I believe the term is in the book eight or ten times and not one of them is used correctly. Third, there were story inconsistencies such as the villain murdering someone with his dinner knife, then later it was said that they were murdered with the same weapon as the other victims. Maybe I have an uncorrected eARC and all of this will be corrected in the published version of the book.
Those things I mentioned above aside, I would recommend this book and will be looking forward to the next one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 8, 2019
Jacob Baker is the new Earl of Ashland, much to his dismay. He is a good and kind man who still nurses a broke heart after the death of his wife and son and who before he inherited, he enjoyed his quite life as a solicitor and is not prepared for the duties of being the earl. While going to meet his friend Oliver, the Earl of Armsbruster, he saves a boy from being trampled by a horse, he makes sure the boy is unharmed and seeing that he is nearly starved, gives him a coin. He meets with Oliver and they discuss a string of unsolved, gruesome murders, then Oliver tells Jacob that his mother the Countess has learned of his inheritance and is planning a party to "introduce" him. He dreads the thought of entering society. Days later, he gets a visit from Baroness Morris, she wants to hire him to find her missing niece, he refuses, but Lady Morris is insistent and leaves him a sketch of Charlotte. He looks at the drawing and is mesmerized by the girl's eyes, they seem familiar, but he still refuses.
The boy he saved is actually Charlotte Morris, niece to Martha Morris, Baroness Morris. She ran away from home after years of abuse culminating in a horrific scene that had Charlotte fearing for her life. She has been hiding out in the rookeries of London barely surviving, but she has a plan, she wants to move to America and tutor American heiresses on English etiquette. She is intrigued by Jacob and goes back to the street she met him on, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. When he exits his club, she follows him. He pays a visit to her friend Lady Sarah and she burns to know why. She confronts Sarah the next day and learns that her aunt is looking for her, Sarah believes that Charlotte can trust Jacob and urges her to meet with him.
Jacob is kind to her and offers to help her, but she is not ready to reveal the truth of her disappearance. She does agree to let him help her move to America and moves into his house. As they spend time together, she begins to trust him and finally shares her story and her suspicions. Jacob is drawn to her, but believes that love is not in his future, he loved his wife with all his heart and is sure it died with her. But he cannot deny he is attracted to her and when they share a kiss, he isn't sure what he feels, but knows that he doesn't want her to go to America. He tries to reunite her with her mother's family in an attempt to get her to stay and even offers marriage. Charlotte is falling for Jacob, but she won't marry a man who cannot love her. She is determined to move, but when Jacob appeals to her sense of justice and promises to protect her from her aunt and cousin, she agrees.
It seems like they will have a good life together, but after a hostile visit from her aunt prods them to go to Scotland Yard with Charlotte's theory of who is behind the murders, they unwittingly set a sting of events into motion that may cost them more than they ever imagined.
I really enjoyed this story, I wasn't sure I would because I don't usually care for stories where one of the main characters has been in love before, and while I would have liked less comparison between Charlotte and Cora (especially regarding the love scenes), I did believe that Jacob truly loved Charlotte. The story was well written and flowed nicely. The mystery is a little gruesome and suspenseful, but I thought it was well done and the conclusion was satisfying. I think the eARC I received must be an uncorrected copy as there are some inconsistencies, some glaring historical inaccuracies and the continuous incorrect use of the title of dowager. But those aside, it was still an enjoyable, gripping read that I would be happy to recommend.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
The boy he saved is actually Charlotte Morris, niece to Martha Morris, Baroness Morris. She ran away from home after years of abuse culminating in a horrific scene that had Charlotte fearing for her life. She has been hiding out in the rookeries of London barely surviving, but she has a plan, she wants to move to America and tutor American heiresses on English etiquette. She is intrigued by Jacob and goes back to the street she met him on, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. When he exits his club, she follows him. He pays a visit to her friend Lady Sarah and she burns to know why. She confronts Sarah the next day and learns that her aunt is looking for her, Sarah believes that Charlotte can trust Jacob and urges her to meet with him.
Jacob is kind to her and offers to help her, but she is not ready to reveal the truth of her disappearance. She does agree to let him help her move to America and moves into his house. As they spend time together, she begins to trust him and finally shares her story and her suspicions. Jacob is drawn to her, but believes that love is not in his future, he loved his wife with all his heart and is sure it died with her. But he cannot deny he is attracted to her and when they share a kiss, he isn't sure what he feels, but knows that he doesn't want her to go to America. He tries to reunite her with her mother's family in an attempt to get her to stay and even offers marriage. Charlotte is falling for Jacob, but she won't marry a man who cannot love her. She is determined to move, but when Jacob appeals to her sense of justice and promises to protect her from her aunt and cousin, she agrees.
It seems like they will have a good life together, but after a hostile visit from her aunt prods them to go to Scotland Yard with Charlotte's theory of who is behind the murders, they unwittingly set a sting of events into motion that may cost them more than they ever imagined.
I really enjoyed this story, I wasn't sure I would because I don't usually care for stories where one of the main characters has been in love before, and while I would have liked less comparison between Charlotte and Cora (especially regarding the love scenes), I did believe that Jacob truly loved Charlotte. The story was well written and flowed nicely. The mystery is a little gruesome and suspenseful, but I thought it was well done and the conclusion was satisfying. I think the eARC I received must be an uncorrected copy as there are some inconsistencies, some glaring historical inaccuracies and the continuous incorrect use of the title of dowager. But those aside, it was still an enjoyable, gripping read that I would be happy to recommend.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
February 10, 2019
Solicitor Jacob Baker has just unexpectedly inherited an earldom. Now he must abandon the career he enjoys and figure out how to be the Earl of Ashland. When Lady Martha Morris demands his help in finding her missing niece, Jacob follows his instincts and refuses the haughty woman, but he's still curious about the whereabouts of Miss Charlotte Morris, especially with the recent string of gruesome murders of young women around the city. Jacob is, of course, not interested in the lovely young woman beyond curiosity and concern for her well-being.
Charlotte Morris, niece of a baron and his pompous and hateful wife, has been orphaned and forced to live with her man-hating Aunt Martha and her son Edmund, Baron Morris. Fearing for her safety and suspicious of her cousin's behavior, especially in conjunction with the recent murders, Charlotte runs away and finds herself struggling to survive in London's rookeries. On the advice of her friend, a member of the nobility, Charlotte seeks out Jacob, thinking he may be able to help her.
The blurb is rather misleading because it takes some time for Jacob to convince Charlotte to allow him to help. She is extremely distrustful, but for reasons he doesn't quite understand Jacob is determined to help her and convinces her to come live with him. She eventually confides in him her fears about her family and he convinces her to stay and marry him for protection, rather than running away to America. They aren't actually married until the book in more than halfway over and yet Charlotte fancies herself in love with Jacob before that, though she just uses this as a reason to refuse to marry him initially and never actually states her feelings. She continues to be overly dramatic as Jacob is the one who wants to make theirs a true marriage and work past his grief and loneliness.
His new status demands that Jacob marry, although he has no desire to as he is still grieving the death of his first wife and has no wish relive that heartbreak again and Charlotte longs for the type of love her parents had, the two both stand to gain from marriage and eventually agree to it. Of course this isn't really enough to keep either of them safe and they have to work a bit for a happy ending.
The writing of this book seemed a bit stilted to me somehow and it took some getting used to. I'm not sure what it was precisely, but this book had me scoffing at it a bit from the get go. I found myself racing to the end a bit rather than trying to savor the story. I think what threw me off is perhaps that there is just so much going on here with several arcs to the story and some feel rushed while others are too drawn out. I didn't really start enjoying this one until the last four chapters.
There was something off and unbelievable to me about Charlotte's character almost from the get go. She's changed so much and become this street-hardened person in about three weeks since running from her aunt. She also doesn't know what a solicitor does even though she grew up in a family that, while untitled, had noble connections (her mother was the disowned daughter of a marquess), so she should've had some education. Plus she for some reason questions whether or not she can trust someone who has apparently been her friend since childhood.
Rant starting about here, be warned: The inconsistencies just didn't work for me and Charlotte just came off as overly dramatic much of the time. Her desperation for help followed by her refusal to accept it was irritating and Jacob's immediate desire to find and help her was only slightly more believable. Charlotte is full of annoyingly cryptic statements that rouse Jacob's curiosity and he continues to be inexplicably drawn to her. Really Charlotte's overall treatment of Jacob was just rather high-handed and unfair and she refuses to ever really give him the benefit of the doubt but expects him to blindly trust her.
Even after they marry, Charlotte maintains that it's temporary because he doesn't really love her (he's only known her for a week!) and she'll leave Jacob to go to America once the culprit behind the gruesome murders is caught. She was just stubborn, selfish and illogical for much of the time and I got very fed up with her repetitive inner monologues about how much she owes Jacob, but how she can't trust him or stay with him and how she can never forgive her uncle for his father's disowning of her mother. Then she is so intent on the vague plan she has of going to America and making her own future that she doesn't open her eyes to truly examine her options and really think about what's best for her; she's just blind and narrow-minded.
All complaints and rants aside, having earned a Criminal Justice degree myself, I really did appreciate the discussion of some very early theories of criminality and the first attempts at criminological study and analysis. During this time criminality was seen as an inherited trait with distinctive and recognizable physical attributes. This novel is approaching a time in history in which the scientific study of crime was just beginning to emerge, most notably with Italian doctor Cesare Lombroso in the latter half of the 19th century.
This little tidbit made my inner nerd very happy, but it didn't come to later on in the book and it wasn't quite enough to make me set aside my dislike of the wishy-washy heroine.
I received an ARC via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Charlotte Morris, niece of a baron and his pompous and hateful wife, has been orphaned and forced to live with her man-hating Aunt Martha and her son Edmund, Baron Morris. Fearing for her safety and suspicious of her cousin's behavior, especially in conjunction with the recent murders, Charlotte runs away and finds herself struggling to survive in London's rookeries. On the advice of her friend, a member of the nobility, Charlotte seeks out Jacob, thinking he may be able to help her.
The blurb is rather misleading because it takes some time for Jacob to convince Charlotte to allow him to help. She is extremely distrustful, but for reasons he doesn't quite understand Jacob is determined to help her and convinces her to come live with him. She eventually confides in him her fears about her family and he convinces her to stay and marry him for protection, rather than running away to America. They aren't actually married until the book in more than halfway over and yet Charlotte fancies herself in love with Jacob before that, though she just uses this as a reason to refuse to marry him initially and never actually states her feelings. She continues to be overly dramatic as Jacob is the one who wants to make theirs a true marriage and work past his grief and loneliness.
His new status demands that Jacob marry, although he has no desire to as he is still grieving the death of his first wife and has no wish relive that heartbreak again and Charlotte longs for the type of love her parents had, the two both stand to gain from marriage and eventually agree to it. Of course this isn't really enough to keep either of them safe and they have to work a bit for a happy ending.
The writing of this book seemed a bit stilted to me somehow and it took some getting used to. I'm not sure what it was precisely, but this book had me scoffing at it a bit from the get go. I found myself racing to the end a bit rather than trying to savor the story. I think what threw me off is perhaps that there is just so much going on here with several arcs to the story and some feel rushed while others are too drawn out. I didn't really start enjoying this one until the last four chapters.
There was something off and unbelievable to me about Charlotte's character almost from the get go. She's changed so much and become this street-hardened person in about three weeks since running from her aunt. She also doesn't know what a solicitor does even though she grew up in a family that, while untitled, had noble connections (her mother was the disowned daughter of a marquess), so she should've had some education. Plus she for some reason questions whether or not she can trust someone who has apparently been her friend since childhood.
Rant starting about here, be warned: The inconsistencies just didn't work for me and Charlotte just came off as overly dramatic much of the time. Her desperation for help followed by her refusal to accept it was irritating and Jacob's immediate desire to find and help her was only slightly more believable. Charlotte is full of annoyingly cryptic statements that rouse Jacob's curiosity and he continues to be inexplicably drawn to her. Really Charlotte's overall treatment of Jacob was just rather high-handed and unfair and she refuses to ever really give him the benefit of the doubt but expects him to blindly trust her.
Even after they marry, Charlotte maintains that it's temporary because he doesn't really love her (he's only known her for a week!) and she'll leave Jacob to go to America once the culprit behind the gruesome murders is caught. She was just stubborn, selfish and illogical for much of the time and I got very fed up with her repetitive inner monologues about how much she owes Jacob, but how she can't trust him or stay with him and how she can never forgive her uncle for his father's disowning of her mother. Then she is so intent on the vague plan she has of going to America and making her own future that she doesn't open her eyes to truly examine her options and really think about what's best for her; she's just blind and narrow-minded.
All complaints and rants aside, having earned a Criminal Justice degree myself, I really did appreciate the discussion of some very early theories of criminality and the first attempts at criminological study and analysis. During this time criminality was seen as an inherited trait with distinctive and recognizable physical attributes. This novel is approaching a time in history in which the scientific study of crime was just beginning to emerge, most notably with Italian doctor Cesare Lombroso in the latter half of the 19th century.
This little tidbit made my inner nerd very happy, but it didn't come to later on in the book and it wasn't quite enough to make me set aside my dislike of the wishy-washy heroine.
I received an ARC via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 19, 2019
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
An Unwilling Earl by Sharon Cullen is a fairly good mixture of historical romance and romantic suspense. Both the romance and the suspense are built slowly and gradually, the latter being expertly written, in my opinion. If you’re new to historical romance, you might love and enjoy this book more than I did. If you’re a voracious historical romance reader like me, then you’ll probably find it to be average. But I feel like I should warn readers that the mystery/suspense in this book is darker and grittier than the usual type of mystery that's written in historical romance. If you’re comfortable with the darkness and grittiness of the Maiden Lane series, then you should be fine reading this book.
An Unwilling Earl definitely has an interesting and unique premise. Charlotte ran away from her guardian and is staying in the rookeries because she fears something…or someone coming after her. Her guardian hires Jacob (a solicitor recently turned earl) to find her, but Jacob finds the whole situation shady and decides to help Charlotte out when he finds her. His solution: a marriage of convenience. The set-up of the book was a bit slow, but it was written in a realistic manner because it took a while for Charlotte to truly trust Jacob. One of my favourite things about this book is the very low-key beta and middle class hero who literally has no clue how to be an earl. I also really liked that this was a slow burnish friends to lovers romance and marriage of convenience romance. The circumstances leading to the marriage actually worked out well for me and I liked how it took a while for them to get married because like I said, it was more realistic.
By all means, this is a good story, but I found the romance to be average at best. Charlotte and Jacob are fine characters. I had a hard time understanding Charlotte's character because sometimes she would come across as very street-smart, but other times she would just come across as completely naïve. The writing was a little bit inconsistent as well, strong in some parts, weak in others. As characters, Jacob and Charlotte didn’t really blow me away. Consequently, their romance didn’t sweep me off my feet, which is why I'm only rating this book 3 stars.
An Unwilling Earl by Sharon Cullen is a fairly good mixture of historical romance and romantic suspense. Both the romance and the suspense are built slowly and gradually, the latter being expertly written, in my opinion. If you’re new to historical romance, you might love and enjoy this book more than I did. If you’re a voracious historical romance reader like me, then you’ll probably find it to be average. But I feel like I should warn readers that the mystery/suspense in this book is darker and grittier than the usual type of mystery that's written in historical romance. If you’re comfortable with the darkness and grittiness of the Maiden Lane series, then you should be fine reading this book.
An Unwilling Earl definitely has an interesting and unique premise. Charlotte ran away from her guardian and is staying in the rookeries because she fears something…or someone coming after her. Her guardian hires Jacob (a solicitor recently turned earl) to find her, but Jacob finds the whole situation shady and decides to help Charlotte out when he finds her. His solution: a marriage of convenience. The set-up of the book was a bit slow, but it was written in a realistic manner because it took a while for Charlotte to truly trust Jacob. One of my favourite things about this book is the very low-key beta and middle class hero who literally has no clue how to be an earl. I also really liked that this was a slow burnish friends to lovers romance and marriage of convenience romance. The circumstances leading to the marriage actually worked out well for me and I liked how it took a while for them to get married because like I said, it was more realistic.
By all means, this is a good story, but I found the romance to be average at best. Charlotte and Jacob are fine characters. I had a hard time understanding Charlotte's character because sometimes she would come across as very street-smart, but other times she would just come across as completely naïve. The writing was a little bit inconsistent as well, strong in some parts, weak in others. As characters, Jacob and Charlotte didn’t really blow me away. Consequently, their romance didn’t sweep me off my feet, which is why I'm only rating this book 3 stars.
March 7, 2019
Jacob Baker has just unexpectedly inherited the title of Earl of Ashland. He was quite settled in his life as a young widower, who sometimes, along with a friend, helps the police with investigations. He has always worked as a solicitor.
When a woman who he takes an instant dislike to asks for his help in finding her niece, he makes his own inquiries.
Miss Charlotte Morris has run away from her guardian because she is in fear for her life. When there are several murders in the area she can't help but feel, it's her fault.
A very different type of Victorian romance. It has lots of great characters who face big changes in their lives. There is also a serial killer on the loose. Is it who our heroine suspects??
I thoroughly enjoyed this unusual historical romance.
Great fun.
When a woman who he takes an instant dislike to asks for his help in finding her niece, he makes his own inquiries.
Miss Charlotte Morris has run away from her guardian because she is in fear for her life. When there are several murders in the area she can't help but feel, it's her fault.
A very different type of Victorian romance. It has lots of great characters who face big changes in their lives. There is also a serial killer on the loose. Is it who our heroine suspects??
I thoroughly enjoyed this unusual historical romance.
Great fun.
March 27, 2019
I enjoyed the chase!
Successful lawyer Jacob Baker and now newly minted earl Jacob Ashland, the Earl of Ashland and his friend, Oliver McCaron, the Earl of Armbruster are intrigued by crimes and have a pastime of solving and dissecting crimes. They have weekly "Mayhem Meeting, as they liked to call it, where they perused the newspapers looking for the most sensational crimes and tried to solve them while drinking copious amounts of port."
Apparently successfully as their friend Detective O'Leary occasionally joined them. "They were a strange trio—the earl, the solicitor, and the detective. Although ... there were now two earls and a detective."
Currently, a spate of heinously disturbing crimes had come to light; servant girls were being brutally killed and dismembered and London working folk were panicked.
But with the rescue by Jacob of a young boy from being trampled by a horse that armchair sleuthing becomes more serious.
When a young gentle woman, an orphan seeks help from Jacob, he puts forward the idea of a marriage of convenience as protection for her and a buffer from marriage seeking young women and their mothers for him. Charlotte has run from an arranged marriage by her aunt and guardian to her much disliked and disturbing cousin Edmund.
Against her better judgement Charlotte accepts the marriage proposal, hoping that dangerous supposition she has about the servant girls' deaths won't bring disaster to them both.
Putting together the trope of young woman in disguise, evil relatives and a marriage of convenience works well in this first in a new series by Cullen.
A NetGalley ARC
Successful lawyer Jacob Baker and now newly minted earl Jacob Ashland, the Earl of Ashland and his friend, Oliver McCaron, the Earl of Armbruster are intrigued by crimes and have a pastime of solving and dissecting crimes. They have weekly "Mayhem Meeting, as they liked to call it, where they perused the newspapers looking for the most sensational crimes and tried to solve them while drinking copious amounts of port."
Apparently successfully as their friend Detective O'Leary occasionally joined them. "They were a strange trio—the earl, the solicitor, and the detective. Although ... there were now two earls and a detective."
Currently, a spate of heinously disturbing crimes had come to light; servant girls were being brutally killed and dismembered and London working folk were panicked.
But with the rescue by Jacob of a young boy from being trampled by a horse that armchair sleuthing becomes more serious.
When a young gentle woman, an orphan seeks help from Jacob, he puts forward the idea of a marriage of convenience as protection for her and a buffer from marriage seeking young women and their mothers for him. Charlotte has run from an arranged marriage by her aunt and guardian to her much disliked and disturbing cousin Edmund.
Against her better judgement Charlotte accepts the marriage proposal, hoping that dangerous supposition she has about the servant girls' deaths won't bring disaster to them both.
Putting together the trope of young woman in disguise, evil relatives and a marriage of convenience works well in this first in a new series by Cullen.
A NetGalley ARC
March 31, 2019
There’s a few intriguingly different plotlines happening in this story which mesh together to create an overall very interesting story. A serial killer in Victorian London is killing young servant women and dumping headless, handless bodies into the Thames. In a seemingly unrelated matter, a solicitor inherits an earldom and is almost simultaneously approached by a lady looking for her missing niece.
While Jacob has no intention of taking the case on, by chance he runs into Charlotte, the missing girl, disguised as a boy and hiding in one of London’s worst rookeries. Unable to imagine what could drive any gently bred young woman to prefer living in such a place to staying with her family, he offers his aid and slowly Charlotte comes to trust him, though at first she only asks for his assistance in leaving for America where she hopes to find work and make a new life.
Jacob is a charming beta hero; a widower who loved his first wife, he slowly transitions to being concerned about Charlotte’s well-being to admiring her resilience and determination, to loving her. He never tries to force her into anything or tell her he knows what’s best for her, though, which is such a refreshing change to most romance heroes. And while Charlotte surviving in the rookery might seem unbelievable, when the reader finally understands she was literally in fear of her life, and with excellent reason, it becomes more understandable. Terror is a great motivator, and it’s not as though she was thriving - she was terrified and slowly starving when Jacob offered his aid, and she was still wary enough to flee at first.
Charlotte is pretty sure she knows who the killer is, and even why he’s doing it, and it’s gratifying that Jacob takes her seriously right from the beginning. Luckily, through his occupation he has connections at Scotland Yard, but it was frustrating that the investigator on the case basically dismissed Charlotte’s information because the culprit was rich and titled and they’d pre-determined that ‘rich people don’t do things like this’. It’s sadly still true even today that victims, particularly women, aren’t believed just because the accused are rich and/or famous. Times really haven’t changed all THAT much.
Though there are a few familiar tropes here, there are also some really original ideas which change things up, and it’s a very believable romance between the two main leads. The historical setting is well done and there’s nothing anachronistic which caught my eye, which means the author’s done some thorough research. This is a proper historical romantic suspense and a really good one in that uncommon sub-genre. I’m giving it 5 stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
While Jacob has no intention of taking the case on, by chance he runs into Charlotte, the missing girl, disguised as a boy and hiding in one of London’s worst rookeries. Unable to imagine what could drive any gently bred young woman to prefer living in such a place to staying with her family, he offers his aid and slowly Charlotte comes to trust him, though at first she only asks for his assistance in leaving for America where she hopes to find work and make a new life.
Jacob is a charming beta hero; a widower who loved his first wife, he slowly transitions to being concerned about Charlotte’s well-being to admiring her resilience and determination, to loving her. He never tries to force her into anything or tell her he knows what’s best for her, though, which is such a refreshing change to most romance heroes. And while Charlotte surviving in the rookery might seem unbelievable, when the reader finally understands she was literally in fear of her life, and with excellent reason, it becomes more understandable. Terror is a great motivator, and it’s not as though she was thriving - she was terrified and slowly starving when Jacob offered his aid, and she was still wary enough to flee at first.
Charlotte is pretty sure she knows who the killer is, and even why he’s doing it, and it’s gratifying that Jacob takes her seriously right from the beginning. Luckily, through his occupation he has connections at Scotland Yard, but it was frustrating that the investigator on the case basically dismissed Charlotte’s information because the culprit was rich and titled and they’d pre-determined that ‘rich people don’t do things like this’. It’s sadly still true even today that victims, particularly women, aren’t believed just because the accused are rich and/or famous. Times really haven’t changed all THAT much.
Though there are a few familiar tropes here, there are also some really original ideas which change things up, and it’s a very believable romance between the two main leads. The historical setting is well done and there’s nothing anachronistic which caught my eye, which means the author’s done some thorough research. This is a proper historical romantic suspense and a really good one in that uncommon sub-genre. I’m giving it 5 stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
March 13, 2019
London - 1850
Jacob Baker is hurrying to meet with Oliver McCaron, the Earl of Armbruster, for their weekly mayhem meeting. On his way, he rescues a lad from being trampled by horses. A frail person, he gives the lad some money and sends him on his way. Jacob is a caring man and always willing to help someone in need. During their meetings, Jacob and Oliver look through newspapers for articles about local crimes and try to solve them. One headline they have been following is the murder of several women found with no head or hands. Many of them appear to be servants.
Jacob works as a solicitor and likes his work. But now, after the death of his cousin, he finds he is the Earl of Ashland. Jacob knows that he will soon have to accept his new title and responsibilities.
An old woman comes to him and asks him to find her niece, Miss Charlotte Morris. The woman is Lady Martha Morris, the Dowager Baroness Morris. While finding people is not what he usually does, the woman is very insistent saying he comes highly recommended by a well-respected barrister. Jacob hopes the young woman is not a victim of the murderer on the loose.
It turns out that Charlotte fled her evil aunt, Lady Morris, and cousin, Baron Morris, after having spent years with them. Her mother passed away birthing Charlotte and her father died several years ago, so she has fled from the Morris home and is now living in the rookery. Her aunt treated her badly saying everything is a sin. Turns out, Charlotte is the “lad" that Jacob had rescued. When he discovers this, he insists that she stay at his home and under his care. He promises that he is simply helping. His own wife and child died in childbirth some years ago. Charlotte agrees and hopes to be able to journey to America where she can teach young American ladies how to win and marry titled English men.
As they spend time together, they find they are attracted to one another. However, Jacob still grieves the loss of his wife and son in childbirth. Charlotte is also determined to go to America. But Charlotte feels she knows who the murderer is who is on the loose and they team up to help solve the case.
This is an interesting story. The first part of it dragged a bit for me, but finally picked up the pace. I think a lot of the “rookery” part could have been whittled down. However, the characters are strong and I know readers will like and connect with them and the book.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Jacob Baker is hurrying to meet with Oliver McCaron, the Earl of Armbruster, for their weekly mayhem meeting. On his way, he rescues a lad from being trampled by horses. A frail person, he gives the lad some money and sends him on his way. Jacob is a caring man and always willing to help someone in need. During their meetings, Jacob and Oliver look through newspapers for articles about local crimes and try to solve them. One headline they have been following is the murder of several women found with no head or hands. Many of them appear to be servants.
Jacob works as a solicitor and likes his work. But now, after the death of his cousin, he finds he is the Earl of Ashland. Jacob knows that he will soon have to accept his new title and responsibilities.
An old woman comes to him and asks him to find her niece, Miss Charlotte Morris. The woman is Lady Martha Morris, the Dowager Baroness Morris. While finding people is not what he usually does, the woman is very insistent saying he comes highly recommended by a well-respected barrister. Jacob hopes the young woman is not a victim of the murderer on the loose.
It turns out that Charlotte fled her evil aunt, Lady Morris, and cousin, Baron Morris, after having spent years with them. Her mother passed away birthing Charlotte and her father died several years ago, so she has fled from the Morris home and is now living in the rookery. Her aunt treated her badly saying everything is a sin. Turns out, Charlotte is the “lad" that Jacob had rescued. When he discovers this, he insists that she stay at his home and under his care. He promises that he is simply helping. His own wife and child died in childbirth some years ago. Charlotte agrees and hopes to be able to journey to America where she can teach young American ladies how to win and marry titled English men.
As they spend time together, they find they are attracted to one another. However, Jacob still grieves the loss of his wife and son in childbirth. Charlotte is also determined to go to America. But Charlotte feels she knows who the murderer is who is on the loose and they team up to help solve the case.
This is an interesting story. The first part of it dragged a bit for me, but finally picked up the pace. I think a lot of the “rookery” part could have been whittled down. However, the characters are strong and I know readers will like and connect with them and the book.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 27, 2019
I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
An Unwilling Earl by Sharon Cullen is a nice mix of marriage of convenience and murder mystery. Jacob Baker a widowed solicitor is reluctantly forced to assume the title Earl of Ashland. Eager to escape the marriage mart he offers marriage in name only to Charlotte Morris a runaway orphan that he met when he rescued her from a horse on the street. Jacob and his friend Armbruster are armchair detectives and the mystery intriguing them at the moment is that young women are being murdered and turning up in the Thames missing their head and hands. A story that will keep you eagerly turning the pages to solve the mystery and to learn if Jacob can ever move on from mourning his first wife create a true marriage with Charlotte. Mild Steam, Publishing Date March 25, 2019. #EntangledPublishing #NetGalley #AnUnwillingEarl #SharonCullen
An Unwilling Earl by Sharon Cullen is a nice mix of marriage of convenience and murder mystery. Jacob Baker a widowed solicitor is reluctantly forced to assume the title Earl of Ashland. Eager to escape the marriage mart he offers marriage in name only to Charlotte Morris a runaway orphan that he met when he rescued her from a horse on the street. Jacob and his friend Armbruster are armchair detectives and the mystery intriguing them at the moment is that young women are being murdered and turning up in the Thames missing their head and hands. A story that will keep you eagerly turning the pages to solve the mystery and to learn if Jacob can ever move on from mourning his first wife create a true marriage with Charlotte. Mild Steam, Publishing Date March 25, 2019. #EntangledPublishing #NetGalley #AnUnwillingEarl #SharonCullen
March 23, 2019
This is the second book I have read by this author and I can truly say I cannot wait to read more! Sharon Cullen has combined all the elements of a great historical romance to make my heart pound and turn the pages as fast as I could! Mystery, suspense, second chances, great characters and two people who meet by chance (or what it fate?) that were meant for each other.
Jacob Baker, solicitor has unexpectedly inherited an earldom. How wonderful you say? Not really because he enjoyed his work and would have to give it up. He works for barristers doing several jobs of helping to find people, interviewing witnesses and research which he finds satisfying. But when he is approached to help find a Baronness's missing niece Charlotte, he initially declines. He is intrigued however by a drawing he was given of her and unsettled by her aunts words.
Charlotte has been on the streets hiding until she can make her way to America. Her life had been terrible with her aunt and she had begun to form a suspicion of happenings in London.
When he does find her, they are drawn to each other and he really wants to help her. But events take off and there are forces that may pull them apart or cost their lives.
Don't miss this first book in a new series that I cannot wait to read more!!
Jacob Baker, solicitor has unexpectedly inherited an earldom. How wonderful you say? Not really because he enjoyed his work and would have to give it up. He works for barristers doing several jobs of helping to find people, interviewing witnesses and research which he finds satisfying. But when he is approached to help find a Baronness's missing niece Charlotte, he initially declines. He is intrigued however by a drawing he was given of her and unsettled by her aunts words.
Charlotte has been on the streets hiding until she can make her way to America. Her life had been terrible with her aunt and she had begun to form a suspicion of happenings in London.
When he does find her, they are drawn to each other and he really wants to help her. But events take off and there are forces that may pull them apart or cost their lives.
Don't miss this first book in a new series that I cannot wait to read more!!
March 11, 2019
What would you do if you not only knew who Jack the Ripper was but had lived under the same roof? Well, that is sort of the conundrum Charlotte, the heroine, finds herself. Wanting to run to protect herself, yet feeling guilty if she doesn’t confirm her suspicions has this damsel in distress desperately in need of a knight in shining armor.
Jacob Ashland just landed himself an unexpected and not particularly welcomed earldom. As a widow still in love with his deceased wife long after her death, he’s sworn off ever risking his heart to love again. His good guy tendencies and destiny though get in the way of those plans.
Hands down my favorite part was Jacob jumping to Charlotte’s aid, even before he knew who she really was. He was relentless in being her protector in such a kind, compassionate, soft spoken, and gentle way. The back and forth of her uncertainty in accepting his help and her steadfast reluctance to settle for a man who insists he’s buried his heart with his first wife gave Charlotte a backbone and me hope she had the courage to make this guy fight for love. She did begin to cave in, however, but fortunately so did Jacob. Him falling for her gave her reason to continue to hope things would work out eventually.
Unfortunately, despite the nail biting drama near the end, I found myself skimming to get to the conclusion. Late in the book, after some very graphic steamy scenes sealed the deal for them, I suddenly found myself less engaged. Honestly, I’m surprised to have to admit this. Up to that point I was so fully invested I stayed up really late reading. It was almost like “mission accomplished”, and the writing just wasn’t holding my attention like before. Most likely because the wrap up felt rather inevitable and mostly predictable to the point it felt like a clock winding down. The life threatening scenario had me rather wishing roles were reversed so a certain someone would realize the mistake they had made all along and regret every single word/delay that kept them from being a couple sooner.
What I wasn’t expecting was the lone gruesome slasher scene/commentary. Brace yourself, folks. You are taken inside the demented mind of a disturbed serial killer and witness the suffering and butchering of one of his last victims. It will be up to you to decide if it was overkill or added to the disturbing nature of this psychopath.
Jacob’s best friend had his back and pushed his buddy towards love despite having a notorious playboy reputation. He is scheduled to get his own book in the next sequel featuring a heroine who obviously doesn’t want anything to do with him. Here’s to hoping that gossip is hearsay only and highly exaggerated. I am looking forward to this lady love bringing this good at heart rake down to his knees and begging for true love.
Romance Safety Gang:
Title: An Unwilling Earl, Author: Sharon Cullen, Pages: 400, stand-alone but part of a series, reluctant to love again good guy hero still in love with deceased wife, damsel in distress virgin heroine, graphic/brutal serial killer scene, a couple very explicit smexy scenes, gory Jack the Ripper type killer backdrop, hard luck life past and present heroine, a tad too naively innocent heroine, no OM/OW drama, no love triangle, no cheating, celibate hero, let’s be friends turns to love. Rating: 3 - 3.5 stars
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
Jacob Ashland just landed himself an unexpected and not particularly welcomed earldom. As a widow still in love with his deceased wife long after her death, he’s sworn off ever risking his heart to love again. His good guy tendencies and destiny though get in the way of those plans.
Hands down my favorite part was Jacob jumping to Charlotte’s aid, even before he knew who she really was. He was relentless in being her protector in such a kind, compassionate, soft spoken, and gentle way. The back and forth of her uncertainty in accepting his help and her steadfast reluctance to settle for a man who insists he’s buried his heart with his first wife gave Charlotte a backbone and me hope she had the courage to make this guy fight for love. She did begin to cave in, however, but fortunately so did Jacob. Him falling for her gave her reason to continue to hope things would work out eventually.
Unfortunately, despite the nail biting drama near the end, I found myself skimming to get to the conclusion. Late in the book, after some very graphic steamy scenes sealed the deal for them, I suddenly found myself less engaged. Honestly, I’m surprised to have to admit this. Up to that point I was so fully invested I stayed up really late reading. It was almost like “mission accomplished”, and the writing just wasn’t holding my attention like before. Most likely because the wrap up felt rather inevitable and mostly predictable to the point it felt like a clock winding down. The life threatening scenario had me rather wishing roles were reversed so a certain someone would realize the mistake they had made all along and regret every single word/delay that kept them from being a couple sooner.
What I wasn’t expecting was the lone gruesome slasher scene/commentary. Brace yourself, folks. You are taken inside the demented mind of a disturbed serial killer and witness the suffering and butchering of one of his last victims. It will be up to you to decide if it was overkill or added to the disturbing nature of this psychopath.
Jacob’s best friend had his back and pushed his buddy towards love despite having a notorious playboy reputation. He is scheduled to get his own book in the next sequel featuring a heroine who obviously doesn’t want anything to do with him. Here’s to hoping that gossip is hearsay only and highly exaggerated. I am looking forward to this lady love bringing this good at heart rake down to his knees and begging for true love.
Romance Safety Gang:
Title: An Unwilling Earl, Author: Sharon Cullen, Pages: 400, stand-alone but part of a series, reluctant to love again good guy hero still in love with deceased wife, damsel in distress virgin heroine, graphic/brutal serial killer scene, a couple very explicit smexy scenes, gory Jack the Ripper type killer backdrop, hard luck life past and present heroine, a tad too naively innocent heroine, no OM/OW drama, no love triangle, no cheating, celibate hero, let’s be friends turns to love. Rating: 3 - 3.5 stars
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
February 22, 2019
Jacob Ashland’s life has taken an unexpected turn. He’s now the Earl of Ashland and expected to marry. But he’s done that before and had his heart ripped from his chest. When Charlotte shows up at his door needing protection, he offers to marry her––in name-only.
Charlotte, an orphan, suspects her sinister cousin of terrorizing London. As if her cruel aunt wasn't problem enough, when her maid disappears, she fears for her own life. Since she is afraid for her life she runs to the Rookeries to hide.
Her cousin just has to be the murderer that is terrorizing the working women of London. The headless bodies keep piling up. The fact that they have been decapitated makes them impossible to identify, but Charlotte knows it all started with her doll many years ago and progressed to butchered cats. Lord Ashland who just days before had saved her from a horses hooves while she was in disguise offers to help.
That help leads to marriage, and it’s the perfect solution but it isn’t long before she finds herself falling for her new husband. Unfortunately, he won’t allow himself to love anyone ever again.
This historical romantic suspense is a page turner. I read it in one sitting and although I figured out early on who was killing the women I still couldn't put this book down until the crime was resolved.
I gave this book 4.4 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization.
II received a complimentary ARC of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Charlotte, an orphan, suspects her sinister cousin of terrorizing London. As if her cruel aunt wasn't problem enough, when her maid disappears, she fears for her own life. Since she is afraid for her life she runs to the Rookeries to hide.
Her cousin just has to be the murderer that is terrorizing the working women of London. The headless bodies keep piling up. The fact that they have been decapitated makes them impossible to identify, but Charlotte knows it all started with her doll many years ago and progressed to butchered cats. Lord Ashland who just days before had saved her from a horses hooves while she was in disguise offers to help.
That help leads to marriage, and it’s the perfect solution but it isn’t long before she finds herself falling for her new husband. Unfortunately, he won’t allow himself to love anyone ever again.
This historical romantic suspense is a page turner. I read it in one sitting and although I figured out early on who was killing the women I still couldn't put this book down until the crime was resolved.
I gave this book 4.4 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization.
II received a complimentary ARC of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
May 1, 2019
Received in excahange for a honest review.
I am on the fence with this one. On one hand I like the story of Jacob and how he is an earl but doesn’t want to be one. How he isn’t your typical earl and doesn’t act like one. I like how he helps others and is kind and generous. But I didn’t like how the romance area of the story was. I didn’t like how Jacob pushed Charlotte away when it came to his feelings even though he loved her because of his past. I wasn’t a fan of him comparing Charlotte to his past the way he did. Charlotte is a different person than his wife was. Two different people, personalities and pasts. Charlotte was fighting a ghost and that wasn’t right to me. Other than this I truly did enjoy the story.
Charlotte was strong and independent. I enjoyed how she found a way to survive and how she helped solve the mystery of what was happening to all those people. I enjoyed Jacob and his friend being amateur sleuths. I liked how charlotte knew she could trust Jacob-this was really tentative at first but as time went on she saw who he was and that is a honorable, kind and gentle soul. Her and Jacob belonged together. Both thrust into situations neither asked for and both trying to survive the best they can. One has a more dangerous route and ends up in the path of the other. When their paths cross it changes them both. Jacob learns to let someone in and love them. Charlotte learns to trust again. They find their way into one another’s hearts. For Jacob this was a constant struggle and that struggle sometimes bugged the crud out of me but overall it was enjoyable.
The story was fun,and entertaining. It had so many elements going on with friendship, love, mystery and trust. The characters were alluring and drew you into their predicaments while rooting for them to come together and be with one another.
I am on the fence with this one. On one hand I like the story of Jacob and how he is an earl but doesn’t want to be one. How he isn’t your typical earl and doesn’t act like one. I like how he helps others and is kind and generous. But I didn’t like how the romance area of the story was. I didn’t like how Jacob pushed Charlotte away when it came to his feelings even though he loved her because of his past. I wasn’t a fan of him comparing Charlotte to his past the way he did. Charlotte is a different person than his wife was. Two different people, personalities and pasts. Charlotte was fighting a ghost and that wasn’t right to me. Other than this I truly did enjoy the story.
Charlotte was strong and independent. I enjoyed how she found a way to survive and how she helped solve the mystery of what was happening to all those people. I enjoyed Jacob and his friend being amateur sleuths. I liked how charlotte knew she could trust Jacob-this was really tentative at first but as time went on she saw who he was and that is a honorable, kind and gentle soul. Her and Jacob belonged together. Both thrust into situations neither asked for and both trying to survive the best they can. One has a more dangerous route and ends up in the path of the other. When their paths cross it changes them both. Jacob learns to let someone in and love them. Charlotte learns to trust again. They find their way into one another’s hearts. For Jacob this was a constant struggle and that struggle sometimes bugged the crud out of me but overall it was enjoyable.
The story was fun,and entertaining. It had so many elements going on with friendship, love, mystery and trust. The characters were alluring and drew you into their predicaments while rooting for them to come together and be with one another.
March 23, 2019
Jacob Baker is a widower & a solicitor whose life takes an unexpected turn when a distant relative dies & he inherits the title of the Earl of Ashland. Charlotte, an orphan, suspects her cousin of terrorizing London. When her maid Penny disappears, she fears for her own life and runs away & finds herself living in one of London’s rookeries. One day a handsome, well dressed man rescues her from being trampled by a horse & both of their lives are changed.
The first book in a new series & I found it to be well written with a story that flowed well. There was a very good mix of murder, mystery & of course romance. The characters are well portrayed & have plenty of depth. I liked both Jacob & Charlotte & although they were attracted to each other there growing relationship was well written, believable & had me enthralled. The villains were also very well portrayed & were truly evil. I look forward to reading more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The first book in a new series & I found it to be well written with a story that flowed well. There was a very good mix of murder, mystery & of course romance. The characters are well portrayed & have plenty of depth. I liked both Jacob & Charlotte & although they were attracted to each other there growing relationship was well written, believable & had me enthralled. The villains were also very well portrayed & were truly evil. I look forward to reading more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
February 6, 2019
Wow. That was unexpected. The first 40% reads like a calm historical romance with a marriage of convenience trope. Then the killings come in to play and it's a romantic suspense novel. There were times it was a bit gruesome, so consider yourself warned. I loved that the hero had no clue how to be an Earl and also that he was a widower who had loved his first wife dearly. It added so much to the book. Charlotte was a bit overly stubborn for my taste at the beginning, but she grew on me. I'll be looking out for the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 24, 2019
I enjoyed the concept of this book- serial murderer during the early Queen Victoria Days. Crystal Palace is featured in the book. Nice touch. I was pulled into this book and couldn’t put it down -at all. Just enjoyed the characters and the story.
March 9, 2019
When his cousin dies, Jacob inherits an Earldon & while he never wanted to be one, he accepts his fate and decides to take it as a challenge. A widowed solicitor who loved his wife deeply, Jacob is not at all thrilled when his bosom buddy since Eton, the Earl Armbruster, warns him that he will soon be the target of all marriage minded mamas.
Charlotte’s mother was disowned by the family when she refused an arranged marriage and eloped instead with a man of much lower rank. When she is orphaned at 15, Charlotte is taken in by her father’s sister, but finds herself in the household of a cold, manhater of a woman. One who has browbeaten and bullied her son into someone who is twisted. Fearing for her life, Charlotte flees and a coincidental meeting with Jacob leads to his offering her help and safety in his home as a guest.
This was a sweet, solid story with likable characters in Charlotte and Jacob.Charlotte is sweet and spunky at the same time and soon worms her way into Jacob’s affections.
Charlotte’s mother was disowned by the family when she refused an arranged marriage and eloped instead with a man of much lower rank. When she is orphaned at 15, Charlotte is taken in by her father’s sister, but finds herself in the household of a cold, manhater of a woman. One who has browbeaten and bullied her son into someone who is twisted. Fearing for her life, Charlotte flees and a coincidental meeting with Jacob leads to his offering her help and safety in his home as a guest.
This was a sweet, solid story with likable characters in Charlotte and Jacob.Charlotte is sweet and spunky at the same time and soon worms her way into Jacob’s affections.
July 13, 2020
Good, though parts are slow. It was not a bad read. The hero is the perfect guy. He has just become an earl and misses his wife. The heroine is kind, strong and in danger. Can her new husband save her from her evil cousin? Very good read.
Want to Read
March 26, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/26/2020)! 🎁
March 17, 2019
I'm not going to lie, I found the murder mystery portion of this book to be more believable and more enjoyable for me than the romance portion of it. The notion that a well bred and education "realm of the peer" couldn't possibly be a murderer was a belief that I hadn't before considered. I wish there had more of a look into the killer's mind, more than just the tiny snippet that we did get to see. I'm sure a look inside his mind would have been fascinating, and maybe what this book needed to push it over the edge from mediocre to gripping. The mystery part could have overshadowed the lackluster and unbelievable romance. Too bad it didn't.
As for the romance, there was just something unlikable about them. Jacob had potential - he had lost his wife and son in childbirth, and by all accounts he had loved her very deeply. It explains his desire to save Charlotte to a point, but it doesn't explain why he would suddenly offer her marriage. That goes above and beyond wanting to help someone, which often made me wonder if he was confusing lust for love. As it is, Charlotte is distrustful (rightfully so after the way she has been treated), but even when she cries out for help, the minute it is offered, she shuts it down and tries to run away. She even become defensive when Jacob tells her he has feelings for her, but that he's not in love with her. What did she expect after knowing him only a week, and even then more often than not she was trying to throw his help back in her place. Eventually, she agrees to the in-name only marriage (per her husband), only to jump into bed with him the moment he brings the idea to the table. But it doesn't matter that they sleep together, or if she conceives, because she's got his promise that when it comes time to go to America, he will let her go. *insert eye roll here*
Despite all of that, I am sure there are others to whom this novel will appeal. The author does have a strong writing style, even if I feel this particular novel could have done with more fleshing out before released. I would give this author another chance!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
As for the romance, there was just something unlikable about them. Jacob had potential - he had lost his wife and son in childbirth, and by all accounts he had loved her very deeply. It explains his desire to save Charlotte to a point, but it doesn't explain why he would suddenly offer her marriage. That goes above and beyond wanting to help someone, which often made me wonder if he was confusing lust for love. As it is, Charlotte is distrustful (rightfully so after the way she has been treated), but even when she cries out for help, the minute it is offered, she shuts it down and tries to run away. She even become defensive when Jacob tells her he has feelings for her, but that he's not in love with her. What did she expect after knowing him only a week, and even then more often than not she was trying to throw his help back in her place. Eventually, she agrees to the in-name only marriage (per her husband), only to jump into bed with him the moment he brings the idea to the table. But it doesn't matter that they sleep together, or if she conceives, because she's got his promise that when it comes time to go to America, he will let her go. *insert eye roll here*
Despite all of that, I am sure there are others to whom this novel will appeal. The author does have a strong writing style, even if I feel this particular novel could have done with more fleshing out before released. I would give this author another chance!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
March 13, 2019
This is the first book I've read by Sharon Cullen, and it certainly won't be the last. The story was quite entertaining, a historical romance filled with secrets, heartbreak....and a serial killer. Well, that was different! But it was the delightful characters that I found so intriguing.
Jacob was a solicitor and the newly minted Earl of Ashland - the very unwilling Earl of Ashland. He loved being a solicitor, dang it all! He was also a widower, having lost his beloved wife and their newborn son. He had no intention of ever loving again. Jacob and a couple of friends met often, attempting to solve crimes as a hobby. One day after leaving his club, he saved a boy from being trampled by a horse. Later he would learn that this "boy" was actually Charlotte, a young lady and a runaway from the cruel aunt who was her guardian, and her very, very odd cousin of whom she was terrified.
I absolutely adored Jacob! He was extremely smart and witty, and also determined to resist his compelling attraction to Charlotte. Charlotte, though totally out of her element living in the rookeries to hide from her family, was a strong, stubborn young woman. When it appears that the best way to keep Charlotte safe was to make her his countess, they marry. However, evil had a way of finding Charlotte. Even though it was obvious right from the start who was butchering women in London, these marvelous characters kept me totally glued to the story. I look forward to reading more by Sharon Cullen.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Jacob was a solicitor and the newly minted Earl of Ashland - the very unwilling Earl of Ashland. He loved being a solicitor, dang it all! He was also a widower, having lost his beloved wife and their newborn son. He had no intention of ever loving again. Jacob and a couple of friends met often, attempting to solve crimes as a hobby. One day after leaving his club, he saved a boy from being trampled by a horse. Later he would learn that this "boy" was actually Charlotte, a young lady and a runaway from the cruel aunt who was her guardian, and her very, very odd cousin of whom she was terrified.
I absolutely adored Jacob! He was extremely smart and witty, and also determined to resist his compelling attraction to Charlotte. Charlotte, though totally out of her element living in the rookeries to hide from her family, was a strong, stubborn young woman. When it appears that the best way to keep Charlotte safe was to make her his countess, they marry. However, evil had a way of finding Charlotte. Even though it was obvious right from the start who was butchering women in London, these marvelous characters kept me totally glued to the story. I look forward to reading more by Sharon Cullen.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
March 1, 2019
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My Thoughts
The murder/crime element of this book had me much more hooked than the romance. I was definitely into the grisly moments even though they sort of took me by surprise. (Who's a creep? *raises hand*) The gruesome details here aren't your typical fodder for a historical romance but I thought it was well done and well researched. Sharon Cullen did a good job with that side of this unique story.
I guess the romance side though, the reason I read it, didn't hit all the right notes for me. In fairness, I just finished Lisa Kleypa's Devils Daughter and that's a hard act to follow for anyone else. So that could have been a factor. I felt that marriage as an obvious solution seemed unreasonable in that Jacob could just as easily helped Charlotte leave the country, as was her original plan.
All that said, I liked this book enough to read more from Sharon Cullen. She has a lot of four- and five-star ratings on Goodreads and that's more than enough reason for me to try more from her. An Unwilling Earl releases on March 25, 2019. Thank you, Netgalley, for the chance to read an advanced copy.
Synopsis
Amateur crime-solver, Jacob Ashland never expected to inherit an earldom. Now that he has, he is expected to remarry and produce an heir. Losing his first wife left him heartbroken and he hesitant to marry again, but when a fascinating young woman lands unexpectedly in his life he offers her marriage in order to keep her safe. In name only...
Charlotte Morris is sitting on a deadly secret. Several women have been found brutally murdered and she thinks she knows who is doing the killing. Fearing for her own life, she runs from her own home and straight into Jacob Ashand's life. Somewhat reluctantly she accepts his marriage proposal. But soon it's clear that she's falling in love with him...
My Thoughts
The murder/crime element of this book had me much more hooked than the romance. I was definitely into the grisly moments even though they sort of took me by surprise. (Who's a creep? *raises hand*) The gruesome details here aren't your typical fodder for a historical romance but I thought it was well done and well researched. Sharon Cullen did a good job with that side of this unique story.
I guess the romance side though, the reason I read it, didn't hit all the right notes for me. In fairness, I just finished Lisa Kleypa's Devils Daughter and that's a hard act to follow for anyone else. So that could have been a factor. I felt that marriage as an obvious solution seemed unreasonable in that Jacob could just as easily helped Charlotte leave the country, as was her original plan.
All that said, I liked this book enough to read more from Sharon Cullen. She has a lot of four- and five-star ratings on Goodreads and that's more than enough reason for me to try more from her. An Unwilling Earl releases on March 25, 2019. Thank you, Netgalley, for the chance to read an advanced copy.
Synopsis
Amateur crime-solver, Jacob Ashland never expected to inherit an earldom. Now that he has, he is expected to remarry and produce an heir. Losing his first wife left him heartbroken and he hesitant to marry again, but when a fascinating young woman lands unexpectedly in his life he offers her marriage in order to keep her safe. In name only...
Charlotte Morris is sitting on a deadly secret. Several women have been found brutally murdered and she thinks she knows who is doing the killing. Fearing for her own life, she runs from her own home and straight into Jacob Ashand's life. Somewhat reluctantly she accepts his marriage proposal. But soon it's clear that she's falling in love with him...
February 10, 2019
***ARC was provided to me for a fair and honest review***
Overall rating: 4/5 Romance and a mystery
Heroine (Charlotte): 4/5 Charlotte is the granddaughter of the late marquess and niece of the current one. Her parents were shunned due to a perceived bad match and when she is orphaned Charlotte goes to live with her aunt Martha and cousin Edmund, a baron. She is strong willed and possesses a very strong character that is not easily broken.
Hero (Jacob Baker, Lord Ashland): 4/5 Jacob just inherited an earldom from a distant cousin and is not too eager to leave his post as a solicitor and an armchair detective.
Plot: 4/5 Jacob is intrigued by the mysteries and Scotland Yard cases. He is approached by a woman whose niece, Charlotte has disappeared and with a serial killer on the loose it is imperative she comes home. But something doesn’t sit right with Jacob about the situation so he sets out to find her on his own. Together he and Charlotte set out to bring the killer to justice, but will the two be able to keep things from heating up between them?
Personal Review: While I understand Charlotte’s unwillingness to trust people, was she really okay with letting a killer stay loose when she knew crucial details? It just doesn’t fit her character to run to America and leave the killer to do his work.
I liked that Jacob and Charlotte meet before they really meet when he saves a ‘lad’ from a horse about to run him over. The ‘lad’ being Charlotte in boys clothing. It was fun and high stakes way to be introduced to the characters.
SPOILERS: I loved the Psycho vibe with the Bates family dynamic between Edmund and his mother Martha. Very interesting to see it play out in Victorian times, I wish there was more of it first hand in the book rather than retold by Charlotte.
Overall rating: 4/5 Romance and a mystery
Heroine (Charlotte): 4/5 Charlotte is the granddaughter of the late marquess and niece of the current one. Her parents were shunned due to a perceived bad match and when she is orphaned Charlotte goes to live with her aunt Martha and cousin Edmund, a baron. She is strong willed and possesses a very strong character that is not easily broken.
Hero (Jacob Baker, Lord Ashland): 4/5 Jacob just inherited an earldom from a distant cousin and is not too eager to leave his post as a solicitor and an armchair detective.
Plot: 4/5 Jacob is intrigued by the mysteries and Scotland Yard cases. He is approached by a woman whose niece, Charlotte has disappeared and with a serial killer on the loose it is imperative she comes home. But something doesn’t sit right with Jacob about the situation so he sets out to find her on his own. Together he and Charlotte set out to bring the killer to justice, but will the two be able to keep things from heating up between them?
Personal Review: While I understand Charlotte’s unwillingness to trust people, was she really okay with letting a killer stay loose when she knew crucial details? It just doesn’t fit her character to run to America and leave the killer to do his work.
I liked that Jacob and Charlotte meet before they really meet when he saves a ‘lad’ from a horse about to run him over. The ‘lad’ being Charlotte in boys clothing. It was fun and high stakes way to be introduced to the characters.
SPOILERS: I loved the Psycho vibe with the Bates family dynamic between Edmund and his mother Martha. Very interesting to see it play out in Victorian times, I wish there was more of it first hand in the book rather than retold by Charlotte.
February 25, 2019
**4.5 Stars**
“Strong people are scared all of the time. Facing their fears is what makes them strong.”
Widowed solicitor Jacob Ashland has just recently inherited the title Earl of Ashland. His entire life is being turned upside down, and when he is approached by Lady Morris to hunt down her missing niece, Charlotte, he suspects there is something more behind her request.
London is being terrorized by a gruesome killer of women. Jacob and his best friend have been meeting to trade theories on who could be the murderer as well as trying to locate Lady Morris’ missing niece, Charlotte, and hoping she has not fallen victim to this slasher.
In the dark of night, orphaned Charlotte flees from her aunt and cousin. Fearful of what is going on under the roof of her tyrant aunt, she finds herself dressed as a lad and literally running right into the Earl of Ashland. Being kind of heart, Jacob takes Charlotte into his home and offers sanctuary. But as their days together pass, they find themselves becoming fast friends…companions…and awaken a love that cannot be denied. Charlotte must find the strength finally trust Jacob with the secret of why she fled her aunt’s home before their love affair comes to a deadly end.
An Unwilling Earl is not at all what I was expecting! Do not let the blurb fool you into thinking this is your typical historical romance. Within these pages lies a murder mystery, and while I had guessed the killer’s identity, it was quite an adventure to see how Charlotte and Jacob worked together to bring the murderer to justice as well as heal old wounds and find true love. Very much recommend and look forward to reading more from this author!
*Received ARC copy via NetGalley for honest review*
“Strong people are scared all of the time. Facing their fears is what makes them strong.”
Widowed solicitor Jacob Ashland has just recently inherited the title Earl of Ashland. His entire life is being turned upside down, and when he is approached by Lady Morris to hunt down her missing niece, Charlotte, he suspects there is something more behind her request.
London is being terrorized by a gruesome killer of women. Jacob and his best friend have been meeting to trade theories on who could be the murderer as well as trying to locate Lady Morris’ missing niece, Charlotte, and hoping she has not fallen victim to this slasher.
In the dark of night, orphaned Charlotte flees from her aunt and cousin. Fearful of what is going on under the roof of her tyrant aunt, she finds herself dressed as a lad and literally running right into the Earl of Ashland. Being kind of heart, Jacob takes Charlotte into his home and offers sanctuary. But as their days together pass, they find themselves becoming fast friends…companions…and awaken a love that cannot be denied. Charlotte must find the strength finally trust Jacob with the secret of why she fled her aunt’s home before their love affair comes to a deadly end.
An Unwilling Earl is not at all what I was expecting! Do not let the blurb fool you into thinking this is your typical historical romance. Within these pages lies a murder mystery, and while I had guessed the killer’s identity, it was quite an adventure to see how Charlotte and Jacob worked together to bring the murderer to justice as well as heal old wounds and find true love. Very much recommend and look forward to reading more from this author!
*Received ARC copy via NetGalley for honest review*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews