A Ravishing Night with the Mysterious Earl

by Olivia Bennet

He is her only escape. She is his only prison.

When Jemima Livington, only daughter of the Duke of Cowden, is forced to marry a man she loathes, she runs away. Disguised as a young sailor, she boards the Evening Star to escape her horrid fate.

Simon Fitzwalles, Earl of Burhill, has the sea as his only mistress. Lonely but mysterious, his life changes unexpectedly when he saves a young, handsome sailor from assault.

But Jemima’s betrothed is an obsessive man who won’t stop until he finds her…and he is getting closer by the minute.

Soon Jemima will find out that he and the ravishing Earl share a common past. The answer to an old calamity, that, once exposed, will either be her ticket to freedom or to her eternal captivity.

*If you like a realistic yet steamy depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then A Ravishing Night with the Mysterious Earl is the novel for you.

This is Olivia's 3rd novel, a historical Regency romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.

Pick up "A Ravishing Night with the Mysterious Earl" today to discover Olivia's amazing new story!

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Regency

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2019

About the author

Having obtained a degree in Journalism, but with an affinity for literature and creative writing, Olivia Bennet knew from a young age that her future lay in the romantic ideals of the past. With a fascination for the Regency era and a good romance, she started her career as a historical romance author the old-fashioned way: with pen and paper.

Born in rural Devon, Olivia draws inspiration from the vast farmlands of the British countryside and the people living in the surrounding villages. An avid artist, she takes her sketchbook everywhere with her and captures the beauty of nature, which she then incorporates into her books.

Reviews

[Carole Burant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, after reading this book, I feel like I've been on a grand adventure and enjoyed every minute of it!!! I truly believe that Olivia Bennett has outdone herself with this story. She brings you on a high seas adventure with non stop action, intrigue, twists and turns....and of course, romance! Lady Jemima Livington, wanting to escape a forced marriage arrangement, decides to disguise herself as a young boy and finds work on the Evening Star, a ship belonging to Simon Fitzwalles, Earl of Burhill.

Simon's heart has always belonged to the sea but he also wishes he could find a wife who loves the sea and adventure as much as he does, little knowing that she's standing right in front of him! I really had to giggle when he was absolutely horrified that a young "boy" had him feeling aroused and then the absolute relief when he finds out "he" is a "she"!! lol

I must say I was glad to see the extended epilogue at the end, it really tied up the whole story and any loose ends.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Fix Her💃 Unruliness

🏃Run, 🏃Run, Run away🏃 from the Pain💔.
Jemima💃💔, the only child of the Duke of Cowden, has to run away from all she knows to escape an arranged marriage to a Marquess, Peter Sheton👺, Lord Beaurgant. He is a vile cad👺 of the worst sneaky sort, and she has gotten a reputation as an unruly bluestocking! Her father is snowed by Peter👺, and figures he is the best she can do and agrees to the betrothal.

His Lady💃 is the sea🌊.
Simon Fitzwalles, the Earl of Burhill, is a man of the sea🌊 now that he has the freedom of his rank to own a small fleet of merchant ships⛵ and travel the 🌎world.
Back in Westport to offload his cargo of silks and spices, he visits his lonely manor, but finds no solace there. He's ready to head back to sea🌊almost immediately.

Jemima💃💔 runs away dressed as a 👦lad and makes her way to the docks, and gets a job as the cook's help on board the Evening Star, Simon's ship.

ARC Received from Bookfunnel⛅
I also got the book with KU.

What a wonderful, intense and deeply interesting book! I loved the plight of Jemima💃💔, her commitment to find her own way, and her refusal to give in to her father and Peter's demands to conform and obey.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a tension, suspense, fear and drama filled book. The story encapsulates that and more. There is adventure and freedom to seek. Defiance is the word Lady Jemima Livington is very familiar with. Her father, the Duke of Cowden, has arranged for her to be married to a despicable man, Lord Peter Sheton. the Marquess of Beaurgant. The Duke has long been aware that Jemima wanted to marry for love. But because of her stubbornness and willfulness in disregarding what he feels is lady like pursuits he has taken the decision out of her hands. She feels betrayed by her parents who regard Peter as a upstanding decent gentleman. Peter is nothing of the sort. He is dark and has nefarious tendencies. She dons the disguise of a young man and sneaks out and runs away. She takes a job on a merchant ship the Evening Star as an assistant to the cook. It is hard work. But she is determined to see herself through to another country to start her life over. The Evening Star is the flagship among many that is owned by Lord Simon Fitzwalles, Earl of Burhill. One night during shore leave, Jemima is accosted and nearly r@ped. Simon saves her. He assigns her a room near his quarters so that she can attend him when she is through with her kitchen duties. Simon believes her to be Mr. Andrew Barton. Slowly, Simon becomes confused at times when he glimpses Jemima's feminine attributes. He dashes those thoughts. When the imprisoned man who accosted her confesses to Simon what Jemima really is, he cannot believe it. Simon catches Jemima unawares in her room and indeed discovers she is not a he but a she. Jemima's life just became ten times more complicated. Her fear of discovery has led her to hide her noble birth from Simon. She does not want Peter to find her and she does not want Simon to send her back to England. Peter is indeed tracking her down and getting closer by the day. Simon and Jemima have no idea that Peter has a spy in their mist who will betray both of them. So much excitement Jemima is experiencing aboard the Evening Star. The adventure of the sea going to new lands, meeting new cultures, partaking in their local food and drink has enthralled Jemima in a way she has never felt before. She also has no regrets having found her way to Simon. As they get to know each other they become more enamored. But serious trouble lies ahead and Jemima will be cruelly taken from Simon. Peter makes sure Simon pays for harboring Jemima and for falling in love with her. I loved this story so much. It ticked off every box in regard to adventurous heroines and strong heroes. The characters are wonderful including the villain. There is no simpering maiden in this story. Jemima embraces her freedom from society and its strictures when she runs away. Aboard ship she finds purpose and a life she never imagined. This is an excellent read and I highly recommend it.

[Coco.V]

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[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed "A Ravishing Night with the Mysterious Earl." In fact, I think it was my favorite Olivia Bennet book yet! This high-seas adventure was packed with drama and suspense, and the main characters were both well-developed and incredibly likeable. Watching their relationship unfold was truly a pleasure.

Lady Jemima Livington is a spirited young lady who takes matters into her own hands in order to escape her betrothal to the odious Lord Peter Sheton, Marquess of Beaurgant, when her parents refuse to listen to her concerns about the match and threaten to force her down the aisle. The hero, Lord Simon Fitzwalles, Earl of Burhill, was considered unusual and a bit scandalous by the rest of high society because he chose to go into trade upon the death of his father, leaving his estate in the hands of a capable steward and sailing aboard one of his merchant vessels to explore the world. Jemima, who also wished to see other parts of the world, disguises herself as a young man and manages to gain employment aboard Simon's ship. As the voyage progresses, Jemima and Simon grow closer, and Simon finds himself uncomfortably attracted to the young "man." He is very relieved when he finally discovers Jemima's true identity, though that discovery brings with it another set of problems.

Meanwhile, back in England, Lord Beaurgant is searching for his wayward bride and pursuing schemes of his own. I particularly enjoyed getting a glimpse inside his head as Jemima and Simon's story was unfolding since it added a nice bit of context and insight into what was going on. By getting to know Lord Beaurgant, we learn that Jemima's concerns about him were justified as well as his motivations for pursuing Jemima in the first place. He was a very interesting and, in the end, almost sympathetic villain. His perspective certainly added an extra layer of richness to the story that really resonated with me.

Overall, I highly recommend "A Ravishing Night with the Mysterious Earl" and look forward to reading Ms. Bennet's next book!

*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

SETTING: Regency England. Lady Jemima Livington, needs to escape the clutches of Peter Sheton, the Marquess of Beaurgant, (not a gentleman), before the agreement between Peter and her father an be sealed by her marriage. Disguising herself as a young man, she takes a coach to the shipping docks of London, and ends up on board as a new “man” to help the cook. Now, she must keep her secret from all the sailors on board, or else.....
Simon Fitzwalles, Earl of Burhill, has purchased ships to transport goods he then resells. He stays aboard one of the ships as it sails, as he has no ties at home and can thus oversee his investments more closely. As it happens, the very ship on which Simon sails, is the one on which Lady Jemima has taken refuge. What a perfect set up for Jemima and Simon to meet with numerous adventures, threats to Jemima, and for the budding of a romance!
CRITIQUE: With a slight twist on a Regency Romance (putting our H & h onboard a trading vessel), our interest is captured. It is a given that at some point Jemima’s ruse will be discovered, and it is. However, our Hero comes to her aid, thus beginning an interesting string of events. Simon begins to be attracted to the “young man”, which disgusts him. When he finally uncovers the truth about Jemima, the love story bursts into bloom.
As a surprising twist, there is corruption on board this ship, which is siphoning off wealth, and comes to pose a huge threat to both Jemima and Simon. It is this theme that sets this story apart from the run-of-the-mill girl posing as a boy-type onboard ship romance. This is a heated version (reader be aware of this). We have enjoyable characters as H & h, and there is a happy ending for them, as well as justice for the criminals.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ravishing Night With a Mysterious Earl by Olivia Bennet is a delicious, however unlikely story about Lady Jemima Livington, who cannot seem to find a man who interests her enough to marry. However, Peter Sheton, the Marquess of Beaurgant has seen her and wants her whether she wants him or not. Not only is she not interested in Beaurgant, but also she is repulsed by him and frightened of him. He enlists her father's aid to contract for Lady Jemima's hand in marriage. No matter how much and how often she protests, her parents are firm with their plans. If she doesn't marry this man they believe she may never marry at all: her reputation will be destroyed. Jemima does the only thing she can do; she swipes some male clothing and sneaks away to the nearest port and signs on as a member of a ship's crew. Believing her to be nearby, the clues are missed for weeks. Can the Marquess locate her and force this marriage? Can she survive without discovery on the ship?

Olivia Bennet writes a compelling story, which has a totally predictable ending but has so many fascinating twists and turns along the way. More than excellent, A Ravishing Night With a Mysterious Earl pulls out all the stops: some believable, some not. The characters are good; richly drawn and fascinating to read. There are red herrings aplenty and many are extremely well thought out. It is daring and the emotions are sometimes devastating. A Ravishing Night With a Mysterious Earl is a wonderful story of second chances and is not to be missed. I highly recommend it.

I received a free ARC of this book. All opinions and comments herein are my own.

[Patricia Solla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stubborn Lady , daughter of a Duke, wants to marry for love but is being promised to a man who she does not like. The Duke despairing that his daughter will never find a husband agrees to accept the proposal, of marriage, from Marquess of Beaurgant for his daughter Jemima. Jemima tries to reason with her father explaining how she feels, but her father following the morals of society at that time period orders her to marry the Marquess. Feeling like she has nowhere to turn, Jemima makes and executes running away from her family home to find a life for herself on her own. Disguised as a young boy, Jemima makes her way to harbor town and gets a job working on a ship sailing from the area. The ship Jemima has sailed on is owned and operated by the Earl of Burhill, Simon, who knows of the new boy working in the ships galley, but has no idea of who 'he' really is. The is quite interesting as the reader is shown exactly what kind of person the Marquess is, why the Earl seems to spurn society and works in a trade, and how the Duke treats his daughter and what kind of person Lady Jemima is. There's intrigue as the sailing trip to trade for goods has a sub plot of 'smuggling' and revenge is revealed. Of course, there is the love story that develops between Simon and Jemima. The extended epilogue (included in book) is an interesting wrap up with the marriage of Simon and Jemima and their life on the high seas and what happened to some of the 'bad guys' (and yes there are more than one) involved.

[alfawolf1 ~Sherri K · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Lady Jemima's parents decide she needs a husband, they are fooled by the wicked Lord Beaurgant and promise him her hand in marriage. But Jemima knows the truth of the Lord's horrible ways and seeks to escape him. In desperation, she disguises herself as a boy named Andrew and hires on as a ship's cook's assistant. She thinks she has found safety and peace, only to be discovered as a woman and almost raped by a shipmate. Simon, an Earl and owner of the fleet, saves "Andrew" just in time, and swears to protect him. He decides to make him his man servant, and moves him into a room in the captain's quarters. Strangely, Simon becomes entranced with the boy and is disturbed by his desires. Little does he know the truth!

One day, Simon learns of Jemima's true self and is quite relieved! They share passionate times in private; however, they must continue the charade in public for her protection. Jemima tells him she is running from an arranged marriage, but does not reveal her true name. Unfortunately, they need to turn back to England sooner than anticipated, and Jemima fears for her freedom and safety. Will Lord Beaurgant catch her upon return? Can Simon keep her safe indeed? There are treacherous people out to destroy both Jemima and Simon. Can love conquer all in the end? You must read to find out!

[Ramona Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Jemima Livingston, she was the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Cowden. She was forced into engagement with Peter Sheton, the Marquess Beaurgant by her father. She tried every way she could to explain to her father that the Marquess was not a good man and she could not marry him. Her father and mother formed her they knew what was best and he would be best for her. She decided to run away leaving England and never returning, though she knew that this would upset her parents greatly she just couldn't marry Peter. She cut her hair which had been long and glorious she stole men's clothing from the laundry dress yourself up to look like a young man and took off. She went to Westport where she joined the ship The Evening Star as a cook's assistant. She was attacked by a man named Harry and saved by the owner of the ship Simon Fitzwalles, the Earl of Burhill. To find out whom she ends up marrying and all the trials and tribulations that she goes through you need to read the book. It's a very good book...

[Teralyn Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. *

I really enjoyed this book! Jemima is one of my favorite female leads. I loved how strong and outspoken she was and I absolutely loved how she was willing to do anything to do what she thought was right. She had a bad feeling about the man her parents promised her to so she ran. And her instincts were right about that man. I loved Simon too. He was like Jemima in the way that he did what he thought was right. Both of them did not like the confines of society and wanted something different from the norm. Simon went for it once his father passed and he became the Earl. Jemima was forced to do so and found that she liked the freedom that came with doing what you wanted.

I thought the story was done well. I liked that it took some time before Simon found out that Jemima was a woman and the struggle he had to go through because of growing feelings for her. That dilemma was interesting to see and it was entertaining. I just loved this story and all the points of view. It was an excellent read.

[Nessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A SOLID 3.5 STARS!

I WOULD HAVE GIVEN THIS A FOUR STARS IF THE HERO WAS RESISTANT FIRST BEFORE FALLING HEAD OVER HEELS.

HERO is an unconventional Earl who prefers to dabble in business than laze around like the rest of the aristocracy. He has his own ship and sails around the world, being involved in the trade business. The first quarter of the story features Jemima and her beginning adventure, so Simon pretty much doesn't exist at first. When he does uncover her secret, it pretty much went bland for me because they were just so enamored of each other...the rest became predictable and boring.

HEROINE is headstrong by nature and having been coddled her entire life, she secretly craves adventure. When her father agrees to wed her to a sadistic man, she runs away and become a sailor aboard Simon's ship. He doesn't know about her gender until much later and by then they were already half in love.

OVERALL the romance was quick and easy...there was no drama or uphill battle...thus the average rating.

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A typical story of an unfortunate young lady who naturally seeks to escape a betrothal to a miserable man turns unusual when she decided to escape via a ship leaving the harbor. It would seem to be the perfect method, except the man she desperately wishes to avoid is surprisingly resourceful and dedicated to finding her. Tension ensues, and I found the tension unpleasant because I was sincerely worried for her. That’s a good thing.

The characters are well-developed and the plot, as I mentioned earlier, is unusual. I grew to care for Jemima and Simon so when things began to spiral out of control I became very anxious. Even though I was sure there would be a happy ending, I couldn't help the fear that gripped me. That's why when the HEA finally arrived, it was even more satisfying. I enjoyed the book and I recommend it.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Jemima does not want to marry the man her parents chose as she feels an evilness around him. They do not listen to her pleas so she decides to disguise herself as a boy and run away. She finds a job in the kitchens of a ship that is sailing away that evening. One of the ship's mate discovers that she is a girl in a boys disguise and tries to rape her. In comes Simon to save her, thinking she's a he. Simon becomes her protector and soon discovers her identity. Then they fall in love. Meanwhile, the man she is supposed to marry (Peter) has not given up looking for Jemima and will stop at nothing to have her as his bride. Will Simon and Jemima get the life they want or will Peter find them and stop it? They are many twists and turns throughout the book that keeps it interesting and entertaining. There is also an extended dialogue that wraps the story up nicely.

[Cindy C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read!!

I love reading books by Olivia Bennett and this is one of her best! Great dialogue, characters are complex and believable wonderful secondary characters with steamy love steamy love scenes.
This book has romance, passion, obsession, adventure and intrigue suspense, and villians getting their due. This book is the one that will keep you turning the pages! I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, from cover to cover. Extended Epilogue to nicely wrap up the story.

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Alda Delicado · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enthralling story with a love story and an adventure plot that will glue you to the pages until the very end.
Lady Jemima Livingston is to be wed to a marquess but she hates the idea of a loveless marriage and her fiance presents himself as a brute. The heroine decides to disguise herself as a boy and run, ending up in a port town and in a boat headed to Cape Verde. She will find many adventures and love, but her fiance won't give up and will do anything to find her and marry her...

[Joan Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting!

This story was riveting and it kept me entertained throughout. I felt outraged that Jemima's parents were forcing her to marry that horrible Marquess and cheered her on when she made her escape. I truly enjoyed how her relationship with Simon came about and how perfect they were for each other. Amazing story and I highly recommend it.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A RAVISHING NIGHT WITH THE MYSTERIOUS EARL: is quite a tale. I loved the feisty, determined heroine and the things she dared. The hero was a good man and steady in his love. Her parents? Unreasonable. I did not care for the evil that hung over the story, it spoiled some of my more romantic feelings. The epilogue is an interesting touch.

[Ruby Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the setting of the ship.

This was also a book that I could not put down. This was such a wonderful book. The idea of most everything taking place on a ship was ingenious. The anger of the cousin and his treachery with the captain of the ship was so unexpected. Thank you for sharing your talents with us your readers.

Thank you,
Ruby Hanson

[Gwen Hight · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ravishing Night with the Mysterious Earl A Steamy Historical Regency Novel

A very good and wonderful and enjoyable story about a young woman that runs away to keep from marrying a man she despises and she disquises herself as a sailor.There are many twists and turns but love wins.This is well written with great plot and characters

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an adventure!

This was quite the read! Jemima and, eventually, Simon end up on quite the adventure as they find each other through quite unusual circumstances. Although I found toward the middle of the book just a bit tedious, I thoroughly enjoyed this read. Well written with enough twists and turns to keep things moving.

[Helen Heavey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story

The hH are well suited and their story is very interesting. There are over 400 pages to the book. There was too much stream of consciousness of the characters, especially the Marquise. It’s not necessary to the story. A good editor could streamline the story and make it a five star book. I received an ARC of the book.

[Stephen Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful story

This is a very delightfully written story, that has every thing that you could ask for. There is lots of emotional turmoil and suspense, there is evil schemers and regretful parents, all when combined with the amazingly portrayed characters add up to a really enjoyable read.

[Margaret Yelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely fell in love with this book, and Jemima and Simon. What an adventurous young woman Jemima is, brave beyond measure. The storyline was excellent, and kept me turning the pages. I would certainly recommend this book whom enjoys Historical Regency Romances.

[Evonne Hutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical read that is somewhat steamy.
A young lady of the Ton runs from her arranged marriage. Her intended is in hot pursuit.
Is she running into much worse trouble?
A good story line somewhat impaired by immature writing

[TLynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book had lots of adventure and intrigue. The plot and characters were good. Although Jemima the heroine seemed very dramatic, she was very adventurous. Overall it was a good book and kept my attention and easy to read,

[Sharon Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

What a great read, kept me glued to the very end. This storyline was full of drama,forgiveness and intrigue. The main characters were lovable and approachable and romantic. A definite read!

[diana romano · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ravishing Night with Mysterious Earl

This was a winner. Sexy love story. She writes wonderful characters and great storylines in every book. I highly recommend all her books. Diana Romano

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clearly my definition of steamy greatly differs from this author's definitikn.if steamy. I give the steam level a 2. Not a bad story, but I found the authors writing style a little disjointed. It's definitely not the worst thing I have read, a solid ok read.

[JMBooher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the book

Adore the different storyline in this one. The characters are all allowed to be themselves, for good or ill, and the lovely ending to see others can change as well. Thank you both for the book.