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The Cornwall Collection
The Wicked Earl
The very proper Miss Langley does not know whatshe has done to encourage the attentions of a lord,only that they are most unwanted andvery improper!
So when a handsome stranger saves her from hisclutches, Madeline is too relieved to suspect thather tall, dark defender may have a less thanrespectable reputation….
So when a handsome stranger saves her from hisclutches, Madeline is too relieved to suspect thather tall, dark defender may have a less thanrespectable reputation….
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 2007
17 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Margaret McPhee
87 books51 followersThere is more than one author with this name
Margaret McPhee lives on the West Coast of Scotland with her husband and her pet rabbit called Gwinnie who, at eight years of age, is a grand old lady of the rabbit world. Margaret trained as a scientist, but was always a romantic at heart. She met her husband quite literally between science labs, on a staircase, which was an advantageous first meeting place given their difference in heights—Margaret is small—her husband, tall. It was love at first sight, despite the voluminous white coats, and they're still together fifteen years later.
As a child Margaret spent much of her time in an imaginary world. Her family always said she would grow out of it; she's still waiting. Romance entered the equation when she chanced upon one of her gran's Mills & Boon Historicals, and she never looked back. She's still reading them, but at least she now buys her own! Fortunately for Margaret her school library held a shelfful of old donated Georgette Heyer books. Be still her beating teenage heart. Her view on romance was skewed forever—dashing rakes in buckskin pantaloons and riding boots figure in it somewhere!
Margaret wrote two manuscripts and suffered numerous rejections from publishers and agents before joining the Romantic Novelists Association. A further two manuscripts later and with help from the Romantic Novelists Association's new writers' scheme, the regency romance The Captain's Lady was born.
Margaret enjoys cycling, tea and cakes (although not necessarily in that order), and loves exploring the beautiful scenery and wildlife of the islands of Scotland with her husband. She is ever hopeful that one day she will be lucky enough to see a basking shark in the Firth of Clyde, and a sea eagle in Skye.
Margaret McPhee lives on the West Coast of Scotland with her husband and her pet rabbit called Gwinnie who, at eight years of age, is a grand old lady of the rabbit world. Margaret trained as a scientist, but was always a romantic at heart. She met her husband quite literally between science labs, on a staircase, which was an advantageous first meeting place given their difference in heights—Margaret is small—her husband, tall. It was love at first sight, despite the voluminous white coats, and they're still together fifteen years later.
As a child Margaret spent much of her time in an imaginary world. Her family always said she would grow out of it; she's still waiting. Romance entered the equation when she chanced upon one of her gran's Mills & Boon Historicals, and she never looked back. She's still reading them, but at least she now buys her own! Fortunately for Margaret her school library held a shelfful of old donated Georgette Heyer books. Be still her beating teenage heart. Her view on romance was skewed forever—dashing rakes in buckskin pantaloons and riding boots figure in it somewhere!
Margaret wrote two manuscripts and suffered numerous rejections from publishers and agents before joining the Romantic Novelists Association. A further two manuscripts later and with help from the Romantic Novelists Association's new writers' scheme, the regency romance The Captain's Lady was born.
Margaret enjoys cycling, tea and cakes (although not necessarily in that order), and loves exploring the beautiful scenery and wildlife of the islands of Scotland with her husband. She is ever hopeful that one day she will be lucky enough to see a basking shark in the Firth of Clyde, and a sea eagle in Skye.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 2, 2022
Wow, one real nasty guy in this story.
January 11, 2012
This book features:
1. one 'wicked' male protagonist
2. one 'plain' wallflower
3. said wallflower's ambitious mama
4. a one-dimensional villain, who's had prior run-ins with our hero and now pursues our heroine relentlessly with mal intent
5. the common goal of thwarting this villain
6. a hasty marriage of convenience-in name only, of course
7. two protagonists who immediately begin to regret the 'in name only' part of their agreement
8. communication problems a mile wide
9. misunderstandings, both numerous and long running
10. a hint of the preternatural
In short it reads a bit like How to Write a Historical Romance in 10 Easy Steps and yet…I love it!!
This was the first Historical Romance I ever read, and all these years later I still like to pick it back up every now and then. Classic.
1. one 'wicked' male protagonist
2. one 'plain' wallflower
3. said wallflower's ambitious mama
4. a one-dimensional villain, who's had prior run-ins with our hero and now pursues our heroine relentlessly with mal intent
5. the common goal of thwarting this villain
6. a hasty marriage of convenience-in name only, of course
7. two protagonists who immediately begin to regret the 'in name only' part of their agreement
8. communication problems a mile wide
9. misunderstandings, both numerous and long running
10. a hint of the preternatural
In short it reads a bit like How to Write a Historical Romance in 10 Easy Steps and yet…I love it!!
This was the first Historical Romance I ever read, and all these years later I still like to pick it back up every now and then. Classic.
January 10, 2018
Qué se yo... meh.. psé
El tema era interesante: un conde y un barón buscan venganza mutua por algo que pasó hace cinco años. Podría haber sido un thriller genial, pero el lector sabe todo por lo que las dudas de la protagonista (que no tiene claro quién es el malo) no tienen tanta gracia.
Pasa.
El tema era interesante: un conde y un barón buscan venganza mutua por algo que pasó hace cinco años. Podría haber sido un thriller genial, pero el lector sabe todo por lo que las dudas de la protagonista (que no tiene claro quién es el malo) no tienen tanta gracia.
Pasa.
July 28, 2011
What an interesting story, and plot as well. Margaret McPhee drove me mad with characters that made me wanted to kick their butts, badly. Start from Madeline's mother. Aaaargh... What kind of a mother she was?! And Farquharson? Ooh, I don't know where to start or what to say except I'm glad he's dead. Not surprising actually.
As for Madeline and Lucien, their misunderstanding toward each other were quiet understood. Especially when Farquharson tried to trick them and had them fooled. But it's a bit disappointing that Lucien solved the problem of his suspicion toward Madeline so easily.
But anyway, it's a very entertaining one. Love it!
As for Madeline and Lucien, their misunderstanding toward each other were quiet understood. Especially when Farquharson tried to trick them and had them fooled. But it's a bit disappointing that Lucien solved the problem of his suspicion toward Madeline so easily.
But anyway, it's a very entertaining one. Love it!
July 15, 2009
Very good read. I felt so sorry for them and wished that they could have realized their feelings for each other sooner! Hes not wicked, hes just misunderstood!
July 27, 2014
Review Courtesy of April Hollingworth
The Wicked Earl is entrancing and delicious. Filled with a wonderful cast of characters. A must read, fantastically brilliant Regency romance. I adored it.
Opening Scene:
London-February 1814
"Sit up straight, Madeline. And can you not at least attempt to look as if you're enjoying the play?"
The Review:
Madeline is shocked at having caught the unwanted attention of Lord Farquharson. There's something about him that makes her skin crawl. Her mother is delighted at the prospect of having Madeline her plain oldest daughter betrothed to a Lord, no matter the fact that Madeline has made it abundantly clear that she doesn't like or trust him. After being rescued by a handsome tall dark stranger, from the unwanted clutches of Lord Farquharson, she has no idea that her rescuer has a rather disreputable reputation himself.
Known as The Wicked Earl, Lucien Tregellas is determined to protect Madeline Langley from Lord Farquharson, for he knows exactly what the evil man is capable of. As he strives to protect her no matter what, he doesn’t expect his heart to be captured by the innocent woman. But can they find happiness with each other, when secrets and danger lurk everywhere.
Notable Scene:
Those pale eyes watched her a moment longer before he said, “Don’t thank me, Miss Langley, just stay away from Farquharson.”
She chewed at her bottom lip, wondering whether to tell him. He would think the worst of her if she did not, and somehow the stranger’s opinion mattered very much to Madeline. “Sir,” she said shyly.
“Miss Langley,” he replied and cocked his eyebrow.
The lip received several nasty nips from her teeth. She looked at him, and then looked at him some more.
“Was there something you wished to tell me, Miss Langley?”
Madeline twisted her hands together. “It’s…just that Lord Farquharson has claimed me for the waltz. Perhaps he will not recover in time, but-“
“Recover?” her defender enquired. “What in Hades did you do to him?”
“My father showed me how to disable a man by using my knee, should the occasion ever arise.”
His mouth gave only the smallest suggestion of a smile. “And the occasion arose.”
“Yes,” she said simply.
They looked at one another.
“Find whatever excuse you must, Miss Langley, but do not waltz with Farquharson.”
Madeline seriously doubted that the Prince Regent himself could come up with an excuse acceptable to her mother. But there was always the chance, after the incident in the bedchamber, that Lord Farquharson would have changed his mind over dancing with her. “I’ll try,” she said. And she was gone, her feet padding softly down the cold stone stairs that would lead her back to the ballroom.
The Wicked Earl is entrancing and delicious. Filled with a wonderful cast of characters. A must read, fantastically brilliant Regency romance. I adored it.
Opening Scene:
London-February 1814
"Sit up straight, Madeline. And can you not at least attempt to look as if you're enjoying the play?"
The Review:
Madeline is shocked at having caught the unwanted attention of Lord Farquharson. There's something about him that makes her skin crawl. Her mother is delighted at the prospect of having Madeline her plain oldest daughter betrothed to a Lord, no matter the fact that Madeline has made it abundantly clear that she doesn't like or trust him. After being rescued by a handsome tall dark stranger, from the unwanted clutches of Lord Farquharson, she has no idea that her rescuer has a rather disreputable reputation himself.
Known as The Wicked Earl, Lucien Tregellas is determined to protect Madeline Langley from Lord Farquharson, for he knows exactly what the evil man is capable of. As he strives to protect her no matter what, he doesn’t expect his heart to be captured by the innocent woman. But can they find happiness with each other, when secrets and danger lurk everywhere.
Notable Scene:
Those pale eyes watched her a moment longer before he said, “Don’t thank me, Miss Langley, just stay away from Farquharson.”
She chewed at her bottom lip, wondering whether to tell him. He would think the worst of her if she did not, and somehow the stranger’s opinion mattered very much to Madeline. “Sir,” she said shyly.
“Miss Langley,” he replied and cocked his eyebrow.
The lip received several nasty nips from her teeth. She looked at him, and then looked at him some more.
“Was there something you wished to tell me, Miss Langley?”
Madeline twisted her hands together. “It’s…just that Lord Farquharson has claimed me for the waltz. Perhaps he will not recover in time, but-“
“Recover?” her defender enquired. “What in Hades did you do to him?”
“My father showed me how to disable a man by using my knee, should the occasion ever arise.”
His mouth gave only the smallest suggestion of a smile. “And the occasion arose.”
“Yes,” she said simply.
They looked at one another.
“Find whatever excuse you must, Miss Langley, but do not waltz with Farquharson.”
Madeline seriously doubted that the Prince Regent himself could come up with an excuse acceptable to her mother. But there was always the chance, after the incident in the bedchamber, that Lord Farquharson would have changed his mind over dancing with her. “I’ll try,” she said. And she was gone, her feet padding softly down the cold stone stairs that would lead her back to the ballroom.
May 26, 2016
This has all the historical romance novels typical elements, and for a while it works quite well. Those tropes are popular for a reason after all. Besides, the story telling flows pretty well.
But for anyone who isn't new to the genre, the story gets so predictable as to become dull. I love the rake and spinster archetypes, but you gotta infuse the characters with a bit more flavour than that if you want to avoid stereotypes.
As it is, and more than halfway through the novel, I can't tell you much more about our MCs, or why they felt the need to fall in love.
Still, the writing is good, the sex (and kiss, and leading-up-to-sex) scenes are quite hot. They just lack a sprinkle of originality that would have made this consummate romance novel reader more interested. I think it'd make a wonderful first read for someone who discovers the genre though.
But for anyone who isn't new to the genre, the story gets so predictable as to become dull. I love the rake and spinster archetypes, but you gotta infuse the characters with a bit more flavour than that if you want to avoid stereotypes.
As it is, and more than halfway through the novel, I can't tell you much more about our MCs, or why they felt the need to fall in love.
Still, the writing is good, the sex (and kiss, and leading-up-to-sex) scenes are quite hot. They just lack a sprinkle of originality that would have made this consummate romance novel reader more interested. I think it'd make a wonderful first read for someone who discovers the genre though.
April 5, 2010
The bones of this story are very good and the plot keeps the reader turning pages but the characters become increasingly annoying as the plot unfolds. Neither are ever just open and honest with the other but let assumptions and misunderstandings drive their actions. This is understandable in the beginning but after months of marriage it's just ridiculous that someone doesn't just open up and TALK!
January 8, 2015
i found the book tedious and lucien was so obviously not in love wid madeleine. he was making amends for what happened to his ex!so what better way than falling for the next victim and caring for her!? madeleine was naive, actually replying to the vilain's letter asking him to leave them in peace!? u think u ask and he will just listen to u!?
June 12, 2011
Interesting. Barely a 4 though. The H/H could have been honest with each other, but then there wouldn't have been much of a story. Madeline drove me a bit crazy through about 80% of the book. She did redeem herself at the end.
November 9, 2011
Romantic regency, Madeleine gets rescue from an unwanted proposal by a wicked Earl. A new take on damsel in distress, loved it and want to read more from Margaret McPhee. The villain was creep-worthy and sneaky and the hero was nom-nom =)
October 5, 2011
Loved it!
December 5, 2011
Really enjoyed it. Thought it was very well written.
April 19, 2023
I want to love this because it's not all aching passion and smut, which is a huge mark in its favor, don't get me wrong, however the story feels kind of thin. I was curious about the backstory we only slowly got pieces of. That was handled very well and I can't fault it. But then the actual backstory doesn't work. But WHY? The main event can be explained away as opportunistic (though that's still the reader writing the story for the author), all the animosity between these men - animosity which drives the entire plot - goes back to this event. But the event itself requires, at least on one side, pre-existing animosity. So whyyyyyy?
That's not to say it wasn't a fun ride. My only other complaint is that half the cast disappears midway through, never to be seen or matter again, because we're doing the "couple goes off to the country and is weirdly isolated" thing a lot of romances do. I'm not a fan, but it's a common enough trope of the genre I'm willing to let it slide.
Like I said, actually getting through the story was entertaining, even if the end result was lacking. The characters were refreshingly not-dumb, choosing to believe the best of each other or actually speak to one another rather than fall into romcom cliches. That's enough to get it over the hump to three stars, but it was close.
That's not to say it wasn't a fun ride. My only other complaint is that half the cast disappears midway through, never to be seen or matter again, because we're doing the "couple goes off to the country and is weirdly isolated" thing a lot of romances do. I'm not a fan, but it's a common enough trope of the genre I'm willing to let it slide.
Like I said, actually getting through the story was entertaining, even if the end result was lacking. The characters were refreshingly not-dumb, choosing to believe the best of each other or actually speak to one another rather than fall into romcom cliches. That's enough to get it over the hump to three stars, but it was close.
June 13, 2022
Zhýralý hrabě je vlastně vévoda? (s. 55, 112 muže, který měl titul vévody)
Nepobrala jsem scénu na s. 246, kdy hrdina
s. 256 „...teď zavraždí i svou ženu. (...) Všichni budou věřit, že tě Tregellas unesl a znásilnil a pak přinutil k vraždě.“
Přinutil k vraždě? To nedává smysl.
s. 221 uždíbla kousek rohlíku / s. 223 nedojedený preclík.
s. 24 svěřit“ [svěřit.“]
s. 75 Ruka [Ruku]
s. 100 Lord [lord]
Nepobrala jsem scénu na s. 246, kdy hrdina
s. 256 „...teď zavraždí i svou ženu. (...) Všichni budou věřit, že tě Tregellas unesl a znásilnil a pak přinutil k vraždě.“
Přinutil k vraždě? To nedává smysl.
s. 221 uždíbla kousek rohlíku / s. 223 nedojedený preclík.
s. 24 svěřit“ [svěřit.“]
s. 75 Ruka [Ruku]
s. 100 Lord [lord]
July 10, 2017
This is the 5th book I have read by Margaret McPhee and none of her books have disappointed. This is a tale of vengeance and redemption and has the additional impetus of a really evil villain. The plot moves forward at a good steady pace and holds your interest. One little niggle. I found Madeleine's doubts and lack of trust in our hero, after all he had done, a little irritating, but never-the less a good read.
Margaret Phee has become another of my favourite authors. it would appear that the author has had a British education (I could be wrong) and unlike SOME American authors has a better feel for Regency history, and it shows. I will be reading more of Margaret McPhee
Margaret Phee has become another of my favourite authors. it would appear that the author has had a British education (I could be wrong) and unlike SOME American authors has a better feel for Regency history, and it shows. I will be reading more of Margaret McPhee
November 29, 2025
4.5⭐
Really enjoyed the feel aka atmosphere of this book. The dialogue was superb and quite often I caught myself actually laughing aloud. Earl Tregellas, Lucien, played the chivalrous white knight even though from the beginning London believes him one wicked man. And Madeline proved to us that bravery comes in leaps and bounds when least expected. Every character in this book was deliberate and well thought out; adding depth to the story line, from the villain down to the servants. The pacing was slow but it really added to the suspense. And when the secrets were unearthed and Farquharson extinguished the ending was just right👌 All in all a nice lil read😊
Really enjoyed the feel aka atmosphere of this book. The dialogue was superb and quite often I caught myself actually laughing aloud. Earl Tregellas, Lucien, played the chivalrous white knight even though from the beginning London believes him one wicked man. And Madeline proved to us that bravery comes in leaps and bounds when least expected. Every character in this book was deliberate and well thought out; adding depth to the story line, from the villain down to the servants. The pacing was slow but it really added to the suspense. And when the secrets were unearthed and Farquharson extinguished the ending was just right👌 All in all a nice lil read😊
December 17, 2018
One star is about as high as I can go. I thought I could give it two, but really, it's just not good enough.
Boring heroine (Madeline) and hero (Lucien), preposterous plot (crazy sadistic dude wants to torture poor innocent Madeline), weak writing. Ugh.
Boring heroine (Madeline) and hero (Lucien), preposterous plot (crazy sadistic dude wants to torture poor innocent Madeline), weak writing. Ugh.
February 24, 2025
got this for christmas and have been wanting to get into mass market paperback romances for a while now. i enjoyed this one. it had a good amount of adventure and storyline. i love a miscommunication trope!!
June 14, 2017
Simplemente me encanto!!! :3
November 3, 2017
leído en Julio 2011
Me gustó!!
Me gustó!!
August 9, 2018
Great. Not that bad, not that good.
April 20, 2019
Love it
It was so romantic and suspenseful. I couldn't out it down it warmed my heart in a price and prejudice kind of way
It was so romantic and suspenseful. I couldn't out it down it warmed my heart in a price and prejudice kind of way
Read
June 25, 2021Read 2021
May 17, 2023
Set in 1814 Lucien, the Earl Tregellas impulsively marries Madeline Langley to foil the plans of his rival.
The story is slightly melodramatic.
The story is slightly melodramatic.
November 30, 2023
I loved it SO much
February 17, 2016
This book was fun to read. A young girl's life is in danger when her mother tries to push a certain well-to-do man from court on her. The guy gives the girl a horrible case of the creeps and it's just gets worst when an Earl with a wicked reputation tells her her life is in danger if she marries this man. It's a good story full of mystery and love and murder.
January 1, 2014
I love reading the Regency romances involving Rakes, especially when they find themselves fallen in love. Who doesn't want to be swept off their feet by the bad boy. And all those prim & proper misses hide such unbridled passions, that really just need to be allowed to come out to play.
Really enjoyed this one.
Really enjoyed this one.
August 9, 2016
This is the first proper romance novel I've read in over 10 years, so my review might be biased. Overall, I thought it was an entertaining read! I enjoyed the conflict/villain. My one gripe is that the protagonists were pretty stupid/wishy washy about their mutual attraction towards each other. Is that normal in romance novels?!
November 24, 2015
Me he encontrado esta novela de Harlequin, entre los libros de mi madre. Y confieso que crecí con estas novelas, me ha gustado la sinopsis y decidí leerla. Y aunque me molestaba un poco el protagonista, la leí muy rápido. No sé ni que pensar, de esas veces que me gusta algo pero ni yo sé por qué.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews