He’s inherited the title of rake. She hides behind her independence... Fate accepts the challenge.
Grace Beaumont has seen what love can do to a woman. Her mother sacrificed her life to produce the coveted son and heir. A devastated father and newborn brother force her to take on the role of Lady Boldon at the age of fifteen. But Grace finds solace in the freedom and power of her new status.
Christopher Roker made a name for himself in the military. The rigor and pragmatism of the army suits him. When a tragic accident heaves Kit into a role he never wanted or expected, his world collides with another type of duty. Returning to England and his newfound responsibilities, the Wicked Earls’ Club becomes a refuge from the glitter and malice of London society but cannot ease his emptiness.
Needing an escape from his late brother’s memory and reputation, Kit visits the family estate for the summer. Lady Grace, a beauty visiting from a neighboring estate, becomes a welcome distraction. When the chance to return to the military becomes a valid possibility, the earl finds himself wavering between his old life and the lure of an exceptional—and unwilling—woman.
USA Today Bestselling author Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule, and barn cats. Obsessions include wine, history, travel, trail riding, and all things Christmas. Her Chicago Christmas and Regency series have received multiple awards and nominated numerous times as a Rone finalist by InD’tale Magazine.
Aubrey’s first love is medieval romance but after dipping her toe in the Regency period in 2018 with the Wicked Earls’ Club, she was smitten. This inspired her spin-off series Once Upon a Widow. In 2020, she launched the Scottish Regency series A MacNaughton Castle Romance with Dragonblade Novels. Her Regency detective series, Paddy’s Peelers, will launch early 2024.
I feel like I'm stuck in 3 star book purgatory. I wonder if it will change if I say a few Hail Mary's. Ok Ok, I hope God forgives me for the cheesy humour. It was not intended at His expense and right now I'm holding Harold by his collar and shielding him in case a few strikes of lightning come our way...
This is a weird way to begin a book review but I feel so out of sorts. I really wanted to enjoy this novella and even though it was well written with compelling, interesting characters, the important "WOW" factor was missing for me. It wasn't a romance with MC's who were filled with awesome and intense chemistry. They were attracted to each other but I didn't get that "oomphy" feeling about them. They seemed to be a couple who shared great compatibility and a fondness for each other. That's wonderful for real life romance, as we all know, but when I'm reading a romance novel I want something that's greater than the ordinary fondness and compatibility that couples look for in a mate. I want passion and chemistry !
The H in this novella is not even an official member of the "Wicked Earls' Club". He is only a temporary member after his older twin brother dies and he inherits the title. Christopher spends most of the novella hoping that his late brother's wife will give birth to a son so that the child will be the new Earl of Sunderland and he can return to his duties as a soldier. The heroine Grace is sweet and loving. She is the cousin of the H's pregnant sister in law. I was irritated at the mistake made by the author when it came to the form of address used to refer to the heroine. It was stated that Grace is referred to as Lady Boldon after her mother died. That is a totally inaccurate comment because Grace, as an unmarried daughter of an Earl, would be referred to as "Lady Grace" rather than "Lady Boldon". The atmosphere of the novella was lightened considerably by the inclusion of some comic scenes with the heroine's impish 5 year old brother, Samuel. And, yeah, before I forget I must mention that the H's sister in law gives birth to a girl so he does get to retain the title as Earl of Sunderland.
This wasn't as horrible as Earl of Weston, which I didn't even trust myself to rate, but it was nice. It's obviously still not as fantastic as my favourite Earl of Westcliff or endearingly romantic as Earl of Pembroke or as sexy as hell as Earl of Benton or as light hearted and cute as Earl of Sussex.
Meet the newest member of the Wicked Earls’ Club: Earl of Sunderland.
Christopher (Kit) Roker never imagined he’d be the Earl of Sunderland. Sure, his twin brother was a bit of a wild man but when he’s tragically killed, Kit is forced to end his illustrious career in the military and return home. He’s introduced to the Wicked Earls’ Club and its illustrious members. While grieving the loss of his brother he meets Lady Grace, a beautiful woman who makes him laugh and his grief lessen.
Grace watched in horror six years ago as her mother gave up her life in childbirth. Not only did she lose her beloved mother but had to become a mother to her newborn brother and companion to her father. She loves her independence and has no interest in becoming a wife or mother. But things change in her heart as she spends day after day with the Earl of Sunderland. When he shares his feelings for her, she flees in terror. It’s only after being apart does she realize her true feelings for Kit. Can she bury her fear and let in love or will she forever be alone?
The whole time I was reading this book, I kept saying to myself how this reminded me of Pride and Prejudice. Is Aubrey Wynne the reincarnation of Jane Austen? Only she knows for sure, but the similarities are there. A tragedy or two, heroine both strong and fragile, hero conflicted about his feelings, secondary characters fleshed out, humor and wit peppered throughout the dialogue as well as a happy ending. Best Regency Romance I’ve read in a long time and highly recommend!
4.5 stars – rounded up to 5 Series: Wicked Earl’s Club #4 Publication Date: 1/30/18
I loved this book! I know the name of the series is Wicked Earl’s Club, but there wasn’t a wicked bone in Kit’s body. He was a sweet and honorable man – his brother, however – now he fits the name!
Carson and Christopher Roker are twins who had a solitary childhood and were always there to keep each other company. Carson was the heir who didn’t want to be – he was undisciplined, full of tricks and fun and Christopher was the steady half of the two. Each was the completing half of the other. As adults, Carson stayed that immature, undisciplined, fun-loving young man and Christopher (Kit) joined the military and stayed the steady young man he’d always been. Carson didn’t want to inherit the title – he often tried to talk his brother into trading places.
Carson felt forced into marriage but came to care for his young and mistreated bride. He’d even begun to settle down and was trying to be a better man. He and his wife shared a secret – they were going to become parents and Carson was very happy about it. For the first time in weeks, he went out and got drunk – and he had an accident and died.
Just after the battle of Waterloo, Kit awoke from a nightmare. He’d dreamed of his brother’s death. He plainly saw him on a horse and his neck was broken. Kit was filled with foreboding. Then, several days later, he got a letter from his father telling him to come home and that his brother had died.
Grace Beaumont was fifteen when she lost her mother in childbirth. Grace was in the room with her mother and had witnessed her death. Grace’s father fell apart and there was a new baby to care for, so Grace made them her whole life. She saw that they were cared for and never had an unanswered need or want. At the same time, she vowed she’d never marry because she valued the independence she had and she was afraid of childbirth.
Kit and Grace met (for the second time) on the road to Kit’s home. Grace was going to visit her cousin (Carson’s wife) and Kit was just returning home. Neither Kit nor Grace was looking for a spouse or even love – but – sometimes love finds you. It was fun getting to know them and watching them find their HEA.
Sammy is the young brother Grace has raised – and you’ll just love him. He’s so bright, funny and absolutely precocious. The interactions between Sammy and Grace are priceless – as are those between Sammy and Kit. For instance – there is an exchange between Grace and Sammy where she is speaking to him about loudly interrupting her and not being patient. She’s told him that he should apologize to her. The scene is – Grace says to Sammy -- “You should wait patiently until I lift my head.” He stuck out his bottom lip. “I’m sorry if you thought my patience was too loud.”
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Amazon's blurb of this book seemed more accurate than GR's blurb.
Regency England. Carson and Christopher were twins. Carson joked he wanted to switch places w/ Army man "Kit." Carson, an earl, seemed indifferent when he wed Lady Eliza, cous of eventual heroine, Grace. Kit & Grace danced at 1 event.
Carson died in an accident and his wife carried his child. Kit was elevated to succeed Carson as Earl. Kit missed the action & orderly ways of the military.
The H+h "rubbed along well" together. They did not argue or deceive each other. They gradually fell in love. Each freed the other from past emotional baggage. The H compromised w/ the heroine, w/o complaint or guilt toward the h! Sammy, the 5 yr old brother of Grace, was clever and cute.
I haven't read any of the other Wicked Earls Club books so I can definitely say that you don't need to read the other books in this series to enjoy this book. They were briefly mentioned, but the Wicked Earls Club seemed to be a very minor part of the book.
The story mostly focuses on Christopher or "Kit," and Grace. Kit inherits the title when his twin brother, Carson, dies in an accident. Grace is the cousin of his brother's widow (Eliza), and she comes to spend time with Eliza and spends a lot of time around Kit. Neither is looking for love; Grace is determined not to get married so she can continue raising her younger brother, Sammy, and help her dad run his household.
I look forward to Eliza's story which, according to the author notes at the end of the book, is coming out this summer.
Content: Cleanish, some innuendo, swearing (including taking the Lord's name in vain) Source: Review Copy (opinion is 100% my own)
Christopher Roker and Carson are twins who were always there to keep each other company. Carson was the heir who didn’t want to be and Christopher was the steady half of the two who went on to become a Colonel in the army. True twins each was the completing half of the other. At Carson’s wedding to Eliza, Kit was instantly attracted to his sister-n-law’s cousin Grace Beaumont, whose father is wanting her to find a husband, but at fifteen when she lost her mother in childbirth and has no desire to marry and give up her independence. After Kit returned to the army he couldn’t help thinking of Grace and he couldn’t get her off his mind. Just after the battle of Waterloo Kit awoke from a nightmare in which he dreamed of his brother’s death with him on a horse and his neck was broken. Kit was called home after his brother died to become the new Earl of Sunderland. Grace is called to Eliza’s side during her pregnancy. Grace and Kit meet again and renew their acquaintance and romance blooms. Kit is thinking of looking for a bride and Grace wasn’t looking for a spouse or love, but sometimes love finds you when you least expect it. An enchanting love story with to wounded soles who deserve a HEA!!! This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.
Christopher Roker has been a soldier for years, shortly after Waterloo he receives a letter from his father telling him his elder twin Carson has broken his neck falling from his horse. So Kit is now the Earl of Sunderland. Kit returns home to find his widowed sister in law Julia is pregnant so he may be able to go back to being a soldier if she gives birth to a boy. Grace Beaumont has been the rock in the Beaumont household for five years since her mother died giving birth to Samuel. Grace finds she enjoys the freedom and power of her new status. Kit & Grace shared a dance at Carson & Julia’s wedding & they were both attracted to each other. Grace, her father & Sammy travel to Falsbury Castle to support Julia & there Kit & Grace meet again. Another lovely read in the Wicked Earls series, Kit & Grace are both strong characters but they are both caring & kind. They are immediately attracted to each other & whilst this attraction grows they also become very good friends whilst they fall in love. The other characters are also very well portrayed especially Sammy who is delightful & his enthusiasm helps heal the whole family. The author is new to me but after reading this I’ll be seeking out more of her books
The Earl of Sutherland is the story of Grace and Kit, two souls whose destinies are forever altered as a result of loss and a strong sense of responsibility. Fate pulls these two together and their attraction prevents them from pulling away. I found myself cheering for their victories and crying during their losses. Beautifully written, Aubrey Wynne took me on a journey into a past I never knew and has created another winner in this sweet historical romance. I received an advance copy of the story in return for an honest review.
Kit was slowly growing tired of War. One night just after the Battle of Waterloo he dreamed his twin who held the title of Earl. Carson was riding a white horse and telling Kit it was his turn to be Earl. The next day he received word his brother had died.
I liked this book and would read more by this author. I have read another book of hers and find I enjoy her writing style. I enjoyed the storyline of this book and found the characters to be likeable and engaging. Grace's little brother was a cute addition to the story. I didn't quite feel the connection between Grace and Kit but I also appreciated the lack of instalove. Overall, I feel the book is worth the price and I am glad I read it.
Also, I have not read the previous Wicked Earl's Club books and I don't feel it is necessary to be able to enjoy this story. I didn't feel like I was missing anything. The club and members are mentioned but it isn't a large part of the story.
A great read! The writing style reminded me of classical books like Pride and Prejudice, and i was very relieved its not dirty what so ever. I really enjoyed the sweet romance :)
He’s inherited the title of rake. She hides behind her independence... Fate accepts the challenge.
Grace Beaumont has seen what love can do to a woman. Her mother sacrificed her life to produce the coveted son and heir. A devastated father and newborn brother force her to take on the role of Lady Boldon at the age of fifteen. But Grace finds solace in the freedom and power of her new status.
Christopher Roker made a name for himself in the military. The rigor and pragmatism of the army suits him. When a tragic accident heaves Kit into a role he never wanted or expected, his world collides with another type of duty. Returning to England and his newfound responsibilities, the Wicked Earls’ Club becomes a refuge from the glitter and malice of London society but cannot ease his emptiness.
Needing an escape from his late brother’s memory and reputation, Kit visits the family estate for the summer. Lady Grace, a beauty visiting from a neighboring estate, becomes a welcome distraction. When the chance to return to the military becomes a valid possibility, the earl finds himself wavering between his old life and the lure of an exceptional—and unwilling—woman.
My Thoughts:
This is a sweet regency title with the underlying background of an abusive father and a rake of a husband who would not hurt any woman. Now we get to the meat of this story after the rakehell husband dies and his title is to go to the next in line, a twin brother who really never wanted the title. Christopher (Kit) returns from war to take the title he never wanted but was the one ultimately suited to. He is a man who wants no part of marriage and with the revelation from his sister in law that she is expecting he may only have the title until she produces a male heir. The title will still be his, however if the baby is a girl. Grace is the cousin of the deceased Earl's wife and had met the new Earl briefly when his twin had married her cousin. There was a bit of attraction between the two at that time over a year earlier. Will their attraction grow to something more? I enjoyed this sweet and sad tale. It is the first time I have read anything by this author. The addition of a five year old little brother to Grace, a very precocious young man, really helped this storyline along. He is maybe the highlight of the story and a definite wonderfully wrought character. I immediately fell in love with this little boy. I gave this book 4.25 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and a sensual rating of 2.5 of 5.0 flames. The only intimacy involved is a couple of kisses making this a sweet regency romance. I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book via NetGalley to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Earl of Sutherland by Aubrey Wynne is the fourth book in the Wicked Earls’ Club series. This is, however, a standalone novella.
Christopher “Kit” Roker never expected to inherit the title of Earl of Sunderland. As the younger twin, he had made his career in the military and had a life that pleased him. But after a tragedy, he finds himself thrust into a position he never wanted.
Grace Beaumont became the lady of her manor when her mother died in childbirth. Content to run her father’s estate and help raise her brother, she resists her father’s push for marriage. She doesn’t want to take the risk her mother did and believes her independent nature would not suit those in London.
Yet fate seems to have something different in store for both Kit and Grace. The only question is whether the two will take the risk.
Overall, this is an easy-to-read historical. Ms Wynne sketches out characters that are appealing and it clear from the start that Kit and Grace have an attraction towards one another. The relationship between the two is an easy indulgence and I enjoyed both their relationships with other characters. The secondary characters are fun to read about just as much as Kit and Grace.
I have a few complaints and these go hand-in-hand. The blurb for this only barely matches the novella I read; further, Kit, for all that he is a part of the “Wicked Earls’ Club”, is scarcely what I would term wicked.
Nonetheless this is a lovely quick read and if you like books set in the Regency era, you certainly won’t go wrong with this one.
4 stars
NB: I was given this free review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This book has love, loss, pain and heartache in it. Grace saw what love can do to and for a woman. Her mother passes away after her son and heir Samuel was born. Grace's father was devastated and Grace was forced to take on role of Lady Boldon at the age of fifteen. Grace took care of her dad and her brother. Christopher Roker [Kit] made a name for himself in the military. The life of the army suits him. Then tragedy strikes with a horse riding accident killing Carson [Kit's brother]. Carson was married to Lady Eliza and she was carrying Carson's baby. After the accident Kit; now had a role he never wanted or expected and new responsibilities. The Wicked Earls’ Club becomes his refuge but, it cannot ease his emptiness. To try to escape his brothers memory/reputation, Kit decides to visit the family estate for the summer. What he didn't know was that Lady Grace was also visiting from a neighboring estate and she becomes a welcome distraction for Kit. Kit has a chance to return to the Military life but, he finds himself torn between his old lifestyle and the lure of Grace [who is great and a bit unwilling]. I truly loved this story!! Want to know what happens with Grace, Eliza and Kit? Well buy and read this book. I received an advance copy of this story in return for an honest review.
Christopher “Kit” Roker was a military man through and through. The order and discipline of the military suited him to a tee. The death of his twin throws Kit into the role of the Duke of Sunderland, at least until the birth of his brother’s child. The birth will determine whether he is in fact the Duke or simply the uncle of the Duke. This uncertainty has Kit at odds and ends; a feeling that does not sit well with his desire for order. Until a diversion arrives in the form of his sister-in-law’s beautiful cousin. Grace Beaumont has seen the devastation love can cause. After all, it cost her mother her life and thrust Grace into the role of “lady of the house” and mother to her newborn brother at a young age. Vowing to never marry, let alone give birth, Grace dedicates her life to the care of her father and young brother. At least until a would-be Duke enters her life. Can Grace help Kit find order in his uncertain future? Can Kit help Grace overcome her fear of love and convince her that love is worth the risk? Aubrey Wynne does an excellent job infusing her characters with many layers and depths of emotions. Kit’s restlessness jumped from the pages while Grace’s fear was palatable. All of which kept me glues to the pages until “The End”. Thank you, Ms. Wynne for an emotion packed story worth reading.
What a fun idea the Wicked Earls Club is! Different heroes, heroines and the authors who wrote them. The connection is that the heroes belong to the club until they are engaged or married.
This Earl, Kit, isn’t as wicked as some of the others as he inherited the title when his twin brother died. He never wanted the title as he liked being in the military and appreciates the support he receives from the club members. His sister-in-law, Eliza, is pregnant, and he hopes she has a son. Eliza’s uncle and her cousins, Grace and Samuel, visit the estate where she happily lives with her in-laws. Grace is grown and avoids marriage with the excuse of helping her widowed father with Samuel, age 5. Kit would like to marry Grace, but will she agree? Samuel adds lots of fun and laughter to this story.
This is a good novella, but short enough I do not want to spoil anything. Obviously, there will be a HEA, but the fun is in getting there. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
Earl of Sunderland by Aubrey Wynne is the Fourth book in the "Wicked Earl's Club" series. This is the story of Christopher 'Kit' Roker, the Earl of Sunderland and Grace Beaumont. I haven't yet read the previous books so for me this was a standalone book. Grace watched her mother die in childbirth when she was a young girl and saw the devastation of her father loosing his wife. Grace decided to never marry after such sadness but went on to raise her brother and help her father as much as she could. Kit was leaned toward being a serious person took the next step to joining the military. His older brother who was also his twin was the more carefree brother but had ended up marring and was to become a father but ended up dying. So now his father has called him home. Neither Kit nor Grace were looking for love but they were attracted to each other and feelings grew. This was a sweet romance that I really enjoyed having the chance to read.
This book was simply marvelous. The romance and love between Grace and Kit blossomed and developed so sweetly. This was truly a fairy tale romance, and I simply cannot gush enough about it. I could not put this book down once I started reading it. I rooted for the couple, and I fell in love with the characters as much as they fell for each other.
The writing was gorgeous. The characters were well developed, and all very unique. Sammy was beautifully written as an energetic and yet tender five year old. I highly recommend this book, and I eagerly await the next book by Aubrey Wynne.
I received an ARC of this book and am willingly leaving a review with my thoughts.
SPARKS FLY!!! I was captivated by this story as the pages unfold. I was drawn to the characters and their personalities. They meshed well together and the tale, painted with love, loss, pain and heartache. Eyes glued to the pages to see the love spark, inginite and burn brightly between Kit and Grace. Tormented from the memory of her mother's death she's determined to never love or marry. The chemistry between the two is so strong you can feel it pouring from the pages. Audrey did an exceptional job in bringing the characters and scenes alive. I highly recommend this read to anyone who loves a good clean Regency romance.
This is another book in the series of The Wicked Earl's Club. The set of twins, born to a Marquis, Kit, the younger brother, by a couple of minutes, makes his mark in the Military against Napoleon. His brother, who will inhereit is the wicked Earl! Carson, gets do deep in his vices , that bring him to a marriage of convenience. Eliza is sweet, kind, timid, her best friend is her cousin , Lady Grace. While at the Wedding, Lady Grace meets tall, dark, handsome Lord Kit. They dance, he is off to war again. This is a good story, there are some form of address issues, that is why I deducted a star. I recommend! Thanks! Carolintallahassee 👒
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
This was a great little read and I really enjoyed it.
Although, the story was short, the characters were developed sufficiently.
I enjoyed the sizzle and spark between the characters. Grace was strong, beautiful yet independent and I loved how she went head to head with Kitt. Kitt was everything I wanted him to be; sweet, flirty and sexy. He wasn’t put off by Grace’s unique personality; if anything he loved her for it.
Great read -I laughed, smiled and even got a lump in my throat - when emotions ran high.
Aubrey Wynne crafts a delightful clean Regency romance with a London setting, authentic banter between Grace and Kit, twist and turn plot and a satisfying resolution. I enjoyed the historical details about herbs used for healing, flowers to grace the estate, and regency period games played to ward of boredom. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter and the poem about rosemary fit the regency period setting. History comes to life in the Wicked Earls' Club and their London society interaction.
I adored this story. Kit and Grace were such good characters. Grace has spent the last five years taking care of her brother and father, unconcerned with finding a husband. She irritates her father by skipping the seasons. Kit is a military man who has lost his brother and now must return home. He must take over as earl. He's a dashing man that you just fall for and you can understand why Grace falls for him. I adored Sammy, Grace's brother. I look forward to reading more in this series.
I love a good Regency romance that takes me back to another place and time - I felt as if I was actually right there with the characters. The storyline was great, the characters were well developed, the secondary characters were interesting, and there was a surprise to Carson's character. There were several moments that made me laugh out loud and a few that made me cry. Overall, a very well written story.
Wow! The Earl Of Sunderland will suck you in and make you care about the characters like family. I found myself near tears for Grace several times and there were actually tears for the Earl's family. You do have a happy ending to look forward to and I guarantee you will be waiting impatiently to read more about this family when you finish this one. Well worth more than the price.
A quick read which was easy to follow along. A tragic to work through and find their path in life. A time period which is hard to imagine living in but it was well written. The love that Eliza found in Carson and the love that Grace found in Christopher is what brings the book to life.
Probably my favourite Wicked Earl so far. Absolutely loved the relationship between the twins and the development of the relationship between Kit and Grace. Wish I could give this one more than five stars!
A wonderful story with a strong woman character who gives a military man second thoughts on marriage. Well played out story. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Grace Beaumont had the misfortune of watching her mother die after finally giving birth to the much desired heir for her husband’s earldom. Grace’s little brother is fifteen years her junior, and she steps into the role of surrogate mother, while also running the household as her father grieves. This situation has given Grace a healthy fear of childbirth, which, coupled with her responsibilities for managing the household has led her to feel that she’ll never marry. And she’s content with that decision.
Christopher Roker is the younger twin to Carson, who has the honorary title of Earl of Sunderland, while also being heir to the Marquess of Falsbury. Christopher is content with being a soldier, and never had any desire to be the heir, though Carson actually begged him to switch identities on many occasions. Carson is somewhat of a wild child, who settled down quite a bit when he married, but tragically was killed, leaving a pregnant wife, and the title to Christopher – at least until the baby is born. If it’s a boy, the title will transfer to him.
Christopher is grieving the loss of his brother, as he had strong bonds of friendship and love with his twin. He never wanted the title, but he’s prepared to accept the responsibility. When his widowed sister-in-law’s cousin, Grace, comes to visit, he finds himself remembering the one dance they shared and how much he enjoyed it. He finds her company just as satisfying now, and they begin a fast friendship that also includes a huge dose of attraction.
When Christopher realizes just how much he’ll miss Grace when her visit ends, his thoughts turn to courtship. Though Grace returns Christopher’s feelings, she also feels that she can’t abandon her father, and her young brother, who’s now only five. EARL OF SUNDERLAND is a sweet (kisses only) romance with honorable characters who have to make some tough decisions if they are going to pursue their love and happy ever after. Grace, in particular, will be making major life changes and facing fears if she decides to marry. This warm romance made for very satisfying reading, and is perfectly able to stand on its own in the WICKED EARL’S CLUB series.