An Earl for an Archeress by Elizabeth Watson
A Ladies of Scotland Novel #1

Romance set in 1190 with a twist on the Robin Hood theme sees Mariel and Robert tiptoeing around the best way to keep her safe from her abusive father who is not only set on taming her but also desirous of marrying her off to someone that will further his political aspirations. Robert and Mariel seem well matched in more ways than one BUT there are many things against them and the possibility of them spending time together in the future – whether or not they will conquer all is what this story is about. Well, it also introduces Rob’s band of merry men, Mariel’s sister, someone that has a thing for Mariel’s sister, some other women that may or may not show up in future books and a fun story to read set in the medieval time period. I did have a quibble or two about whether or not codpieces and corsets were actually in use in 1190 and even though I googled was not able to find out for sure…but the question did send me hunting for information. 

What I liked: 
* Both Mariel and Robert are strong in mind and body and willing to state their minds
* Mariel was willing to leave everything to get away from her father
* Both, though highborn, saw the needs of those less fortunate
* Everything was not easy for the two of them
* The side characters were intriguing
* I wondered who the next book in the series would be about
* The writing style
* The villains were heinous and deserved their comeuppance
* The camaraderie of Robert and his followers

What I didn’t like: 
* Mariel always haring off like a rabbit when afraid
* Mariel’s lack of trust in Robert although it might be reasonable considering her past
* Her sister’s choice at the end of the book (unless she stars in the next book and all works out well for her)

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review. 

4.5 Stars

Snore fest.

A retelling of Robin Hood...that is boring as hell.

If I had to read about Robert's oh so huge codpiece I think I might barf.  Oh yeah he used it as a purse too.

Boring beyond boring.

Received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.

Lots of action in this one, but it also had a wonderful romance between two  wonderfully developed characters. Loved how well written it was and couldn't stop reading.
I received an ARC copy of this book from netgalley.

Mariel Crawford is an exceptional archer, but she is a woman and not allowed to participate in tourneys, so she becomes her brother, Elmer. The earl is a little unconventional and knows she is a woman but says nothing. The surroundings are so well described. The characters make you laugh, cry and feel sad, They are so realistic. The story is set in King Arthur's time, he is away on the 13th crusade, but is expected back soon.. The plot is complex, so much is happening in this story. The author has taken all the bits and pieces, compiled them and created a smooth, even paced and amazing tale. With her writing ,she has done a great job of drawing you in and keeping your attention thru out. I loved it. Their elopement was simple but lovely. It is racy but so very good a book. There were other momentous moments for some reason this one sticks out. I hope you love it as much as I did. I received this from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed.

4.25 stars
Lady Mariel Crawford enters an archery contest as her brother Elmer but despite her unmatched skill she loses in a tie to the intriguing, frustrating, and very handsome Earl of Huntington. Robert of Huntington seems like any other young philanderer and Mariel, fleeing her cruel father ‘The Beast of Ayr’, trusts no man. Yet Robert proves to have a softer side that threatens her resolve to remain alone and unattached. When Robert bests a young woman at a tourney, his curiosity deepens when he realizes she is the young woman who was to have married his cruel father. when he learns that Mariel’s father conspires with the Sheriff of Nottingham Robert is compelled to protect her & the only way he can save her is by marrying her. He’s willing to lose everything to guard the Scottish wildling who has pierced his heart.
A well written novel that had a well placed plot, very good characters, romance, threats & plenty of humour. Mariel’s eye rolling had me laughing. Set in the reign of Richard the Lionheart, the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham had taken lands from nobility who wouldn’t bend to his will including the lands of the Earl of Lincoln, a strapping man who Mariel calls Little John, then there’s the relative of Robert, Will Scarlet & there are thieves living in the forests. A very good take on one of England’s best loved folklore heroes. Robert & Mariel were attracted to each other from first meeting when she entered Elmer for the archery tourney. However with Mariel’s past it was only natural that she thought the worst of Robert, he was patient & gradually broke down her defences. I thoroughly enjoyed the book & finished it in a day, I look forward to reading more from the author

DNF. Thank you to the Publisher for the review copy though!

What a great rendition of Robin Hood! Mariel Crawford is a bold, independent female unfortunately living in the male-dominated middle ages. After having escaped her father, she gets by competing in archery tournaments and finds herself head to toe with Robert, Earl of Huntington. She bests him, but neither knows that initially, and Robert feels himself drawn to her and goes through great lengths to get her and to keep her close where he can protect her. There is an inexplicable pull that draws them together and Ms. Watson pens the narrative well enough that the chemistry between them does not feel forced. Mariel is equal parts strong and vulnerable. She lived an awful life with her father, The Beast of Ayr and she goes to great lengths to keep herself hidden from him. She would rather starve to death than to be within his reach. She fights her attraction to Robert, attempting to flee several times. and he does everything but drop to his knees to beg her to stay. In that regard, she was almost too stubborn and I felt myself rolling my eyes at several instances. Robert is caring; he has opened his home to anyone in need. He is compassionate yet strong, so he is not mistaken as weak-willed. He wants Mariel on the spot and I felt so sorry for him when she was at her stubbornest. It's a wonder he just didn't give up. All in all, I really enjoyed this version of Robin Hood. It's a classic story that never ages. Mariel was an excellent heroine and Robert a wonderfully dashing hero.

An enjoyable read that put a new spin on the Robin Hood/Sheriff Of Nottingham tale. A cast of characters that seize one's attention in a rapturous story with its own twists. A story with strong, likeable characters of Mariel and Robert were a highlight in the read. A good series starter.
Review copy received from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley

Fun interesting tale with takes of Robin Hood. Good read.

This was an easy one sitting read for me. I enjoyed the writing style and I felt the story flowed well. I like the character development and both the strong female and male aspect was refreshing. I highly suggest for anyone who like to read historical fictional romance to read this book.