3.75 stars

This one is hard to rate. I find myself breaking down the rating because that's the only way I can judge the book according to my level of satisfaction.

Romance: 3 stars
Plot: 4 stars

On the one hand, the plot was really well done! If you're in the mood for a fun and adventurous romance that takes place in Italy, then look no further. The Elusive Earl was so much fun to read - the hero and heroine are forced to pretend to be married so they could travel together unchaperoned. There was a lot of action, adventure, and make out session. The overall storyline was really well done which is why I give the plot 4 stars.

Now I did mention make out sessions so you're probably wondering why I'm only giving the romance 3 stars. It was off to a fantastic start - Brianna and Daniel essentially grew up together since Brianna is best friends with Daniel's sister. But Brianna and Daniel hate each other, or at least they've convinced themselves that they hate each other. The two are complete opposites: she's passionate and impulsive while he's strict and stuffy. But this adventure they go on forces them to acknowledge the simmering attraction that they tried to hide with their so-called animosity.

It should be noted that I knew beforehand that there would be no sex scene outside of foreplay, so I knew what to expect. I surprisingly still enjoyed the story and the romance (to a lesser degree), but I can't help but feel that the author focused most of her energy on the plot and neglected the intimate relationship between the hero and heroine. Given that Brianna and Daniel travelled together by themselves, there were many opportunities for the author to develop their romantic and intimate relationship. And this development would have added more depth to the romance overall.

Anyway, I still enioyed this book a lot and I look forward to the rest of the series.

I think Richard from The Devilish Duke is next. I hope the author decides to write Milly & Boyd's story as well as Travis & Sabina's. I've also loved Alec since Book 1 so I'm hoping for his story too!

An engaging read!

High adventure with a spitfire and a controlled Englishman who's an accomplished spy despite his appearance of never having gone beyond the ballroom. Villains abound, some more wicked than others. Legends out from history, a blighted past, murder and treasure hunting all played out in Cosenza, Italy.
Daniel Wolcott, the Earl of Thornton, has spent a lifetime rescuing his mentor's niece Brianna Penderley. Her latest escapade leaves him scrambling for Naples where Brianna has apparently managed to get herself engaged to not one, but two Italians, whilst looking for the lost treasure of King Aleric. (Michaels' author's discussion is a fascinating footnote to the action). However, the danger ramps up when her cousin Travis is kidnapped. Daniel finds himself thrust into the maelstrom that is Brianna, as he battles to try to stay one step ahead of his frustrating charge who consistently battens on the hatches of his holed up heart.
I must admit, that near the end, in a quite enchanting scene, I felt Daniel was channeling Colin Firth a là Bridget Jones. I kid you not! It was quite eerie hearing Firth's voice speaking some of Daniel's lines.
An appealing read with some delightful twists.

A NetGalley ARC

I loved this story it had everything. Miss Brianna Penderley parents were murdered and she was just a baby. Her uncle came looking for her and brought her back to England, where she grew up. But like her mother, she was adventurous, impulsive and always in one form or another in trouble. The one always sent to get her out of trouble was Daniel Wolcott, the Earl of Thornton. the had been friends since childhood and knew each other very well. Daniel's father was a wastrel and no good, he caused his mother to die and he could not forgive him. He would not love ever, at least that is what he told himself, he would never be like his dad.
There was intrigue, one really mean man, death, and lots of action. Something is always happening and there is not a dull moment. The actors are great and interact with each other well. Even the secondary characters are so lifelike. There are a lot of twists to this tale, but it makes it all the better to keep your attention. You are always seeking what happened next? I love where Daniel finally tells her he loves her, a wonderful scene. I would be more than willing to read another of her great books.

I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

The Earl of Thornton, Daniel Wolcott has been rescuing Brianna Penderley her entire life what’s one more mission going to her rescue. Her uncle asks him to go to Italy to rescue her once again and what a grand adventure this rescue turns out to be. Her cousin, Travis, is kidnapped to blackmail Bree into turning over her Mother’s journals. Daniel has always know Bree was trouble and once he settles down to marry he wants a calm, boring wife not an adventurous lady like Brianna who is always getting into trouble. Brianna thinks Danial is a stuff snob of society, without an adventurous bone in his body, he’s all business. Daniel has vowed to not be like his promiscuous fun loving father who broke his Mother’s heart over and over again. They are attracted to each other, both are fighting the attraction, Daniel struggles to control his attraction to a woman who is his complete opposite and Bree see Daniel in a whole new light, he’s not as stuff as she thought. They’re thrown together running across country on a perilous journey to save her cousin it becomes harder to deny what the heart and soul wants, if only they have the courage overcome their differences and hold onto the one they love to live HEA before it’s too late. 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.

The quest was enthralling, the twist was unexpected, it's brilliant. The hero and heroine could have done a bit more romance during their adventure. Brianna and Daniel bicker constantly. I couldn't warm to them as a couple. But their daring exploits was exciting!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an eGalley copy from the publisher.

Brianna Penderley is up to her ears in trouble, but she will find a way out. Being engaged, accidentally of course, to two men, isn't the end of the world. Before she has time to do anything about it, the bane of her existence arrives, Daniel Wolcott, the Earl of Thornton. Brianna doesn't know what it is about the man, but he gets under her skin so easily.

Daniel has come to rescue Brianna, for the umpteenth time, as a favor to her uncle. Things are going according to plan, until they're not. Imagine their shock when they learn Brianna is a princess and next in line to inherit. Before they can even process that, Brianna receives a note saying her cousin has been kidnapped. It's up to Brianna to save him, but Daniel will risk his life to save her. Has this elusive earl met his match?

I give author Maddison Michaels's THE ELUSIVE EARL a 4.5 out of 5 stars! Ms. Michaels has penned another gripping novel for her SAINTS AND SCOUNDRELS series. As a matter of fact, the first book, THE DEVILISH DUKE is how I became a fan of Ms. Michaels. Ever since falling for the characters of that story, I knew I had to read more. THE ELUSIVE EARL is the second installment and it is just as good as the first book, if not better. I really enjoyed the hero and heroine, Daniel and Brianna. Daniel really has to let go of some things to get to the root of who he is as a person, and Brianna is the perfect person to help him get there. Their adventure is one not to be missed. I highly recommend reading Ms. Michaels's SAINTS AND SCOUNDRELS series which currently consists of THE DEVILISH DUKE and THE ELUSIVE EARL. I, myself, cannot wait for the next addition.

The author takes you on a thrill ride with a spunky young lady called Bree by friends and family. She is spontaneous and fearless and often finds herself having to be rescued from scrapes by the “grumpy” Earl of Thornton. Proximity leads to love and a happily ever after.

The Elusive Earl by Maddison Michaels is book Two in the Saints & Scoundrels Series. This is the story of Brianna 'Bree' Penderley and Daniel Wolcott, The Earl of Thornton. I have read the previous book but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Daniel and Bree are so totally opposite personalities that keep butting heads. Bree Uncle runs the War Office and is Daniel mentor so he always seem to be assigned to getting Bree out of the trouble she always finds herself in. The latest trouble she is in has taken him to Italy where Bree has somehow became engaged to two different men...but things are worst than that. Someone is after Bree's mother journals which may hold information toward finding a treasure. Bree's cousin has been kidnapped to ensure they get the journals. So Daniel and Bree are off on an adventure to make things right and possible find love along the way.
Really enjoyed this book!

I enjoyed this book, for the most part. The author did a really good job of building tension between the two main characters as the progress through their adventure. I like how the author included a good amount of humor that kept me chuckling. The treasure hunt elements, along with the ominous danger that hangs over both the main and side characters as the story goes on, increased the pace of the story and kept me interested. The only problem I had was with the parts where the two main characters make decisions that put themselves in danger without seriously considering if there was a safer option/setting up contingency plans/or preparing to face the danger, even though that is part of Brianna's personality, you would expect at least Daniel would think harder on this, as he is trying to protect her.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.

"The appreciation you show me, after all I have done for you over the years, takes my breath away." Or so sarcastically says our Hero Daniel to our heroine Brianna as he tries to get her out of another mishap. Actually he has been doing that all of their lives, always to the rescue of Bree. He maintains tight control over his emotions as he again goes to aid his mentor's niece to get her out of a scrape of being engaged to two men at the same time. The problem is the suitors are speaking Italian that she does not really understand! Daniel is a spy, adventurer and a hero although Bree just thinks of him always around to help her. Seemingly they do not really like each other, but emotions under the surface are always waiting to erupt.
This story had many twist and turns that kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen next. From a treasure that everyone is looking for and thinking Bree was the key, keeps them fleeting villains and trying to find out who is friend or foe. Prepare to be thoroughly entertained and breathlessly waiting for the next book by this author!

When I requested to review this novel, I didn’t realize it was the second book in this series. Right away I went to check on the first novel, The Devilish Duke. I purchased it at once and gobbled up the whole story within days. Soon after, I was granted a review copy of The Elusive Earl and I got the chance to experience a whole new tale from Maddison Micheals set far from England’s shores in the breath-taking land of Italy.

From the brief summary of this novel, I was hooked. How does a young lady accidentally become engaged to two men? Now we learn why Daniel Wolcott, The Earl of Thorton, left for Italy during The Devilish Duke. It was at the behest of his mentor and as it happens the damsel in distress’ uncle.

Brianna Penderley was the child of a second son/archiologist and an Italian princess. After the couple was slain in front of an infant Brianna, the murderer told his man to kill the child as well. Brianna’s Italian grandfather was left to believe her dead as well when her British uncle smuggled her out of the country to raise in England. Back in Italy many years later with her mother’s journals, her aunt, and two cousins in tow, she falls into one deadly trap after another. Daniel has always been there to save Brianna, whether he wants to or not. To solve the problem of too many fiancés, Daniel provides a fake marriage certificate and gives him as her husband.

But more danger lurks in every corner when people are murdered and her male cousin is kidnapped. Daniel and Bree have to attempt to get along while pretending to be husband and wife. A feat that is greater than one might think.

I fell in love with Michaels writing style in the first novel and it only got better throughout this tale. The search for ancient treasure in the sometimes harsh Italian environment was as thrilling as it was romantic. While there were twists a plenty in this novel, I was never left wanting. Each turn begot a new reason for Bree and Daniel to fall further into a relationship years in the making.

With her brilliant storytelling and world building abilities, Maddison Michaels has a long and successful career ahead of her. I’m so privileged to add her to my favorite authors while she is just releasing her second novel. I’m sure I’ll have many years to enjoy every single word she releases. I hope we will get another installment of the Saints and Scoundrels series as soon as Michaels is able to conjure it up.

I received this book for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I really enjoyed the first story in this series and this one was no exception. It is full of action and adventure with a few twists and turns to keep the reader engrossed. The main characters Brianna and Daniel are both complex characters. Brianne is very impetuous and says and does things with out thinking whereas Daniel is very logical and the complete opposite to Brianna. There is a strong attraction to each other although they have difficulty coming to terms with this. It was a very entertaining read with a few villains thrown in for good measure. I also appreciated how much research had been done by the author. I hope there’s another book in the series, maybe about the mystery girl and Travis. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Brianna Penderley is a very adventurous young woman for a Victorian miss. She loves antiques and has persuaded her Aunt and two cousins to come to Italy in search of treasure and just maybe information on her mother's side of the family. She really didn't mean to get in trouble, again.
Daniel Walcott, the Earl of Thornton works secretly for the War Office. His boss and family friend, has asked him to go and , once more rescue his niece from trouble. The woman has been a pain in the neck since she was a child. Always getting into scrapes.
There is much more danger in Italy than anyone could have guessed, especially for someone with Brianna's unknown family connections. The people there seem to think she is important, and what she is looking for is dangerous.
This is a lovely fat book that will give you hours of excitement. It's packed full of adventure and romance. Our intrepid heroine drags as much out of life as possible. Our hero just wants a quiet, peaceful life. Can they ever hope to find common ground ?.
I loved it.

This was a FANTASTIC book!

We first meet Daniel in the Devilish Duke after he comes to blows with Devlin when Daniel believes his sister Sophie is being taken advantage.
The first few pages start of with a bang full of mystery and intrigue and the fast pace doesn’t let up until the book is finished.
Brianna Penderley has always been an adventurous young woman always looking for some ancient artifact and getting into some kind of mishap.
In every situation Daniel Wolcott the Earl of Thornton has always been there to save the day much to her annoyance.
Traveling to Italy to find information on her parents and the trail left in her mother’s journal she’s Mistakenly acquired two fiancés. Where trouble follows her Daniel is sure to make his appearance.

Daniel tries to live his life in the straight and narrow as much as is possible. The only person to test his temper and sanity is Brianna. When Brianna inadvertently puts her cousin in danger Daniel is the one that she turns to for help.
A fantastic page turner fast paced and entertaining. The chemistry between Daniel and Bree is a hot slow burn (took him a while). A devious vilain intent on harm and mayhem. Descriptive detail in the scenery make this a MUST read!
I can’t wait to see what Maddison Micheals has in store for us next!

I recieved a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my unbiased opinion.

Brianna "Bree" Penderley doesn't have to go looking for trouble, it will find her, and when it does, Daniel Wolcott, the Earl of Thornton is usually the man to rescue her.

Brianna's current predicament will take Daniel to Italy, she has somehow managed to betroth herself to two men at the same time. His superior in the War Office is Brianna's uncle and he has tasked Daniel with untangling the mess Brianna has found herself in. Daniel is not happy, especially when her uncle jokes that he should marry her! Bree is a hoyden and drives him insane. Daniel is her complete opposite, he is controlled, proper and responsible. Bree is lovely, but he cannot imagine being with such a woman. When he marries, his wife will be calm, sweet and proper. His parents had a terrible marriage and it ended badly, Daniel never wants to have that kind of emotion, which is exactly why Bree is the wrong woman for him.

He arrives in Italy and finds Bree climbing out of a window to escape her suitors, he says he will take her home and they will leave for England in the morning. Bree does not agree with that plan, she is not ready to go, she is having her mother's journal's translated and won't leave until she is ready! But on the way back to her home, they are accosted by the Garendetta and they want the journals. Daniel saves them and demands that Bree tell him the significance of the journals, she grudgingly tells him the journals belonged to her mother and may hold the secret to the location of the lost treasure of King Aleric. Bree and Daniel learn her cousin Travis has been kidnapped and they must travel to Cosenza to save him. Cosenza is where Bree's departed mother is from, her parents were murdered when she was just a toddler, she was saved from the same fate and delivered to her uncle's family. She really has no knowledge of her mother and is a little apprehensive about going to her mother's homeland. But to save Travis, she will do anything, even pretend to be married to His Lordyness. Let the adventure begin!

They set out and find themselves in one bad situation after another. Bree learns some shocking information about her parents and finds herself forced to make her pretend marriage to Daniel real. But that is just the beginning of the shocks and surprises they have in store! There will be long lost relatives, near death experiences, kisses, treasure, more kisses and heartache before these two can even think about a HEA.

Maddison Michaels is an author who has an amazing writing style. One minute she has you laughing and the next you are cringing, all without interrupting the flow of the story. She draws you into the book and holds you in thrall until the very last page. I enjoyed the story, it was fast paced and exciting, but really light on the romance, there were a couple of heated kisses and a lot of bickering, I really wanted to smack Daniel more than once. But when they finally stop being stupid with one another, the ending is lovely and the epilogue was wonderful.
This is the second book in the series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone title.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

Maddison has another winner.

Brianna Penderley has a knack for getting into precarious situations, especially when it comes to her love for archaeology. In the heart of Naples, her terrible Italian has her accidentally becoming engaged to two men at the same time. Of course, Daniel Wolcott—the Earl of Thornton and the only man ever able to vex her—shows up to rescue her.

Daniel has spent the majority of his life in rigid control of his life. Brianna was the one person who made Daniel lose control and made him question his life. Daniel was sent to Naples to help Brianna out a sticky situation once again.

Brianna was determine to follow her parents journals to find lost treasure of King Aleric in Italian mountains. Her cousin Travis was kidnapper by the Italian mafia who was looking for lost treasure. Daniel needs use skills from working for War Office in England to help protect Brianna and find Travis.

When their situation goes from bad to worse, Daniel and Brianna find themselves swept up into a perilous adventure, and they must work together to set things right. Now, if they can just avoid killing each other in the process.

Fall in love on run from the same guy who murdered Brianna parents. Only to find out Brianna mother was Princess Isabella of Costanz and her Father Prince of Costanz is the protecting the lost treasure the family has been in trusted to protect since King Aleric death.

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. All opinions are my own. The Elusive Earl is Maddison Michaels second book. It can be read as a stand-alone. The hero in this book Daniel Wolcott, Earl of Thornton is the brother of the heroine of the first book The Devilish Duke .... so they are linked and both are excellent reads. Brianna Elizabeth Maria Penderley (Bree) is in a bit of a situation, while visiting Italy searching for treasure and her history she accidentally became engaged to two men because she doesn’t speak Italian and thought they were asking her to dance. Her Uncle Sir Walter Penderley who is in charge of the intelligence department of the war office has tasked Daniel Wolcott, one of his operatives and close family friend with extricating Bree from this state of affairs. Bree and Daniel are oil and water ... she thinks he’s stuffy and he thinks she’s too headstrong and impulsive. The Elusive Earl is a rollercoaster ride of an adventure story reminiscent of Romancing The Stone complete with nasty villains, kidnappings, mysterious treasure, a secret journal, and lots of adventure. I imagine the author must have had great fun plotting the story, as I very much enjoyed reading it. More sweet than spicy. Publishing Date August 27, 2018
#NetGalley #TheElusiveEarl

I found several things in this book that bothered me; for instance, giggle, hate the use of the word for an intelligent woman. I also get the hives when a female has to have everything her way, yet, she has this incredible man who loves her, and would give his life for her! Most people will give it a 5. However, I am staying with a four; the only reason is, this is still the second book this talented Author has written. It is adventurous, to a point, I am madly in love with the Earl, not so much the female this time around. I love her Aunt and Uncle; I hope we see her cousin in another book.
I recommend!
Carolintallahassee

Would you like to go on a treasure hunt? Join our heroine Brianna Penderly on a jaunt from England to lovely and dangerous Italy in search of the lost treasure of King Aleric. A funny incident sends our hero, Daniel Wolcott, Earl of Thornton, to save the day and Bree. Daniel's exasperated to be sent, once again, by Bree's Uncle to clean up her mess. Along the way we find too many suitors, kidnapping, lots of water, worried family, new family, intrigue, vengeance, justice, glorious treasure and love. Daniel and Bree are completely wrong for each other. She's headstrong and reckless. He's stuffy and abhors emotions as they only lead to chaos. Opposites sometimes attract, will our couple be able to resist or will they be helpless when faced with true love? Don't miss the very romantic happily ever after. I've not read this one before.

I confess that I'd never heard of Madison Michaels until I was offered the opportunity to receive an arc of The Elusive Earl. I love a chance to check out a new author and to share my opinion of a book. I hope that my review will entice you to try out Ms. Michael's work. You won't be disappointed. I now have to catch up on her earlier work, I like her style.

When I am given an ARC, I promise to always give a fair and honest review. A murder and a murderer, a child, a treasure, a stubborn woman, a Princess and a antagonist (well maybe). These are the main points of this story that will hook you from the beginning. Well told tale and definitely one that you should read.