𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚 — Wicked earl gets scavenger hunt from his dead father to complete before he can... take a bride? get his inheritance?... oh, and there's a girl there.

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This book was confusing and thoroughly uninteresting. I read through it and felt bored the entire time. I didn't care about the characters, I didn't think they had any chemistry, and I just didn't care about the storyline. I could barely follow it, actually - and I don't know if it's because it was confusing or if I was reading without retaining.

The earl (Lindsay?) has inherited from his dead father. His father left him a to-do list that involves creating an heir and putting his finances in order before he can... I don't know. I really don't know! What was the point of him sneaking and lying and stealing? Was it ever resolved?

The girl (Caroline) is back from Italy and ready to be married. Thrown into her character description is that she likes art and was thrown from a horse once and is now possibly barren.

The two meet repeatedly in the study's of houses where they're attending balls or parties (where is her chaperone?) and fall in love, while he is acting like a cat burglar at night trying to find paintings for... some reason. And he has a bastard brother who works into this somehow.

This book is dull and so hard to follow. I'm trying to decide if I'd rather read a badly plotted book with good writing, or a well plotted book with bad writing. I thought I would have said good writing - but now I'm not so sure. I've never felt such determination to just chug my way through a book I couldn't care less about.

I knew I was going to like this book by the end of the first chapter. An unrepentant rogue and a woman who finds him the least desirable bachelor in London. I knew these two would fall and fall hard. There’s nothing better than that transformation of “how could they possibly” to “they were meant for each other” and all the electrifying tension in between. That’s what I love about Anabelle Bryant’s books. She makes me believe.
Lord Jonathan Cromford, Earl of Lindsey and Lady Caroline Nicholson found their way into my heart early in this story. I ached for them both. Jonathan’s cruel father had left a will with many specific, life-altering, rule dictating contingencies. One specifically that Jonathan had no desire to fulfill. Marry and produce an heir. After so many years of avoiding emotional attachments, Jonathan didn’t even think he was capable of loyalty, honor, and love. The things a wife would require. I felt for Caroline as well. She had her heart set on making a match but she was overwhelmed with the advice and machinations of her family. She longed for security, loyalty, and love. Someone to accept her as she was.
When these two met, I knew I would savor every minute of their journey to love. Caroline knew Jonathan was exactly the type of man who invited gossip and scandal. Exactly the type of man she should avoid. She intended to find a husband. She didn’t need a distraction. “Certainly not one with overwhelming virility and a piercing gaze that sent her pulse into a skitter.” Jonathan was determined to solve the first of his father’s demands and get on with his life. There was no room in his life for distraction. “No room in his life for a debutante. Never mind a young miss pursuing some idealist version of wedded bliss. And yet, whenever he so much as looked at Caroline, his carefully constructed plans for the future may as well have never existed.”
I loved watching these two anticipate each encounter with each other, baffled by why they felt the way they did. Their connection was intense and undeniable. It just took them a while to figure it out. Which made it even sweeter to watch their feelings awaken and their romance slowly build.
I’m hoping there is more planned for this series. I’m dying to know more about Powell and what exactly he’s up to. I’m hoping the fact that that particular tidbit isn’t answered is because there’s more to come.
If you’re looking for a charming, romantic story with excellent pacing, romance, and a little mystery, you’ll be delighted with this newest addition to the Midnight Secrets series.
Review by Amy for Book Obsessed Chicks

I have read the previous books in this series, liked the first but the next two were just so so. Unfortunately, this book follows the last 2. I found myself skipping pages to get to the end. 2 stars.

London'g Most Elusive Earl was a DNF for me--the characters made no sense, and it was hard to feel sympathy for the elusive earl, who acted put out and petulant with his father for the several chapters that I did read. The writing didn't seem to flow, and it was a struggle for me to make my way through the novel. When the heroine first sees the earl, he's in a torrid embrace with another woman, trying to finagle an invitation to said woman's home not for an affair but to steal a painting back...because of his father's will? What? And then the heroine feels instalust for what should seem to her like an immoral allycat? What? I'm so confused. My recommendation: Make yourself elusive, and spend your quarantine reading something else. (I know, I know, this is someone's novel baby, and I'm sorry, but I can't recommend.)

Netgalley generously provided an ARC; all opinions are by own.

Nice story with likable characters. However, I have to admit I was unable to connect with either the H or the h. I think part of the issue was that there wasn't anything that seemed to draw them together, to link them, except a strong physical attraction. Okay, this is a romance and it isn't that unusual, except it ran completely contrary to both characters nature and what they both kept saying throughout the book. That might work if there was a spark in their personalities, some chemistry, that drew them to each other and not just sex. Some tension or resistance to the attraction but there wasn't really any. Also, there are just too many words!! We spend far too much time reading about what the characters are thinking -- often contradictory and definitely repetitive. While there is nothing gothic about this book, the prose belonged to the genre of gothic romances or at least tortured souls who have been through some trauma. Yes, I know the Earl had a horrible, abusive father but the only thing that made the Earl was resentful, which he droned on about internally over and over again with no further depth or development. Not that being mistreated isn't cause for resentment but beyond telling us it made him into a rake hell, there's nothing else going on there. And while introspection is important to share, it just dragged on and on for both characters. We get it! He doesn't want to produce an heir; we get it, she wants a love match. Okay already! I know critiquing a book is easy; writing one a monumental achievement after a lot of work. There is a good story here, it just need further development up front and more, much more, editing after it was written.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

“I’d prefer if you’d call me Jonathan. No one does, so thereby you must.”

This was a very pleasant reading 😊, one that my tired quarantined brain was glad to receive.
The writing is deeply poetic at times (beautiful really), and the internal issues, the pain the main characters faced were very well drawn. Both felt… real.

Jonathan Cromford, Earl of Lindsay, is on a mad treasure hunt to obtain his inheritance after his father’s passing. Reputed as a rake through town, much of it was a mask he hides behind. When debutante Lady Caroline starts to challenge that, he finds himself drawn to her, without knowing how to react, except for following her.

Lady Caroline was interesting to explore – she might not be able to have children, and the discussion, the honesty and intricate way to describe her was new (at least to me) in historical novels. She was witty, very amusing and smart, longing for adventure: I felt that this longing was not so perfectly fulfilled, as I was expecting more of her involvement with the treasure chasing, it could have been fun to explore; but her relationship with Lindsay, the feelings involved, their story was so well drawn and sweet that it became more powerful than that, that it overshadowed it.

The ending (the conclusion of Lindsay’s secondary quest) felt a little rushed; but, then again, I never felt that was enough to rescind my good opinion. I loved reading it.

A new Earl must fulfill two requirements for the remainder of his inheritance settlement. A new debutante looking for a husband and love. A chance encounter at a ball in a study. Another ball, and another study. More encounters give the scandalous Earl something he's never had before. Hilarious masquerade ball! Very clever! Steamy hot encounters. A few unresolved issues. Resolved in the next book??? I hope so!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Loved this elusive Earl.
Jonathan has huge challenges to keep his inheritance. His evil father wrote a will that requires him to meet demands or lose everything. Caroline is a breath of fresh air. In London to find a husband, but she will only say yes to love. Their story is wonderful. I really wanted things to work out for these two, and now I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!

The Earl of Lindsey, a renowned rake, falls hard for Lady Nicholson, a woman looking to marry well. I immediately liked the lead characters and felt their chemistry, their romance was both sweet and steamy. The side characters were well fleshed out and felt necessary to the story. There is a side plot dealing with art forgery that I was really into but I feel like it was tied up too quickly and without much explanation. I really liked that this was a well-rounded story, more than 'just a romance,' with both Jonathan and Caroline having their own issues explored.
E-book provided by NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

Chapter 1 "meet cute" is adorable. Lady Caroline is new to London and search of a husband. At one of the many events, she takes refuge in a study where she is interrupted by the Earl of Lindsey and a woman. Lindsey and Caroline are drawn to each other right away, but it's more of dislike at first. They have a lot of obstacles to overcome, especially themselves. He has certain requirements to meet in order to claim his inheritance, including an art heist. She doesn't know if she can count on him, or if he's using her as a distraction.

Their burgeoning relationship is lovely and believable. Each is drawn to the other almost against their will at some points,and when they finally realize that what they have is real it's lovely.

As I said there are a whole lot of outside influences trying to keep them apart, well-meaning warnings and gossip, the whole art heist/painting search and their internal struggles.

I found some of the story was a little repetitive, with the author constantly reminding us of Lindsey's financial situation and inheritance requirements. I feel like a different Editor would have helped with this.

Aside from some clunky storytelling, I enjoyed this book. It's #4 in a series I didn't read, but did not find it hard to read as a standalone. Also, there are some loose ends which are not perfectly tied up, so book 5 is on its way I imagine.

Finally, it was refreshing to read about a couple with problems that were not instantly cured by their love. A good read which I would recommend. Thanks to Netgally for this ARC.


#LondonsMostElusiveEarl #NetGalley

I knew I was going to like this book by the end of the first chapter. An unrepentant rogue and a woman who finds him the least desirable bachelor in London. I knew these two would fall and fall hard. There’s nothing better than that transformation of “how could they possibly” to “they were meant for each other” and all the electrifying tension in between. That’s what I love about Anabelle Bryant’s books. She makes me believe.
Lord Jonathan Cromford, Earl of Lindsey and Lady Caroline Nicholson found their way into my heart early in this story. I ached for them both. Jonathan’s cruel father had left a will with many specific, life-altering, rule dictating contingencies. One specifically that Jonathan had no desire to fulfill. Marry and produce an heir. After so many years of avoiding emotional attachments, Jonathan didn’t even think he was capable of loyalty, honor, and love. The things a wife would require. I felt for Caroline as well. She had her heart set on making a match but she was overwhelmed with the advice and machinations of her family. She longed for security, loyalty, and love. Someone to accept her as she was.
When these two met, I knew I would savor every minute of their journey to love. Caroline knew Jonathan was exactly the type of man who invited gossip and scandal. Exactly the type of man she should avoid. She intended to find a husband. She didn’t need a distraction. “Certainly not one with overwhelming virility and a piercing gaze that sent her pulse into a skitter.” Jonathan was determined to solve the first of his father’s demands and get on with his life. There was no room in his life for distraction. “No room in his life for a debutante. Never mind a young miss pursuing some idealist version of wedded bliss. And yet, whenever he so much as looked at Caroline, his carefully constructed plans for the future may as well have never existed.”
I loved watching these two anticipate each encounter with each other, baffled by why they felt the way they did. Their connection was intense and undeniable. It just took them a while to figure it out. Which made it even sweeter to watch their feelings awaken and their romance slowly build.
I’m hoping there is more planned for this series. I’m dying to know more about Powell and what exactly he’s up to. I’m hoping the fact that that particular tidbit isn’t answered is because there’s more to come.
If you’re looking for a charming, romantic story with excellent pacing, romance, and a little mystery, you’ll be delighted with this newest addition to the Midnight Secrets series.

As always I enjoyed the book This one was a nice surprise. I thought it was beautifully written. The attention to detail, was great. The twists and turns this story took were unexpected and kept me on the edge of my seat. I never expected the outcome!

Upon the death of his cold and uncaring father, it’s revealed that certain requirements be met prior to Lord Lindsey receiving his inheritance. Apparently beyond the grave his father will still try to control him. Many layers to unravel as to who our hero really is, the rogue he presents to society or someone totally different?

Caroline Nicholson is a young debutante and proper lady who plans to marry before the season ends. But when she meets the renown rakehell Lord Jonathan Cromford, she finds guarding her reputation difficult as feelings and desires cannot be denied.

While the attraction grows and mounting issues threaten to interfere from all sides, secrets will be revealed, questions answered, and decisions reached.

Always great writing in this series, with wonderful stories and amazing characters. While I enjoyed Lindsey and Caroline’s journey, with a lot of great scenes and tender moments, I found I wanted more at the end. I guess more time to savor that good feeling or see a bit of their future. Still, a pleasant read and maybe a hint of possible books in the future.

The book starts with reading of the Late Earl's Will. . The conditions to be met are at best hard to attain for his Son. Who is a well known womanizer and known for his debauched lifestyle.

In comes our heroine who has arrived in the London dating pool from Italy, with a sole purpose of finding a husband and settling down. Both meet and sparks fly.

Its a typical regency romance with interesting leads. The chemistry is good and the intimate scenes are enough to get you all hot and bothered.


Plot wise book doesn't have much to offer. It started with a lot of promise but the chase for paintings ended in a very disappointing manner. There is one more plotline started in the book which paves way for a sequel.


All said, it was an engaging read to be finished in a single sitting.

I liked the story, but I thought that there were so many unanswered questions and subplots that the reader is left hanging at the end. The writing is excellent and the portrayal of the main characters and their feelings were illuminating, but some of the secondary characters are not as well defined.

Lord Jonathan Lindsey was left specific instructions from his deceased father before he could obtain his inheritance.

Caroline is looking for a husband who would love her and settles her interests on the rake, Lindsey.

This is a well-written emotional romance which kept me turning the pages. It has a bit of mystery. I loved/enjoyed the banter/attraction between Caroline and Lindsey. A keeper.

I received an advance reader copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I really loved this book. The hero, Jonathan, Earl of Lindsey is seemingly damaged beyond repair; a product of an unhappy childhood, and a terrible father whose cruelty extended beyond the grave, in the nearly impossible tasks Jonathan must complete, in order to claim his inheritance..

Lady Caroline Nicholson is ready to marry, but is irresistibly drawn to the one man who has no interest in forming an attachment. After all, his future is uncertain, and he knows nothing about love. Caroline chips away at the wall around his heart and Jonathan never saw it coming! London’s Most Elusive Earl was a truly romantic story,, with twists and turns, but a happily ever after, that was definitely worth waiting for. Jonathan and Caroline were soulmates, each incomplete without the other. The love scenes were to die for ... lovely, sensual and poetic.
A very well written book, that was a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Caroline is looking for a husband to love. Jonathan, a rake, is looking to fulfill the requirements to obtain his inheritance. When they are together Caroline asks him, “ What are we?” He replies that they are “inevitable”. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Books for my honest review.

While I was really excited about this books based on the description, the story itself fell a bit flat. I wish there had been better character development, as well as a better foundation for the relationship between the two characters. There was a lot going on throughout this story, and I’m not sure that everything was totally wrapped up by the end, which was frustrating. The dialogue was good though, and I think if you picked this up for a beach read, you wouldn’t be disappointed!

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I opted for this title because I can't resist a story where there is at least one partner who is reluctant to be in a relationship, and yet meets someone who makes them change their mind. Unfortunately this story didn't really fulfil that arc as much as I hoped. The two mains, Jonathan and Caroline, were both quite dull. There was nothing about either of them that made me root for their happy ending. I struggled to keep interest, and ultimately skipped several chapters to final few.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.