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Secrets in Silk #3
Undressed by the Earl
A man shrouded in grief…
David Hartford, the Earl of Castledon, is tormented by the death of his wife. Though everyone expects him to remarry and beget an heir, he is a man living in shadows, unwilling to break out of his prison of sorrow.
A spirited young woman who embraces life…
Impulsive Amelia Andrews befriends Lord Castledon and decides that he would make the perfect match for her prim older sister. Though she tries to bring the pair of them together, Amelia cannot help but see the lonely man behind David’s grim exterior. Even worse, she finds herself caught beneath his piercing stare…and she wonders how to melt his icy heart.
An unlikely match…
No woman can ever replace his first wife…but when Amelia is caught in a web of ruin, David cannot stand aside and let her suffer. Can an unexpected marriage bring about a love even greater than the one he lost?
David Hartford, the Earl of Castledon, is tormented by the death of his wife. Though everyone expects him to remarry and beget an heir, he is a man living in shadows, unwilling to break out of his prison of sorrow.
A spirited young woman who embraces life…
Impulsive Amelia Andrews befriends Lord Castledon and decides that he would make the perfect match for her prim older sister. Though she tries to bring the pair of them together, Amelia cannot help but see the lonely man behind David’s grim exterior. Even worse, she finds herself caught beneath his piercing stare…and she wonders how to melt his icy heart.
An unlikely match…
No woman can ever replace his first wife…but when Amelia is caught in a web of ruin, David cannot stand aside and let her suffer. Can an unexpected marriage bring about a love even greater than the one he lost?
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2014
418 people are currently reading
753 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Willingham
189 books620 followersRita® Award Finalist Michelle Willingham has published over fifty books and novellas. Currently, she lives in Virginia with her family and is working on more historical romance novels. When she's not writing, Michelle enjoys baking, playing the piano, and avoiding exercise at all costs. Visit her website at: www.michellewillingham.com or interact with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/michellewillinghamfans.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
July 11, 2016
Plot
As convoluted as the Twelve Days of Christmas. It has everything: unrequited love, jilting, faux eloping/kidnapping, gloomy haunted hero, saucy heroine, MOC, sisters in a series, more unrequited love, ghost of perfect wife past, a homicidal maniac, said homicidal maniac's blackmailing sister, sexy lingerie, and a partridge in a pear tree.
The h is in love with the handsome Lord Smarm who jilted her older sister. Does filial love stop her from chasing him? Nope. Points off for that, but to give her credit the h liked him before the older sis got engaged to him so who knows who's the lesser girl. The H is a shut down , must-marry-for-my-daughter Sir Gloomy Gus who has watched the sassy young h for a while. He warns her off Lord Smarm as does everyone. But no, it's rampaging true love until the h sees Lord Smarm lose a bare knuckle fight to the yummy but untitled Scots that is in love with her older sister who insists she must marry a titled gent. Whew.
Then h falls in love with Sir Gloomy Gus because he is pretty yummy in his own anal retentive, button down, blend into the woodwork kind of way. Sir Gloomy Gus likes the h, but she's way too much fun for a guy who still talks to his dead wife. Sadly she is unresponsive. The dead wife.
How do the two get together? Lord Smarm, who is as delusional as a young rake can be about his own charms, drugs the h at a ball and kidnaps her: destination Scotland. Sir Gloomy Gus rescues the h and, of course, must marry her to save her reputation. He'll marry her reluctantly, but they'll just be friends. I always thought the was what girls said. Anyhoo, the "just friends" issue doesn't last too long unless you want to call it "just friends with lusty benefits".
They arrive at ye olde castle where the daughter is a pill as is the H and the servants. Uphill battle on all fronts for the heroine.
Toss in an unexpected wasting illness for the daughter, a blackmail threat, and the release of a homicidal maniac that wants to kill the heroine and her whole family for things that happened in another book and there you go. Oh yea, they make scandalous underwear too.
My thoughts
At first I HATED the heroine as she was pushy and downright annoying. Taunting and a real I-told-you-so character. The hero was pretty yummy. He was tortured and honorable while still devoted to his dead wife. They married and it all changed. The heroine does a turnaround and matures overnight while the hero is still stuck in mourning stasis. Enough already. The huge downtick for me was when Sir Gloomy Gus puts her in a single room next to the servants quarters ON THEIR WEDDING NIGHT. Hey bud. Nobody puts baby in the corner bedroom!
My review is probably overly negative, but this was a National Readers’ Choice Award Finalist. Hard to believe as it was so disjointed. Perhaps I would have liked it better if I had read the previous books, but frankly there were few likeable characters. There heroine redeems herself, but the hero while starting out great really dropped in my estimation.
As convoluted as the Twelve Days of Christmas. It has everything: unrequited love, jilting, faux eloping/kidnapping, gloomy haunted hero, saucy heroine, MOC, sisters in a series, more unrequited love, ghost of perfect wife past, a homicidal maniac, said homicidal maniac's blackmailing sister, sexy lingerie, and a partridge in a pear tree.
The h is in love with the handsome Lord Smarm who jilted her older sister. Does filial love stop her from chasing him? Nope. Points off for that, but to give her credit the h liked him before the older sis got engaged to him so who knows who's the lesser girl. The H is a shut down , must-marry-for-my-daughter Sir Gloomy Gus who has watched the sassy young h for a while. He warns her off Lord Smarm as does everyone. But no, it's rampaging true love until the h sees Lord Smarm lose a bare knuckle fight to the yummy but untitled Scots that is in love with her older sister who insists she must marry a titled gent. Whew.
Then h falls in love with Sir Gloomy Gus because he is pretty yummy in his own anal retentive, button down, blend into the woodwork kind of way. Sir Gloomy Gus likes the h, but she's way too much fun for a guy who still talks to his dead wife. Sadly she is unresponsive. The dead wife.
How do the two get together? Lord Smarm, who is as delusional as a young rake can be about his own charms, drugs the h at a ball and kidnaps her: destination Scotland. Sir Gloomy Gus rescues the h and, of course, must marry her to save her reputation. He'll marry her reluctantly, but they'll just be friends. I always thought the was what girls said. Anyhoo, the "just friends" issue doesn't last too long unless you want to call it "just friends with lusty benefits".
They arrive at ye olde castle where the daughter is a pill as is the H and the servants. Uphill battle on all fronts for the heroine.
Toss in an unexpected wasting illness for the daughter, a blackmail threat, and the release of a homicidal maniac that wants to kill the heroine and her whole family for things that happened in another book and there you go. Oh yea, they make scandalous underwear too.
My thoughts
At first I HATED the heroine as she was pushy and downright annoying. Taunting and a real I-told-you-so character. The hero was pretty yummy. He was tortured and honorable while still devoted to his dead wife. They married and it all changed. The heroine does a turnaround and matures overnight while the hero is still stuck in mourning stasis. Enough already. The huge downtick for me was when Sir Gloomy Gus puts her in a single room next to the servants quarters ON THEIR WEDDING NIGHT. Hey bud. Nobody puts baby in the corner bedroom!
My review is probably overly negative, but this was a National Readers’ Choice Award Finalist. Hard to believe as it was so disjointed. Perhaps I would have liked it better if I had read the previous books, but frankly there were few likeable characters. There heroine redeems herself, but the hero while starting out great really dropped in my estimation.
October 16, 2019
What in the World was Michelle Willingham Thinking?
This whole story was about David Hartford, The Earl of Castledon and is obession with a dead wife. His wife Katherine has been dead 6 years. Now he is looking for a wife so he can beget an heir. He has become friends with the young 20 year old beautiful Amelia Andrews. After Amelia is kidnapped and David saves her he must marry her.
David treats Amelia terribly. He feels he is being unfaithful to his dead wife. He is always visualizing his dead wife and talking to her about his new beautiful full of life wife!!! WTH is going on with this fool!!
Amelia cant change anything in her new home. She can't direct the staff. she can't go into certain rooms. On his wedding night to Ameilia before they left London he makes her sleep in a tiny room in the Servants quarters. This is just a ridiculous badly written story. Ameilia at 20 had more kindness, compassion and intelligence then her 33 year old husband. His daughter Christine is 11 and she needed a good spaking. I didn't believe Christine was seriously sick because of her previous behavior, but she was indeed sick. This was a good way to build a relationship between Amelia and Christine, but David didn't want her to interfere with helping Christine. Amelia was brave and stood her ground and stayed and continue to help Christine recover.
I don't like stories with a 3 way love triangle especially if one of the people is DEAD!! David did not realize he loved his wife until the very end of the book when he speaks to his dead wife and annouces he has to let her go.
I Never felt David loved Amelia even at the end of the story when he says he loves. It was way to late I didn't believe it.
This whole story was about David Hartford, The Earl of Castledon and is obession with a dead wife. His wife Katherine has been dead 6 years. Now he is looking for a wife so he can beget an heir. He has become friends with the young 20 year old beautiful Amelia Andrews. After Amelia is kidnapped and David saves her he must marry her.
David treats Amelia terribly. He feels he is being unfaithful to his dead wife. He is always visualizing his dead wife and talking to her about his new beautiful full of life wife!!! WTH is going on with this fool!!
Amelia cant change anything in her new home. She can't direct the staff. she can't go into certain rooms. On his wedding night to Ameilia before they left London he makes her sleep in a tiny room in the Servants quarters. This is just a ridiculous badly written story. Ameilia at 20 had more kindness, compassion and intelligence then her 33 year old husband. His daughter Christine is 11 and she needed a good spaking. I didn't believe Christine was seriously sick because of her previous behavior, but she was indeed sick. This was a good way to build a relationship between Amelia and Christine, but David didn't want her to interfere with helping Christine. Amelia was brave and stood her ground and stayed and continue to help Christine recover.
I don't like stories with a 3 way love triangle especially if one of the people is DEAD!! David did not realize he loved his wife until the very end of the book when he speaks to his dead wife and annouces he has to let her go.
I Never felt David loved Amelia even at the end of the story when he says he loves. It was way to late I didn't believe it.
March 15, 2023
Awn, how I love a widower story. I super enjoy seeing the guys suffering lol. I know it sounds horrible but I enjoy when it is not the woman suffering for a change.
And in a widower story the guy either suffers because he loved her or because it was a horrible marriage. Either way I like seeing the hero overcoming his dark times with the help of our heroine.
So, if you don't like this kind of story, this book is not for you. It usually takes a lot of time for a hero to get over wherever happened in his first marriage and here is not different.
The first part of this book, where they were not yet marriage it was over the top good, I seriously laughed out loud in more than one occasion. The second part is more dramatic and dark and not as good. The hero is unable to move on and he is hurtful to someone that doesn't deserve what he gives. In the end everything is okay, but it takes a while.
Was the series worth it? In my opinion yes, it was. I was curious and I read one book after another, which is not something I do with historical... (I still have the last book but not sure I will read it right away) but do I think most people will enjoy this book? Probably not, I think many will be bored and/or mad with the hero.
And in a widower story the guy either suffers because he loved her or because it was a horrible marriage. Either way I like seeing the hero overcoming his dark times with the help of our heroine.
So, if you don't like this kind of story, this book is not for you. It usually takes a lot of time for a hero to get over wherever happened in his first marriage and here is not different.
The first part of this book, where they were not yet marriage it was over the top good, I seriously laughed out loud in more than one occasion. The second part is more dramatic and dark and not as good. The hero is unable to move on and he is hurtful to someone that doesn't deserve what he gives. In the end everything is okay, but it takes a while.
Was the series worth it? In my opinion yes, it was. I was curious and I read one book after another, which is not something I do with historical... (I still have the last book but not sure I will read it right away) but do I think most people will enjoy this book? Probably not, I think many will be bored and/or mad with the hero.
July 1, 2014
I had a little hard time getting into this one, but boy once I go into it, it was hard to put down. I really loved the heroine Amelia. The banter between David and Amelia was fantastic. Laughed a few times at them. Amelia believes she knows who she wants to marry, but sometimes what we want isn't what we need. Poor Amelia soon learns of her mistake in groom material. The you have the earl David. The poor widower who can't fathom of living his life and finding happiness again, but he didn't count on Amelia. though these two didn't plan on it they found themselves wed. Amelia has a rocky start at Castledon. Can Amelia find a HEA with David and his little girl or will David's heart be forever closed off?
October 27, 2014
I used my Kindle Unlimited program to obtain this book. I have read the first two books in the series, and loved the characters from Undone by the Duke. It’s a fascinating array of characters and once I started reading the series, I had to find out how the other sister’s love affair would play out. While Undone by the Duke is by far my favorite, I did enjoy Undressed by the Earl.
Amelia Andrew is a feisty, impulsive heroine, and when she makes up her mind to do something everyone needs to watch out. She has been in love—or so she thought—with Viscount Lisford, a well-known rake, who broke her sister Meg’s heart years before, since she was sixteen. Even though, she knows he is not a man she should love, she meets with him on several occasions on the sly. She quickly realizes he is not the man she imagined him to be. Amelia spurns his advances, and he takes matters into his own hands and kidnaps her.
Her friend, David Hartford, the Earl of Castledon, and the man she has ear marked for her sister Meg, races after her to save her from Lisford’s dastardly plan. When he finds her, he does the only thing a man of honor can do. He asks her to marry him, to save her from scandal. Even though this is the last thing he wants, since he still grieves for his late wife and has no desire to wed. However, he has a daughter to consider, and she needs a mother desperately. As long as he keeps his distance, and only offers her friendship, he should be able to safeguard his heart.
For me, this is where the story derails a bit. There is just too much angst coming from David. I understand he loved his late wife, but at times he is quite cruel to Amelia and very cold. This bothered me tremendously. Personally, I don’t understand how she could fall in love with him, but she does. Although, he is a tortured soul and that is usually one of my favorite character archetypes, I struggled to like him. I did feel his pain though, and his feelings of betrayal to the memory of his late wife.
I will say this for Amelia, she does not give up when she sets her mind on a goal. She is determined to break through David’s shell and gain his love, no matter what it takes. She is the redeeming reason why I kept reading on, even though, I wanted to slap David upside his head much of the time. I still wanted Amelia to achieve her HEA. She certainly works hard enough for it.
Ms. Willingham’s writing is smooth and flowing, and this story is evenly paced. I also thoroughly enjoyed Amelia’s interaction with David’s daughter, Christine, and how she goes about earning the child’s trust. Surprisingly enough, there is strong passion between them, considering the conflict between the couple for much of the book.
Even with these issues, I am glad I read this story. I found it very entertaining. It has a solid plot, and a satisfactory ending. The author does an excellent job of bringing the Regency period to life with her vivid descriptions of the scenes. I can just picture what “Aphrodite’s Unmentionables” must look like. If you enjoy strong conflict between the hero and heroine with plenty of passion, and delightful interaction between the sisters, then this is a book you will want to read. Happy reading!
Amelia Andrew is a feisty, impulsive heroine, and when she makes up her mind to do something everyone needs to watch out. She has been in love—or so she thought—with Viscount Lisford, a well-known rake, who broke her sister Meg’s heart years before, since she was sixteen. Even though, she knows he is not a man she should love, she meets with him on several occasions on the sly. She quickly realizes he is not the man she imagined him to be. Amelia spurns his advances, and he takes matters into his own hands and kidnaps her.
Her friend, David Hartford, the Earl of Castledon, and the man she has ear marked for her sister Meg, races after her to save her from Lisford’s dastardly plan. When he finds her, he does the only thing a man of honor can do. He asks her to marry him, to save her from scandal. Even though this is the last thing he wants, since he still grieves for his late wife and has no desire to wed. However, he has a daughter to consider, and she needs a mother desperately. As long as he keeps his distance, and only offers her friendship, he should be able to safeguard his heart.
For me, this is where the story derails a bit. There is just too much angst coming from David. I understand he loved his late wife, but at times he is quite cruel to Amelia and very cold. This bothered me tremendously. Personally, I don’t understand how she could fall in love with him, but she does. Although, he is a tortured soul and that is usually one of my favorite character archetypes, I struggled to like him. I did feel his pain though, and his feelings of betrayal to the memory of his late wife.
I will say this for Amelia, she does not give up when she sets her mind on a goal. She is determined to break through David’s shell and gain his love, no matter what it takes. She is the redeeming reason why I kept reading on, even though, I wanted to slap David upside his head much of the time. I still wanted Amelia to achieve her HEA. She certainly works hard enough for it.
Ms. Willingham’s writing is smooth and flowing, and this story is evenly paced. I also thoroughly enjoyed Amelia’s interaction with David’s daughter, Christine, and how she goes about earning the child’s trust. Surprisingly enough, there is strong passion between them, considering the conflict between the couple for much of the book.
Even with these issues, I am glad I read this story. I found it very entertaining. It has a solid plot, and a satisfactory ending. The author does an excellent job of bringing the Regency period to life with her vivid descriptions of the scenes. I can just picture what “Aphrodite’s Unmentionables” must look like. If you enjoy strong conflict between the hero and heroine with plenty of passion, and delightful interaction between the sisters, then this is a book you will want to read. Happy reading!
April 9, 2015
DNF
For the most part once I got to Margaret's and Sinclair's relationship I stopped and switched books. The story of Amelia and David was nice but honestly it was not nearly as interesting as what was going on in the shadows with Margaret. There was too much in this book that repelled me.
1) David was so hung up on his wife but not once did he mention her personality, her attributes, not even her damn looks. Nothing was mentioned on WHY he loved her soooooo much. He just kept gripping about how much he missed her and how lonely he was and how he would NEVER fall in love again or replace his wife. Honestly, as the reader with no prior knowledge of who this woman was, it just came off really snobby and whiny: "no on can be better than MY Katherine." Give me reasons to feel bad that he lost her, jesus. Was she kind? Beautiful? A great mother? She was simply a faceless, nameless (not literally but figuratively) character.
2) Amelia was dense. Yes, she has a kind heart and wishes to see the best in people. I got that. That was an obvious characteristic of her's. But the thing was she had everyone EVERYONE telling her not to go after this "rake" (another character not David) but all she kept saying was that she could "change him" and that she could "reform him of his gambling and rakish ways" despite what he'd done to his sister and his current actions (and even his own words) were showing that this wasn't going to happen. There was a few moments where you saw he was a good man, a flawed man, but still not the usual drunken, debouched, rake that most historical romances picture them as. He was genuinely sorry he'd hurt Amelia's sister but at the same time he also did not claim or even promise to change his ways at all. Yet she constantly kept going on and on about how he was "the one". It got so bad that it honestly made me want to stop reading altogether.
“I wish you would stop treating me as if I’m wearing blinders,” she said.
But that's just it you ninny you act like you do. You think like you do. Therefore you DO.
3) Amelia was a meddling, matchmaker. I can't stand matchmaking characters. I don't care it they're the best characters in existences, they could be funny and interesting and complex and an elderly aunt or a mother or the heroine herself; I do not like it when other people meddle in other people's lives. It's controlling and invasive and its a major turn off for me. They act as if they know what's best for someone else when in fact they DON'T.
Overall, did not finish this one, got caught up in Margaret's story and ended up just jumping ship to her book.
For the most part once I got to Margaret's and Sinclair's relationship I stopped and switched books. The story of Amelia and David was nice but honestly it was not nearly as interesting as what was going on in the shadows with Margaret. There was too much in this book that repelled me.
1) David was so hung up on his wife but not once did he mention her personality, her attributes, not even her damn looks. Nothing was mentioned on WHY he loved her soooooo much. He just kept gripping about how much he missed her and how lonely he was and how he would NEVER fall in love again or replace his wife. Honestly, as the reader with no prior knowledge of who this woman was, it just came off really snobby and whiny: "no on can be better than MY Katherine." Give me reasons to feel bad that he lost her, jesus. Was she kind? Beautiful? A great mother? She was simply a faceless, nameless (not literally but figuratively) character.
2) Amelia was dense. Yes, she has a kind heart and wishes to see the best in people. I got that. That was an obvious characteristic of her's. But the thing was she had everyone EVERYONE telling her not to go after this "rake" (another character not David) but all she kept saying was that she could "change him" and that she could "reform him of his gambling and rakish ways" despite what he'd done to his sister and his current actions (and even his own words) were showing that this wasn't going to happen. There was a few moments where you saw he was a good man, a flawed man, but still not the usual drunken, debouched, rake that most historical romances picture them as. He was genuinely sorry he'd hurt Amelia's sister but at the same time he also did not claim or even promise to change his ways at all. Yet she constantly kept going on and on about how he was "the one". It got so bad that it honestly made me want to stop reading altogether.
“I wish you would stop treating me as if I’m wearing blinders,” she said.
But that's just it you ninny you act like you do. You think like you do. Therefore you DO.
3) Amelia was a meddling, matchmaker. I can't stand matchmaking characters. I don't care it they're the best characters in existences, they could be funny and interesting and complex and an elderly aunt or a mother or the heroine herself; I do not like it when other people meddle in other people's lives. It's controlling and invasive and its a major turn off for me. They act as if they know what's best for someone else when in fact they DON'T.
Overall, did not finish this one, got caught up in Margaret's story and ended up just jumping ship to her book.
April 24, 2022
The starting was a little slow and boring but it got a bit better after that. I like Amelia for her honest and straightforward ways but I can’t say that I like Castledon.
I didn’t like the way he closed himself off every time and refused to open up to Amelia. I get that while he was afraid to love and lose his loved one again, but his behavior wasn’t fair towards Amelia. I felt bad for Amelia as she was only in a half marriage, they were in it only because of Christine & the physical aspects. Not for any emotional side, since castledon refused to share his feelings with her.
It took him way too long to open up to Amelia.
Otherwise, an alright book to pass the time.
I didn’t like the way he closed himself off every time and refused to open up to Amelia. I get that while he was afraid to love and lose his loved one again, but his behavior wasn’t fair towards Amelia. I felt bad for Amelia as she was only in a half marriage, they were in it only because of Christine & the physical aspects. Not for any emotional side, since castledon refused to share his feelings with her.
It took him way too long to open up to Amelia.
Otherwise, an alright book to pass the time.
April 23, 2014
Another brilliant book by the talented writings of Michelle Willingham in her newest soon to be released book this summer *Undressed By The Earl* (the Secrets in Silk Series), book three. You can read alone or in series order, but I recommend readers do it in series order, just so you can connect the dots a little more clearly though the connections are explained in this book too. I find a more personal connection when you read each book in the series. Of course that's the readers choice as I mentioned earlier you can read alone too, all the books are fabulous in this series. Undone by the Duke is book 1 and Unraveled By the Rebel is book 2 in the Secrets in Silk series in case any of you are interested in read this in series order as they are all wonderful reads.
In book 3 "Undressed by the Earl" as this book is about the younger Andrews sister Amelia in Secrets in Silk series. As the Andrews sisters who were near poverty some years ago and still maintain their secret undergarment business Aphrodite's Unmentionables which had saved them. Amelia and her friend Lord David Hartford, Earl of Castledon whom she once claimed had the personality of a handkerchief when she was sixteen and not allowed to dance. As she has her eye on a Viscount, who is a wastrel and fortune hunter and addicted to gambling, that she believe's she can change being the most handsome and exciting man so she thinks.
As the hero in this book Lord Castledon had made a promised to his 11 year old daughter that he would find her a mother this year even through it is actually the last thing he wants. As he lost his wife six years ago and had been shrouded in grief and still wears his mourning colors. Yet he wants a wife who will care and teach his daughter all society rules but expect nothing more then a fleeting friendship from him. He was nearly destroyed by a love match watching his beloved wife die from the wasting decease ( cancer) and he would never put himself through that again.
Lord Castledon sees that the scoundrel rakehell Viscount that Miss Amelia Andrews is infatuated with is just going to use and ruin her so he tries to help her from a distance. Amelia is a very spirited outgoing type that actually feels sorry for Lord Castledon due to his grieving for so long and he is looking for a wife. At first Amelia tries setting him up with her sister Margaret as the same scoundrel rakehell Viscount whom Amelia is infatuated with, the scoundrel Viscount had ruined her sister some years ago. Feeling guilty and also she likes helping people so Amelia tries to play matchmaker for Lord Castledon and her sister Margaret, as Amelia wants her sister happy too. Of course when Amelia does finally open her eyes and sees things as they really are, things start spiraling out of control. Amelia is kidnapped which forces a marriage or her ruin will happen just like her sister!
Yet when one always wanted to marry for love and the other only can offer friendship how can a marriage
really work and survive for such a spirited young woman with dreams of a fairy tale wedding and a love match and a shy broken bitter heartbroken man especially when no one is the household including his daughter will accept her. So what will Miss Amelia do? You will just have to read this fabulous book and find out!
I have really enjoyed this entire series but I really enjoyed reading Undressed By the Earl it has all the elements I love in a book kidnapping, murder, blackmail, mystery, suspense, mayhem and love.
Sometimes one needs to take off those half filled glasses and appreciate what's right in front of you!
Another spectacular read by the multi talented amazing Michelle Willingham! I highly recommend this book to all!
Loved it!!!~B
In book 3 "Undressed by the Earl" as this book is about the younger Andrews sister Amelia in Secrets in Silk series. As the Andrews sisters who were near poverty some years ago and still maintain their secret undergarment business Aphrodite's Unmentionables which had saved them. Amelia and her friend Lord David Hartford, Earl of Castledon whom she once claimed had the personality of a handkerchief when she was sixteen and not allowed to dance. As she has her eye on a Viscount, who is a wastrel and fortune hunter and addicted to gambling, that she believe's she can change being the most handsome and exciting man so she thinks.
As the hero in this book Lord Castledon had made a promised to his 11 year old daughter that he would find her a mother this year even through it is actually the last thing he wants. As he lost his wife six years ago and had been shrouded in grief and still wears his mourning colors. Yet he wants a wife who will care and teach his daughter all society rules but expect nothing more then a fleeting friendship from him. He was nearly destroyed by a love match watching his beloved wife die from the wasting decease ( cancer) and he would never put himself through that again.
Lord Castledon sees that the scoundrel rakehell Viscount that Miss Amelia Andrews is infatuated with is just going to use and ruin her so he tries to help her from a distance. Amelia is a very spirited outgoing type that actually feels sorry for Lord Castledon due to his grieving for so long and he is looking for a wife. At first Amelia tries setting him up with her sister Margaret as the same scoundrel rakehell Viscount whom Amelia is infatuated with, the scoundrel Viscount had ruined her sister some years ago. Feeling guilty and also she likes helping people so Amelia tries to play matchmaker for Lord Castledon and her sister Margaret, as Amelia wants her sister happy too. Of course when Amelia does finally open her eyes and sees things as they really are, things start spiraling out of control. Amelia is kidnapped which forces a marriage or her ruin will happen just like her sister!
Yet when one always wanted to marry for love and the other only can offer friendship how can a marriage
really work and survive for such a spirited young woman with dreams of a fairy tale wedding and a love match and a shy broken bitter heartbroken man especially when no one is the household including his daughter will accept her. So what will Miss Amelia do? You will just have to read this fabulous book and find out!
I have really enjoyed this entire series but I really enjoyed reading Undressed By the Earl it has all the elements I love in a book kidnapping, murder, blackmail, mystery, suspense, mayhem and love.
Sometimes one needs to take off those half filled glasses and appreciate what's right in front of you!
Another spectacular read by the multi talented amazing Michelle Willingham! I highly recommend this book to all!
Loved it!!!~B
November 28, 2017
I had high hopes for this one but in the end found it very disappointing. David is unable to accept the loss of his wife but knows he needs to marry. Sounds good to me. The heroine is a bit annoying but then she sees his finer and decides she likes him. So fast forward to getting married and David goes downhill for me from there. He is ridiculously grieving his late wife to the point that it seemed bizarre. He can't seem to understand why Amelia is unhappy at the end too. He is rude to her, cold, depressing, and uses her for sex and when he finds out she may leave him he's all "She wants to the leave the marriage? Whatever for?" At that point I was rooting for Ameila to leave and let him live the rest of his life in sorrow.
I also felt like his turn around happened too quickly. For 90% of the book he is determined to whine and resist love for the rest of his days. Then once she says he's going to visit her sister he realizes he loves her? Bah, whatever. He had his chance.
I listened to this as an audio book and I also think that was part of the problem. The narrator is not my favorite and felt like she portrayed David in a dull, monotone voice. I never felt a connection to him.
I also felt like his turn around happened too quickly. For 90% of the book he is determined to whine and resist love for the rest of his days. Then once she says he's going to visit her sister he realizes he loves her? Bah, whatever. He had his chance.
I listened to this as an audio book and I also think that was part of the problem. The narrator is not my favorite and felt like she portrayed David in a dull, monotone voice. I never felt a connection to him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2022
I was surprised I liked this as much as I did, considering some of the reviews. I enjoyed the slow burn, detailed setting, and secondary characters. I am curious about Margaret’s story.
I liked the author’s style of writing. I wasn’t a fan of the h, Amelia at first because she was so inconsiderate of her jilted sister’s feelings whilst pursuing the very man who left Margaret at the alter. Luckily Amelia realizes she’s not really interested in him, after all. I enjoyed the limited angst between David and Amelia. It didn’t come to as much of a crescendo of heartbreak before the happy conclusion as I would have liked, unfortunately. I love me some rejected heroine and some hella angst, people. David wasn’t unnecessarily cruel to Amelia, he was always caring, if aloof. It was an entertaining read, nonetheless.
I liked the author’s style of writing. I wasn’t a fan of the h, Amelia at first because she was so inconsiderate of her jilted sister’s feelings whilst pursuing the very man who left Margaret at the alter. Luckily Amelia realizes she’s not really interested in him, after all. I enjoyed the limited angst between David and Amelia. It didn’t come to as much of a crescendo of heartbreak before the happy conclusion as I would have liked, unfortunately. I love me some rejected heroine and some hella angst, people. David wasn’t unnecessarily cruel to Amelia, he was always caring, if aloof. It was an entertaining read, nonetheless.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2019
Great read 📚❤️📚
I thoroughly enjoyed the work of this new-to-me author. Although it’s the third in the series, saw on FB and decided to check it out. Loved the characters and definitely plan to read all in the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed the work of this new-to-me author. Although it’s the third in the series, saw on FB and decided to check it out. Loved the characters and definitely plan to read all in the series.
November 29, 2016
Love Overcomes Loss
David and Amelia go through tremendous transformations. David having lost his wife and child 6 yrs. before meeting who would become the love of his life. Amelia was abducted by a unsuitable boa and David not only saves her but marries her. David also has a daughter Christine, who is very difficult but Amelia was also rebellious child so she shows her that she won't be able to pull the wool over her eyes. This story also brings in characters from book 1&2. The romance parts are steamy to say the least. Good book for mature readers.
David and Amelia go through tremendous transformations. David having lost his wife and child 6 yrs. before meeting who would become the love of his life. Amelia was abducted by a unsuitable boa and David not only saves her but marries her. David also has a daughter Christine, who is very difficult but Amelia was also rebellious child so she shows her that she won't be able to pull the wool over her eyes. This story also brings in characters from book 1&2. The romance parts are steamy to say the least. Good book for mature readers.
December 4, 2025
I go back and forth, but I think this book was a 3.5 rounded down
I was glad to see the heroine's emotional progress and that she was smart enough to see who the man behind her infatuation was as well as her feelings for the hero.
However, the hero's journey was more clumsily told.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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I was glad to see the heroine's emotional progress and that she was smart enough to see who the man behind her infatuation was as well as her feelings for the hero.
However, the hero's journey was more clumsily told.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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October 2, 2014
Started with firey promise then lost momentum but ended with a bang.
Sweet story but I wasn't particularly emotionally engaged with characters.
Sweet story but I wasn't particularly emotionally engaged with characters.
April 20, 2021
The heroine is too stupid to live, a shallow selfish little idiot. She was absolutely obnoxious and I hated her so so much. What sort of a self respecting woman pines for her sister's ex-fiance, that too a guy who left said sister at the alter??? And this too in historical era, where such things were an even bigger deal? Her internal monologue kept sounding like a 12 year old's, with Justin Bieber poster on the walls of her bedroom. She planned her marriage to this sister's-ex-boyfriend dude, she kept thinking maybe it wasn't that wrong to pine after him. Honestly I couldn't go any further solely for this idiotic heroine. I was honestly curious to see how the author handled the whole widowed-with-a-11yo-daughter hero thing, but alas, the heroine made it not worth it.
Whatever happened to her, she brought it on herself with her idiocy. I have no sympathy for her.
Even the hero thought at one point that the heroine reminded him of his daughter. And I'm like, no kidding, she has the emotional maturity of a 12 year old, so it makes sense. The book seriously made me wanna slap some sense into this girl, who despite repeated warnings from everyone, still pined after this d-bag. One of the worst heroine's I've read about in all time. DNF@7%.
Whatever happened to her, she brought it on herself with her idiocy. I have no sympathy for her.
Even the hero thought at one point that the heroine reminded him of his daughter. And I'm like, no kidding, she has the emotional maturity of a 12 year old, so it makes sense. The book seriously made me wanna slap some sense into this girl, who despite repeated warnings from everyone, still pined after this d-bag. One of the worst heroine's I've read about in all time. DNF@7%.
March 21, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book, but I didn't love reading this book. It was okay.
I like that the author doesn't feel the need to end her books (in a series) with cliffhangers like most of the other serial volumes out there today (not to say that there aren't loose ends). And each book could be read as a stand-alone novel, which I also like. All pluses.
As for the writing itself, it can get repetitive. I don't really need it repeated to me that this character thinks this, because of that. The character development also leaves a lot to be desired. It's not deplorable, but it's not the best. It almost seems rushed, especially at the end. Otherwise, the writing is pretty good.
The story can get a bit cheesy though, when it's not busy being somewhat stale. I think "stale cheese" would be an adequate description. But some people enjoy that sort of thing. I know that I can take it or leave it.
Overall, the book is exactly what you think it's going to be like and you're not disappointed. And now that I think about it, this review pretty much sums up all four books in this series. Four birds, one stone.
I like that the author doesn't feel the need to end her books (in a series) with cliffhangers like most of the other serial volumes out there today (not to say that there aren't loose ends). And each book could be read as a stand-alone novel, which I also like. All pluses.
As for the writing itself, it can get repetitive. I don't really need it repeated to me that this character thinks this, because of that. The character development also leaves a lot to be desired. It's not deplorable, but it's not the best. It almost seems rushed, especially at the end. Otherwise, the writing is pretty good.
The story can get a bit cheesy though, when it's not busy being somewhat stale. I think "stale cheese" would be an adequate description. But some people enjoy that sort of thing. I know that I can take it or leave it.
Overall, the book is exactly what you think it's going to be like and you're not disappointed. And now that I think about it, this review pretty much sums up all four books in this series. Four birds, one stone.
March 24, 2021
Strong women Thrive
Four sisters all different but strong in their own way. Each book in the series concentrates on a different sister. Amelia is the youngest and has her heart set on the rogue who jilted her sister she feels the match was wrong and she will be the one who tames him, does he have an agenda?? She is headstrong and has a mind of
her own and loves to meddle and match make. The man she wants to set her sister up with is a widower and only wants a mother for his daughter. Amelia thinks he has the personality of a handkerchief lol. But during all this meddling Amelia and her naivety almost misses the person she wants who has been right in front of her.
Throw in vengeance, greed and kidnap and this book becomes more than just romance and stuffiness
Four sisters all different but strong in their own way. Each book in the series concentrates on a different sister. Amelia is the youngest and has her heart set on the rogue who jilted her sister she feels the match was wrong and she will be the one who tames him, does he have an agenda?? She is headstrong and has a mind of
her own and loves to meddle and match make. The man she wants to set her sister up with is a widower and only wants a mother for his daughter. Amelia thinks he has the personality of a handkerchief lol. But during all this meddling Amelia and her naivety almost misses the person she wants who has been right in front of her.
Throw in vengeance, greed and kidnap and this book becomes more than just romance and stuffiness
July 19, 2024
Amelia Ides, that the earl who has been talking to her at the various balls and parties is the perfect match for her sister. Unfortunately, her sister is not an agreement and is not interested. Older than Amelia the Earl is a widower who has promised his young daughter he would find her a mother That season. Amelia isn’t interested she does like the Earl and it turns out he becomes her night and shining armor her from disgrace. An interesting read that holds your interest as two people come together.
This series, Secrets in Silk, by Michelle Willingham delves into the lives of four sisters. Each book is well written with very interesting characters and a terrific plot that always ends with.a HEA.
This series, Secrets in Silk, by Michelle Willingham delves into the lives of four sisters. Each book is well written with very interesting characters and a terrific plot that always ends with.a HEA.
January 13, 2023
A story of mystery and romance
This is the third book that tells the romance of the youngest daughter. If you have read either of the first two books Amelia as the youngest sister plays a part in both as fun loving and looking for adventure kind of girl. She has idolized the Earl of Langfordshire for years. Her mother and sisters do not want her to court him as he is a rake and had already left one older sister at the alter. I always enjoy books in a series when characters in previous stories are written into the next book. I’m looking forward to the fourth story. Enjoy.
This is the third book that tells the romance of the youngest daughter. If you have read either of the first two books Amelia as the youngest sister plays a part in both as fun loving and looking for adventure kind of girl. She has idolized the Earl of Langfordshire for years. Her mother and sisters do not want her to court him as he is a rake and had already left one older sister at the alter. I always enjoy books in a series when characters in previous stories are written into the next book. I’m looking forward to the fourth story. Enjoy.
March 27, 2024
DNF @70% I’ve endured for as long as I can. I hate to DNF but
I don’t even care to skim it anymore because I actually do not care what happens to these characters. The heroine is beyond insufferable my last straw was her threatening to fire the housekeeper because she didn’t immediately comply with making her a very special last minute meal. She frequently behaves like an adolescent and then is surprised when others treat her like one ?? The hero is just boring. It was so disappointing because it has one of my favorite tropes (meant for another) but oh brother this dragged in the worst way. Which is pretty astounding with the amount of tropes thrown in there.
I don’t even care to skim it anymore because I actually do not care what happens to these characters. The heroine is beyond insufferable my last straw was her threatening to fire the housekeeper because she didn’t immediately comply with making her a very special last minute meal. She frequently behaves like an adolescent and then is surprised when others treat her like one ?? The hero is just boring. It was so disappointing because it has one of my favorite tropes (meant for another) but oh brother this dragged in the worst way. Which is pretty astounding with the amount of tropes thrown in there.
December 7, 2019
A Enjoyable Regency Romance
I enjoyed this story quite a bit. I'm glad Michelle Willingham had the book start a few years after the first two books because it gives more credibility to the characters and how life some times plays out. I was excited that Amelia and David had a storyline & it felt like Willingham has finally gotten her stride in writing about this world. I did want more detail and felt the ending was a little rushed, but overall I like the storyline and look forward to the remaining book.
I enjoyed this story quite a bit. I'm glad Michelle Willingham had the book start a few years after the first two books because it gives more credibility to the characters and how life some times plays out. I was excited that Amelia and David had a storyline & it felt like Willingham has finally gotten her stride in writing about this world. I did want more detail and felt the ending was a little rushed, but overall I like the storyline and look forward to the remaining book.
January 19, 2025
Enjoyable but not my favorite
Not my favorite book in the series. I preferred the first two but Amelia is a charming character and reminded me a bit like Emma by Jane Austen. David is no Mr. Knightley and he annoyed me a lot and made me feel a bit uncomfortable. From my read, he came off a bit creepy. Clearly not the intention of the author but it just made me not care for the mmc as much. Overall I thought it was ok and was happy I read it because there will undoubtedly be parts of the story that are relevant to the last book in the series.
Not my favorite book in the series. I preferred the first two but Amelia is a charming character and reminded me a bit like Emma by Jane Austen. David is no Mr. Knightley and he annoyed me a lot and made me feel a bit uncomfortable. From my read, he came off a bit creepy. Clearly not the intention of the author but it just made me not care for the mmc as much. Overall I thought it was ok and was happy I read it because there will undoubtedly be parts of the story that are relevant to the last book in the series.
October 8, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. The characters felt very real in the situations they were facing. I know some people felt like he loved his first wife too much, but I think that was what made his character real. He was someone who had been truly in love with his wife and he was afraid of betraying her memory, betraying what they had shared. It takes time for him to give into his attraction and eventual feelings for Amelia. They faced problems that a real couple would face.
January 26, 2019
The man I need
Amelia has foolish romantic notions at first and very unrealistic expectations of a man to marry! When she finally realized the take she has a crush on is a wastral and an idiot it is almost too late! David has admired her for years and as he rides to the rescue he realizes Amelia has the power to bring him to his knees! David has a second chance at love and Amelia has a love worth having!
Amelia has foolish romantic notions at first and very unrealistic expectations of a man to marry! When she finally realized the take she has a crush on is a wastral and an idiot it is almost too late! David has admired her for years and as he rides to the rescue he realizes Amelia has the power to bring him to his knees! David has a second chance at love and Amelia has a love worth having!
May 30, 2024
There was a lot happening in this one, some of which will likely be resolved in the sequel. But this two-and-a-half star novel wasn't enjoyable enough for me to pick up the fourth novel. I enjoyed seeing the hero blossom, but these two needed to get it together (on more than just the romantic front) for a lot of the book. Poor choices were made. Kindness was severely lacking in many points. I'm glad they got their happy ending, but it wasn't all that for me.
June 19, 2017
Amelia and David
Both sister Margaret 's villain and the major family villain cause havoc as several story lines merge. The Earl of Castledon takes center stage although he still mourns his wife and thinks the youngest Andrews daughter, Amelia is too immature for a wife, his attraction and circumstances bring them together. Very good read.
Both sister Margaret 's villain and the major family villain cause havoc as several story lines merge. The Earl of Castledon takes center stage although he still mourns his wife and thinks the youngest Andrews daughter, Amelia is too immature for a wife, his attraction and circumstances bring them together. Very good read.
July 25, 2017
More of the same is not always a bad thing
Follows the same tried and true formula as the previous books. By now the characters are fleshed out and you truly care for them. I like that this book didn't end in another pregnancy (which is usually a go-to ending for most books like this). Another fabulous quick read!
Follows the same tried and true formula as the previous books. By now the characters are fleshed out and you truly care for them. I like that this book didn't end in another pregnancy (which is usually a go-to ending for most books like this). Another fabulous quick read!
July 27, 2017
Ten hours into this audio book and I just can't waste my time on the last 1.5 hours. I kept waiting for it to get better but it's just waaaaay too melodramatic. (Maybe it's aggravated by the narrator.) The hero is just getting jerkier and jerkier. I don't care what happens to tie up this story and I no longer care about the dramatic arc of the rest of the series. I'm done.
October 13, 2017
TRULY GREAT REGENCY ROMANCE
We could not put this one down until it was finished. Amelia first seemed spoiled and a little brat, until you realized that she really had her sister's happiness in mind and thought she was really in love herself. The storyline characters are first-rate, thank you for a remarkable story, Danny and Debbie Scott.
We could not put this one down until it was finished. Amelia first seemed spoiled and a little brat, until you realized that she really had her sister's happiness in mind and thought she was really in love herself. The storyline characters are first-rate, thank you for a remarkable story, Danny and Debbie Scott.
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