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An Arranged Marriage with a Cruel Earl
“I‘m trapped in this loveless marriage… how can I change that?”
Miss Emmeline Ashmore, a fiery and determined young lady, steps into a world of secrets and treachery when she takes her cousin's place in an arranged marriage to the enigmatic Earl of Rilendale. As she explores the halls of the crumbling Rilendale Manor and the secrets that lurk within its walls, she realizes that there is more to her husband than his cold-hearted demeanor suggests.
Andrew Riley, the enigmatic Earl of Rilendale, carries the weight of his family's dark past on his shoulders. Haunted by rumors, he believes himself cursed and unworthy of love.
As danger lurks in every shadow and the future of Rilendale hangs in the balance, Emmeline and Andrew must learn to trust each other and their own hearts. They'll need all the strength, courage, and love they can muster to unravel the secrets that bind them and claim the happiness they deserve…
"An Arranged Marriage with a Cruel Earl" is an enchanting Regency romance, around 60,000 words and offering a captivating read.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. If you love Regency and Victorian-era romance, this novel is for you.
Get your copy today, FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
Miss Emmeline Ashmore, a fiery and determined young lady, steps into a world of secrets and treachery when she takes her cousin's place in an arranged marriage to the enigmatic Earl of Rilendale. As she explores the halls of the crumbling Rilendale Manor and the secrets that lurk within its walls, she realizes that there is more to her husband than his cold-hearted demeanor suggests.
Andrew Riley, the enigmatic Earl of Rilendale, carries the weight of his family's dark past on his shoulders. Haunted by rumors, he believes himself cursed and unworthy of love.
As danger lurks in every shadow and the future of Rilendale hangs in the balance, Emmeline and Andrew must learn to trust each other and their own hearts. They'll need all the strength, courage, and love they can muster to unravel the secrets that bind them and claim the happiness they deserve…
"An Arranged Marriage with a Cruel Earl" is an enchanting Regency romance, around 60,000 words and offering a captivating read.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. If you love Regency and Victorian-era romance, this novel is for you.
Get your copy today, FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
- GenresHistorical Romance
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2024
131 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 17, 2025
A clean story. I was disappointed with this, the second in the series. Firstly I was surprised Amelia’s father or mother had not heard the rumours about the Earl. And why did Emmeline marry him? Her uncle would no linger make her and indeed would probably talk her out of it. She is terrified of the man and the rumours, just to escape Almacks seems a bit of a stretch. The Earl comes over as an absolute ……! His cousins have tried to poison his grandma and he says he’ll call the watch but doesn’t and decides to start looking for the journals, doesn’t even wonder where Emmeline is!! I just did not like the character. Shows absolutely no interest in his wife on numerous levels.
The story itself seemed to not really be going anywhere, then the cousins arrive and it becomes a classic ‘I was born before you so should have it all and will kill’. But why have they waited until now. They haven’t been for 14 years. They could have come years ago and attempted their plan. Now they have another to kill, Emmeline in case she has conceived. . And why kill the Dowager? It’s just Andrew they need to get rid of. The premise for killing is this treasure. Andrew and Emmeline read the book and know where it is. Why didn’t Andrew’s grandfather or his father? Why was it even hidden ( that may have been mentioned but halfway through I was skim reading due to lack of interest). And at the end where was Lydia, she just seems to have been arrested but no great information.
There were other inaccuracies which grated and added to my disappointment. Tbe journey from Bath to London was to take a week. That was very very slow even taking it very slowly. Emmeline thinks the servants gossip will be different to the Tons and they may not have heard the rumours about the Earl. I think the servants had the same gossip and then some! They would be well aware of the rumours. We have someone alighting *into* a carriage. Alighting means descend. It’s suggested a walk in the woods after the wedding. Women in best dresses etc wandering around a wood? I don’t think so.
I was also curious why no-one enquired/wondered why Lydia was unmarried. She will be older than Emmeline?
So sorry this was very disappointing and I shall not continue the series.
The story itself seemed to not really be going anywhere, then the cousins arrive and it becomes a classic ‘I was born before you so should have it all and will kill’. But why have they waited until now. They haven’t been for 14 years. They could have come years ago and attempted their plan. Now they have another to kill, Emmeline in case she has conceived. . And why kill the Dowager? It’s just Andrew they need to get rid of. The premise for killing is this treasure. Andrew and Emmeline read the book and know where it is. Why didn’t Andrew’s grandfather or his father? Why was it even hidden ( that may have been mentioned but halfway through I was skim reading due to lack of interest). And at the end where was Lydia, she just seems to have been arrested but no great information.
There were other inaccuracies which grated and added to my disappointment. Tbe journey from Bath to London was to take a week. That was very very slow even taking it very slowly. Emmeline thinks the servants gossip will be different to the Tons and they may not have heard the rumours about the Earl. I think the servants had the same gossip and then some! They would be well aware of the rumours. We have someone alighting *into* a carriage. Alighting means descend. It’s suggested a walk in the woods after the wedding. Women in best dresses etc wandering around a wood? I don’t think so.
I was also curious why no-one enquired/wondered why Lydia was unmarried. She will be older than Emmeline?
So sorry this was very disappointing and I shall not continue the series.
December 10, 2024
Emmeline and Andrew’s Story . . .
Andrew Riley, Earl of Rilendale, had awakened himself from a horrible nightmare where his grandfather has blamed him for his death. The nightmare recurs whenever Andrew becomes tense and upset. The accusation, however, was a new part of the horror. Andrew had certainly not killed his grandfather, but they had been arguing. As he rose and looked out the window, he was surprised to notice the garden, lawn, and trees sadly neglected and weeds taking over the yard. Being accused of the murder of his grandfather by most of the Ton had brought back the nightmares and made him flee London, believing himself under a curse. His grandmother joined him for pastries and told him he needed companionship, a family, to bring happiness back to this crumbling home. And she suggested a woman might bring a substantial dowry to help repair the place. Even if he didn’t love her at first, his grandmother assured him the affection would grow.
Lord Neville came to visit and noted Andrew did not look well. He had been working on the account book in the near-dark study for 3 hours. Neville dragged him to the much brighter drawing room. He noted the threadbare curtains, the damaged floor, the blocked fireplace, and the shabby look. Andrew laughed at his grandmother’s suggestion to marry an heiress, but Neville readily agreed with her advice.
Miss Emmeline Ashmore was an intelligent, fiery young lady not very welcomed in London. She spoke her mind which was not appreciated by many. Her ideas were too bold. So after 4 Seasons, she still had no suitors. When they stopped for a visit at Fairfax House on their way to London, she was delighted to see her cousin Amelia although she looked troubled. They went to Amelia’s room for privacy and she fearfully confided in Emmeline that she was to marry a murderer! Apparently Lord Neville had met with the Baron of Bradwood at a club and the man mentioned his concern that he cannot find a suitor for his shy daughter who is of marriageable age and has a considerable dowry. Neville immediately told him of Andrew’s situation and the man was interested in an introduction as soon as possible. But now that Emmeline has heard Amelia’s story and sees how upset she is, she cannot let her cousin marry the dreadful Andrew Riley, Duke of Rilendale, and she offers herself instead to become his bride. Will the two of them learn to trust each other? Will they try to make their match work? And is it possible for these two lonely people to find happiness and love with each other and remove the curse Andrew fears he is under?
Andrew Riley, Earl of Rilendale, had awakened himself from a horrible nightmare where his grandfather has blamed him for his death. The nightmare recurs whenever Andrew becomes tense and upset. The accusation, however, was a new part of the horror. Andrew had certainly not killed his grandfather, but they had been arguing. As he rose and looked out the window, he was surprised to notice the garden, lawn, and trees sadly neglected and weeds taking over the yard. Being accused of the murder of his grandfather by most of the Ton had brought back the nightmares and made him flee London, believing himself under a curse. His grandmother joined him for pastries and told him he needed companionship, a family, to bring happiness back to this crumbling home. And she suggested a woman might bring a substantial dowry to help repair the place. Even if he didn’t love her at first, his grandmother assured him the affection would grow.
Lord Neville came to visit and noted Andrew did not look well. He had been working on the account book in the near-dark study for 3 hours. Neville dragged him to the much brighter drawing room. He noted the threadbare curtains, the damaged floor, the blocked fireplace, and the shabby look. Andrew laughed at his grandmother’s suggestion to marry an heiress, but Neville readily agreed with her advice.
Miss Emmeline Ashmore was an intelligent, fiery young lady not very welcomed in London. She spoke her mind which was not appreciated by many. Her ideas were too bold. So after 4 Seasons, she still had no suitors. When they stopped for a visit at Fairfax House on their way to London, she was delighted to see her cousin Amelia although she looked troubled. They went to Amelia’s room for privacy and she fearfully confided in Emmeline that she was to marry a murderer! Apparently Lord Neville had met with the Baron of Bradwood at a club and the man mentioned his concern that he cannot find a suitor for his shy daughter who is of marriageable age and has a considerable dowry. Neville immediately told him of Andrew’s situation and the man was interested in an introduction as soon as possible. But now that Emmeline has heard Amelia’s story and sees how upset she is, she cannot let her cousin marry the dreadful Andrew Riley, Duke of Rilendale, and she offers herself instead to become his bride. Will the two of them learn to trust each other? Will they try to make their match work? And is it possible for these two lonely people to find happiness and love with each other and remove the curse Andrew fears he is under?
December 27, 2024
Despite the arranged nature of their marriage, Emmeline yearns for a genuine connection with Andrew, a marriage built on shared interests and perhaps even love. While initially aloof, Andrew displays unexpected moments of kindness and concern, leaving Emmeline both intrigued and confused. A palpable sense of unease pervades the estate, a 'darkness' that intensifies with the arrival of his unsettling cousins. As Andrew's mother falls ill and Emmeline stumbles upon clues to a hidden treasure, they are drawn into a shared investigation. The intricate plot, filled with unexpected twists, kept me captivated.The mystery deepened far beyond what I initially anticipated. The true villain and their connection to Andrew's past were a shocking revelation. This is a riveting read for anyone who enjoys a blend of historical romance and thrilling mystery.
December 21, 2024
An Enjoyable Reas
I enjoyed this clean, well-written story. Emmeline agreed to marry Andrew to save her very shy sister from marrying him. Andrew was convinced that he had been the cause of his father's death and did not want Emmeline to grow close to him. Their story explains how they grew close with Andrew's grandmother and this helped them to bond. The story had unexpected twists and turns. There was attempted murder, false imprisonment and attempted theft. Will Andrew be able to keep Emmeline and his grandmother safe? Will the couple eventually find happiness and a settled life? Read on and enjoy.
I enjoyed this clean, well-written story. Emmeline agreed to marry Andrew to save her very shy sister from marrying him. Andrew was convinced that he had been the cause of his father's death and did not want Emmeline to grow close to him. Their story explains how they grew close with Andrew's grandmother and this helped them to bond. The story had unexpected twists and turns. There was attempted murder, false imprisonment and attempted theft. Will Andrew be able to keep Emmeline and his grandmother safe? Will the couple eventually find happiness and a settled life? Read on and enjoy.
August 22, 2025
Treasure?
Man with a bad reputation who everyone around him dies. Girl, too, outspoken she's not seen kindly by society. A sweet grandmother who gets hurt. Cousins who come to visit. Rumors of a treasure. Secret passages. A well-meaning best friend, a bit of adventure and mystery. All in this book.
Found it a clean, easy afternoon read. That drew me in . Lovely characters except the villains. In a way, many of us are like the cruel earl. Hurt by our past and not properly dealing with mental stresses.
Man with a bad reputation who everyone around him dies. Girl, too, outspoken she's not seen kindly by society. A sweet grandmother who gets hurt. Cousins who come to visit. Rumors of a treasure. Secret passages. A well-meaning best friend, a bit of adventure and mystery. All in this book.
Found it a clean, easy afternoon read. That drew me in . Lovely characters except the villains. In a way, many of us are like the cruel earl. Hurt by our past and not properly dealing with mental stresses.
October 29, 2025
I read the whole book, but I don't quite know why.
There were a few scenarios that did not make sense. For example:
Why did it take the horse so long to get to the Earl's place?
Why did it take the couple only a few hours to get there, but her maid days?
Why was this clever Earl so superstitious and naive?
Why if they were so worried about the grandmother, did they not spend so little time at her bedside to care for her, but also protect her.
Like puzzle pieces that don't go together, but are pressed to fit in.
Annoying!
Irksome!
There were a few scenarios that did not make sense. For example:
Why did it take the horse so long to get to the Earl's place?
Why did it take the couple only a few hours to get there, but her maid days?
Why was this clever Earl so superstitious and naive?
Why if they were so worried about the grandmother, did they not spend so little time at her bedside to care for her, but also protect her.
Like puzzle pieces that don't go together, but are pressed to fit in.
Annoying!
Irksome!
December 29, 2024
A Marriage/Then Love/Two Cousins..
After an arranged marriage it takes time for Emmaline to sort her feelings out. Two visitors arrive & bring disturbing thoughts. Another acquaintance arrives with them & is up to no good. Then a kidnapping & a search for a secret book within a treasure may lie waiting to be claimed. The Earl & Emmaline find that they have feelings for one another but that has to be put on the side until they are both out of danger!
After an arranged marriage it takes time for Emmaline to sort her feelings out. Two visitors arrive & bring disturbing thoughts. Another acquaintance arrives with them & is up to no good. Then a kidnapping & a search for a secret book within a treasure may lie waiting to be claimed. The Earl & Emmaline find that they have feelings for one another but that has to be put on the side until they are both out of danger!
December 9, 2024
The story almost feels a little gothic with a mysterious hero who feels himself cursed. The heroine is sweet in that she replaces her cousin so she doesn’t have to marry this unknown individual. After they marry, they must learn to trust each other and overcome some obstacles to their HEA. The story has good character development.
January 9, 2025
A change of heart
Great story wonderful story line great characters. Emmeline loved her cousin so much, that she agreed to marry, Andrew in her cousin place, even though he was to supposed to have killed his grandfather. But the truth was his evil cousins was the culprits. And it was Emmeline who overheard a conversation between them, to plot to kill Andrew.
Thank you ♥️
Great story wonderful story line great characters. Emmeline loved her cousin so much, that she agreed to marry, Andrew in her cousin place, even though he was to supposed to have killed his grandfather. But the truth was his evil cousins was the culprits. And it was Emmeline who overheard a conversation between them, to plot to kill Andrew.
Thank you ♥️
July 29, 2025
Great book! I loved the unique twist to the story. One of my favorite characters was Grandma. The ending was quite suspenseful and kept me on edge! I highly recommend this wonderful love story.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews