The Thirteenth Earl

by Evelyn Pryce

Dark-haired Victorian beauty Cassandra Seton will finally see her fiancé, Miles Markwick, after a separation of nine years. Nine years that have made her an object of pity. Marrying him now would save her further social humiliation, but it may cost her even more.

Jonathan Vane, Viscount Thaxton, has retreated from society, earning him the nickname “the Ghost.” He’s desperate to hide his father’s increasing madness and fearful that he too will eventually succumb to the same illness.

While attending the Spencers’ party in the country, both Jonathan and Cassie are awakened by unearthly wailing; instead of a ghost, they find each other—and fall into a passionate embrace. Guilt-stricken and searching for answers, they agree to a séance, but the medium’s words only deepen the mystery.

As the secrets of the past are revealed, Jonathan and Cassie band together to discover what’s really haunting Spencer House—and how to free each other from the specters looming over their own fates.

Genres: Romance, Historical, Historical Romance, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Adult, Gothic

218 pages, Paperback

First published March 22, 2016

About the author

Evelyn Pryce writes historical romance in a growing number of eras. Her first novel, A Man Above Reproach, won the 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award in Romance. Her mind is often occupied with the 19th century, particulars of the American Revolution, magic, philosophy, and the evolution of human interaction.

Pryce lives in Pittsburgh with three gentlemen--her husband and two cats. She can be found blogging at her website, on Twitter and Facebook, behind a desk at a university and behind her computer working on her third novel.

Reviews

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally reviewed here @ Angieville

I've been truly impatient to read Evelyn Pryce's sophomore novel ever since I thoroughly enjoyed her debut A Man Above Reproach a couple of years ago. And so it was with utter delight that I opened my mail a few days ago to find a copy of The Thirteenth Earl, complete with wax-sealed note. It's the charming little things, guys, that just make my little world go round. Montlake has gifted this novel with another gorgeous cover in the same vein as the first one that initially caught my eye. They're just slightly refined in a way that appeals to me, and I love seeing their spines on my shelf. If you haven't tried any of Evelyn's work yet, I highly recommend snagging a copy of both of these. She writes lovely historical romance with characters I feel for that make me laugh. Just what the doctored ordered for the doldrums before spring arrives full stop.

Jonathan Vane's title is Viscount Thaxton, but he is better known to all and sundry as the Ghost. The product of a long line of earls with an unfortunate predilection for running mad, Thaxton is determined he will be the last. The curse will end with him. As such, he's ready to live out his days unattached, unmourned, and decidedly unmarried. This decision is put into mortal peril when he makes the acquaintance of one Miss Cassandra Seton at the house party of his one (possibly only) friend. Cassie (to her very best friends) is about to be reunited with her longtime fiancé Miles Markwick after a separation of nine years. It follows that Miles is Thaxton's cousin and that the two are on most unpleasant terms. It's more than Thaxton can do to not needle the lovely Cassie about her upcoming nuptials. She responds delightfully in kind, and it's not long before the two are traipsing about the manor at all hours of the night, egged on by the eerie wails of a potentially real ghost. But even as their relationship deepens, neither one can discount the troubling strain that runs through Jonathan's family, or the fact that Markwick is bound and determined to finally make good on his vows.

"My very best friends call me Cassie."

"Then I shall start with Miss Seton, and endeavor to Cassie."

From the opening mock duel in the middle of the library, The Thirteenth Earl is the most delightful of romps. Much like a game of Clue, the principal characters get up to all sorts of shenanigans, slinking about the atmospheric estate investigating the nefarious events at the party. I was altogether charmed and wanted very much for Cassie and Thaxton to find a way of overcoming the admittedly real barriers between them to find a vein of happiness. I love how Ms. Pryce manages to inject wonderful levity into her story at the same time as she infuses both her protagonists with achingly complicated backstories and throws them together to tackle their demons. Cassie is a lodestone of forthrightness and intelligence. She had my allegiance from page one. She sees every one of Thaxton's flaws, but she also sees the light peeking out behind his mountain of burden. Thaxton is beating a path to his grave until he meets Cassie. And to his credit, he sees her for what she is, too, and cannot abide the thought of all her light and intelligence being thrown away on a beetle like Markwick. Their midnight rambles, their middle-of-the-maze assignations, crept into my affections in no time. I believed how they felt about one another. I trusted them to find a way out of the labyrinth.

"It is a consistent worry of mine how little you value your life," she said.

He did not answer, and it made the portrait room too soundless, like an unused church. As if the air had gone stale. He had worn grey—why had he done that? His eyes matched the fabric, and it rendered his whole form drawn and sad. Ashen. Half in and half out of this world. Like an apparition.

She had fallen in love with a ghost.

The novel's ongoing themes of what it means to truly be alive and how certain ways of going about one's life can actually be a kind of slow death were thoughtfully explored, the forays into nineteenth century spiritualism fascinating and amusing. I find my only complaint with Evelyn Pryce novels is that I wish them longer, so that I can spend more time unraveling the threads of the tale along with the characters I've fallen in love with. But this one does work itself up to a properly smashing conclusion, complete with pistols at dawn and Cassie at her most brilliant. Neither Thaxton nor I could look away.

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book, I am not quite sure how to review it.

The story has its moments, really. Jonathan and Cassie occasionally had some tender moments which were rather sweet. I had trouble picturing them though. Their characters are rather blurry, which consequently means that they behaves sometimes out of characters. I just didn't know who they were. The characters went back and forth without taking on firm shape.

The way the relationship was written is somewhere between Jane Austen and some modern-day romance writers. Again like the characters, the style wavers between being a classic romance and a modern historical romance, together with the heat level. I just didn't know what to make of it.

Jonathan believed he was going to be mad because his father was mad. He also believed that of he married, his wife would die young. I mean, come on, Jonathan, seriously. But anyways, it is what it is. Cassie was the fiancee of Jonathan's hated cousin. When they met each other, Jonathan said he wanted to kiss her. (My eyebrows shot to the ceiling reading that so early in the story.) Then a woman who claimed to be a "medium" showed up. Craziness ensued. Jonathan thought he was really cursed. Annoying cousin obviously had a relationship with the medium woman and was plotting Jonathan's demise. During all this craziness, Cassie and Jonathan fell in love.

I must say I feel that the story could have used more planning. People behaved out of characters, or rather, I just wasn't convinced that the characters were who they say they were. The way they were set up did not support their characters. The story was ungrounded in a similar manner too. But as I said, the story has its moments, and they kept me reading.

*I received an ARC for the book from the publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.\
Cassandra Seton has been engaged 9 years and has been waiting that long for her fiancé, to come through with the marriage. Then she meets Jonathan Vane, Viscount Thaxton who they call a 'ghost'. Jonathan has been keep a low profile due to his father's 'illness'. When they meet at the party they are both somewhat drawn to each other.
This I thought was a very sweet, interesting great read that was about 220 pages...so just right for me.
I hope that you too will be glad to have this book.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was certainly an engaging book. I could not stop reading it. Miles had left his finance behind in England for over nine years. He had gone to Scotland to see what could be done with his old family estate. They were to meet up again at a country party. Cassandra was not very impressed with Miles, but her father had agreed to the match. He had also remarried a horrid woman, that wanted her out of the house. The house party was being held by Lord and Lady Spencer. His best friend, Lord Thaxton, or Johnathan was also in attendance. She found herself drawn to this brooding, but enchanting man, at least to her. He was also a cousin, of some sort to Miles. This story had everything, wailing screams in the night, spiritualism, and a great dislike between the cousins. It also brought up the problem of dementia, and how some referred those who showed signs to be mad. It was a reason that Johnathan was termed the Ghost, because he chose rarely to go in public, so he could keep better track of his father, and his slipping concentration. I thought the book had a good depth to it, and was sexual at the right place, and not over done. I found it to be a great example of a historical romance, and mystery. It was not true gothic in nature. I also loved the ending.
.

[herdys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is getting four stars just for its great ladies! ;3

[ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...] · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book... for more, visit Punya Reviews...

I was introduced to Evelyn Pryce’s writing thru a sometimes funny, yet sexy and dramatic little debut novel called A Man Above Reproach. The book was quite surprising TBH; unpredictable and kept me hooked till the end. Evelyn’s writing was simple, yet elegant and smooth. I was impressed with this debut author.

Fast forward 3 something years. I waited... and waited some more. There was no news of a new book or even a sequel to A Man Above Reproach. That one had some interesting secondary characters just waiting to tell their stories! I wasn’t sure why she wasn’t publishing anymore but RL happens and we get caught up in it. So when I heard she’s (finally!) publishing another novel this year, I was intrigued beyond words. I was thinking it maybe the anticipated sequel....... However, it’s not. It’s a completely new story which has no ties to AMAR. Can’t say I’m not disappointed but hey, I found that The Thirteenth Earl was a fab story and Jonathan could still manage to be adorable even with all his vulnerabilities surrounding him like a dark mantle.

Much like A Man Above Reproach, The Thirteenth Earl was a smooth and elegant read. The story isn’t very long, but it’s longer than your average novella where Evelyn manages to keep you entertained even within the short storyline and a limited setting.

As we read, we find that it all happened in a country house party thrown by Percival, the Earl of Spencer and his new wife, Eliza, Lady Spencer. They’re a lovely couple, an obvious love-match (Right now I’m hating that I don’t know what exactly he botched up while trying to woo Eliza... I want to read their story too :<), who can’t keep their eyes off of each-other, among other things that is. What they didn’t expect was that their first house party thrown as a married couple would change some lives irrevocably.

Jonathan Vane, Viscount Thaxton, was invited not because of his unsavory reputation as someone who is going mad (according to the gossip because it’s his so-called family legacy), not because he’s known as The Ghost (a man no one sees much in the society, who is also, morbidly fascinated by death and does everything short of a suicide to call it onto him) but solely because he’s Percival’s closest of buddies, his childhood friend. Through everything, Percival has supported Jonathan, though he has no idea how to pull the man out of this miasma of despair he seems to cling on to.

Jonathan is handsome, or would be if he’d stop drinking, eat more and clean up a little. He’d always known he’d be mad because “it runs in the family”. His father is mad, has been ever since his mother died in childbirth—while giving birth to him. Jonathan has no other siblings so he’s the sole issue; heir and spare and everything that matters. And he’s been anticipating his death even before he knew what life really was. After all, his beloved father told him to never to fall in love. So Jonathan has decided never to marry and continue Vane line. He’s determined it’ll die with him, and so would the “family curse”. No more mad Earl roaming the hallways, no more Countess Vanes dying, snuffed out of their lives for one too young.

Enter Cassandra Seton, daughter of an Earl, who doesn’t want the honorifics. The fiancée of Jonathan’s most hated cousin, Miles, who is now rusticating somewhere in Scotland. Who hasn’t been around to see his fiancée for the past 9 yrs. or so. Eh, why would Jonathan care? As it turns out, he’s forced to care because he finds that Miss Seton has set his heart on fire! :p Cassandra is beautiful, smart and straightforward. No simpering miss is our Miss Seton, nah-uh! She calls a spade a spade and never backs off. The only thing she dislikes is communicating with her step-mother who’d love it dearly if she can boot Cassandra out of the house. Hence, this marriage that was made when both Miles and Cassandra were barely out of the cradle, is going to take place whether the parties involved liked it or not.

Cassandra is supremely unhappy. It seems Miles is returning “home” to claim his bride. Well, Cassandra could care less. There was a time when they were very young and she was most impressionable, she thought Miles handsome and charming. But that was before he ran away to Scotland with the excuse to “restore his father’s dilapidating mansion” and stayed there, leaving Cassandra to face all the snickering and cruel comments... worst of all, the pity because her fiancé, it seemed, had abandoned her. So Cassandra could care less about Miles’s prodigal return. However, she has no idea how to extricate herself from this situation.

The answer was Jonathan Vane, but not quite. When Cassandra met him, she thought he’s unkempt, possesses a glib tongue; definitely no gentleman. She’d also heard of his “reputation”, some of it is courtesy of Miles himself, had also been warned by her stepmother to stay away from him. Yet, the more she gets to know him, Cassandra found that the man underneath all that witticisms is in pain. And in despair. Everything he does is to hide away from the real world. And though Jonathan thought he’d find pity in Cassandra’s eyes, which would’ve killed him anyway (hence granting his wish), he’s relieved to find that that’s not how she feels about it all. By then, Cassandra knew her match with Miles to be the worst possible thing ever. It wasn’t just because of his abandonment of her for such a long time, but because of who Miles really is; a whiny brat. He does whatever he wants, never considering the repercussions of his actions. And he’s callous as hell! Cassandra is nothing but a property in his eyes. She’s not even sure if this is the Miles she’d known from before or he’d changed in Scotland. The answer came from Jonathan. Nope, Miles had always been a brat and a bully and caused many griefs to Jonathan when they were boys.

As the story progressed, our H and h find themselves in a fine dilemma. They’re attracted to each-other, no question about it. Their stolen kisses told them far more than words could have. Yet they had clue what to do about it. Cassandra, by then, had no intentions of marrying Miles and Jonathan had no intentions of letting it happen either. They didn’t know how to go about it seeing his own reputation won’t make him a good husband material. And he’d rather die first than seeing Cassandra dying so young before his eyes. Or marrying Miles Markwick (hear him growl even at the possibility :p). What to do? WHAT to do?

As it happens, Miles himself, unwittingly, creates an opportunity for Jonathan and Cassandra when he brings his Scottish mistress, Lucy, there under the ruse of spirit calling. A wail in the middle night had everyone concerned of the “Ghost” of Spencer House and they needed to find out more. A séance was in order and who better than Lucy, who was a known medium in Scotland? Or so Miles had claimed. Things would go awry from there, one thing after another happening... even an almost duel :o, and it has nothing and everything to do with a Ghost. ;)

Want to know more? Go ahead and give The Thirteenth Earl a try. Once again, another read from Evelyn that had me surprised when I was least expecting it. The best thing for me was that in such a short span and limited setting, how Evelyn managed to give me not only a complete set of characters, but also a story where the HEA was extremely believable, even considering the fact that the H and the h just met in that house party. It wasn’t even a love at first sight but oh boy, when it developed, it just did and swept them away! Jonathan was no alpha a$$; he was just a man who fell in love and didn’t know where else to look. There was only Cassandra and he was possessive of her. Cassandra understood him, sympathized with him... and she couldn’t love him any more even if she tried. Even when he and Miles were being obnoxious, head-butting like 2 school boys. I gotta say I probably would’ve loved a few more chapters but I’m not at all unhappy the way everything resolved in the end. 4 stars.

I heard there’d be a sequel? Eagerly waiting for it!

[stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am rating this book three stars, because it wasn't terrible but it also really wasn't my cup of tea. I'm not a regular romance reader, I very seldomly read mainstream romance (which I personally would consider this book to be given the situation, the setting, and the characters themselves.) I try to read as broadly as I can, and I think as a woman reader I should definitely delve into the one genre that is almost explicitly by and for women readers. My inability to rarely be engaged by most romance books is only pertinent to this review in that I am trying to find more romance stories that do it for me, but this one was a close-but-no-cigar type thing. Miss Pryce is a good writer, and though there are a lot of modernisms in the dialogue, she did manage to elevate the language but still retain some charming banter among the characters. She came up with some interesting twists along the way and props to her for eventually revealing not one but THREE compelling, strong, active, dynamic female characters in the short space that this book occupies. It definitely has some pros, like it was a fairly quick read, there was a mystery (although it was pretty plain from the get what was going on), the characters were witty, and the writing was perfectly fine. Of course the romance tropes that even I expect were there: tortured leading man, wry damsel who wants to fix him, witty flirting banter, main characters that hate each other but end up falling in love (thanks, Jane Austen), lots of doubt from both protagonists regarding the nature of their feelings and relationships, friends who encourage the pairing, and of course a quickly resolved happy ending. These are tried and true elements of modern romance, and they function fine in this book without being forced, for the most part. At times I was very frustrated with Cassandra especially because, though she was set up to be very insightful and intuitive, she waffled so much over Thaxton and misread every boneheaded thing he did. I know this adds *drama* to the actual romance plot, but the friction it added really did seem quite forced. I doubt I will dive into more romance books very soon, but this one was better than I had anticipated and while it wasn't earth-shatteringly brilliant or particularly moving, it was an entertaining short read. Three stars are based not on the quality at all, but on my own preferences and enjoyment level.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

England 1884 - Spencer House

Percival Spencer, Earl Spencer is married to Eliza, Countess Spencer. They have decided to have a House Party and have invited many of their friends. One of their guests is a childhood friend of Percival, Jonathan Vane, Viscount Thaxton, future thirteenth Earl Vane.

Jonathan prefers to stay in his London home and rarely leaves. His father is ill and Jonathan thinks that the man is mad. Worry about his father has caused a noticeable weight loss in Jonathan to the point that some people are calling him The Ghost. Percival feels it will be good for Jonathan to get out of the house and be among friends.

Also attending the House Party is Miss Cassandra Seton, daughter of the Marquess of Dorset and betrothed to Miles Markwick, a cousin and huge irritant to Jonathan. Cassandra and Miles’s marriage is an arranged one as they were betrothed when they were babies. Cassandra has a very large dowry but Miles does not have any money. He has returned from Scotland where he spent nine years hoping to find a way to make some money. He has not been successful at that. Now, he must have the dowry that Cassandra offers to keep his home in Scotland from crumbling.

When Cassandra and Jonathan meet at the Party, they find an immediate attraction to each other and they steal a kiss. When they both hear a woman wailing in the middle of the night, they are convinced that Spencer House is haunted.

When Miles arrives, his haughty manner to Cassandra and, especially to Jonathan of whom he is jealous, is very irritating. Cassandra does not want to marry Miles but is frustrated because her father has decreed that this will happen.

It appears Miles knows a woman familiar with the spiritual world and a seance is planned. Lucy Macallister is the medium and it is obvious that Miles is taken with her. What happens at the seance shocks everyone.

Is there indeed a ghost? Will Cassandra truly be forced to marry the odious Miles? What about Jonathan and Cassandra’s attraction to one another?

This is a very good story with lots more to it than I have mentioned here. I do hope readers will enjoy the story. I promise that it will induce many emotions in you.

Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't read historical romances as much as I used to, but it is still one of my favorite genres (especially regency period books!). When I read the description of Evelyn Pryce's The Thirteenth Earl, I knew it was a perfect book for me! Cassandra has been separated from her fiance for nine long years. She is finally going to reunited with him at the Spencer's house party When they are reunited he announces they will be married quickly because he needs her money (such a charming fellow after keeping her waiting all those years!). Luckily for Cassie she meets Jonathan there. Jonathan has retreated from society and engaged in entirely too much drinking as he tries to deal with his father's mental illness. This is a chance for him to get away and hopefully relax in the country. When they hear a strange wailing sound at the beginning of their stay they both venture out of their rooms to investigate and share a clandestine kiss. I LOVED the element of a ghost and the seance added to the story. The mystery definitely grabbed my attention and I loved Cassie and Jonathan. Cassie's fiance, Miles was horrid and I enjoyed hating him. This was such a fun and interesting read. It was my first book by Evelyn Pryce, but certainly won't be my last.

A copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book real fast, not because it was short, it wasn't; not because it was fast paced, it was; but because it was riveting.

Here are my Goodreads notes:

9.0 % in - "Love the prose! Complex hero, want to give him a hug!"

81.0% in - "Surprisingly fast read; LOVING the characters; exceptionally good dialogue."

And here's a teaser in regards to prose ....

"Good day," she said to his back, his departure leaving her slightly stunned, as if his presence had been a poisoned dart.

~~~ * ~~~

"He did indeed taste like brandy, but what was bitter in the glass was sweet on his lips."

~~~ * ~~~

"The click of the billiards balls, the heavy thud into pocket, the smooth baize of the table; it was all somewhat reassuring. Physics worked, gravity prevailed. Miss Seton's existence changed things, but the world still worked according to natural law."

~~~ * ~~~

"Thaxton had never considered himself anything but alone.

Solo, unus, solitary, however you wanted to phrase it, he thought as he dressed. He was an island. Or a dead end."

I loved everything about this story! Even the predictable villain! I could gush and gush, but I won't. Please read an excerpt on Amazon and see for yourself.

Melanie for b2b

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

[Kim Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise had potential (cad and a fair maiden brought together to solve a mystery) but the delivery was tiring. Granted, it could have been me. Historical romances are not in my wheelhouse. I don't mind reading them but I want some nuances to either the writing or the characters that keep me focused and retained to the memory of the story. I'm a bit delayed in writing this review and I can't remember the characters' names. Not a good sign for me. It's still a good book so I cautiously recommend it.

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Thirteenth Earl" was actually a fun read, and I liked how the romance gelled with the mystery. Cassandra was a gem, and Jonathan Vane - Viscount Thaxton - was a hot-ass mess, which made the story more enjoyable for me. lol Note that there were some editing issues; the most glaring for me was the word pawn used for pond WTF???
3.5 stars.

[JG · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Evelyn Pryce's The Thirteenth Earl, gothic romance seems to be the theme but with a different take. The Thirteenth Earl is none other than Jonathan Vane, Viscount, also known as The Ghost also known as the Mad Earl's Heir. Its no wonder that Jonathan dislike public outings and for him a house party is way up there in things to avoid. But this particular party is being hosted by his good friend Percy and his new countess Eliza and so refusing said invitation seems out of the question. And then he laid eyes on Miss Cassandra Seton, Cassie, good friend to Eliza and unfortunately also afianced to his hated cousin Mark. Cassie knows who Jonathan is and the reputation that follows him around. But despite that and her impending nuptials, arranged since she has come out and left to wait for nine years before said fiance decided to honor the agreement, Cassie is drawn to the elusive Jonathan. As their forbidden attraction grows deeper, they stumble upon something almost ghostly in the manor. To prove that he hasn't grown mad like his father, Jonathan and Cassie has decided to investigate and what follows is a trek into seances, spirits and a conspiracy that almost succeeded.

I have always like Ms. Pryce's way of writing, she manages to tell the story mostly thru dialogue and character introspection without boring the readers at all and in this book she manages to do it once again. Readers will simply adore Cassie and Jonathan and their almost doomed romance that had gothic elements stamped all over it without the dreary setting that most of them would have. In fact the way Jonathan has tackled his father's illness was handled in a subtle manner, the angst is more evident in his mannerisms, and his desperation was not over the top. If there is lightheartedness in gothic romance then The Thirteenth Earl has balanced its elements quite well. The characters had great chemistry, the storyline was perfectly paced and the story of how The Thirteenth Earl found love was perfectly portrayed.

*ARC provided thru NetGalley*

[Njkinny (Njkinny's Blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Thirteenth Earl by Evelyn Pryce is the first book by the author that I have read. I had heard so much about her and could not resist picking up her latest to read. This one is a historical romance with plenty of mystery.

The cover is intriguing and the blurb even if a bit confusing had enough to appeal me.

The plot is simple and yet complex. The author executes the plot such that she had me engaged throughout.

Jonathan Vane's title is Viscount Thaxton but he is better known as the 'Ghost'. His whole line has been unfortunate with happiness, going mad without fail and he is determined to be stop this madness streak with him. Cassandra Seton will finally see and marry her fiancé, Miles Markwick after a separation of nine years. But one evening changes the lives of these three.
There is supernatural feel to the story with romance between Jonathan and Cassandra thrown in between.

While I enjoyed the whole mysterious feel to the story, the romance between Jonathan and Cassie had me second guessing myself. They go back and forth with their feelings and had me confused at times.

The story is fast paced and I really enjoyed the drama at places and got a bit bored at other places.

Evelyn's writing style is a blend between the Austen style and the modern romance writing. She is expressive and builds the atmosphere beautifully.

All in all, The Thirteenth Earl by Evelyn Pryce is entertaining but difficult to rate. I enjoyed parts of it and recommend it to all mystery and historical romance lovers. 3.5 out of 5 to it. Go read and share your thoughts on the book with me.


I received the book from the publishers via Netgalley and I am very thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.

Read this review and others on: http://www.njkinnysblog.com/

[Krys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderfully engaging read that I would definitely recommend! From the beginning, I was captured by this novel - in fact I finished it in one day simply because I could not put it down!

The characters are unique (even when some of them are downright dislike-able), and the setting somehow worked for this story. Usually I am not a fan of the "house party" setting as all of the novels seem to be the same, however this one was completely different from the ones I have read in the past. It wasn't just the seance, or the wailing woman, but the entire mystery that surrounded everything that made for an interesting read. It was easy to see why these two ended up falling for each other even though Cassie was already betrothed.

Another enjoyable thing about this story were the closing remarks from the author about the historical facts surrounding seances as well as the frauds that often perpetrated them. I love it when a book offers those historical facts - it makes the world they have created seemed even more real.

Overall I would recommend this novel to anyone who likes an engaging historical novel. Even if you're not a fan of the paranormal, this story deals with it in such a way that you won't be disappointed. HOWEVER - if you ARE a fan of paranormal romances, then this one may not be for you!

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

[Rain · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful read. After being stuck in contemporary romance limbo, it was refreshing to return to a good historical romance especially since there are so many historical romances pumped out. This one had me from page one, especially since it dealt with a lot of topics not typically seen in this genre. The first is the mental deterioration of people as they age and the other two are spiritualism and ghosts. All of these very much existed during this time, but are generally misunderstood or considered taboo. It was interesting to read the author’s take on them in her story.

Overall, the plot is very simple. I felt that the “twist” or surprise wasn’t surprising at all and could be seen from the moment the villain was introduced. Despite that, it was still a delight to read. Thax is among my favorite historical heroes for multiple reasons. He could be dense and rash but his love for the heroine felt genuine and could be seen in his actions towards her. The female characters in this story were equally as enjoyable. They were strong and intelligent without losing a shred of their femininity. I appreciated their resourcefulness.

The Thirteenth Earl is an uncomplicated love story about two people trying to muddle through the drama in their life and end up finding happiness in each other. If you are searching for a heartwarming romance, filled with realistic and likable characters, this novel may be your next rainy day read.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wonderful cover on this book is what caught my eye initially. Love it!

This is my first book by Evelyn Pryce, it had everything I actually hope for in a story, a strong female who knows her own wants and needs and doesn't cower when faced with belittling attitudes, a male lead who loves her for her fierceness and a ghostly presence mixing things up and causing trouble.

Cassie was engaged to a man that she hadn't seen for 9 years while he was away trying to secure their future. Jonathan is known as the ghost because he has been rarely seen while he coped with his aging fathers madness and keeping it under wraps from the rest of society. When Cassie and Jonathan meet at a mutual friends country home during a gathering the attraction is immediate but shortly after that first meeting Cassie's intended also shows up and he is not exactly the hero of this story. Cassie and Jonathan have lots to figure out about each other and have to do it while keeping their attraction quiet in a house full of guests. Makes for a very entertaining read.

All in all I thoroughly enjoyed the ups and downs of this one, lots of intrigue that kept me turning the pages and had me cheering on the main characters hoping for their happy ending.

Will recommend and look for more to read by Evelyn Pryce.

[Iris Chacon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the action in this drawing-room romance moves at a sedate pace, the characters and situations are enticing enough to hold the reader's interest handily.

The hero who believes himself doomed and the heroine desperate to avoid an arranged marriage may seem at first glance to be stock characters for this semi-gothic story, but author Evelyn Price surprises the reader with new twists and charming turns along the way to the (predictable and satisfying) happy ending.

Price has inserted elements of the spiritualism craze that swept through London society at the time the story is set. Add smarmy con artists, insanity, and a deadly duel between rival suitors, stir it all up amid the intrigues and nuances of a fortnight country house party, and you have a tasty stew of mystery and romance.

Parents be warned: there are a couple of detailed bedroom scenes not suitable for the younger ladies in the family.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading a ton of romances over the last year as relief from the tediousness of my grad school texts - enough that I've found myself skipping around them lately as they've all started to run together. Them I picked up The Thirteenth Earl. The writing is limber with an audible sense of humor, the characters likable and well-drawn, the plot moves along at a good clip and works in some interesting twists (I have yet to read any other romance that prominently features a seance). Without doubt the best of its genre that I've read lately - entertaining and memorable.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway and following is my honest review:

Gothic romance meets mystery in this engaging story where house parties, other-worldly wailing, seances and crazy people provide the backdrop for your typical plot: strong heroine meets tortured soul, they fall in love but one or more obstacles prevent them from declaring their undying love... Except, it was dIfferent.... Better. Well written and interesting. this is a story filled with witty dialogue, intrigue, sexual tension, and likable characters. Love the cover art too!

I would recommend this book

[Oruga · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by Netgalley

I loved the book!

It wasnt what i was expecting it was waaaay better. Where to start?! :D

Thaxton is a mistery but i think a gorgeous mistery and at the same time you know everything about him i loved him and during the book i just wanted to go to him and hug him, etc

Cassie is refreshing and perfect for him and at times i was mad that they couldnt be together from the begining.

I simply loved this book and wish there was a sequel :'(

[Jackie Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very entertaining novel taking place in England in 1884. The future thirteenth earl has convinced himself that he will die mentally ill as he assumes his father will. Enter a woman that will change his thinking and stop a duel in which he intends his cousin harm that has a vendetta against the earl to be. The cousin is engaged to the woman that the earl wants for himself. Is a humerous story with romance, hate and secrets coming to light. A fun book.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Well written, romantic, sometimes funny and absorbing. I really loved Thaxton and Cassandra, they are easily likable from the start. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

[ShannLeigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book! The characters were fun and the plot was exciting! I would definitely recommend it to anyone!

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting peak into 19th century seances and the effects of a very long engagement. Again, I loved Pryce's characters. I can't wait for her next book!

[JoAnn Stearns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good fast paced gothic

As gothic romances go, this one provided all that was necessary; a villain, three victims turned heros. As predictable as the gothic romances are, they've always been favorite choices for me when choosing a story to read. I love the historical aspect, the endings are always happy and satisfying, and most generally they are fast paced. This story provided all of that. I enjoyed it and find that Evelyn Pryce is a worthy gothic author and I will return for more from her in the future.

[Brenda Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good romance that strays from the normal pattern. Add a tortured hero and a heroine who can't help herself to save him from himself, and I'm hooked. Give them both a slightly sarcastic sense of humor, and you have precisely what I love.
Both novels I've read by Ms. Price have been delightful, and I can't wait for more!

[Amy Brinkley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

The language the Victorian characters use at times is too 21st century, and the characters aren’t fleshed out too much, but it was a quick read and a unique plot of Victorian spiritualism and a satisfying ending.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avid Reader

Obviously, the 13th Earl didn't understand the aging process. He was too dramatic by half. His paramour was brilliant and manages to bring him to his knees as well as his senses. The game spiritualist and wicked cousin were interesting chain their own right.

[Phycilla Gable · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Interesting Book

The book has lots of intrigue and will definitely hold your interest. About the time you think you have it figured out, it will take another twist. It is a great love story but sad getting there. Great book!