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The Legend of the Earl

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Alexandra Smith always knew her place in life.

As a forgotten child who'd grown up in one of London's better orphanages, Alex knew exactly what the future held for her; hard work and the company of friends who'd become her only family.

When London discovers that she's the daughter of peer, the scandal has the power to change:
1- not only her future
2- but the fabric of Society itself.


Justin Padmore holds a darkness.

This had kept him chained to the shadows for years.

When he hears of the latest scandal, he knows he has an opportunity to step out into the light. He's ready to return to Society's good graces and what better way to do so than to offer his charitable assistance to Alex?

But unearthing the mystery of Alexandra's birth seems to unleash its own dangers...

Will they survive?
Or will Alex once again find herself right back where she began?

Alone.

Page Count: around 510 pages

452 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 19, 2018

852 people are currently reading
111 people want to read

About the author

Eleanor Meyers

23 books133 followers

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5 stars
164 (38%)
4 stars
147 (34%)
3 stars
80 (18%)
2 stars
24 (5%)
1 star
12 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Jultri.
1,226 reviews5 followers
March 9, 2018
DNF 14 %. This author gets such high ratings, which is good for her, but reading the first few chapters left me feeling genuinely like this:

description

So much didn't make sense. Firstly, the hero is a first-rate douchebag and a wimpy, drunken, useless one at that - not that douchebags are ever useful, come to think of it. He discovers that the heroine is the long-lost illegitimate daughter of his father's friend and decides to sweep in unsolicitedly and 'save' her from her common, but not exactly destitute, existence in order to regain the good opinion of a powerful peer. Why the powerful peer would care about another peer's by-blow was not explained. Why would the 'hero' think she might have any sort of claim on her natural father's estate, given she is female and illegitimate at that? Then after exchanging a few words with her, he decides that she is a most fascinating creature and his savior from the powerful peer, whose current contempt of him is scaring him shitless. So this pathetic 26 yo infant earl decides that he will make the 25 year old heroine his ward - a stranger whom he has no familial connection to and one who is already of age and hence clearly in no need of a guardian. If this nonsensical plotline is not enough to derail my reading, the lacklustre dialogue and unsubtle writing makes it impossible to go any further.

description
Profile Image for Lori Meehan.
1,133 reviews
February 25, 2018
This is my first book by Eleanor Meyers and it will not be my last. I must find out what happens with the rest of The Heirs of High Society but also this book was so very good.
Alexandra Smith was lucky to of grown up in one of London’s better orphanages. She knew her place in society, she was happy to spend her time with her friends and self made family. Then one day Alex’s life was turned upside down and nothing would ever be the same, she was the illegitimate daughter of a peer.
Justin Padmore, Earl of Chantenny, has kept to the fringes of society never wanting more from life. He knew he was tainted and that he was no good for any women even his own sisters. After months of drink he’s finally seen the a light at the end of a very long tunnel. Alexandra Smith is his key to redemption and her will help her maneuver the ton.
Alex wants nothing but to hide until all the excitement fades away but Justin is determined to help. She sees the darkness in him but also the kindness that hides within the man and she’s drawn to him. Justin is taken aback by the very strong and kind woman Alex is and she starts to break through the steel Justin has built in his soul.
What starts out as a Justin’s means of self promotion and redemption in society turns out to be the beginning of a new life for him and Alex. That is if he can protect her from a evil that wants end her life.
Profile Image for Carol.
1,642 reviews70 followers
February 27, 2018
Who wants to end the life of Alexandra Smith??
Alexandra grew up in an orphanage in London. Most
of these orphans were the illegitimate heirs of a
members of the high society which were kept as
secret discretions. No one was supposed to know
their real parentage.
Alexandra, her sister and three brothers work hard
and are happy in their status. They are care about
each other.
Then things change for Alexandra.
Enter Justin Padmore who is the Earl of Chantenny
and who was scarred mentally for life by his mother.
She told him he was dirty. So he lived his life drinking
and with self blame. Then one day in order to win back
his proper place in society, Justin decides to introduce
Alexandra to High Society after he learns of who sired
her What a scandal within the ton when they
realize who she really was!!!
Talented writing with well fleshed out, sharply drawn
characters that are complex, interesting and colorful.
A very well plotted Regency story full of mystery and
twists and turns. Tremendous job in description making
the reader a part of their experiences.
Very captivating and emotional read with intrigue that
will keep the reader involved from the first word until
the final word.
A Highly Recommended Read!!!
I volunteered to read The Legend of the Earl. Thanks to
the author for the opportunity. My opinion is my own
and voluntarily written.
Profile Image for Melissa.
2,548 reviews269 followers
July 27, 2018
This is the first book in this series. It is very different then other regency books. There is a group of orphans that are the main characters in this series. This one was the story of Alex and Justin. Alex is a Orphan who has created her own family from other orphans and is content with her life. She gets drug into the Ton and Justin wants to help. These books have there issues but for whatever reason I enjoy them. The characters fall in love pretty quick. There is some silly back and forth "I love Him/Her, I hate Him/Her, I'm going to leave Him/Her because it's best". It got a little dumb there for a minute but I still was drawn in. They do have a good story line and interesting characters. I am very interested to know about the other brothers stories. These are all pretty cheep buys on Kindle, but I worry if I read too many in a row I'll end up hating them. These are adult romances, they have no sex scenes and no petting, only kisses. There is talk of sex and the themes in this book are adult. Lots of adultery, sex before marriage, child rape and abuse is talked of in this book. Very heavy subjects that effect the characters. Let just put it this way...most of these characters are not going to lead normally lives without a life time of therapy.
14 reviews
February 23, 2018
This was a great book that had me completely hooked. This book introduces the Smiths a loving family of orphans, however it seems their connections are higher than they thought. Who are they really and what is their secret? All of society is curious to know, as am I. From a diary page that is released, it is revealed that Alexandra Smith is in fact the daughter of a peer. This scandal rocks Society making them worry about what secrets will be revealed next. I loved how different the main characters were from your every day regencey. This family of orphans show a love for each other that made me want to know all about them. The danger that arises when the secret of Alex's parentage is revealed draws her and Justin Padmore together. The love and adventure of this story had me on the edge of my chair, I couldn't wait to find out how it would turn out. This was a wonderful romance. The ending makes you want to know what comes next. I look forward to finding out. I recommend this book to all who love a good romance. For the surprise story on the end of this book I would give 5 stars for its own. I loved reading Mina and Nate's love story, it was wonderful read.
Profile Image for Hollie Simmons.
15 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2018
Eleanor Meyers' Heirs of High Society series is off to a good start!

The Smiths are the best family that isn't. Five children--Chris, Nash, Reuben, Alexandra & Rose--grow up together at a home for unwanted bastard children of society. They forge a together a family, the Smiths, to replace the ones they never knew. As they enter into adult life, their worlds are rocked as secrets from their caretaker's diary are stolen and released to the press anonymously, thus also revealing the identities of their upper-crust parents. They rely on each other to get through the issues of love and life as the unwanted, hidden children of the rich.

For Alexandra & Justin's story, I was entertained but not sold on their love match. As I'm writing my reviews a bit out of my reading order, I have found that this was my second favorite of the three I've read; though it was the first in the series that I started with. I did not dislike this book at all--quite the contrary--but compared to the next in line, it was not as good. I liked Alexandra's character, and eventually Justin's, but the storyline seemed a bit rushed at times and a WHOLE lot is thrown in. Sometimes it was confusing, and there were a lot of parts Ms. Meyers was obviously introducing. Justin's motives from the start were selfish and then seemingly from one page to the next, changed. I felt like most of the book was Justin as she imagined his character to be, and the very beginning was an afterthought in connecting the purpose of how he would meet the heroine/plot. Hence, she needed to change him quickly, which she did...it just didn't come off smoothly. Beyond that, there were no real issues I had. I liked the characters and her premise for these lost souls that made a family together. I like the relationships between the Smith siblings, as well as the love stories that generate in the series.

This series is a clean read--sensual, but not sexual. I'd highly recommend it for those that like an easy, quick read or for those that like series books about related characters. There are four so far in this series, and Ms. Meyers has many others that she has written as well.
Profile Image for Kelly Tyree.
515 reviews11 followers
March 28, 2018
I really enjoyed The Legend of the Earl because the characters were so easy to like. It really is a story where love is discovered and where two people complete one another.

Alexandra Smith is an orphan who has grown up in an orphanage surrounded by other orphans. Alex found love and acceptance with a small family of other orphans and has lived with one of them and managed his toy store. Each of Alex's family members have their own story but they are connected by the love and commitment they feel for each other. When news is released that Alex is the bastard daughter of a Duke, her life changes. Everyone wants to see and meet her.

Joshua Padmore is a broken Earl. His father died and Joshua has been lost. In his despair, he made a commitment to work in Parliament for an evil Duke. Joshua himself has struggled with an inner darkness due to the hurtful things his mother did to him. He feels he is dirty and has withdrawn from society. When he learns of Alex's existence, he decides he wants to protect her and he sees in her his way to redeem himself. What he did not expect was to be overcome by the light and kindness that Alex shows. As Joshua convinces her to let him introduce her to society, he finds himself falling in love with her right away. In her, he is not so broken. He is able to touch her and find feelings he did not know he was capable of. Alex also finds herself drawn to Joshua. She is not trusting of the ton, but Joshua is not like anyone else she has met. As the two try to form a relationship and for Alex to be prepared to enter society, they find Alex is in danger. The evil Duke that Joshua agreed to work for is determined to keep Joshua and Alex apart. But Joshua is changing with Alex's love. He is coming from darkness into light and Alex is helping him.

The best part is the epilogue which hints at another book to be released telling the story of Alex's sister, Rose. I for one, am eager to read that story!
Profile Image for Brenda.
3,500 reviews47 followers
April 3, 2018
Publisher's Description:

Alexandra Smith always knew her place in life. I enjoyed the read and couldn't put it down once I got started.

As a forgotten child who’d grown up in one of London’s better orphanages, Alex knew exactly what the future held for her:
Hard work and the company of friends who’d become her only family.

When London discovers that she’s the daughter of peer, the scandal has the power to change:
1- not only her future
2- but the fabric of Society itself.

Justin Padmore holds a darkness.

This had kept him chained to the shadows for years.
When he hears of the latest scandal, he knows he has an opportunity to step out into the light.

He’s ready to return to Society’s good graces and what better way to do so than to offer his charitable assistance to Alex?

But unearthing the mystery of Alexandra’s birth seems to unleash its own dangers…
Will they survive?
Or will Alex once again find herself right back where she began?

My Thoughts:
This is a well written regency romance.
Alexandra was born on the wrong side of the blanket. When society discovers that she is the illegitimate daughter of a peer of the realm suddenly her life is in danger.
Justin Padmore holds a dark secret of his own. He lived his childhood as an abused child. His mother despised the fact that he was male and a product of rape. She tried to kill her own child numerous times. How ironic that her own death was caused by the fact that she wouldn't let him touch her or his sisters.
I gave this book 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 2.0 of 5.0 flames. This is a sweet romance with lack of any real intimacy.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the author to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
37 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2018
A New And Wonderful Series Begins.....

This story begins with an infant being left at an orphanage. Best House, often a place where the illegitimate offspring of the Beau Monde are left. This is the where we meet Alexandra Smith offspring of the Viscount of Went. However, Alex Smith is the happy member of a group of “siblings”: Nash,Chris, Reuben and Rose who have come together to form their own family and is completely unaware of this relationship until the information is leaked to a paper.

This is also the story of Justin Padmore the Earl of Chantenney a man who has secrets and has been wallowing in alcohol and misery. As our story develops it becomes clear that Justin is a man of honor and he is being blackmailed and threatened by the Duke of Avon he delights in ruining lives.

Alex and Justin’s lives will intersect in a most interesting and wonderful way....they may just have some heartbreak to work through to get to their happily ever after.

This is a well written beginning to a series that promises to be more of Eleanor Meyers’ excellent style. I have often been known to stop in the middle of something I might be reading when one of her books releases.
Profile Image for Maria Griffo.
171 reviews
May 2, 2018
this was a new author for me the book was a bite slow to start not the typical romance book I read but it was good. It made me mad, made me laugh. The book had some clean romance and mystery and some twist and turns. Once the book got started it was hard to put down.

Alexandra grew up in an orphanage the bastard daughter of a peer than scandal hits when they find out who she is. Her friends became her family and they try to protect her from this.

Justin Padmore has a secret and he is ready to return to society and what better way than to help Alex.

Unleashing her past brings danger to them and forces him to relive his own past and secrets. They find that they have falling in love with each other but will socity give them the chance to be together.
Profile Image for Wendy Tavenner.
1,327 reviews12 followers
February 24, 2018
Another great book to the start of a new series. Alexandra Smith grew up in an orphanage not knowing who her father was. When it’s made know in the papers that she is the illegitimate daughter of a Baron she has to go into hiding because people want to know who she is.

Justin Padamore thinks he can help Alexandra and wants to give her a season. By doing this he might get a raprive from the Duke. Justin has a darkness in him that has been there since birth. His mother always told him he was dirty and he believed her. With Justin and Alexander helping each other they just might find the love both of them crave!

A wonderful book to a new series!
227 reviews
February 15, 2020
The story was good, but did not resolve all issues brought up in the plot. Justin the Earl, had an awful childhood because his mother had nothing to do with him and told him he was dirty. This carries over into his adult life. Alex was raised in an orphanage. She is the daughter of a peer. She and Justin meet and he wants to introduce her to society. Alex and her “siblings” have formed a family and support each other. But they have their secrets too. Some of the questions raised in the plot are not answered.
Profile Image for Mhairi.
160 reviews3 followers
February 21, 2018
I haven't read a regency romance in a while and what a way to return it. This is the first books of Elenor Meyers I have read and I will be reading more. I started the Legend of an Earl and couldn't put it down, Ms. Myeres is an extortionary storyteller. The characters seemed to leap off the pages of the book. This book is Regency Romance at it's finest. I adored Alex and Justin along with her family and I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
312 reviews5 followers
February 21, 2018
I love this new series by Eleanor Meyers. She is one of my favorite Regency romance authors. Her characters are likeable, well-developed, and never perfect. It's a romance, so there's a happy ending (and never a cliffhanger), but with all the twists and turns, you're never quite sure until the very end. Can't wait to read more of this series! I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kathy Brickert.
3,479 reviews17 followers
February 22, 2018
Excellent

I was so upset when the last series was finished! I thought of all those characters and Wardington. How would we ever replace them? Well, this answers the question! This family of orphans, named Smith, by themselves, have suddenly started to discover who they really are. And society is about to have a fit! Another great beginning to what will be a fantastic series! Loved it! Can't wait for the next book!
87 reviews2 followers
March 28, 2018
What... just happened? I was cruising along in the book when suddenly everyone is mad for the stupidest reason ever. Then the issue was resolved. Then the book ended, very suddenly. All without addressing who was trying to kill the main character. I actually felt like the characters were interesting, though perhaps too plentiful. Then a loss of all reason occured and it became awful for a chapter. The book just ended without any wrap ups what so ever and teased the next book. Just. Awful.
16 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2018
Disappointing

I love Eleanor Meyers' books. This one and the novella included we're very hard to get into. The story read very choppy, the characters weren't fleshed out enough, and there were so many typos and grammatical errors, they were hard to get around. Eleanor, if you ever want a proofreader, I would be happy to volunteer. I love the Wardington Park series; this one did not measure up.
177 reviews3 followers
January 13, 2019
The orphans ' tale

This story was very well-written. I was so intrigued by all the characters I introduced page by page. The idea that unwanted children had to be shunted to a life full of hurts becomes real here. The only thankfulness is that the children did get put in the care of people who would supervise their training to adulthood,, much better than abortion or killing at birth. Thank you, Eleanor Meyers, for this. I look forward to the other stories in this series.
Profile Image for Charline Bonham.
637 reviews
February 21, 2018
Alexandra Smith loves her family which is made up of other orphans. Justin Padmore has a troubled soul from his mother's mistreatment. His mother thought all men dirty and made him think he was too. Alex helps everyone with her winning ways and smile but can she help Justin? Who is trying to kill her and why? She doesn't claim anyone to be her relatives.
Profile Image for Ginger Pollard.
376 reviews3 followers
February 22, 2018
I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this book. Thank you, Eleanor! This was my first book by Eleanor Meyers, but it won't be my last. This book has romance, intrigue and a little bit of mystery which is well written and doesn't leave the reader lost. I found it highly enjoyable and I highly recommend it!
212 reviews3 followers
February 24, 2018
The first book in a new series by Eleanor Meyer! What a fabulous book to start the series off! I was hooked from the 1st page to the last! She writes the most beautiful story’s - the characters are so interesting, you have romance, mystery and intrigue! I can’t wait to see what she has in store for the rest of the series!
Profile Image for Nikki Kitchen.
Author 6 books75 followers
March 15, 2018
I'm glad that Ms Meyers has a new series out. This is a fun and entertaining book. It's clean of language and anything other than steamy kisses. If you've read the Warrington Park series then you'll like this book. If you haven't read that series then read this book and then read that one.

There is also a bonus short story at the end, which is wonderful.
12 reviews
March 15, 2018
Unique storyline

Unique storyline with a fantastic surprise novella included at the end. The novella also has a unique twist to the traditional historical romances with an impoverished female lead who scrapes together funds to support herself by sketching artistic drawings of butterflies and other insects.
261 reviews2 followers
July 27, 2018
Alexandra and Justin's romance is an awesome read.

Fascinating read. I loved the main characters. Alexandra Smith is a strong person that finds out she is the illegitimate daughter of an Earl. Justin is a broken man with a mother that hated him from the day he was born. Finding each other takes them on a journey to repair the damage done and a love that will make them whole again.
296 reviews2 followers
February 21, 2018
This is a wonderful story and I'm thrilled to have been brought in at the beginning of the series. I just loved the idea of the Smith family, not blood, but family nonetheless. I enjoyed reading of Alex and Justin, each with difficult pasts, coming together and finding happiness.
88 reviews
February 28, 2018
Review

I really enjoy reading your books, your stories make me feel like I’m there in the story, I have read several of your books and have never been disappointed in any of your stories, I really do recommend all the books you write, you are an awesome writer!
Profile Image for Lillian Huffman.
200 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2018
Amazing

This is an amazing start to another great series. I'm looking forward to reading every single book in this series. You are an amazing writer and I will always read your books.
Profile Image for Sharon Thomas.
660 reviews3 followers
March 11, 2018
Delightful

Ms Best ran the orphanage and kept stories about her children. Someone released the story about alexandra she meets Justin and they begin to fall in love even though others don't want it. Alexandra and her brothers and sisters work together to run Christmas toys
Profile Image for Cynthia Houser.
1,607 reviews9 followers
March 23, 2018
Legend of the Earl

This is going to be another great series. I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were interesting and made you want to know more. Eleanor is a wonderful author and I look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Charlotte Lowe.
808 reviews
May 7, 2018
The Legend of the Earl

I love rags-to-riches stories. This one was fun to read. Alex affected all she came within contact in a good, loving and joyful manner. She was perfect for the emotionally downtrodden Earl.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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