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Lords of the Highlands #6
The Highland Earl
Mr. & Mrs. Smith meets Outlander in this action-packed Scottish romance where a marriage of convenience leads to secrets that could be deadly.
With two young sons to care for and a large estate to run, John Erskine, the widowed Earl of Mar, needs to remarry as quickly as possible. And beautiful Lady Evelyn Pierrepont would be the perfect match. But there's more behind the English lass's calm demeanor than she's letting on, including a smoldering allure not even John can ignore.
Evelyn has no desire to wed the rugged Scottish earl, but at least she'll be able to continue her work as a spy—as long as her husband never finds out. Yet the more time Evelyn spends with John and his boys, the fonder she grows of their little family, and the last thing she wants to do is put them in danger. As alliances shift and enemies draw closer, soon everything they hold dear is at risk: their lands, their love, and their very lives.
With two young sons to care for and a large estate to run, John Erskine, the widowed Earl of Mar, needs to remarry as quickly as possible. And beautiful Lady Evelyn Pierrepont would be the perfect match. But there's more behind the English lass's calm demeanor than she's letting on, including a smoldering allure not even John can ignore.
Evelyn has no desire to wed the rugged Scottish earl, but at least she'll be able to continue her work as a spy—as long as her husband never finds out. Yet the more time Evelyn spends with John and his boys, the fonder she grows of their little family, and the last thing she wants to do is put them in danger. As alliances shift and enemies draw closer, soon everything they hold dear is at risk: their lands, their love, and their very lives.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 25, 2019
72 people are currently reading
1157 people want to read
About the author
Amy Jarecki
113 books1,713 followersKnown for her action-packed, passionate romances, USA TODAY Bestselling Author Amy Jarecki has received reader and critical praise throughout her writing career. She won the prestigious RT Reviewers' Choice award for THE HIGHLAND DUKE and a RONE award from InD’tale Magazine for Best Time Travel for her novel RISE OF A LEGEND. In addition to being a USA TODAY Bestselling Author, Amy has earned the designation as an Amazon All Star Author. She holds an MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland and now resides in Wisconsin with her husband where she writes immersive historical and contemporary romance novels.
Become a part of her world and learn more about Amy’s books on amyjarecki.com!
Become a part of her world and learn more about Amy’s books on amyjarecki.com!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
June 19, 2019
Series: Lords of the Highlands #6
Publication Date: 6/25/19
Number of Pages: 384
John Erskine, Earl of Mar, inherited a pile of debt from his father. The estate had been mismanaged for years and everything needed repair. John had been working to repair the damage caused by his father, but he couldn’t pay the debt off. The only reason he was a member of Queen Anne’s council as Secretary of State for Scotland, was because the money he received for the position allowed him to stave off his creditors. Now, he’s recently lost his beloved wife and he has two young sons to raise. John is almost the same age as his father was when he died and he has vowed that he will not, absolutely WILL NOT, leave the same kind of mess for his sons. Even though he deeply mourns his wife, he decides to marry an heiress in order to put his estate to rights and pay off his father’s debts. He’ll never love again, but he’ll honor and respect a new wife.
Lady Evelyn Pierrrepont, the oldest daughter of the Duke of Kingston-Upon-Hull, is appalled at her father’s dealings, his smuggling and the way he treats the servants. She’s learned a lot about him in the last year – and none of it was good. So, when she was offered the opportunity to make a difference, she gladly took it. She’d do her part to support Prince James and help the common people by spying on her father’s dealings and providing the information to the cause. Her mission was coming along nicely until she received a marriage proposal from the Earl of Mar. She certainly didn’t want to marry him – he was just like her father! But – she has no choice – her father has already made all of the arrangements.
Evelyn’s spying garners even more and better information once she is married, but she has begun to respect her new husband and is reluctant to continue. Then, things go dreadfully awry and she, John and the children are all in great peril. Can they escape the wicked Duke of Argyll? They barely manage to escape London, then they trek across the mountains in the Highlands, cross an ocean, confront a villain all while being chased by the English dragoons. There is definitely never a dull minute in this exciting fast-paced story.
I thoroughly enjoyed the read. Were there problems with the book – Goodness yes – a number of them. It always makes me a bit nuts when an author gets the basics wrong – something as simple as the banns being called but they are going to marry in a week – nope. However, I still enjoyed the read.
This is the sixth book in the series, but it totally stands alone.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 6/25/19
Number of Pages: 384
John Erskine, Earl of Mar, inherited a pile of debt from his father. The estate had been mismanaged for years and everything needed repair. John had been working to repair the damage caused by his father, but he couldn’t pay the debt off. The only reason he was a member of Queen Anne’s council as Secretary of State for Scotland, was because the money he received for the position allowed him to stave off his creditors. Now, he’s recently lost his beloved wife and he has two young sons to raise. John is almost the same age as his father was when he died and he has vowed that he will not, absolutely WILL NOT, leave the same kind of mess for his sons. Even though he deeply mourns his wife, he decides to marry an heiress in order to put his estate to rights and pay off his father’s debts. He’ll never love again, but he’ll honor and respect a new wife.
Lady Evelyn Pierrrepont, the oldest daughter of the Duke of Kingston-Upon-Hull, is appalled at her father’s dealings, his smuggling and the way he treats the servants. She’s learned a lot about him in the last year – and none of it was good. So, when she was offered the opportunity to make a difference, she gladly took it. She’d do her part to support Prince James and help the common people by spying on her father’s dealings and providing the information to the cause. Her mission was coming along nicely until she received a marriage proposal from the Earl of Mar. She certainly didn’t want to marry him – he was just like her father! But – she has no choice – her father has already made all of the arrangements.
Evelyn’s spying garners even more and better information once she is married, but she has begun to respect her new husband and is reluctant to continue. Then, things go dreadfully awry and she, John and the children are all in great peril. Can they escape the wicked Duke of Argyll? They barely manage to escape London, then they trek across the mountains in the Highlands, cross an ocean, confront a villain all while being chased by the English dragoons. There is definitely never a dull minute in this exciting fast-paced story.
I thoroughly enjoyed the read. Were there problems with the book – Goodness yes – a number of them. It always makes me a bit nuts when an author gets the basics wrong – something as simple as the banns being called but they are going to marry in a week – nope. However, I still enjoyed the read.
This is the sixth book in the series, but it totally stands alone.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 9, 2019
Hear, hear! If you enjoy eighteenth century Scottish politics and equate sex and lust with romance, this book is for you. While book #6 in the Lords of the Highlands series, THE HIGHLAND EARL stands entirely on its own, and the Author's Note explains why. John Erskine was a real historical figure, and Amy Jarecki mentions what artistic liberties she took in writing this novel. Sad to say, it is one such liberty that caused my main issue with the book, apart from the two large ones.
Our fictional John Erskine, the Earl of Mar, is a Scottish widower with two sons aged 9 and 5. He had loved his late wife, but he needs money and a mother for his sons. On April first 1713, at a ball, he meets Lady Evelyn Pierrepont, a duke's daughter. She's pretty enough, and he surmises she'll do just fine. For Evelyn, however, it is lust at first sight. John is Secretary of State for Scotland, and Evelyn's father is thrilled when John asks for Evelyn's hand, because of John's invaluable political connections. Evelyn agrees, not that she has much choice, but it suits her purposes as a spy. So far, so good. Alas, here is my problem: John had been married ten years to a woman he genuinely loved, and she had died three months prior after a short illness! I nearly choked! Three months! He didn't seem destitute, he never showed that he was grieving, unless the author told us in passing, and the boys seemed entirely unaffected. We're talking three months after the passing of a beloved wife and mother here, gentle readers. Of course, as the author *told* us, he would never be able to love again, which was a non issue in itself. He wasn't even in lust with Evelyn until he saw her bare nipples. No, not my idea of romantic hero at all.
Now, Evelyn, she of the oft-mentioned bountiful bosoms. She who displays none of the qualities needed in a spy - in spite of being repeatedly *told* that she is so talented - until the very end. But the cheeky lass did kill a rabbit so we could see how skilled she was with a bow and arrow. I didn't find John a suitable romantic lead at all, and his dislike of Evelyn's dog didn't help. He is a boor (not a boar), he seems to be angry most of the time, he's always cursing (no f-bombs), and his obsession with Evelyn's breasts reached a point where I wondered if there would have been a romance at all had she been flat-chested. At 15%, I had the story at three stars (those three months of widowhood didn't sit well with me), but at 62%, I had had it with her blasted boobs! I also wondered why she bothered trying to make nice with John when all she had to do was to shove her bare breasts in his face. Sigh. I also never understood why Evelyn moaned in French once while having sex; it came out of nowhere (pardon the pun). And I hope the "belle visage" is corrected in the final version.
Amy Jarecki's knowledge of the politics and customs of the era is irreproachable, but Evelyn seemed rather clueless at times, especially considering her social standing and her spying. After much justified doubting, John decides he is head over heels in love with Evelyn - he had gone without seeing and touching her cushiony assets for a little while - and she is madly in love with him because he is so bonny, so talented in bed, and so kind to his servants and the little people. The boys were fine, and I did feel that John loved them. In the last quarter of the book, the focus shifts away from Evelyn's tantalising torso to concentrate on politics and a lot of action ensues; this was well done. From a historical point of view, it was an interesting story; it would have made a terrific historical fiction novel, but as a historical romance, in my opinion, it was a bust.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Our fictional John Erskine, the Earl of Mar, is a Scottish widower with two sons aged 9 and 5. He had loved his late wife, but he needs money and a mother for his sons. On April first 1713, at a ball, he meets Lady Evelyn Pierrepont, a duke's daughter. She's pretty enough, and he surmises she'll do just fine. For Evelyn, however, it is lust at first sight. John is Secretary of State for Scotland, and Evelyn's father is thrilled when John asks for Evelyn's hand, because of John's invaluable political connections. Evelyn agrees, not that she has much choice, but it suits her purposes as a spy. So far, so good. Alas, here is my problem: John had been married ten years to a woman he genuinely loved, and she had died three months prior after a short illness! I nearly choked! Three months! He didn't seem destitute, he never showed that he was grieving, unless the author told us in passing, and the boys seemed entirely unaffected. We're talking three months after the passing of a beloved wife and mother here, gentle readers. Of course, as the author *told* us, he would never be able to love again, which was a non issue in itself. He wasn't even in lust with Evelyn until he saw her bare nipples. No, not my idea of romantic hero at all.
Now, Evelyn, she of the oft-mentioned bountiful bosoms. She who displays none of the qualities needed in a spy - in spite of being repeatedly *told* that she is so talented - until the very end. But the cheeky lass did kill a rabbit so we could see how skilled she was with a bow and arrow. I didn't find John a suitable romantic lead at all, and his dislike of Evelyn's dog didn't help. He is a boor (not a boar), he seems to be angry most of the time, he's always cursing (no f-bombs), and his obsession with Evelyn's breasts reached a point where I wondered if there would have been a romance at all had she been flat-chested. At 15%, I had the story at three stars (those three months of widowhood didn't sit well with me), but at 62%, I had had it with her blasted boobs! I also wondered why she bothered trying to make nice with John when all she had to do was to shove her bare breasts in his face. Sigh. I also never understood why Evelyn moaned in French once while having sex; it came out of nowhere (pardon the pun). And I hope the "belle visage" is corrected in the final version.
Amy Jarecki's knowledge of the politics and customs of the era is irreproachable, but Evelyn seemed rather clueless at times, especially considering her social standing and her spying. After much justified doubting, John decides he is head over heels in love with Evelyn - he had gone without seeing and touching her cushiony assets for a little while - and she is madly in love with him because he is so bonny, so talented in bed, and so kind to his servants and the little people. The boys were fine, and I did feel that John loved them. In the last quarter of the book, the focus shifts away from Evelyn's tantalising torso to concentrate on politics and a lot of action ensues; this was well done. From a historical point of view, it was an interesting story; it would have made a terrific historical fiction novel, but as a historical romance, in my opinion, it was a bust.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 25, 2019
Lady Evelyn Pierrepont is the eldest daughter of the Duke of Kingston-upon-Hull and supporter of the Jacobite cause. She spies on her father and reports her findings to Claude Dubois, a French national who supposedly has contact with Prince James while he is in exile.
John Erskine, the Earl of Mar, Secretary of State for Scotland and member of Queen Anne’s cabinet is still grieving the loss of his beloved wife Margaret. But his father’s crushing debts will push him prematurely out of mourning, he needs a proper wife to mother his young boys and one with a substantial dowry to clear the debt. Though she is 16 years his junior, Mar decides that Lady Evelyn would be the perfect wife for him.
After a bit of a rocky start, they marry and Eve continues her spying, but she begins to question Dubois’ loyalties. When she is set up to be caught, Mar tries to intervene and is labeled a traitor. This sets into motion a wild and unpredictable quest to clear his name and maybe get a second chance at love.
This was a well written book with a lot going on: spying, lies, secrets, betrayal, steamy love scenes, wonderful secondary characters, action, adventure and a surprise cameo from Aiden, Marquis of Tullibardine!! I did like the interaction between Eve and Mar, it was not insta-love and I liked that they took time to get to know each other, I felt the emotions felt; anger, hurt and forgiveness, were very realistic and well done. I also like that Ms. Jarecki uses actual historical figures for her characters and gives the reader in-depth facts about the real person and how she worked the events of their life into her story. Honestly, I did not get the whole "Mr. & Mrs. Smith meets Outlander" feeling - the beginning was sort of like True Lies, but definitely not Mr & Mrs Smith.
This book is the sixth book in the series, but it can definitely be read as a stand-alone title, which I am happy to recommend.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the Publisher.*
John Erskine, the Earl of Mar, Secretary of State for Scotland and member of Queen Anne’s cabinet is still grieving the loss of his beloved wife Margaret. But his father’s crushing debts will push him prematurely out of mourning, he needs a proper wife to mother his young boys and one with a substantial dowry to clear the debt. Though she is 16 years his junior, Mar decides that Lady Evelyn would be the perfect wife for him.
After a bit of a rocky start, they marry and Eve continues her spying, but she begins to question Dubois’ loyalties. When she is set up to be caught, Mar tries to intervene and is labeled a traitor. This sets into motion a wild and unpredictable quest to clear his name and maybe get a second chance at love.
This was a well written book with a lot going on: spying, lies, secrets, betrayal, steamy love scenes, wonderful secondary characters, action, adventure and a surprise cameo from Aiden, Marquis of Tullibardine!! I did like the interaction between Eve and Mar, it was not insta-love and I liked that they took time to get to know each other, I felt the emotions felt; anger, hurt and forgiveness, were very realistic and well done. I also like that Ms. Jarecki uses actual historical figures for her characters and gives the reader in-depth facts about the real person and how she worked the events of their life into her story. Honestly, I did not get the whole "Mr. & Mrs. Smith meets Outlander" feeling - the beginning was sort of like True Lies, but definitely not Mr & Mrs Smith.
This book is the sixth book in the series, but it can definitely be read as a stand-alone title, which I am happy to recommend.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the Publisher.*
June 21, 2019
4.5 stars!
Loved the heroine! One of my favorites!
Full review to come
Loved the heroine! One of my favorites!
Full review to come
June 20, 2019
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
John Erskine is the Earl of Mar, and he is also the widowed father of two sons. Thanks to a mountainous debt due to his father, John's estate is suffering and he needs to remarry as soon as possible. John is familiar with the Duke of Kingston-Upon Hull and the fact that he happens to have a young, very beautiful, marriageable daughter. This young woman is Lady Evelyn Pierrepont and she would make just the perfect countess - while affording the opportunity to wipe away John's debts.
Evelyn is certainly not keen on marrying the rugged, handsome Earl. She is working hard as a spy for the Jacobites and feels the earl is too much like her father when it comes to his political leanings. The fact that the earl is part of Queen Anne's council is rather despicable to Evelyn. However, she most honor the wishes of her father and thus prepares to become John's bride. Will she be able to continue as an effective spy? Furthermore, what of his sons, Thomas and Oliver? They only just lost their mother three months previously. She knows it will not be easy for her to jump right in as their stepmother.
It actually does not take long at all for Evelyn to blend right in with John and the boys. The fact that she plans on furthering her activities just might place the family in danger. This is something Evelyn never expected could happen.
The Highland Earl is certainly not a simple romance, a story of a man and a woman marrying for convenience and trying to create a love match in the process. What happens here is that, while they learn about one another, Evelyn's work, and also that of John's, comes to cross purposes and changes the entire flavor of this book. Yes, the aspect of espionage truly makes this story fly.
It is of great interest as to how Evelyn became a spy to begin with, as she was just twenty-one years of age. Her knowledge of her father's activities greatly influenced her to seek to make changes, or make whatever mark she could to right the many wrongs she has seen her father and others do.
While Evelyn seeks to remain loyal to those she answers to, she cannot help but be drawn to John and even begins to doubt some of the rumors she has heard about him. When the family is faced with grave danger the couple are afforded the opportunity to see where their marriage could go - that is, if they survive.
What an exciting read by Amy Jarecki! I have read the first five books in this series and am really glad to have read this entry. This romance by Amy Jarecki is the sixth book in the Lords of the Highlands series. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone novel. This delightful story has a lot to offer and I highly recommend it.
Many thanks to Forever and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
John Erskine is the Earl of Mar, and he is also the widowed father of two sons. Thanks to a mountainous debt due to his father, John's estate is suffering and he needs to remarry as soon as possible. John is familiar with the Duke of Kingston-Upon Hull and the fact that he happens to have a young, very beautiful, marriageable daughter. This young woman is Lady Evelyn Pierrepont and she would make just the perfect countess - while affording the opportunity to wipe away John's debts.
Evelyn is certainly not keen on marrying the rugged, handsome Earl. She is working hard as a spy for the Jacobites and feels the earl is too much like her father when it comes to his political leanings. The fact that the earl is part of Queen Anne's council is rather despicable to Evelyn. However, she most honor the wishes of her father and thus prepares to become John's bride. Will she be able to continue as an effective spy? Furthermore, what of his sons, Thomas and Oliver? They only just lost their mother three months previously. She knows it will not be easy for her to jump right in as their stepmother.
It actually does not take long at all for Evelyn to blend right in with John and the boys. The fact that she plans on furthering her activities just might place the family in danger. This is something Evelyn never expected could happen.
The Highland Earl is certainly not a simple romance, a story of a man and a woman marrying for convenience and trying to create a love match in the process. What happens here is that, while they learn about one another, Evelyn's work, and also that of John's, comes to cross purposes and changes the entire flavor of this book. Yes, the aspect of espionage truly makes this story fly.
It is of great interest as to how Evelyn became a spy to begin with, as she was just twenty-one years of age. Her knowledge of her father's activities greatly influenced her to seek to make changes, or make whatever mark she could to right the many wrongs she has seen her father and others do.
While Evelyn seeks to remain loyal to those she answers to, she cannot help but be drawn to John and even begins to doubt some of the rumors she has heard about him. When the family is faced with grave danger the couple are afforded the opportunity to see where their marriage could go - that is, if they survive.
What an exciting read by Amy Jarecki! I have read the first five books in this series and am really glad to have read this entry. This romance by Amy Jarecki is the sixth book in the Lords of the Highlands series. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone novel. This delightful story has a lot to offer and I highly recommend it.
Many thanks to Forever and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
June 23, 2019
The Highland Earl is the sixth book in the Lords of the Highlands series by Amy Jarecki. Although part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone.
It took me a little while to get into the story but once I did I was hooked and couldn't read the book quickly enough. It was so exciting and I was on tenterhooks wondering what would happen next.
John Erskine is the Earl of Marr. He is the Secretary of State for Scotland, a job he accepted because he needed the money after his father had left the estate in a huge amount of debt when he died. Working on Queen Anne's council also meant he could use his position to carefully help Scotland. He lost his wife, the love of his life, 3 months ago and is now bringing up 2 young sons on his own. For their sake, he needs to marry again and to a woman who comes with a large dowry. He refuses to let his sons ever be in the position he is in if he were to die young. He will never love again, but he knows he needs to wed. He meets an acceptable young woman at a ball, she is genteel, pleasant to look at and he is sure she would make a good wife and mother. She also happens to be an heiress.
Lady Evelyn Pierrepont is that woman. She is the Duke of Kingston-upon-Hull's eldest daughter. When she meets John she immediately feels a physical attraction to him. It's an attraction that she doesn't want to feel because she doesn't like the man at all. She believes that he is just like her father, mean spirited, cruel to servants, and only cares for himself and the money he can make via any means, which in her father's case, is smuggling. Evelyn is secretly a Jacobite. She spies on her father and gives information to people who want to help Prince James take the English Throne.
Evelyn is horrified when she learns that her father after talks with John, has agreed for him to marry her. She fully intends to offer a refusal but is convinced by her fellow spies that to marry him would be the perfect way to get even more information to help the Jacobite cause. The wedding goes ahead and from that moment the story soars.
I don't want to say too much about all that happens next because you need to read it first-hand with no expectations about what will happen. Suffice to say that John soon discovers that Evelyn is not the genteel young woman he thought she was and her exploits could very well put all of them, his young sons include in peril.
Amongst all the spying and danger John and Evelyn learn more about each other. They also find themselves seriously in lust with each other. It's a good job that they are married because their passion knew no bounds and their intimate scenes were scorching hot. Will the couple end up falling in love and having a real marriage, or will any chance of that be scuppered because of Evelyn's treasonous activities?
I really enjoyed this story and although I noticed an error here and there it certainly doesn't stop me recommending this wonderful book.
It took me a little while to get into the story but once I did I was hooked and couldn't read the book quickly enough. It was so exciting and I was on tenterhooks wondering what would happen next.
John Erskine is the Earl of Marr. He is the Secretary of State for Scotland, a job he accepted because he needed the money after his father had left the estate in a huge amount of debt when he died. Working on Queen Anne's council also meant he could use his position to carefully help Scotland. He lost his wife, the love of his life, 3 months ago and is now bringing up 2 young sons on his own. For their sake, he needs to marry again and to a woman who comes with a large dowry. He refuses to let his sons ever be in the position he is in if he were to die young. He will never love again, but he knows he needs to wed. He meets an acceptable young woman at a ball, she is genteel, pleasant to look at and he is sure she would make a good wife and mother. She also happens to be an heiress.
Lady Evelyn Pierrepont is that woman. She is the Duke of Kingston-upon-Hull's eldest daughter. When she meets John she immediately feels a physical attraction to him. It's an attraction that she doesn't want to feel because she doesn't like the man at all. She believes that he is just like her father, mean spirited, cruel to servants, and only cares for himself and the money he can make via any means, which in her father's case, is smuggling. Evelyn is secretly a Jacobite. She spies on her father and gives information to people who want to help Prince James take the English Throne.
Evelyn is horrified when she learns that her father after talks with John, has agreed for him to marry her. She fully intends to offer a refusal but is convinced by her fellow spies that to marry him would be the perfect way to get even more information to help the Jacobite cause. The wedding goes ahead and from that moment the story soars.
I don't want to say too much about all that happens next because you need to read it first-hand with no expectations about what will happen. Suffice to say that John soon discovers that Evelyn is not the genteel young woman he thought she was and her exploits could very well put all of them, his young sons include in peril.
Amongst all the spying and danger John and Evelyn learn more about each other. They also find themselves seriously in lust with each other. It's a good job that they are married because their passion knew no bounds and their intimate scenes were scorching hot. Will the couple end up falling in love and having a real marriage, or will any chance of that be scuppered because of Evelyn's treasonous activities?
I really enjoyed this story and although I noticed an error here and there it certainly doesn't stop me recommending this wonderful book.
June 24, 2019
The Highland Earl is the sixth book in Amy Jarecki's Lords of the Highlands series. Haven't read the first five books? No problem - I didn't read them either, and this one stood alone perfectly well. There is one problem, however... I have apparently been missing an awesome series and now have to go buy the first five and catch up!
Lady Evelyn Pierrepont is the daughter of an English Duke. However, she isn't just a Lady - she is also a staunch Jacobite supporter who spies on her father for the cause! While at a ball, Eve's father introduces her to an incredibly attractive man, John Erskine, the recently widowed Earl of Mar. The Earl of Mar has an unfortunate nickname, Bobbin' John, due to his apparent inability to vote along party lines consistently. Eve's father promises his daughter in marriage to John, without her consent. She must do her duty to her father, like it or not. John, due to his father's bad management, needs her dowry funds to take care of his Scottish estate, and he needs a stepmother for his two young sons. They marry, with both parties having deep secrets they keep from each other.
I just loved the relationship between Eve and John. Though attracted to each other, there wasn't any insta-love here, which made it a lot more realistic. The same was true about Eve's relationship with her two new stepsons. While the younger child was very open, the older one was not so agreeable. There was much distrust between our two leads, and they had to learn to be open in order to move forward. This book had me both smiling and crying. There was quite a bit of action here too, both of the steamy and swashbuckling kind. It was very interesting to find that the leads were based on real people. Don't miss out on this exciting story!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Lady Evelyn Pierrepont is the daughter of an English Duke. However, she isn't just a Lady - she is also a staunch Jacobite supporter who spies on her father for the cause! While at a ball, Eve's father introduces her to an incredibly attractive man, John Erskine, the recently widowed Earl of Mar. The Earl of Mar has an unfortunate nickname, Bobbin' John, due to his apparent inability to vote along party lines consistently. Eve's father promises his daughter in marriage to John, without her consent. She must do her duty to her father, like it or not. John, due to his father's bad management, needs her dowry funds to take care of his Scottish estate, and he needs a stepmother for his two young sons. They marry, with both parties having deep secrets they keep from each other.
I just loved the relationship between Eve and John. Though attracted to each other, there wasn't any insta-love here, which made it a lot more realistic. The same was true about Eve's relationship with her two new stepsons. While the younger child was very open, the older one was not so agreeable. There was much distrust between our two leads, and they had to learn to be open in order to move forward. This book had me both smiling and crying. There was quite a bit of action here too, both of the steamy and swashbuckling kind. It was very interesting to find that the leads were based on real people. Don't miss out on this exciting story!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
June 25, 2019
Oh, this was fun!
"Mr & Mrs. Smith meets Outlander" is the best description and I'm stealing it. LOL! The Highland Earl is a fun, sexy, well thought out addition to the Lords of Highland series. I wholeheartedly enjoyed it.
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"Mr & Mrs. Smith meets Outlander" is the best description and I'm stealing it. LOL! The Highland Earl is a fun, sexy, well thought out addition to the Lords of Highland series. I wholeheartedly enjoyed it.
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July 4, 2019
a widower with two sons who needs a wealthy wife, a woman trying to do what she thinks is right well being thrust into a marriage by her greedy father, I mean what could go wrong, we have intrigue, spying, going from England, to Scotland to France and all the way back again.
you learn if love can florish in a time when death seems to be around the corner, the lines between right and wrong blur and you're never sure who is the hero and who is the villain, twists and turns around every corner, this is the first book I read in the lords of the highland series but it won't be the last.
thank you to forever publishing and Grandcenteral publish for the free copy, all thoughts are my own.
you learn if love can florish in a time when death seems to be around the corner, the lines between right and wrong blur and you're never sure who is the hero and who is the villain, twists and turns around every corner, this is the first book I read in the lords of the highland series but it won't be the last.
thank you to forever publishing and Grandcenteral publish for the free copy, all thoughts are my own.
May 24, 2019
The Highland Earl
Lords of the Highlands #6
By Amy Jarecki
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
John Erskine is the widowed Earl of Mar, and needs to remarry as quickly as possible. He meets Lady Evelyn Pierrepont and decides that she is exactly what he's looking for. She's young, pretty, and comes with a dowry that will see his father's debts are payed off and ensure his boys are not left with any debt when he departs this world.
Evelyn Pierrepont is not looking to get married and settle down. In fact she has no desire to wed wed the Scottish Earl, but at least she'll be able to continue living a double life as a spy as long as her husband doesn't find out. As time goes on Evelyn finds herself sexually drawn to her husband in a way she doesn't understand and as she grows fonder of her ready made family the last thing she wants to intentionally do is put them in danger. As alliances shift and enimies get closer and closer, everything and everyone she loves will be at risk. Will they run for their lives or will they face the very demons that she has created with her mistakes?
Amy Jarecki brings us a wonderful story filled with secrets and spies. The main characters were absolutely delightful. John and Evelyn may have started out as strangers, but it didn't take long for them to make cozy together. There was always something happening so there was never a dull moment from the get go. Ms. Jarecki you are so very talented and I truly enjoy reading your books.
Lords of the Highlands #6
By Amy Jarecki
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
John Erskine is the widowed Earl of Mar, and needs to remarry as quickly as possible. He meets Lady Evelyn Pierrepont and decides that she is exactly what he's looking for. She's young, pretty, and comes with a dowry that will see his father's debts are payed off and ensure his boys are not left with any debt when he departs this world.
Evelyn Pierrepont is not looking to get married and settle down. In fact she has no desire to wed wed the Scottish Earl, but at least she'll be able to continue living a double life as a spy as long as her husband doesn't find out. As time goes on Evelyn finds herself sexually drawn to her husband in a way she doesn't understand and as she grows fonder of her ready made family the last thing she wants to intentionally do is put them in danger. As alliances shift and enimies get closer and closer, everything and everyone she loves will be at risk. Will they run for their lives or will they face the very demons that she has created with her mistakes?
Amy Jarecki brings us a wonderful story filled with secrets and spies. The main characters were absolutely delightful. John and Evelyn may have started out as strangers, but it didn't take long for them to make cozy together. There was always something happening so there was never a dull moment from the get go. Ms. Jarecki you are so very talented and I truly enjoy reading your books.
June 7, 2019
The Highland Earl (Lords of the Highlands Book 6) by Amy Jarecki is an awesome Scottish romance. While book 6, it can be read as a stand alone.
Well written and well crafted with charming, engaging and realistic characters. From the first page I was hooked as I followed John Erskine, the widowed Earl of Mar, with two small sons, and who needs to remarry as quickly as possible. And the beautiful, rich, and feisty Lady Evelyn Pierrepont.
Action packed with Evelyn and sensual interactions, danger, spies, turmoil, betrayal, innocence, a marriage of convenience, treachery and challenges. Readers will be on the edge of their seats, as Evelyn and John, transverse the highland countryside, learning the extent of the betrayal that could prove deadly for John. If they can't find the truth, before it's too late, John, could lose his lands, his sons, his wife, his love and his life.
Another keeper by Amy Jarecki! WOW, what an exciting and intriguing story of love, treason, with a climatic HEA. A must read for fans of Scottish Romance, Historical Romance, where, history meets fiction.
#NetGalley, #TheHighlandEarl,#AmyJarecki
Rating: 5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewer: AprilR
Well written and well crafted with charming, engaging and realistic characters. From the first page I was hooked as I followed John Erskine, the widowed Earl of Mar, with two small sons, and who needs to remarry as quickly as possible. And the beautiful, rich, and feisty Lady Evelyn Pierrepont.
Action packed with Evelyn and sensual interactions, danger, spies, turmoil, betrayal, innocence, a marriage of convenience, treachery and challenges. Readers will be on the edge of their seats, as Evelyn and John, transverse the highland countryside, learning the extent of the betrayal that could prove deadly for John. If they can't find the truth, before it's too late, John, could lose his lands, his sons, his wife, his love and his life.
Another keeper by Amy Jarecki! WOW, what an exciting and intriguing story of love, treason, with a climatic HEA. A must read for fans of Scottish Romance, Historical Romance, where, history meets fiction.
#NetGalley, #TheHighlandEarl,#AmyJarecki
Rating: 5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewer: AprilR
May 17, 2019
I loved this story! It was the perfect blend of history, romance, and espionage.
The Earl of Mar has recently lost his wife and found out his father left him with a stack of bills. And to add to the mix, he has two young sons that need to be cared for. After meeting Evelyn, he is taken by her beauty and intelligence. Not to mention she comes with a large dowry, it seemed the perfect solution to all his woes.
Lady Evelyn Pierrepont has attended many seasons and quite frankly, she doesn't want to marry. She's enjoying her work as a spy for a Frenchman who wants to gain information and coin for the Prince in the hope of removing Queen Ann from the throne. Her father is pushing her into this marriage and the Frenchman feels she can garner even more useful information if she marries.
This book was the steady beat of a drum for me with one thing happening after another. It was a tangled web, drawing you in while you tried to figure out who the evil one was. I think I've read just about everything this author has written and this is one of my favorites. This one and the ballerina story.... (The Duke's Fallen Angel) don't miss that if you haven't read it.
I was gifted with an ARC and wanted to leave a review. I would highly recommend this book.
The Earl of Mar has recently lost his wife and found out his father left him with a stack of bills. And to add to the mix, he has two young sons that need to be cared for. After meeting Evelyn, he is taken by her beauty and intelligence. Not to mention she comes with a large dowry, it seemed the perfect solution to all his woes.
Lady Evelyn Pierrepont has attended many seasons and quite frankly, she doesn't want to marry. She's enjoying her work as a spy for a Frenchman who wants to gain information and coin for the Prince in the hope of removing Queen Ann from the throne. Her father is pushing her into this marriage and the Frenchman feels she can garner even more useful information if she marries.
This book was the steady beat of a drum for me with one thing happening after another. It was a tangled web, drawing you in while you tried to figure out who the evil one was. I think I've read just about everything this author has written and this is one of my favorites. This one and the ballerina story.... (The Duke's Fallen Angel) don't miss that if you haven't read it.
I was gifted with an ARC and wanted to leave a review. I would highly recommend this book.
June 8, 2019
The Highland Earl is the sixth book in the Lords of Highlands series. It was an okay story, but I did feel that there was not enough romance in it. I felt that there was more of a physical attraction between John, Earl of Mar and Lady Evelyn. They get married without really knowing each other. They marry each other to serve their own purpose. He to gain a stepmother for his sons and her dowry. A dowry that will help him repay most of the debt that his father left behind. Evelyn's purpose was to spy on him. She had been assisting a group of people to aid the common man. Which later caused her to have problems in her marriage.
Sadly most of their relationship through out the story is them hiding things from each other and having lots of sexy times. Their marriage has been mostly them having dinner and John visiting her at night. It is not until we hit the climax of the story that we see them get to know each other better. Unfortunately it took too long for me to that connection outside their bedroom.
*Thank you to the publisher for providing the ARC through NetGalley for review.*
Sadly most of their relationship through out the story is them hiding things from each other and having lots of sexy times. Their marriage has been mostly them having dinner and John visiting her at night. It is not until we hit the climax of the story that we see them get to know each other better. Unfortunately it took too long for me to that connection outside their bedroom.
*Thank you to the publisher for providing the ARC through NetGalley for review.*
June 13, 2019
Book: The Highland Earl by Amy Jarecki
Series: Lords of the Highlands, Book #6
Release Date: June 25, 2019
Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook (of)
1)Tartan Book Reviews
2)Purple Tulip Book Reviews
3)Celtic World of Historical Book Reviews
4)Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog
Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Book Rating: 5/5 Stars/Kilts
The Highland Earl by Amy Jarecki
April 1713
Scottish, John Erskine was recently widowed with two young sons Thomas and Oliver. The Earl of Mar, who is also The Secretary of State of Scotland. Plus his boys needed a mother to care for them. Though John is still healing from a broken heart and promises never to love another wife. It was just too painful and shattered his tender heart into pieces. He couldn’t go through this heartbreak again. John has also been the subject of some negative press being in Queen Anne’s cabinet for many years. He being mocked by the pubic being called Bobbin’ John to belittle him.
John feels the English, Lady Evelyn Pierrepont, would be a perfect mother figure for his sons, the beautiful young woman would be a perfect Countess. Yet unfortunately she does not feel the same. As she feels he is just like her greedy, cruel father. Evelyn has no wish to marry this Scottish Earl who is the catch of the season for unmarried noble women. Yet her father who is taken by the Earl’s title and position at court gives her no choice. The one thing in Evelyn’s favor: is to be able to spy on her own husband under his own roof. Yet she begins to question perhaps she was totally wrong about the Earl of Mar?
The more time Evelyn shares with her new husband John and his young son’s the more she cares. Could this be love? Soon she realizes affiliation and partnerships change and the ones she had considered friends are actually her foes. These enemies might actually ruin the Earls reputation and his life including his boys. Will he ever be able to forgive, forget and move on with his traitorous wife? Can he ever trust her around his children or had she ruined their future happiness where he must send her away?
An action packed book that readers don’t want to miss!
Lords of the Highlands series:
The Highland Duke
The Highland Commander
The Highland Guardian
The Highland Chieftain
0The Highland Renegade
The Highland Earl (will release on June 25th)
All can be read as stand alone books but I definitely recommend to read them all.
Amy Jarecki pens another nail biting, riveting, fast paced, page turning, romantic adventure, in her sixth book of her Lords of the Highlands series. A book I totally got swept away in, that had me gasping with delight! My favorite book recipe, is weaving true history with a fictional romance. I loved that this author researched and used a true member in history and his wife, a swoon worthy hero and archer, risk taking, heroine.
This book has all the elements that historical romance readers love. It is awe inspiring, action-packed-novel, filled with extraordinary plotting, phenomenal storylines, mystery, suspense, treason, treachery, intrigue, espionage, betrayal, heartbreak, duplicity, deception, forgiveness, trust, faith and naturally love. An emotional book that I couldn’t put down! I absolutely loved John and Eve’s story - a book I will never forget!
Another stunning setting with brilliant multi dimensional characters, especially the young son Oliver, who is an absolute heart string puller! This included magnificent dialogue, and captivating plotting that was absolutely incredible! This book included detailed storylines that took my breath away. I can’t recommend this exhilarating book, The Highland Earl by Amy Jarecki enough!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and Grand Central Forever publishers for a fair and honest review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review, blog and promote through netgalley. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.
Pre-Order Link:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+highla...
https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-hi...
https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-...
https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-h...
Series: Lords of the Highlands, Book #6
Release Date: June 25, 2019
Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook (of)
1)Tartan Book Reviews
2)Purple Tulip Book Reviews
3)Celtic World of Historical Book Reviews
4)Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog
Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Book Rating: 5/5 Stars/Kilts
The Highland Earl by Amy Jarecki
April 1713
Scottish, John Erskine was recently widowed with two young sons Thomas and Oliver. The Earl of Mar, who is also The Secretary of State of Scotland. Plus his boys needed a mother to care for them. Though John is still healing from a broken heart and promises never to love another wife. It was just too painful and shattered his tender heart into pieces. He couldn’t go through this heartbreak again. John has also been the subject of some negative press being in Queen Anne’s cabinet for many years. He being mocked by the pubic being called Bobbin’ John to belittle him.
John feels the English, Lady Evelyn Pierrepont, would be a perfect mother figure for his sons, the beautiful young woman would be a perfect Countess. Yet unfortunately she does not feel the same. As she feels he is just like her greedy, cruel father. Evelyn has no wish to marry this Scottish Earl who is the catch of the season for unmarried noble women. Yet her father who is taken by the Earl’s title and position at court gives her no choice. The one thing in Evelyn’s favor: is to be able to spy on her own husband under his own roof. Yet she begins to question perhaps she was totally wrong about the Earl of Mar?
The more time Evelyn shares with her new husband John and his young son’s the more she cares. Could this be love? Soon she realizes affiliation and partnerships change and the ones she had considered friends are actually her foes. These enemies might actually ruin the Earls reputation and his life including his boys. Will he ever be able to forgive, forget and move on with his traitorous wife? Can he ever trust her around his children or had she ruined their future happiness where he must send her away?
An action packed book that readers don’t want to miss!
Lords of the Highlands series:
The Highland Duke
The Highland Commander
The Highland Guardian
The Highland Chieftain
0The Highland Renegade
The Highland Earl (will release on June 25th)
All can be read as stand alone books but I definitely recommend to read them all.
Amy Jarecki pens another nail biting, riveting, fast paced, page turning, romantic adventure, in her sixth book of her Lords of the Highlands series. A book I totally got swept away in, that had me gasping with delight! My favorite book recipe, is weaving true history with a fictional romance. I loved that this author researched and used a true member in history and his wife, a swoon worthy hero and archer, risk taking, heroine.
This book has all the elements that historical romance readers love. It is awe inspiring, action-packed-novel, filled with extraordinary plotting, phenomenal storylines, mystery, suspense, treason, treachery, intrigue, espionage, betrayal, heartbreak, duplicity, deception, forgiveness, trust, faith and naturally love. An emotional book that I couldn’t put down! I absolutely loved John and Eve’s story - a book I will never forget!
Another stunning setting with brilliant multi dimensional characters, especially the young son Oliver, who is an absolute heart string puller! This included magnificent dialogue, and captivating plotting that was absolutely incredible! This book included detailed storylines that took my breath away. I can’t recommend this exhilarating book, The Highland Earl by Amy Jarecki enough!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and Grand Central Forever publishers for a fair and honest review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review, blog and promote through netgalley. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.
Pre-Order Link:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+highla...
https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-hi...
https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-...
https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-h...
June 25, 2019
Scottish/English history of the end of Queen Anne's reign is packed with spying, intrigue, political maneuvering and treason. This time in history is the setting for Amy Jarecki's exciting and steamy series. This is the best story so far. It takes us to Queen Anne's inner circle of government and the delicate line the Secretary of Scotland must balance.
John Erskine, Earl of Mar, is the Secretary of Scotland whose reputation is Bobbin John because his support of Scotland seems to facilitate. He's newly widowed with two young sons and deeply in debt left from his father. This is the man balancing his beloved Scotland from being raped by England's rule and trying to provide the best care for his clan. He is forced to solve his debt problem by marrying an English heiress. Lady Evelyn Pierrepont is beautiful and will be snapped off the marriage mart if he doesn't act quickly. He enters into a marriage contract with her father, the Duke of Kingston-upon-Hull, thinking her father has discussed this with his daughter. He has his work cut out for him when he discovers she's shocked to discover she's about to be married to a Scottish statesman she's just met.
Lady Evelyn is the oldest daughter of Hull's three daughters. She's just turned into her majority and entered society. She has a stout heart for the wrongly and mistreated common man. Her father is rich by mistreating and underpaying his servants. He has no loyalty to those in his service when they get sick or aged. He also is a smuggler who avoids paying duties to the crown. His latest shipment would drive down the prices of Scottish goods hurting the people. This enrages Evelyn so's influenced by Mr Claude Dubois, Emissary from the French King Luis. He's convinced her to spy on her father to help the Jacobite cause and English downtrodden. Dubois is over joyed when he finds his information can now come from Erskine's household through Evelyn, especially when in reality he's gathering information for the French invasion of England. With this persuasion Evelyn goes through with the marriage seeing a loveless future albeit one useful to the cause.
Wow what a love story packed full of prejudgement, spying, treason, running for their lives and passion. This story is woven with political intrigue and so much steam. It is the best story Amy Jarecki has penned yet. As events unfold Evelyn discovers she misjudged John and John discovers such intelligent passion in his new bride. They forge a strong union to aid Scotland's future.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
John Erskine, Earl of Mar, is the Secretary of Scotland whose reputation is Bobbin John because his support of Scotland seems to facilitate. He's newly widowed with two young sons and deeply in debt left from his father. This is the man balancing his beloved Scotland from being raped by England's rule and trying to provide the best care for his clan. He is forced to solve his debt problem by marrying an English heiress. Lady Evelyn Pierrepont is beautiful and will be snapped off the marriage mart if he doesn't act quickly. He enters into a marriage contract with her father, the Duke of Kingston-upon-Hull, thinking her father has discussed this with his daughter. He has his work cut out for him when he discovers she's shocked to discover she's about to be married to a Scottish statesman she's just met.
Lady Evelyn is the oldest daughter of Hull's three daughters. She's just turned into her majority and entered society. She has a stout heart for the wrongly and mistreated common man. Her father is rich by mistreating and underpaying his servants. He has no loyalty to those in his service when they get sick or aged. He also is a smuggler who avoids paying duties to the crown. His latest shipment would drive down the prices of Scottish goods hurting the people. This enrages Evelyn so's influenced by Mr Claude Dubois, Emissary from the French King Luis. He's convinced her to spy on her father to help the Jacobite cause and English downtrodden. Dubois is over joyed when he finds his information can now come from Erskine's household through Evelyn, especially when in reality he's gathering information for the French invasion of England. With this persuasion Evelyn goes through with the marriage seeing a loveless future albeit one useful to the cause.
Wow what a love story packed full of prejudgement, spying, treason, running for their lives and passion. This story is woven with political intrigue and so much steam. It is the best story Amy Jarecki has penned yet. As events unfold Evelyn discovers she misjudged John and John discovers such intelligent passion in his new bride. They forge a strong union to aid Scotland's future.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 19, 2019
From start to end, this story was filled with intrigue, suspense, danger, secrets and of course, romance and passion. I love it that the hero's character, John Erskine, is based on an actual historical figure and even though the author took liberties with his story, it was so well written, I didn't mind at all.
Taking place in the 1700's, when Queen Anne reigns over England, Scotland and Ireland, her brother Prince James living in exile while the Jacobites plot to make him take his rightful place as King, the Earl of Mar, John Erskine, The Secretary of State of Scotland, is looking to find a wife with a dowry that he needs to pay off his father's debts and mother to his two young sons, Thomas and Oliver. He decides that Lady Evelyn Pierrepont is the perfect choice!
There is more to Lady Evelyn Pierrepont than meets the eye, though!! She's very adept with a bow and arrow AND she's a spy! It doesn't take long for her to fall in love with John but she knows that he will never stop loving his dead wife. There is much danger and misunderstandings in their way before they can get their HEA but it will all have been worth it in the end.
Simply put, I loved and enjoyed this story, the characters are fascinating and complex, John's young sons are a delight and I adored Evelyn's dog, Brutus, the old Corgi:)
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Taking place in the 1700's, when Queen Anne reigns over England, Scotland and Ireland, her brother Prince James living in exile while the Jacobites plot to make him take his rightful place as King, the Earl of Mar, John Erskine, The Secretary of State of Scotland, is looking to find a wife with a dowry that he needs to pay off his father's debts and mother to his two young sons, Thomas and Oliver. He decides that Lady Evelyn Pierrepont is the perfect choice!
There is more to Lady Evelyn Pierrepont than meets the eye, though!! She's very adept with a bow and arrow AND she's a spy! It doesn't take long for her to fall in love with John but she knows that he will never stop loving his dead wife. There is much danger and misunderstandings in their way before they can get their HEA but it will all have been worth it in the end.
Simply put, I loved and enjoyed this story, the characters are fascinating and complex, John's young sons are a delight and I adored Evelyn's dog, Brutus, the old Corgi:)
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 28, 2019
At her first royal ball, Evelyn saw him talking to her father. "Truly he might possibly be the most striking man she'd ever seen. It was all she could do not to openly gawk. No, she'd never met a man such as he. Beautiful, yet masculine. His face youthful, yet sophisticated and wise. The inability to put her finger on what made the earl more alluring caused her to stare more." It was the first time she has seen John Erskine, the Earl of Mar and Secretary of State for Scotland. Of course with her current occupation of spying and helping the cause of the Jacobites, which supported her passion to end the power of the aristocracy, she thought him another priviledged peer.
Amy Jarecki is a master at creating a story with all of the elements of a dazzling Scottish romance that will take your breath away! An arranged marriage, a simmering passion that explodes, suspense that will keep you intrigued, secrets that will come out and a road to love that winds it way to the end.
There is so much more I can say, but I will leave you with words of wisdom. If you enjoy reading stories that will grab you from the first page and hold your attention until the end, this one is for you! Have enjoyed this series so much and although this can be read as a standalone, I encourage you to read them all!!
Amy Jarecki is a master at creating a story with all of the elements of a dazzling Scottish romance that will take your breath away! An arranged marriage, a simmering passion that explodes, suspense that will keep you intrigued, secrets that will come out and a road to love that winds it way to the end.
There is so much more I can say, but I will leave you with words of wisdom. If you enjoy reading stories that will grab you from the first page and hold your attention until the end, this one is for you! Have enjoyed this series so much and although this can be read as a standalone, I encourage you to read them all!!
June 28, 2019
The Highland Earl by Amy is a historical romance. I loved that it was based on a real historical character.
Lady Evelyn was practically a spy in her father’s house. She felt her father mistreated their servants and had unscrupulous shipping practices.
John, also referred to as Mar was part of the queen’s cabinet and a Scotsman. I found the storyline around the cabinet and the queen very interesting and I am not a history buff. John is a widower with two young sons. His father left him with a large debt that marrying Lady Evelyn can cover.
They are married rather quickly within the book which also begins the many physical scenes.
Admittedly I thought I knew how the book would end. However Amy handled the situation a little differently that I really liked. Amy kept surprising me, something would happen sooner than I expected so I knew something else must be coming.
Sexual content 4 - several scenes with detail.
Violence – 1 nothing major,
Language
Alcohol - casual drinking,
Lady Evelyn was practically a spy in her father’s house. She felt her father mistreated their servants and had unscrupulous shipping practices.
John, also referred to as Mar was part of the queen’s cabinet and a Scotsman. I found the storyline around the cabinet and the queen very interesting and I am not a history buff. John is a widower with two young sons. His father left him with a large debt that marrying Lady Evelyn can cover.
They are married rather quickly within the book which also begins the many physical scenes.
Admittedly I thought I knew how the book would end. However Amy handled the situation a little differently that I really liked. Amy kept surprising me, something would happen sooner than I expected so I knew something else must be coming.
Sexual content 4 - several scenes with detail.
Violence – 1 nothing major,
Language
Alcohol - casual drinking,
June 22, 2019
The Highland Early by Amy Jarecki
Lords of the Highlands #6
Lady Evelyn Pierrepont at 21 years of age and bred to marry someone of her own status realizes that she will marry strategically rather than as a result of falling in love but she had hoped to at least be consulted or given a choice. John Erskine, Earl of Mar, is recently widowed with sons 5 and 9 years of age. He needs money to get out of debt and knows he needs a stepmother for his sons BUT he never plans to fall in love again. With their upcoming nuptials and no love in sight the two really have what amounts to a convenient if not emotional marriage.
In some ways I am sure this is more realistic of weddings that took place in the 1700’s than those written with flowery prose and love in abundance. The age difference of 16 years seemed to also be in keeping with the times. I could see how Evelyn became entangled in spying for a cause she believed in though I am not sure that her ability to sneak around would have been as easy as it was made in the book. The physical relationship of the two was much easier than communicating, sharing and really getting to know one another. In fact, there was more misunderstanding than understanding for a large portion of the book.
I am not sure how believable the story is overall but it was a fun way to spend the day today. I enjoyed watching John and Evelyn work their way to a happy life together...eventually.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Forever-Grand Central Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Lords of the Highlands #6
Lady Evelyn Pierrepont at 21 years of age and bred to marry someone of her own status realizes that she will marry strategically rather than as a result of falling in love but she had hoped to at least be consulted or given a choice. John Erskine, Earl of Mar, is recently widowed with sons 5 and 9 years of age. He needs money to get out of debt and knows he needs a stepmother for his sons BUT he never plans to fall in love again. With their upcoming nuptials and no love in sight the two really have what amounts to a convenient if not emotional marriage.
In some ways I am sure this is more realistic of weddings that took place in the 1700’s than those written with flowery prose and love in abundance. The age difference of 16 years seemed to also be in keeping with the times. I could see how Evelyn became entangled in spying for a cause she believed in though I am not sure that her ability to sneak around would have been as easy as it was made in the book. The physical relationship of the two was much easier than communicating, sharing and really getting to know one another. In fact, there was more misunderstanding than understanding for a large portion of the book.
I am not sure how believable the story is overall but it was a fun way to spend the day today. I enjoyed watching John and Evelyn work their way to a happy life together...eventually.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Forever-Grand Central Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
June 26, 2019
With two young sons to care for and a large estate to run, John Erskine, the widowed Earl of Mar, needs to remarry as quickly as possible. The beautiful Lady Evelyn Pierrepont would be the perfect match and mother for his sons. She’s a duke’s daughter so she can teach his son’s about court life and manners. But there's more behind the Evelyn’s demeanor than she's letting on, there’s a feisty lass with a smoldering allure not even John can ignore. I love this feisty English woman, she doesn’t know who to trust and before we know it we find out she’s been trusting the wrong people and their very lives are in danger. They are declared traitors and on the run trying to prove their innocence. The story is wonderful it’s filled with Highland magic, romance with a lusty Earl and two find lads who keep life interesting. I voluntarily read and reviewed this captivating book.
June 23, 2019
The Highland Earl by Amy Jarecki is book 6 in The Highland Earl Series. This is the story of John Erskine, the Earl of Mar and Lady Evelyn Pierrepont. I have read the previous books but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Evelyn learned of her father the Duke of Kingston-Upon-Hull, wrong doing and is trying to make things better by spying on him and reporting back to who she trusted. John is a widower with two boys and has been trying to rebuild his inheritance after his father almost ruined everything. John had taken a job as the Secretary of State for Scotland and member of Queen Anne’s cabinet to earn money and to help the Scottish caused. John decided to marry to help raised the much needed money to help him and the boys, which leads him to pick Evelyn. Evelyn is upset at first that her father has chosen to marry her off but soon it is showing to help her spying. But Evelyn starts to have feelings for John and his boys then they end up having to go on the run to clear John's name.
This was a great exciting read! Loved it.
Evelyn learned of her father the Duke of Kingston-Upon-Hull, wrong doing and is trying to make things better by spying on him and reporting back to who she trusted. John is a widower with two boys and has been trying to rebuild his inheritance after his father almost ruined everything. John had taken a job as the Secretary of State for Scotland and member of Queen Anne’s cabinet to earn money and to help the Scottish caused. John decided to marry to help raised the much needed money to help him and the boys, which leads him to pick Evelyn. Evelyn is upset at first that her father has chosen to marry her off but soon it is showing to help her spying. But Evelyn starts to have feelings for John and his boys then they end up having to go on the run to clear John's name.
This was a great exciting read! Loved it.
June 24, 2019
With two young sons to care for and a large estate to run, John Erskine, the widowed Earl of Mar, needs to remarry as quickly as possible.
Evelyn has no desire to wed the rugged Scottish earl, but at least she'll be able to continue her work as a spy-as long as her husband never finds out.
I have read this author's work before and found this particular title to be one of the best i have read. The characters are well drawn and engaging and the story is engrossing.
I gave this newest title 4.65 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reveiwed voluntarily.
Evelyn has no desire to wed the rugged Scottish earl, but at least she'll be able to continue her work as a spy-as long as her husband never finds out.
I have read this author's work before and found this particular title to be one of the best i have read. The characters are well drawn and engaging and the story is engrossing.
I gave this newest title 4.65 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reveiwed voluntarily.
July 4, 2019
Amy Jarecki, you ROCK!!! This is book 6 in the Lords of the Highlands series. Amy Jarecki has another five star read with this book. Fall back in time and get lost in London and the Scottish Highlands in 1712. The story involves heartache to overcome, spies, betrayal, evil traitors, and two small boys to love. Travel down the rocky road to love with John Erskine, the Duke of Mar, and Lady Evelyn. The characters are well written and easy to loathe or love. I highly recommend this book and give it five stars!!!
June 4, 2019
Let's see, an English Lady who believes in Prince James and the Jacobite cause (a spy).
A widowed Scottish Earl known as "Bobbin"John, who is a member of Parliament, a confidante of the English Queen Anne, still trying to get out of his dead father's debt and needs to marry a woman with a substantial dowry. A dishonest Duke, Spanish gold and a French spy. Don't forget this is also a very good romance.
If this doesn't keep your nose in the book, I don't know what will.
A free copy from Netgalley for an honest review.
A widowed Scottish Earl known as "Bobbin"John, who is a member of Parliament, a confidante of the English Queen Anne, still trying to get out of his dead father's debt and needs to marry a woman with a substantial dowry. A dishonest Duke, Spanish gold and a French spy. Don't forget this is also a very good romance.
If this doesn't keep your nose in the book, I don't know what will.
A free copy from Netgalley for an honest review.
June 27, 2019
I absolutely love this story. Eve is wonderful. She is passionate about her causes and fierce and loyal to those she loves. John is awesome and maddening in turns. They make an absolutely stunning pair. The author has used her vast knowledge of historical facts to ensnare us in the politics of the time and take us on a wild ride of love and intrigue. You will be delighted at every turn of the page.
June 30, 2019
From the ballrooms of London to the wilds of Scotland the Earl of Mar and Lady Evelyn Pierrepont embark on a journey towards love and a happily ever after with a few major bumps in the road. Amy Jarecki never disappoints with her writing and The Highland Earl is no exception. A definite must read but a word of caution – be prepared to be swept away in this delightful tale!!
August 2, 2019
I'm so glad I didn't wait to read this. I love a sexy Scottish hero and strong heroine. The author did a wonderful job creating a memorable story for those who want their happily ever after.
May 13, 2019
This was an absolutely-delightful, romantic romp. It had all the essential elements that make for a great, historical romance read. The story line was interesting, and the characters were complex and rich with life. I enjoyed this book immensely!
#TheHighlandEarl #AmyJarecki #NetGalley
#TheHighlandEarl #AmyJarecki #NetGalley
January 30, 2020
I really like Amy's writing style! I can't wait to read the other books in this series. I'm reading it out of order. :)
June 26, 2019
****** 3 1/2 roses
>>>>>> My Synopsis (Review Follows): <<<<<<
Lady Evelyn Pierrepont doesn't see eye to eye with her father or most nobles. She fancies herself a Jacobite spy and passes information, mostly from her father, who corresponds regularly with the Queen, to two gentleman acquaintances. When John Erskine, the Earl of Mar, who happens to be the Secretary of State for Scotland as well as part of the Queen's cabinet makes his interest in her known, she decides marrying him would be another way for her to access information for her cause. What she doesn't figure into the equation is that John is a very good looking man, and her attraction for him is undeniable. She, however, is convinced she'll never fall for the man...
The Earl of Mar is a widower and vows never to fall in love again, but needs a mother figure to look after his two young sons. His family estate is in sizable debt so he needs to marry someone with a substantial dowry who can not only pay off those debts, but provide enough to bring about improvements. When he meets Evelyn he thinks he's found the perfect wife. Not only can she fulfill his two requirements, but she's so different from his first wife, whom he loved, that he thinks falling in love with her will never happen...
Rule of the day: Never say never.
>>>>>> My Review: <<<<<<
This is the fifth book of the Lords of the Highlands series and you can read it as a standalone and not feel lost. This was the first book I've read of the series, and I'm curious as to how the books are connected. I may need to do some investigating on my part by reading a book or two more of the series because I truly loved the hero of this story, and it piqued my interest in the others.
I confess, I didn't really become engaged in this story until over halfway into the book. Things seemed kind of dicey between John and Evelyn at the beginning. I mean lets face it, neither was confessing love here, and marrying for what the other can bring to the table isn't exactly romantic. Sparks were flying from the get-go, but whether they'd fan out or ignite into something more seemed rather questionable.
Evelyn starts off seeming to be a smart, strong woman who is attempting to have a hand in her own destiny. To me it immediately became clear she was playing with fire. She's a spy who is very opinionated, rather naive, and quick to judge others. Around halfway through the book an incident proves the 'fire' she's been playing with is a bit too hot for her to handle, and brings into question, at least for me, just how intelligent she actually is. John comes to her rescue, but the potential cost to him and his family in order to do so is quite steep, and it took quite a bit for Evelyn to win John and me, for that matter, over after that.
John is a father of two young boys and is trying to walk the line between duty, country, and what he believes is right. Politics, at the moment, are a muddled mess and loyalty to the Queen can come into question at the drop of a hat. The Queen's hold on the country is debatable as James is the rightful heir, but Parliament has declared his claim void because according to them he abandoned the throne when he went into exile. Some believe the Queen's reign is not legitimate, while others believe it is. Being on the wrong side of that argument could get you and your family killed, and John is doing his best to keep his feelings on the subject to himself and his family out of harm's way.
Overall, I gave this one 3 1/2 out of 5 roses. It was chocked full of drama, history, and suspense which I absolutely adored. While I loved John from nearly the start, Evelyn had to work at winning me over. Her character disappointed me a bit, and I wished she'd been a bit more cautious in her choices at the beginning. I also wish she hadn't needed a man to save her, but she totally did. Perhaps if I'd read the previous books in the series I'd have been more attached to her from the start, but I had nothing to reference in that respect. I admit the chemistry between these two was phenomenal, and I enjoyed watching them learn to trust and eventually love one another, but that, in my humble opinion, took a little too long in coming. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.
Notes: I received an ARC of the book from the publisher for review purposes. This in no way affected my rating or review.
>>>>>> My Synopsis (Review Follows): <<<<<<
Lady Evelyn Pierrepont doesn't see eye to eye with her father or most nobles. She fancies herself a Jacobite spy and passes information, mostly from her father, who corresponds regularly with the Queen, to two gentleman acquaintances. When John Erskine, the Earl of Mar, who happens to be the Secretary of State for Scotland as well as part of the Queen's cabinet makes his interest in her known, she decides marrying him would be another way for her to access information for her cause. What she doesn't figure into the equation is that John is a very good looking man, and her attraction for him is undeniable. She, however, is convinced she'll never fall for the man...
The Earl of Mar is a widower and vows never to fall in love again, but needs a mother figure to look after his two young sons. His family estate is in sizable debt so he needs to marry someone with a substantial dowry who can not only pay off those debts, but provide enough to bring about improvements. When he meets Evelyn he thinks he's found the perfect wife. Not only can she fulfill his two requirements, but she's so different from his first wife, whom he loved, that he thinks falling in love with her will never happen...
Rule of the day: Never say never.
>>>>>> My Review: <<<<<<
This is the fifth book of the Lords of the Highlands series and you can read it as a standalone and not feel lost. This was the first book I've read of the series, and I'm curious as to how the books are connected. I may need to do some investigating on my part by reading a book or two more of the series because I truly loved the hero of this story, and it piqued my interest in the others.
I confess, I didn't really become engaged in this story until over halfway into the book. Things seemed kind of dicey between John and Evelyn at the beginning. I mean lets face it, neither was confessing love here, and marrying for what the other can bring to the table isn't exactly romantic. Sparks were flying from the get-go, but whether they'd fan out or ignite into something more seemed rather questionable.
Evelyn starts off seeming to be a smart, strong woman who is attempting to have a hand in her own destiny. To me it immediately became clear she was playing with fire. She's a spy who is very opinionated, rather naive, and quick to judge others. Around halfway through the book an incident proves the 'fire' she's been playing with is a bit too hot for her to handle, and brings into question, at least for me, just how intelligent she actually is. John comes to her rescue, but the potential cost to him and his family in order to do so is quite steep, and it took quite a bit for Evelyn to win John and me, for that matter, over after that.
John is a father of two young boys and is trying to walk the line between duty, country, and what he believes is right. Politics, at the moment, are a muddled mess and loyalty to the Queen can come into question at the drop of a hat. The Queen's hold on the country is debatable as James is the rightful heir, but Parliament has declared his claim void because according to them he abandoned the throne when he went into exile. Some believe the Queen's reign is not legitimate, while others believe it is. Being on the wrong side of that argument could get you and your family killed, and John is doing his best to keep his feelings on the subject to himself and his family out of harm's way.
Overall, I gave this one 3 1/2 out of 5 roses. It was chocked full of drama, history, and suspense which I absolutely adored. While I loved John from nearly the start, Evelyn had to work at winning me over. Her character disappointed me a bit, and I wished she'd been a bit more cautious in her choices at the beginning. I also wish she hadn't needed a man to save her, but she totally did. Perhaps if I'd read the previous books in the series I'd have been more attached to her from the start, but I had nothing to reference in that respect. I admit the chemistry between these two was phenomenal, and I enjoyed watching them learn to trust and eventually love one another, but that, in my humble opinion, took a little too long in coming. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.
Notes: I received an ARC of the book from the publisher for review purposes. This in no way affected my rating or review.
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