The Ambiguous Enigma of the Hunted Lady

by Emma Linfield

Trust is a dangerous game…

Thrown into a world she never chose, Leah Benson was raised to be the perfect thief.

When her own partners turn against her, Leah must run for her life. With an ingrained dislike for nobility, she never thought she’d end up under the wing of the Duke of Worthington.

Kenneth Wilson, Duke of Worthington, saves a young woman from being assaulted by unsavory individuals. However, he doesn’t anticipate the secrets her presence alone will expose about his very own past or the feelings she will evoke within him.

In a race to discover the one that wants them dead, there is something important that Leah and Kenneth don’t realize: someone’s set a trap for them and they are walking right into it…

*If you like powerful Dukes, loving Duchesses and a marvelous depiction of the majestic Regency and Victorian era, then The Ambiguous Enigma of the Hunted Lady is the novel for you.

Emma Linfield's 11th book is a historical Regency romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.

Pick up "The Ambiguous Enigma of the Hunted Lady" today to discover Emma's new amazing story!

Genres: Historical Romance

356 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 16, 2019

About the author

Emma Linfield has always been passionate about historical romances. Ever fascinated with the world of Regency England and being utmost inspired by Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s work, she decided she wanted to write her own stories. Stories of love and tradition being mixed in the most appealing way for every hopeless romantic, much like herself.

Born and raised in Southern California, Emma Linfield has a degree in Creative Writing and English Literature, and she has been working as a freelance writer for the past 10 years. When she isn’t writing, Emma loves spending her time with her own prince charming and two beautiful children, all the while enjoying the famous Californian sun and ocean.

So, hop on to this exciting journey of Dukes, Earls and true love with Emma and find pleasure in the old fashioned world of Regency - an Era of pure romance, elegance and high fashion!

(Source: Official Website)

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a different type of Regency romance. The story actual surrounded the action and danger instead of the romance. It is a nice change of pace. The characters are a different sort than what I have read before. Kenneth Wilson, the Duke of Worthington, has seen war upfront and personal. He is not indifferent to the plights of the lower classes and does what he can to improve their station in life. However, there is something missing in his life. Leah Benson, orphan, grew up in the rough and treacherous neighborhood of White Chapel in London. She was trained by the mastermind of the criminal underground, Riphook. She is streetwise and intelligent. Survival is her utmost priority. Her best friend murdered, Riphook betrayed, she is running for her life. Kenneth saves her from being beaten to death. She recovers at his country estate. Because Leah can read people, she recognizes Kenneth's longing for the adventure he knew in the war. Kenneth is impressed she knows him so well when others just see his title and fortune. They become friends. Danger comes to Kenneth's door and Leah once again is running for her life. This time she realizes the danger is not only from Riphook but by the aristocrat Riphook reports to. Leah does not wish to involve Kenneth, even though he is more connected to her situation than he realizes. Leah is learning who to trust and help comes from unlikely sources. A very different read and a good read. I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh. Generally, I enjoy Emma Linfield’s writing. However, this book was so far below the level of writing that I have come to expect from her that I am tempted to wonder if someone else wrote it. I kept reading, in the hopes that something about it would grab me, but it never happened. Kenneth came across as a shallow and simple, yet caring buffoon. Leah was so conniving, it was hard to believe she had allowed herself to fall in love with him. Although I admired her street smarts, I found it hard to believe she and Kenneth would have anything in common. I also found their plan at the end to be ridiculously naive. It should not have succeeded.

Character development was odd. Cornelius was sometimes caring and benevolent, others times self-serving and maleficent. There was always some question about how the reader should feel about him. As mentioned earlier, Kenneth was shallow. Even as his character was explored, there was very little depth to him. Kenneth’s mother Juliet seemed about as shallow as he was, though for different reasons. Leah was a bit more interesting, and though she started off trying to figure out how she was going to bilk Kenneth, she transformed into someone who valued honesty and loyalty — perhaps these were qualities she had all along. Nash, who was portrayed as super-villain at the beginning, turned out to have a heart of gold. In short, the plot was chock full of tropes and, in the end, I was sorry to have read it.

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thick As Thieves💕

The Criminal🔪🔫💰 Underground During the Regency Period.
Leah💃 starts out as a thief in the streets of London, one of many protoges of Riphook👺, the criminal mastermind. The more powerful he becomes, the more dangerous London becomes. Some of the nobility is even caught up in the criminal life, beholding to him! All For money, all for power, all for control!
Now there are disappearances, murders🔪, terrible beatings💪👊. Leah💃 wants no part of it, she wants out! Doing business with Teller, a side man, gets her onto Riphook's blacklist. Teller disappears, and she knows she has to leave London.

Dressed as a youth, and running away from Nash👺💪👊🔪, one of Riphook's thugs, Leah💃 runs into Kenneth Wilson, The Duke of Worthington🐺🔪🔫, exiting his carriage....

ARC Received via Bookfunnel💨
I also got the book with KU.

I loved this book, it's the author's best yet! She paints a grim picture of the hierarchy of criminal London at the time. But mixed in with the thievery, the cruelty💪👊🔪, the intrigue, graft, and backstabbing, there is hope that things could become better, that society can't be this degenerate. Great worldbuilding! Great book!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leah Benson grew up on the streets of London in one of the worst parts of the city. She had a job working for a criminal. She stole money from him and was planning on going to F.rance. Now they were out to get her. She dressed as a guy but they reconized her and ran after her. She headed for St. James Square thinking she would be safe there. She ran into Kenneth Wilson, Duke of Worthington and almost knocked him off the step. When the four thugs came running by he ran after them. When he caught up to them they were beating and kicking her. They got away and he took her to his home. Will she be safe there? Will the criminals find her? Will Leah and Kenneth fall in love? This story is well thought out and well written. Action, romance, twists and turns will keep you turing the pages.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE REFRESHING ADVENTURE!!!
Wow! Talk about a duo that brings Regency to its knees. These authors rock with a beat of their own. So much action and suspense bring this incredible storyline and explosive plot roaring to life flawlessly. One amazing spin that captures all of your emotions in surprising events that keep you on a razors edge from start to finish. All the trials and tribulations the main characters traverse build a bond neither expected. The twists and turns, danger and intrigue hold your entire focus and attention on this page turning wonder that's as riveting as it is captivating. The characters are complex, believable and so realistic you have no trouble relating. The scenes are so graphically detailed it's easy to picture each scenario as they play off one another perfectly. Amazing job Guys, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

The heroine in this clean Regency Romance is not of the high born! She is an orphan who grew up on the streets and to survive joined a group of really rough characters. The came the day she had had enough and decided to run away--the gang caught up with her and beat her up pretty badly. Luckily the Duke of Worthington came to her rescue then brought her to his home to recuperate. She knew the gang would still be after her and knew that she had to leave and make it to France or Australia-even though the Duke was falling for her and she him.

This is a rough and tumble ride through the slums of England.

The person behind this gang--well--lets say he was of the noble class--Can Leah and the Duke outwit them all and bring them to justice?

As always Emma Linfield has a short novella that tells what happens 5 years after this novel ends--happily ever after!!!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leah Benson joins a gang of thieves in order to survive her life on the streets of London. When she decides to go to America for a new start, her gang sets out to make her pay for her turning her back on them. She narrowly escapes with her life when the Duke of Worthington steps in. Kenneth Wilson, the Duke of Worthington, isn't satisfied with his life, so when he comes to the aide of a young boy, he is shocked to discover it is a young woman he is helping. Kenneth takes the young woman to his home to recover. Can these two find love before discovering who wants them dead? Find out by reading this book. Even though I given a copy of this book, it in no way influenced my opinion and this is my honest review.

[Sheila Wellworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving my review. I enjoyed the book, I thought the story was very well written and detailed. The characters are vividly described. There are many twists and turns, and the story is packed with action, suspense, a little mystery, and of course romance. A romance that The Duke and Leah had to fight hard for. And so the extended epilogue is happy and heartwarming. I thought this book of Emma's had a much darker tone to it, due to the element of London's criminal underground. I thought she did a great job with her vivid descriptions of the people and places, as she set the scenes for the story.

[alfawolf1 ~Sherri K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leah & Kenneth are the furthest from social equality as two could get. Leah is a trained thief, running from the underground ring of crime. Kenneth is a nobleman who has served in the military. He has a soft spot for the impoverished. Little does he know that helping to rescue the "boy" from the thugs, that he will get caught up with the clever woman, Leah, that it actually is. Soon, both of their lives are in danger. I couldn't put this one down!

Emma Linfield always creates such full, colorful characters that draw you in! I have loved every book of hers that I have read! She has become a favorite regency romance author of mine!

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this suspenseful book with its many twists, turns, and surprises. Its story tells of the dark and dangerous underworld of London's gangs and crime during the Regency era. Our H is of a wealthy and privileged family, our h is quite the opposite, & the battle for what's right and survival is vividly detailed. I received an ARC copy of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the start & was gutted I could not finish quicker (sleep, work & child stopped me!!)

I really enjoyed reading about Leah & Kenneth & although I found myself shouting at them both on occasions, I would not gave changed then.

I loved the end especially the second epilogue which I gave to say is becoming my best part of Emma’s books.

Thus was well written & had me on edge the whole time

Definitely worth a read 😃

[Dee Jay Blaylock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is never easy

Leah Benson, an orphan, is a resident of White Chapel and a pick pocket is running for her life and the Duke of Worthington is in her way. Only she doesn’t realize he will be her savior also.
He saves her from a deadly beating and takes her home to his estate.
How the love develops between them with the threats to her life and the evil around them is the story.
Fast paced and well written.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book...omgeeeee!
The opening chapter grabs you by the seat of your pants and doesn't let go...Wow! Just Wow!
Love this book , realky digging this author with every new book she brings forth...
I would give more stars, but I'm only allowed the prerequisite 5... : p
Very nicely done Emma!

I recieved this free ARC from the author and this is my honest review .

[Catherine Tijerina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma has put out another great storyline. Kenneth and Leah come from very different worlds. Through circumstances they are thrown together and come to care for each other. This story has betrayal, mystery, and romance. I would recommend it to anyone interested in a good read. I received this ARC in exchange for a voluntary honest review which I have freely given here.

[Dawn Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one fantastic read by Emma Linfield this story had a bit of everything from thievery, action, suspense, intrigue and love. The characters are wonderfully written and the storyline keeps you hooked from the very start of the book. Will Leah and Kenneth find who has it out for them before it’s to late? Will they have a chance to realize their feelings for one another?

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice read

This had an interesting plot that involved mystery and intrigue and action with some twists and turns along the way. It all comes together in the end with a sweet romance ending. I loved that the epilogue tells the future of all these varied characters who came together to bring down the villains.

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay

I don't know if it's just because I had such a connection to a previously read book, or if I just am not in the mood for a novel such as this one- but I did not feel the pull to this novel that I normally do when I am reading a new novel. I will definitely have to try again later.

[Katie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great example of what happens when worlds collide. The characters are incredibly well crafted; even the antagonistic Nash has a backstory and a reason for his criminal activities. Brilliant writing.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked this book

I enjoyed this book as it was a bit different but I found the form of the English language a little difficult to follow I know English was different then but overall a good read

[Phylis Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting story with characters that will fascinate and annoy you equally. This story takes you to the underside of London that has danger all around you don't know who to trust or believe. Holds your attention to the very end.
My free opinion. Thanks.

[Sharon Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!

Great book! The characters were lovable and approachable. The storyline was exciting,intriguing and sad. Sometimes the story was a little slow for me, not much romance.

[Mary C · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly written

I would not recommend this book. It has a weak plot and is poorly constructed. It reads like as if loosely connected thoughts were thrown together m

[Tom Prejsner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance

Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you

[Victoria Busby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story

Excellent story about life in old England. Lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Just read the book