Emigrating with an Earl

Ravishing Regencies #8

by Emily E.K. Murdoch

A man accused of murder, and a woman desperate for protection - and neither is sure who is being rescued by whom…

When you are framed for murder, you only really have one option: emigrating to America. That is the decision that Samuel, the Earl of Kincardine, takes when on his thirtieth birthday, a suspicious death seems to point to him as the murderer.

He needs respectability, and that comes with a wife and wedding ring. The only trouble is, the ship he's aboard only has one single woman aboard: Miss Margaret Berry.

Seduction may not come naturally to the Earl, but Samuel is determined. He will enter his new life as a new man - even if Margaret seems to have secrets of her own.

Will Samuel clear his name or clear his way to his intended wife's bed? How will Margaret enjoy emigrating with an earl if he really is the killer society suspects?

This is the eighth in a series of eight Ravishing Regencies.

This is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and part of a series that can be read in any order.

The Ravishing Regencies series:
Lost with a Lord
Drenched with a Duke
Shipwrecked with a Suitor
Marooned with a Marquis
Voyage with a Viscount
Beached with a Baronet
Catastrophe with a Count
Emigrating with an Earl

Genres: Historical, Audiobook

176 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 8, 2019

About the author

Emily E.K. Murdoch is also known as Emily Murdoch.

Emily Murdoch is a medieval historian and writer. Throughout her career so far she has examined a codex and transcribed medieval sermons at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, designed part of an exhibition for the Yorkshire Museum, worked as a researcher for a BBC documentary presented by Ian Hislop, and worked at Polesden Lacey with the National Trust. She has a degree in History and English, and a Masters in Medieval Studies, both from the University of York. Emily is currently working on a new four part Regency novella series, two of which are now published.

You can follow her on twitter and instagram @emilyekmurdoch, find her on facebook at www.facebook.com/theemilyekmurdoch, and read her blog at www.emilyekmurdoch.com

Reviews

[AnnMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emigrating with an Earl: A Steamy Regency Romance is the 8th book in the Ravishing Regencies series by Emily Murdoch. It can be read as a standalone book.

Samuel, the Earl of Kincardine has been wrongly accused of murder. He has no alibi or proof that he didn't commit the crime so he feels that the only way to escape the noose is to emigrate to France. With that goal in mind, he dresses down and boards a ship under the false name of Samuel Brown.

Miss Margaret Berry is also onboard with her ever-demanding aunt. The woman treats her worse than a servant and never has a kind word for her. Since Margaret's parents passed away her aunt was the only one she could turn to, so she puts up with the treatment.

Samuel, having decided his ruse as Mr Brown would be more believable if he had a wife asks Margaret to marry him. He thinks she will jump at the chance because she will be able to escape her aunt. He was right. They agree it will be a marriage of convenience, but seeing as they both felt a lustful attraction to each other it was no surprise that they ended up consummating their marriage.

Things start to go awry with even a sham marriage when Margaret finds out who he is. In the short time onboard she found herself falling for him, so is heartbroken when she realises he lied to her and that he could be a murderer. Will she leave him when they get to France, will she report him to the authorities? You will have to read the book to find out.

This was a very fast-paced novella that ticked all the boxes. There was the mystery of whether or not Samuel was a murderer and if he would always be on the run. There was the lustful passion that he and Margaret share, and a romantic love developing as well. You had the character you didn't like, the aunt, and of course you had the will they won't they have a happy ending scenario.

If I was to say anything negative about it, it would be that I found Margaret knew too much and was too forward in the intimate scenes for a virgin brought up by her grumpy strict aunt. One minute she seemed completely naive about what to expect, and the next minute she would rival a prostitute.

On the whole, though, I found this book an enjoyable quick read.

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has been written with something that other stories would usually have as the final climax, but this occurance happens almost at the beginning of the book and it had me dumbfounded! I sat and wondered what could possibly happen after that!
Guess what? Emily Murdoch, besides being a very talented writer is also quite brilliant and she pulled it off with a remarkable story.
I loved the two main characters, Samuel and Margaret and the respect and love they were able to offer each other.
Do yourself a favor and read this book (and the others in this series if you haven't already done so). I really think it worthwhile and I have loved every bit of this book aa well as the rest of this series.
I read and Advance Reader Copy (ARC) and my unbiased review above is given voluntarily.

[Phylis Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story flows at an enjoyable and natural pace, with plenty of fun moments, alongside the romantic scene. My free opinion ARC. Thanks.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unexpected Love

Samuel Earl of Kincardine is trying to escape and leave England to move to France to escape the peelers on a murder charge that he didn’t commit.
Margaret travelling with her Great Aunt and more like a paid servant than niece travels on the same ship bound for France. Hiding her beauty in dowdy clothes, Samuel notices she’s not as dowdy as she seems and hatches a plant to marry her and as Mr and Mrs Brown hopes if the peelers do follow him, will overlook him as a married man.
A passionate few night occur as man and wife only for Margaret to find out who he really is and what he’s running from. Unable to trust him and although they have both fallen in love when reaching France, leaves him to find her Great Aunt.
They finally find each other, Margaret lets him know she trusts and loves him and has been trying to find him and Samuel explains that the real murderer has been found and they are free to return home as husband and wife.
A beautiful well written story with ups and down, steamy moments and a HEA. Well worth reading

[Christi Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Emigrating with an Earl
Author: Emily E.K. Murdoch
Format: Audio
Narrator: Julia Eve
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency, Marriage of Convenience
Standalone: Yes
Part of a Series: Book 8 in the Ravishing Regencies series
POV: Samuel and Margaret
Steam Level: Steamy
4/5

Emigrating with an Earl is the eighth book in the series. Just like the previous book, previous main characters are referenced or side characters but you don't need to have read their books to enjoy this one. If you know them, then you see more of their HEAs but if not, nothing is lost either. I enjoyed Emigrating with an Earl. It was a fast read that passed in a blur. I think that Emigrating with an Earl was one of my favorites in this series.

I received this audiobook for free from Audiobook Obsesion. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[iread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emigrating with An Earl is another novella in the Ravishing Regency series by Emily Murdoch. I found this to be an intriguing story that captured my attention from the start. Samuel Berkeley, Earl of Kincardine is suspected of murdering his close friend and so he flees to a boat sailing to the south of France. Margaret Berry serves as her great aunt’s companion and lives a horrid life. When she meets Samuel her world turns upside down. I thought this book had a lot of depth to it. Murdoch shows the power of honesty in a relationship, as well as the necessity of it. “The candlelight shone in his light brown hair, almost golden. He looked young, a little older than herself perhaps, but his eyes… There was something interesting about his eyes. They looked old, as though he had seen too much.”
Splendid book! Looking forward to more from Murdoch. I was given a copy of this book.

[Claire Milbrandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting story! It centers on Margaret, plain a little abused companion, and Samuel, an Earl accused of murder on the run. Samuel and Margaret meet on a boat from England to France, both with secrets and a desire to flee from their lives. The story is fun and the characters are enjoyable. The only downside to the story is that it seemed like it was trying too hard to be something more sometimes. But overall it was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it to anyone who like Regency Romances!

#AudiobookObsessionReviewer

[Petra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed the story of Sam and Maggie. They’re both in need of an escape and so when Sam proposes to Maggie, she accepts it willingly. Even if this is a marriage of convenience, the attraction between them is absolutely there.
I loved how their story developed and of course the HEA.

It’s a standalone story, just like the other stories in this series.

This review is based on the audiobook. I liked the narrator, Julia Eve.

[Holly Lenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emigrating with an Earl is a hot historical romance about an Earl on the run from the law and the girl he meets onboard a ship to a new life. The story is an entertaining short read.

Contains graphic sex scenes.

The narrator does a decent job, but her male character voices could use work.

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This isn’t honest and voluntary review.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook of this story,as part of a box set. Narration was fine. Count Samuel is running from a murder he didn't commit. He must get away. He is on a ship, when he meets Margaret. She is the only single female on board. He will use her to save himself.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for an honest review.

[One Sentence Audio Critic · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this #8 of the 13 book Ravishing Regency series, we meet Samuel, the Earl of Kincardine, who is escaping England for America fleeing murder charges and corporate scandal seeking refuge in a new country and a life saving marriage to the only marriagable woman onboard, Miss

[AmazingJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Wonderful & Romantic Novella.

This Novella was Absolutely Delightful.

Maggie & Samuel were wonderful characters.

I am looking forward to reading Giselle & Eduard's story in the next book in this series.

[Sandra Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an OK Regency romance, but I didn't really believe the couple was in love. They were definitely in lust, but their instalove was just too unlikely and unbelievable. The story was also just too short to have enough character development. Some background was provided on Samuel and Margaret, but I really needed more on both of them.

Samuel was OK, if a bit arrogant, but I thought that his idea to marry Margaret under an assumed name was kind of stupid. He should have known that would make the marriage invalid. He also should have told her about his problem before marrying her. I suspect the author had him not tell her on purpose, just to add a little angst to their story -- but unnecessary angst drives me nuts.

Margaret was OK, but I really wanted her to stand up for herself a little more, especially with her great aunt. She did get better as the book went on, but I just didn't understand why she let her aunt treat her so badly. I also thought she should have given Samuel a chance to explain his situation more, instead of automatically deciding she could no longer trust him. Then her sudden decision to forgive him, when she never actually let him explain, just didn't make sense -- seems like her change of opinion was just too sudden.

My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyably balances the sweet and innocent with fiery desire!!

Two hauntingly lonely souls - one running from a deadly accusation and the other heartbreakingly undervalued and bitterly mistreated - come together and complete each other so perfectly.
Loved the fact Margaret (Maggie) was shy and so wonderfully found her confidence and inner spark. It's always delightfully satisfying when the handsome, charming, lord (Sam) gets his head so incredibly and irredeemably turned around - literally stunned speechless - when he realises the overlooked and plain maid, he first saw, is really a beautiful swan, inside and out, hiding an irresistible flair for wit, passion and intelligence.
Nice ending to a wonderful series that for only two hours of reading cleverly whisks you away, giving you a chance to escape and indulge in a spot of romance, instant connection and burning desire.

Another great example of a well developed novella by Murdoch. I wholeheartedly feel they (including this one) could easily be developed into such engaging novels, as I find I could easily wallow longer in their presence - her characters have such meaty backstories and consuming  personalities that they would transition beautifully.Thus giving the said characters the greater attention they warrant and deserve while the reader gets a longer time to revel in their tales and misadventures.  Putting it bluntly her characters seem to have such depth and scope and Murdoch's skill in expressing touching sentiment and intense feelings could be effectively wielded into creating longer more engaging tales as the leads simply scream for attention and have so much more potential to give.

A great end to a series that glorifies the simple happenstance of a chance encounter by adding sparks and heart. Allowing instant attraction to blossom into steamy moments of passion and giving sensual yearning the power to make you laugh, cry and believe in love at first sight.
Brilliant escapism that can be enjoyed as a stand alone novella

***I received a free advanced copy of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review ***

[Kristi Hudecek-Ashwill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samuel, the Earl of Kincardine, has been wrongly accused of murdering his friend. There is no evidence that he did it and there isn't any to exonerate him. He sees no way out but to leave his title and head for the south of France.

Margaret is a passenger on the same ship as Samuel and is a companion and lady's maid to her Great Aunt Sabrina. Sabrina is an old woman; picky, crotchety, and overly critical of Margaret. Poor Margaret can't catch a break with this woman. Margaret can't do anything to suit her. Sabrina complains about every little thing. She makes Margaret's life an ever-living hell and Margaret has no self-esteem so never stands up to her. Margaret has been told her whole life that she's plain and pretty much that she will never amount to anything. She's supposed to be grateful for every little thing that's bestowed upon her.

When Samuel asks her to marry him, she jumps on it and with him, she discovers new things about herself. He builds her up rather than tears her down. Just being in his presence brings out the best in her. I loved seeing her transition and I didn't have to wait long to see it.

This book has the three S's in romance that I like: short, sweet, and steamy. I normally prefer longer novels to let the tension build and let everything come to a huge climax, but this book had it all done in a good way in just over a hundred pages. I had the book read in just a few hours and enjoyed every second of it.

I feel that a book has to be picture perfect to get five stars. This would've been, but when someone is trying to breathe, there's an "e" at the end. It's petty and didn't disrupt the reading experience, but it was consistent throughout the novel. It's still a marvelous story. I'm anxious to read the next book in the series.

*I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily left a review.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a race against time, Samuel, Earl of Kincardine, boards a vessel for France, hoping to avoid the impending disaster that is about to befall him. Despite her poor dress and timid manner, Samuel decides that the best way in which to cover his tracks is to marry the little mouse he observed on the docks. He is surprised, however, when she shows more gumption than he originally thought and discovers that under her disguise of companion, there is actually a beauty with the capacity for passion. When the truth emerges, Margaret feels angry and betrayed, but support comes from an unusual source. The story is romantic and despite the suspense hanging over them, they do make a beautiful couple. One cannot help but applaud Margaret's stance and her ability to take control of her life, but at the same time, I could have given Samuel a shaking for even considering she was so desperate for love that she would ignore the pending problems. The book is generally well written and is part of a series, but it is nevertheless a standalone and comes to a happy conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Murdoch is one of my favorite Regency Romance authors. She knows how to be both Period appropriate but still imaginative and innovative. That’s a truly neat truck to pull off. Her latest, Emigrating with an Earl (Ravishing Regencies, Book 8) is a perfect example of this. Yes, it’s a “Steamy Regency Romance” as promised (and this author most definitely does “steam” well), it is also a story with a complex plot-line and truly interesting characters. I loved the relationship between Margaret (Maggie) and Samuel (Sam) and watching as it grows from something done for reasons not related to romance into true abiding love. I equally loved following along as Maggie blossoms into a strong, confident woman. This is, quite frankly, great stuff and, but for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed, I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

DELIGHTFULLY DELICIOUS!!!
Flaming! Wow, this one way to set the nights on fire. This is one tremendously enjoyable treat I've encountered in this genre. Satisfying is an understatement. A multitude of emotions and events really pulls those heartstrings. All the excitement, uncertainty, danger and suspense increases steadily while tension spirials as the plot thickens. Action packed, hard hitting, heart pounding, pulse racing, smooth flowing, page flipping wonder that grabs your attention and holds it until the last word. Twists and turns abound with vexing circumstances and unpredictable surprises that make for one thrilling experience. The characters are authentic and believable with such depth and individuality it's easy to relate. They're written with such realism it really pulls this little jewel together beautifully. The scenes are so graphically detailed and descriptive it's easy to picture each scenario as they play off one another in perfect balance. Remarkable job Emily, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.

[Candy Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samuel Brown A.K.A. Samuel Berkeley, Earl of Kincardine, has been accused of murdering his best friend. Instead of hanging he is running.
Miss Margaret Berry lost her parents and had to live with her Great Aunt Sabrina. She has been abused most of her life. She never looks up, she is very timid.
Emily Murdock is one great author, I have had the good fortune to love her books and have probably read most of them. The flow of the book and the well-written story are fun to read, even the sad parts. This poor man has decided to marry to hide himself but he gets a big surprise, while onboard the ship to France. I would have liked a longer novel. Maybe fill out the characters a little more. It is still very enjoyable. It does get sexy just to let you know. I highly recommend this marvelous book.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Martha B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A leap of faith works better with a serving of honest.

Although innocent, still Samuel Berkeley, Earl of Kincardine knew escape to France was better than a hangman's noose. What happens upon the Adelaide as it sailed to France is the plot of Emigrating with an Earl by Emily E.K. Murdoch.

This engrossing stand-alone novella is well written and well paced. All of the characters are developed with varied personalities. The plot is a bit unusual, but still it is well woven and even a bit believable, which is not the norm in romance fiction. The happy ending was smile-worth and satisfying.

Content alert: In addition to a few religious expletive, there is a detailed sexual scene.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samuel, the Earl of Kincardine is running for his life. Suspected of a murder he didn't commit he feels this is his only option. He needs respectability, and that comes with a wife and wedding ring.
The only trouble is, the ship he's aboard only has one single woman aboard of marriagable age, Miss Margaret Berry.
A man accused of murder, and a woman desperate for protection - and neither is sure who is being rescued by whom…
This short romance is the eighth book in this series. I have read most of them but this one stands out as one of the better ones.
I gave this short read 4 of 5 stars for story line and characterization.
I received a complimentary copy to read.
This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a very quick read, it had everything that was needed in a regency romance. This definitely deserves a five-star rating. It is so well written even with the few characters in the story, it was beautiful, intense, fantastical, surprising and romantic. I loved the characters, so realistic, real feelings, real emotions. The author put into words how they felt and what that looked like on their face. Their actions and reactions were imaginative and down to earth. If you are looking for a feel-good read, I totally recommend this book. I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samuel Berkeley, Earl of Kincardine, because he has been accused of the murder of his friend Stephen is on the run. His aim is to leave England and flee to France. What better way to avoid the Peelers then to escape as a married man. Margaret Berry is the unhappy companion to her Great Aunt Miss Sabrina Worthington. Can these two people help each other.
A delightful well-written romance with two very likeable characters. Another novella in this series of standalone romances.
Received an ARC from the author

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an arc and the opinions and views are my own. I was rather disappointed that we didn’t get more of the story of why Samuel was accused of murder. This story starts with him on the run. However, The author knows how to get two strangers to spark and fall in love. Also I like the repertoire between Margaret and Samuel and how he brings out the best in Margaret. A good love story with a happy ever after ending. The next book looks good too. I always wanted to know what happens to Gisele, you see her mentioned in Shipwreck with a Suitor.

[Shawn Hamdorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't want to put this down till I finished it. When an Earl is accused of murder and an orphan who is a lady's maid to her Aunt. When Samuel flees England for France, he decides to take a wife. Both Samuel and Margaret decide a marriage of convenience is just the thing to escape. Love is not in the future but somehow things turn for them. Can they make this work with the issues they are leaving behind? Can Margaret stay with Samuel when she discovers why he's fleeing? A very nice story of romance and emotions that will produce a HEA.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

An earl on the run from an accusation boards a ship that is headed to France. He meets Margaret, a lady's maid to her cranky great aunt. He becomes enamored of quiet Margaret and has an idea that will help them both. Passion and love are not part of the equation and secrets found out may tear them apart before they can begin a life together. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.

[Cindy C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emigrating with an Earl a must read that will keep you captivated from the moment you begin the journey with Margaret and Sam. From the first page and throughout I was totally captivated. Emily E. K. Mirdoch's characters are well-written, well-developed and a story line that kept me interested right to the end and wanting more from this author. The story runs with  intense emotions from despair and grief to love and ecstasy. Remarkable emotions, and unforgettable characters. A must read!

[Christine Woinich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was another good read in this series. Samuel was falsely accused of a crime. Margaret was at the mercy of her Great Aunt. Both wanted out of their situations and went through with a marriage of convenience. I enjoyed their quick and strong attraction to each other. Both had strength and found happiness when together. Separate they were less of everything. I recommend this story.


I received a copy of this story as a gift, and this is my unsolicited review.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Murdoch continues to delight with her period romances! Yes, she adds a little spice but that just makes them even better IMHO. Love this series and how all of the characters are intertwined while still standing on their own.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emigrating sounds so much better than running away. Behavior that has been ingrained since childhood makes it hard for the Earl of Kincardine to truly become Mr. Brown. Margaret knows there is something he’s hiding but she marries him anyway. Emily K. Murdoch is one of my favorite authors because her characters are interesting and plots are well thought out. I totally enjoyed this book.