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Deceiving an Earl
Oliver McCaron, Earl of Armbruster, is an influential, self-made man who lives life by his own rules. Though he’s never lacking for female attention, there’s only one woman he wants. And she’s the one woman who won’t have him…again.
Widowed Lady Fieldhurst has spent the last seventeen years avoiding Oliver, after one glorious night together. Her parents had already planned out her life - she was never to become Oliver’s wife, despite their plans to run away. To protect her secret, she had to follow their wishes and marry the elderly earl they had chosen.
Now Ellen’s world is threatened by a blackmailer who could expose everything. She’ll have to face the only man she’s ever loved and ask for help. Because if the truth comes to light, it could ruin more than one life...
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2019
25 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Cullen
32 books206 followersAfter earning a degree in journalism from Ohio University, Sharon found the stories inside her head were more interesting than what was going on in the world around her. Yet, it wasn’t until years later that she decided to pursue her secret dream of writing a romance novel. Since then she’s been published in romantic suspense, paranormal romance and contemporary romance and historical romance.
Sharon’s other job descriptions include chauffer, laundress, cook and mediator to her three very busy kids, her husband and two dogs. She lives in southwest Ohio with her brood although her dream is to someday retire to St. Maarten and live on the beach.
If you’d like to find out more about Sharon and her books, you can visit her at her website. She’s addicted to social networking so you can find her on Facebook and Twitter. Friend her! Like her! Follow her! She’d love to hang out with you and talk about her passion—books.
Sharon’s other job descriptions include chauffer, laundress, cook and mediator to her three very busy kids, her husband and two dogs. She lives in southwest Ohio with her brood although her dream is to someday retire to St. Maarten and live on the beach.
If you’d like to find out more about Sharon and her books, you can visit her at her website. She’s addicted to social networking so you can find her on Facebook and Twitter. Friend her! Like her! Follow her! She’d love to hang out with you and talk about her passion—books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 24, 2020
I really liked this! We had young love, broken hearts, secrets, and longing. We also had loyalty, protectiveness, blackmail, vengeance, and finally a happily ever after. Oliver and Ellen left me with a smile :)
September 14, 2019
Maybe 3.5 stars
Miss Ellen Hillgrave and Oliver McCaron, Viscount Fairview met and fell in love when they were both 17, they made plans to run off and marry, but in the end, Ellen married the man her parents betrothed her to, the much older Earl of Fieldhurst. Oliver was heartbroken and spent the next several years drinking and trying to forget Ellen, before settling into his responsibilities as Earl of Ambruster when his father died.
17 years pass before they meet again at a literary salon hosted by Ellen, who is now widowed and the mother of a 16 year old son, Philip. Oliver is at the salon at the behest of Sgt O’Leary of Scotland Yard to investigate a possible threat to the crown. Oliver is talking to the daughter of his target when Ellen approaches him. They speak for a few minutes when she is approached by Sir William Needham, the Royal Surgeon and her unofficial suitor. Later Oliver asks O’Leary about Sir William and learns his is respected and famous, Oliver tells himself it doesn’t matter who she is with, that he is over her, but deep down, he knows it isn’t true and he vows to stay away from her.
His plan is almost immediately shot when O’Leary sends him an urgent summons, once he gets to O’Leary’s office he is shocked to find out that Ellen’s son Philip is there and is rip-roaring drunk, O’Leary asks Oliver to take him home. Which he does and learns that this is not the first time Philip has been in trouble, he was recently kicked out of Eton and at her wits end, Ellen asks Oliver to speak to the headmaster. Oliver does and ends up agreeing to vouch for Philip and sets out to get the boy on the straight and narrow, which brings him in proximity of Ellen.
They both know the love they shared never died, but Ellen has a secret that she is sure will destroy her son’s life and refuses to consider reconciling with Oliver, not to mention she has a blackmailer who will stop at nothing to control Ellen and uses her secret to win her hand. And for his part, Oliver admits that she is the only woman he has ever and will ever love and refuses to give up. And so it begins…
I thought this could have been an outstanding story, but there were just things that bothered me, the first and most important being Ellen’s secret, I absolutely despise this trope and had a hard time getting past my dislike for her, especially when her reason for keeping the secret is so ridiculous and an incorrect. The second thing: this book has some very violent and graphic physical abuse scenes that may be upsetting to sensitive readers and there really should be a trigger warning in the blurb. Finally, I wasn’t thrilled with the way the villain was dealt with, his punishment was too mild considering what he had done. This is the second book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone and if you have read the first book, you will love catching up with Jacob and O’Leary!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Miss Ellen Hillgrave and Oliver McCaron, Viscount Fairview met and fell in love when they were both 17, they made plans to run off and marry, but in the end, Ellen married the man her parents betrothed her to, the much older Earl of Fieldhurst. Oliver was heartbroken and spent the next several years drinking and trying to forget Ellen, before settling into his responsibilities as Earl of Ambruster when his father died.
17 years pass before they meet again at a literary salon hosted by Ellen, who is now widowed and the mother of a 16 year old son, Philip. Oliver is at the salon at the behest of Sgt O’Leary of Scotland Yard to investigate a possible threat to the crown. Oliver is talking to the daughter of his target when Ellen approaches him. They speak for a few minutes when she is approached by Sir William Needham, the Royal Surgeon and her unofficial suitor. Later Oliver asks O’Leary about Sir William and learns his is respected and famous, Oliver tells himself it doesn’t matter who she is with, that he is over her, but deep down, he knows it isn’t true and he vows to stay away from her.
His plan is almost immediately shot when O’Leary sends him an urgent summons, once he gets to O’Leary’s office he is shocked to find out that Ellen’s son Philip is there and is rip-roaring drunk, O’Leary asks Oliver to take him home. Which he does and learns that this is not the first time Philip has been in trouble, he was recently kicked out of Eton and at her wits end, Ellen asks Oliver to speak to the headmaster. Oliver does and ends up agreeing to vouch for Philip and sets out to get the boy on the straight and narrow, which brings him in proximity of Ellen.
They both know the love they shared never died, but Ellen has a secret that she is sure will destroy her son’s life and refuses to consider reconciling with Oliver, not to mention she has a blackmailer who will stop at nothing to control Ellen and uses her secret to win her hand. And for his part, Oliver admits that she is the only woman he has ever and will ever love and refuses to give up. And so it begins…
I thought this could have been an outstanding story, but there were just things that bothered me, the first and most important being Ellen’s secret, I absolutely despise this trope and had a hard time getting past my dislike for her, especially when her reason for keeping the secret is so ridiculous and an incorrect. The second thing: this book has some very violent and graphic physical abuse scenes that may be upsetting to sensitive readers and there really should be a trigger warning in the blurb. Finally, I wasn’t thrilled with the way the villain was dealt with, his punishment was too mild considering what he had done. This is the second book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone and if you have read the first book, you will love catching up with Jacob and O’Leary!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
September 24, 2019
Who doesn't like a second chance romance? I really do and this one took 17 years from young love to finally meet up again, and in a most unusual circumstance.
The hero, Oliver, Earl of Armbruster has been working with Scotland Yard and now he is directed to find out some information on a certain person. But it also has him running into his young love, Lady Ellen Fieldhurst, now widowed and with a sixteen year old out of control son it seems! He really does not want to get involved with her again because she truly broke his heart and he has never forgotten her..
One think leads to another and he ends up helping her with her unruly son, trying to get him on the right path. She on the other hand is being blackmailed by a doctor to reveal one of her big secrets which will make a mess for several people.
I have to say I just wanted to shake Ellen at times and that is the work of a great author that evokes those strong feelings for her characters. Can these two find that love again they had and bring it back to life? A lot of twist and turns and truly kept my interest!
The hero, Oliver, Earl of Armbruster has been working with Scotland Yard and now he is directed to find out some information on a certain person. But it also has him running into his young love, Lady Ellen Fieldhurst, now widowed and with a sixteen year old out of control son it seems! He really does not want to get involved with her again because she truly broke his heart and he has never forgotten her..
One think leads to another and he ends up helping her with her unruly son, trying to get him on the right path. She on the other hand is being blackmailed by a doctor to reveal one of her big secrets which will make a mess for several people.
I have to say I just wanted to shake Ellen at times and that is the work of a great author that evokes those strong feelings for her characters. Can these two find that love again they had and bring it back to life? A lot of twist and turns and truly kept my interest!
September 12, 2019
This book was such a bitter disappointment to me, that I had trouble believing that it was done by an author that I have read, and enjoyed, in the past. The sad thing is that it had a solid concept. I love a good reunited lovers story, and even if the "big secret" was a bit obvious (and overdone in these types of novels), but Ellen just killed it for me.
I could understand and even sympathize to an extent with the seventeen-year-old girl that she had been. I may even have been able to understand her reluctant willingness to marry Needham in order to protect her secret. But the fact that she allowed her son to be abused in front of her eyes? The mother in me cannot abide by such behavior, no matter how damning the secret.
While we are on the subject of her son. I found it hard to believe that he was supposed to be only sixteen years old the way he ran the streets by himself. Even being the "hellion" he was supposed to be, where was he at and what was he doing? Surely he wasn't cavorting with men in the clubs at his age? Unfortunately, its never really clarified. Nor is the fact that the secret is so obvious that Needham catches on with just one look, and yet no one else had figured it out? Not even Oliver? And what happened to the man Oliver had originally been sent to spy on? And that man's daughter? We get just one random line partway into the book that it had been determined that the man was no threat - what did he do so they could determine this? What became of his daughter and her friendship with Oliver's sister Josie?
Unfortunately, it was these plot holes, coupled with Ellen's behavior, that kept me from enjoying this book. However, keeping in mind that I have seen from other works what this author is capable of, I would read more from this author.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
I could understand and even sympathize to an extent with the seventeen-year-old girl that she had been. I may even have been able to understand her reluctant willingness to marry Needham in order to protect her secret. But the fact that she allowed her son to be abused in front of her eyes? The mother in me cannot abide by such behavior, no matter how damning the secret.
While we are on the subject of her son. I found it hard to believe that he was supposed to be only sixteen years old the way he ran the streets by himself. Even being the "hellion" he was supposed to be, where was he at and what was he doing? Surely he wasn't cavorting with men in the clubs at his age? Unfortunately, its never really clarified. Nor is the fact that the secret is so obvious that Needham catches on with just one look, and yet no one else had figured it out? Not even Oliver? And what happened to the man Oliver had originally been sent to spy on? And that man's daughter? We get just one random line partway into the book that it had been determined that the man was no threat - what did he do so they could determine this? What became of his daughter and her friendship with Oliver's sister Josie?
Unfortunately, it was these plot holes, coupled with Ellen's behavior, that kept me from enjoying this book. However, keeping in mind that I have seen from other works what this author is capable of, I would read more from this author.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
September 30, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Entangled Publishing via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
I was thoroughly enchanted with this story of two star-crossed lovers. Ellen and Oliver met when they were 17. They quickly fell in love and promised to marry. Oliver's father took Oliver to their estate to further his education of becoming an earl someday. Unfortunately during those few days, Ellen's parents entered her into a betrothal with an much older Earl of Fieldhurst. A week before the wedding, Ellen and Oliver become lovers. They are both virgins. They agree to run away to Scotland to marry. Unfortunately those plans never come to fruition.
It is seventeen years later when the story basically begins with flashback to their prior assignation. There is murder, mystery, blackmail and more entanglements in this historical romance. The road that these two face is just full of strife and discord. Ms. Cullen really put these two characters through so much that it was impossible to not fall in love with them. This story just took my emotions and pulled them all around and wrung my heart out. I really hated to put this down as I was so intrigued by these two.
This book was written in a multiple POV format. I love getting into the characters' thoughts to really understand them so much better. Here we get more than just the two main protagonists.
There are some scenes that may trigger issues for some here by way of violence. It is not highly descriptive (as murder mysteries and thrillers) but it may not be suitable to all. I highly recommend this story to anyone over the age of 18.
I was thoroughly enchanted with this story of two star-crossed lovers. Ellen and Oliver met when they were 17. They quickly fell in love and promised to marry. Oliver's father took Oliver to their estate to further his education of becoming an earl someday. Unfortunately during those few days, Ellen's parents entered her into a betrothal with an much older Earl of Fieldhurst. A week before the wedding, Ellen and Oliver become lovers. They are both virgins. They agree to run away to Scotland to marry. Unfortunately those plans never come to fruition.
It is seventeen years later when the story basically begins with flashback to their prior assignation. There is murder, mystery, blackmail and more entanglements in this historical romance. The road that these two face is just full of strife and discord. Ms. Cullen really put these two characters through so much that it was impossible to not fall in love with them. This story just took my emotions and pulled them all around and wrung my heart out. I really hated to put this down as I was so intrigued by these two.
This book was written in a multiple POV format. I love getting into the characters' thoughts to really understand them so much better. Here we get more than just the two main protagonists.
There are some scenes that may trigger issues for some here by way of violence. It is not highly descriptive (as murder mysteries and thrillers) but it may not be suitable to all. I highly recommend this story to anyone over the age of 18.
September 22, 2019
Oliver & Ellen were childhood sweethearts who parted when Elen married the older Lord Fieldhurst in an arranged marriage. Seventeen years pass & Oliver McCaron is now the Earl of Armbruster, is an influential, self-made man who lives life by his own rules. Ellen is widowed with a sixteen year old son who has fallen off the rails & she is threatened by a blackmailer who could expose her secret. She’ll have to face the only man she’s ever loved and ask for help.
I love a second chance novel & this promised so much as neither Oliver nor Ellen had truly stopped loving each other & the mystery of a blackmailer always draws me in but I dislike the ‘big secret’ trope when there is really no need for it & the reasons for keeping the secret just didn't hold water for me. I really liked Oliver who loved Ellen & was determined for them to be together. I didn’t like Ellen at all & she didn't deserve Oliver, what she had stood by & let happen was beyond the pale. Otherwise this was a well written novel with much to recommend it. I do feel there should have been a disclaimer in the blurb as some events could be a trigger for some readers
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
I love a second chance novel & this promised so much as neither Oliver nor Ellen had truly stopped loving each other & the mystery of a blackmailer always draws me in but I dislike the ‘big secret’ trope when there is really no need for it & the reasons for keeping the secret just didn't hold water for me. I really liked Oliver who loved Ellen & was determined for them to be together. I didn’t like Ellen at all & she didn't deserve Oliver, what she had stood by & let happen was beyond the pale. Otherwise this was a well written novel with much to recommend it. I do feel there should have been a disclaimer in the blurb as some events could be a trigger for some readers
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
September 25, 2019
There were some very likeable characters in this story, Oliver McCaron, Earl of Armbruster was an honourable person. Even though Ellen hadn’t treated him well, he still loved her and wanted to help her in any way he could. Ellen and Oliver had first met seventeen years ago and throughout the story there are flashbacks as to what happened between them during their time together. Ellen’s son Philip, was a young man in need of guidance but unfortunately Ellen was unable to assist him. I found myself getting frustrated with Ellen, why was she so weak, especially when it came to helping her son and why didn’t she trust Oliver with her true feelings? There is another story that concerns Armbruster and his friend Ashland, helping Detective O’Leary investigate unsolved murders. Of course, there is a particular vile villain, whom I’m happy to say received his comeuppance. I did find this an absorbing read, even though some parts were uncomfortable to read. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 23, 2019
A wonderful love story. Ellen and Oliver has had their happily ever after delayed by seventeen years. Elena is keeping a secret that could be devastating to all the people she loves. This story shows the depth of love two people can share. It also shows how far a mother will go to protect her child. Ellen falls prey to the machinations of an evil man and Oliver becomes her knight in shining armor and rescues her. This is an intense story with a very happy ending.
September 30, 2019
I absolutely adored this book. I'm usually not one for historical romance but I figured I would try this one out and it did not disappoint. I read this book kind of fast but it held my attention to the last page.
March 27, 2020
Ellen Hillgrave married Lord Fieldhurst. She was seventeen years old and wanted to Marry Oliver but that was not to happen. She had one son, Phillip, She adored him and had come to care for Arthur Fieldhurst. Fourteen years later he dies and she is a widow with a thirteen-year-old boy. She has had a good life with Arthur and been fairly happy. But her son is acting out from the death of his father and is very naughty and also was suspended from Eton.
Oliver McCaron, Earl of Armbruster, Has spent seventeen years alone but has made the estate so rich it would take more than three lifetimes to spend it. He is a good guy and takes care of his estate. He is asked by his friend O'Leary of Scotland Yard to check out a Chartist in the form of Antonine Bertrand, they were afraid he might be a cause of hurting the crown. A long time ago, he knew Lady Fieldhurst, she was his love and lover.
There are so many twists to this story. It is written well, easy to understand and is well-plotted. The characters are wonderful and engaging. I read this excellent book in one sitting. and was totally entertained. The interactions between the characters was amusing, witty, and seemed so realistic. I love it. I highly recommend this novel.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Oliver McCaron, Earl of Armbruster, Has spent seventeen years alone but has made the estate so rich it would take more than three lifetimes to spend it. He is a good guy and takes care of his estate. He is asked by his friend O'Leary of Scotland Yard to check out a Chartist in the form of Antonine Bertrand, they were afraid he might be a cause of hurting the crown. A long time ago, he knew Lady Fieldhurst, she was his love and lover.
There are so many twists to this story. It is written well, easy to understand and is well-plotted. The characters are wonderful and engaging. I read this excellent book in one sitting. and was totally entertained. The interactions between the characters was amusing, witty, and seemed so realistic. I love it. I highly recommend this novel.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
August 7, 2020
dnf at chapter 12. i am stopping for mainly these reasons:
1. i am skimming the parts related to the investigation. absolutely boring.
2. i feel ellen & oliver are not interacting enough. it's as if their relationship isn't the main focus of the story, which it should be.
3. i did not like ellen. i mean, oliver has done nothing wrong, he's so nice but i don't get why she blames him for re-entering her life. i mean what gives her the right to be angry at him after what she did to him and he's even helping her when she asked for her help. i'm so done with ellen.
oliver is the only reason why i gave this book a 2 star, instead of 1 star.
i do like sharon's writing style, it is easy to read and understandable, despite the characters having too many inner thoughts. but i am unsure if i am willing to read her other books because of her tendency to put mystery / action into it.
1. i am skimming the parts related to the investigation. absolutely boring.
2. i feel ellen & oliver are not interacting enough. it's as if their relationship isn't the main focus of the story, which it should be.
3. i did not like ellen. i mean, oliver has done nothing wrong, he's so nice but i don't get why she blames him for re-entering her life. i mean what gives her the right to be angry at him after what she did to him and he's even helping her when she asked for her help. i'm so done with ellen.
oliver is the only reason why i gave this book a 2 star, instead of 1 star.
i do like sharon's writing style, it is easy to read and understandable, despite the characters having too many inner thoughts. but i am unsure if i am willing to read her other books because of her tendency to put mystery / action into it.
June 4, 2020
I received a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Ellen and Ollie fell in love when they were 17 but their love was not meant to be and Ellen married a man old enough to be her father. Now Ellen is widowed and Ollie has come back into her life but Ellen's secret has the power to devastate them all. I really loved Ollie. His devotion and love for Ellen throughout his life was so pure and he was willing to humble himself over and over again for her. Ellen on the other hand pissed me off. I understood her motives but her lying for so long even with Ollie's constant love was irritating. Can't wait to read what comes next from this author.
November 2, 2020
I have mixed feelings about this story. It is easy to read and understandable but it was these plot holes...and I didn't really like heroine all that much. ..her reasons for keeping the secret just didn't hold water for me...sometimes it sounds ridiculous and she repeats herself non-stop in her thoughts for the same reasons throughout the book...and her meeting different people ... her character doesn't show that curiosity....Somehow I got the impression that none of them not matured after 17 years...many characters appear in the book with unfinished stories
April 24, 2020
While I was really excited to read this book, it didn't quite pan out. The premise was super interesting, and I enjoyed the previous book, so I went in with high hopes. While the book starts okay, it goes a little off course. The plot is all over the place. It starts in one area, with Oliver looking for a possible criminal, then suddenly drops it for a different, murdery, plot. I did like Oliver and Ellen's relationship, but there were so many plot distractions that it left me unsatisfied.
June 13, 2020
Mayfair Men of Mystery #2
3.5*
I didn’t like the heroine preferring respectability to the people she is supposed to love. How could one hurt people they love so much? (The hero, she supposedly loves, her own son — unthinkable)
3.5*
I didn’t like the heroine preferring respectability to the people she is supposed to love. How could one hurt people they love so much? (The hero, she supposedly loves, her own son — unthinkable)
July 3, 2021
Ellen and Oliver were young when they met and fell in love. He thought they would marry but she married another to please her parents. They meet 17 years later and Oliver wants another chance but she carries a 17 year old secret.
February 13, 2020
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Although, it doesn't say in the title this has to be book two in the Mayfair Men of Mystery series. This is the story of Oliver and his lost love. I really didn't know how I was going to like this because I have a hard time enjoying second chance romances. However, I have to say this was a moving compelling story. I enjoyed it a great deal.
October 29, 2019
So, this is both what exactly what you know what it's going to be and not at the same time.
✓: Oliver gets the obvious pro check-mark. He had a few uneven, frustrating moments for me, but he also goes through some major crap in this. I mostly wanted to pat him on the head.
✓: Phillip started as almost a caricature and ended as one of my favorite parts of the book.
✓: The epilogue!
✓: Ellen won't go in my Character Hall of Fame by any means, or even my Character Hall of Like. However, regarding past!Ellen and most of current!Ellent? I don't hate her or even dislike her or begrudge her for the most part, and I appreciated that Cullen really painted a complicated picture instead of keeping it quite so binary "evil first husband vs one true love" like the usual.
✘: On the flip side, I also disliked that it felt like Ellen spent most of the time wringing her hands and trying not to cry, especially when other parts of her character were on point and multifaceted with her cool salons and awesomeness.
±:
✘: The villain sucks.
✘: What happened to the French guy?
tl;dr: 3.5 for complicated family plots and angst. (Also, I want to read an O'Leary centric book, please.)
Disclaimer: Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for the free ARC, with no incentive or coercion on your parts.
✓: Oliver gets the obvious pro check-mark. He had a few uneven, frustrating moments for me, but he also goes through some major crap in this. I mostly wanted to pat him on the head.
✓: Phillip started as almost a caricature and ended as one of my favorite parts of the book.
✓: The epilogue!
✓: Ellen won't go in my Character Hall of Fame by any means, or even my Character Hall of Like. However, regarding past!Ellen and most of current!Ellent? I don't hate her or even dislike her or begrudge her for the most part, and I appreciated that Cullen really painted a complicated picture instead of keeping it quite so binary "evil first husband vs one true love" like the usual.
✘: On the flip side, I also disliked that it felt like Ellen spent most of the time wringing her hands and trying not to cry, especially when other parts of her character were on point and multifaceted with her cool salons and awesomeness.
±:
✘: The villain sucks.
✘: What happened to the French guy?
tl;dr: 3.5 for complicated family plots and angst. (Also, I want to read an O'Leary centric book, please.)
Disclaimer: Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for the free ARC, with no incentive or coercion on your parts.
September 20, 2019
Oliver McCaron, Earl of Armbruster, spent seventeen years wondering what happened to his Ellen to change her mind about marrying him. Ellen instead married the Earl of Fieldhurst, a man twice her age. While in the same circles, the two never spoke to each other until Oliver showed up at Ellen’s salon. Oliver never intended to attend, but at the behest of the Crown, he joins the unusual crowd gathered in Ellen’s home.
Ellen’s husband passed away three years ago, leaving her to show their young son how to be an earl. Now sixteen, Philip, has been suspended from Eton and might possibly be expelled. Ellen is at her wits end since the boy believes he’s ready to take over for his late father. Through their renewed acquaintance, Ellen asks Oliver for help to set Philip on the right track.
Renowned surgeon, William, has been nipping at Ellen’s heels for months. While Ellen only sees him as a friend, William needs more. When Ellen rebuffs his proposal, William discovers a long-held secret he uses to force Ellen’s hand.
Cullen has given us another dynamic story! Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. The story goes back and forth between the past in the present, so we get to see Ellen and Oliver at seventeen and at thirty-four. The road they take is made even more complicated by Philip and William in very different ways. Ellen is tough with a huge heart. Her son always comes first. While he never intended to, Oliver has waited for Ellen to hold his heart once again. As always, Cullen delivers us a very satisfying ending. So, what are you waiting for? Have tissues in hand for this magnificent love story that spans almost two decades.
I received Deceiving an Earl for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Ellen’s husband passed away three years ago, leaving her to show their young son how to be an earl. Now sixteen, Philip, has been suspended from Eton and might possibly be expelled. Ellen is at her wits end since the boy believes he’s ready to take over for his late father. Through their renewed acquaintance, Ellen asks Oliver for help to set Philip on the right track.
Renowned surgeon, William, has been nipping at Ellen’s heels for months. While Ellen only sees him as a friend, William needs more. When Ellen rebuffs his proposal, William discovers a long-held secret he uses to force Ellen’s hand.
Cullen has given us another dynamic story! Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. The story goes back and forth between the past in the present, so we get to see Ellen and Oliver at seventeen and at thirty-four. The road they take is made even more complicated by Philip and William in very different ways. Ellen is tough with a huge heart. Her son always comes first. While he never intended to, Oliver has waited for Ellen to hold his heart once again. As always, Cullen delivers us a very satisfying ending. So, what are you waiting for? Have tissues in hand for this magnificent love story that spans almost two decades.
I received Deceiving an Earl for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
September 23, 2019
A chance at love between Ellen Hillgrave and Oliver McCaron, Viscount Fairview, is quickly dashed when Ellen is betrothed to the Earl of Fieldhurst. At 17, Ellen decides to accept her parents’ requests, despite her love for Oliver. Whilst they had planned to run away together and marry, Oliver is devasted when he hears that Ellen has married and had a child. It is only after another 17 years pass, that they meet again at a literary event. Much has changed with Oliver, now the Earl of Armbruster and Ellen, widowed. Ellen’s 16-year-old son, Philip is causing her considerable grief since his expulsion from Eton and he cannot understand her relationship with William Needham, surgeon to the King.
When Ellen and Oliver meet, Ellen realises that a secret that she has kept for many years, will be revealed unless she keeps her distance from Oliver. However, in doing so, her life begins to unravel.
A great storyline with all the right ingredients, romance, actions and hidden secrets. However, Ellen could at times become a bit frustrating, in her attempts to protect everyone. It did seem, that all she ended up doing was complicating things. I did enjoy the character of Oliver, and his friendship with Jacob, the Earl of Ashland (from ‘An Unwilling Earl) and Detective O’Leary, added another layer to this story. Philip also looks to be an interesting to watch out for in books to come. Well worth reading!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
When Ellen and Oliver meet, Ellen realises that a secret that she has kept for many years, will be revealed unless she keeps her distance from Oliver. However, in doing so, her life begins to unravel.
A great storyline with all the right ingredients, romance, actions and hidden secrets. However, Ellen could at times become a bit frustrating, in her attempts to protect everyone. It did seem, that all she ended up doing was complicating things. I did enjoy the character of Oliver, and his friendship with Jacob, the Earl of Ashland (from ‘An Unwilling Earl) and Detective O’Leary, added another layer to this story. Philip also looks to be an interesting to watch out for in books to come. Well worth reading!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
September 25, 2019
Oliver McCaron, Earl of Armbruster, is an influential, self-made man who lives life by his own rules. Though he’s never lacking for female attention, there’s only one woman he wants. And she’s the one woman who won’t have him…again.
Widowed Lady Fieldhurst has spent the last seventeen years avoiding Oliver, after one glorious night together. Her parents had already planned out her life - she was never to become Oliver’s wife, despite their plans to run away.
Now Ellen’s world is threatened by a blackmailer who could expose everything. She’ll have to face the only man she’s ever loved and ask for help with her son. If the truth of her past comes to light, it could ruin more than one life...
An unruly and self serving young lord, his mother who can not control him and a man who doesn't want to become involved compile the main cast in this tale.
Will Ellen's secret come to light and how will Oliver take the news of the secret she has kept for over fifteen years?
I liked this book but since I guessed the secret early on in the story it was not a surprise to me and made this book a bit dull.
I am a Sharon Cullen fan but this one would not rank as one of my favorites.
I gave this book 4 of 5 stars for story line and characterization.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book to read.
This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Widowed Lady Fieldhurst has spent the last seventeen years avoiding Oliver, after one glorious night together. Her parents had already planned out her life - she was never to become Oliver’s wife, despite their plans to run away.
Now Ellen’s world is threatened by a blackmailer who could expose everything. She’ll have to face the only man she’s ever loved and ask for help with her son. If the truth of her past comes to light, it could ruin more than one life...
An unruly and self serving young lord, his mother who can not control him and a man who doesn't want to become involved compile the main cast in this tale.
Will Ellen's secret come to light and how will Oliver take the news of the secret she has kept for over fifteen years?
I liked this book but since I guessed the secret early on in the story it was not a surprise to me and made this book a bit dull.
I am a Sharon Cullen fan but this one would not rank as one of my favorites.
I gave this book 4 of 5 stars for story line and characterization.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book to read.
This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
October 2, 2019
Ellen and Oliver met when they were seventeen. They quickly fell in love and Oliver proposed. Unbeknownst Ellen parents have enteredin a betrothal contract with the older Earl of Fieldhurst. Renowned surgeon, William, has been nipping at Ellen’s heels for months. While Ellen only sees him as a friend, William needs more. When Ellen rebuffs his proposal, William discovers a long-held secret he uses to force Ellen’s hand.
Oliver McCaron, Earl of Armbruster, spent seventeen years wondering what happened to his Ellen to change her mind about marrying him. Ellen instead married the Earl of Fieldhurst, a man twice her age. While in the same circles, the two never spoke to each other until Oliver showed up at Ellen’s salon
The author delivers another has given us another stunning storyline Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. The story goes back and forth between the past in the present, so we get to see Ellen and Oliver at seventeen and at thirty-four. The road they take is made even more complicated by Philip and William in very different ways. Ellen is tough with a huge heart. Her son always comes first. While he never intended to,
Oliver has waited for Ellen to hold his heart once again.
The authors has written a well developed cast of characters and just the right romance that kept me captivated all the way through to the satisfying and perfect end
Oliver McCaron, Earl of Armbruster, spent seventeen years wondering what happened to his Ellen to change her mind about marrying him. Ellen instead married the Earl of Fieldhurst, a man twice her age. While in the same circles, the two never spoke to each other until Oliver showed up at Ellen’s salon
The author delivers another has given us another stunning storyline Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. The story goes back and forth between the past in the present, so we get to see Ellen and Oliver at seventeen and at thirty-four. The road they take is made even more complicated by Philip and William in very different ways. Ellen is tough with a huge heart. Her son always comes first. While he never intended to,
Oliver has waited for Ellen to hold his heart once again.
The authors has written a well developed cast of characters and just the right romance that kept me captivated all the way through to the satisfying and perfect end
October 14, 2021
Ellen Hillgrave married Lord Fieldhurst. She was seventeen years old and wanted to Marry Oliver but that was not to happen. She had one son, Phillip, She adored him and had come to care for Arthur Fieldhurst. Fourteen years later he dies and she is a widow with a thirteen-year-old boy. She has had a good life with Arthur and been fairly happy. But her son is acting out from the death of his father and is very naughty and also was suspended from Eton.
Oliver McCaron, Earl of Armbruster, Has spent seventeen years alone but has made the estate so rich it would take more than three lifetimes to spend it. He is a good guy and takes care of his estate. He is asked by his friend O'Leary of Scotland Yard to check out a Chartist in the form of Antonine Bertrand, they were afraid he might be a cause of hurting the crown. A long time ago, he knew Lady Fieldhurst, she was his love and lover.
There are so many twists to this story. It is written well, easy to understand and is well-plotted. The characters are wonderful and engaging. I read this excellent book in one sitting. and was totally entertained. The interactions between the characters was amusing, witty, and seemed so realistic. I love it. I highly recommend this novel.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Oliver McCaron, Earl of Armbruster, Has spent seventeen years alone but has made the estate so rich it would take more than three lifetimes to spend it. He is a good guy and takes care of his estate. He is asked by his friend O'Leary of Scotland Yard to check out a Chartist in the form of Antonine Bertrand, they were afraid he might be a cause of hurting the crown. A long time ago, he knew Lady Fieldhurst, she was his love and lover.
There are so many twists to this story. It is written well, easy to understand and is well-plotted. The characters are wonderful and engaging. I read this excellent book in one sitting. and was totally entertained. The interactions between the characters was amusing, witty, and seemed so realistic. I love it. I highly recommend this novel.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
August 30, 2019
Oliver McCaron, Earl of Armbruster, fell in love at seventeen and planned to marry Ellen, but her parents had other plans for her and married her off to the elderly Earl of Fieldhurst. Their one shared night of passion has haunted Oliver for 17 years and he thought he had moved on, but when the widowed Ellen asks for his help with her wayward son, feelings long suppressed come roaring back for Oliver and he can't understand why Ellen won't be with him now.
I have mixed feelings about this story and I didn't really like Ellen all that much. If she had just trusted Oliver with the truth, a lot of heartache of everyone's part could have been avoided. She seemed weak and easily pushed around although what happened to her at the hands of her surgeon friend was horrible. Oliver was a kind and considerate hero and I did like him being willing to help Ellen even though she pushed him away at every turn. This was not one of my favorite stories by this author and through a lot of ups and downs they get their happily ever after.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
I have mixed feelings about this story and I didn't really like Ellen all that much. If she had just trusted Oliver with the truth, a lot of heartache of everyone's part could have been avoided. She seemed weak and easily pushed around although what happened to her at the hands of her surgeon friend was horrible. Oliver was a kind and considerate hero and I did like him being willing to help Ellen even though she pushed him away at every turn. This was not one of my favorite stories by this author and through a lot of ups and downs they get their happily ever after.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
December 1, 2019
Oliver McCaron, Earl of Armbruster, is an influential, self-made man who lives life by his own rules. Though he’s never lacking for female attention, there’s only one woman he wants. And she’s the one woman who won’t have him…again. Widowed Lady Fieldhurst has spent the last seventeen years avoiding Oliver, after one glorious night together. Her parents had already planned out her life - she was never to become Oliver’s wife, despite their plans to run away. To protect her secret, she had to follow their wishes and marry the elderly earl they had chosen. Now Ellen’s world is threatened by a blackmailer who could expose everything. She’ll have to face the only man she’s ever loved and ask for help. Because if the truth comes to light, it could ruin more than one life...
This book was rather disappointing to me. I’ve read a number of books by this author and enjoy them but I really had some issues with this one. I really liked Oliver (which is why I actually finished the book) but I didn’t like Ellen at all. I didn’t like her reactions to certain situations and just didn’t like her reasoning.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
This book was rather disappointing to me. I’ve read a number of books by this author and enjoy them but I really had some issues with this one. I really liked Oliver (which is why I actually finished the book) but I didn’t like Ellen at all. I didn’t like her reactions to certain situations and just didn’t like her reasoning.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
September 22, 2019
I was given this book. And I’m glad I read it. I am not going to go over the story. I am not going to re-write a book that the author is already done a fine job of writing. I am going to tell you the motions This book evokes. We have villains. The father being the first as he forces his daughter into a loveless marriage. We have victims. Beside the daughter, the man she loves the victim because she can’t tell him that she was forced into the marriage. We have the drama. The boy born into the marriage is not her husbands But he loves the boy. The drama comes in trying to hide the birthright of the young man. There we find our second villain. A truly horrible man. Doctor Who think himself above the law. Is to force her into another marriage blackmailing her saying that he will tell the world who is the father of her son really is. And trying to protect her self she’s viciously beatEn. But this is a romance so there is a happy ending. But it’s a good author brings it through the maze so we want to get to the triumphant Ending. And a wonderful epilogue
August 28, 2019
This is a rarity, but I can honestly say I have never had such animosity towards a heroine in all my time reading romance novels.
Widow Lady Fieldhurst took the cake and not in a good way. Ellen started the book out as a seventeen-year-old nitwit and actually digressed with age. I continually asked myself what in the world the Earl of Armbruster saw in her. I wound up just as disappointed in him for falling for such a cowardlly, whiny yet 'set in her nonsensical ways' woman. I mean to be such a pushover with her son and spoiling him to the point of him becoming a nightmare of a teenager, and then to tolerate him being abused in order to keep a secret, is utter insanity. As much as I wished Oliver would have decided to move on, maybe in some odd way they deserved each other. Clearly neither matured in 17 years.
I typically enjoy stories by this author but this one was a definite miss for me.
Widow Lady Fieldhurst took the cake and not in a good way. Ellen started the book out as a seventeen-year-old nitwit and actually digressed with age. I continually asked myself what in the world the Earl of Armbruster saw in her. I wound up just as disappointed in him for falling for such a cowardlly, whiny yet 'set in her nonsensical ways' woman. I mean to be such a pushover with her son and spoiling him to the point of him becoming a nightmare of a teenager, and then to tolerate him being abused in order to keep a secret, is utter insanity. As much as I wished Oliver would have decided to move on, maybe in some odd way they deserved each other. Clearly neither matured in 17 years.
I typically enjoy stories by this author but this one was a definite miss for me.
August 29, 2019
I'm having a hard tie trying to decide what to rate this novel. And I don't feel like it's a straight-up romance.
A lot of the book deals with an unruly teenage son, and Oliver trying to help him. The possessive surgeon who wants to marry her. Her constantly denying that she wants to be with Oliver.
There is a happy ending.
We see at the beginning the Oliver and Ellen, at seventeen, declaring their love for one another and then the story jumps to 17 years later. She married someone else, had a child, recently widowed and he is still single. She turns to him when her teenage son gets into some trouble and he sets out to help the young earl understand what it takes to run his earldom.
Ugh, this heroine drove me crazy! I could understand her reasons for her secret but when it starts to affect her safety, why couldn't she have been stronger.?
This ARC was provided by Entangled Publishing through Netgalley.
A lot of the book deals with an unruly teenage son, and Oliver trying to help him. The possessive surgeon who wants to marry her. Her constantly denying that she wants to be with Oliver.
There is a happy ending.
We see at the beginning the Oliver and Ellen, at seventeen, declaring their love for one another and then the story jumps to 17 years later. She married someone else, had a child, recently widowed and he is still single. She turns to him when her teenage son gets into some trouble and he sets out to help the young earl understand what it takes to run his earldom.
Ugh, this heroine drove me crazy! I could understand her reasons for her secret but when it starts to affect her safety, why couldn't she have been stronger.?
This ARC was provided by Entangled Publishing through Netgalley.
August 31, 2019
Oliver McCaron, the Earl of Armbruster has recently been working with Scotland Yard. He and another friend helped to capture killers. This time the investigation doesn't seem to be as dangerous or as interesting. Just find out information on a certain man. His problem is that it puts him in contact with the one woman he can never forget.
Widowed Lady Ellen Fieldhurst is settled in her life now. Her husband died a few years ago, her teen-age son has since been a little unruly. But hopefully that will change. The only slight thorn in her side is a perfectly respectable surgeon who has attached himself to her.
This story has a lot of surprises in store for our wonderful characters and us. There are murders happening in the EastEnd of London, unusual ones. There is a huge secret that could quite easily destroy several lives.
A fascinating Victorian historical romance with lots happening all the way through. I loved every page.
Widowed Lady Ellen Fieldhurst is settled in her life now. Her husband died a few years ago, her teen-age son has since been a little unruly. But hopefully that will change. The only slight thorn in her side is a perfectly respectable surgeon who has attached himself to her.
This story has a lot of surprises in store for our wonderful characters and us. There are murders happening in the EastEnd of London, unusual ones. There is a huge secret that could quite easily destroy several lives.
A fascinating Victorian historical romance with lots happening all the way through. I loved every page.
October 30, 2019
3.5 stars - I always enjoy a Sharon Cullen historical romance. This one is no different. However, it gets 3.5 stars instead of 5 because the heroine was so spineless and weak willed. She was bullied by everyone who wanted to take a jab (sometimes literally) at her. She was also all ‘woe is me’ the entire story. It is true that she got herself into a mighty pickle, with no reputation saving way to get out of it. However, if she hadn’t been so weak-willed and instead stood up to her parents, the rest never would have happened.
The intrigue and subplot were good. They added great meat to the story. The hero was a standout from start to finish. The son, proved to be a nice round character as well. It’s worth the read, and had the heroine been less of a pitiful, helpless female, it would be one of those books I’d read again and again.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The intrigue and subplot were good. They added great meat to the story. The hero was a standout from start to finish. The son, proved to be a nice round character as well. It’s worth the read, and had the heroine been less of a pitiful, helpless female, it would be one of those books I’d read again and again.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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