CAN A WOMAN WHO DOESN’T WANT A HUSBAND When she had her come out, Lady Penelope Keats was one of the most sought-after debutantes of the season. But now, years later and by her own choosing, Penelope is still unmarried. She has little interest in love and prefers to spend her time at St. Thomas’s hospital in pursuit of medical knowledge and helping others. However, staying unwed when one’s mother is a notorious matchmaker is no easy feat.
AND A MAN WHO DOESN’T WANT A WIFE Through unfortunate circumstances, James MacKenzie is the new Earl of Oakhurst, a title he never expected or wanted. When he is summoned by his only living relative, his grandmother the Dowager Countess of Oakhurst, to attend to her in London so that she might instruct him on his duties as earl, including finding a bride, he reluctantly complies. Upon arrival, he finds the older woman ill and in need of medical attention. When his grandmother proves difficult and resistant to help, he allows Lady Penelope’s aid in treating her.
MAKE THE PERFECT MATCH? When both learn of the other’s lack of desire for love, they know the best chance to escape those seeking to wed them is to come to an agreement—one that will free them both from the pressures of matchmaking. But a marriage of convenience doesn’t imply a marriage without passion. As their feelings eventually warm toward one another, old enemies emerge and threaten everything they have worked for. Will they be able to draw strength from their blossoming love to defeat those who seek to destroy them, or will they deny their feelings and lose one another forever?
Madeline Martin is a New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, and international bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance with books that have been translated into over twenty-five different languages.
She lives in sunny Florida with her two daughters (known collectively as the minions), two incredibly spoiled cats and a man so wonderful he's been dubbed Mr. Awesome. She is a die-hard history lover who will happily lose herself in research any day. When she's not writing, researching or 'moming', you can find her spending time with her family at Disney or sneaking a couple spoonfuls of Nutella while laughing over cat videos. She also loves research and travel, attributing her fascination with history to having spent most of her childhood as an Army brat in Germany.
Check out her website for book club visits, reader guides for her historical fiction, upcoming events, book news and more: https://madelinemartin.com
The bones of this slight book are good, but it's not fleshed out enough for it to rise above the average marriage of convenience HR. It's very predictable and the characters, although pleasant people for the most part, are not developed enough to stand out from any others plucked from Central HR Casting.
There is a slight variation on the reason why our heroine does not want to marry. It's not just the usual "I don't want my husband to control me and my money." There's an add-on: "I want to be a doctor." Of course, she can't quite be an actual doctor. The time period won't allow for that, but she has studied on her own and volunteers at a hospital. Naturally, she is better at what she does than many of the legitimate doctors working there. But then one of the doctors takes a dislike to her and forces the hospital to say she can no longer work there because of her unmarried-woman status.
Then there's our hero. He recently came into a title and wants to avoid marrying the woman who had jilted him some years ago in favor of betrothal to his cousin who was first in line to inherit. Now that cousin is dead and this woman feels that our hero should inherit her along with his new title. Well, he's not having any of that. So he and our heroine enter into that marriage of convenience.
Turns out it's not quite a business-like agreement when both H and h start feeling a little frisky around each other. So we'll have the lust to love relationship to read (with some slightly entertaining bits about a joy-of-sex-type book the hero has in his library) and also a perils-of-Pauline element with that nasty doctor.
So, this is an okay read. It is perhaps too short and too sketchy in development but the author's writing ability is good enough for me to have finished the whole thing without skimming.
Affection and love develops from an arranged marriage.
James Mackenzie is now the Earl Of Oakhurst following the death of his cousin. James is a valet to a fellow Earl and is stunned at his improved circumstances, especially the fact that marriage is now something that is expected of him.
Lady Penelope has one passion in life , medicine. She works at a local hospital and loves what she does. After being told she can no longer help there because she’s single she realises she must marry if she’s to continue her dream.
The two agree to a marriage with no love , but soon realise that may be impossible, especially as they are so compatible in bed, feelings begin to blossom wether they want them to or not.
They are so well matched , they have a beautiful chemistry is a joy to read their journey. I hope you enjoyed this story as much as I did . Madeline writes so beautifully and emotionally it’s wonderful.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Much-sought-after debutante Lady Penelope Keats has avoided marriage in favor of her volunteering at St. Thomas' Hospital and a pursuit of medical learning. But odds are against her single status given that her mother is a known matchmaker and when Penelope is barred from the hospital on the grounds of her scandalously unwed state, she realizes she will need to find a husband after all if she hopes to continue pursuing her dream.
Scottish raised James MacKenzie has just unexpectedly come into the much unwanted title of Earl of Oakhurst. Now he must journey to London so his only remaining relative, his grandmother the Dowager Countess of Oakhurst, can help him learn his new role. He finds his late cousin's former betrothed, and awkwardly his own first love until she abandoned him in favor of a title, beyond eager to sink her claws into the him now that he's the new earl. His grandmother is also in need of medical attention to which she is reluctant to submit.
When James and Penelope meet and learn of each other's situations and their mutual determination to eschew love, they decide on a marriage of convenience to save them both from their sticky situations. But their marriage proves to have plenty of heat and when their newfound peaceful accord is threatened by outside forces, it becomes apparent that both James and Penelope may have developed feelings they never planned on.
This was a delightful, quick read. I enjoyed James and Penelope as well as her parents and his grandmother who made the book rather humorous as well. My only complaint was that I wasn't ready for the book to end.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a delightfully, lovely and romantic read. A marriage of convenience morphs into a wonderful love story between two extraordinary people who both deserve all the best life has to offer. As with any book by this author, the story is well written and compelling and the research is impeccable as always. We also had a small visit with Alistair Johnstone, Earl of Benton, and his lovely heroine Emma Thorne who is now expecting their second child.
James MacKenzie thinks he is an unlucky man. Several years ago, he was in love with Lady Judith Eaton – or at least he thought he was in love – then, when his uncle died and his popinjay of a cousin, Gilbert, inherited the earldom, Lady Judith quickly announced her engagement to him and calmly walked away from James. Since then, James hasn’t been back in England and he certainly doesn’t want to return now. There is no help for it though – as the new Earl of Oakhurst it is his responsibility to move back and take up the reins. He knows nothing of being an earl, but his lovely grandmother will quickly remedy that. According to her, one of his first duties will be to marry – and quickly – and Lady Judith is still available. NO WAY.
Lady Penelope Keats is (was) a diamond of the first water and has had many, many suitors – well, she had them as suitors for a while. As soon as she showed them her intelligence and her keen interest in the healing arts, they ran the other way. She knows she can never marry because no gentleman would allow his wife to work At St. Thomas’ hospital – even as a volunteer. Yet, now, in order to continue volunteering there, she has to be married. Where can she find a husband who will allow her to continue her pursuit of medical knowledge?
When Penelope and James meet, they quickly discover that they can be the answer to each other’s dilemma. They form a pact – they’ll marry with no strings attached. Neither wants love or children, so it will be a perfect alliance. That works – until they share their first kiss – then each wants more, but won’t share that with the other.
It is a lovely read and it was so much fun to watch these two negotiate their way through their families’ expectations, strange goings-on at St. Thomas hospital, and their original marriage agreement. You’ll love the secondary characters – we’ve actually met Penelope’s mother before (she is a matchmaker) – and James’ grandmother is a delightful addition to the story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
James MacKenzie never expected to inherit the title of Earl of Oakhurst and is woefully unprepared for the role. For the last few years he has been ignoring his heritage and living life on his own terms. He has been working as a “valet” for his friend Alistair, the Earl of Benton and has been content. But now he knows his days of freedom are over and it is time to return to London. But thanks to Benton, he won’t be alone, he will be welcomed into the Wicked Earls Club with open arms!
Once in London James is more than a little shocked to see his once vivacious grandmother “Gemma” looking so old and infirmed. A victim of gout, the dowager Countess of Oakhurst, assures James that she is perfectly fine and she will instruct him on the running of the earldom. She informs him that his first order of business will be marrying and even has a bride in mind – his cousin Gilbert’s betrothed – Judith – the woman who toyed with James’ young heart and then tossed him aside for his cousin and the title of Countess. It will be a cold day in hell before James even considers Judith, but since she was betrothed to Gilbert and had been for seven long years, he knows there will be expectations, so as Gemma pointed out, he better find someone else, tout de suite!
As he acclimates himself to society again, he is happy to see his old friend, the Earl of Kendal. Kendal agrees to sponsor him for his seat in parliament and introduces him to the Earl of Bursbury, an older man sporting a golden W on his lapel. Bursbury talks with James and not only agrees to sponsor him, but offers to introduce him to someone who is well versed in treating gout – his daughter, Lady Penelope.
Lady Penelope Keats has no desire to marry, she works at St. Thomas’s hospital and would rather spend her life in pursuit of knowledge than to be tied down to a husband. She is certain that she would have to give up her dreams to marry and that is something she refuses to do – much to her mother’s dismay. But after a run in with Dr. Bailey, one of the lead doctors at the hospital, he lodges a complaint and insists that it is improper for a young, unmarried woman to work at the hospital, she is let go and informed that she will be welcomed back, once she has rectified her “unfortunate marital status”. With no choices, Penelope turns to her mother for help – Nancy, Lady Bursbury is a well-known matchmaker, who has lamented her failure to match Penelope for years.
James dances with Penelope and invites her to tea to examine his grandmother, she gladly accepts and they part. Later that evening, Judith makes it clear that her father expects James to assume the betrothal she had with Gilbert, he blurts out that he can’t, as he is going to marry another – Penelope.
After she examines Gemma, they talk and agree that it is in their best interest to marry – they promise not to interfere in each other’s lives and most importantly, they agree not to fall in love. It seems like the perfect solution, but not everyone is happy – Nancy is heartbroken that Penelope doesn’t have a “love match” and vows to change that. And Nancy isn’t the only one unhappy with Penelope’s marriage and they will do whatever is necessary to get her out of their way.
I loved this story, James intrigued me in the Earl of Benton and I liked Penelope when she was introduced in her Uncle Noah’s book, Mesmerizing the Marquis. This story has everything you could possibly want, wonderful characters, steamy love scenes, laugh out loud moments, edge of your seat moments and a delightful competition between spouses who via for the right to claim responsibility for the match. As always, Ms. Martin’s writing is spot on, with characters who are fully developed, relatable and likable, and a story that pulls you in and keeps you turning pages until the last word is read, then you sigh at the HEA and wish there was more. This book is in the Wicked Earls Club series, but it can absolutely be read as a stand-alone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me*
CAN A WOMAN WHO DOESN’T WANT A HUSBAND When she had her come out, Lady Penelope Keats was one of the most sought-after debutantes of the season. But now, years later and by her own choosing, Penelope is still unmarried. She has little interest in love and prefers to spend her time at St. Thomas’s hospital in pursuit of medical knowledge and helping others. However, staying unwed when one’s mother is a notorious matchmaker is no easy feat.
AND A MAN WHO DOESN’T WANT A WIFE Through unfortunate circumstances, James MacKenzie is the new Earl of Oakhurst, a title he never expected or wanted. When he is summoned by his only living relative, his grandmother the Dowager Countess of Oakhurst, to attend to her in London so that she might instruct him on his duties as earl, including finding a bride, he reluctantly complies. Upon arrival, he finds the older woman ill and in need of medical attention. When his grandmother proves difficult and resistant to help, he allows Lady Penelope’s aid in treating her.
MAKE THE PERFECT MATCH? When both learn of the other’s lack of desire for love, they know the best chance to escape those seeking to wed them is to come to an agreement—one that will free them both from the pressures of matchmaking. But a marriage of convenience doesn’t imply a marriage without passion. As their feelings eventually warm toward one another, old enemies emerge and threaten everything they have worked for. Will they be able to draw strength from their blossoming love to defeat those who seek to destroy them, or will they deny their feelings and lose one another forever?
My review : Will a marriage of convenience be enough to fulfill all their dreams ...
This is my first-ever read by Mrs Madeline Martin, and definitely not my last. I read this book in a flash, so eager to see how James and Penelope would settle and deal with married life. Penelope is focused on only one thing, pursuing her medical career and nothing else can make her diverge from her path until she is told her marital status or absence of it does not allow her anymore access to the hospital. Thus her agreement to James’ offer, as it suits her purpose. James never expected nor wanted to inherit a title, and even less inherit his cousin’s fiancée, the very one who left him for the title of said cousin. Since he did some growing up and is no more the green lad he once was, yet he is willing to become the Earl his family and estates need. And with it, comes the need to marry, why he thinks he has found the perfect associate with Penelope. It is such a sensual and fun read witnessing Penelope and James falling for each other by igniting their longing and feeding their needs of knowledge. Mrs Martin portrayed two wonderful characters very focused on their task, with some flaws but also the asset they could be for others, if only they would be accepted more easily but it was a different time. It was so entertaining to see them overcome one by one their own misconceptions about their arranged marriage to accept the other and see what jewel they have indeed married. 5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author but I priorly to it ordered my own. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
Earl of Oakhurst by Madeline Martin is book 16 in the Wicked Earls Club series. I did feel that this could be a standalone book if you wish to do so. This is the story of James MacKenzie, the Earl of Oakhurst and Penelope Keats. James has newly been titled the Earl of Oakhurst and his grandmother has request that he comes to her to have lesson and of course she wants him to look for a wife. James ends up finding his grandmother is sick but is refusing to see about it. This leads him to Penelope who has knowledge in the medical field. Penelope doesn't want to marry even though she was a very popular debutante of the season. Instead Penelope wants to get as much knowledge about the medical field and help others with that knowledge. So much of her time is spent at the St. Thomas's hospital. But, of course Penelope's mother is a true matchmaking mama with her own plans. When James and Penelope start to compare issues they come to the conclusion that they should work together to fight the marriage trap by going into a marriage of convenience between themselves. This will open them up to the freedom they are looking for from their matchmaking family. But of course somethings work toward a goal they didn't know they really wanted. I love Ms. Martin's writing so this was a joy to read~!
This was a marriage of convenience between James and Penelope that do not want to marry ever or fall in love. I loved this book, and this author can write some fantastic stories.
Lady Penelope Keats prefers to spend her time at St. Thomas's hospital in pursuit of medical knowledge and helping others & is devastated when the hospital decides that it is unseemly for an unmarried woman to help. James MacKenzie is the new Earl of Oakhurst, a title he never expected or wanted. He is summoned by his only living relative, his grandmother the Dowager Countess of Oakhurst, to London so that she might instruct him on his duties as earl, including finding a bride. Upon arrival, he finds the older woman suffering from gout. When his grandmother proves difficult and resistant to help, he allows Lady Penelope's aid in treating her. When both learn of the other's lack of desire for love, a marriage of convenience seems to be the solution. I loved James & Penelope but adored the two scheming ladies & their presents who made the book so humorous. I’ll never think of thumbs the same again!! I also liked the research that had gone into the book & it was very informative about some agricultural & medical practices of the time. To be truthful I loved everything about it. A well paced book that I found hard to put down, which I read it a sitting My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The Earl of Oakhurst is charming and wickedly delightful! Neither Lady Penelope nor the new Earl of Oakhurst James MacKenzie had ever planned to marry. Until Penelope found herself banned from volunteering at the hospital she had worked at for the past 3 years using the excuse that her “unfortunate marital status” was inappropriate for her to be roaming around. Now that James was the new Earl his first duty was to marry! But, to avoid being roped into a betrothal to the woman who betrayed him to become betrothed to his cousin the prior Earl for his title, he has to find and marry quickly. So, after meeting each other it just made perfect sense to them to marry each other in name only and avoid interference in their own pursuits. So they thought. I enjoyed this “marriage of convenience” to “love and happily ever after” story! The storyline is well written with the hero’s love of history and the heroine’s study of healing and medicine, in a time when women were not allowed to become doctors, was fantastically researched and executed. I recommend this happy feel good story to everyone who loves a “marriage of convenience to love and happily ever after” with a steamy romance chaser! Happy Reading♥️
Content: Adult, Steamy and explicit open bedroom scenes.
I liked the characters and the plot was good. The H inherited a title, h needs to marry, so they agree to MOC. It seemed a bit far fetched but they felt like real people to me and I enjoyed the humour, and seeing the h having the courage to change her mind and ask for more. For me, it also something I really dislike - Scottish brogue - ugh! Hate it.
I just loved this story. For a novella, it felt completed. Ms Martin did a wonderful with the characters and bringing them to a HEA. I recommend this installment of the Wicked Earls Club.
What can I say this was so good that I read it in sitting!! I love James and Penelope together!! The chemistry and falling in love with in another!! I highly recommend!!
The Earl of Oakhurst releases on Tuesday, November 12th and I can't wait! I had such a fun time writing this book! First the play between them had me snickering to myself as I was writing it, secondly, I learned SO much doing my research. Between Penelope's work with medicine and MacKenzie's fascination with ancient Greece, I think I spent half the book doing research to write it!
Here's a little snippet from one of my favorite scenes:
“Dare I ask what ye’re thinking now?” he asked. His Scottish burr was like a sensual whisper to her senses, caressing her ears and sending prickles of anticipation tingling through her. Penelope considered his question. How did one ask for their marriage to be consummated? Surely it would be brazen to speak so plainly, perhaps too bold. Unless, of course, she expressed a desire to follow the general rules of marriage. Yes, that would be the best route to go. “What I was thinking was…well, I’m afraid it’s rather pedantic,” she began. “Pedantic?” He lifted his teacup to his mouth. “Yes.” She folded her hands demurely in her lap and regarded him from across the table. “I should like to have our marriage consummated.” * The tea MacKenzie had been drinking caught fast in his throat and sputtered from between his lips, staining the white tablecloth. He straightened, set his teacup aside and wiped at his mouth. “I beg your pardon?” She met his incredulous stare. “I should like to consummate our marriage.” He swallowed. “Now?” She flushed and glanced shyly around the room. “Is it done in the light of day?” she asked. “And outside of the bedchamber?” “It certainly can be,” he murmured. “I’m sorry?” She raised her brows in silent question.
And here's what it's about: James MacKenzie is the new Earl of Oakhurst, a title he has never wanted. Worse still, that title comes with the obligation to wed his cousin’s former betrothed…unless he can find a different lady to marry – and fast! Lady Penelope Keats is a woman set on making her mark in the medical field…until she is told it is no longer appropriate for an unmarried lady. In order to return to her passion, she must do the unthinkable: succumb to marriage. In two precarious situations, the ideal solution arises: a marriage without love, based on contract. After all, what could possibly go wrong? Caution: this story contains a meddling grandmother, a match-making Momma and a marriage of convenience that goes wildly awry!
The second series of the Wicked Earls Club has been amazing, thoughtful stories with meanings of life and of course Christmas. This story is one of those feel good and happy books, between two people with wonderful intellect.
The Earl of Oakhurst, James Mackenzie never thought he would be an Earl, he left London for Scotland when his former flame turned her affections to the next Earl of Oakhurst.
Once he has inherited the title he is required to return to England, where he feels he will be the talk of the ton as he had been working as a valet and worried his former flame will wish him to marry her, in place of his cousin, which he does not want, actually he wants no part of marriage at all.
Lady Penelope Keats was outstanding at her come out, yet has no interest in marriage at all, (sound familiar) her interest is in medicine in helping others, leaning as much knowledge as she can.
Attending the ball where they meet, both with family members trying hard to push them together. James meets his former flame, who insists she is to be his wife😳 not if James has anything to say about it.
James put to Penelope a sort of deal, they marry with no love, she gets to do as she chooses and he has his own way, win win for both sides for two very strong people.
This story of leaning to love, trust and feeling unconditional love for another person is a wonderful journey of the mind and heart.
The secondary characters are very entertaining, special gifts for there wedding, a book containing sexual acts, night clothes etc, nearly laugh out loud moments.
The Christmas decorations which included cut out organs, sounds perfect for a person interested in medicine.
Not to be missed, highly recommend, feel good book.
James Mackenzie lives in Scotland enjoying his life until he received a letter stating that he was now the Earl of Oakhurst and must go to London. When James arrives in London to stay with his grandmother she suggests he either marry his cousin’s betrothed or find another. When James meets Lady Penelope Keats, eldest daughter of the Earl of Bursbury he asks for his help with his grandmother’s ailment, gout. James is instantly charmed by Penelope and has found a lady that he knows if she will have him be perfect for marriage. When James suggests to Penelope a marriage of convenience to establish his earldom and for Penelope to continue working at the hospital it is definitely a marriage to that will serve them both. Pretty soon the marriage of convenience and the feelings between them both become so much more even though this goes against the contract they both agreed to. This might be a quick historical romantic read but it is not only fun but a good one as well! Yes, there are a few plot twists that manage to push the story forward or don’t drag it down. One of them concerning the previous betrothed is never really resolved leaving us to wonder what happened to her but can be easily forgotten. The writing follows each setting quite easily going from Scotland to England with no problems and the characters are so charming. James has his demons but despite his humble past he manages to be an affable gentleman and lovable. Penelope the intelligent witty heroine is definitely James’s equal and one easily liked. Hopefully there will be a story of Eugenia in future. This is a great little gem of a story and well worth a read!
Famous last words as they discussed their marriage of convenience. "Ye would have yer freedom to return to the hospital, and comfort in that ye are knowingly with a man ye dinna have to love," James MacKenzie said. "And you would be released of the obligation to wed your cousin's fiancee by marrying a woman you do not have to love," Lady Penelope concluded. "Then it appears we have an agreement, Lord Oakhurst." Thus the wonderful journey begins! Such a different start to a story that I seriously could not stop once I began. The newly minted Earl of Oakhurst was in dire need to "learn" to be an Earl and the first direction he had from his beloved Grandmother was to find a bride. But he had a bad experience in his past and had no desire to become close or love another woman. Penelope had no wish to marry but she was being pushed into it in order to maintain working with patients at the hospital. It was "unseemly" for an unwed lady to be on her own working. She also felt she might be unable to fall in love with a gentlman. A slow burn that will just make you sigh with contentment. But don't be too much in a hurry because there are some bumps and curves along the way!! Loved these two!! Perfect!!!
The Earl of Oakhurst is the 19th book in the collection of the Wicked Earls Club series. This has been a great series to read but each book can also be read as a standalone. Lady Penelope wasn’t interested in society all she wanted to do was spend time at the St. Thomas’s hospital learning and helping. She was told that in order to keep volunteering she would need to get married. James MacKenzie just received the unwanted title of Earl of Oakhurst, which meant he had to leave Scotland and go to London. His grandmother wants him to get married and secure the title with an heir. James and Penelope agree to a marriage of convenience, but things change as they spend time together and Penelope is in danger at the hospital. Can they agree to change the conditions for their marriage? This was another great book by the author, and it was well written and had wonderful characters. The side characters help add to the drama and intrigue of the story. I received an ARC but am voluntarily leaving a review
As usual for this author, we have another romantic, lol funny at times, touching, wonderful H/h that you can’t help but fall in love with. Gemma and Lady Penelopes mother are delightful. This story is James MacKenzies, the new Earl of Oakhurst and Lady Penelope Keats story. James has no desire to be the next Earl and Penelope has no desire to give up her dreams by having to marry. But, this not meant to be, for either of them. When they meet, they agree to marry, without love or entanglements to remedy their situation. This is where the fun begins. Alastair Johnstone, the Earl of Benton, is one of my heroes from another of her books, makes an appearance in this book. I highly recommend you read The Earl of Benton as well. Ms. Martin has a knack for writing such charismatic, loveable main and secondary characters that you never want to say goodbye to them. I love her writing style because they take me away from the reality of the hear and now. Thank you Madeline Martin for sharing your gift with us. I was gifted this book and am voluntarily reviewing. My opinions are my own.
Earl of Oakhurst (Wicked Earls Club Book 19) by Madeline Martin is an adventurous and romantic Historical love story. While part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. Follow, Lady Penelope Keats and James MacKenzie, the new Earl of Oakhurst on their journey from a marriage of convenience to a marriage of passion, respect, love and HEA. Steady paced story that will keep the reader on their toes as Penelope and James navigate their way through a marriage neither wanted, to a life of peace and happiness. There is a bit of suspense and surprises, as well as, a wonderfully romantic love story. I adore Penelope and James, their relatives and Penelope 's desire to be a respected physician, which was difficult during this era. Once again, Ms. Martin has given readers, not an enjoyable and compelling read but also a compelling and heartwarming story of love, marriage and respect. Another must by Ms. Martin. Another enjoyable and satisfying read.
James Mackenzie has been serving as “valet” to his pal Alistair. He finds out he has become the Earl of Oakhurst. He returns to London to take over and it seems as if his previous girlfriend and the former fiancé of the earl he has taken over for, wants him now. She is just a title grabbing heifer. He meets Lady Penelope who has quite the brain for medicine. She is beautiful and intelligent and doesn’t want or need a man. Well, she needs a man if she wants to continue volunteering at the hospital. These two will enter into a marriage of convenience. Will they fall in love or not? How will it work out? You MUST READ to fins this out! Great book! I received a copy of this book for my written opinion. My opinion is that you should buy this immediately!
James Mackenzie, inherits the title of Earl and moves back to England to his grandmothers estate.
The only thing Lady Penelope wants is to study medicine and work at St Thomas's. She is told she is no longer allowed to be at the hospital unless she get married. Only then, she will be able to return.
James is expected to honor his late cousins betrothal to Lady Judith, but he has no intention to do so. She broke his heart years ago when she chose James's cousin over him. So James and Penelope decide that a marriage between them, will solve both of their problems. Will a marriage of convenience turn into love
What a wonderful read about unwanted love. Both the hero and heroine thought that they couldn’t love so were happy to settle for a marriage of convenience. Little did they know that they would end being perfect for each other. I loved the fact the heroine had a serious interest in medicine and the hero loved ancient history. It was a nice change. There was, of course, a few sex scenes that this reviewer skips as usual and it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book. I received this book as an ARC and am very happy to do my review.
Another 5 star review, of course, I would give it 10 stars if I could! Madeline Martin 's characters are so wonderful, and she makes them come alive! For MacKenzie and Penelope a marriage of convenience is an ideal plan...until it changes! I loved everyone in this book...it is funny, steamy, romantic, etc. Madeline Martin is a USA best selling author and this book, as well as every book she has written, is why she earned this title!
A fun read. Penelope was an enjoyable character with her thirst for knowledge in the medical field and straightforward personality. James was a gentleman, just as much a book worm as Penelope. I loved how they accepted each other and taught each other about their own specialties. With the secondary characters helping them along, the story kept me entertained beginning to end.
The Wicked Earl’s Club is one of my all time favorite series and this addition to the series shows just why. He was a valet before he was an Earl and she wants to devote her life to medicine Neither want to love or get married until life stepped in and changed everything. Madeline Martin always makes me laugh (she thought it would be the size of a thumb) and always makes me sigh in happiness at the end
A simple marriage begins as Penelope needs a husband to continue her pursuit of medicine and James needs a wife to avoid a social climber. To their surprise love grows between them. A sweet love story.
Earl of Oakhurst, by Madeline Martin. This was a great book to read. I loved the entertaining romantic love story of James and Penelope. I thought that the characters were witty and a little humorous, particularly Gemma, Jame’s grandmother. She was a sneaky little woman. Madeline incorporated a story about women during these historical times when they working towards being equals among men. Take the story of Penelope, who hopes to one day to be a doctor. Her story was awesome to read. The story was easy to read and a great page turner. The romance between James and Penelope is a sweet loving story that will have the readers delighted to cuddle up to.