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Dangerous Desires #1
The Earl’s Dangerous Passion
He is her only hope of escape, she is his only prospect of happiness...
Lady Amy Hartley is in danger. Her incredible beauty has engaged the attention of a lunatic admirer who sends her obsessive and threatening letters. After expressing their admiration for her, all her suitors are found dead. Amy is terrified for the safety of everyone around her, as well as for her own life.
Her only hope to escape from this miserable situation is her childhood friend, Lord Daniel Nottage, the handsome Earl of Derby. Having lost his fiancée, he is determined to unravel Amy’s psychotic follower and keep her from harm. Daniel soon realizes that he is putting himself in grave danger since he’s falling desperately in love with Amy…
Will he be able to discover the inconceivable truth and save both his and Amy’s life?
*If you like seductive Earls, Dukes and Barons with a soft heart, and romantic stories depicting the romantic Regency Era, then The Earl’s Dangerous Passion is the perfect novel for you.
Dive into the epic world of the Regency Era Ladies, Governesses, and Bluestockings while Ella takes you on a suspenseful journey full of passion and true love!
"The Earl’s Dangerous Passion" is a Historical Regency romance novel of more than 80,000 words (around 440 pages). STANDALONE, no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Lady Amy Hartley is in danger. Her incredible beauty has engaged the attention of a lunatic admirer who sends her obsessive and threatening letters. After expressing their admiration for her, all her suitors are found dead. Amy is terrified for the safety of everyone around her, as well as for her own life.
Her only hope to escape from this miserable situation is her childhood friend, Lord Daniel Nottage, the handsome Earl of Derby. Having lost his fiancée, he is determined to unravel Amy’s psychotic follower and keep her from harm. Daniel soon realizes that he is putting himself in grave danger since he’s falling desperately in love with Amy…
Will he be able to discover the inconceivable truth and save both his and Amy’s life?
*If you like seductive Earls, Dukes and Barons with a soft heart, and romantic stories depicting the romantic Regency Era, then The Earl’s Dangerous Passion is the perfect novel for you.
Dive into the epic world of the Regency Era Ladies, Governesses, and Bluestockings while Ella takes you on a suspenseful journey full of passion and true love!
"The Earl’s Dangerous Passion" is a Historical Regency romance novel of more than 80,000 words (around 440 pages). STANDALONE, no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
447 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2019
589 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Ella Edon
63 books66 followersElla Edon is an American author of steamy Regency romance books. She started pursuing her childhood passion for putting stories to paper after experiencing two of the most life-changing experiences of her life.
Her books have received rave reviews for the romance, the character’s depth, the intrigue and the turmoil they have.
She lives in New Orleans, Louisiana with her loving husband and candy-sweet daughter. Before she started writing Regency romance, Ella was working in a call center, despite the fact that she majored in English Literature. However, her restless spirit led her to chase her dream and now she is devoted to sharing her stories with the world.
Join Ella in her romantic escapades, receive a FREE welcome gift, and never miss her new releases by subscribing to her newsletter! Simply click the following link:
https://www.ellaedon.com/ka3u
Her books have received rave reviews for the romance, the character’s depth, the intrigue and the turmoil they have.
She lives in New Orleans, Louisiana with her loving husband and candy-sweet daughter. Before she started writing Regency romance, Ella was working in a call center, despite the fact that she majored in English Literature. However, her restless spirit led her to chase her dream and now she is devoted to sharing her stories with the world.
Join Ella in her romantic escapades, receive a FREE welcome gift, and never miss her new releases by subscribing to her newsletter! Simply click the following link:
https://www.ellaedon.com/ka3u
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
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October 14, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/14/2019)! 🎁
February 10, 2020
…Women have no say in anything. They’re lucky if they get to choose what they can wear for the day.” Derby shook his head. “Women are men’s property, and that’s the end of it. Hartley is in control of his daughter’s future until she marries, and then she becomes her husband’s property. From what I can gather, he’s looking for a man who’s similar to him who can take charge of Amy the same way he has.”
I noticed more than a few nuances that incorrectly reflect the time period. While some may not find that as irritating as I do, there are SO many other problems with the way this one’s written. One example: Though the reader probably sympathizes with her as a victim of her father’s temper and physical abuse, I found the h unlikeable. She frequently (but not always) comes across as a self-centered brat, but I don't think that was the author's intention. And there are many more instances of inconsistent characterization.
Other descriptors that come to mind:
Contradictory (often!)
Amateurish
Repetitive
Nauseating
In other words, pretty awful. At least I didn’t notice any typos.
I usually don’t rate unfinished novels, but I’ll make an exception here since I’m pretty sure the faults aren’t going to suddenly disappear. DNF at 34%.
I noticed more than a few nuances that incorrectly reflect the time period. While some may not find that as irritating as I do, there are SO many other problems with the way this one’s written. One example: Though the reader probably sympathizes with her as a victim of her father’s temper and physical abuse, I found the h unlikeable. She frequently (but not always) comes across as a self-centered brat, but I don't think that was the author's intention. And there are many more instances of inconsistent characterization.
Other descriptors that come to mind:
Contradictory (often!)
Amateurish
Repetitive
Nauseating
In other words, pretty awful. At least I didn’t notice any typos.
I usually don’t rate unfinished novels, but I’ll make an exception here since I’m pretty sure the faults aren’t going to suddenly disappear. DNF at 34%.
January 19, 2020
Two stars for imagination. The author really included every possible plot device she could think of. The dialogue was the worst, it was a bit like reading a sweet valley high novel. I started skimming 10% in and all the way to the end. This was a really bad romance novel, like so bad I almost recommend reading it so you can have enjoy the WTF moments when the story takes a bunch of weird turns. Honestly, it has promise with meatier dialogue and a clearer story.
February 9, 2020
Yet another one of those Historical Romance 'authors' that formats their books using double spaced lines so they can make more $$ via Kindle Unlimited. Also - dreadful writing and lots of 5 star reviews by lots of GR readers with no pictures against their names. This review is mainly to remind myself not to purchase any of this author's books!!!
March 3, 2020
Not often I don’t finish a book. I really wanted to like this one, but the inconsistencies and the jumping of the story was driving me crazy. The characters personalities were so different from one moment to the next and I keep waiting for people to logically find things out as they would’ve, even at that time, but they never did. It was driving me crazy.
Very disappointing.
Very disappointing.
December 29, 2019
Yo, there was a plot in this one! Kind of. This was alright. HIghest praise i can give. Second book about an earl of derby i read in a week and also my whole life. can't say i wouldn't go back if i could
January 20, 2020
Regency?
I would suggest the author reads some real authors of Regency romance Mary Balogh and the best of all Georgette Heyer
Because I'm afraid this book read as though it was today
Luckily this book was free i wouldn't have been impressed if I'd paid for it
I would suggest the author reads some real authors of Regency romance Mary Balogh and the best of all Georgette Heyer
Because I'm afraid this book read as though it was today
Luckily this book was free i wouldn't have been impressed if I'd paid for it
October 14, 2019
FREAKING OUTSTANDING!!!
Off the chain! Ella gives us one refreshing spin of the damsel in jeopardy and white knight to the rescue that will leave you reeling. One non-stop, action packed, heart pounding, pulse racing, page flipping bombshell that keeps you riveted on a razors edge. Sparks fly as intrigue, danger and suspense ensues in epic proportions. Throw in distress and turmoil and you have the recipe for disaster. A spinning throng of vexing circumstances and a slew of surprising events catapults this bad boy to life beautifully. Ramping all the swirling emotions into play with every color on the spectrum. Pushing on-ward through the trials and tribulations along with a multitude of plot twists that leave you breathless craving more. The characters personalities are authentic, genuine and realistic with depth and qualities that transform and blend smoothly. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions there's no problem interpretating each scenario as they play off one another perfectly. Fantastic job Ella, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
Off the chain! Ella gives us one refreshing spin of the damsel in jeopardy and white knight to the rescue that will leave you reeling. One non-stop, action packed, heart pounding, pulse racing, page flipping bombshell that keeps you riveted on a razors edge. Sparks fly as intrigue, danger and suspense ensues in epic proportions. Throw in distress and turmoil and you have the recipe for disaster. A spinning throng of vexing circumstances and a slew of surprising events catapults this bad boy to life beautifully. Ramping all the swirling emotions into play with every color on the spectrum. Pushing on-ward through the trials and tribulations along with a multitude of plot twists that leave you breathless craving more. The characters personalities are authentic, genuine and realistic with depth and qualities that transform and blend smoothly. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions there's no problem interpretating each scenario as they play off one another perfectly. Fantastic job Ella, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
January 30, 2020
The story Line of this book was good. What I couldn’t get passed was the verbiage. It sounded like 2020 conversations. one reason I like historical romances is for the formalities with which they speak. They used different wordings that are now antiquated. One example :” it’s like they are...” instead of “ it’s as though...” seems picky, I know, but there are repeated instances and I cringed every time I read one. It made the story inauthentic for me. “derby’s not the kind to mess around with my feelings”. I could go on and on
January 27, 2020
Anachronistic
There were good things about this book, so I finished it, but I won’t be following this author. The repetition was tiresome, the characters were thinly drawn and the anachronistic language was irritating. Modern slang like ‘whoa’ and ‘screwed’ and ‘clot’ were really jarring. The relationships were harsh and unpleasant and not very much of the conflict really gets resolved.
There were good things about this book, so I finished it, but I won’t be following this author. The repetition was tiresome, the characters were thinly drawn and the anachronistic language was irritating. Modern slang like ‘whoa’ and ‘screwed’ and ‘clot’ were really jarring. The relationships were harsh and unpleasant and not very much of the conflict really gets resolved.
April 4, 2022
I hate to write a negative review, as I genuinely admire the ability to write. There just wasn’t much to like here. The language was far removed from the Regency period. The characters were shallow and some were mere caricatures. The plot was tedious. I started lightly skimming about half way through, in case it improved, but it didn’t. I won’t be looking for others by this author.
January 26, 2020
Ghastly cover. Dreadful formatting. Don't bother.
August 22, 2022
The synopsis was interesting but this book was something else.
October 27, 2021
Murder mystery with exciting twists and turns.
Lord Daniel Derby and his sister, Lady Sarah, have been childhood friends of Lady Amy Hartley. Daniel and Amy had feelings for each other once they grew up, but had never expressed them. However, after watching how terrible her father kept treating Amy, his protective side takes over. Lady Amy approaches Daniel seeking his help in deciphering who's writing her anonymous threatening letters, in spite of how much Lord Hartley wants her to stay away from Daniel. Amy's father only wants her to marry a man of his choosing, regardless of her feelings; Hartley will only consider a ruthless man such as Lord Leicester. No more spoilers, just get ready to unravel the murders that start popping up while at Derby's country estate. An excellent plot with interesting characters.
Lord Daniel Derby and his sister, Lady Sarah, have been childhood friends of Lady Amy Hartley. Daniel and Amy had feelings for each other once they grew up, but had never expressed them. However, after watching how terrible her father kept treating Amy, his protective side takes over. Lady Amy approaches Daniel seeking his help in deciphering who's writing her anonymous threatening letters, in spite of how much Lord Hartley wants her to stay away from Daniel. Amy's father only wants her to marry a man of his choosing, regardless of her feelings; Hartley will only consider a ruthless man such as Lord Leicester. No more spoilers, just get ready to unravel the murders that start popping up while at Derby's country estate. An excellent plot with interesting characters.
May 18, 2021
I found the synopsis to be misleading. It sounded like she was receiving letters AND deaths were happening BEFORE she asked for help from her childhood friend. All the deaths (even finding out about the first death) all happen in the second half of the book. Plus, even if the killer is unhinged, upping the body count while everyone is under house arrest isn’t smart. I was able to figure out the killer pretty quick with that. Then there is the demeaning/abusive father and stepmother. I found this disappointing.
March 18, 2022
The Earl's Dangerous Passion
This is a story full of suspense and .murder The earl is in love with his sisters best friend and she with him but her father and stepmother want her to marry another but people are dying The characters are determined and emotional The extended epilogue has a happy ending I enjoyed reading
This is a story full of suspense and .murder The earl is in love with his sisters best friend and she with him but her father and stepmother want her to marry another but people are dying The characters are determined and emotional The extended epilogue has a happy ending I enjoyed reading
April 25, 2020
Interesting plot. I got quite into the story... angry, frustrated, teary, etc... doesn't happen often. Sometimes there were missing or added words that made no sense to the story. Upon rereading it with/without words it flowed well.
January 3, 2021
Yet another amazing story from this author. Started reading this last night and haven't been able to put it down! This was a love story full of intrigue and mystery as you tried to figure out who the culprit of the story was :)
Looking forward to the next one
Looking forward to the next one
March 19, 2021
Loved it
So enjoyed this book, once I started reading it couldn't put it down. Full of intrigue, a terrible father and stepmother along with others had me from the start until the end. Love the books from Ella Edon
So enjoyed this book, once I started reading it couldn't put it down. Full of intrigue, a terrible father and stepmother along with others had me from the start until the end. Love the books from Ella Edon
June 15, 2020
The Earls Dangerous Passion
A story filled with mystery and murder that keeps you guessing till the end about the murderer. A book that keep you hooked up. Amazing.
A story filled with mystery and murder that keeps you guessing till the end about the murderer. A book that keep you hooked up. Amazing.
January 10, 2021
Not good!!
This book wasn't good to read. Very formulaic and kinda dumb. Story wasn't plausabile. Mostly skimmed through. Not for me.
This book wasn't good to read. Very formulaic and kinda dumb. Story wasn't plausabile. Mostly skimmed through. Not for me.
June 17, 2022
Excellent characters! A twisted plot with many turns that keep you guessing!
February 24, 2020
Okay, where to start with how bad this book was?
- The Earl act's like he is a weak young man, uncertain of his right as an Earl amongst society, allowing those below him in rank to dictate to him things like his house guest list and his associations
- Rebecca (the young debutante who wants to marry the Earl) chases after him, won't accept no for an answer, manages to be unchaperoned a lot and no-one is saying anything about her behaviour - not even her Aunt
- Amy who at times has debilitating anxiety and loathes crowds but at other times is tough and stands up to those attempting to abuse her, has a serious of suitors who have all died mysteriously (although this doesn't come out until two-thirds of the book)
- The Earl at the start of the book was somehow engaged, he felt strongly for the fiance, but she apparently died (who knows) as she and the engagement is somehow forgotten
- The 'good guys' are all disappointed with society's rules about Amy being the possession of her father until marriage and the rights that gives him and believe it is wrong but don't then do anything about her being physically assaulted and potentially forced into marriage
- Amy's mother managed to divorce her father but didn't get custody (surprise surprise) but somehow still manages to move about society to some extent
- Amy's best friend, the Earl's sister, is married to a Marquis who confesses his love for Amy to the Earl just before he is died. Rather than let that secret go to the grave, the Earl tell's his sister (who is 4 months pregnant) about her dead husband's feelings the day after his death because he doesn't like secrets
It just goes on - I couldn't care who was doing the killing and the letter writing in the end, I just gave up. Absolutely horrible.
- The Earl act's like he is a weak young man, uncertain of his right as an Earl amongst society, allowing those below him in rank to dictate to him things like his house guest list and his associations
- Rebecca (the young debutante who wants to marry the Earl) chases after him, won't accept no for an answer, manages to be unchaperoned a lot and no-one is saying anything about her behaviour - not even her Aunt
- Amy who at times has debilitating anxiety and loathes crowds but at other times is tough and stands up to those attempting to abuse her, has a serious of suitors who have all died mysteriously (although this doesn't come out until two-thirds of the book)
- The Earl at the start of the book was somehow engaged, he felt strongly for the fiance, but she apparently died (who knows) as she and the engagement is somehow forgotten
- The 'good guys' are all disappointed with society's rules about Amy being the possession of her father until marriage and the rights that gives him and believe it is wrong but don't then do anything about her being physically assaulted and potentially forced into marriage
- Amy's mother managed to divorce her father but didn't get custody (surprise surprise) but somehow still manages to move about society to some extent
- Amy's best friend, the Earl's sister, is married to a Marquis who confesses his love for Amy to the Earl just before he is died. Rather than let that secret go to the grave, the Earl tell's his sister (who is 4 months pregnant) about her dead husband's feelings the day after his death because he doesn't like secrets
It just goes on - I couldn't care who was doing the killing and the letter writing in the end, I just gave up. Absolutely horrible.
February 25, 2020
An awesome aread
I absolutely loved this book. The characters displayed all were so convincing and kept you on the edge of your seat all the time. The ending came as a shock you never expected but was so good. An excellent read all round. Absolutely loved it.
I absolutely loved this book. The characters displayed all were so convincing and kept you on the edge of your seat all the time. The ending came as a shock you never expected but was so good. An excellent read all round. Absolutely loved it.
October 28, 2019
Being the first book that I have read by author Ella Edon, The Earl's Dangerous Passion, is filled with love, excitement, and mystery from the very beginning. The beautiful Lady Amy Hartley has been raised in an abusive home that is sorely lacking in affection and love. Her father, Lord Hartley and stepmother, Beatrice, are trying to get Amy married off but to a man of their own choosing. Amy refuses to wed any of the men that her father has picked out because they are just like him. Wishing that she could live with her mother and stepfather, Dr. James and Anna Day, Amy is a withdrawn young lady that will open up to no one but her best friend Sarah and her brother,Lord Daniel Nottage, the Earl of Derby, who Amy has secretly had crush on for years. It seems Amy has a secret admirer that has been sending her letters, mostly speaking of love but there are several that have a dark undertone. Fearing for her daughter's safety, Anna encourages her to go speak to Daniel and see if he can find out who is the culprit. As the time passes and still no closer to the identity of the letter writer, things begin to become sinister as several murders take place that seem to point to the admirer. Will Amy be able to discover the identity of her admirer before it is too late? Will Daniel follow his heart and let Amy know his true feelings toward her? Will the murderer take the one person from Amy that she loves with all of her heart? Author Ella Edon has written a masterpiece with multiple twists and turns. I am so excited to read more from this bestselling author!
October 23, 2019
Murder and Love
Amy has recently turned 21 and still wasn't married. That encouraged her abusive father to try matchmaking all the time. That's what Lord Hartley was trying to do when we first meet Amy at the party celebrating her best friend's marriage. Sarah and Daniel knew Amy as a child and they were quite friendly and tried to encourage her to find a good husband. It was Sarah's wedding they were celebrating that night. The story of Amy and Daniel's love is one fraught with danger. There are mysterious murders, a couple of villains, secret passageways, threatening letters, and masterful plotting. I love this book, I will read it again. Thank you Ella for writing this most engaging tale. You can sure write a great story. This fast paced story will keep you reading into the night because there is always something new happening. Once you read this book you will want to find her other books.
Amy has recently turned 21 and still wasn't married. That encouraged her abusive father to try matchmaking all the time. That's what Lord Hartley was trying to do when we first meet Amy at the party celebrating her best friend's marriage. Sarah and Daniel knew Amy as a child and they were quite friendly and tried to encourage her to find a good husband. It was Sarah's wedding they were celebrating that night. The story of Amy and Daniel's love is one fraught with danger. There are mysterious murders, a couple of villains, secret passageways, threatening letters, and masterful plotting. I love this book, I will read it again. Thank you Ella for writing this most engaging tale. You can sure write a great story. This fast paced story will keep you reading into the night because there is always something new happening. Once you read this book you will want to find her other books.
October 18, 2019
Loving Amy and trying to protect her
Lady Amy Hartley has been friends with Sarah and her brother Lord Daniel Nottage, the Earl of Derby for many years and after Sarah is married, Amy's mother Anna convinces her to show the letters to him from someone that has been stalking her. Every time a suitor became close to her, they either died or were warned away from her.
When she is invited to a house party at the Earl's home, her father and step-mother takes it upon themselves to invite others, including a man that he plans to marry Amy to regardless of her feelings for Daniel. Daniel had also invited her mother Anna and her 2nd husband.
When people end up poisoned and dying, it all ties back to Amy and the man stalking her and the mysterious illnesses that have plagued Anna over the last two years........
Lady Amy Hartley has been friends with Sarah and her brother Lord Daniel Nottage, the Earl of Derby for many years and after Sarah is married, Amy's mother Anna convinces her to show the letters to him from someone that has been stalking her. Every time a suitor became close to her, they either died or were warned away from her.
When she is invited to a house party at the Earl's home, her father and step-mother takes it upon themselves to invite others, including a man that he plans to marry Amy to regardless of her feelings for Daniel. Daniel had also invited her mother Anna and her 2nd husband.
When people end up poisoned and dying, it all ties back to Amy and the man stalking her and the mysterious illnesses that have plagued Anna over the last two years........
October 23, 2019
Murderer on the Loose
A cruel father and vindictive step-mother rule Amy Hartley’s life, making her miserable. Now they want to marry her off to a lecherous womanizer, and English law says her father owns her as property. She has no say in her own affairs.
But Amy isn’t going quietly nor submissively, refusing to face an unhappy future with a man she can’t stand. Mysteriously, good men who are interested in her are disappearing or turning up murdered.
It’s a cat and mouse game trying to figure out who the murderer is. Fear about who to trust, and who will be next to die, permeates the atmosphere.
This is a great book with wonderful characters. I was frustrated with the h/h at times, which translates into how much I was involved with the story. Very good storyline. Warning there are some harsh, abusive scenes.
A cruel father and vindictive step-mother rule Amy Hartley’s life, making her miserable. Now they want to marry her off to a lecherous womanizer, and English law says her father owns her as property. She has no say in her own affairs.
But Amy isn’t going quietly nor submissively, refusing to face an unhappy future with a man she can’t stand. Mysteriously, good men who are interested in her are disappearing or turning up murdered.
It’s a cat and mouse game trying to figure out who the murderer is. Fear about who to trust, and who will be next to die, permeates the atmosphere.
This is a great book with wonderful characters. I was frustrated with the h/h at times, which translates into how much I was involved with the story. Very good storyline. Warning there are some harsh, abusive scenes.
January 27, 2020
3.5 stars
The Earl’s Dangerous Passion feels more like a murder mystery than a romance. Yes, there is a hero and heroine who’ve known each other since childhood. Yes, she’s always loved him and he comes to realize that he loves her, but for much of the book, people are being murdered and we can guess why, but not by whom. It is an interesting murder mystery story, with a non-obvious villain. However, after murder #3 I didn’t feel like a I was reading a romance at all.
If you like crime drama with a thread of romance, this is a perfect read for you. However, if you’re looking for a more typical historical romance — full of beautiful dress and room descriptions; ton gossip and lessons on propriety; dashing lords and beautiful, strong women who fall in and capture love amidst fortune hunters and simpering misses, this isn’t quite the read for you.
The Earl’s Dangerous Passion feels more like a murder mystery than a romance. Yes, there is a hero and heroine who’ve known each other since childhood. Yes, she’s always loved him and he comes to realize that he loves her, but for much of the book, people are being murdered and we can guess why, but not by whom. It is an interesting murder mystery story, with a non-obvious villain. However, after murder #3 I didn’t feel like a I was reading a romance at all.
If you like crime drama with a thread of romance, this is a perfect read for you. However, if you’re looking for a more typical historical romance — full of beautiful dress and room descriptions; ton gossip and lessons on propriety; dashing lords and beautiful, strong women who fall in and capture love amidst fortune hunters and simpering misses, this isn’t quite the read for you.
October 14, 2019
I cannot believe the tension and suspense this book put me through. It was nerve-wracking. This is an unpredictable story with a shocking end as well as an HEA. The title of this book "The Earl's Dangerous Passion" is perfect for this. Although it did make more sense by the end. Excellent characters. The plot and subplots were amazingly deceptive and had twists and turns that were hard to foresee. A must read for the strange world of obsession, stalking, murder, romance and love. I highly recommend it.
**CAUTION** There is physical abuse described in this story. If you are sensitive to that you may not want to read this.
**CAUTION** There is physical abuse described in this story. If you are sensitive to that you may not want to read this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews