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Tempting the Earl
Emily must masquerade as an Earl's servant for reasons she's not willing to divulge. To her astonishment she finds she enjoys the role, but unfortunately finds herself attracted to the haughty young earl. He too struggles with an attraction to his beautiful new maid, but has his mind set on pursuing a courtship with the much more appropriate Lady Maude. Who is Emily? Why is she hiding in the Earl's household? Can a case of mistaken identity lead to true love?
266 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2010
95 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Wendy May Andrews
52 books161 followersWendy May Andrews has been reading whatever she could get her hands on since the age of five. She has been writing for almost as long, although Tempting the Earl was the first story she was willing to share with anyone other than her mother. Since then, Wendy has published more than forty Sweet Historical Romance novels.
Wendy lives in Toronto with her own real-life hero. When not writing or reading, she loves traveling with her husband, wherever the mood takes them.
Wendy lives in Toronto with her own real-life hero. When not writing or reading, she loves traveling with her husband, wherever the mood takes them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 3, 2018
I enjoyed this one, good story line and while it bugged me that Emily wouldn't confide to him it all worked out well in the end.
Moral Note: Some sinister deeds, no language that I can remember, clean romance.
Moral Note: Some sinister deeds, no language that I can remember, clean romance.
May 13, 2016
Light yet interesting read...
I liked this book. It was fairly predictable and light yet I enjoyed the storyline and really loved the protagonist. The author often summarized events and jumped around with different points of view but it was still a pretty good story.
I liked this book. It was fairly predictable and light yet I enjoyed the storyline and really loved the protagonist. The author often summarized events and jumped around with different points of view but it was still a pretty good story.
June 22, 2017
When Yorkleigh, an earl who is bored with life, discovers a young woman has hidden on his carriage, he is intrigued, but decides to be kind. Little does he realize the secrets she is hiding. Can this serious man resist the charms of the kind Emily?
While this book is a bit predictable, the journey it takes-from the moment Emily and Yorkleigh meet to the end where the expected ending occurs- is absolutely delightful. The pace is slow but steady, allowing the reader time to adjust to these characters. Emily is a sweet girl, even though I was annoyed with her for taking so long to confide her secret with anyone. Yorkleigh is a good enough hero, but at times I was a little confused by him.
The plot, as I said, is predictable, but sweet. As a way to spend a few hours, it is a delight.
For readers who enjoy a historical tale with a sweet storyline, this is a must read.
While this book is a bit predictable, the journey it takes-from the moment Emily and Yorkleigh meet to the end where the expected ending occurs- is absolutely delightful. The pace is slow but steady, allowing the reader time to adjust to these characters. Emily is a sweet girl, even though I was annoyed with her for taking so long to confide her secret with anyone. Yorkleigh is a good enough hero, but at times I was a little confused by him.
The plot, as I said, is predictable, but sweet. As a way to spend a few hours, it is a delight.
For readers who enjoy a historical tale with a sweet storyline, this is a must read.
April 19, 2021
Epitome of Mystery, Romance, Humor, and Pleasant Personalities
Now that I have read so many of Wendy’s delightful dialogues, I can tell you there will be WHOOPs ...of joy ... of laughter ! Chuckles, guffaws, quick wit, spunky spirited behavior give the characters appeal. In addition, to the amusing moments there are breath-taking mysteries that require courage, and tender signs affection with descriptions of deep love. A dramatic proposal preceded a surprising revelation in the end. I highly recommend books written by Wendy May Andrews.
Now that I have read so many of Wendy’s delightful dialogues, I can tell you there will be WHOOPs ...of joy ... of laughter ! Chuckles, guffaws, quick wit, spunky spirited behavior give the characters appeal. In addition, to the amusing moments there are breath-taking mysteries that require courage, and tender signs affection with descriptions of deep love. A dramatic proposal preceded a surprising revelation in the end. I highly recommend books written by Wendy May Andrews.
July 19, 2022
not super captivating but interesting enough to read through.
This story kept me engaged enough to finish it, so I gave it 4 stars. I don’t know if this will make sense- it’s more of a surface read. It didn’t go into depth about the characters or any interactions at any point. It went over a length of time fairly quick. & compared to other regency books I’ve read, this one didn’t seem very researched as to proper protocol for titles & etc. I ignored what felt off but I know that annoys others quite a bit.
This story kept me engaged enough to finish it, so I gave it 4 stars. I don’t know if this will make sense- it’s more of a surface read. It didn’t go into depth about the characters or any interactions at any point. It went over a length of time fairly quick. & compared to other regency books I’ve read, this one didn’t seem very researched as to proper protocol for titles & etc. I ignored what felt off but I know that annoys others quite a bit.
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May 15, 2024Went from good to awful
About 1\3 of the way through the book, there was a significant shift. The dialogue became extremely stilted, the protagonist became very silly, the writing became very juvenile and the social mores of the era were totally disregarded. I'm not sure if the author lost her editor, or if the remaining 2\3 of the book was written by someone else.
This is the 6th book I've read by the author and I have loved all but this one.
I would recommend skipping this book as it became extremely frustrating to read.
About 1\3 of the way through the book, there was a significant shift. The dialogue became extremely stilted, the protagonist became very silly, the writing became very juvenile and the social mores of the era were totally disregarded. I'm not sure if the author lost her editor, or if the remaining 2\3 of the book was written by someone else.
This is the 6th book I've read by the author and I have loved all but this one.
I would recommend skipping this book as it became extremely frustrating to read.
February 9, 2024
my favorite style (spoiler alert)
I loved the characters in this book and the trope of a missing heiress. What I loved more is that the villain was a minor part of the story. There were no crazy, last minute kidnappings like I’ve read I countless books. The heroine saved herself by living out the circumstances in which she found herself. And in the end, the villain got his just desserts.
I loved the characters in this book and the trope of a missing heiress. What I loved more is that the villain was a minor part of the story. There were no crazy, last minute kidnappings like I’ve read I countless books. The heroine saved herself by living out the circumstances in which she found herself. And in the end, the villain got his just desserts.
October 16, 2025
Excellent Entertainment
I really loved this love story. For a lot of reasons. Too many to list, actually. But I can say best of all I loved the plot, the character developement with Philip and Emily. It is a story of courage, honor, family and trust. Well written and historical accuracy. Great book to read and reread. Thank you WM Anderson.
I really loved this love story. For a lot of reasons. Too many to list, actually. But I can say best of all I loved the plot, the character developement with Philip and Emily. It is a story of courage, honor, family and trust. Well written and historical accuracy. Great book to read and reread. Thank you WM Anderson.
November 7, 2025
I felt like I knew the truth when the characters did not!
Can you imagine the inside of Bedlam 200 years ago? We have come so far since then, and the King's mental decline is referred to at the end as well. In the meantime we see struggle to know when to share our truth and when you trust our hearts.it was a great read!
Can you imagine the inside of Bedlam 200 years ago? We have come so far since then, and the King's mental decline is referred to at the end as well. In the meantime we see struggle to know when to share our truth and when you trust our hearts.it was a great read!
November 24, 2018
Loved this clean and very interesting story ,well done !!! I
Loved this clean Romance and interesting Story Loved that there was this danger and mystery to the Heroin and also her kindness was great.
Loved this clean Romance and interesting Story Loved that there was this danger and mystery to the Heroin and also her kindness was great.
March 20, 2020
Set in 1809 Lord Philip, the young Earl of Yorkleigh is surprised to find a young woman hiding in trunk compartment of his coach.
Emily has escaped Bedlam and counts on Philip to take her in.
Andrews' plot is a slightly melodramatic, but suits the Era.
Emily has escaped Bedlam and counts on Philip to take her in.
Andrews' plot is a slightly melodramatic, but suits the Era.
August 4, 2025
This book is an adventure!
I really enjoyed this book! I couldn't wait to turn the page. The parents had trusted an Uncle to take care of there Daughter! But she was to smart for him! She escaped and was pretty smart to stay hidden. I promise you a good read!!!
I really enjoyed this book! I couldn't wait to turn the page. The parents had trusted an Uncle to take care of there Daughter! But she was to smart for him! She escaped and was pretty smart to stay hidden. I promise you a good read!!!
October 5, 2017
This book was intended for the YA audience. I found it slow moving and not that exciting.
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December 17, 2019She has a vocabulary list.
May 16, 2020
mind numbing in an undeniably pleasant way. to be honest however it felt like reading a summery of the story and not the actual story itself.
August 8, 2020
Beautiful love story
This was a good story, but was a little drawn out. The last one I read got to the point sooner.
This was a good story, but was a little drawn out. The last one I read got to the point sooner.
February 3, 2022
This is a fun, predictable story. There were parts that felt repetitive, but I still stayed awake far too late to finish it.
August 1, 2022
Very enjoyable!
Such a charming fairy tale of a maid disguising her true identity! It was such fun to read about her meeting various personalities and how she dealt with everyone.
Such a charming fairy tale of a maid disguising her true identity! It was such fun to read about her meeting various personalities and how she dealt with everyone.
July 4, 2010
An Intriguing Maze for the Heart
Lord Philip, the eighth Earl of Yorkleigh, was astonished when he found a beautiful, but bedraggled young woman in the boot of his carriage! Emily’s clothes were dirty and tattered, but there was no denying that she was quite lovely and seemed in desperate straits. Gallantly, Philip offered to assist her.
Emily was on the run and quickly accepted the earl’s offer of employment, becoming a maid in his own household. She was safe at last and quite at peace in Lord Philip’s garden or organizing the many books in his well appointed study.
To Philip, however, Emily was a puzzling contradiction. Although she professed to be nothing more than a lady’s maid, she sang in French and could hold her own in a heated philosophical debate. Worse still, the earl was very attracted to Emily. Holding his emotions in check was becoming a growing issue, one he would definitely have to address once he located a missing marchioness for the king.
The reader is treated to a maze of delicious clues leading to only one conclusion. Young Emily is much more than she appears to be and perhaps, with Philip’s help, the case of the missing marchioness may yet have a happy ending. Ms. Andrews has a marvelous writing style and I thoroughly enjoyed the tantalizing plot twists. Nicely done!
Lord Philip, the eighth Earl of Yorkleigh, was astonished when he found a beautiful, but bedraggled young woman in the boot of his carriage! Emily’s clothes were dirty and tattered, but there was no denying that she was quite lovely and seemed in desperate straits. Gallantly, Philip offered to assist her.
Emily was on the run and quickly accepted the earl’s offer of employment, becoming a maid in his own household. She was safe at last and quite at peace in Lord Philip’s garden or organizing the many books in his well appointed study.
To Philip, however, Emily was a puzzling contradiction. Although she professed to be nothing more than a lady’s maid, she sang in French and could hold her own in a heated philosophical debate. Worse still, the earl was very attracted to Emily. Holding his emotions in check was becoming a growing issue, one he would definitely have to address once he located a missing marchioness for the king.
The reader is treated to a maze of delicious clues leading to only one conclusion. Young Emily is much more than she appears to be and perhaps, with Philip’s help, the case of the missing marchioness may yet have a happy ending. Ms. Andrews has a marvelous writing style and I thoroughly enjoyed the tantalizing plot twists. Nicely done!
February 17, 2011
I did not have high expectations when I began reading this book. Consequently I was delightfully surprised. It is a romance novel that reads much like a Jane Austen novel. In fact I was often reminded of Pride and Prejudice (he finds himself loving her despite his better judgment) and Mansfield Park (she is overlooked because she is not high-born). The story was quite delightful despite the romance driven plot. I enjoyed reading immensely.
The only complaint that I have is that the main character has only one character flaw: she trusts no-one. Without her single character flaw there would be no story.
The only complaint that I have is that the main character has only one character flaw: she trusts no-one. Without her single character flaw there would be no story.
March 2, 2016
I liked this first book by Wendy Andrews. It is a clean, fun read that I would recommend. There were a few issues with using modern language rather than period, but that's being nit picky. My main complaint is that the hero seemed a little dense. When the heroine's name is "Emily" and the missing heiress' name is "Emmaline" and the way she arrives in his life, you would think he might at least have some suspicion. I was also hoping for more of a showdown with the villain. All in all though, a recommended fun read. I really liked her second book The Duke Conspiracy and am looking forward to her third. She keeps getting better with each book.
October 2, 2013
A pleasant enough read, if a bit juvenile at times. The book could have benefited from better editing for certain; typographical and grammatical errors existed throughout. Also, the love interests don't actually spend much time together, leading one to wonder how they actually would have developed any feelings towards each other. Lastly, the male lead is written as if he's a bit dull in the head and doesn't see what's right in front of him in basic situations. That grated a bit at times. But overall, the feel was very pleasant and unobtrusive. An enjoyable lightweight read.
July 17, 2015
Who is that young lady?
Although not actually realistic or believable, Regency novels seldom are. Despite that fact they're usually a lot of fun, and certainly this book was a lot of fun. As we see the young urchin ensconced into the Dukes household and rise from a maid to his mothers companion, then we see her actually have a season in London, the suspense (not really) of her identity leads us on a merry chase. If you, like me, enjoy the Regency romances, you're sure to be pleased.
Although not actually realistic or believable, Regency novels seldom are. Despite that fact they're usually a lot of fun, and certainly this book was a lot of fun. As we see the young urchin ensconced into the Dukes household and rise from a maid to his mothers companion, then we see her actually have a season in London, the suspense (not really) of her identity leads us on a merry chase. If you, like me, enjoy the Regency romances, you're sure to be pleased.
October 21, 2015
PG -
Language: one swear,
Sex: no sex.
This was a nice way to pass the time, but for me, there was really no connection or attachment to the characters. It was more like a narrator was telling the story and I had no real idea about what the characters were thinking or going through other than "She didn't allow herself to think about her attraction" or some other such nonsense. It wasn't clear how the "big misunderstanding" came about, either, as it seemed that the h was present for the events leading up to it.
Language: one swear,
Sex: no sex.
This was a nice way to pass the time, but for me, there was really no connection or attachment to the characters. It was more like a narrator was telling the story and I had no real idea about what the characters were thinking or going through other than "She didn't allow herself to think about her attraction" or some other such nonsense. It wasn't clear how the "big misunderstanding" came about, either, as it seemed that the h was present for the events leading up to it.
October 11, 2014
This had some intriguing aspects and was on the whole an enjoyable read. There were some quirks with appropriate language use for the period as well as a few anachronistic things, but even with that I enjoyed the story. The main character, Emily, is very sweet. I enjoyed her enthusiasm.
April 10, 2010
loved the plot.
June 1, 2010
Not brilliantly written or edited, but an easy, pleasing read nonetheless.
October 9, 2011
This is a really sweet historical romance. There is a bit of intrigue to add a little spice to the love story. I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I did!
October 25, 2015
I enjoyed the characters and the story. But the head-hopping--sometimes in the same paragraph--was very distracting.
March 27, 2017
I like this book, even though they believe the heroin to be below them they still treated her with respect. The heroin was smart, beautiful, accomplished and easy to like.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews