Definitely a different take on Robin Hood! Mariel, a strong but wary skilly archeress, leaves her abusive father to avoid an abusive marriage. She ends up in Robert's lands and an unlikely relationship develops. Both character's have pasts they are trying to break from so is this a foundation for them to bond over? Her archery skills lead to an interesting proposal and the band of merry men is seen in action. Always on the run from her father she cannot allow anything to delay her. Mariel was such an interesting charater, strong, fiercely independent but wary and lonely. Robert has such strong desires to help those in need and trusts easily. As we know it has a HEA but the road there was an interesting ride. If you enjoy Robin Hoode and/or historical romance give this a read!

What a lovely read. I like strong female characters, but I love strong female leads with visible flaws. Mariel is clever, resourceful, a great archeress…and absolutely terrified of her father which she is very open about to Robert. It was refreshing to read and made Mariel all that more endearing despite her also trying to prove repeatedly that she can “take care of herself.” Yes, that age old trope.

That being said, there are few men worthy of her, but Robert is definitely one of them. Faced with obstacles on all sides, Robert handles them all with ease and dignity all while trying to protect Mariel and not fall for her.

Historical romance can be hit or miss. With so many of them out there, it can be overwhelming to weed out the good ones. AEftA is great read worth your time. While not an original plotline, Watson’s breathes life into it fueled by dynamic characters and a powerful love story you can’t help but root for.

Received in exchange for a honest review.

You will feel for Mariel when you learn about her father and how horrible he is. She is a great character though. Strong, stubborn and independent. Not something that is common in her era. That is what makes her awesome. She is not the norm. She is capable and has her own mind. she can take care of herself. But she doesn’t trust easily and does jump to conclusions and acts before knowing everything. She does this especially with Robert.

Robert who is kind and caring. who treats those under him with respect and as equals. Robert who is fair and open. who is intrigued by Mariel and wants to help her. But he doesn’t just want to help Mariel. He wants to help those who need it. Like the church that takes care of those who don’t have enough to help themselves. Like those who lose everything to the horrible Sheriff of Nottingham. To me him and his friends are the merrymen and Robin Hood. what makes him even better than his kindness? He sees Mariel as an equal. He respects her skill and wants her by his side. He knows there is attraction but does try to deny his feelings at first.

He grows to love her though and wants to protect her from the evil that is her dad. their story is vivacious and full of stubbornness on both ends. But also trust and respect. She doesn’t always trust him but begins to as she sees he isn’t what she thought. she sees he isn’t her father. they build a relationship based on respect and Robert’s patience and kindness. The feelings slowly reveal themselves and has them wanting one another. I love how protective Robert is and yet he respects mariel and her ability to take care of herself. He trusts her but knows she is in trouble. Knows that she needs to accept help even if she doesn’t want to. Watching them fall in love while evading her father and helping those that need it is wonderfully written and addictive. The story is sassy and fun. Sweet and alluring. A story of finding love and trust where least likely to see it and taking a chance on trust and someone. A chance that can take everything away from both: freedom, land, titles -only to see them fight for one another and succeed in love, overcoming bad and creating a future for themselves and those around them.

This is an excellent retelling of Robin Hood. Mariel is trying to escape her abusive father who promises her to an old Earl who acts the same as he does. She runs away with no money and decides to enter an archery contest as a boy to try to win some. She goes arrow for arrow with Robert, the Earl of Huntington, and the contest is unfairly given to him. Robert is intrigued and becomes even more so when he discovers she isn't a boy. As their relationship develops, he realizes he will do whatever it will take to keep her safe.
 
I enjoyed this book for the most part. I got annoyed at Mariel for running away because of every little thing. I understand not trusting men because of what happened with her father but I felt that she also wasn't standing up for herself by just running away like that. I love that Robert didn't let her just run away. He had patience enough to slowly break down her walls. I do like the originality in the way this retelling is done and thought it was a nice spin on it.

"An Earl for the Archeress" is a story with parallels to "Robin Hood." I'm usually not a fan of what I term "remakes," but Watson has taken this legend and successfully put her own spin on it. It was a great read which I would highly recommend. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the tale of Robert of Huntington and Mariel Crawford.

This was a great story about strength under pressure. I loved that Mariel was a woman who took matters into her own hands and got out of an abusive situation. I loved Robert's protective nature over Mariel. Between her sass and his wit, there is some very enjoyable and humorous banter between the two of them. This was a great reimagining of a Robin Hood-esque type of romance with interesting characters and a plot line that was engaging and moved along at just the right pace.

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley & Entangled Publishing, LLC in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

Publisher's Description:
Desperate for coin, Lady Mariel Crawford enters an archery contest as a boy but despite her unmatched skill she loses in a tie to the intriguing, frustrating, and very handsome Earl of Huntington. Robert of Huntington seems like any other young philanderer and Mariel, fleeing a cruel father, trusts no man. Yet Robert proves to have a softer side that threatens her resolve to remain alone and unattached.

When Robert bests a young woman at a tourney, his curiosity deepens when he realizes she is the daughter of the ruthless Beast of Ayr. And when he learns that Mariel’s father conspires with the Sheriff of Nottingham Robert is compelled to protect her. Even if it means lying. Even if it means the only way he can save her is by marrying her. He’s willing to lose everything to guard the Scottish wildling who has pierced his heart.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading this Robin Hood like tale of Robert and Mariel. It reminded me much of Robin Hood and Maid Marian except this maid is no simpering helpless maid.
Her cruel and vicious father is much like the one from the age old tale and our hero tackles the Sheriff of Nottingham much like Robin did.
This sensual tale is wonderfully written with well developed characters and an entrancing storyline.
I gave this book 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3.75 of 5.0 flames.
The physical encounter is a lone one but you can assuredly feel the heat in this wonderfully told story.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this title from the publicist via NetGalley to read for an upcoming blog tour.
This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Since I'm a sucker for Disney, I was intrigued by the blurb of An Earl for the Archeress. Could this be a great re-telling of Robin Hood, where the Hood gets the lady? But this time with a very strong and independent lady, who can shoot arrows better than any man?
Well, in the first part of the story, this is definitely the case. The story starts with Lady Mariel, who tries to enter an archery match. Since women are not allowed to enter, she tries to enter 'her brother' for the game.
She encounters sir Robert, who helps her to enter the match. Little did she know that sir Robert is actually the one hosting the game. So, when she disguises herself as a boy and enters the game, she ends up as the finalist against sir Robert.
During the last arrows, the staff announces that sir Robert won the game. Frustrated, out of money and out of food, Mariel flees the scene. After the game, sir Robert (who can't help but wonder who his opponent was), finds out that his staff had granted him the victory, whilst they were tied in the game.
When he tries to find his opponent, to give him the rightful price, he finds out that he (she) has gone.
Some days later, Mariel is caught while catching a rabbit on sir Robert's land. Out of money and out of food, she was desperate for something to eat. She is brought to sir Robert and he fortunately recognizes her as his opponent.
He is intrigued by the woman and asks her to stay in his castle to recover.

So far, so good. But then we are at about one third of the book. And then it starts to go downhill. The story proceeds with how sir Robert is actually the 'Robin Hood' of Nottingham and how he secretely takes money from the noble with his friend John.
But this part is very longwinded and I kept checking the pagenumbers to see if I was nearing the end...

So, only three out of five stars from me. With a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

Well, I completely missed the reference to the Sheriff of Nottingham in the blurb when I picked this one up, probably because I was already too excited about the fact the heroine was an archeress because I freaking LOVE tomboys in historicals! So it came as a very pleasant surprise when I started reading and discovered it was a Robin Hood retelling!

ZOMG!

Did anyone else absolutely love the Kevin Costner movie as a kid? With the Bryan Adams theme song that was number one in the UK for about a million years? Don't care. Still love it. Still mumble along to it when it comes on the radio.

So, the Robin Hood aspect really upped my enjoyment of this book, and also served to make it very unlike any other Scottish Romance I've read so far. And I've read a few. The adventures of Robert's band of merry men took up a little bit of page time instead of it being solely about the romance, which for me was a plus as Scottish Romances can get a bit samey in their historical detailing. I can only read about so many clans, keeps, and chieftains before I'm like yep, yep, and then what happened?

Robert and Mariel were both great characters. What made Mariel a particularly great tomboy character was that it was borne of necessity, not brattishness. Her father, the Sheriff of Ayrshire, was such an abusive brute that when he threatened to marry her off to someone just as heinnous and even older than himself, she ran. And to earn some coin and fend for herself, she competed in archery competitions disguised as a young man. Which is where she meets Robert!

Hee hee!

Robert was great. He's a bit of a rogue with a cheeky smile and, due to his looks and title, he's never been short of female company. So it's awesome to see how besotted he becomes with the one woman who's litterally having none of it. His charm is wasted on her because she's just too wary and too independant at this point to be wowed by his offers of protection as most other ladies would be.

The romance was well-orchestrated, with just the right amount of steam - although I could have done without hearing about Robert's codpiece quite so often. The plot was pleasantly entertaining and in good balance to the love story, and all the little Robin Hood touches were the cherry on top.

Overall, An Earl for the Archeress is a sweet and merry tale of love, trust and friendship that all readers of Historical and Scottish Romance would enjoy.

sometimes it's nice to change things up from the standard regency period historical. i feel like i read a lot of regency, but i really do enjoy other time periods too. and this medieval romance, an earl for an archeress, a robin hood retelling of sorts is so, so good.

i always love a good robin hood story. something about the guy who roots for and protects the underdog is so appealing. and from the moment we meet robert of huntington we are charmed. mariel crawford is less charmed, but she has plenty of reasons to be suspicious of men. her father, the sheriff of ayreshire is abusive and cruel, and she has been running and hiding from him for the last 9 months. surviving as a woman in a man's world without resorting to prostitution is something of an achievement. mariel might not be an innocent, but she's given up the life of a lady to live on her wit's and talent for archery alone.

robert recognizes mariel as a woman the moment she steps onto the playing field. and when they are the finalists and tie in the tournament he is intrigued by this woman who is his equal. not only is she his equal in archery, she is his equal in all things. and for the first time the idea of marriage doesn't seem abhorrent, even though societal rules and mariel's own wariness are huge obstacles that would need to be overcome should things ever get that far.

from the moment they meet, mariel and robert put a claim on each other. mariel tries so hard to resist it, running from robert every chance she gets. but he won't let her go. he keeps fighting for her. and the fact that he does, that he keeps her close both horrifies her and heals her the deep wounds to her psyche caused by her father's treatment of her.

everything about this romance worked for me. the stakes, the obstacles, the lead's and their chemistry all came together beautifully. rob and mari were meant to be from the moment they encountered each other at the earl's tourney, and everything they go through builds on that moment of connection in a way that feels deep and meaningful.

It's one of those books which grab your interest right from the beginning, and you can't help but give it your full attention. The story is very engaging, and it kept me engrossed until the very end. Mariel and Robert are a perfect couple, both living outside of society's rules. Mariel doesn't want to be controlled by men and Robert has no intention of controlling a woman.
Mariel ran away from home to avoid marriage to an English brute. Also she is tired of her father's abusive behavior. Now she must learn to survive on her own, a woman in man's world fending for herself. But so far she is doing just fine. She has avoided being captured by her father, and also kept herself fed. Next step is to get enough money so that she can go far away and never has to fear her father, or any many, ever again.
Robert is intrigued by the woman who claims to be entering Archery contest on her brother's behalf. Soon he finds out her secret but he is even more attracted to her afterwards. He hopes that he can convince her to stay with him. He can provide her with shelter and much more.... but will the stubborn woman agree or not is another question entirely....
I loved it and would be recommending it to all historical fans. It's definitely something worth reading.

Mariel Crawford is on the run from her father. He is a powerful and abusive Laird, and Sheriff of Ayr in Scotland. When he said he was betrothing her to a man very much like himself, she ran. She going to win the money to travel to the continent in an archery contest.
Robert, the Earl of Huntington is himself an expert archer and can hardly believe that young "Elmer" is so good. He needs someone like him to add to his men that carry out special tasks. He is determined to help the poor who are being robbed by the local sheriff.
Once you start reading this you will realize who the story is about, but it's told in a very different way to normal. I was not expecting the way it played out. There is a lot of action and fabulous characters. A wonderful adventure with a strong, brave heroine and a stubborn hero.
I loved it.

A definite buy buy buy book. However, I had to go three stars for it was a little light at times and a little heavy on the fairy tale at others.
BUT"!
I think the story was good, it had wonderful characters and written in a way that was totally different aspect on Robin Hood. I loved the romance as well as the humor. The author does a good job of catching your attention and keeping it for this one. While the plot line was a twist on the fairy tale, the romance was wonderful. It made it well worth the read. A good start to the series and an author that I shall be watching! I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom

'An Earl for the Archeress' by E. Elizabeth Watson is the First Book in the New Series called, "The Ladies of Scotland". This is the story of Mariel Crawford and Robert, the Earl of Huntington.
Mariel is on the run from her abuse father, Laird, and Sheriff of Ayr in Scotland. As the oldest daughter and child he has been grooming her and trying to beat her strong. Now, Mariel has left her younger sister who doesn't get the raft that she gets alone. But Mariel felt she had no choice. While hiding out she has been earning money in Archery contest. When she is set to compete in Robert's contest she seems to loose to him because of a man in his employee says that Robert won with they actually both tied. Mariel sneaks away from the game after 'losing' to make her way from there but is caught days later by Robert's men who throw her in the dungeon.
Robert knows that he needs to find 'Elmer' who is actually lady Mariel. Robert feels guilt over the unjust that was given to Mariel in the game. When he sees his men being cruel to "Elmer" he quickly goes forth and takes control.
But what will happen with the truth of Elmer/Mariel comes out. Will Mariel move past the hurt her father caused her and now she feels that Robert is of the same cloth as her father.
This book was impossible to put down! Loved it. Can't wait to read more from this author and this sires.
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2HX0B5ELOPP5Z?ie=UTF8&ref_=sv_ys_3
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1831318-sissy-s-romance-book-review-for-you
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookReview
http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
http://booklikes.com/blog
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordpress.com/
https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebookreviewforyoublog
https://plus.google.com/+SissyHicks

I enjoyed this retelling of the Robin Hood story. Mariel Crawford runs away from her cruel father when he promises her hand to an old Earl, who like her father, thinks there's nothing wrong with using his fists to keep a woman in line. Problem is when she ran, she has no coin, so she uses her archery skill in a tournament, hoping to win the purse. Her main adversary is Robert, Earl of Huntington. He's intrigued with the "lad" matching him arrow for arrow. When the competition is given to Robert unfairly, Mariel runs again, but Robert realizes the lad is actually a woman. The rest of the story is Robert trying to convince her that he's not like her abusive father. Back and forth these two go while Robert takes on his alter-ego to steal from the cruel Sheriff of Nottingham.

The author does a good job of letting the reader into Mariel's and Robert's inner thinking, but I did get a little tired of Mariel running away at the slightest provocation. Fans of historical fiction and fairy tale retellings will enjoy this book.

An Earl for an Archeress by Elizabeth Watson
A Ladies of Scotland Novel #1

Romance set in 1190 with a twist on the Robin Hood theme sees Mariel and Robert tiptoeing around the best way to keep her safe from her abusive father who is not only set on taming her but also desirous of marrying her off to someone that will further his political aspirations. Robert and Mariel seem well matched in more ways than one BUT there are many things against them and the possibility of them spending time together in the future – whether or not they will conquer all is what this story is about. Well, it also introduces Rob’s band of merry men, Mariel’s sister, someone that has a thing for Mariel’s sister, some other women that may or may not show up in future books and a fun story to read set in the medieval time period. I did have a quibble or two about whether or not codpieces and corsets were actually in use in 1190 and even though I googled was not able to find out for sure…but the question did send me hunting for information.

What I liked:
* Both Mariel and Robert are strong in mind and body and willing to state their minds
* Mariel was willing to leave everything to get away from her father
* Both, though highborn, saw the needs of those less fortunate
* Everything was not easy for the two of them
* The side characters were intriguing
* I wondered who the next book in the series would be about
* The writing style
* The villains were heinous and deserved their comeuppance
* The camaraderie of Robert and his followers

What I didn’t like:
* Mariel always haring off like a rabbit when afraid
* Mariel’s lack of trust in Robert although it might be reasonable considering her past
* Her sister’s choice at the end of the book (unless she stars in the next book and all works out well for her)

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4.5 Stars

Snore fest.

A retelling of Robin Hood...that is boring as hell.

If I had to read about Robert's oh so huge codpiece I think I might barf. Oh yeah he used it as a purse too.

Boring beyond boring.

Received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.

Lots of action in this one, but it also had a wonderful romance between two wonderfully developed characters. Loved how well written it was and couldn't stop reading.
I received an ARC copy of this book from netgalley.

Mariel Crawford is an exceptional archer, but she is a woman and not allowed to participate in tourneys, so she becomes her brother, Elmer. The earl is a little unconventional and knows she is a woman but says nothing. The surroundings are so well described. The characters make you laugh, cry and feel sad, They are so realistic. The story is set in King Arthur's time, he is away on the 13th crusade, but is expected back soon.. The plot is complex, so much is happening in this story. The author has taken all the bits and pieces, compiled them and created a smooth, even paced and amazing tale. With her writing ,she has done a great job of drawing you in and keeping your attention thru out. I loved it. Their elopement was simple but lovely. It is racy but so very good a book. There were other momentous moments for some reason this one sticks out. I hope you love it as much as I did. I received this from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed.

4.25 stars
Lady Mariel Crawford enters an archery contest as her brother Elmer but despite her unmatched skill she loses in a tie to the intriguing, frustrating, and very handsome Earl of Huntington. Robert of Huntington seems like any other young philanderer and Mariel, fleeing her cruel father ‘The Beast of Ayr’, trusts no man. Yet Robert proves to have a softer side that threatens her resolve to remain alone and unattached. When Robert bests a young woman at a tourney, his curiosity deepens when he realizes she is the young woman who was to have married his cruel father. when he learns that Mariel’s father conspires with the Sheriff of Nottingham Robert is compelled to protect her & the only way he can save her is by marrying her. He’s willing to lose everything to guard the Scottish wildling who has pierced his heart.
A well written novel that had a well placed plot, very good characters, romance, threats & plenty of humour. Mariel’s eye rolling had me laughing. Set in the reign of Richard the Lionheart, the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham had taken lands from nobility who wouldn’t bend to his will including the lands of the Earl of Lincoln, a strapping man who Mariel calls Little John, then there’s the relative of Robert, Will Scarlet & there are thieves living in the forests. A very good take on one of England’s best loved folklore heroes. Robert & Mariel were attracted to each other from first meeting when she entered Elmer for the archery tourney. However with Mariel’s past it was only natural that she thought the worst of Robert, he was patient & gradually broke down her defences. I thoroughly enjoyed the book & finished it in a day, I look forward to reading more from the author