I loved this book. An intelligent heroine and hero!

Jonathan, Lord Lindsey, after hearing his abusive fathers will, was set on a wild goose chase to find a trio of missing paintings that would set the Earldom back to its once wealthy status. That was only one bequest he had to follow, the other ways to produce an heir, something he had no intention of doing. That was until he met beautiful and vivacious Lady Caroline.

Caroline and her parents had rushed back to England from Italy, thinking they wanted her to join the Season and find a husband, but that was only part of it. With the help of her cousins, she joined the Season and the numerous parties determined only to marry for love, that was until she met the dashing Lord Lindsey. What follows is what neither of them wanted or intended, but fate had other plans.

I’ve read all of Anabelle Bryant’s books, this one by far is my favorite! I highly recommend.

What a lovely book to end this Midnight Series by the talented Anabelle Bryant! I immediately took a liking to Jonathon Cromsford, Earl of Lindsey. However, it took me a little longer to develop a fondness for our heroine, Lady Caroline...but it didn't take too long!! A delightful Recency tale filled with some quirky twists, daring escapades and some steamy romance. Lindsey is such a rogue, but we know his true self will shine forth....Caroline is an interesting young woman who has her own secrets - a family with a spotty past and her own health condition. Lindsey needs to accomplish several dangerous tasks, find a suitable bride and produce a legitimate heir. Caroline is looking for a good, strong, respectable husband. Never a dull moment! You'll be captivated by Lindsey and Caroline!! Oh, and did I mention there are several pieces of art involved in this wonderful story??

Wit, charm and sizzle are deliciously intertwined in Anabelle Bryant’s irresistible new historical romance, London’s Most Elusive Earl.

Jonathan Cromford, Earl of Lindsey, has always known that his late father was a ruthless and cold-hearted individual who seemed to love nothing more than to make his son’s life a living hell, but even Jonathan – whose opinion of his father has always been very low – never imagined that his papa would stoop so low! After waiting an interminable nine months for the will to be read out, Jonathan is flabbergasted when he finds out that one of the conditions of his father’s will stipulates that he must produce a legitimate heir! Attracting women has never been a problem for Jonathan, however, while he has never had any qualms in indulging in no-strings fun, relationships and commitment have never figured highly on his agenda. Now forced to fulfil his father’s last request, Jonathan needs to put his desires on hold whilst he procures a legitimate heir, however, little does he realise that his life is going to be turned upside down by a woman who will get under his skin and breach the defences which he has built around himself: Lady Caroline Nicholson.

Back from Italy, Caroline is on the lookout for a husband. Despite of her family’s chequered past, Caroline is not about to let her unfortunate relations come between her and her desire to find a suitable husband and make an advantageous match. With the help of her well-bred and well-connected cousins, Caroline aims to have a ring on her finger before the season ends and although marrying a titled gentleman is high on her list of priorities, the one thing she is adamant about is that she will not marry notorious rakehell Jonathan Cromford, Earl of Lindsey. However, when she finds herself coming face to face with the Ton’s infamous heartbreaker, she quickly understands why so many ladies of her class are keen to catch his eye. Still, Caroline cannot afford to lose sight of her quest to marry well – even if she finds herself unable and unwilling to stop herself from thinking about the Earl of Lindsey…

With fate keen to throw the two of them together, Caroline and Jonathan soon find themselves thrust in close proximity and as their feelings for one another intensify, will they find the courage to take a leap of faith and a chance on love? Or will they let their pride and their insecurities cost them a love that will last a lifetime?

Anabelle Bryant’s London’s Most Elusive Earl is a wonderful historical romance readers will not be able to stop themselves from gobbling up in one irresistible morsel. A thrilling and captivating tale that sparkles with heat, humor and heart, London’s Most Elusive Earl is a gripping read of forbidden desire, illicit attraction and everlasting love featuring a strong, determined and resourceful heroine and a gorgeous rogue who will have readers reaching for their smelling salts.

A terrific page-turner that is perfect for fans of Tessa Dare and Sarah Maclean, Anabelle Bryant’s London’s Most Elusive Earl is a tantalizing historical romance readers will not be able to put down.

London’s Most Elusive Earl is the fourth book in the Midnight Secrets series, and what a delightful romance it turns out to be with all the twists involved as Jonathan and Caroline work their way toward falling in love and a future worth fighting for.

Jonathan’s abusive arse of a father had set forth certain outlandish requirements for his son to gain his inheritance. Recover stolen art that belonged to the estate… oh, and produce an heir before you can access any of your inherited wealth. Even beyond the grave, Jonathan’s father continues to be a tyrant, abusive, and simply cruel in his intention toward his remaining family. As he sets out to accomplish at least one part of that cruel list, finding the artwork and returning it to the estate (in other words, stealing it back) was something he could do. That marry and produce an heir part was going to be nearly impossible as Jonathan has strong memories of a loveless, abusive marriage between his parents and had vowed to never face the same fate as his mother had. He knows he must but for now, he’s set that aside… until one chance encounter, and then another will open his eyes and perhaps his heart to another option, actually finding a woman to love enough to take the risks marriage involves.

Caroline’s family had fled Italy under… well, circumstances that she’d rather not think about nor talk about. Her goal was to find a well-established, strong, respectable man with a solid marriage in their futures. And she’s been warned away from men like Jonathan by her cousins who know London’s ton far better than she does. Funny, isn’t it, how the mind knows one thing but the heart will pull a person in a different direction. Caroline’s chance encounters with Jonathan doesn’t at first seem like a match made in heaven for them… but Jonathan and Caroline share a love of art, even with his current unreasonable quest before him. And slowly, through chance encounters and beyond this couple will find that what’s on the surface often hides deep convictions, pain, and a need to be accepted exactly as they are without question. Watching them work their way through obstacles, and often times, themselves toward that happy ending was an emotional journey often filled with laughter and definitely steam between these two.

I enjoyed my time with Caroline and Jonathan in London’s Most Elusive Earl. When they allowed themselves to really ‘see’ each other beyond assumptions and the gossip of the ton, they found in each other someone to accept them as they are and love them in spite of circumstances. There are threads that weren’t completely tied up which leaves me to think there may be more to come in this series… I guess time will tell. If you enjoy a well-told tale, some obstacles to overcome, definitely chemistry and steamy moments, and a love story that can touch your heart then you’d enjoy this story and series.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Kensington Books via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

"Your philandering ways need to come to an end. I'll not have my heritage die by your foolish neglect." Lord Jonathan Cromford, Earl of Lindsey, is not surprised by his cold-hearted late father's will and the numerous conditions for claiming his inheritance. But requiring that the rogue first produce an heir is beyond the pale. Yet when Lindsey accidentally meets Lady Caroline Nicholson, he finds that his life is suddenly full of the unexpected. Recently returned to London from Italy, Caroline won't allow the questionable circumstances of her family's hasty departure to overshadow her desire to marry well. With the help of her society-savvy cousins, she intends to be engaged before the season ends. But even her best laid plans do not prevent her from becoming tongue-tied upon meeting legendary rakehell, the Earl of Lindsey.
This is the fourth book in the series & another well written book. I really liked both Jonathan & Caroline & found the road to their HEA an entertaining read but I felt there were quite a few questions which were left unanswered & I was left wanting more. I loved the way Jonathan fell & the scene with his proposal was lovely. I hope there are more books to follow which will tie everything up
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

London’s Most Elusive Earl is my latest lesson in “don’t judge a book by its cover” (a lesson I never seem to learn, as I fall for these illustrated covers constantly). Because not only is it not the lighthearted read suggested by the cover, it’s also the fourth in a series with a different cover style for the first three which I felt would have set up my expectations better (although I admit I passed them up at time of release, because I’m contrary like that). However, the issue is not with the continuity, and it stands alone, but it was empty of any real depth or personality at all to compel me to invest my time in it.

This is meant to be about the hero, Jonathan, following through on his father’s last wishes for him. And while one aspect did spark a glimmer of interest, when he finds out his father wasn’t the perfect saint Jonathan and the world thought he was and he sired an illegitimate child. However, the rest of what I managed to get through was fairly uninteresting.

And I didn’t get the point of Caroline? They meet a lot by chance, but I failed to see any spark between them…it all felt so forced.

And the icing on the cake is the author has no idea how titles and forms of address work. At one point she commits what I’ll call an “Enola” (see the Twitter controversy about the marquess in Enola Holmes) and addresses her hero as Lord Cromford, Earl of Lindsey. Not to mention repeatedly addressing her heroine, the unmarried daughter of a nobleman (I can’t remember if her father’s rank was mentioned, but I assume her father was at least an Earl) as “Lady Nicholson. It’s not hard to fix in editing, but given what I’ve heard about the lack of knowledge editors seem to have about how these systems work, I don’t have hope that will be addressed in final edits.

So, this was just not great for me, and a few others seemed to have issues with it too. But it also has some good reviews, and I’d encourage looking at a balance of them before making a decision.

The newly inherited Earl of Lindsey has just been told the stipulations of his maniacal father’s will: Before he can inherit he must recover 3 lost paintings owned but the family and marry and beget an heir. Jonathan is incensed, but decides to search out the lost painting, even though he refuses to ever marry or continue the family line.

Ok- this is where you loose me… why search out the painting when you refuse to complete to second half of the requirements??? The painting investigation, just didn’t draw me in.

As for our lady love interest who shows up in all the right places, Caroline may end up with her HEA, I found her common sense lacking. When you start your association with your London renewed rake/ love interest by overseeing his most recent tryst… why do you continue to pursue?

I couldn’t get behind their romance and the search for the paintings. I have really enjoyed the previous books in the Midnight Secrets series, this one was just not for me

London’s Most Elusive Earl by Anabelle Bryant is scheduled to release October 13th, 2020.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.


#LondonsMostElusiveEarl #AnabelleBryant #pinkcowlandreads

Jonathan, Earl of Lindsey, is bound and determined to not marry, but he agrees to find the stolen art from his father's estate to fulfill some of the requirements of the will.

Lady Caroline needs to marry well, and her cousins are more than happy to help her become betrothed by the end of the season.

Meeting in unusual circumstances, fate keeps throwing them together. He's a rakehell, and
Caroline should be avoiding him, but desire seems to get in the way.

Along the way to finding the art, there's mystery, danger, and while they fight the attraction between them, there's no denying the chemistry.

Can these two, destined to be together, accept the differences between them and find a way to love or will they let the unknowns keep them apart?  

Wonderful romance I recommend!

**received an ARC from the publisher**

This is a lovely sweet story with very low angst and a treasure (kind of) hunt. Sometimes I need something that is not high intensity (my normal read) and this one hit the spot. I thought Lindsey was swoonworthy but was less interested in Charlotte even though parts of her story are devastatingly sad.

Will his ways and her issue keep them apart...

At first, because of its cover very different from the previous, I thought this book was not related with the previous in this series, my first read by the author.
And while it is a classic trope of the rakehell slowly falling but falling hard for the unexpected debutante, it was much entertaining to watch how he was caught, unaware of himself slowly dropping the walls around his heart.
Jonathan is doomed to suffer his father’s heavy handling, even from his grave, he is cursed by his wretched sire.
All his life he had to endure his ire and fists, now free from him, he can’t enjoy his freedom as it comes with conditions and ifs.
I loved this man damaged by his raising and lack of true care. He is trapped but also able to see what has more value than a bank account well furnished.
Caroline knows she must do with her circumstances, but it does not forbid her to dream from more. She is there to finds a husband but she refuses to settle for less than attraction and affection. She thinks the marriage part is very predatory, like the hunts she so dislikes.
They first meet and at first light, they are the antithesis of the other, while they see the arch-enemy in the other, it is their differences that draw them toward the other. And at each encounter, their view of the other tilt of its axis, their chemistry reaching each time new peaks.
Their romance while sensual is also sweet as it is a game of cat and mouse and trust to be won.

I loved Jonathan’s proposal scene, a perfect illustration of his character.
And while they get closure, there are things left unanswered like what about Powell, or how Mills helped Jonathan ...

A great addition to this series, 4 stars.

I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Kensington, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

I really loved London's Most Elusive Earl (Midnight Secrets, #4). I have read every book by Anabelle Bryant and I especially liked this one.
Lord Jonathan Cromford, the Earl of Lindsey, has never gotten on well with his father, and when his father passes away, he leaves a list of things he expects to be taken care of -before Jonathan will inherit. One of these things is to settle down, get married and produce an heir! This is something Jonathan has no interest in, as he is a notorious rake. He has not ever been with anyone that he would consider marriage with. He does not believe in love.

Lady Caroline Nicholson, recently returned from Italy, with her parents, under uncertain circumstances, is fully determined to be engaged before the season's end, and get on with life! However there is one thing she will hold out for-true love-not a marriage of convenience. Caroline, along with her cousins are all looking for 'the one', and have filled Caroline's head with all the do's and don'ts about who to select! They know all the gossip of the ton and therefore know who and who not to pick!

At the very first place they all go to, Caroline feels nervous just a little much and goes into the library to get a few minutes alone to calm herself, when she hears someone coming in, and quickly hides. This is how she sees Jonathan for the first time- with a married woman in his arms! Rakehell indeed!

This book has it all, mystery, suspense, feelings of unrequited love, anxiety, and it is interesting to see how both of these characters handle each situation! One thing is for sure, there is never a dull moment, and things come out on both Jonathan and Caroline's side of the family, which in itself causes quite a commotion.

The heart wants what the heart wants and sometimes these two characters have to follow their heart and it will be interesting to see how it all turns out.

Although this book can be read as a stand alone, I highly recommend reading the whole series, to get the enjoyment I did reading a series from a beginning:


London's Wicked Affair (Midnight Secrets Book 1)
London's Best Kept Secret: A Scandalous Regency Romance (Midnight Secrets Bo
London’s Late Night Scandal (Midnight Secrets Book 3)

I also recommend Three Regency Rogues,

Bastards of London series,

Regency Charms

I gave this book 5 stars and can't wait to read the next book by this author!

What a treat! Jonathan, the Earl of Lindsay, must recover three paintings stolen from his family, and more importantly, father an heir in order to claim his inheritance. Lady Caroline Nicolson is looking for a husband but Lindsay seems just so...inappropriate at first. They bond, however, over art and that evolves into love. BUt= there must be tension and here the issue is Carline's concern that a fall from a horse could have cost her the ability to bear children. You know this will resolve happily but there's some twists along the way. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Good characters.

This book had an interesting premise, but the writing was very laboured - so many adjectives, so many word choices that were just slightly off, and so many awkward sentences. I wanted to give this a proper chance because it really did sound like fun, from the blurb, but the writing made it impossible to get into the story. I think a really thorough line edit would make it a highly enjoyable book, but as it stands, I found it unreadable.

The story was slow to begin; I was afraid it wouldn’t keep my interest and that it would be a chore to finish. Fortunately, that was not the case. The story was relatively predictable and nothing earth-shattering, but I appreciated the romance. The hero and heroine didn’t make demands upon each other, didn’t want to change the other, didn’t have to prove themselves. It may not have been the easiest thing, but they simply allowed themselves to fall in love. I was quite taken with that part of the story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

It was a very generic storyline. Bad Earl gets good girl. I liked the story and liked the characters. But I found it predictable and a little boring.
The Earl, Jonathan, had to fulfill certain requirements in order to inherit. That part would have been interesting if it were spelled out in full. The appearance of a half brother he never knew about was never fully explained.
Caroline was looking for a husband. Shes been told to stay away from the Earl because he has a bad reputation. She is also harboring a secret. She is most likely barren due to no longer getting her courses. This was another lose end not totally addressed.
I just felt the book a little disconnected. Too many things not fully explained.
Unfortunately not a book I really connected with. 3 stars⭐⭐⭐
I want to thank Netgalley for the chance to review this book.

Sometimes all efforts are in vain, all obstacles are insufficient, all excuses are invalid, when there is a word for love. No matter how much they oppose it, it simply finds a way to subdue, to drive people crazy, to get them carried away in its whirlpool ..... and all obstacles fall, all excuses are lost somewhere in the whirlpool ... And there are only those two people ..He and She…..

Anabelle Bryant tells about such a love in her latest work London’s Most Elusive Earl, a love that will make you dream, hope, love... As in her previous works London's Wicked Affair, London's Best Kept Secret and London's Late Night Scandal, Anabelle Bryant will not disappoint in any way, instead she will delight you with a combination of interesting plot and tender, raw love. Maybe the main characters seem not suitable for each other, completely inappropriate ... He, a powerful earl with a far-reaching reputation, hidden under his mask, she, a gentle debutante, smart, amusing and with sincere hopes.

Faced with mutual interest, Lord Jonathan Cromford, Earl of Lindsey and Lady Caroline Nicholson are characters that as you read, you are simply drawn into their thoughts, and you manage to live their fairy tale. With a connection so intense and undeniable, and passion that burns inside them, they are simply made for each other. No matter how much they deny, and fight against the feelings that neither want, nor understand, the two are simply dragged into the whirlpool of passion and love, which makes them surrender, believe, love .....

If you still enjoy traveling through time, for a moment to walk to some distant place in some distant time, and to enjoy the sounds of a passionate and dangerous love game, then you'll be delighted with this newest addition to the Midnight Secrets series.

London’s Most Elusive Early by Annabelle Bryant presents a hero and heroine who, despite their private reasons to stay apart, gravitate towards each other despite all of their obstacles. The Earl of Lindsey and Lady Caroline Nicholson each have private reasons for marriage, and despite the reputation of one as a rake, and the efforts to maintain propriety by the other, the two cannot seem to help fall in love. Bryant throws in an art world intrigue, family secrets, and the self sacrifices both characters make for each other, and London’s Most Elusive Earl stacks up to be a solid historical romance.

I enjoyed this one. There is a lot of adult related content, which was a little unexpected but the overall storyline is good.

Thank you netgalley for providing this arc in exchange for an honest an honest review.
Unfortunately this novel did not hold my interest. The storyline was slow and the characters were unappealing. The earl is under obligation to fulfill his father’s wishes as last testament of his will in order to inherit his estate. His journey to fulfilling his obligations to restore his estate is complicated and uninteresting.

I knew I was going to like this book by the end of the first chapter. An unrepentant rogue and a woman who finds him the least desirable bachelor in London. I knew these two would fall and fall hard. There’s nothing better than that transformation of “how could they possibly” to “they were meant for each other” and all the electrifying tension in between. That’s what I love about Anabelle Bryant’s books. She makes me believe.
Lord Jonathan Cromford, Earl of Lindsey and Lady Caroline Nicholson found their way into my heart early in this story. I ached for them both. Jonathan’s cruel father had left a will with many specific, life-altering, rule dictating contingencies. One specifically that Jonathan had no desire to fulfill. Marry and produce an heir. After so many years of avoiding emotional attachments, Jonathan didn’t even think he was capable of loyalty, honor, and love. The things a wife would require. I felt for Caroline as well. She had her heart set on making a match but she was overwhelmed with the advice and machinations of her family. She longed for security, loyalty, and love. Someone to accept her as she was.
When these two met, I knew I would savor every minute of their journey to love. Caroline knew Jonathan was exactly the type of man who invited gossip and scandal. Exactly the type of man she should avoid. She intended to find a husband. She didn’t need a distraction. “Certainly not one with overwhelming virility and a piercing gaze that sent her pulse into a skitter.” Jonathan was determined to solve the first of his father’s demands and get on with his life. There was no room in his life for distraction. “No room in his life for a debutante. Never mind a young miss pursuing some idealist version of wedded bliss. And yet, whenever he so much as looked at Caroline, his carefully constructed plans for the future may as well have never existed.”
I loved watching these two anticipate each encounter with each other, baffled by why they felt the way they did. Their connection was intense and undeniable. It just took them a while to figure it out. Which made it even sweeter to watch their feelings awaken and their romance slowly build.
I’m hoping there is more planned for this series. I’m dying to know more about Powell and what exactly he’s up to. I’m hoping the fact that that particular tidbit isn’t answered is because there’s more to come.
If you’re looking for a charming, romantic story with excellent pacing, romance, and a little mystery, you’ll be delighted with this newest addition to the Midnight Secrets series.
Review by Amy for Book Obsessed Chicks