I’ve experienced one of those books where all the elements make me happy but something doesn’t connect. Like when watching an episode of Face/Off (you’ll remember that?) and it gets to the ‘last looks’ and I’m like “why did this look better from 100 feet away”? That’s kind of how I feel about Capturing the Earl by Melaine Rose Clarke. You know that while the makeup artist had a full 2 days to pull just one look together, they totally dropped the ball. Their Ghila monster wouldn’t even pass the muster of a cheap episode of that terrible Josh Gates ‘Destination Truth” SYFY show. I enjoyed the sum of its parts, but once assembled seems to be a bit of a mess. Also, under the hot stage lights, the wax used to resemble moldy flesh is running down that poor model's face and it’s in her eyes, blinding her.

A little bit of plot
Emma Sinclair is an outspoken voice for social causes. Unfortunately, as an unmarried and shy member of the ton, her voice is unheard by those with the power to enact real change. When the opportunity presents itself, she perpetuates a rumor that she is betrothed to the captivating Phillip Fitzgerald, Earl of Peyton, who has been abroad for the past 3 months. With the influence that comes with being an Earl’s intended, she has gained the ear of many influential members of the house of lords. What happens when Peyton returns and she finds herself face to face with a man she’s not spoken 12 words to? Enough time spent in Emma’s company convinces Peyton that he wants this betrothal to become permanent - how will he convince Emma?

The Compliment Sandwich

The Top Bun (The Pro)
Phillip Fitzgerald, Earl of Peyton

I absolutely adored Phillip: muscular, handsome, mysterious, protective, and sensual. What’s not to love?! I love how in historical romances, they always describe the hero to look like Henry Cavill in Enola Holmes
Lets be honest, that body was built based on whey protein, a bowflex, bench pressing a tractor tire, and eating nothing but cod for 9 months.

In reality, most men of the time had never heard of PreWorkout and have barely stepped out into the sunshine long enough to develop a truly good ‘base tan’. Do I still love this trope? Fuck yes, I do.

All that said, I am cognizant of what Phillip represents in modern day historical romance. Am I upset by it? Nope. What I liked about Phillip is that he considers his muscular body and stealthy honed instincts hindering his ability to remain undercover. As a spy (spoiler! But not really) and suspected “rescuer” of London, he sees his title as the disguise needed to keep his dangerous liaisons secret. Emma herself disbelieves that he has the disposition or mannerism to be a successful stealthy secret agent.

While I’m not a fan of overly possessive heroes in romance novels, for some reason I find it somewhat sexy. While I should be affronted every time Phillip claims Emma like a possession, I can’t deny it to be incredibly hot.

“He watched her carefully. Did she regret her actions?...Yet only happiness and satisfaction, shone in her eyes as she turned toward him, curling a slender leg over his. He grasped her thigh.”
Mine.”

Damn, son.

“He lowered his head, catching her attention once more. Now he was all seriousness, his eyes golden fire. ‘What you started can no longer be undone. You are mine.’”

Yes, yes I am.

While possessive and protective, he’s not unreasonable. Emma wants to continue her volunteer work, he refuses to let her go alone, therefore, he joins her on her social action outings. Through her work, Phillip finds his own sense of purpose. He institutes a clinic in the neighborhood along with providing access to schooling for the children of factory workers. Who doesn’t love a man that gives back?

The Meat (The Con)
While not a huge fan of romantic suspense, I do dabble in the genre. When we meet Peyton in the book, he is hot on the trail of another peer of the realm that is quite possibly into some nefarious dealings. We glean some of what the villain is planning but it’s extremely vague. By the end of the book, the entire subplot with the treasonous lords is wrapped up haphazardly. I’m not exactly sure what their motives were and what eventually happened to them as punishment. Similar issues can be found with many of the other subplots - too quick resolutions or just loose ends. We have an entire subplot with a suitor of Phillips' sister being sent to the arctic. Whatever happened to him? Did he get eaten by a polar bear? Die of hyperthermia? We never know. What’s with the look that Elizabeth gives the old gentleman she runs into on the street? Moreover, what the hell happens with Elizabeth? Does Phillip continue to be a spy? THESE ARE LEGITIMATE QUESTIONS to which I have no answers.

Additionally, if I’m being honest, I don’t know if I cared for Emma. She’s so focused on finding a love match yet confines her search with asinine criteria. She vows to find love with someone because of their social action ideas while refusing to acknowledge that she has no feelings whatsoever to her intended love interest. She finds herself inexplicably drawn to Phillip yet continues to push him away by demanding they dissolve the betrothal. Chica, you have a beautiful, socially conscious, wealthy, intelligent man lavishing attention on you and wanting to take care of you the rest of your life - go with it.

The Bottom Bun (The Pro)
A Light Easy Read
I finished this book in an afternoon. It sped along quite quickly and overall a happy little read. Light on any heavy drama and with no real consequences, just know that you’re not going to have all the answers you’d like by the end. I think if you are sitting in your little cool book nook on a fall afternoon with a cup of tea, you could do worse.

As a member of the Distinguished Ladies of Purpose, Lady Emma Sinclair strives to help those less fortunate, even as others disregard her ideas as fanciful nonsense. That is, until she accidentally starts a rumor she is betrothed to Philip Fitzgerald, the powerful but absent Earl of Peyton. As society celebrates her victory in capturing the elusive lord, she enjoys new influence. Everything goes perfectly, until…
The earl returns.
Philip is shocked to arrive home to an unexpected betrothal. He doesn’t know Lady Emma’s motives or goals, yet the intelligent lady intrigues him. He will continue the ruse, chasing her secrets, even as he continues his own clandestine work. He saves people while in disguise, setting London aflame.
As everyone guesses the identity of the mysterious masked rescuer, Emma and Philip delve closer and closer to the truth, and each other.
When secrets are revealed, will a pretend betrothal become real?
This is a witty story including alligators and log rafts and a masked protector.
Emma and Philip are so good together. It's too bad they don't see it sooner.
Melanie Rose Clarke has written a perfectly funny romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

As a member of the Distinguished Ladies of Purpose, Lady Emma Sinclair strives to help those less fortunate, even as others disregard her ideas as fanciful nonsense. That is, until she accidentally starts a rumour that she has an arrangement with Philip Fitzgerald, the powerful but absent Earl of Peyton. As society celebrates her victory in capturing the elusive lord, she enjoys new influence. Everything goes perfectly, until three months later Philip returns, he’s shocked to arrive home to an unexpected betrothal. He doesn’t know Lady Emma’s motives or goals, yet the intelligent lady intrigues him. He will continue the ruse, chasing her secrets, even as he continues his own clandestine work. He saves people while in disguise, setting London aflame.
This is the second book in this wonderful series. I absolutely loved Philip & Emma, their banter was priceless & their chemistry sizzled & the humour, just brilliant. Yes some things were improbable but it’s fiction & if anything Philip's feats added to my enjoyment. There were secrets, misunderstandings & assumptions, which of course thrust a spanner in the works. I devoured this lovely book in two sittings & finished it with a huge smile on my face. I look forward to the next book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I really needed this book! When circumstances are difficult, laughter is still the best medicine, which I did throughout this novel at the hilarious scenes, the witty dialogue, and Lady Emma's foot-shaped mouth. Together Lord Philip and Lady Emma make a wonderful couple, although they are keeping secrets from one another, and the best-kept secret is the betrothal that came about when gossipers spread rumors. I loved Philip's unexpected acceptance of the news of his engagement upon his return to England, as it fits in perfectly with his own plans. However, discovering Emma's secret forays into the darker parts of the city piqued his curiosity, but when she runs into trouble, the mystery of the masked rescuer is born. Whilst Emma is holding out for a love match, it takes Philip a little longer to realize that his own heart is involved, resulting in a romantic conclusion, but only after he had to rescue her yet again. I received a copy of this delightful romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Lady Emma Sinclair and her friends are secretly working to improve the lives of orphans and those people who need help, by persuading the Lords to vote for their causes. She uses the name of an Earl who has been away for months as her supposed betrothed to give her more influence.

Lord Phillip Fitzgerald, Earl of Peyton is a lot more than he seems. When he returns from his latest assignment he's shocked to discover he is now expected to make an announcement.

This is an hilariously funny historical romance. Both our characters have a quirky sense of humour that tends to get our heroine in particular, into all sorts of trouble. Our hero is desperately trying to stay out of the limelight but his need to protect and rescue anyone in need overtakes him.

This is the first book from this author I have read. Now I will be searching her back catalogue for more.

Lovely light-hearted reading.

Great fun.

I read this book of NetGallery on 10/10/21.Captured by the Earl is a Rom Com that explores the depth of social acts and laws. The two main characters are like the same person but in different fonts. They both have secrets, are involved in politics, and want to make a change. Lady Emma rumor relationship with Duke Peyton was a relationship that was imaginary. That is until the Duke returned from American to find out about it. He was utterly shocked but extremely fixated with Lady Emma. Emma is a very strong main lead she has a weakness for Duke Peyton and he can see it clear as day. They both battle there feelings for each other through out the book. There whole relationship brings the reader plenty of laughter and smiles. I rate this book 10/10

Another love match for the Ton in book 2 of The Secret Crusaders series. Author Melanie Rose Clarke is on fire with this series and I cannot wait to see what book 3 brings. In this story we have a lady who sort of starts a rumor of her possible upcoming betrothal to the Earl of Peyton. The fact that she doesn’t correct this misconception has to do with the instant power his name gives her while she continues to work on social justice issues with her “sewing club” and everything is going fine until Philip Fitzgerald, her almost betrothed Earl returns to London. While many may think Philip would be upset, he is instead intrigued by Emma, and starts to press his suit for a real betrothal. Emma wants a love match. Philip has sworn off love. How will these two ever make it to “I do” —- it’s a fun story!

I found myself laughing as these two try to figure out if they have a chance at happiness, Philip is pursuant and persuasive, Emily likes to be chased and will only settle for love!

Excellent story that is worthy of 5 Stars ⭐️ | I only wish it had an epilogue.

Melanie Rose Clarke is quickly becoming one of my favorite Historical Romance authors. She has a way of making the characters come alive and their personalities shine. Emma is adorable! When she gets nervous the most hilarious things just pop out of her mouth! There are dozens of scenes that are my favorite, but one in my top five is when Emma is trying to distract Peyton:

She pointed to a discombobulated mishmash of colors and shapes splattered on a canvas. “That painting is absolutely fabulous. I’ve noticed it every visit, and could spend hours staring at it. You must tell me where you got it, Lord Dryfus, so I can secure one for my home.”
Everyone turned to the large artwork. Emma peered closer, frowned. Upon further study, perhaps it wasn’t a meaningless subject after all. Shapes started to form into people, colors into body parts. She gasped.
It showed a man…
And a woman…
And another man.
And another woman.
And about a dozen of each more, for good measure, without the little indulgence of clothing.
And who knew people could bend like that?
Peyton’s eye twitched.
Approximately a year of stunned silence passed before Dryfus cleared his throat. “I’m… er… glad you like it. Ladies do not usually comment on it.”
“I don’t see why not.” She cringed. Blending in with the settee was still not working.
“It is a most extraordinary painting.” Peyton leaned forward. “Tell me, what do you like most about it?”
Emma choked. “It’s just so… moving.”
Definitely the wrong word.
“It really strikes you deep down.”
Far worse.
“Deep, deep down. Really at your core.”
Her mind had clearly booked a trip to America without her.
Dryfus made some sort of strangling noise. Priscilla now looked like she was trying to blend in with the settee. And Peyton?
He looked like he wanted to devour her.

There are many lively conversations about rashes on asses, log trips to America, and alligators! I can gush about this book for hours! It is hilarious, but at the same time it tackles important heartbreaking social problems of the time. I have read hundreds and hundreds of Historical romance books, but I would have to put this in my top 10 of all time! I can't wait for the next book in the series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
💋💋

Can’t explain how much I loved this book, I’m just going to say you have to read it.
It’s has the most enjoyable moments and banter on every page, the two lead characters are brilliant to say the least.

Peyton/ Philip and Emma are priceless together, I got so many giggles from these two in conversation, and the love scenes are beautiful, just enough information for you to use your imagination about what’s happening, and when.

I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

Sent from my iPhone

A masked hero, a secret "sewing" club, and maybe a betrothal filled this book with entertaining elements.

I liked that this book really showcased helping others that may not be as well off. The slow burn of a romance was nice and focused on learning eachothers secrets.

I really liked the characters since they were more alike than they realized. The only thing I wished was a bit different was Emma being so dense about figuring out the masked hero. I think it was frustrating as a reader since the hero was unveiled early on.

Besides Emma and Philip, many of the supporting characters really enhanced the plot as well. Catherine's relationship with her brother was a nice side plot.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and couldn'tput it down!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Captured By The Earl is a heart-racing, romantic thrill of a novel. Philip and Emma’s journey is fraught with danger, secrets, and passion that makes for an entertaining, eye-catching read.

Philip returns home to London to find himself betrothed to Emma, a woman he barely knows. Emma accidentally starts a betrothal rumor and quickly discovers the benefits it provides. She helps support her social change agenda by talking to Lords under the guise of Philip’s support. When the two meet, sparks fly, and Philip decides this betrothal might prove to be something he desires.

Both Philip and Emma hide important secrets and hide those secrets well. Philip has been in love before and vows safety over love. Philip is strong, brave, and domineering, hidden behind the façade of a spoiled earl. Philip engages in clandestine missions. Emma’s passion is for those less fortunate, and she works tirelessly for social change, using any advantage she can find. Emma longs for a love match to a deserving man who holds similar beliefs. Emma participates in a secret society for those less fortunate. Philip and Emma’s passion ignites the page, yet all the secrets put a wedge between them. They must learn the most important lesson of trust if their love will work out.

The plot was enchanting! I was laughing throughout and was also entertained by the action. The story raced and the banter between the two main characters was spot-on. My attention never waned. Philip and Emma were a perfect match, even if it took a while for them to realize. The secondary characters added depth to the story telling. It took a little too long for Emma to solve the big mystery, but the story was too much fun for that to be a negative factor. Captured By The Earl is the second book in The Secret Crusaders series. This fun book left me smiling. Melanie Rose Clarke has created an imaginative, thrilling, passionate book you will not want to miss, even in the Arctic, the far part! I laughed and smiled at this fascinating journey into secrets identities, false pretenses, and heart-warming romance.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.