An Unwilling Earl (Mayfair Men of Mystery, #1)

by Sharon Cullen

[Lindsey Gray]

When solicitor Jacob Baker’s cousin dies, he becomes the Earl of Ashland. Jacob never wanted or expected to become an earl and he’s having a hard time excepting the fact. After losing his first wife, he never wanted to marry again. A chance encounter changes that decision.

Charlotte Morris would rather live in the rookery of London than in her aunt’s home. The abuse she received at the hands of her aunt and the fear of her cousin’s actions caused her to runaway and dress as a lad to survive. When she collides with Jacob outside a gentlemen’s club, her life is changed forever.

I would keep the tissues handy for this one. We know from the onset that there is a killer stalking the streets of London and the suspicions Charlotte has. Cullen creates a strong, vibrant young woman who has survived atrocities some can’t even imagine. She weaves the expedition of a good-hearted man as he begins a new direction in life that he never expected with the frightening hardships of a young woman. Both Charlotte and Jacob fight themselves while trying to survive their environment. While suspense and mystery knit this story together, the love that grows between the two seems very natural to me.

I love these characters and pray that Cullen will continue to write in this world she’s created. There is one secondary character I’m excited to know more about. Perhaps Jacob’s best friend, Oliver McCaron, the Earl of Armbruster, will find his true love in an upcoming story of his own.

I received An Unwilling Earl for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.