Deceiving an Earl (Mayfair Men of Mystery, #2)

by Sharon Cullen

[Lindsey Gray]

Oliver McCaron, Earl of Armbruster, spent seventeen years wondering what happened to his Ellen to change her mind about marrying him. Ellen instead married the Earl of Fieldhurst, a man twice her age. While in the same circles, the two never spoke to each other until Oliver showed up at Ellen’s salon. Oliver never intended to attend, but at the behest of the Crown, he joins the unusual crowd gathered in Ellen’s home.

Ellen’s husband passed away three years ago, leaving her to show their young son how to be an earl. Now sixteen, Philip, has been suspended from Eton and might possibly be expelled. Ellen is at her wits end since the boy believes he’s ready to take over for his late father. Through their renewed acquaintance, Ellen asks Oliver for help to set Philip on the right track.

Renowned surgeon, William, has been nipping at Ellen’s heels for months. While Ellen only sees him as a friend, William needs more. When Ellen rebuffs his proposal, William discovers a long-held secret he uses to force Ellen’s hand.

Cullen has given us another dynamic story! Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. The story goes back and forth between the past in the present, so we get to see Ellen and Oliver at seventeen and at thirty-four. The road they take is made even more complicated by Philip and William in very different ways. Ellen is tough with a huge heart. Her son always comes first. While he never intended to, Oliver has waited for Ellen to hold his heart once again. As always, Cullen delivers us a very satisfying ending. So, what are you waiting for? Have tissues in hand for this magnificent love story that spans almost two decades.

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