An engaging read!

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The Elusive Earl (Saints & Scoundrels #2) by Maddison Michaels    
                           

 High adventure with a spitfire and a controlled Englishman who's an accomplished spy despite his appearance of never having gone beyond the ballroom. Villains abound, some more wicked than others. Legends out from history, a blighted past, murder and treasure hunting all played out in Cosenza, Italy.
Daniel Wolcott, the Earl of Thornton, has spent a lifetime rescuing his mentor's niece Brianna Penderley. Her latest escapade leaves him scrambling for Naples where Brianna has apparently managed to get herself engaged to not one, but two Italians, whilst looking for the lost treasure of King Aleric. (Michaels' author's discussion is a fascinating footnote to the action). However, the danger ramps up when her cousin Travis is kidnapped. Daniel finds himself thrust into the maelstrom that is Brianna, as he battles to try to stay one step ahead of his frustrating charge who consistently battens on the hatches of his holed up heart.
I must admit, that near the end, in a quite enchanting scene,  I felt Daniel was channeling Colin Firth a là Bridget Jones. I kid you not!  It was quite  eerie hearing Firth's voice speaking some of Daniel's lines.
An appealing read with some delightful twists.

 A NetGalley ARC

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