The Shadow Earl

By: Stella Riley

Narrated by: Alex Wyndham

Length: 11 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

At the end of his Grand Tour, somewhere between Athens and Constantinople, Christian Selwyn, the young Earl of Hazelmere, vanished—seemingly without trace.

Time passes. In London, his uncle and cousin move into his home, while his unofficial fiancée, Sophia, is left desolate and in limbo.

Finally, his friends–loyal and close as brothers–set out to search in person, determined to find him and bring him home.

Christian’s startling re-appearance at a grand ball hosted by his uncle takes society by storm, fueling endless speculation. Where has he been during these three missing years? What happened to him? And more importantly, how did it happen?

Only one thing is clear. The earl who left England five years ago has returned a changed man. A man with secrets....

©2023 Stella Riley (P)2023 Stella Riley

Excellent

Stella Riley does it again! “The Shadow Earl” is another great audiobook and when Alex Wyndham is the narrator, I will listen!

Good story!

This is my first Stella Riley novel, and it won’t be my last. Hopefully she’s written more concerning some of the secondary characters.

Amazing story

This is my go to author and narrator when I need an emotional boost. I like a bit of mystery and intrigue but really want the HEA. I was a bit surprised thinking this one might take a darker turn but was surprised when we found out what really happened in captivity. It also brought to light that what is very traumatic and devastating to us may be perceived differently by others. She didn't less his feelings or emotions from the trauma but had his support system step up and be understanding. Great job Stella. Can't wait for the next book.

Kit and Sophie

Good tale. Kit had trauma and Sophie had courage. Kit had PTSD from his experience. He and his friends come up with and elaborate scheme.

Unforgettable

The Shadow Earl is a heartwarming story of true love with the most amazing characters and intricately woven backstory. I simply loved it, and will most certainly be both reading it again, and listening to it again on audiobook.

Christian and Sophia have a truly beautiful love story that withstands the most dreadful of trials - and yet the reader always knows that they will come through somehow victorious. I honestly could not say that I loved one more than the other because both Christian and Sophia are characters that capture your heart immediately and that only becomes more true as their story is revealed. I love when he calls her Sophie Rose. And the epilogue is like icing on the cake!

All of Christian‘s friends are wonderful characters who we know from previous stories by Miss Riley and they add even more depth to the story.

Then there is Sophie’s sister, Julia, who is deaf and dumb and delightful. Will we hear more of her in the future along with Christian‘s friend Gerald?

I will just briefly say that Christian‘s cousin Basil is disgusting and despicable, and deserves the worst consequences.

I very highly recommend this book, as well as the audiobook which is narrated by the incomparable Alex Wyndham.

5+ stars

P.S. Two days later and it’s really hard to move on from this book!

Many shadows resolving into light

Beautifully told story of enduring love, cunning jealousy, heroic friendship, and (mostly) satisfying justice. In many aspects, Kit's story mirrors the experiences of Edmond Dantès but, unlike Edmond, Kit has a group of honorable friends who finds, rescues, and helps facilitate a most-deserved revenge. My only disagreement is with Kit's belief of the "innocence" of his uncle Eustace, who claims to have "only suspected" his son, Basil, had done something to Kit, but then behaves as if he had finally received his just inheritance. Eustace's "disguised" jealousy must have influenced his language and behavior and likely affected the behavior and attitude of his weak-willed and selfish son. However, that being said, I'm beyond excited to learn this book is the first of a new series from a favorite author, to read future stories about Kit's friends, and to get a further peek at loved characters from the Rockliffe series. Narration/performance by the exceptional Alex Wyndham, is a jewel.

Another triumph !

A stunningly beautiful love story performed with his usual brilliance by Alex Wyndham. Please tell
Me that this is the first novel in a series?

Another great book and series!

I was hesitant to start this book with new characters because I had enjoyed her other series so much. However, I was delighted to find that The Shadow Earl inhabits the same “world” as those from the Rockliffe and Brandon Brothers series, and several characters from those books make appearances here. I am looking forward to the stories to come about Kit’s friends. And I wonder if Sophia’s sister Gwen will continue to be petty, jealous, and selfish, or if she somehow learns to become a better person and ends up marrying one of the friends possibly??? It would be a good redemption-type story for her. As always, Alex Wyndham provides excellent narration, which makes the audiobook particularly enjoyable.

Not a typical romance. Very interesting storyline.

Diverse characters who care about each other. Some humor and some pain. Great love story! Great narrator.

Stella & Alex

Charming story. The writing and narration superb once again in this new series. I enjoyed that it connects with previous characters.