The Shadow Earl
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Narrated by:
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Alex Wyndham
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By:
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Stella Riley
About this listen
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 RileyListeners also enjoyed...
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- Under the Mistletoe Collection
- By: Ali Hazelwood
- Narrated by: Vivienne LaRue
- Length: 2 hrs
- Unabridged
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All newly minted pediatrician Jamie Malek wants is to borrow a roasting pan for Christmas dinner. Unfortunately, that requires her to interact with Marc—her best friend’s troublemaking brother, who’s now a tech billionaire. He’s the one who got away. She’s the one who broke his heart. Outside, a howling blizzard. Inside, a crackling fire. Suddenly, being snowbound with the man she never expected to see again might not be such a bad way to spend a winter’s night.
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Endless insecurities and translation fails
- By 🔥 Phx17 🔥 on 11-12-24
By: Ali Hazelwood
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Holiday Hideaway
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- By: Mary Kay Andrews
- Narrated by: Eva Kaminsky
- Length: 1 hr and 59 mins
- Unabridged
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Tilly Farriday isn’t feeling very jolly this season. Recently divorced and broke, she’s squatting in one of her rental agency’s properties until her new home is ready. The sprinkles on top of the burnt Christmas cookie that is her life? The new owner shows up early, forcing Tilly to hide in the attic to save her job…and what remains of her dignity.
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I ain’t afraid of no ghosts
- By 🔥 Phx17 🔥 on 10-31-24
By: Mary Kay Andrews
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The Plight Before Christmas
- By: Kate Stewart
- Narrated by: Joe Arden, Maxine Mitchell
- Length: 10 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
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Clark Griswold was onto something...at least with his annual holiday meltdown. And since the last three weeks of my life have been riddled with humbug—another breakup, a broken toe, an office promotion I deserved and didn’t get—I’m not at all in the mood to celebrate nor have the happ, happ, happiest Christmas EVER.
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Gaslighting and games
- By FMC on 12-22-22
By: Kate Stewart
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How to Lose a Guy Before Christmas
- By: A.J. Pine
- Narrated by: Andi Arndt, Jason Clarke
- Length: 5 hrs and 24 mins
- Original Recording
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After a snowstorm grounds her flight, Lucy makes a last-ditch effort to get home for Christmas using a rideshare app. She thinks she’ll be taking a road trip with a stranger...but the guy who shows up is someone she knows all too well. He’s the hookup she ghosted a few months ago, and now she’ll be stuck in a car with him for the most awkward road trip of her life.
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Nearly pitch perfect holiday romcom novella
- By 🔥 Phx17 🔥 on 11-17-23
By: A.J. Pine
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Merriment and Mayhem
- Under the Mistletoe Collection
- By: Alexandria Bellefleur
- Narrated by: Amelie Griffin
- Length: 1 hr and 30 mins
- Unabridged
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When Everleigh Dangerfield’s baking disaster necessitates a call to 911, firefighter Griffin Brantley douses the flames in the kitchen, but the ones he stokes in Everleigh are an entirely different story. Unfortunately, Everleigh’s only visiting and doesn’t do casual hookups, no matter how smoldering the temptation. But Everleigh’s holiday mishaps have just begun. And Griffin is seemingly always on call. If Everleigh is game for a change of plans, he can give her the merriest Christmas of her life.
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Shoulda been Merriment, Mayhem, and Mouth
- By 🔥 Phx17 🔥 on 11-12-24
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Resting Scrooge Face
- A Short Story
- By: Meghan Quinn
- Narrated by: Carly Robins, Aaron Shedlock
- Length: 1 hr and 42 mins
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After a bad breakup, Nola wants nothing to do with Christmas, especially in her quaint hometown of Bright Harbor, Maine. Infuriatingly charming and cheery, Nola’s surroundings only worsen her sour mood. To make matters worse, Caleb, the boy who broke her heart years ago, is all grown up and still living in town. While doing her best to avoid him, Nola bumps into the local mailman, who gives her a mysterious letter. And when she finds that the writer is a fellow Scrooge, she can’t help but feel her spirit lifting.
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No-sex, “enemies to lovers,” Christmas short story
- By Kate McMurry on 12-24-22
By: Meghan Quinn
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When Charlotte's grandmother invites her to accompany her to Norfolk, Charlotte jumps at the chance to visit the sea and escape the fuss surrounding her sister's wedding preparations in London. Lord William Cheston, on the other hand, is most unhappy when his mother informs him that her old friend and a granddaughter are coming to stay. Not only is it lambing season, but he's also dealing with the mysterious loss of several sheep. The last thing he needs is a child underfoot.
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Lucas Berkeley has a secret—one he cannot risk anyone discovering. After all, a future marquess belongs in drawing rooms, not underground boxing circles. Yet with a painful past and a need to control every aspect of his life, it is his only outlet. And when his brother begins to court the one woman who could ruin everything, Lucas needs the secret diversion more than ever.
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What listeners say about The Shadow Earl
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Cricket
- 10-27-23
Excellent
Stella Riley does it again! “The Shadow Earl” is another great audiobook and when Alex Wyndham is the narrator, I will listen!
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3 people found this helpful
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- Heather Brown
- 08-27-23
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.
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4 people found this helpful
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- Beth B
- 08-27-23
GOBBLED IT UO IN A DAY - AN EXCELLENT LISTEN
STELLA RILEY HAS DELIVERED ANOTHER DEEP AND DELICIOUS STORY INVOLVING A YOUNG EARL, CHRISTIAN, SOPHIA THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE , A GROUP OF CLOSE MALE FRIENDS AND A TRAITOROUS RELATIVE, BASIL.
CHRISTIAN HAS BEEN A HAPPY, EASY GOING AND CARING INDIVIDUAL BUT DUE TO AN ABUSIVE SITUATION HE HAS ESCAPED, HE HARDLY KNOWS HIMSELF AND IS COMPLETELY BOTTLED UP INSIDE AND FEELS LITTLE OR NO EMOTION, FOR THREE YEARS HE WAS IMPRISONED BY A TURKISH NOBLE AND TOTALLY DEMORALIZED . I PARTICULARLY LIKE THAT IT IS THE MALE CHARACTER THAT IS DEALING WITH THE EMOTIONAL STATE CAUSED BY THIS IMPRISONMENT. HE FINDS HIMSELF A STRANGER, BITTER, TOUCHY, UNABLE TO FACE PEOPLE AND INCAPABLE OF RETURNING SOPHIA’S LOVE. HE LITERALLY HAS REGULAR PANIC ATTACKS, BUT HIS STALWART FRIENDS, BENEDICT, DANIEL, ANTHONY AND GERALD, WHO ACTUALLY RESCUED HIM ARE NOW COMMITTED TO HELPING HIM THROUGH THE MINEFIELD THAT IS HIS RETURN TO LIFE AND HIGH SOCIETY. SOPHIA ALSO IS THERE TO HELP HIM THROUGH THIS DARK TIME, DEEPLY IN LOVE BUT ALLOWING HIM THE FREEDOM TO STEP AWAY IF HE NEEDS.
SOPHIA IS A KIND AND ALTOGETHER LOVELY YOUNG LADY AND UNFAILING IN HER RESOLVE TO RESTORE KIT. HER FAMILY LIFE IS SOMEWHAT DIFFICULT, WITH AN OVERBEARING MOTHER, A DYING FATHER, A WASPISH AND JEALOUS SISTER WHO CONSTANTLY COMPLAINS AND HAS NO EMPATHY AND THEN THE OTHER LOVE OF HER LIFE, HER LITTLE SISTER JULIA. JENNY WHO IS A DEAF MUTE, ISOLATED FROM MOST OF THE WORLD AND HELD BACK BY HER MOTHER AND HER DISABILITY. SOPHIA, ALONE HAS LEARNED SIGN LANGUAGE AND SHE IS JULIA’S WHOLE SUPPORT SYSTEM IN THE HOME. IRONICALLY JULIA, WHO HAS REAL PROBLEMS, IS A SUNNY AND UNCOMPLAINING 17 YEAR OLD, ACCEPTING OF THE HAND SHE HAS BEEN DEALT.
KIT CONTINUES TO STRUGGLE AND SOPHIA’S MOTHER IS PRESSURING THEM TO MARRY, A FURTHER STRESS TO HIS ALREADY OVERWHELMED STATE. BASIL AND HIS FATHER OCCUPIED KIT’S HOUSE AND SPENT VAST SUMS DURING HIS ABSENCE. BASIL IS CONSUMED WITH JEALOUSY AND HATRED AND HE STARTS TO DROP GOSSIP IN THE “right ears” TO FURTHER DAMAGE KIT’S REPUTATION AND STABILITY. WE FIND OUT SHORTLY, THAT BASIL ACTUALLY ENGINEERED THE KIDNAPPING AND WANTED HIM DEAD. KIT’S FIRST DECISION IS TO KICK BASIL AND HIS FATHER OUT OF HIS HOME FURTHER ENRAGING BASIL AND HIS FATHER AND THE TWO REFUSE TO GO. THIS LEADS TO AN UGLY CONFRONTATION INVOLVING BAILIFFS.
WHAT IS MOST INTERESTING IS GOING THROUGH THE EMOTIONAL JOURNEY KIT MUST ENDURE- HE IS STILL LOCKED INSIDE, HAS FITS OF RAGE WHICH HORRIFY HIM AND HAS NIGHTMARES WHICH HAUNT HIM, . HE IS ASHAMED AND HUMILIATED AND HAS LITTLE TO NO PERSPECTIVE. GRADUALLY HE LETS SOPHIA IN, TELLING HER MORE AND LEARNING TO TRUST HER AGAIN. DUE TO A DEATH, THEY MARRY QUIETLY AND THIS INTIMACY LEADS TO FURTHER HEALING . FROM THE BEGINNING HE HAS FELT THE NEED FOR JUSTICE (WHICH HE REALIZES IS MOSTLY REVENGE). HE KNOWS BASIL BETRAYED HIM , BUT WITH NO EVIDENCE HE NEEDS BASIL TO CONFESS. HIS FRIENDS AND HE ALONG WITH SOPHIA, HATCH A PLAN TO CATCH BASIL OUT AND MAKE HIM CONFESS WHICH SUCCEEDS.
THE LESSON KIT LEARNS, I THINK, IS THAT REVENGE IS NOT AS SATISFYING AS HE HOPED, BUT JUSTICE IS NECESSARY FOR THE GREATER GOOD . IN THE END HE JUST WANTS THE SITUATION DEALT WITH AND AT AN END SO HE CAN GO ON WITH HIS LIFE.
KIT AND SOPHIA ARE A LOVELY COUPLE AND WE SEE BOTH OF THEM BLOSSOM AS THEY GROW CLOSER. SOPHIA LEARNS TO DEAL WITH HER MOTHER AND GAINS CONFIDENCE AND DIGNITY, BECOMING A TRUE COUNTESS.
THE EMOTIONAL DEPTH OF THIS NOVEL AND WONDERFUL CHARACTERS, MAKE IT A MUST READ FOR ANY WHO LOVE HISTORICAL FICTION AT ITS ABSOLUTE BEST. AS ALWAYS, ALEX WYDHAM DOES A STELLAR JOB, INHABITING EACH OF THE UNIQUE CHARACTERS AND MAKING THEM SPRING OFF THE PAGE . HE AND STELLA ARE AN AMAZING TEAM AND UNLIKE MANY AUTHORS, STELLA AND ALEX WORK CLOSELY TOGETHER TO BRING THE BEST EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE. STELLA’S CHARACTERS ARE NOT CARICATURES AND ARE A DELIGHT TO READ AND FOR ME, THE AUDIO EXPERIENCE IS OUTSTANDING.
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5 people found this helpful
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- Anonymous
- 08-27-23
EXCELLENT
Superbly written and narrated story of true love that endures even a lengthy separation, physical and emotional hardships survived and overcome, loyal friends who are always steadfast, and, of course, a slimy villain! It's always a great pleasure to listen to the SUPREMELY talented Alex Wyndham, who not only brings alive the large cast of young men but also the gentle heroine, her nasty mother, her spiteful sister, and her sweet, cheerful youngest sister who is deaf and "signs" (a very nice addition to the story).
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- noagnes
- 08-26-23
The healing power of love
This delightful Georgian romance is a spinoff from the author's previous Rockliffe and Brandon Brothers series. It features mainly new characters, but many characters from the previous books appear in supporting roles of various degree. The story itself shows the healing power of love: the hero, Christian, returns from a long absence in a state that might be called PTSD, and the lady of his heart has been bullied by her selfish family members while faithfully awaiting him in spite of the growing probability that he is gone forever. However, the loyal bond between the hero and his friends and the strong and constant love between him and the heroine Sophie gradually leads to an emotional healing. Meanwhile, Christian and Sophie also work on helping her deaf sister and the hero and his friends are on a quest of justice. The darker threads of the abuse suffered by Christian and his PTSD are balanced by the lighthearted banter among friends, the open and honest communication between hero and heroine and their romantic moments so that overall, this is a heartwarming and entertaining read. As always, Stella Riley is completely at home in the world of the Georgian aristocracy, describing the details of their life with a deft and yet light hand. The narrator, Alex Wyndham, does an outstanding job in the vocal portrait of the various characters, the conveying of complex emotions: the gut-wrenching memories of the hero's captivity and his doubts whether he is still worthy of being loved, and the heartwarming thread of love and loyalty and understanding that shine between the protagonist couple and the group of friends. I have always enjoyed listening to Alex Wyndham's voice and this experience measures up to the high expectations his past masterly narrations built up. I heartily recommend this book to historical romance fans.
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- big ox
- 10-11-23
My favorite from Stella so far
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. The storyline was interesting and characters well done.
Narrator is superb.
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- Merrilli Music Lady
- 07-14-24
Such an enjoyable experience
Alex exceeds expectations as narrator again!!! And this story of redemption has uplifted me and reminded me that there are so many wonderful moments in friendship and love and the goodness of people, despite the villains.
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- Sallyk575
- 11-01-23
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.
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- Yogagirl53
- 04-16-24
Not a typical romance. Very interesting storyline.
Diverse characters who care about each other. Some humor and some pain. Great love story! Great narrator.
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- Kindle Customer
- 09-29-23
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.
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3 people found this helpful