Earl of Oakhurst by Madeline Martin

Earl of Oakhurst by Madeline Martin
Series: Wicked Earls Club
on February 6, 2026
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Historical / Regency, Fiction / Romance / Holiday
Pages: 150
Goodreads

When she had her come out, Lady Penelope Keats was one of the most sought-after debutantes of the season. But now, years later and by her own choosing, Penelope is still unmarried. She has little interest in love and prefers to spend her time at St. Thomas's hospital in pursuit of medical knowledge and helping others. However, staying unwed when one's mother is a notorious matchmaker is no easy feat. AND A MAN WHO DOESN'T WANT A WIFEThrough unfortunate circumstances, James MacKenzie is the new Earl of Oakhurst, a title he never expected or wanted. When he is summoned by his only living relative, his grandmother the Dowager Countess of Oakhurst, to attend to her in London so that she might instruct him on his duties as earl, including finding a bride, he reluctantly complies. Upon arrival, he finds the older woman ill and in need of medical attention. When his grandmother proves difficult and resistant to help, he allows Lady Penelope's aid in treating her. MAKE THE PERFECT MATCH?When both learn of the other's lack of desire for love, they know the best chance to escape those seeking to wed them is to come to an agreement--one that will free them both from the pressures of matchmaking. But a marriage of convenience doesn't imply a marriage without passion. As their feelings eventually warm toward one another, old enemies emerge and threaten everything they have worked for. Will they be able to draw strength from their blossoming love to defeat those who seek to destroy them, or will they deny their feelings and lose one another forever?

Madeline Martin has written two books in the Wicked Earl’s Club series: The Earl of Benton and now The Earl of Oakhurst. Both stories are connected and worth reading in succession. The Earl of Oakhurst picks up a year after The Earl of Benton closes. I enjoyed this book, and read it in one afternoon. I couldn’t put it down. I thought Martin did a good job developing the heroine of this story – Lady Penelope Keats. I liked the way Martin wove historical facts into her story. Penelope is interested in medicine but is forbidden from having any real influence because she is a woman. I liked the accurate way that Martin portrayed the practice of medicine in 1819. She does a good job making Penelope’s character strong and tenacious, but not whiny. I liked how open and honest Penelope is with James. I did think that James MacKenzie’s rise from smuggler to valet to Earl was a bit far-fetched. He is all through the Earl of Benton and his background is somewhat of a mystery. And I am still puzzled as to how he became a valet in the first place. However, there are a number of swoon worthy moments and James is definitely the braw Scot that Martin is skillful at creating. “He stole all her senses when he was near. Consumed them. Held them with rapt need.” Hubba, hubba. There are a number of steamy scenes. The pace is good. Overall, this is an excellent book.