The Earl of Kendal By Madeline Martin

Earl of Kendal by Madeline Martin
Series: The Wicked Earls Club Series Book #24
on January 10, 2026
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Historical / Regency
Pages: 170
Goodreads

HE HAS A REPUATION FOR BEING A SCOUNDREL...Adolphus Merrick, Earl of Kendal, has a past he isn't proud of, one that could have seen him hanged. Now the gaming hell owner of Mercy's Door has an even greater secret, one he is so determined to protect that he'll even do the unthinkable: get married. For a man who doesn't trust easily, his alluring intended has a way of breaking through his guard and edging into his heart. SHE IS A BIT OF A HOYDEN...Lady Sophia Stopford lives her life to the fullest. At least, she did until her father insists that she wed one of his colleagues. She'll do anything to get out of marrying, including escaping for a thrilling new venture. However, the very man who gave her the idea is now insisting that she return to London as his wife. And while she wants to resist, her attraction to the enigmatic Earl of Kendal has her curiosity piqued and her desire aflame. TOGETHER THEY WILL CAUSE QUITE THE SCANDAL...From ballrooms to gaming hells and into the wilds of Scotland, two people who don't want marriage but can't seem to resist one another will tumble headlong into an adventure that will change everything. When danger lurks and realities become bleak, can the spark of passion light their way? Or will love and hope be eternally lost to them both?

The Earl of Kendal is book twenty four in the Wicked Earl’s Club stories. Although this is in the world of the Wicked Earl’s Club, it is not necessary to read these in order. This book can be read as a stand alone.  I enjoyed the characters in this book. Adolphus Merrick, the Earl of Kendal, is stuffy and pompous, but underneath, there dwells a dangerous, alluring hero and owner of a gaming hell. The heroine Lady Sophia Stopford finds herself in the unfortunate situation of being forced to marry a horrible cad. What can she do to get herself out of the awful mess in which her gambling father has placed her? She resorts to fleeing to Scotland. Her wicked father blackmails the Earl of Kendal to find her. But will he be able to and what will happen once he finds her? Read the book and find out. I thought the story’s pace was good, and there were enough plot twists to keep it moving and interesting with several steamy scenes. My one negative is that I’m just not a fan of the cover model. Just not handsome enough to play Adolphus.