Romancing the Earl (Legendary Rogues Book 2) Kindle Edition

Cate Bowen grew up with an antiquarian father and brother which fueled her desire for the same field. The problem – men (with the exception of her father – or so she thought) do not acknowledge female antiquarians and highly discourage their interest in the field. To prove she is worthy of the title “antiquarian” Cate is determined to find Dyrnwyn, the flaming sword, one of thirteen treasures of Britain from the time of Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. After all, this is Cate’s passion and calling having sworn off marriage due to a failed love interest. When Cate stumbles upon a poem from the time of King Arthur in her father’s study that gives a clue to the existence of the sword, Cate is first hurt then more determined to find the sword to prove to her father and other antiquarians that females are worthy of the title antiquary.
With the help of her faithful companion, Grey, Cate learns of a tapestry that is said to be a hidden map – one that leads to Dyrnwyn – which lands her on the doorstep of Lord Norris.
Major Elijah Hollister, former soldier now Lord Norris, has inherited an Earldom upon the unexpected death of his brother. An Earldom and a house overflowing with antiquities that he does not want. The only thing he wants, given his childhood where his mother wanted nothing to do with him and his father drank himself into an early grave, is to live his life alone.
When a very persistent young lady appears on his doorstep asking to by a tapestry, Elijah is at first irritated at having his time interrupted and denies knowing where this tapestry is. Until she mentions it could contain a treasure map. This catches his attention as his brother’s last letter mentions a treasure but nothing further. His soldier instincts kick in and he begins to wonder if his brother’s death was an accident after all. After questioning his butler, Elijah is more certain that is the case and this tapestry is somehow involved.
As Elijah reluctantly accepts Cate’s help they embark on a quest to find the tapestry and the truth. A quest filled with danger and simmering passion.
Will they find the tapestry and is it a map? Will Cate and Elijah go their separate ways if they find the tapestry or will they continue to work together to find the sword and person/persons responsible for his brother’s death? What will happen if they do? Will Cate realize the sword isn’t as important to her as she thought? Will Elijah exact revenge no matter the consequences?
Darcy Burke writes an excellent story filled with teasing banter, adventure and with lots of twists and turns that will keep you on your toes. Plus delicious hints of what could be possible stories in the future.
Even though this is part of series it can be read alone but why deprive yourself of some awesome reading?!! I know I’m anxiously waiting to see who & what treasure Ms. Burke writes about next!

Elijah was living happily in Australia as an officer in the Army. When his brother dies in an accident, he must return to England and take his place as an Earl. That is not what he expected in his life.

Catriona (Cate) is an antiquarian who arrives at Elijah's doorstep to explain that in the huge treasure collection in his home, there is a special tapestry which is a secret treasure map. As her story progresses, Elijah begins to believe that his brother's accident may have been something other than an accident.

I am a fan of history, and the idea of a secret in a tapestry is something that immediately, drew me into the story.

The character development was well done. I liked both Cate and Elijah. They were the people they were because of their history. She has a huge knowledge about antiquities and yet because she is a woman, the people in charge will not even speak to her. Elijah was emotionally abandoned by his mother. He loved his brother very much, but he was never treated in a kindly manner by his mother. That has colored his view of the world and especially his view of women.

I was disappointed, when it seemed to me that a great deal of today crept into the story. There did not seem to be much effort to prevent the characters from speaking as though they lived in the 21st century. That was jarring to me. I am not a stickler, but for me this was too out of place.

The plot was interesting. I liked the mystery and the efforts to search and investigate were very well done. At times Cate became annoying in her insistence that she had to insert herself every where Elijah was trying to gather information.

I have not read other works by Ms Burke, but I will do so. It is evident she is a talented author.

Following the death of his brother, Major Elijah Hollister becomes Earl Norris. He's not happy about it. The army is the only life he has ever known. Now he's in a home overflowing with antiquities and he's no idea what to do. His "boring" life takes a turn though when Catriona Bowen shows up on his doorstep. She's in search of a tapestry that holds a treasure map and she's certain Elijah's late brother had it last. Could his brother's death not have been an accident? Catriona, an antiquary, has devoted her life to this search but Elijah doesn't completely trust her. He's determined to find the truth and agrees to help Cate find the tapestry but only if he accompanies her. What follows is a regency era Romancing The Stone type story with Cate and Elijah on an adventure together while trying to fight their growing attraction to one another. It's loaded with a great mystery, danger, villains, and a steaming romance. This is #2 in Darcy Burke's League of Rogues series but can be read as a stand alone. Darcy Burke is a marvel at writing adventure filled, adrenaline taut, sensual stories. You will be thrilled with this series.

I love a feisty Heroine,and I adore a knowledgeable one even more!!..Next,I love a soldier home from battle!!..So to start with this had the makings of a lovely story!..I did so enjoy the journey to this couples HEA..I'm a sucker for mysteries to solve in my historicals,and when they have to work together it's the best thing to me!..The story flowed smoothly to me,and didn't jump around which is a plus in my book..I'd recommend this book to any historical book lover..

Stand alone but for those of us who read the first book, wonderful tie ins with the family and friends and good foreshadowing for the next book.