What do you think?
Rate this book
The Husband Hunters Club #5
Wicked Earl Seeks Proper Heiress
Sara Bennett concludes her fan-favorite Husband Hunters series with an earl, an heiress, and an accidental attraction…
Too wicked for proper society and in dire financial straits, Rufus Blainey, the Earl of Southbrook, knows but one solution: to marry an heiress. So when innocent and beautiful Lady Averil Martindale waltzes into his life, Rufus can't imagine a more perfect scenario: woo her, win her, bankrupt her.
Averil has no intention of spending her life or her money alone. An orphan, she's determined to find her lost half sister and reclaim what little family she has left. When Rufus offers to help locate the elusive girl, Averil is grateful and more than a little intrigued by the handsome, dashing rogue.
Everything is going according to Rufus's plan. That is until, despite his best efforts, he begins to fall totally, madly, sincerely in love with Averil…but will she marry him once she learns the truth?
Too wicked for proper society and in dire financial straits, Rufus Blainey, the Earl of Southbrook, knows but one solution: to marry an heiress. So when innocent and beautiful Lady Averil Martindale waltzes into his life, Rufus can't imagine a more perfect scenario: woo her, win her, bankrupt her.
Averil has no intention of spending her life or her money alone. An orphan, she's determined to find her lost half sister and reclaim what little family she has left. When Rufus offers to help locate the elusive girl, Averil is grateful and more than a little intrigued by the handsome, dashing rogue.
Everything is going according to Rufus's plan. That is until, despite his best efforts, he begins to fall totally, madly, sincerely in love with Averil…but will she marry him once she learns the truth?
320 pages, Unknown Binding
First published February 25, 2014
About the author
Sara Bennett
150 books219 followersSara Bennett writes with passion. She has been published by Avon HarperCollins in the USA, and also publishes independently. She recently wrote a series of Regency novellas about Second Chances called Mockingbird Square. The four novellas are Unforgettable, Enraptured, Surrender and Reckless. They're available at all eBook stores.
Currently she is writing a second series of Mockingbird Square. The first three novellas, Fascination, Seduction and Temptation are available, and Obsession is under way.
Sara also writes paranormal romance as Sara Mackenzie, steamy historical romance as Evie North, and Australian Women's Fiction as Kaye Dobbie.
Currently she is writing a second series of Mockingbird Square. The first three novellas, Fascination, Seduction and Temptation are available, and Obsession is under way.
Sara also writes paranormal romance as Sara Mackenzie, steamy historical romance as Evie North, and Australian Women's Fiction as Kaye Dobbie.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 2, 2014
Averil is out searching for her sister, that she only knew as a infant. With her parents gone, she knows that it is up to her to find her long lost sister. Averil is a heiress but the only way to access her fortune is to marry or wait until she comes of age. Averil is determined to find the only family she has left. One evening while on the streets searching, her companion, abandons her, and she is left to fend for herself, Then she is rescued by Rufus, the Earl of Southbrook. Rufus has come to London to find his gambling uncle and his son. When he comes across Averil, he can't abandon her, so since their destination is the same whorehouse, each looking for someone, they head over together. When Rufus learns of Averil's search, he decides to help her. Rufus feels a drawing attraction to Averil, and even though is uncle is pushing him to court and marry her for her money, he wants her more than that. But with a crumbling castle, and a uncle and a young son to look after, he may not have a choice but to marry her. But what will Averil do when she learns the truth about his true intentions?
I have been a fan of this author for quite some time, but I actually haven't read this series. I have read many of her older titles, which I have immensely enjoyed. But for some reason I have lost touch with her latest series. So when I saw this title being offered on Edelweiss in exchange for a honest review, I knew that this was a book I would really like, especially since I have loved every one of Bennett's books that I have had the opportunity to read. As I started reading it, I was a little anxious, hoping that Sara Bennett hadn't lost her touch, and after finishing it, I have to say she hasn't. I was intrigued from the very first page. The story starts off with Rufus racing to London to retrieve his uncle who tenders to gamble too much, that now he will have to marry or sell everything to survive. We see a glorious man in Rufus, one who is scarred inside and out, and I admired him for his strength, and you gain a deeper respect for Rufus as the story continues. Averil is his perfect match, her life has been full of struggle at times as well, From the moment of their first moment, there is a sense of comfortable interaction, there is a attraction, but a friendship quickly builds between the two. The mystery involved in find Averil's sister is ongoing through the story, and definitely adds a air of intrigue and fascination
This story is fun, adventurous, and romantic enough to curl your toes. A charming story of love and sacrifice. Witty and full of charm and tenderness!!
I have been a fan of this author for quite some time, but I actually haven't read this series. I have read many of her older titles, which I have immensely enjoyed. But for some reason I have lost touch with her latest series. So when I saw this title being offered on Edelweiss in exchange for a honest review, I knew that this was a book I would really like, especially since I have loved every one of Bennett's books that I have had the opportunity to read. As I started reading it, I was a little anxious, hoping that Sara Bennett hadn't lost her touch, and after finishing it, I have to say she hasn't. I was intrigued from the very first page. The story starts off with Rufus racing to London to retrieve his uncle who tenders to gamble too much, that now he will have to marry or sell everything to survive. We see a glorious man in Rufus, one who is scarred inside and out, and I admired him for his strength, and you gain a deeper respect for Rufus as the story continues. Averil is his perfect match, her life has been full of struggle at times as well, From the moment of their first moment, there is a sense of comfortable interaction, there is a attraction, but a friendship quickly builds between the two. The mystery involved in find Averil's sister is ongoing through the story, and definitely adds a air of intrigue and fascination
This story is fun, adventurous, and romantic enough to curl your toes. A charming story of love and sacrifice. Witty and full of charm and tenderness!!
February 22, 2014
With all the ‘wicked’ rumors surrounding Rufus Blainey, the Earl of Southbrook, he is obviously not considered marriage material, in fact marriage is the last thing on Rufus’ mind. However, after his favorite uncle’s last disastrous foray gambling, Rufus is just about at the end of his financial rope and on the brink of having to dispose of his unentailed properties. Having to seek his son Eustace’s inheritance is the last thing Rufus wants to do.
When the very beautiful, wealthy and innocent Lady Averill Martindale tumbled into his life, Rufus did indeed see a way out of his dilemma, except deep down he didn’t really want to walk in the footsteps of his ancestors of wooing, winning, and bankrupting an innocent. After all, Rufus still held some semblance of honor. However, in gaining any form of decency to combat the iniquity he was saddled with, Rufus could help Averill to locate her missing half-sister and if her gratitude made her more charitable toward him than maybe…..
*** One couldn’t help but really love Bennett’s characterization of Rufus and Averill where both were truly nice and sweet people. Rufus had definitely had his share of heartache but one thing the reader is aware of from the get-go is that Eustace, his son, meant the world to him. Rufus agonized over what his son Eustace had endured under the caregiver Rufus had unknowingly chosen to protect and care for his son. Never again, could Rufus entrust his son’s welfare to anyone with that same carelessness he had in the past. Without being much of a spoiler in this instance I believe Bennett used it to show how Rufus’ actions once very devil-may-care had changed him so that he couldn’t in good conscience want to use or abuse Lady Averill.
In THE WICKED EARL SEEKS PROPER HEIRESS I found that Rufus was not so much of a rake or even wicked at the time of the story. His reputation preceded him, but underneath he was as much a victim of circumstances as anyone else who had been betrayed. Unfortunately, so much so that trying to prove how he’d changed would take some skill. Averill, was simply a lovely, caring and sweet innocent who knew that there would be many who would want to take advantage of her. However, her companion was very astute in making Averill more than aware of the treachery that could befall a young woman of her wealth. What was really lovely about Averill though was her caring for a sister she’d only seen but once but was determined to find and share her fortune with.
Averill’s pet project, a home for destitute women who wanted a chance at a better life was close to Averill’s heart, mainly because of what had become of her mother. Bennett used this as the foundation of the secondary plot (the first being the romance between Rufus and Averill) and this added suspense and mystery elements to the story. The secondary characters, including Rufus’ uncle James, his adorable son Eustace, and Averill’s dog, added both humor and sweetness making it overall delightful.
Bottom line: The last book in the Husband Hunter’s series was a breath of fresh air even if I did solve the mystery in my mind ahead of time. Good story and a sweet read.
Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritques.com
When the very beautiful, wealthy and innocent Lady Averill Martindale tumbled into his life, Rufus did indeed see a way out of his dilemma, except deep down he didn’t really want to walk in the footsteps of his ancestors of wooing, winning, and bankrupting an innocent. After all, Rufus still held some semblance of honor. However, in gaining any form of decency to combat the iniquity he was saddled with, Rufus could help Averill to locate her missing half-sister and if her gratitude made her more charitable toward him than maybe…..
*** One couldn’t help but really love Bennett’s characterization of Rufus and Averill where both were truly nice and sweet people. Rufus had definitely had his share of heartache but one thing the reader is aware of from the get-go is that Eustace, his son, meant the world to him. Rufus agonized over what his son Eustace had endured under the caregiver Rufus had unknowingly chosen to protect and care for his son. Never again, could Rufus entrust his son’s welfare to anyone with that same carelessness he had in the past. Without being much of a spoiler in this instance I believe Bennett used it to show how Rufus’ actions once very devil-may-care had changed him so that he couldn’t in good conscience want to use or abuse Lady Averill.
In THE WICKED EARL SEEKS PROPER HEIRESS I found that Rufus was not so much of a rake or even wicked at the time of the story. His reputation preceded him, but underneath he was as much a victim of circumstances as anyone else who had been betrayed. Unfortunately, so much so that trying to prove how he’d changed would take some skill. Averill, was simply a lovely, caring and sweet innocent who knew that there would be many who would want to take advantage of her. However, her companion was very astute in making Averill more than aware of the treachery that could befall a young woman of her wealth. What was really lovely about Averill though was her caring for a sister she’d only seen but once but was determined to find and share her fortune with.
Averill’s pet project, a home for destitute women who wanted a chance at a better life was close to Averill’s heart, mainly because of what had become of her mother. Bennett used this as the foundation of the secondary plot (the first being the romance between Rufus and Averill) and this added suspense and mystery elements to the story. The secondary characters, including Rufus’ uncle James, his adorable son Eustace, and Averill’s dog, added both humor and sweetness making it overall delightful.
Bottom line: The last book in the Husband Hunter’s series was a breath of fresh air even if I did solve the mystery in my mind ahead of time. Good story and a sweet read.
Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritques.com
February 3, 2014
Wicked Earl Seeks Proper Heiress ( The Husband Hunters Club #5) by Sara Bennett is a February 2014 Avon publication. I as provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Although Lady Averil is a member of The Husband Hunters Club she has managed to keep from naming the man she wants to marry... until now. Her fellow club members have had enough of her excuses and insist she start naming names. Eventually, she confesses an attraction to Rufus Blainey, the Earl of Southbrook. The Earl is dark and mysterious, having done something that cast him out of the upper crust of society. He also bears a scar on his face that is rumored to have been the result of a duel.
When Averil and her cousin need help with the home they run for women in crisis, Rufus volunteers. One evening, Averil follows the private detective she hired to find her sister into an unsavory gambling establishment following a promising lead. She runs into Lord Southbrook who is there to locate his young son who had followed his Uncle James there under the guise of keeping his uncle out of trouble. When Rufus learns that Averil is seeking her long lost sister, he agrees to look into the matter for her. But, James has another suggestion for Rufus. The beautiful Lady Averil is about to come into a large inheritance. Rufus is in dire straits money wise and his castle is in a sad state of disrepair. If Rufus were to marry Averil all his troubles would be over. After a battle with his conscience, Rufus knows James is right. He just can't get comfortable with the idea of marrying Averil for her money.
The more time Averil spends with Rufus the more she likes him. She learns about his first marriage the blame placed on him by her family. She adores the Earl's son and is very grateful for the help Rufus has offered to the home and in helping find her sister. But does the Earl feel the same way about Averil or is he simply doing what is best for his fortune and his son's future? Will Averil ever locate her sister?
This regency romance is a quick easy read. I liked the characters, all of whom had a flaw in their characters. Averil was distrustful after her mother left her, Rufus of course had a terrible marriage and was cast from society, James has a gambling issue and can't keep his mouth closed. Averil's cousin is also conflicted as rumors are started about him and he finds his reputation on the line. The secondary characters are also very important to the story as some are good and some are not, some are innocent and some naive.
While this novel is a standard historical romance with the usual misunderstandings and angst, I sitll found myself absorbed in the story . If you are looking for a traditional regency romance this one should fit the bill for you.
Overall I will give this on a B- or 3.5 stars
Although Lady Averil is a member of The Husband Hunters Club she has managed to keep from naming the man she wants to marry... until now. Her fellow club members have had enough of her excuses and insist she start naming names. Eventually, she confesses an attraction to Rufus Blainey, the Earl of Southbrook. The Earl is dark and mysterious, having done something that cast him out of the upper crust of society. He also bears a scar on his face that is rumored to have been the result of a duel.
When Averil and her cousin need help with the home they run for women in crisis, Rufus volunteers. One evening, Averil follows the private detective she hired to find her sister into an unsavory gambling establishment following a promising lead. She runs into Lord Southbrook who is there to locate his young son who had followed his Uncle James there under the guise of keeping his uncle out of trouble. When Rufus learns that Averil is seeking her long lost sister, he agrees to look into the matter for her. But, James has another suggestion for Rufus. The beautiful Lady Averil is about to come into a large inheritance. Rufus is in dire straits money wise and his castle is in a sad state of disrepair. If Rufus were to marry Averil all his troubles would be over. After a battle with his conscience, Rufus knows James is right. He just can't get comfortable with the idea of marrying Averil for her money.
The more time Averil spends with Rufus the more she likes him. She learns about his first marriage the blame placed on him by her family. She adores the Earl's son and is very grateful for the help Rufus has offered to the home and in helping find her sister. But does the Earl feel the same way about Averil or is he simply doing what is best for his fortune and his son's future? Will Averil ever locate her sister?
This regency romance is a quick easy read. I liked the characters, all of whom had a flaw in their characters. Averil was distrustful after her mother left her, Rufus of course had a terrible marriage and was cast from society, James has a gambling issue and can't keep his mouth closed. Averil's cousin is also conflicted as rumors are started about him and he finds his reputation on the line. The secondary characters are also very important to the story as some are good and some are not, some are innocent and some naive.
While this novel is a standard historical romance with the usual misunderstandings and angst, I sitll found myself absorbed in the story . If you are looking for a traditional regency romance this one should fit the bill for you.
Overall I will give this on a B- or 3.5 stars
March 11, 2019
I read the third book of this series prior to this one and disliked it a lot. This one was immediately better.
For one, the hero is a lot nicer to her. The synopsis makes it sound like he is going after her money because he wants to but the actual situation is that it is his uncle who suggests it. He is instantly attracted to her for her looks and kindness; for her. But then starts to stick around because his uncle makes a good point. It became a survival thing for him.
At the same time they’re attraction to one another is building, he is helping her look for her long-lost sister and in keeping a women’s shelter up and going.
To be honest, around the 50% mark, this book lost me. I enjoyed it less and less. There seemed to be a lot going on: two relationships, a villainy duo, sister hunting, women’s shelter, investigating why women are running away… Normally I would say it made for a full and enjoyable book, but honestly it was too much. The author lost me with this one. I started to find the characters tedious and was looking forward to finishing it.
For one, the hero is a lot nicer to her. The synopsis makes it sound like he is going after her money because he wants to but the actual situation is that it is his uncle who suggests it. He is instantly attracted to her for her looks and kindness; for her. But then starts to stick around because his uncle makes a good point. It became a survival thing for him.
At the same time they’re attraction to one another is building, he is helping her look for her long-lost sister and in keeping a women’s shelter up and going.
To be honest, around the 50% mark, this book lost me. I enjoyed it less and less. There seemed to be a lot going on: two relationships, a villainy duo, sister hunting, women’s shelter, investigating why women are running away… Normally I would say it made for a full and enjoyable book, but honestly it was too much. The author lost me with this one. I started to find the characters tedious and was looking forward to finishing it.
July 5, 2026
Fun and ridiculous enough that I enjoyed it overall. A lot of telling and very little showing however.
Also could not have cared less about her missing sister, but they've always got to have something else in there don't they.
Also could not have cared less about her missing sister, but they've always got to have something else in there don't they.
October 3, 2017
Very well-written. It kept my interest throughout the entire book.
-- Anonymous staff member
-- Anonymous staff member
February 4, 2018
2-1/2 stars
March 23, 2014
Originally given 3.5 hearts at Rookie Romance.
Averil is searching for her missing sister, whom she only remembers seeing once after her mother left her father. Her search leads her to a brothel, but on the way she is abandoned by the man she had hired to help her in her search. When Rufus sees Averil alone in the East End, he helps her and offers his aid in her mission to find her sister. When he finds out that she is set to inherit a great fortune, his Uncle urges Rufus to woo Averil and marry her to restore the family coffers. Rufus rather unwillingly starts to agree with his Uncle, but the closer he gets to Averil, the closer he comes to falling in love with her.
I liked Averil, she has a kind and generous spirit but is also very determined. She makes for a good heroine and I admired her desire to help with her cousin's charity works. Although, I did find it a bit irritating that she could be a bit pushover when it came to helping with her cousin's charitable Woman's Home. She had no problem voicing her opinions in other areas of her life.
I thought Rufus was a great hero. He's not very well accepted in polite society because of a scandal attached to his early marriage, but the scandal is undeserved. Unfortunately his family's high living in the past meant that when he inherited the Earldom, it left him close to penniless. Rufus was so conflicted about pursuing Averil for her money, but even when he tried to resist her, he couldn't. He found himself drawn to her, despite his misgivings. He's honourable and a wonderful father, and I loved him!
I thought Averil and Rufus were great together. Her bright spirit is just what he needs, and they have a very sweet connection.
The plot was interesting, and I enjoyed the mystery as they tried to find Averil's sister and uncover the mysterious disappearances at the Woman's Home. There's a side romance between Beth (Averil's companion) and James (Rufus' Uncle) which I found kind of unnecessary considering the short length of the book.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and whilst it didn't blow me away it was a nice, quick read.
*I received a review copy from the publisher, via Edelweiss, for my honest opinion. Thank you!
Averil is searching for her missing sister, whom she only remembers seeing once after her mother left her father. Her search leads her to a brothel, but on the way she is abandoned by the man she had hired to help her in her search. When Rufus sees Averil alone in the East End, he helps her and offers his aid in her mission to find her sister. When he finds out that she is set to inherit a great fortune, his Uncle urges Rufus to woo Averil and marry her to restore the family coffers. Rufus rather unwillingly starts to agree with his Uncle, but the closer he gets to Averil, the closer he comes to falling in love with her.
I liked Averil, she has a kind and generous spirit but is also very determined. She makes for a good heroine and I admired her desire to help with her cousin's charity works. Although, I did find it a bit irritating that she could be a bit pushover when it came to helping with her cousin's charitable Woman's Home. She had no problem voicing her opinions in other areas of her life.
I thought Rufus was a great hero. He's not very well accepted in polite society because of a scandal attached to his early marriage, but the scandal is undeserved. Unfortunately his family's high living in the past meant that when he inherited the Earldom, it left him close to penniless. Rufus was so conflicted about pursuing Averil for her money, but even when he tried to resist her, he couldn't. He found himself drawn to her, despite his misgivings. He's honourable and a wonderful father, and I loved him!
I thought Averil and Rufus were great together. Her bright spirit is just what he needs, and they have a very sweet connection.
The plot was interesting, and I enjoyed the mystery as they tried to find Averil's sister and uncover the mysterious disappearances at the Woman's Home. There's a side romance between Beth (Averil's companion) and James (Rufus' Uncle) which I found kind of unnecessary considering the short length of the book.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and whilst it didn't blow me away it was a nice, quick read.
*I received a review copy from the publisher, via Edelweiss, for my honest opinion. Thank you!
April 8, 2014
3.5 stars and that is being VERY generous.
This book was OK - I was not really impressed. I know Sara Bennett can write a better book than this. In fact I am having a hard time believing the same author who wrote The Lily and The Sword actually wrote this book.
That aside I really liked Rufus - I think the whole "wicked earl" thing was stupid and bordering on unbelievable. Rufus was a kind man, a forgiving nephew, a loving generous father and a loyal friend. What more do you want in a hero?
Averil on the other hand was a twit - she was self centered and self absorbed. She had a quick temper and felt the need to "fix" everyone. I really wanted to like her - but I just didn't (I didn't hate her - she just rubbed me the wrong way)
I think the main problem I had with the book was there was just so much going on - but nothing was really focused on. It just didn't work for me.
I would not read this book again - but I don't regret the time I spent reading it. It was OK - but it could have been better. My suggestion would be pass on this book (Unless you read the whole series and have to read Averil's story) and read The Lily & The Sword instead.
This book was OK - I was not really impressed. I know Sara Bennett can write a better book than this. In fact I am having a hard time believing the same author who wrote The Lily and The Sword actually wrote this book.
That aside I really liked Rufus - I think the whole "wicked earl" thing was stupid and bordering on unbelievable. Rufus was a kind man, a forgiving nephew, a loving generous father and a loyal friend. What more do you want in a hero?
Averil on the other hand was a twit - she was self centered and self absorbed. She had a quick temper and felt the need to "fix" everyone. I really wanted to like her - but I just didn't (I didn't hate her - she just rubbed me the wrong way)
I think the main problem I had with the book was there was just so much going on - but nothing was really focused on. It just didn't work for me.
I would not read this book again - but I don't regret the time I spent reading it. It was OK - but it could have been better. My suggestion would be pass on this book (Unless you read the whole series and have to read Averil's story) and read The Lily & The Sword instead.
June 7, 2014
This is a book that I was looking forward to reading as I had really enjoyed the other 4 books in the Husband Hunters Club series.
Averil and Rufus's story started well and the secondary characters, Eustace (very adorable!), James and Beth added an extra charm to the book.
The further into the book I read the writing and story became mundane,predictable and not as well written as Sara's other books. I found it difficult to finish which was disappointing as I was looking forward to reading it.
Averil and Rufus's story started well and the secondary characters, Eustace (very adorable!), James and Beth added an extra charm to the book.
The further into the book I read the writing and story became mundane,predictable and not as well written as Sara's other books. I found it difficult to finish which was disappointing as I was looking forward to reading it.
March 16, 2014
It was terribly unconvincing dialogue and and inner monologue. Everything about the book felt flat, which was very disappointing since even if I didn't love all the other books I at least believe what I was reading.
Did Not Finish
March 17, 2026Non mi convince. I personaggi sono approssimativi, l’ambientazione tetra e il ritmo poco incalzante. Abbandono.
Read
March 7, 2017very good
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews