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The Shadow Earl (Shadows Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Stella Riley (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 947 ratings
B.R.A.G. Medallion Honouree, 2023 Global Book Awards Silver Medallist and 2023 Coffee Pot Book Club Gold Medallist.

At the end of his Grand Tour, somewhere between Athens and Constantinople, Christian Selwyn, the young Earl of Hazelmere, vanished - seemingly without a 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 and fuels 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.
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  1. Book 1 of 2
    Shadows
  2. Print length
    385 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    July 15, 2023
  5. File size
    2.0 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C6VMXVTC
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 15, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.0 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 385 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 947 ratings

About the author

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Stella Riley

Stella Riley

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Winner of 4 gold medals (Readers' Favourite 2019, Book Excellence Awards 2020, Global Book Awards 2022, Book Excellence Awards 2023) and 14 B.R.A.G. Medallions, Stella Riley lives in the beautiful medieval town of Sandwich in Kent.

She is fascinated by the English Civil Wars and has written six books set in that period. These, like the 7 book Rockliffe series (recommended in The Times newspaper!) and the Brandon Brothers trilogy, are all available in audio, narrated by Alex Wyndham.

Stella enjoys travel, reading, theatre, Baroque music and playing the harpsichord. She also has a fondness for men with long hair - hence her 17th and 18th century heroes.

Visit Stella at https://stellarileybooks.co.uk for all the latest information on her books and her 'Who's Who' and Extras pages.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
947 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the characters compelling and well-developed. They find the story engaging and enjoyable, with a great plot and intrigue. The book explores themes of friendship, love, and healing through the power of love. Readers praise the writing quality as well-written and praise the author's skill at weaving together different elements of the story. Overall, the book is described as satisfying and heartfelt.

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Character developmentStory qualityEnjoymentFriendshipWriting qualityJustice
20 customers mention "Character development"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters compelling and engaging. They mention it includes many characters from the Rockliff series, but mainly new ones. Some characters are comical like Sophie's mean-spirited and poorly treated. The romance is depthened by the characters with PTSD as a key plot element.

"...it may be, because there are some very intriguing characters I’d like to know in more detail...." Read more

"...It includes many characters from the Rockliff series. Not as exciting as some of her other books but enjoyable" Read more

"...It was great to revisit with characters from the Rockcliffe series again." Read more

"...It features mainly new characters, but many characters from the previous books appear in supporting roles of various degree...." Read more

20 customers mention "Story quality"20 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the engaging story with its intriguing plot and well-developed characters. They find the book well-written with a satisfying conclusion. Readers appreciate the sweet moments in the story of survival and redemption.

"...This book is no exception. Filled with intrigue, romance, tragedy and humor and - as always- with fascinating and well drawn characters...." Read more

"1780 England. A story of love, treachery, imprisonment, rescue, and revenge. It includes many characters from the Rockliff series...." Read more

"Another wonderfully detailed historical romance with intrigue and a wonderful ending...." Read more

"This delightful Georgian romance is a spinoff from the author's previous Rockliffe and Brandon Brothers series...." Read more

14 customers mention "Enjoyment"14 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it interesting and engaging, with a satisfying plot that keeps them hooked until the end. Readers describe the book as exciting and a page-turner. Overall, they find it heartwarming and entertaining.

"...This book is no exception. Filled with intrigue, romance, tragedy and humor and - as always- with fascinating and well drawn characters...." Read more

"...Not as exciting as some of her other books but enjoyable" Read more

"...and heroine and their romantic moments so that overall, this is a heartwarming and entertaining read...." Read more

"...Ms Riley’s books are always full and satisfying, never shallow." Read more

9 customers mention "Friendship"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's friendship. They find it heartfelt, well-researched, and a tender tale of love, loyalty, and healing. The characters are described as wonderful, loyal, and hopeful for their own stories.

"...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..." Read more

"...heroine's younger deaf-mute sister, and also the close relationship of hero and loyal friends, but there's only so much sweet I can take...." Read more

"...The friends are wonderful, loyal people, and I hope they get their own stories. The villain is the worst and deserves everything he gets...." Read more

"Beautifully told story of enduring love, cunning jealousy, heroic friendship, and (mostly) satisfying justice...." Read more

6 customers mention "Writing quality"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing quality of the book. They find the characters well-drawn and the story engaging, combining the mystery of Lord Hazelmere's unplanned third marriage with the Rockliff series.

"A well written story combining the mystery of Lord Hazelmere's unplanned 3 year trip to Turkey and how his cousin is involved and his love story...." Read more

"...Hopefully we will continue to receive well written tales featuring this brotherhood with cameos of previous characters such as the Duke of Rockcliff..." Read more

"Wonderful kindle cover! Equally wonderfully written Georgian era story bringing in minor roles from the Rockliff series...." Read more

"I m so glad I found this book by Stella Riley. Her writing is wonderful, the story is interesting and kept me reading till the end...." Read more

4 customers mention "Justice"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's justice. They find the seeking of justice and revenge satisfying. The story of survival and redemption is praised.

"...The seeking of justice/revenge is done very well and is most gratifying in the end. What a nasty piece of work the villain is...." Read more

"1780 England. A story of love, treachery, imprisonment, rescue, and revenge. It includes many characters from the Rockliff series...." Read more

"...enduring love, cunning jealousy, heroic friendship, and (mostly) satisfying justice...." Read more

"...who both rescue him and assist in his healing and the justice meted out to the villain." Read more

A B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree!
5 out of 5 stars
A B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree!
We are proud to announce that THE SHADOW EARL by Stella Riley has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Gail R
    5.0 out of 5 stars True love and true friendship wins the day
    Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    What a wonderful book! I adore Stella Riley’s storytelling; I am always immediately immersed in the worlds she creates. This book is no exception. Filled with intrigue, romance, tragedy and humor and - as always- with fascinating and well drawn characters.
    Speaking of which, it was such a gift to “meet up” with characters from the Rockliffe and Brandon series; it’s such a great gift to give her readers.

    The plot revolves around a truly dastardly deed perpetrated upon our hero, Kit. The trauma he carries with him (PTSD in our modern term) is quite harrowing and handled gently by this author. The seeking of justice/revenge is done very well and is most gratifying in the end. What a nasty piece of work the villain is. And the heroine’s mother is almost as bad!

    What I would love to know is if this is the start of a new series. I am thrilled to think (hope!) it may be, because there are some very intriguing characters I’d like to know in more detail.

    Thank you for another wonderful tale, Ms Riley!
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Nice story of survival and redemption
    Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    1780 England. A story of love, treachery, imprisonment, rescue, and revenge. It includes many characters from the Rockliff series. Not as exciting as some of her other books but enjoyable
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Laurie J. Nowlin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Humanity and Justice
    Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Another wonderfully detailed historical romance with intrigue and a wonderful ending. It was great to revisit with characters from the Rockcliffe series again.
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  • noagnes
    5.0 out of 5 stars The healing power of love
    Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    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. I heartily recommend this book to historical romance fans.
    12 people found this helpful
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  • flogig
    4.0 out of 5 stars MYSTERY AND LOVE STORY
    Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    A well written story combining the mystery of Lord Hazelmere's unplanned 3 year trip to Turkey and how his cousin is involved and his love story. Stella Riley is a fine writer and I enjoy every one of her books.
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  • Julie's Bookshelf
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Rich Read
    Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This book is chock full of historical details, as well as a fascinating, fast moving story. As usual with a Stella Riley tale, the characters are well drawn and the settings beautifully—if sometimes painfully—described. In a nutshell, the H disappears from the Grand Tour he is making with his cousin. His journey back, and the reasons for his disappearance, are the basis for the story. Some issues addressed: retribution, justice or revenge; the h’s deaf-mute sister; how far family loyalty go, and a love that can override a five year separation. Ms Riley’s books are always full and satisfying, never shallow.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Laura
    4.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommend
    Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I so appreciate this author’s work and every time I read a new book by her I want to reread all of them from the beginning. This story has a great plot and characters who really care about each other and of course the villain who is not redeemed thank goodness. Do yourself a favor and read her books but to really savor them start reading from the beginning Cavaliers and Roundheads era , then the Georgian Period , really wonderful stuff!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • OLT
    2.0 out of 5 stars Nice story about the support of friends but ultimately boring.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Oh, the disappointment of this. I thought it was a new series and the Brandon Brothers a thing of the past, but this earl story is just as bland and sweet as they were and even has the brothers doing cameos.

    The plot sounded interesting. The hero, disappearing in Turkey at the end of his Grand Tour with his whereabouts unknown for three years, is finally rescued by his closest loyal friends. He comes back home to London with emotional trauma and some Secrets We Are Not Privy To at first about his lengthy captivity. And also he's set on Revenge. I mean, what more could a romance reader ask for? Abducted, captured, possibly tortured, finally freed but really messed up and finding it difficult to resume the life he had left behind. Sounds like a couple of my favorite angsty HRs: Captive of Sin and The Sins of Lord Lockwood.

    Unfortunately, in the hands of this new and not-really-improved Stella Riley of the past few years (not my beloved old Stella Riley of the early Roundheads and Cavaliers and Rockcliffe series), this was a snoozefest which didn't touch me emotionally at all. It reads as if Mary Balogh decided to write her version of The Sins of Lord Lockwood. And when I say that, it ain't no compliment. Tedious and drawn-out revenge plot, with a emotional-lite trauma issue which becomes almost a non-issue by the midpoint, made this book boring.

    Oh, granted it had its sweet moments, especially the inclusion of the heroine's younger deaf-mute sister, and also the close relationship of hero and loyal friends, but there's only so much sweet I can take. Give me a little spice and tartness to balance it. And, as is usual in the most recent Riley HRs, there is a lack of nuance in the characters. The good people are So Good and the bad ones are So Bad. And then we also have the So-Awful ones, as illustrated by the heroine's exaggeratedly unpleasant mother and sister.

    Last complaint: Everybody and their uncle/aunt from previous Riley books shows up either with a speaking or non-speaking cameo, or at least a name-dropping mention of them. Yes, yes, there are lots of beloved characters in all these Rockcliffe and spin-off books, but do I really have to read about every single one of them in this particular book?

    Dear lord but I'm a grouchy old lady. I must be taking out my hatred of several U.S. politicians on this poor book. Maybe it deserves three stars because Riley writes better than so many of the drivel producing HR authors around, but oh, the disappointment of this read. It's like getting a head of cabbage wrapped up beautifully for a birthday present.
    21 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Thor
    5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't put it down.
    Reviewed in Canada on August 12, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this book. I got hooked from the first chapter.
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  • Jill
    5.0 out of 5 stars An author at the top of her game
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 21, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I love this book. As always, Ms Riley has written a wonderful love story with relatable and engaging characters but as with her more recent novels, there are added elements that deepen and enrich our reading experience.

    It is a compelling story and unquestionably a “page turner”. I found myself thinking about the characters and story at odd times during the day. While the central romance was entirely satisfying to read and enjoy, I found other aspects equally absorbing. I loved that we knew from the very beginning that this is a story of revenge. This storyline unfolded subtly at first and then gathered momentum as the novel progressed.

    The use of slavery as a lynch pin for the story was interesting and it was most thought-provoking to see an educated, well-born Englishman in the position of slave. Because his character is so well drawn, we immediately relate to Christian (Kit) and empathise with the psychological pain and humiliation he suffers. We readily understand his desire to make his cousin pay for the breathtaking wickedness of his actions.

    I really like the contrast between good and evil as depicted through the characters. On the dark side is Basil’s self-centred and self-serving nature where his jealousy, bitterness and sense of entitlement lead him to make a snap decision with no regard for the consequences. To a lesser extent, Eustace Selwyn’s venality and opportunism; Mrs Kelsall’s selfishness and overbearing nature and Gwendolin Kelsall’s whining self-absorption all illustrate the misery caused to others by putting oneself first.

    On the other side are the love, kindness, support, and encouragement shown to Kit by Sophia and his friends. The importance of friendship is such a central theme in this story. I loved how Benedict, Anthony, Daniel, and Gerald all put Kit and his needs first and demonstrated their attachment to him in practical ways. They acted as one to protect him, to help him heal and re-find his place in society.

    Sophia is my favourite character. She is a strong, resilient, loyal, and intelligent person who is the heart of the story. I love to see strong women shine in historical fiction, even as they conform to the customs of their society. Her calm strength, enduring love, altruistic friendship, and wisdom do so much to help Kit’s inner healing. I enjoyed seeing a relatively quick resolution to their romance and gaining a glimpse into the happy early days of their marriage which is clearly a formidable and equal partnership.

    Kit’s torment and humiliation on his arrival in England and his visible efforts to control his anger and to maintain his composure were heartbreaking to read. It was therefore wonderful to watch the real Kit emerge: a loving, kind, thoughtful and generous person. Once he realised that he did love Sophia and could marry her, his care and concern for her was so moving. The way he helped Sophia’s family in their bereavement and the solution he found for Julia were just two examples of his character.

    I think Ms Riley’s greatest talent is creating memorable characters that live on in our minds long after the story is over. I will certainly remember Kit and Sophia. Julia is another lovely character. Despite her disability, she is so positive and determined to make the most of. her life. Gerald and Daniel were also sheer delight.

    As always, I enjoyed seeing so many friends from earlier novels going about their lives. The Winghams, Sarres, Brandons, Rainham and Alveston are incorporated in a very natural manner into the story and play cameo but impactful roles. They add depth and breadth and make you feel part of their society.

    To conclude: this is a wonderful story. I was deeply moved by Kit’s struggle to heal and Sophia’s loving support and thoroughly captivated by the suspense of the story. However, it is the stark contrast between the effects of cold, selfish cruelty and warm, altruistic friendship that will remain with me at a deeper level. It is a testament to the outstanding quality of Ms Riley’s writing that her characters can have such a profound impact. I love this book and recommend all of Ms Riley’s works: they are all superb.
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  • Mrs. Barbara yeo
    4.0 out of 5 stars Totally enjoyable
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 31, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Having started reading these books only within the last year I can’t say how wonderful it is to have an author who writes so well and so accurately of the period. Her Civil War books saw me through a stint in hospital( saved for that very purpose )and the ‘Rockcliffe Series’ have been so engaging to read with interesting characters and original story lines. As a lover of Georgette Heyer many authors have the tag line ‘just like ‘ but very,very few ever live up to the original storylines or characterisation. This author does and greater praise I can give no one.
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  • Clare McQuin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Better And Better
    Reviewed in Australia on July 17, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I think that The Shadow Earl is of even greater quality than those of her Brandon Brothers trilogy. I certainly didn't turn around and reread them 3 times over the first weekend of issue! (Not that I haven't since, of course! )
    The major character has, because of his trials during his missing years, developed some fairly severe mental effects which are not easily overcome; but he retains his basic character and gradually wins his battles in a very believable manner. His interactions with his group of close friends and his enduring love for Sophia provide moments of humour and explain their depth of feeling for each other. Sophia is also a strong, caring person and forms an appropriate, loving backing for Christian with his struggles and for her younger sister.
    It is also great to renew acquaintence with other characters from Stella's earlier books, filling in appropriately as required. Loved it. Next please, Stella
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  • Mrs C
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fabulous Georgian page-turner with wonderful characters and a truly satisfying revenge plot!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 27, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    A fabulous page turner! this is a story of betrayal and love, of friendship and enmity, of heartbreaking sadness in parts but heartwarming happiness in others, it's a tale of of trauma, but also of healing. Filled with interesting well written characters, and a truly satisfying revenge plot, I loved The Shadow Earl from start to finish!
    Christian "Kit" Selwyn, a popular, friendly man with a sunny disposition goes missing. When he makes a surprise return years later he's definitely not the same anymore. Haunted by his past trauma, Kit is someone who now has secrets and nightmares, who wonders if he can ever love again, a 'shadow' of his former self with new darker feelings of hate and revenge. Can he control it? can he ever heal? This is someone who is so relatable I felt teary at times, and I think Stella Riley did a brilliant job of capturing what someone with PTSD goes through. The issue is handled really well, especially in the Georgian setting. The support of Kit's friends and his fiancee is very touching. It's a very balanced story too, the romance/love story with Sophie is a sub-plot really, but it's beautiful, she's a great character and I loved her part. The strong bonds of real friendship of the non-romantic kind also shine through. Kit's friends and their antics are part heartwarming and part hilarious (Daniel in particular- I couldn't stop laughing! that duel is priceless!!) I also loved Sophie's family - especially Julia who totally deserves her own book (her mama and other sister are terrors but perfect for lightening the mood with some good comedy moments) I want to read more about all of them please Stella!! :D I won't add spoilers but I thought the way of dealing with the Villain was spot on perfect *is cheering!!!*

    If this is your first Stella Riley book it reads great as a standalone novel, but if you're a fan of the Rockliffe series and the Brandon Brothers series like me, then you'll be happy to see cameos and mentions in this one too. I always enjoy how Stella weaves in events and characters from her other books who would've been around during the same time period and in the same places that the new story is set in (so it makes total sense for them to be mentioned or have a small part) without them stealing the show from the new characters.
    Easily a 5 star read from me, The Shadow Earl is a fantastic story! Highly recommend it!
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