A Nobleman's Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel (The Doomsday Books, Book 2) by KJ Charles; Narrated by Martyn Swain

Perhaps Rufus isn't really the legitimate Earl of Oxney and he's honorable enough to allow Luke Doomsday to offer up proof one way or another. But Luke has more secrets than just Rufus's possible illegitimacy, and his feelings for Rufus are getting in the way of Luke finally getting his own fortune.


From the blurb:

When Major Rufus d’Aumesty unexpectedly becomes the Earl of Oxney, he finds himself living in a remote Norman manor on the edge of Romney Marsh with his noble, hostile, and decidedly odd family. His position is contested both by his greedy uncle and by unexpected claimant Luke Doomsday, a dashing member of the local smuggling clan. They should be natural enemies, but cocksure, enragingly competent Luke is a secretary by trade and quickly becomes an unexpected ally, the partner Rufus needs...and soon the lover he can't live without.

Unfortunately, Luke’s not telling anything like the truth. He came to Stone Manor with an ulterior motive, one he’s hiding even from the lord he can’t resist. And as family secrets unspool on both sides, master and man soon find their positions and their partnership in danger of falling apart…


SNik's review:

Audio. Second in series (The Doomsday Books), can be read as a standalone but best if read in order. Historical. Boss/employee. Hurt/comfort. Dual POV. 

Rufus thought he had finally established he was the rightful Earl of Oxney when his relatives bring another challenge to his legitimacy in the form of Luke Doomsday. Luke is hired by Rufus as his secretary while they investigate their possible shared lineage, but Luke is there for another reason entirely. 

I am not a fan of secrets between main characters, but when the truth comes out, Luke’s motivations are understandable and gosh Rufus is just everything sweet and forgiving. I really liked both these characters, Rufus is so generous and fair while Luke is intelligent and desperate to be loved. Both Luke and Rufus have suffered in their past, trying to do what’s right and being loyal above all else, and this story was super entertaining. I both read and listened to this book and I am a fan of KJ Charles’ writing and the narration by Martin Swain was excellent as he gave both Rufus and Luke their own voices and their emotions came through.


A Nobleman's Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel is currently available as an audiobook, e-book and paperback