They were childhood friends until his eldest brother dies and he becomes heir to a dukedom. Now they are enemies. But the heroine never stopped loving him despite the hurt and betrayal she suffered at his hands. When he shows up to her as a ghost she's devastated but risks everything to help him when he insists he's just been kidnapped. The hero was arrogant, sharp and cold for the beginning of the book but even then you got the impression that he wasn't as detached from her as he wants her to think. As the story goes on the hunt for his body continues, little tidbits of information come to light regarding his secret love for her. Though they never once tell each other they loved the other, the hero's torture when unable to help her from her attackers and the woman's devotion to saving him says all that needs to be said. All he needs to do is call her Abby and she's putty in his hands. Such a sweet and a quietly passionate love between the two. ( )

i had my reservation about this book because of its paranormal background but once i got over that, it was such a great read. lots of suspense, passion, and the allure of the unknown. anne mallory is so good at writing those dark victorian suspense. ( )

Readers who dislike paranormals will not like this book. It is marketed as a historical romance, but paranormal abilities are central to the plot.

Abigail Smart can see and talk to ghosts. Years ago her best friend was Valerian Danforth, the forgotten second son of the Duke of Palbury. When the duke's heir dies, Valerian seeks out Abigail for solace. But when she reveals her secret gift, he utterly rejects her as mad. Now Valerian is earl and heir. As Lord Rainewood he rules the ton yet still corners Abigail in secret to mock her. When Valerian is captured, his mind escapes physical torture by reaching out to Abigail. Because of her gift, she is the only one who can see him and rescue him. To get her cooperation, he'll have to emerge from his dead brother's shadow and rediscover his true character. Together they investigate the mystery of who captured Valerian and try to determine where he is being held. Meanwhile, Abigail has an even bigger secret she dare not reveal.

Despite a few loose ends, "For the Earl's Pleasure" is an enjoyable read. The main characters mature from childish taunting to friendship. The scenes are rich with a "hobby-horse race" (precursor to bicycles) and allusions to the 19th century treatment for hysteria. I look forward to reading her next work. ( )

Abigail can see ghosts. When she told Valerian, he didn't believe her but...years later, he is a ghost and needs her help. (oh, but he's not dead, just in a ghost form, although no explanation is given for how that can happen since he's alive). This book had a ton of contradictions. While I found some redeeming parts, it was just a confusing mess. ( )

This was probably one of the strangest historicals I've ever read (and believe me that's saying ALOT). As I ponder just what to say about "For the Earl's Pleasure" by Anne Mallory, I'm rather at a loss. My bet is if the setting had been contemporary, this would have been a big hit...but, at least for me, the era is all kinds of wrong for this one. Of course, she's the author, not me-so onward.

Abigail has a BIG secret...she sees ghosts. If she were not titled and searching for a husband, that wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing. But what peer wants a wife who may pass on her 'madness' to offspring? It's a good thing, then, that her secret is very well kept-with the exception of her former childhood friend, Lord Rainewood. Ever since that horrible day, they've been polite enemies...slashing at each other with words at every ton function they both attend. So when Lord Rainewood appears to Abigail as a spirit, you would think she wouldn't be so upset...right?

Valerian Rainewood never believed in Abigail's gift. But after his older brother died and he became the Heir, he realized that he would have to cut Abigail's friendship. How ironic that now she's the only one who can see or hear him. Valerian knows he's not dead, just being held and drugged somewhere; but he will have to learn to rely on Abigail for assistance...and her assistance will place her in grave danger.

So many questions were left unanswered. Why could Abigail see Valerian if he wasn't dead? What really happened between Abigail and the previous heir? What was Abigail's mother thinking!? There are more, but they would give the plot away and I don't want to do that. Once again, I do think this would likely have worked in a more contemporary setting, but having a society-miss-looking-for-a-husband involved in these doings was just too much of a stretch for me. The 'bad guy' seemed to almost come out of nowhere, especially for a total wacko and that always bugs me.

The relationship between the hero and heroine was very strange; not a rivalry, not friendly enemies, sometimes almost vicious. Their circles of friends were so antagonistic it's a wonder they ever spoke! Frankly, if I were Abigail, I'd have told Val to take a hike when he needed all her help. But true love must conquer all. Of course, I'm still not sure WHEN they consummated their relationship. Was it in spirit form? Does that count? Just another question I didn't get a true answer for. I usually love Anne Mallory's books, but "For the Earl's Pleasure" was an uncomfortable read; almost jarring at times. I did finish, and I am glad I did. But I'll be a bit leery the next time I see one of her works. ( )