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Cover of To Love an Earl

To Love an Earl

476 pages

A sweeping, passionate battle of wills where a guarded heart meets an unstoppable force.

What it feels like

This classic Regency romance delivers a spirited, emotionally charged battle of the sexes set against the tense, sweeping backdrop of 1815 Brussels. The narrative moves at a brisk, engaging pace, driven by the crackling chemistry and sharp banter between a fiercely independent heroine terrified of heartbreak and a war-hardened rake who knows exactly what he wants. The prose is emotionally heightened and deeply romantic, capturing the breathless tension of a long-standing attraction finally boiling over. It feels like a delicious, high-stakes game of chess where both players are terrified to lose but desperate to surrender. Fans of old-school historical romance who crave alpha heroes, stubborn heroines, and a deeply satisfying, hard-won emotional payoff will devour this passionate tale.

Mood
  • romantic
  • tense
  • sweeping
  • spirited
Tone
  • passionate
  • witty
  • dramatic
  • earnest
Pace
brisk
Themes
fear of vulnerability · battle of wills · healing through love · family loyalty
The writing
Emotionally heightened and dialogue-driven, with the classic, sweeping descriptive flair of 90s historical romance.
The arc
A guarded woman and a determined rake clash in a battle of wits before surrendering to a deeply vulnerable, hard-won love.
Who it's for
Readers who love classic Regency romances featuring stubborn, independent heroines and the relentless, charming rakes determined to win them over.
Content notes
  • war themes
  • past trauma
  • mild peril

About the book

A woman of remarkable beauty and indomitable will, 24 year old Deirdre Fenton is determined to extricate her incorrigible brother from his latest escapade - a dalliance with a renowned actress rumoured to be enjoying carte blanche with the infamous rake and war hero, the Earl of Rathbourne. Despite her memories of the night the Earl nearly ravished her senseless - inflaming her fury and her passions - Deirdre intends to straighten out her brother, and then find a husband who will be steady and faithful. She wants no part of love, or its inevitable heartbreak.

A master strategist on the battlefield and off, 30 year old Gareth Rathbourne discovers trying to breach the defenses of a woman who refuses to believe in happy endings is an uphill battle. And after five years of waiting to put Deirdre in her rightful place - in his home, his bed, and his heart - he's not above putting his considerable powers of persuasion to work. Firmly convinced passion is a battlefield where love conquers all, he vows to lead them both to victory...with the tender mercies of the heart

Description from Open Library.

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