Earl of Shefford

Wicked Earls' Club

by Anna St. Claire

Can an unexpected wager bring two uniquely different people together?

A charming rogue…
Colin, Earl of Shefford lives a charmed life thanks to his wealth, title, and good looks. When he wins a building in a wager, he deems it a perfect location for a fencing club. Arriving at the site, he’s shocked to see the building is home to an orphanage, and never imagined he’d be sparring with the very prim and proper headmistress, Miss Honoria Mason. When the lovely but headstrong Miss Mason stubbornly refuses his offer of an alternative establishment, Colin brashly gives her an ultimatum—provide proof the orphanage has value to him or marry him.

A determined spinster…
Determined to save the orphanage she has worked so hard to preserve, Honoria has no choice but to accept Lord Shefford’s ultimatum and marry him. Honoria may be attracted to Shefford’s good looks and charm, but she refuses to fall in love with him. Her family’s misfortunes came about thanks to the Ton’s selfish ways. Sparks fly as proximity forces them together, the better to know each other.

Dear Reader: Earl of Shefford was originally part of the multi-authored Wicked Earls Club Series.

Kindle Edition

First published February 16, 2021

About the author

Who knew I’d become an author? Not me. But when the opportunity knocked, I answered the door and welcomed it in. I approach life with as much positivity as I can—celebrating the hits and laughing at the misses. Nothing worthwhile is easy, and that includes everything in my life. But I have much to smile about—my lovely mother, a beautiful daughter, two precious granddaughters, my adorable dogs, and my sweet husband of over thirty years. He has always supported me—including uprooting to move to the other side of Charlotte, N.C. for a life change, just when we thought we were settled.

If settled means not going after my dreams, then I never want to be settled. I give my all to things I enjoy—and that includes writing. In 2021, I hit the USA Today Bestselling Author list, and recently, two of my books were named RONE Finalists!

I love to express myself to the point that my daughter avoids going to the movies with me because I’m that woman in the row in front of you who gleefully munches her popcorn and laughs at every hilarious scene. Loudly. Besides my family, I love chocolate, popcorn, laughter, and animals. I love animals so much that I frequently sprinkle them in my stories as secondary characters. They usually steal the show! British and American history have always interested me, so writing historical romances set in the U.K. and the US is where my passion is.

When I was barely three years old, my parents divorced, and my mom moved my sister and me from New York to South Carolina to live near her parents. Juggling a full-time job and full-time school, my mother became my first genuine hero—she never waved the white flag when things were tough. And things quickly got tough. My grandmother, who helped care for my sister and me while my mother worked, became ill with cancer, and didn’t survive the surgery, dying before I was seven. Losing Grandma devastated me. She read to me and taught me to read before I started first grade. I credit her for inspiring my love of reading, and I credit my mother for encouraging me to turn my ideas into stories.

When I was ten, my neighbor gave me her book club copy of Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind and it remains one of my favorite books. But it was Kathleen Woodiwiss’ Shanna and Ashes in the Wind, that hooked me on historical romance and sparked my dream of becoming a published author.

While I primarily write Regency Romance, I enjoy almost any period in American and British history.

I love hearing from readers. To get in touch, email me at annastclaireauthor@gmail.com.

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You can also follow me on BookBub, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Reviews

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Earl of Shefford
Noble Hearts Series #Three
Wicked Earls' Club World #28
Anna St Claire
https://www.facebook.com/authorannast...
Release Date 02/16/2021

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

Colin, Earl of Shefford visits a building he won, having determined its address to be an excellent location for a new club. Discovering not only a fully functioning orphanage but a beautiful headmistress, who refuses his offer of an alternative establishment, he suffers a pique of temper. Irritated by her immunity to his charms, he foolishly succumbs to his intense attraction and brashly offers her a choice. Either she must accept him in a marriage of convenience or provide proof that the orphanage has value to him.

Impoverished and needing to restore her fortunes, Miss Honoria Mason despises the members of the ton for their extravagance and blames them for her family’s loss of home and fortune. Nora's life takes a turn when the handsome Lord Shefford becomes the orphanage's landlord. Either she proves the orphanage’s worth to him in two weeks or becomes his convenient bride in order that he may produce an heir. She refuses to lose the orphanage she has worked so hard to preserve and so accepts his offer to marry.

Sparks fly as proximity forces them together, the better to know each other. Yet, how may romance overcome such hazardous beginnings when resentment has stacked the dice against them?

𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Will their differences keep them apart ...

I had been honored to read an early version of this story, and now after rereading it, I might say I much enjoyed it.
The relationship between the earls, their silly and fun banters was full of humor and the battle of wit at the beginning between the main couple was entertaining.
It is no love at first sight, and while there is an attraction between them, it is not enough to make them fall in love instantly. And while it is set in a short span of time, it is by getting to know the other they learn to appreciate the other’s various qualities.

Colin is a very likable fellow, he is sure a peer and expected to be rather haughty and conceited. Which he appears upon his first meeting with Honoria. Yet he is not one to satisfy himself with short answers, he wants full control.
And he looks for them. But he also a person who keeps his eyes open and accepts to see his faults. He changes along the pages, he sees past my his wealth and slowly cares for the plights the children find themselves in.
Nora is more complicated she over-analyses everything. She does not let herself free to feel enough outside her closed world.
I did not really understand her character at the beginning , she wants out of the ton but relies on her grandmother, a dowager countess, to provide for her and her charges. Her pet project is in need of many helps but she uses only her family’s connection nothing else. But when her family’s history is shared, it explains a lot more.

Why their tempers clash, and how they find themselves betrothed, in a fit of temper!

The epilogue is so sweet.
4 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 some kisses.

I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the plot and characters, especially the cute children. Entertaining story. 4☆

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️1/2
💋💋

Struggled a little with this one, it just couldn’t hold my attention and my mind wouldn’t stay on task.
The plot, characters and general storyline were good, but something was missing.

Loved Colin and his lady, grandmother the Dowager was great too.

[Mary Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful stepping into London and the world of the ton. This story has mystery, intrigue, kidnapping and its own Fagan to keep you turning the pages. The characters are realistic and have a delightful sense of humour. It was laugh out loud amusing at more than one point and teary-eyed heartbreaking at others. I enjoyed it immensely.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all these Wicked Earls & the Earl of Shefford only adds to my love. The story is entertaining, well written & moves at a good pace that kept me engaged & turning pages.

Colin Nelson, Earl of Shefford's friend had talked Colin into playing one more game of Faro with Lord Whitton. Whitton had been losing all night, he already lost his horse to Colin's friend Lord Bergen & now he has signed a Bill of Sale on a building he owned after losing the game with Colin. Colin has no idea what kind of condition the vacant building is in, but he is familiar with the area & thinks it will work well for his brother to open a Fencing Club. The building ends up not being vacant, it is a small orphanage & Lord Whitton had no right to sell the building as it belongs to his sister, the Dowager Countess of Witton, who has given its use to her granddaughter.

Miss Honoria Mason is an impoverished, lovely, protective & kind woman who re-opened the orphanage after her grandmother gave her a building to use. Her Grandmother was her Benefactor & helped with expenses. Nora dislikes society that are overindulgent, waste food & money on frivolous things & blames them for her family's loss of money & home.

When Colin meets the beautiful headmistress of the orphanage being run in his building - well, sparks fly & not necessarily good ones. He tries everything, including his famous charm, to convince her to relocate from his building. When that fails, he offers a deal - she has two weeks to prove why the orphanage would be advantageous to him or she would agree to a marriage of convenience with him. Oh, but it wasn't that simple - many other things came into play. For instance, is his claim on the building legitimate, what about the desire between them - what a fun & romantic Regency romp with a great couple, wonderful secondary characters & the orphans made me teary eyed several times, which I feel is perfect.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colin Nelson, Earl of Shefford wins a building from the Earl of Whitton & his close friend the Earl of Bergen won Whitton's horse, whilst leaving Whitton stabs Colin. A few days later Colin visits the building he won, having determined its address to be an excellent location for a new club he wishes to start with his brother. Discovering not only a fully functioning orphanage but a beautiful headmistress, who refuses his offer of an alternative establishment, he suffers a pique of temper. Irritated by her immunity to his charms, he foolishly succumbs to his intense attraction and brashly offers to marry her. To his surprise she accepts. Miss Honoria Mason's life takes a turn when the handsome Lord Shefford says he now owns the orphanage. Sparks fly as proximity forces them together, the better to know each other.
A heart warming fun read with strong characters & a well paced story. I loved both Colin & Nora whose attraction was apparent from their first meeting & grew in leaps and bounds. I adored the interfering grandma & the orphans were delightful. A lovely mix of intrigue & romance, which I read in two sittings. I found the ending a little rushed but it didn’t impact on my enjoyment
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the characters. So diverse from tiny children to grandmothers and everything in between. Our young couple learned a lot from each other. But they also learned a lot from the children living at the orphanage. Some of the children came from terrible conditions and were around nasty people. Later in the story, a few of the children previous owners wanted them back. Danger was afoot for the children. Nora's grandmother, the Countess, was a loving, kind woman. In the midst of a situation, she could see endless possibilities. Nora met Colin because her uncle lost at a game of cards and because the Countess asked a favor of him. He agreed. It was not till afterwards his friend explained what the Countess was up to. Colin had been had. All in all, a very sweet story of two people falling in love and the children they cared for.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rainelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Earl of Shefford, is a wonderful historical romantic read. I truly enjoyed the drama and action among the ton. I like how I read the book with ease. The book had a fast pace about it, but I was ok with that. All The characters were wonderful including the children. I found humor from each of them, by the little mischievous behavior. Colin and Nora’s romantic affair was very sweet and romantic. In someways I liked how Colin swept in to be Nora’s Knight in shining armor, but I think that Nora, could take care of things herself, if she had the resources that she needed. This is a short read that was fun to read. I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.

[Tina Ullrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colin Nelson, the Earl of Shefford, is about to meet his match. After winning a building in a card game, Colin goes to check out what needs to be done to fit the building for his long awaited Fencing Club.only to find said building is already occupied. If all the nerve, to win a building in the area he wants only to get his hopes dashed by an orphanage.

Honoria Mason, granddaughter to the Dowger Countess Whitton, reopens the orphanage her grandmother use to own and run. She is doing renovations on the building and ends up gets children brought to her. She currently has twelve. When Colin and two other Lord's show up to tell her she has to vacate the property.

Honoria tells them no and that her grandmother owns the property, so there is some mistake. Colin goes to see the Countess only to be told he was given a forgery but she has a proposition for him. If he spends two weeks letting Honoria prove the worth of the orphanage is needed them she will either let him have the building or give him the cash value of the property.

Without REALLY thinking it through he agrees, until his friend Lord Thomas Bergen brought it to his attention. Spending time with an unmarried woman has consequences. As he is arguing with Honoria he blurted out without thinking, “If I asked you to marry me, would you take that seriously?” Being very annoyed he blurted out, " I Accept".

Now to our two villains, Honoria's uncle, Lord Wilford Montgomery, The Earl of Whitton, having proven to his parents he is a lazy, gambling drunk, gets his inheritance in name only, the rest is under his mother's control.

The we have Mr. Robert Sneed, he is the local chimney sweep boys owner and sells women and children in the side after abducting them. He has some whites that work for him. He is a brute and violent man.

The twists and surprises that follow will have you on pins and biting your nails. Who is Sneed after and whom does he end up with. Does Whitton sink further or does he redeem himself? Do Colin and Honoria really get married or does Colin get the property? With great descriptive story-telling you have an engaging adventurous ride that takes you on a whirlwind of romance and intrigue.

[Kiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Earl of Shefford, Book 30 of the Wicked Earls' Club (even though it's listed as Book 28), was about Lord Colin Nelson, Earl of Shefford, and Miss Honoria Mason, the impoverished headmistress of an orphanage and granddaughter to the Dowager Countess of Whitton (niece to Lord Wilford Montgomery, Earl of Whitton). She held certain members of the ton responsible for her family’s loss of home and fortune, and she was in need of having her fortune restored. After winning a building in a wager from Lord Whitton, Colin went to see what its condition was, hoping to turn it into a business. When he realized that it was an orphanage and that the building was actually owned by Nora's grandmother, he spoke with the Dowager, only to be informed that the deed he possessed to the building was, in fact, a forgery.
After having had a secret conversation with the Dowager and the Earl of Bergen, in which the formidable woman convinced him to give Nora, who was unaware that the deed he held was fake, two weeks to prove that the orphanage was of more value than any use Lord Shefford might have had for it. In return for his efforts, the Dowager promised him the choice of either the building itself or she would give him the monetary value of the building so he could purchase another suitable building to do with as he wished. Lord Shefford agreed to the Dowager's proposal, feeling as though he had never made a more certain bet, only to realize that, perhaps she had bested him without his knowing it.
After presenting Nora with the proposal arranged between Lord Shefford and the Dowager, Nora refused, which upset him to the point that, without a second thought, he threw out a marriage proposal, which she immediately accepted.
I have to admit that this story angered me quite a bit. The way everyone tossed one deal after another at each other...all involving the very lives and future of Nora and the orphans...without an ounce of consideration for Nora's feelings was totally appalling. It was all about control and manipulation.
There were several saving graces for this book, with two of them being the humor the author threw in...and the fact that Nora readily and immediately accepted Colin's proposal...throwing him off balance for a moment...that is, until he decided that was exactly what he wanted...to marry her.
There was more angst and intrigue than romance in the story. However, there definitely was strong chemistry between Nora and Colin that flared from time to time into a deep passion.
There were quite a few surprises in this story. Some were pleasant, while others...not so pleasant. However, it definitely kept the reader completely engaged to the end.
While there were several typos and misspelled words here and there, this story was definitely one to remember...and to add to the other Keeper for the Shelves books.

[Theresa25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful Wicked Earls book. This story is about the Earl of Shefford, Colin, and Miss Honoria Mason. Colin wins the deed to a building not realizing that the building houses an orphanage and is run by the niece of the man who lost the deed. When Honoria realizes what has happened, she’s furious that Colin wants to turn the orphanage into a fencing club for his lofty ton friends. Colin gives Honoria a choice: prove to him in two weeks that the orphanage is worth keeping or marry him so he can produce an heir. What choice does Honoria have but to accept.

What neither of them realize is that there are people out to close the orphanage and keep Colin and Honoria apart. Can these two overcome their differences and work together to find out who is trying to shut them down, especially when danger threatenes each of their families? Wonderful story and well written. The story kept you reading to find out who wanted to shut them down. And the children were such a nice addition to the story. Considering the hardships they faced, they were so sweet and kind. Nicely done.

[Marla Cohen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book practically in one sitting. I generally prefer to read longer books as it allows for more character development. However , I was pleasntly engaged from the beginning even though I didn't realize this was part of a series.
The main characters are Colin Nelson , Earl of Shefford and Honoria Mason, granddaughter of the Countess of Whitten.
Colin wins the deed to a property " owned " by Wilford, current Earl of Whitten and Nora's uncle in a card game in which he reluctantly participates. Leaving the gaming hell he is attacked and injured.
When Colin later goes to inspect the supposed vacant warehouse he finds that it is an orphanage run by Nora.Nora's mission is to care for abused and abandoned children . The rest of the story involves some adorable and plucky orphans , a forged document ( the orphanage property actually belongs to the Countess and not her son ), and some dastardly villains. This is a clean Regency with a happy ending. While the story can be read as a stand alone, I would have liked to know more about Colin's activities with the Crown , why he wanted to help his brother and who his friends Morray and Bergen were.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Colin Nelson, Earl of Shefford, and his friends go to look over the property he believes he won from Lord Wilford Whitton, they are more than surprised to find Miss Honoria Mason in residence as headmistress of the orphanage and school currently occupying the building. Their first meeting did not go well. After meeting with Honoria’s grandmother, the Dowager Countess of Whitton, returns to talk to her. During this meeting, her stubbornness annoyed him so much that in a pique of temper he more or less challenges her to marry him. To their shock, she accepts. Now what? If her grandmother and his mother have their way, there will be a wedding.

This story is full of humor, but also has action, danger, drama, and a kidnapping (and rescue). Most of the characters are witty and engaging. The staff at the orphanage and the children were absolutely delightful. Colin and Nora are fantastic together even when they’re fighting. I like the changes in Colin as he works with the orphanage. This entertaining story holds your attention and has a brilliant epilogue. I enjoyed it.

[Kat Tolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT A GREAT STORY. Earl of Shefford by Anna St. Claire is book 3 in the Noble Hearts Series and what a great series this is. Though in a series this book can be read as a standalone. I found this story oh so original and what a really great plot. Also I always loving reading about a scheming and feisty grandmother… they always crack me up and was one of my favorite characters in this book. Anna has a true gift for story telling. Her descriptions give you a clear regency feel and is easy to read. This story has winning a card game and building, a beautiful head mistress to orphans, a women who hates society, a lying uncle, a scheming grandmother, a marriage of convince, great banter, good friends, needing funds, attempted murder and love. I am highly recommend this book!!

***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.

[Amy Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Colin the Earl of Shefford wins a building in a card game he thinks it would be a place for a club he want to go up. Upon visiting his building he is shocked to find it's an orphanage. When he meets its head Mistress sparks begin to fly. In a moment of a clash between these to strong and fierce characters, Colin proposes marriage. Let the games begin. As Colin spends more time with Nora and the children he begins to fall for them. Forces are against them. How will they fight for love? I really enjoyed this story. I loved the battle between Colin and Nora. The orphanage children were such a delight. There is a great cast of secondary characters. Anna St Claire knows how to bring a story to life and give you all the feels.

[Roslyn Stillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is number 28 in the Wicked Earls Club series. This was a wonderful read. It was lovely to read a storyline that wasn’t set in ballrooms and bedrooms. It was beautifully written with heartwarming characters. The storyline had enough action and adventure in it to keep you wanting to turn the page. It was also nice to catch up with some of the past characters from the Wicked Earls Club series. There was no sex in this book which made it more enjoyable for this reviewer. I received this as an ARC and freely give my review.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first taste of the Wicked Earl's Club series, and boy have I been missing out! The story is well-written and captured my interest from the start and pulled me right in. Colin, the Earl of Shefford, wins the deed to a property currently owned by Nora's uncle, the Earl of Whitten. When he goes to visit the property, he discovers it is an orphanage run by Nora. The chemistry between these two was amazing. Although this is a clean romance, it still delivers plenty of passion and romance to make you swoon. While there are definitely some moments that will pull at your heartstrings, there are also some fun, laugh out loud moments that will keep a smile on your face. A short read, but a thoroughly enjoyable one with lovable, endearing characters. It was nice to read a sweet and clean Regency romance with a setting other than the typical ballrooms and such. The storyline flowed smoothly and kept me engaged and wanting to keep reading to see what happens next. A delightful and charming read and one I would definitely recommend!

I was gifted an advanced reader's copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Lori Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Earl of Shefford by Anna St. Claire is part of the Wicked Earls Club and book #3 of the Noble Hearts Series. I have to say, the Wicked Earls are some of my favorite stories. Earl of Shefford is right up there as one of my favorite. It is just a delight. I love the characters and the interaction with the minor characters as well. This story has an orphanage, kidnapping, delightful children, crazy uncle, wonderful friends and or course my favorite, the HEA. I recommend this book.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Earl of Shefford by Anna St. Claire
Wicked Earls Club Series Book Three
Colin Nelson, the fifth Earl of Shefford, won a building while gambling. He hoped it would be perfect to open a fencing salon for his brother to run. What he didn't expect was for it to be occupied by a beautiful woman who ran an orphanage. Things didn't quite turn out as Colin expected.

Miss Honoria “Nora” Mason was so happy with the running the orphanage. With her grandmother's help, she hoped to teach the children skills that would keep them off the streets when they were older. So, having a man show up saying he owned her grandmother's building was just not right.

A wonderful story. Good guys, bad guys, and adorable children.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Debi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story about Nora and Colin, the Earl of Shefford. As I read this story I could easily picture the chemistry between the two and I found it kept me turning the pages, wondering what was going to happen next.

This book is part of the Wicked Earls' Club series, but can be read as a standalone. It has left me excited to read more books written by this author and also ones in this series.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.

[Susan Sieger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read!

I enjoyed this book, it had a lot of interesting things happening in a short amount of time. I really liked that in the end they adopted four of the children from the orphanage. I also liked that the bad guys got taken care of and put away. I highly recommend this book! 👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet novella ! Perfect for a short airplane ride.

Ms. Mason meet the Earl of Shefford under confusing circumstances - he possesses a agreement for her orphanage and he makes an agreement with her grandmother to assist Ms. Mason for two weeks.

Their sweet chemistry and hot kisses are lovely and flow easily !

[Phylis Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colin and Nora's story
A delightful romance full of emotion, drama, humor, action, plot twists, and love. Where heroes are strong and brave and the women are determined and resilient.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good Story!!

I enjoyed this one so much. Nora and Colin were a cute couple. I loved the characters and storyline so much. On to the 4th book Earl of Halsburg. 💜💜💜💜💜

[Jessica Clements · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like with everything I've read from this author, it has been a delightful read. The clear growth in her writing is evident. The characters were amazing, a plot twist that will throw you for a loop, and over all good story line. I would recommend this book, highly.

[Sandra Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked Earl's

This book was delightful. Strong heroine and hero loved that they found each other and saved the other children. Glad her uncle got his just reward.

[Lea Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun

This was a quick fun read. I do so enjoy this author’s books. Wonderful characters and story that grabs you from page one. I also like the inclusion of some other Earls from this series. I highly recommend this series and this author.

[Aj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in the Wicked Earl's club series. A great plot and well written story. Colin and Honoria were engaging characters.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story for Nora and Colin! And another great Wicked Earls' Club story as well! I really enjoy the stories which include the children and the plights of the unfortunate, and how the eyes of the ton are being opened to them. This one should be on your TBR list!

**I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.**

[John Boles]

Earl of Shefford

Every time I read a new book in this series I find it to be better than the last. This story had just enough suspense and intrigue to make it a very good read. I would recommend this book to anyone.