The Truth about the Earl: A Clean Regency Romance

by Rose Pearson

When writing society ondits under a fictitious name, Lady Essington becomes a target for a blackmailer.

After the untimely death of her aged husband, young Lady Norah Essington was given the opportunity to write a weekly piece for the local society newspaper, detailing news, scandals and secrets of the ton that surrounded her – and all under a fictitious name. Delighted with such an opportunity, she began to do so with relish, only for a falsehood about her to be printed under that very same fictious name! Confused, Norah is horrified when letters begin to arrive at her door, demanding that she write what they tell her – or else suffer the consequences.

James, Earl of Yarmouth, is disgusted with what he reads in society papers, particularly when one such comment is made about himself! Determined to put things to rights, he tries to discover who is writing such lies, only to find himself thrown together with Lady Essington in what is swiftly becoming a much bigger mystery.

Will she be courageous enough to tell him everything? And what will James do when the truth finally comes out?

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2024

About the author

Rose has read her way through countless romances over the years, “borrowing” them from her older sisters, and hiding them from her mother.

She has a special love for Regency romances and when she began writing, the Regency period was a natural place to start. The ton, the wealthy families, the Season, the dilemmas, and yes, the marriages, have always fascinated her.

She loves a happy ever after! Now she is happy to bring this passion to her stories and share it with her readers.

On a personal note, Rose lives in North Carolina, is married, and has a terrier that barks too much. She enjoys taking him for walks to tire him out!

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the untimely death of her aged husband, Lady Norah Essington was left with not more than a pittance to live on so when given the opportunity to write a weekly piece for the local society newspaper, detailing news, scandals and secrets of the ton that surrounded her – and all under a fictitious name – it’s an opportunity too good to miss. Norah is horrified when letters begin to arrive at her door, demanding that she write what they tell her – or else suffer the consequences. James, Earl of Yarmouth, is disgusted with what he reads in society papers, particularly when one such comment is made about himself! Determined to put things to rights, he tries to discover who is writing such lies
A well written romance I really liked both James & Nora, I also loved how their initial attraction floundered & then gradually grew but of course she's hiding her secret & then someone's determined to ruin them both. A captivating read with the added bonus of a mystery
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose Pearson kicks off her new Whispers of the Ton series with a bang! The *Truth About the Earl* is a delightful blend of sweet romance and tantalizing mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. If you’re a fan of clean historical romances with a dash of intrigue, this one’s for you.

Lady Norah Essington, a young widow, steps into the scandalous world of society journalism, writing under a fictitious name to expose the wrongdoings of the ton. But when a malicious falsehood about her gets printed, and a blackmailer threatens her with cruel demands, Norah’s life takes a dangerous turn. 

What begins as a simple column to call out the unscrupulous soon spirals into something more sinister. And to make matters worse, the blackmailers target James, the Earl of Yarmouth—a man she’s come to care for deeply. Will Norah be able to protect herself and those she loves, or will the truth cost her everything?

I found myself hooked by the suspense surrounding the blackmailer’s motives. Why target James? How did they discover Norah’s secret identity? Pearson expertly weaves these mysteries into the plot while developing the heartwarming connection between Norah and James. Their slow-burn romance felt genuine, with James understanding and patience adding depth to his character.

Rose Pearson never disappoints! Her characters are engaging, the plot is refreshing, and the touch of mystery only makes it more enjoyable. This first book is a fantastic start to a promising series, and I can’t wait for more!  

I received an ARC from the author via Booksprout and am leaving my review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Norah Essington is a widow and is given the opportunity to write a column under a fictitious name in the society pages to supplement her small income.
Although no one is supposed to know her identity she starts receiving letters threatening to hurt her and her acquaintances if she doesn’t write lies about certain people.
One of the people is Lord James Yarmouth who she has started to grow close to.
James does not like to read the society pages but when something is written about him, he is determined to find out what is happening.

This is a well written sweet clean romance with a touch of mystery thrown in.

I read this book a couple of years ago when it was included in the anthology, Secrets, Scandals, and Seductions

I enjoyed reading this book again.

Rose Pearson writes well written books and I recommend them to anyone wishing a clean story.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Deeper Mystery to be Discovered . . .

After mourning the death of her elderly husband, the young widow Lady Norah Essington was offered a job writing for the society newspaper under a false name, providing gentle warnings about the scandals occurring in society and what young ladies should avoid. But someone is determined to make use of her access by blackmailing her to write lies about what they choose to expose. One of the “victims” they select is James, Earl of Yarmouth. When Lady Essington and Lord Yardley met, an attraction was felt by both. She does not want to harm him. As he searches for the writer of these lies, how will he react when the truth comes out? Why was she being forced to do this? And will it destroy a possible future for the two of them just as they were moving toward a HEA together?

[Annette Drewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful story with a few surprises for the main characters. One year after her husband’s death, Lady Norah Essington returns to London for the Season. She is encouraged to write a society column for the papers to help her maintain her small townhouse. Whilst attending balls and other Tonnish pastimes, she meets Lord James Yardley (Earl of Yarmouth). Their attraction grows, but someone they both know is not at all happy. When Norah and those she loves are threatened, will James stand by her and help to uncover the culprit, or will he walk away? I actually guessed who the blackmailer was, about a chapter before they were revealed, and I loved the final chapters. Great Read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Barbara Raue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Norah Essington, now a widow, begins writing a column on society under a fictitious name - items based on truth, not meant to hurt, but to protect others from injury or scandal. A falsehood about her is added as a postscript. Norah tightens up how her column is delivered. Then she begins receiving letters telling her what to write – and they are lies meant to hurt people. Lies about the man she has grown close to, James, Earl of Yardley.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. Lady Nora Essington is back in London for the Season, having completed her year of mourning for her late husband. She finds herself attracted to Lord James Yardley and he to her. Nora is a kind and caring lady but there are secrets that he doesn’t know about Nora and she fears his reaction. Fortunately, they both have good friends who,give sound advice, if they can take it. However, someone is out to cause Nora distress and she needs help to find out who it is. This was an entertaining read with a few surprises. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had read this book when it was first published. I enjoyed the characters. At first the hero was really only worried about other’s impression of him and he was quick to judge. Thanks to his good friend he became aware of his short falls. The heroine was just trying to survive and did have a remorse with what she had to do. There was a villain but not whom I thought. It was a well written story with multiple characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the beginning of a new series and has started off strong. With the untimely death of her husband, Norah Essington has been offered an opportunity to earn some money by writing a column on the society page. She is to remain under a false name and to only speak the truth. She meets Lord Yardley and with the aid of a friend she has made and Lord Yardley, they have to find out who is threatening her and why before falsehoods destroy the man she loves.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Norah, a widow who writes for the scandal sheets under a fictitious name, finds herself on the receiving end when someone writes about her under the same name. Earl James is disgusted with Norahs' column; especially when he is the person being written about. He set out to find the culprit and winds up working with Norah to solve the mystery of who's threatening her. A wonderful story with a surprising twist ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teresa Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you do if you were given the choice of doing something that was reprehensible to you, that would hurt someone you cared about, or risk them or someone else you cared about being hurt, possibly worse? And would you be able to forgive someone who had purposefully done something to hurt you, even if they acted not of their own choice?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Loreli Jessee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This surprise packed story will immediately grab you and not let you go. I loved how Norah was able to step into the shoes of another and flourish. She is such a likable and thoughtful character. James was the perfect match, I loved how he made decisions and treated others. The scenery and cattiness of some will keep you wondering what will happen next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teri Ruscak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose Pearson
The Truth about the Earl: A Clean Regency Romance (Whispers of the Ton Book 1)
Norah and James
It's a story in this new series with mystery and intrigue! And of course, romance. Norah is newly widowed, and when she presents herself for the season, she has to deal with lies and gossip from the ton.
James is not sure what he wants, but meeting Lady Essington clears this up for him.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting look at the way scandal and rumors spread. I love how this scandal sheet only tells the truth and does its best to protect the innocent. Rose Pearson makes the time period come to life. I kike the intrigue she adds in as well. Highly recommend her books to any who like a clean read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Same yet different
Getting to know Norah and James was fun. Add in Sophia, Lord Huntsford and yes even Lady Maude and you get a very good read. Getting to know the guilty party was easy for me - I had it down to 2 people who are "close".
I still wonder if Lord Huntsford has feelings for 1 of our characters, maybe the next book will reveal more on that subject.

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Great Regency Read

I so enjoyed Lady Essington and Lord Yardley's story. She is a widow trying to survive after her husband's death. He is not sure what he wants. He is at first drawn to one Lady but after meeting Lady Essington things change. This book is full of mystery and intrigue as well as romance. It all makes for a captivating read that I read straight through.

[Phylis Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this lovely story. Well told. Great characters. Nice even pace, flows great. The action keeps you right there and routing for the hero all the way. I intend to read more of this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aud · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Truth about the Earl” Whispers of the Ton, book 1 by Rose Pearson
A Sweet Regency Romance with a trace of Suspense
This was a light fun story. It did take me a wee bit of time to get hooked; but then the pages just flew by in a hurry. Happy Reading ! !

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gossip rag..

Norah is a young widow, in need of coin. She takes up writing a gossip mag, under a pen mane. Think Lady Whistledown. But then she’s being blackmailed and manipulated. James, an earl, wants to stop her talking smack and gets sucked into her drama.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always Rose Pearson delivers another regency book filler with suspense, engaging conversations and romance! I really enjoyed this one and glad to start a new series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Renee Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story with mystery and intrigue with romance also in it. A widow going back to find another husband has to deal with the gossip and lies of the ton.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Luci Jamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

clean romance

Well written mystery that had a bit of a surprise twist (at least for me). It does a good job of showcasing how gossip can be distorted and disruptive.
Well developed characters and plot that kept me interested in the story.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nicely written story,
Takes you right into the angst that miscommunication can cause.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn’t love Yardley. Norah is naive. Predictable ending.