What do you think?
Rate this book
The Rakes of Mayhem #7
To Heal a Broken Earl
She was only meant to keep his house— not steal his heart.
He offered her refuge. She gave him hope.
She came to his estate seeking safety—not love.
Lady Emma Grantham has experienced more than her share of loss. Orphaned as a child and raised among distant relatives alongside her older sister, she’s long since learned to rely on herself. Now temporarily caring for her spirited four-year-old niece, Katie, Emma will do whatever it takes to keep the child safe. When a suspicious fire forces them to flee London, she accepts an unconventional a post as housekeeper at a quiet Sussex estate. But the man who gives them refuge is anything but ordinary. The Earl of Wilton is sharp-witted, private—and distractingly handsome, with sun-kissed curls and sea-green eyes that unsettle her far more than they should. Still, Emma is focused on survival. Her heart is not part of the bargain.
He never asked to be the Earl of Wilton—but he may be the only one who can keep them safe.
Scarred in body and soul by years of war and secret service to the Crown— and now burdened with a newly inherited title and the estates that come with it—Michael Robinson wants nothing more than peace. His leg is ravaged, his past filled with shadows, and the simpering world of the ton holds no appeal. But then Emma arrives—all flame-red hair, extraordinary violet eyes, and spirited strength. She’s nothing like the debutantes who covet his title. And Katie—with her curious questions and bright smile—has him wrapped around her little finger before he realizes it.
Two guarded hearts. One hidden threat. And a love neither of them expected.
As warmth and unexpected laughter fill the earl’s once-silent halls, something darker stirs beyond them. The fire was no accident, and the danger they escaped may be drawing closer. With their lives—and their hearts—on the line, Michael and Emma must choose— go their separate ways…or fight for the love they never saw coming.
Tropes / Themes You'll Housekeeper / Governess RomanceNobleman & Commoner / Class DifferenceGuardian / Niece in PerilScarred / Wounded HeroReluctant NoblemanFound Family / Healing HomeSlow Burn RomanceDanger & SuspenseRead in Kindle Unlimited!
The Rakes of Mayhem
The Earl of Excess
The Marquess of Mischief
The Duke of Disorder
The Baron's Return
To Win a Viscount’s Heart
Tempting a Lonely Lord
To Heal a Broken Earl
This series is part of Dragonblade's Sweet Dreams line, so this is a sweet, wholesome Historical Romance where passion beyond the bedroom door is left to the reader’s imagination.
He offered her refuge. She gave him hope.
She came to his estate seeking safety—not love.
Lady Emma Grantham has experienced more than her share of loss. Orphaned as a child and raised among distant relatives alongside her older sister, she’s long since learned to rely on herself. Now temporarily caring for her spirited four-year-old niece, Katie, Emma will do whatever it takes to keep the child safe. When a suspicious fire forces them to flee London, she accepts an unconventional a post as housekeeper at a quiet Sussex estate. But the man who gives them refuge is anything but ordinary. The Earl of Wilton is sharp-witted, private—and distractingly handsome, with sun-kissed curls and sea-green eyes that unsettle her far more than they should. Still, Emma is focused on survival. Her heart is not part of the bargain.
He never asked to be the Earl of Wilton—but he may be the only one who can keep them safe.
Scarred in body and soul by years of war and secret service to the Crown— and now burdened with a newly inherited title and the estates that come with it—Michael Robinson wants nothing more than peace. His leg is ravaged, his past filled with shadows, and the simpering world of the ton holds no appeal. But then Emma arrives—all flame-red hair, extraordinary violet eyes, and spirited strength. She’s nothing like the debutantes who covet his title. And Katie—with her curious questions and bright smile—has him wrapped around her little finger before he realizes it.
Two guarded hearts. One hidden threat. And a love neither of them expected.
As warmth and unexpected laughter fill the earl’s once-silent halls, something darker stirs beyond them. The fire was no accident, and the danger they escaped may be drawing closer. With their lives—and their hearts—on the line, Michael and Emma must choose— go their separate ways…or fight for the love they never saw coming.
Tropes / Themes You'll Housekeeper / Governess RomanceNobleman & Commoner / Class DifferenceGuardian / Niece in PerilScarred / Wounded HeroReluctant NoblemanFound Family / Healing HomeSlow Burn RomanceDanger & SuspenseRead in Kindle Unlimited!
The Rakes of Mayhem
The Earl of Excess
The Marquess of Mischief
The Duke of Disorder
The Baron's Return
To Win a Viscount’s Heart
Tempting a Lonely Lord
To Heal a Broken Earl
This series is part of Dragonblade's Sweet Dreams line, so this is a sweet, wholesome Historical Romance where passion beyond the bedroom door is left to the reader’s imagination.
- GenresDisabilityHistorical
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2025
68 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Anna St. Claire
59 books232 followersWho 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.
To keep up to date on my new releases, special promotions, contests, giveaways, and more, sign up for my newsletter by clicking here.
You can also follow me on BookBub, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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.
To keep up to date on my new releases, special promotions, contests, giveaways, and more, sign up for my newsletter by clicking here.
You can also follow me on BookBub, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 23, 2025
Houses are being destroyed by fire in London. Lady Emma Grantham and her niece Katie barely escape from the destruction of their family home.
Fortunately or not, they both saw the man who started the fire. With help from friends they go into hiding. It's Michael Robinson, the Earl of Wilton, who is responsible for their safety. Emma is the most beautiful woman he's ever seen. She has feelings for Michael. A murderer and arsonist is obsessed with Emma, Michael must protect her and her niece at any cost. Some humor from a little dog and Katie. A nice read that moves at a steady pace.
A clean romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
Fortunately or not, they both saw the man who started the fire. With help from friends they go into hiding. It's Michael Robinson, the Earl of Wilton, who is responsible for their safety. Emma is the most beautiful woman he's ever seen. She has feelings for Michael. A murderer and arsonist is obsessed with Emma, Michael must protect her and her niece at any cost. Some humor from a little dog and Katie. A nice read that moves at a steady pace.
A clean romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
October 30, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.
Though this is book 7 of the Rakes of Mayhem series, and there are appearances and references to characters from the previous books, this can be read as a stand alone story.
A historical romance with some forced proximity scenarios, and a bit of drama and intrigue adding some tension to the story. Lady Emma Grantham is living a quiet country life in a home near her sister, when she is forced to flee on night, with her niece. They are witness to an arson that takes their home, but luckily not their lives, and both bear witness to the arsonist. Forced to seek help from friends, Emma and her niece end up under the protection of Michael, the Earl of Wilton. Michael, a scarred veteran and spy, works with his friends to secretly ferret Emma and Katie to his Sussex estate, where they hide, with Emma acting as his housekeeper. Michael and his friends set up an elaborate plan to hide and protect them, while seeking out the arsonist, who has become obsessed with Emma and seeks to find her for himself.
Enjoyable sweet with a bit of heat romance that is spiced up a bit further by the drama of the chase, with some of the story told from the perspective of the arsonist as the chase of Emma occurs. There is some sweetness and humour injected into the story through the side characters such as Katie, and a couple of nosy interfering dowagers with a rivalry as well.
3.75 stars out of 5
Though this is book 7 of the Rakes of Mayhem series, and there are appearances and references to characters from the previous books, this can be read as a stand alone story.
A historical romance with some forced proximity scenarios, and a bit of drama and intrigue adding some tension to the story. Lady Emma Grantham is living a quiet country life in a home near her sister, when she is forced to flee on night, with her niece. They are witness to an arson that takes their home, but luckily not their lives, and both bear witness to the arsonist. Forced to seek help from friends, Emma and her niece end up under the protection of Michael, the Earl of Wilton. Michael, a scarred veteran and spy, works with his friends to secretly ferret Emma and Katie to his Sussex estate, where they hide, with Emma acting as his housekeeper. Michael and his friends set up an elaborate plan to hide and protect them, while seeking out the arsonist, who has become obsessed with Emma and seeks to find her for himself.
Enjoyable sweet with a bit of heat romance that is spiced up a bit further by the drama of the chase, with some of the story told from the perspective of the arsonist as the chase of Emma occurs. There is some sweetness and humour injected into the story through the side characters such as Katie, and a couple of nosy interfering dowagers with a rivalry as well.
3.75 stars out of 5
October 3, 2025
4.5 Stars
Lady Emma Grantham was orphaned as a child and raised among distant relatives alongside her older sister, she’s long since learned to rely on herself. Now temporarily caring for her spirited four-year-old niece, Katie, Emma will do whatever it takes to keep the child safe. When a suspicious fire forces them to flee London, she accepts an unconventional a post as housekeeper at a quiet Sussex estate. Michael Robinson never asked to be the Earl of Wilton, scarred in body and soul by years of war and secret service to the Crown, now burdened with a newly inherited title and the estates that come with it he wants nothing more than peace. But then Emma arrives.
The seventh book in the series & it’s easily read on its own but previous characters do appear. A very well written book with strong characters & a well paced story. I loved both Michael & Emma bit it was Katie & Finn who were the stars – they were mischievous & adorable. The chemistry between Michael & Emma sizzled but he needed to heal, which Emma helped with. There was also the mystery surrounding the arson attacks & the arsonist fixating on Emma. I read this delightful book straight through & thoroughly enjoyed it
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Lady Emma Grantham was orphaned as a child and raised among distant relatives alongside her older sister, she’s long since learned to rely on herself. Now temporarily caring for her spirited four-year-old niece, Katie, Emma will do whatever it takes to keep the child safe. When a suspicious fire forces them to flee London, she accepts an unconventional a post as housekeeper at a quiet Sussex estate. Michael Robinson never asked to be the Earl of Wilton, scarred in body and soul by years of war and secret service to the Crown, now burdened with a newly inherited title and the estates that come with it he wants nothing more than peace. But then Emma arrives.
The seventh book in the series & it’s easily read on its own but previous characters do appear. A very well written book with strong characters & a well paced story. I loved both Michael & Emma bit it was Katie & Finn who were the stars – they were mischievous & adorable. The chemistry between Michael & Emma sizzled but he needed to heal, which Emma helped with. There was also the mystery surrounding the arson attacks & the arsonist fixating on Emma. I read this delightful book straight through & thoroughly enjoyed it
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
October 4, 2025
An arson attack leaves Lady Emma and her niece Katie without a home and needing to be hidden from the arsonist who knows that they caught a glimpse of him in the shadows. Michael, Earl of Wilton comes to the rescue, taking them by a circuitous route to one of his country estates. In constant pain from past injuries, Emma and Katie bring sunshine into Michael’s life whilst he builds up the estate defences to keep the pair safe. However the obsessive madman tracking them down is not going to a little thing like guards stop him from getting to Emma! An enjoyable slow burn romance, though I did find the typos in my early copy rather off-putting. Spaniel Finn and four-year Katie are adorable together. There are a lot of secondary characters from other books in the series but this novel can be read as a standalone.
Note: A major error made by the author in how Michael came to be an Earl, as under primogeniture rules he could not have inherited a title through his mother. If there was no male heir through the male line then the title would have gone into abeyance. The most that Michael could have inherited was unentailed property. He needed therefore to have inherited through his father.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Note: A major error made by the author in how Michael came to be an Earl, as under primogeniture rules he could not have inherited a title through his mother. If there was no male heir through the male line then the title would have gone into abeyance. The most that Michael could have inherited was unentailed property. He needed therefore to have inherited through his father.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 4, 2025
Lady Emma Grantham is awakened one night by her niece, Katie who sees a “bad man” in the window indicating she should be quiet, but he has scary eyes! When Emma wakes to try to find out what is happening, she smells smoke and proceeds to get her niece and herself out of the house as soon as possible. She is currently staying with her sister and her husband (Katie’s parents in their home) while they are away.
While rounding up the horses to escape the burning house, she gets a good look at the arsonist. The good news is that later Katie and Emma can provide a detailed description of the arsonist. The bad, the arsonist sees her as well! Emma and Katie make their way to their nearest neighbour’s home where Lady Beadle proceeds to contact Lord Michael Robinson, the Earl of Wilton to offer assistance and support to Emma and Katie. Michael and his friends arrange for Katie and Emma to escape via an elaborate route to throw the arsonist off their trail and to eventually be safely sequestered at Michael’s estate in Sussex.
Eventually, the arsonist is brought to justice and peace is restored. At the same time, Michael and Emma fall in love and get their HEA. I received an ARC from Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and submit my honest review voluntarily.
While rounding up the horses to escape the burning house, she gets a good look at the arsonist. The good news is that later Katie and Emma can provide a detailed description of the arsonist. The bad, the arsonist sees her as well! Emma and Katie make their way to their nearest neighbour’s home where Lady Beadle proceeds to contact Lord Michael Robinson, the Earl of Wilton to offer assistance and support to Emma and Katie. Michael and his friends arrange for Katie and Emma to escape via an elaborate route to throw the arsonist off their trail and to eventually be safely sequestered at Michael’s estate in Sussex.
Eventually, the arsonist is brought to justice and peace is restored. At the same time, Michael and Emma fall in love and get their HEA. I received an ARC from Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and submit my honest review voluntarily.
October 11, 2025
4.5 Stars - marked down for the editing errors.
Anna St. Clair delivers a romance that’s equal parts heart, heat & hijinks. Lady Emma Grantham is fiercely independent & fiercely protective, but after an arsonist sets fire to her sister's home, she escapes with her four-year-old niece, Katie. Emma finds refuge & unexpected purpose in the home of Michael Robinson, Earl of Wilton, a war-scarred nobleman more shadow than sunshine. Their slow-burn connection simmers beneath layers of grief, duty, & danger, while pint-sized scene-stealers Katie and Finn (Michael’s loyal spaniel, rescued during wartime) charm their way into every heart & every locked room. Watching this unlikely group tumble through the estate is pure joy. With arson, secrets, & redemption woven through the Sussex countryside, this story proves that healing isn’t quiet - it’s messy, mischievous, and utterly worth it. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Anna St. Clair delivers a romance that’s equal parts heart, heat & hijinks. Lady Emma Grantham is fiercely independent & fiercely protective, but after an arsonist sets fire to her sister's home, she escapes with her four-year-old niece, Katie. Emma finds refuge & unexpected purpose in the home of Michael Robinson, Earl of Wilton, a war-scarred nobleman more shadow than sunshine. Their slow-burn connection simmers beneath layers of grief, duty, & danger, while pint-sized scene-stealers Katie and Finn (Michael’s loyal spaniel, rescued during wartime) charm their way into every heart & every locked room. Watching this unlikely group tumble through the estate is pure joy. With arson, secrets, & redemption woven through the Sussex countryside, this story proves that healing isn’t quiet - it’s messy, mischievous, and utterly worth it. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 17, 2025
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
I will start by saying that there is not really anything wrong with this book. The characters and plot are fine and the narrative moves at a good pace. It was just not really all that interesting. For someone who was supposed to be basically a shut-in Michael opened his home up pretty quickly and easily to Emma and Katie. I would have preferred a little more development between Emma and Michael - they immediately find one another attractive and the next thing you know they are in love. The mystery surrounding the fire starter was also just a little underdeveloped but I thought the reason for his obsession with Emma made sense. He definitely showed that maybe Michael and his friends were not quite as smart as they liked to think - he found their location and got onto the property pretty easily. I also liked that Emma did something to try save herself rather than depending completely on Michael saving her. Overall, not a bad book, but not great either.
I will start by saying that there is not really anything wrong with this book. The characters and plot are fine and the narrative moves at a good pace. It was just not really all that interesting. For someone who was supposed to be basically a shut-in Michael opened his home up pretty quickly and easily to Emma and Katie. I would have preferred a little more development between Emma and Michael - they immediately find one another attractive and the next thing you know they are in love. The mystery surrounding the fire starter was also just a little underdeveloped but I thought the reason for his obsession with Emma made sense. He definitely showed that maybe Michael and his friends were not quite as smart as they liked to think - he found their location and got onto the property pretty easily. I also liked that Emma did something to try save herself rather than depending completely on Michael saving her. Overall, not a bad book, but not great either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this seventh installment of The Rakes of Mayhem series. Emma is such an easy heroine to root for—strong, caring, and just trying to protect her niece after everything they’ve been through. Her arrival at the Earl of Wilton’s estate hooked me right away, and I loved the “unexpected housekeeper” setup.
Michael is a great wounded-hero type: tired, recovering from war, not thrilled about being an earl…but completely soft when it comes to Emma and little Katie. Their slow-burn chemistry feels natural and heartwarming, and Katie adds so much charm to the story.
The mystery behind the fire adds a nice layer of tension without taking over the romance. By the end, I was fully invested in Emma and Michael choosing each other and building something safe and warm together.
If you like gentle, emotional historical romances with a hint of danger and a lot of heart, this one is definitely worth picking up.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Michael is a great wounded-hero type: tired, recovering from war, not thrilled about being an earl…but completely soft when it comes to Emma and little Katie. Their slow-burn chemistry feels natural and heartwarming, and Katie adds so much charm to the story.
The mystery behind the fire adds a nice layer of tension without taking over the romance. By the end, I was fully invested in Emma and Michael choosing each other and building something safe and warm together.
If you like gentle, emotional historical romances with a hint of danger and a lot of heart, this one is definitely worth picking up.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.
October 5, 2025
I do love grumpy/sunshine stories and Michael and Emma fit the bill. Michael is dealing with severe pain from the war and refuses to use some “foul” smelling salve to help him Emma has realized she will be a spinster and living with her sister and family. I adored Emma and her niece, Katie , who is just as cute as she can be. The villain is very obvious from the beginning, but still very frightening. The author does a great job of showing his mental state and destructive nature. The problem I had was the lack of good editing. There were several sentences repeated, one in a place that made no sense. One place had Michael as a blond Adonis, and 2 chapters later he had brown curly hair. Nothing makes a story go from great to good than awful editing. A good, original plot with angst in the climax and closed door scenes with no crass language (thank you author!), believable characters that I really could enjoy.
I received this story for free and these are my own views.
I received this story for free and these are my own views.
December 2, 2025
3.5 stars
Mostly my fault for joining a series at the end. There was assumption that I, the reader, was familiar with all the characters and so I would be invested in the romance.
I also found it difficult to get over some of the americanisms...we don't have skunk in the UK.. Was it my imagination but his hair changed colour at location 418 and then location 544. Not sure Bananas were that available at that time, possibly expensive and apparently came from the canary islands but more like Plantain so more like a vegetable than a snack?. Did folk call their parents Mummy & Daddy then? Angel Food Cake? Fire Brigades possibly OK in the city but in the country? More likely the workers on an estate would have to put fireout.
It didn't make me want to rush out and read the early ones.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Mostly my fault for joining a series at the end. There was assumption that I, the reader, was familiar with all the characters and so I would be invested in the romance.
I also found it difficult to get over some of the americanisms...we don't have skunk in the UK.. Was it my imagination but his hair changed colour at location 418 and then location 544. Not sure Bananas were that available at that time, possibly expensive and apparently came from the canary islands but more like Plantain so more like a vegetable than a snack?. Did folk call their parents Mummy & Daddy then? Angel Food Cake? Fire Brigades possibly OK in the city but in the country? More likely the workers on an estate would have to put fireout.
It didn't make me want to rush out and read the early ones.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2025
Attraction, suspense, and a pyromaniac make this novel romantic and suspenseful, as Lady Emma and her young niece escape the clutches of a madman and end up in the home of the Earl of Wilton. Michael has survived a cruel war, one that left him limping, and pain makes him grumpy. However, having met Emma and her charge, he feels protective towards them, and together with his comrades, they find a way to keep them safe. That is, until the arsonist catches up with them. I enjoyed the interaction between the main characters, and little Katie brings a touch of whimsy to the plot. After a dramatic rescue, the novel comes to a sweet conclusion with justice being served. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
October 11, 2025
Lady Emma Grantham and her niece Katie have just escaped a fire at their home. They fear they are in danger from the man who started the fire because they saw him (they are right). Michael Robinson, Earl Wilton, agrees to protect them. They will travel to his estate in disguise. Will it work? Will he be able to keep them safe? Sometimes you find a story that is just right, and this is one of them. The plot is well-paced and full of excitement, danger, suspense. The characters are fantastic, engaging and lovable (except the villain, of course). Michael and Emma are great together. Not everybody can find love while being pursued by a lunatic aristocratic pyromaniac. Katie and Finn the Spaniel steal the show, and Aunt Chippie and Lady Beadle are delightful. The villain is vile and insane, and hopefully will get his comeuppance. Great story!
October 17, 2025
Unfortunately, this book just wasn’t the right fit for me. I was really intrigued by the synopsis and the mystery aspect of the story. However, I struggled to feel the chemistry between the main characters. Their first kiss, for example, seemed to come out of nowhere without much build up or banter. While it was clear there was some surface level attraction, I would’ve loved to see a few more interactions to let that connection develop naturally.
I do enjoy a good slow burn, but parts of the plot felt a bit drawn out for my taste. Still, I can see how others might enjoy it more, especially those who appreciate a slower pace and subtle romance. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!
I do enjoy a good slow burn, but parts of the plot felt a bit drawn out for my taste. Still, I can see how others might enjoy it more, especially those who appreciate a slower pace and subtle romance. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!
October 7, 2025
This historical romance is exciting from the first page. Our heroine is faced with a terrifying night. All the wonderful characters, including one with four legs, come together to protect her and her little niece.
The villain is truly crazy and wicked. He is a very dangerous man and not just for our heroine. Everyone is at risk.
There is also a lot of enjoyment in the adventure our characters face.
Great fun.
The villain is truly crazy and wicked. He is a very dangerous man and not just for our heroine. Everyone is at risk.
There is also a lot of enjoyment in the adventure our characters face.
Great fun.
October 9, 2025
Loved Emma and Micheal's story of a lady in need of a safe place to hide especially after she sees an arsonist at work and more importantly they see her. Emma needs to safeguard and protect her niece from.harm, when a housekeeping post comes up in a remote area she takes the post. She was only meant to keep an Earl's house running not fall in love or lure an arsonist into his home and kidnap her. Can Micheal save the woman who has not only made his house a home and crept into his heart from an arsonist and a kidnapper.
October 2, 2025
Wounded war hero Michael just wants to rusticate away from society. He agrees to house Emma and her niece when their home is burnt to the ground by an arsonist. Spending time together encourages an attraction between them. Can Michael keep Emma safe when the arsonist comes for her? I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.
October 9, 2025
Engaging...
She's a beauty, working as his housekeeper, though she is a lady. Emma flees a fire with her niece Katie and ends up under the protection of Lord Wilton, Michael. Michael is wounded, with a leg injury and scars from the war and spying. He's wildly attracted to Emma but thinks he's done with marriage.
These two are both stubborn and very attractive.
Recommend.
She's a beauty, working as his housekeeper, though she is a lady. Emma flees a fire with her niece Katie and ends up under the protection of Lord Wilton, Michael. Michael is wounded, with a leg injury and scars from the war and spying. He's wildly attracted to Emma but thinks he's done with marriage.
These two are both stubborn and very attractive.
Recommend.
October 9, 2025
This is an interesting grumpy/sunshine romance with mystery and suspense, an adorable little girl, Katie, and a very cute dog.
The chemistry between Lady Emma and Michael, the Earl of Wilton, is fun, and there is a great cast of secondary characters, including a villain, that make the story an enchanting and entertaining read.
The chemistry between Lady Emma and Michael, the Earl of Wilton, is fun, and there is a great cast of secondary characters, including a villain, that make the story an enchanting and entertaining read.
October 22, 2025
A touching historical romance about loss, healing, and finding love again.
Being able to read Anna St. Claire was amazing. I got to see that her characters were gorgeously drawn, full of heart and quiet strength. The balance of grief and new beginnings makes this a truly emotional read for Regency fans.
Thanks for the early copy, NetGalley!
Being able to read Anna St. Claire was amazing. I got to see that her characters were gorgeously drawn, full of heart and quiet strength. The balance of grief and new beginnings makes this a truly emotional read for Regency fans.
Thanks for the early copy, NetGalley!
October 9, 2025
Excellent read with the right mix of action and romance as well as camaraderie with a cast of wonderful characters and the child and dog almost stealing the whole show!
I received an ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.
I received an ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.
October 12, 2025
Scarred earl
Emma and Michael are a great couple. He helps her and niece as they are hiding from an arsonist. She is just what he needs to heal his brokenness. He just needs to keep her out of the hands of the arsonist who is obsessed with her so he can declare his love.
Emma and Michael are a great couple. He helps her and niece as they are hiding from an arsonist. She is just what he needs to heal his brokenness. He just needs to keep her out of the hands of the arsonist who is obsessed with her so he can declare his love.
October 17, 2025
Beautifully written. Well paced with amazing characters of depth and strength. Part of a great series of characters and plots. Wonderful chemistry between the main characters. Can be read as a standalone but I always like reading all of a series to gain the full experience of the writers story.
October 6, 2025
A wonderful heart felt romance. I enjoyed the story, strong dynamic between Michael and Emma. Grumpy meets sunshine, some drama and danger and within lots of hope and future filled with love.
October 7, 2025
A sweet story with good use of the grumpy/sunshine trope. A nice easy read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for this ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for this ARC.
October 16, 2025
Broken earl
What a dramatic turn this story starts with! A fast paced tale that travels swiftly across England engaging Family members and old war buddies.
What a dramatic turn this story starts with! A fast paced tale that travels swiftly across England engaging Family members and old war buddies.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews