The Explorer Returns

The Brazen Curators #3

by Ramona Elmes

Love hadn’t been enough years ago; would it be now?

Lisbeth, the widowed Duchess of Lusby, travels to Syria to deliver an ancient map that will allow her antiquities club in London to find important artifacts. She expects to deliver them to her colleague, but instead comes face to face with the man whose heart she broke years ago. Gone is the quiet man she once loved, and in his place is a brash, famous explorer. She is unimpressed.

Thomas Easton is astounded when Lisbeth appears in the Syrian café where he is spending time with friends. He never planned to see her again after she ended their betrothal with a letter. Gone is the daring young woman he once knew, and in her place is a regal duchess. This different Lisbeth annoys him. Shocking them both, Thomas goads her into staying for one more adventure. He insists to himself it isn’t because of any lingering feelings.

As they hunt for artifacts, feelings and temptations start to grow between them. Could they have another chance at love? Perhaps, but secrets and dangers both in Syria and England have a way of derailing even the most certain happily-ever-afters.

Tropes/Second chance romanceForbidden LoveLove with a dash of adventureAntiquities huntOpposites attractFriends to LoversBluestocking and explorerWidower and RakeSecrets and danger
Read in Kindle Unlimited!

This series is part of Dragonblade's Flame line, so this is a scorching-hot read with open-door steam.

The Brazen Curators
Book 1 - A Wanton Adventure
Book 2 - A Translation of Desire
Book 3 - The Explorer Returns

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 3, 2026

About the author

Since stealing her first historical romance novel from her mother more than twenty years ago, Ramona Elmes has been all in on the genre. In 2020, Ramona’s infatuation for the historical and steamy stirred her to start writing her own romances.

She completed her first series in 2023. The Nouveau Riche series is filled with lots of angst and steam centered around the Kincaide family moving to England for vengeful plans during the Victorian era. She is currently working on a new series in the same character world but focused on a group of misfit ladies trying to one up a long existing stuffy men’s only club.

When not creating ways to entice and torture her characters, she spends her days in Georgia coordinating her family’s crazy life, refereeing pets, and daydreaming on her front porch.

To get updates on Ramona’s books, you can follow her on Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, or her website.

Website: https://ramonaelmes.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RamonaElmes

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elmes_ramona/

Reviews

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ramona Elmes is a new author for me. This is my 6th book by her. She is published by Dragonblade, Flame Division and a lot of my favorite authors are also published by them so I know I'll get a good read. After reading 5 of her books, she already has 2 on my favorite reads list for 2025 including Book 1 in this series. So glad I found her.

I really liked this story and this couple, Lisbeth and Thomas. I do have to say, and I don't know why, but not a huge fan of a couple that something happens and they don't get together but then one of them marries and has kids. Then is a widow or widower. Like I said, don't know why. Just not my favorite. I did like this story though. It had a bit of twist which was good. I really like this author and her writing and hope she writes many more books.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

This is book 3 of the series and I have been looking forward to this story because it is a second chance romance, and there have been hints of this story in the two preceding books that have been piquing my interest from the very beginning. To finally read it, discover what really happened in the past, and have it finally resolve itself is very satisfying.

Lisbeth, the widowed Duchess of Lusby, has left her children behind to carry out the important task of bringing an ancient map to Syria, to help pinpoint the recovery of two ancient tablets in a series of caves, already being explored by the famed Thomas Easton. She is not only travelling to Syria, but she is travelling to confront her past.

As was written about in the preceding two stories, Lisbeth and Thomas have a past together, and this story finally gives us the story of their past, and what lead to them being in their current positions. They were childhood friends who grew up together, and literally ran away together to explore the world. The very proper Duchess is revealed to be the instigator of their youthful actions, showing that she was the one with the wandering soul and desire for adventure, and Thomas was the scholarly son of the help who was her adoring friend and willing to follow her to literally parts unknown. So sweet, and lovely, especially as they also discovered their love for each other and were embarking on that adventure together as well. All to be torn asunder when Lisbeth finds herself drawn back to family and England through duty and obligation. Knowing what she must do, she breaks things off with Thomas coldly and decisively, leading them to live the next many years in two very different paths.

Those paths come together again when they must reunite to find and recover the missing tablets to the epic that Rose Calvert is translating, that the ladies are hoping to be the highlight of their exhibit as a female run antiquities society.

This story was very emotionally satisfying to read as Thomas and Lisbeth confront each other after many years of heartbreak, anger, and hidden truths. They have their chance to clear the air, and maybe leave the past behind. Except, despite the years, they are still very much attracted to each other, and discover that one brief affair is not enough to satisfy them. When Lisbeth returns to England, Thomas finds himself following her, with the hopes of pursuing a future with her. But once in England, he discovers that she has hidden more secrets from him, and he is loathe to forgive her, despite an aggressive motivation to tie their lives together more permanently. So Lisbeth finds herself caught trying to placate and earn Thomas's trust again, protecting her children and their future, and protecting her own heart.

So much drama and emotion, with so many ups and downs, as Thomas must resolve so many aspects of their pasts to work for a future, together. Spiraling amongst this as well is the romantic epic of the tablets being revealed. A lovely parallel of stories.

4.25 stars out of 5

[Slwd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisbeth and Thomas

“The Explorer Returns” is book three in the series The Brazen Curators written by Ramona Elmes. Having read the first two books in the series I was eager to continue this wonderfully exciting series about strong, intelligent women, their love of antiquities, and the love they find with men who are wholeheartedly supportive of them and their endeavors. This story is a second chance at a happy ever after for Lisbeth and Thomas. Before either of these two were twenty, they ran to what we now know as the Middle East to search for artifacts and learn from famed explorer Benjamin Calvert. They were poor, happy, and in love until Lisbeth’s brother took her back to England to marry a duke to replenish the depleted family coffers. Reluctantly, Lisbeth did her duty for her family. Meanwhile , Thomas went on to become famous in the field of antiquities. This is what broke these two lovers, Lisbeth and Thomas, apart. This story is how they got back together about a dozen years later. This story was well thought out and constructed. Flashbacks were skillfully incorporated to highlight past events. This story fits right into The Brazen Curators world and included many characters from the first two books. Both Lisbeth and Thomas were great characters. I liked the fact that Lisbeth was the daughter of an earl while Thomas was the son of the household’s housekeeper. The disparity in their social status definitely impacted how their lives played out, and the emotional impact on all concerned. I certainly enjoyed this second chance at love while these characters had to reconcile the past in order to plan for a future. Lisbeth and Thomas didn’t have an easy go of things as secrets were kept and an off balanced fan threatened from a distance. This story fits perfectly in Dragonblade’s Flame Line. The super steamy, extremely passionate, scorching hot intimate scenes fit these characters and the reignited romance. I am also glad that the author included the women’s antiquity club and how they are working so hard to succeed in a man’s world. Definitely recommended.

I received this book from NetGallery, my thoughts and opinions in this review are entirely my own.

[Alexandra G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love hadn’t been enough years ago; would it be now?

Lisbeth & Thomas grew up together; she the earl’s daughter, he the housekeeper’s son – best friends and fellow adventurers fascinated by history. She spontaneous, he the voice of reason. When she was 18 they ran away together, joined a renowned antiquarian in Tuscany, confessed their love, he proposed... and she left him.
Now, a decade later, she’s a widowed duchess and mother of two, and he’s become a famous explorer, his wild tales setting many a socialite’s heart aflutter.
They never expected to meet again... until their mentor nudged fate – just a little.

It’s a love affair neither ever got over. It’s obligation, explanation, intimate reconciliation, and a quest to recover ancient tablets to help her historical society gain a spot in the Crystal Palace. It’s him head-over-heels following her home, only to discover she left out a life-altering detail... leading to an anger filled forced marriage.
Their love is strong, but is it strong enough for this?
And there’s his devoted little stalker...

A second chance that turns into a rocky union. He forced himself into her life and then struggles to find where he fits in. She’s a devoted mother, trying to reconcile past, present and future. They’re still opposites, but now she’s the responsible one, and he’s reckless.
I loved their emotional rollercoaster; it wasn’t pretty, but it felt truthful. They both mess up, but – with a little help from their loving entourage – always find their way back.
A genuine, heartfelt and captivating romance that stands beautifully on its own. However, I do feel some of the sideline plot might be lost on you if you haven’t read the previous books in this series – and since they’re both rather wonderful, I happily recommend starting at the beginning!

A final side note: this was supposed to be the last book in this series, but I see two more HEA’s happening... Could there be more in the future? I certainly hope so!

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

[Jan Mawdesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Explorer Returns is book three in The Brazen Curator Series based around a group of Society women in London who wish to be recognised for their ability and knowledge in the male dominated field of Antiquities.
Prince Albert is creating what will become the Crystal Place, designed to present the best of All Nations designs and workmanship to the World. It is a massive undertaking, and The Historical Society of Female Curators are determined to be there with their recent discovery the Tablets of an ancient epic from Mesopotamia but need to acquire the final two tablets to compete the set and the story.
Lisbeth, Duchess of Lusby has travelled to Syria to meet Thomas Easton, a man with whom she has serious history, to give him a map of caves in the area where the last of tablets are believed to be found.
He and Lisbeth have not seen each other since their heartbreaking end to the plans made together when they were young. Life has steered them in vastly different directions; his to fame and fortune, hers to marriage and motherhood.
Meeting again they realise their attraction to one another is still as strong as it once was but as there are lies, hurt and secrets buried over the past ten years they are not going to go down that pathway again, even after one memorable night together.
The Explorer Returns is a loosely woven story of antiquities, fame, love, lust and obsession which will appeal to a reader who enjoys a story that has a considerable amount of factual research woven through a very steamy storyline.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.4
We have Lisbeth, the widowed Duchess of Lusby, travels to Syria to deliver a map for further evacuation of a site that will find the two missing tablets. She decides to deliver the map that shows where two cuneiform tablets for the ancient epic her club has on display!
Thomas Easton world renown explorer has traveled the world to forget Lisbeth aka Lizzie and now she just appears in his world after almost 12 years? Unfathomable, the pain she left behind with just a note rears its ugly head again! When Thomas goads her into participating in the expedition Lizzie makes a wonderful fine!
These two discuss their past and somewhat resolve it but Lizzie is still keeping secrets!
Thomas follows her to London and when the secret is revealed he is hurt and angry! Thomas punishes her but also punishes himself!
How can the son of a housekeeper and the daughter of an Earl have a future!
Lizzie is a Duchess with two children but always an explorer at heart! Can these two forge a future with so much anger and remorse between them?
Sometimes love is just not enough!? But when an overzealous fan starts to write disturbing letters threatening Lizzie and their new found family well all bets are off!
Can Thomas protect his family and survive long enough to build a future? Bravo well done!
I received an ARC copy from Netgalley for my honest review!

[Mojo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was beyond excited to learn this story would be about Lizzie and Thomas. I’m a sucker for second chance romances, and this was a good one.

Thomas and Lizzie have known each other since they were young, she a daughter of an Earl and he is the son of the housekeeper. While normally these sort of friendships aren’t encouraged her father was alright with their friendship. That was about the only good thing about him though, as he eventually puts the family close to debtors prison. Lizzie doesn’t learn about this until after she runs away with Thomas to pursue her love of archeology. Once she finds out, she’s forced to make a life changing decision.

This story takes place shortly after the previous one, having discovered the map to the rest of the epic story. Lisbeth reunites with Thomas in search of the rest of the tablets. Feelings are definitely still there, and secrets are going to be discovered that could potentially ruin the relationship before it has a chance to start again.

While you don’t need to read the story before this one, it can stand on its own. I still recommend it, as it was also enjoyable. This is set to be the last in the series, but I have a feeling there is at least one more story that can be told.

Thanks NetGalley for the arc

[Tiffany P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second chance romance was a great addition to the series. Lisbeth and Thomas were childhood friends that had loved one another as kids. When life intervened and Lisbeth had to make a difficult choice, she left Thomas behind with a letter that broke his heart. After years apart, their work brings them back together, and their feelings can’t be denied. They have to get over lots of secrets and hurt to make it to their happy ending. This book contains historical information about artifacts and ancient tales, great side characters, humor, anger, sadness from hurt and grief, family reunions, a threat from a possible villain, steamy scenes, romance, second chance love, and a HEA. The story flowed and kept me engaged throughout.

I received and ARC of this book from Net Galley and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, and once again found myself loving both the series and the author’s writing.

The Explorer Returns took the story in directions I didn’t quite expect, but that turned out to be one of its strengths. The plot meandered at times, yet it felt intentional and refreshing rather than unfocused, allowing the story and characters space to breathe.

The characters themselves are strong and engaging. I especially connected with Lisbeth and found myself genuinely feeling for her during moments when Thomas was… less than his best. Their relationship had emotional weight, and the tension between them felt believable and well earned.

This was an enjoyable, immersive historical romance, and I finished it hoping there will be more to come in this series. I’d happily recommend it to fans of adventurous, character-driven romance.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for this book almost from the beginning of the series, as the mystery of the relationship between Lisbeth and Thomas tantalised me with the unanswered questions. As Lisbeth finally returns to Syria and comes face to face with Thomas, one realizes that in spite of the heartache and pain, the attraction between them is as fierce as it ever was. Retrieving the artifact that will complete the collection, the ladies of The Historical Society for Female Curators need to complete the story they are transcribing, which brings its own adventures, but returning to London forces Lisbeth to face up to past decisions and Thomas to learn the truth about the secrets she is hiding. The novel is a delight and comes to a beautiful conclusion. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s the explorer…

Lisbeth, as a young lady, made the difficult choice to leave Thomas, the housekeepers son who ran off with her to be an explorer. I don’t understand why they did t marry right away? That part made no sense for a responsible young man that Thomas was. But whatever, we would gave Lisbeth choosing to leave him behind in Syria to return to England to marry a dukes son to save her family from destitution. As always, women are sold into marriage for money and to bail the witless men around out if the trouble they created.

Twelve years later, Lisbeth is back in Syria to deliver a map and Thomas goads her into one last adventure. They both have secrets, Lisbeth has a big one, and hurts and they are both different people, but still the same and how do they move forward.
A well crafted second chance.
Recommend.

[Ly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense emotions!

I loved this romance. Lisbeth and Thomas are passionate, complex characters. I had a great time reading this book, filled with intense emotions.
Strong attraction and emotions continuously whirled between Lisbeth and Thomas. Past hurt and lies, however, are not easily forgotten and don’t facilitate the journey to HEA. All these components are so well combined to create a wonderful historical romance.
I adored the characters and their complicated, passionate bond, and I thoroughly enjoyed this romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting story with good characters. Unfortunately this book was rather ruined for me by not having been properly proofread. Instead of being absorbed by the story and plot, I was instead fixated on the errors. Hopefully, as I read an ARC, the published book will have been edited but as it stands I have difficulty in recommending it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lisbeth & Thomas grew up together....they are in love at a young age..,.

over 10 years later they see each other again...

Great characters, well written, fast paced with unexpected twists & turns, steamy scenes & happily ever after.

Thanks to the author, publisher & Netgalley for the ARC read. All opinions are my own.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aaah, second chances!!! Well written second story with great secondary characters. A father that you will want to knock heads with, artifacts, tales of old and steam.

Filled with lots of emotions: frustration, humor, sadness, grief and so much more.
Great pace and flow to keep reader fully engaged up to the end. I would recommend reading in order, even though it's not really required.

[Sharon Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful romance with interesting characters, well described scenes, and a mystery element. With the antiquities theme, it is as if the reader gets more than one adventure. The plot is complicated and unexpected but very nicely laid out. The secondary characters are a delight all on their own. My favorite of the series.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since I have read an Elmes story! I'm so glad I decided to read "The Explorer Returns!"

I really enjoyed the time I spent between the pages of this story!

This second chance romance had me swooning!

Emotional, funny, intriguing, steamy!

I recommend this historical romance!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting love story. The characters are well written and developed. The way the story ties to a legend is interesting. The challenges they both face to be reunited lead to happily ever after. A fine addition to the series.

[Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whilst this was an easy read I struggled to connect with the MFC until a third of the way through the book.
We are in the Victorian era and she leaves 2 children to go to Syria to find the equivalent of the Rosetta Stone. The children aren’t really mentioned nor the demise of her husband until she has had sex with the MMC. Once the MMC, the Explorer, Thomas returns the story seems to tick up and make more sense.
Thank you NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the ARC

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Not a fan of the hero.

[JXR · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun romance with great characters and some good plotting throughout. would recommend this one. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this second chance romance. The main characters are so loveable even when they are not being their best selves. I couldn't put the book down.