Loving the Unexpected Earl: Regency Historical Romance

by Christina Diane

Genres: Historical Romance

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2026

About the author

Christina Diane writes Regency romances that are fast-paced, high-heat love stories where the banter bites and the bad boys never behave. An international bestselling author, Christina blends historical settings with modern a modern flair, crafting irresistible tales of spirited heroines, forbidden liaisons, and brooding alphas who’d ruin your reputation and your bedsheets.

If you crave scandal, seduction, and a dash of emotional darkness…welcome to your new obsession.

Reviews

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just started reading Christina Diane. This is only my 12th book by her. I saw another of her books when I was downloading another new author and also ran across her on a FB takeover in one of my steamy book groups. Her stories are well written and sex is pretty good.

This book was so good. I loved the story and I loved Graham and Diana. I read hundreds and hundreds of HR books and mostly from the same era so you're not going to get around some of the same storylines but I just love the way this one was written. I loved all the family dynamics. You could feel what a great relationship they had and would have. Overall a really, really good read.

[Lara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I haven’t read any of Christina Diane’s books before, but I do enjoy a spicy regency romance novel and this book’s description promises witty banter, emotional tension, and a dashing hero. All things I love!

Graham inherits an earldom… and a £35,000 debt 😭 which honestly just stressed me out for the entire book. Instead of romantic tension, I mostly felt financial anxiety. Every scene had this cloud hanging over it, and because we as readers know he desperately needs money, it makes the central conflict feel very predictable.

When he and Diana are caught kissing (classic compromised bride setup), her family immediately suspects he did it on purpose to secure her dowry. And because we know he needs funds, it’s not an unreasonable suspicion. You can basically see from a mile away that he’s going to do something that looks dodgy and confirms her fears. That looming misunderstanding becomes the key tension… and it’s frustrating.

There are some genuinely lovely elements to this book as well. It wasn’t my cup of tea but I can see how some readers would enjoy Graham’s vulnerability, and how seriously he approaches losing his virginity. There’s also the foundations of a marriage built on partnership and mutual respect.

But when the tension in a romantic relationship could all just be resolved by a man being courageous and honest, I just spend the whole time wanting the MMC to BE BETTER!

Thanks to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for providing a free eARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book on the Romancing the Ton series was a captivating, well written marriage of convenience historical romance novella. A compromising situation in the rain leads to a heartwarming and entertaining journey of two strangers beginning a life with secrets, intrigue, and a strong, steamy, passionate chemistry. The characters are both new and recurring, and they are delightful and likable. I enjoyed how their newfound love overcame many obstacles to find their happy ending. I can't wait for book three. I highly recommend reading!

[Stacie Irwin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let me begin by saying that I love this author. I have read almost all of her works, and I find her a wonderful writer. Unfortunately, this book was not my favorite. I had high hopes as the beginning was fun and lovely. I liked the setup and the general plot promise.

The MMC showed great promise. Graham was an unlikely earl who inherited recently. I loved that he was a “down to earth” man and wanted to do well. I really liked that he was a virgin MMC and just seemed genuine. These were all promising things. I became extremely disenchanted by his extreme cowardice. This just didn’t seem to fit with how he was set up (at least in my head.) I can see and understand why he did what he did, but it was just too much for me to like him as an MMC. I almost felt he used their attraction and lust to manipulate Diana at times, and it made me feel yucky. It stole the intimacy and passion from the scenes as I found I hurry read through them.

Diana was likable enough, but she didn’t stand out to me. I did love and appreciate that she had a supportive and loving (if a bit overprotective) family. It was refreshing to see a supportive family of the FMC when so many times they’re portrayed as awful.

I also had trouble believing all the overblown, unlikely scenarios in the story. There were just so many. (POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD!!!)

- A horse farm owner becomes and earl
- He’s an honorable man who is also a virgin when his predecessors were licentious and full of vice.
- A terrible predator holding debts of his predecessors strikes before the story begins.
- He meets a rich and attractive lady who likes him back and conveniently has studied estate management- which he knows nothing about.
- He is able to learn from a book and correctly execute bedroom prowess despite never trying these things before. No fumbling or awkwardness at all.
- Despite the dissolution of the previous earls, there is still plenty to sell off to make up debts.
- A harridan of society ends up with an unlikely connection.

Maybe I struggled with all this because I didn’t particularly like Graham. It was easier to focus on the unbelievable, maybe?

Despite my opinions of this particular book, I will still continue to support and love this author!

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving the Unexpected Earl is a sweet, heartfelt story of how one scandalous kiss can change even the most carefully planned future. Lady Diana Armstrong is intelligent, capable, and determined to find a husband who will include her in the running of his estate.

When she meets Graham Clive, the newly and unexpectedly titled Earl of Powis, she immediately senses that he is overwhelmed by society yet earnest and kind. A chance encounter in a moonlit garden, a brewing storm, and a lapse in judgement leads to a heated kiss that changes everything. Soon, a rain-soaked, stolen kiss sparks a public betrothal, and the two are swept into a marriage neither expected—but cannot resist.

As passion flares and secrets rise to the surface, Graham must protect his new wife from the danger that shadows them both. Their journey is filled with overprotective loved ones, hidden debts, tender moments, and choices of the heart that often appear very differently to the outside world. Graham’s protectiveness, his heartfelt gift of Luna, and his genuine remorse for his mistakes make him a truly endearing hero. Diana’s willingness to listen, forgive, and trust in love makes her the perfect match for him.

The story’s unexpected twist brought a delightful surprise, and the closing epilogue wrapped everything in a satisfying way. With its wonderful family dynamics, passionate romance, intriguing secrets, and heartfelt characters, this book is a captivating and memorable read. The author’s elegant storytelling and ability to weave love, danger, and charm together made this a truly enjoyable historical romance. I look forward to the next book in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for this free advanced copy - this is my honest and voluntary review; all opinions are my own.

[Alexandra G · Rating 4 out of 5]

From successful horse breeder in the country to catch of the Season, Graham is a newly minted earl treading water. The sullied title came with numerous neglected estates, needy dependants, responsibilities he hadn’t trained for, and one giant debt. He hadn’t planned on a wife until he’d righted every wrong – until her.
An astute socialite convinced estate management is a safer bet than love, Diana is set on a practical match rather than the fairytale – until a fish out of water causes an unexpected tidal wave at the first ball of the Season. She only needed to coral her wayward thoughts... and there he was. Again.

Caught kissing her in the rain by two vipers, a hasty marriage is their only saviour, but it’s no hardship... they fit. In every possible way. He’s her dreamboat: courteous, open-minded, asking for her help, and not too shabby to look at. And she’s a beauty with a kind heart, a sharp mind and a hefty dowry – not that he’ll touch a penny of it. No, he’ll fix this mess and keep her safe. No matter what! Cue the villain...

I hadn’t expected to be quite so charmed by this book, yet I truly am, and what a marvellous feeling that is! I really enjoyed the lightness of D&G’s romance; they’re peas in a pod and don’t fight it. It was uplifting and oh so delectable! There’s nothing like two eager virgins discovering together!
She has a solid head on her shoulders, still, wedded bliss overrules brains. She basks in happiness and love, and in my mind, that’s how every fresh wife should feel.
Do I condone G’s foolish stubbornness? No, but I do admire him for trying. Plus, his conscience does almost eat him alive. Of course it backfires – and the way that played out was both surprising and heartwarming. A real nice twist!
Her entourage is a meddling bunch. Did I feel like strangling D’s brother? Most definitely yes! What a pompous arse! He meant well, but he couldn’t be more of a jerk if he tried.
And finally, there’s another original twist at the end. It’s an indirect link to D&G, and a shift in perspective that brings beautiful closure.

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

[Winnifred D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tropes: marriage of convenience; Big Secret
Steam level: 3
Part of a series; works fine on its own.

3.5 stars that I'm giving to cinnamon roll virgin MMC Graham and the surprisingly poignant twist toward the end. Otherwise, the plot is pretty much what you'd expect, and the supporting characters (other than Graham's sympathetic buddy Matt) are rather unlikable, particularly MFC Diana's bad-tempered brother Elias. His role seems to be to just storm around and threaten Graham, heedless to whatever else is going on.

And one of my big pet peeves pops up in this book: typecasting the MFC and giving her a limited character arc, instead of letting her develop naturally through the plot. Diana is labelled several times as "practical" but in reality makes more than a few silly impulse decisions. Graham definitely should have let her in on his secret sooner, but overall he is a better developed character (the scene in which his otherwise likable mom slaps him seems particularly off).

This is a fast read, though, and it has potential. Graham kept me engaged throughout, even if he was a flawed character.

I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest, voluntary review. Thanks to the author, Dragon Blade, and Net Galley for this opportunity.

[Ridzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Netgalley

My first book by the author and it did start well keeping true to the description of sweet, spicy romance but didn't quite live up to the promise with the last few chapters being both rushed and unnecessary.

Trope: Marriage of Convenience, Forced to marry due to scandal

Yays: Equality, freedom and feminism

Nays:
1. Use of 21st century phrases like "give her some space" particularly standing out
2. Convoluted and unbelievable scenarios like going riding in the middle on an argument, finding lost family and redemption of a character the reader has no emotional investment in

FMC: smart, capable and doesn't just want to be a wife, she wants to engage in estate management, learn horse riding, read and essentially be more. She is also unafraid of expressing her desires and asking for what she wants which is refreshing for a Regency heroine. Unfortunately she is also flighty and impulsive even thought at the start of the story we're told again and again she is practical minded. There is not evidence of such in the book however.

MMC: a bit of beta hero, coming into his own and all. His character just didn't develop as much as it could.

Short read, moderately enjoyable, but not memorable.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I plucked this out of the catalog because I'm a sucker for marriage of conveniences and I prefer sweet grooms to sour ones. Graham and Diana seemed the perfect couple as they were both the embodiment of sunshine and lollipops in the best way. I loved their chemistry and genuine regard for each other's feelings. My least favorite part was the husband's lie of omission that perpetuated for the greater part of the novel. Despite multiple questions, he continued to avoid telling her about his family's gambling debt that was dumped on him before his earldom. I liked the writing and the couple's ardor, but I couldn't shake the yuckiness caused by the protagonist's constant deceit. I may continue to read this series, but this experience was soured by the unfortunate conflict. This collection has promise, although I hope the next book isn't as unsuspecting as this one fared to be.

[Tiffany P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novella about Diana and Graham. It started with a marriage between two strangers who married because of a scandal and his desire to protect her. This marriage of convenience quickly became more, but because of fear and his desire to protect his wife, Graham keeps secrets. This story had so much happening. There was judgment from family and friends, inherited debts that came with threats, a family reunited, steamy passion, witty banter, love, endearing moments, hurt, accidents and injuries, honest conversations with revelations, surprising secrets revealed, and a HEA for all. I loved the main couple and their connection. Some of her friends were really obnoxious and didn’t seem like true friends at all. The hero made many misguided decisions trying to protect his wife that went against his true character. That became annoying because I didn’t feel that it matched with who he was.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Net Galley and am voluntarily leaving this review

[Gylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Diana Armstrong is very practical and is looking for a sensible match. She wants a partnership and to be useful for her husband. Graham Clive is the new Earl of Powis a title he never expected to inherit. His cousin left him with a huge debt, but he is determined to only marry for love. When Diana and Graham find themselves in a scandalous situation they are forced to marry. Will they actually find love together and have a true marriage?

This is the second book in the Romancing the Ton series which has been fabulous so far. I absolutely loved this book and thought it was awesome!! The book was a lot of fun, so very sweet and definitely romantic!! I instantly liked both Diana and Graham’s characters and felt they made the perfect couple together. I thought their romance was so sweet and enjoyed how they went from strangers to lovers. I really enjoyed how they both gave their marriage a chance and were able to find love together. The book was definitely heart warming and had me sighing by the end. I highly recommend this book!!

[Cherie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scandal, Horses, Family, Secrets
This is a wonderful story with very charming and delightful characters. 
Graham the newly appointed Earl has inherited a boat load of debt from his deceased cousin and only wants to marry for love., so that leaves out finding a rich young lady, or does it?
Diana a young lady attending her first ball of the season where she is introduced to Graham a friend of her brother.
From there the story takes these two interesting people into a whirlwind of a scandal that sets the plot for this enjoyable story
Great friends and family come together to avoid the scandal and uncover a wonderfully intriguing story with the most shocking ending you could possibly imagine.
I love the story and look forward to more of series.
💖 Mature Advisory: 2/5
⭐Cover: Intriguing💪

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Graham inherits an earldom, he also inheritance a huge pile of debt. Graham finds himself in a compromising position with a debutante, Diana, whom he just met. Forced to marry, he reassures her he will treat her as an equal partner in their marriage. He keeps her out of the loop about the debts and instead tries to protect her from harm. Can their marriage survive his deceptions? I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

[Beth S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The MMC was so sweet and the absolute best. After reading this, I am now a big fan of Christina Diane. If you like Julia Quinn or Lisa Kleypas, you will love this book too. The story had all the best tropes that you want in a historical fiction:

✅ Forced marriage

✅ Virgin hero and heroine

✅ Practical heroine

✅ Spicy romance

✅ Unexpected inheritance

✅ Instant connection

✅ Found family

✅ Caught in the rain


Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

[Arceli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving the Unexpected Earl by Christina Diane is pure Regency perfection. I adored Graham, the soft, honorable hero completely overwhelmed by the London Season, and Diana, the practical heroine who absolutely steals every scene. Their rain-soaked kiss and scandalous forced marriage had me kicking my feet. The banter was witty, the chemistry was deliciously spicy, and the emotional tension felt so satisfying.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the sweetest books I have read in a long time. Graham and Diana are such a cute couple. But, bless his heart, Graham has a decision to make and because of his love for Diana he makes the wrong one, for a little while. But, whew, thank goodness it works out. Christina has written a book that will make you smile and root for love.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of instant attraction. That attraction makes it difficult to believe it can eventually lead to love. Diana is a strong and bold female lead. I liked how intelligent she is and the way she presents herself. Graham has a lot to learn from Diana. There were many sweet elements in the book to make it enjoyable.

[Ly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the storyline was good. The characters are likeable. Diana and Graham are passionate characters. The trope of miscommunication was perfectly balanced. The plot moves quickly. I enjoyed this book.

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

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable quick read. It seemed to end just as it was getting started. I was ready to read so much more of this story.

[Aspoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty straightforward and predictable but I loved both characters which made the story pleasant. A good little twist/gasp moment at the end.

[MARIE MARUCCI · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rags to riches story from the male point of view.

Graham tried to protect Diana from the beginning, but it does backfire a bit.

Luckily, love wins out.