The Jilted Bride and the Beast: A Historical Regency Romance Novel

by Emily Barnet

“He hides from the world. She refuses to look away.”

When meticulous book restorer Cynthia Fairchild arrives at Ashvale Hall, she expects dust, damage… and solitude.

What she does not expect is a voice in the shadows.

The reclusive Duke of Ashvale has not been seen in three years, since the fire that scarred his face and shattered his life. He does not receive visitors. He does not tolerate disruption.

And he certainly does not argue about books with a woman who refuses to be intimidated.

But Cynthia is not like other women.

She challenges his order.
She dismantles his silence.
She looks at him, and does not flinch.

As long-buried secrets begin to surface within the ruined library, so does something far more

hope.

But Cynthia is not as safe as she seems.

A man from her past is watching.
Waiting.
And willing to destroy everything she has built.

Now, as desire and danger close in, the Duke must decide,

Is he willing to step out of the shadows…
for a woman who might not survive them?

A slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers Regency romance featuring a scarred duke, a brilliant heroine, forced proximity, and simmering tension that refuses to stay buried.

Perfect for readers who enjoy brooding dukes, brave heroines, and slow-burn passion with a guaranteed happily ever after, no cheating, no cliffhangers.

Also free with Kindle Unlimited.

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2026

Reviews

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! I couldn’t put it down, much to my husband’s dietary dismay. It is about courage and perspective, about distinction, reframing, and rebuilding. Three years ago Adrian Calloway, the Duke of Ashvale, rescued one of his footman from a fire, resulting in severe burns to his left side. Physical and emotional scars led to him becoming a recluse. At eighteen, Cynthia Fairchild was left standing at the altar waiting for a groom who never showed, only to find out that he intended to marry her cousin instead. She eventually entered into a marriage of practicality with Mr. Fairchild. When he died, little was left after his debts were paid, leaving Cynthia raising her teenage neice Nora and restoring books to earn a living. A collapsed roof above the Duke’s library led to a lengthy employment opportunity that Cynthia could not refuse. It did not take long for Cynthia and Adrian to build a rapport, but she was a widow with little means and no connections, living in the home of an unmarried Duke with only a seventeen year old neice as ‘chaperone’. Enter a blast from Cynthia’s past issuing threats, a concerned sister, and an aunt with decided opinions about propriety. The undercurrent of conflict is just as loud as the hum of attraction, as Cynthia restores more than the just the library. Meanwhile Nora, who brings enthusiasm and energy to the story, has developed her own romantic interest. Although this story deals with strong emotion, it does not feel heavy. You will find vulnerability, lively dialogue, wisdom and a sense of rightness as you read this entertaining and uplifting tale.

[Becky Davison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book! Emily Barnet is one of my favorite Regency authors, and this story held my attention from the beginning to the end. Though the romance was slow building throughout the book, I found it to be a very romantic story filled with heartache, fear of trusting love again, and seeing past both literal scars and scars left by trauma from past events in the lives of both main characters. The Duke and Cynthia both came into the relationship with caution, observing one another quietly, then ever so slowly allowing vulnerability and honesty to grow between them. Together, they found courage, healing, and love. I can't wait to see what Ms. Barnet has in store for the rest of the books in this new series.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Jilted Bride and the Beastly Earl” by Emily Barnet

-An enjoyable historical romance with two wounded characters learning to trust and love again after painful pasts. Adrian and Cynthia share a sweet connection, books and the library restoration bring them closer together. The story has emotion, family interference, warmth, and a satisfying romance that keeps readers invested from beginning to end.

A well-written and touching read with lovable characters and a wonderful happy ending.