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Rose Ellis was a fraud.

Or so thought the geological community. A fossil hunter who uncovers discoveries on the shores of Lyme Regis, Rose wants to make a name for herself, on her own merit. It won’t be easy for a working-class black woman, but she is determined not to let anything impede her goals. Especially not geologists who would prefer to discredit her than to allow a woman in their ranks.

Lord Peregrine Belmont has floated through life as the second son of an earl. A painter and a dreamer, he is often forgotten about, which is just the way he likes it – until his brother’s death changes everything. For suddenly Perry is not just Perry, but Lord Belmont, the future Earl of Sheriden. A life of duty and responsibilities await, despite his longing to retreat to his family’s home in Lyme Regis and enjoy a slow-paced life.

When Perry visits Lyme, he is immediately captivated by the stunning, intelligent woman who saves his life and, in the process, unearths a skeleton that just might change both of their futures. For despite all that stands between them – an earldom, a betrothal, and Rose’s determination not to depend on a man – they just can’t help but fall in love.

But will that love be strong enough to battle all that stands in their way?

For readers over 18 due to steamy content.

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2021

97 people are currently reading
96 people want to read

About the author

Ellie St. Clair

209 books374 followers
Ellie St. Clair writes heartwarming Regency romances with spirited heroines, swoon-worthy heroes, and happily ever afters. Her passion for history shines through in richly drawn characters and romances brimming with irresistible tension.

A former journalist with an incurable love of history, she is the author of popular series such as Remingtons of the Regency and The Bluestocking Scandals. She lives in Saskatchewan, Canada, with her husband and three children.

When she isn’t crafting romantic tales or keeping up with her kids, she’s mainlining coffee, sweating it out on her Peloton, valiantly attempting to keep her plants alive, planning her next dog rescue, or dreaming of lake escapes.

Ellie loves corresponding with readers, so visit her website, email her, sign up for her newsletter or join her Facebook group for exclusive content, giveaways, and sneak peeks at upcoming books.

Contact her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/elliestclair, and sign up for her mailing list at http://www.elliestclair.com/subscribe.

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5 stars
141 (52%)
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89 (33%)
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33 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Rainelle.
2,204 reviews125 followers
March 11, 2021
A Noble Excavation. Well the author already has me loving this book writing the leading characters as a blended couple. I enjoyed reading this enchanting, romantic love story about a couple who meet on a beach. I consider this romance story to be a happily ever after read. While reading this book, for me the drama wasn’t to over dramatic, but there are some issues that were addressed in the book that had my emotions at a high.
I believe that the writer wrote these scenes this way so that me the reader me can understand where the characters are coming from. This also gives the readers an idea of what that character is feeling at that moment. The entertainment was very realistic, very much so when Rose and Perry worked together on her excavations. The writer did a great job with providing factual information that involved the diggings that Rose spent most of her time doing. Providing facts not only provides the book with a wealth of knowledge, but helps the reader understand what is happening in the book.
The romance between Perry and Rose is so beautiful and charming. Perry desire for Rose had me melting inside. Truly the writer wanted her readers to see how much that he cares for Rose. He didn’t care what the ton said or his sister. All he saw was Rose and making her happy was his mission.
Rose she’s ver hesitant of her feelings for Perry. Her main focus was gaining recognition on her excavations. Realizing that Perry was someone that she couldn’t get rid of, Rose allowed him to enter her world and from their all good things were starting to seem possible. Until next time my fellow readers... read on!



Profile Image for Janet.
5,197 reviews66 followers
February 24, 2021
A fossil hunter working on the shores of Lyme Regis, Rose Ellis wants to make a name for herself, on her own merit. It won’t be easy for a working-class Black woman, but she is determined not to let anything impede her goals. Especially not geologists who would prefer to discredit her than to allow a woman in their ranks. Lord Peregrine Belmont has floated through life as the second son of an earl. A painter and a dreamer, he is often forgotten about, which is just the way he likes it – until his brother Leo’s death changes everything. For suddenly Perry is not just Perry, but Lord Belmont, the future Earl of Sheriden. A life of duty and responsibilities await, when Perry visits Lyme, he is immediately captivated by the stunning, intelligent woman who saves his life and, in the process, unearths a skeleton that just might change both of their futures.
This is the seventh book in this riveting series & it could easily be read on its own but as I love series I always have to start them from the beginning. I loved both Perry & Rose who were attracted to each other from their first meeting but their backgrounds were poles apart. The road to their HEA wasn’t easy but it was highly enjoyable & entertaining. This book again features a strong woman who had an expertise not expected of a woman two centuries ago. Both Perry & Rose had insecurities but they brought out the best in each other. Digger & Onyx were also delightful as was the secondary romance. I eagerly await the next book after the revelation at the end of this book. A lovely, enthralling read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,080 reviews131 followers
February 28, 2021
Lyme Regis 1824
"Rose Ellis was a fraud." Or at least that is what she was being called by the Geological Society, on her latest discovery. She was a paleontologist and had hoped her discovery would make the men only society respect her work. Unfortunately not, so she decided to leave London and go to her home.

With the death of his brother, Perry found himself next in line to become an earl once his father passed which he hoped would be a long time. He ended up at one of their estates in Lyme Regis to get away from London and try to relax and sketch.

That is where he saw her and she him. There was an instant attraction, and they only exchanged first names. But there was a winding road ahead for them to come together.

Another wonderful addition to this fabulous series that you do not want to miss. I love everything this author pens!
Profile Image for Ligaro.
641 reviews21 followers
March 11, 2022
2'75🌟
Las estrellas que recibe son porque está bien escrito y no hay algo específico del libro que realmente pueda criticar (bueno un poco el insta-todo). Sin embargo, el libro se me ha hecho realmente aburrido. He estado a punto de dejarlo en las de una ocasión. Lo peor es que el libro realmente apuntaba maneras con una protagonista negra y paleontóloga, pero no me ha atrapado en absoluto.
Profile Image for Nanna.
1,228 reviews4 followers
February 23, 2021
I have read all the books in this series and can't wail for the next one. The whole series is great and lets us see how different the times. All the characters are wonderful too.
I was unable to put the story of Rose and Perry down once I started reading. It was a really late night !!
Rose is a fossil hunter just like her father was. She is an intelligent, strong woman. Her goal in life is to be seen as part of the geological community. Only that is the opposite of what happened. One of the members wrote she was a fraud. Heartbroken she goes home to Lyme Regis where her brother and mother live. She still wants to make a name for herself on her own.
While searching the coast with her dog "digger" they meet other dog "Onyx" who just happens to belong to the most handsome man she has ever met.. Perry is also taken with her. They talk and watch the dog's play. Using only their first names they become friends. It is a very odd friendship as he is a Lord of the ton, and she is colored women from the lower classes. He has just lost his brother and now is supposed to take over as the next in line for the Earl of Sheridan. He doesn't even like the ton. As the second son he has been left to follow his dreams and his painting. Now his life is not his own anymore.
Even after they find out who they are they don't want to stay apart. They become friends of a sort.
Only both have more than an attraction to the other. They learn of the others dreams, sorrow and become more then friends.
With the weight of his new responsibilities and her trying to make her way in a guy's world.
Can they find a way to a happy ever after?? Being from two different worlds will it make them stronger or tear them apart.
So many twists and turns with her family and his both helping or not.
This is a great read of how people no matter what their place in life is find what is most important and go after it.
I do hope you will give this book a try and the whole series too.
I received and arc from the author and want to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
Profile Image for Lana Birky.
1,705 reviews22 followers
February 15, 2021
I have looked forward to every book in this series - not only for the excellent writing style, story & characters but also because of the strong women with expertise in areas that were not approved for females by society. I have learned some new things about the passions each one had & the strength it took to pursue them.

Rose Ellis is a member of the working class & is a paleontologist who digs for & finds fossils near her home of Lyme Regis. Her dream is to make a name for herself; she has had some success in having some skeletal fossils exhibited at the museum but not under her name. However, now she must take on the group of geologists have called her a fraud just to keep her from being accepted as the first woman in their all-male membership.

Lord Peregrine Belmont is a second son of an earl & has spent his happy life being mostly ignored & doing what he loved - painting. Suddenly things change for Perry after his older brothers dies & he is now the future Earl of Sheriden. He has not been trained for this new life with all its duties & responsibilities plus, he doesn't want it - he desires the slow pace at his family home in Lyme Regis.

Perry makes a trip to Lyme Regis & meets Rose after her dog, Digger decides to run off & play with Perry's dog, Onyx. He is mesmerized by the beautiful, smart woman & the first thing she does is save his life from the land slide right above him. The newly disturbed earth & rocks brings forth the discovery by them that could change both of their lives.

When Perry visits Lyme, he is immediately captivated by the stunning, intelligent woman who saves his life and, in the process, unearths a skeleton that just might change both of their futures. As they work together & get acquainted, the sparks begin to fly but will love withstand all the barriers working against them?
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,473 reviews28 followers
February 28, 2021
Fall into my arms

Perry is a dreamer and a artist! He is now in line for an Earldom and has no desire for this title! He also seems to have inherited a fiance now that his brother is gone! Taking time away from London he visits Lyme Regis a town known for geological findings! Rose is determined to restore her reputation that was taken with some untruth about her last work!
Perry literally falls and is almost killed by loose rock well of course an instant admiration is formed! She literally saves his life and he believes she is beautiful and capable! When they are introduced she does not know his status! So when his sister Sarah comes along and introduces his true title Rose is immediately put off as it was a Lord who previously stole her work!
Perry just wants to spend time with her and is a handsome, honest dreamer! He is adorable and so are their two dogs who are certainly apart of their romance! There are so many strikes against them not just race but the difference in their station!
Perry goes home and speaks to his parents after he gets Rose to return with him and bring her latest findings! After a very victorious outcome Rose races to share it with Perry who can't resist making his parents know Rose is the woman he loves!!
Rose runs away and embarrassed Perry how can their be a future when he bares his soul in front of his parents? Rose runs and Lady Ann shows up!?? Can there be a HEA in matters of the heart on an onsite dig to the truth will prevail!! I loved their chemistry makes you want to visit!
236 reviews2 followers
February 26, 2021
“If there is one thing I have learned lately, is that there is never a right time.”

What a fascinating series Ellie St, Clair has written with the Bluestocking Scandals series! The seventh book of the series, "A Noble Excavation," is a wonderful addition. Not just an opposites attract romance, but Rose and Perry are from two, entirely different worlds. Perry is the second, and "spare," son of a nobleman. Due to unfortunate circumstance, Perry will soon be known as, Lord Peregrine Belmont, the future Earl of Sheriden. Rose Ellis is a woman, her peers decry as a fraud! Just an act to malign and discredit her, as she attempts to join the ranks of a geologist. Rose is not only a woman, but a black woman. When Rose and Perry meet, their dogs are instant playmates, frolicking on the beach, giving them a chance to relax and get acquainted. When Rose saves Perry's life, from a landslide, the dirt unearths something that will change both of their lives. With "A Noble Excavation," you can expect some drama, angst, a bit of mystery, antiquated ideals, meddling, humor, societal pressure, sexual situations, romance, and love. Wonderful, strong characters, in a very memorable, story. I received this book as an ARC from Ellie St. Claire, and I volunteered this review.
Profile Image for Emma.
2,864 reviews39 followers
February 26, 2021
***So Romantic***
I loved the overall storyline of an inter-racial couple. Rose is black and Perry is white and also a Viscount. Rose is an extremely interesting character. She has faced not only racial prejudice but also gender prejudice. Her life work is finding and excavating fossils. Perry on the other hand is an extreme optimist. He sees the good in everyone and everything. It irritates Rose for she knew because he was a white male of nobility and he would not suffer the indignities she has had to. She was wary of him. Perry's passion was art. He loved to sketch and paint and he was very, very good at it. Perry never gave up on trying to get Rose to open up and accept him. This is a beautiful love story that deals with issues we still have in the year 2021. So, it seems these issues are still with us after two hundred years. A quick read, a real page grabber and the relationship between Rose and Perry was very realistic. I really enjoyed reading this. I do recommend it.

KINDLE UNLIMITED
119 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2021
Rose wanted nothing more than to be credited for her work as a geologist but because she is a woman and black her discoveries are brushed aside or a man receives credit. Now she finds herself being called a fraud over her latest fossil find, but she has to go on and hope someday it will change and she can prove her true worth. Perry who will inherit the title of Earl upon his father's death is a shy man who wants nothing more than to be left alone with his sketchpad if his brother hadn't died that is what he could have done. Together they enjoy working together and each other. The book shows that race isn't anything new when it comes to putting walls up not just whites but blacks as well. Fear is fear no matter who feels it but love is something worth fighting for with all their problems can they win, or will the fight still continue, The regency era seems somewhat more tolerant than some people are today. Thanks for another wonderful book.
1,956 reviews19 followers
February 27, 2021
I loved Rose’s character as she is a woman who knows her own mind, has a world of confidence and self worth. Perry was considered a spare but has now become the heir to an earldom. He is having a hard time accepting the changes that the new title will eventually make in his life until he meets Rose and the future looks a whole lot brighter. This is a great light hearted read that is full of love, joy and doubts on Rose’s part. This book has a surprise ending which I assume acts as an introduction to the next story. This is a book worth reading with great characters and storyline.
I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel and are voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Gina.
2,393 reviews31 followers
February 27, 2021
A wonderful story of a woman who broke all the boundaries of race and social status. She was a black woman in a white mans world in 1800's England. She studied science and found fossils but was restricted from claiming the discoveries. When she meets Perry, future duke, he helps her by drawing her excavation and the process of her discoveries. He is smitten and even though they are not right for each other they fall in love. With hard work and not caring about boundaries set by society make this a lovely story, well researched and written.
1,647 reviews15 followers
February 17, 2021
4.25 STARS

Months ago this author wrote a story and the great grandma was from Africa. In my review I wrote how I was surprised the TON, being so judgmental didn't bat an eye over races mixing. Ellie wrote me back stating in her research she found it wasn't so taboo. I appreciated her telling me this. At the end of the novel, she gives numbers of how many blacks were in Europe and some history on it.

This is a story of two souls trying to find their own happiness in occupations frowned upon by society. The h's struggles are touched on from being a women, being in a field where women didn't partake, then add being black. So many issues the h overcame with grace, intelligence and determination.

My heart ached because you knew when he became the Earl, neither would be able to follow their paths that brought them joy

There is lovemaking outside of marriage, described I believe twice. Heat level 4 out of 5.

This story doesn't have villains or suspense, just a story of them trying to get to HEA. No cheating, no cliffhanger for our couple, but there is one for a secondary character. Bumpy road to HEA, romance and steam.

I received an advanced copy and all opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
4,720 reviews41 followers
February 26, 2021
Oh my was Onyx compromised?
This really is a must-read book talk about a strong woman Rose Ellis is that plus so much more! Rose is an intelligent woman who just happens to be a fossil hunter just like her father and all she wants is respect from the geological community. Lord Peregrine Belmont or Perry for short is a dreamer whose life now is full of responsibility and duty. I loved how they first meet. I loved the story Ellie St. Clair gave us her research was right on the money! I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Suzette.
3,633 reviews18 followers
February 25, 2021
A wonderful story. Rose is not your typical female lead character for this time. She is black and a bluestocking. Perry is a Lord with a penchant for art. Their love story is one of overcoming what would have been very difficult odds at the time. The author uses compassion, and witty conversations to show how the characters are able to deal with the issues that arise. As their love for each other grows stronger they are able to convince everyone around them that love is enough.
810 reviews5 followers
March 7, 2021
A fantastic story that will kept reading until the end...
Wonderful characters... strange... different from the Regency era...
A new discovery... a female scientist in a world of men...
Love and friendships...
A book for all
Profile Image for Cindy Woltman.
288 reviews
March 9, 2021
Absolutely wonderful!

What a delightful story. I was thoroughly pulled into the story of Perry and Rose. A love match in a society where Rose was not a member of the ton and an educated black woman. Romance abounds!
176 reviews
February 25, 2021
Rose is a black woman scientist who digs for fossils. She meets shy Lord Perry and falls for him. Together they overcome obstacles from society and family to be together. Good plot.
3,653 reviews17 followers
March 23, 2021
Rose is a self taught paleontologist struggling to make it in a time that looks down on women scientists especially those who look different. Perry was content to be a artist and second son, but now he's forced to train to be a future earl and marry the lady his parents want him to instead of the one who captured his attention on a beach in Lyme Regis. It was interesting to read about all the work Rose did under covering the skeletons, cleaning them, and putting them back together to try to sell or in her wildest dreams be recognized for her discoveries.
Profile Image for Mary.
761 reviews2 followers
February 14, 2021
A wonderful story of two people from different lifestyles, with their own insecurities who were drawn together with their talents, falling in love and finding their future happiness
2,075 reviews13 followers
February 17, 2021
Fascinating storyline. Our main characters, Rose and Perry, come from different social backgrounds, but their unexpected meeting at Lyme Regis brings them together in ways they would never have imagined. This book, like all the others in this fantastic series, grabbed my attention from the very beginning and didn’t let up until I turned the final page. Such a great book that you wouldn’t want to miss. I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Nicole.
930 reviews16 followers
February 25, 2021
There is no words to describe how wonderful this book is.. She's a geologist who is from a lower class he is a future earl.. She only sees the worst in the world.. He only sees the good in world.. They both have insecurities.. With the help of their canine companions they end up not only setting their differences to the side but in the end they love each other and find happiness together..

I received this as an arc for an honest review and these are purely my thoughts and no one else's views
Profile Image for Winnifred D..
918 reviews35 followers
February 28, 2021
I didn't enjoy the previous entry in this series as much as I'd hoped, but continued to look forward to this one. This entry didn't disappoint. The storyline confronts issues of racism and gender inequality (that of course still exist) in a fairly realistic way while still allowing for a lovely HEA. In addition, Ellie St. Clair has done her research when it comes to fossils and scientific beliefs of the Regency time period.

Other reviewers have already mentioned the plot, so I just want to add that I'm glad that it's free of the silly angst that seems so manufactured in most historical romances. The conflicts here seem natural and understandable. It's easy to sympathize with the heroine, Rose, as she tries to overcome the many obstacles in her life. Also, the hero, Perry, is a nice change of pace from the typical oversexed alpha-type trotted out time after time by other authors. Due to the loss of his brother, Perry is a dreamer thrust into a social world that he doesn't entirely understand or trust. I appreciate that Ellie St. Clair often features sympathetic heroes who are trying to do the right thing but must struggle with their own, and society's, expectations (for example, another good entry in the Bluestocking series, book 2, features a hero with a hearing impairment). You feel the bond between Perry and Rose and root for their HEA.

I also want to mention that Perry's sister and parents are refreshing characters. They could have been painted as villains and complete snobs. They are flawed, and, realistically, harbor the same misgivings toward Rose that most nobles of that time would have. But in the end, they have Perry's best interests at heart. Not everything at the end is 100% settled, but the H/h have confidence that they'll be able to succeed at much more together than they ever would apart.

My only critiques: This book doesn't stand alone as well as other entries in the series do. Rose's friends are not described in much detail--only Georgie stands out--so if you don't know them from the previous books, they don't add that much to the plot. Also, I'm fine with the cliffhanger, but it's a bit abrupt. I fully intend to read book 8, as all of Elle St. Clair's books are on KU, but I could see that readers new to this author might not appreciate the final twist. (The author does acknowledge this after the epilogue, to her credit). Also, there are a few basic editing errors. Examples: using "boar" instead of "boor", using lowercase instead of uppercase when starting a comment right after a dialog tag, and a bit of confusion as to whether the H/h actually kissed or were going to kiss after Perry caught Rose when she jumped.

Overall, I would recommend Ellie St. Clair as an author and highly recommend this book. She is one of a handful of KU authors in this genre who consistently turns out thoughtful stories and characters you truly want to care about.

Note: although this book is sweet, it is not a "sweet and clean" romance. There is semi-descriptive sex and PG-rated language. Nothing most readers would find offensive, but if sex is a deal-breaker for you, you will need to skip over the two sex scenes.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews71 followers
March 14, 2021
✳️✳️ONE EXTRAORDINARY TREAT✳️✳️
Bouncing baubles boo! Ellie whips out one incredibly tantalizing, ground breaking spin, delivering this thoroughly refreshing thrill with all the hard-knocks, cheap-shots and low-blows, catapulting this gem to new heights. A churning vortex full of riveting drama, gripping intrigue, underlying currents, brutal tactics, escalating suspense and intense situations converge, revving up the intensity and vigor, jetting this baby to life seamlessly. Attributes and perspective in each thread you unravel with every page, your lured into this tangled web so intricately and precise, observing the separate struggles and thrilling triumphs, while attentive to the stunning twists and shocking turns unfolding, wrapping this gem up sleek, shiny and tight. The attraction and chemistry flows with such ease and ardor, exploding with boundless emotions and infinite affections, drawing our characters closer, uniting them together beautifully. The characters, banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow adding depth and diversity, transforming into lovable personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating one vivid backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Fantastic job Ellie, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
1,014 reviews11 followers
March 30, 2021
Love at its best

What a beautiful love story this is! Rose is such a strong character, fighting gender bias and her colour. Perry is fighting against his fate now that his older brother is dead. Now the lovers must fight for their right to love. Every step is hard for them. This struggle is written with genuine feelings. Ellie St.Claire has another fan of her incredible talent. Now I have to go read book 1.
598 reviews3 followers
November 8, 2021
Unbelievable

First Rose would not be called Black in the 1820's. She would be a Negress, Negro or Colored. The term Black did not come into popular use until the 1970's. Further although inter racial couples were not unknown, marriage was very unlikely. Acceptance was rarer and more difficult. Ones Nobel parents didn't just come around. Finally this story pales in comparison to the previous ones (pardon the pun). Still worth reading.
6,153 reviews30 followers
February 26, 2021
Highly improbable.

But very enjoyable.
Rose is a black female fossil hunter. Yeah. That’s a lot.

Perry is a very much a dreamer. He was a second son, but now is a fancy heir. He’s in Lyme with his sister.

More improbability with the discovery of fossil (think The Dig meets Ammonite).

The characters are engaging and you root for them.
Recommend.
Profile Image for Mosaic.
175 reviews4 followers
October 3, 2021
I absolutely despises Sarah because Sarah is condescending, racist patronizing trash of a human being. I don't see how Ellie St. Clair can whitewash that kind of character, but okay.

I don't like any of Rose's friends, and the storyline is tedious. I mean, the only reason why I even bother to give 2 stars for this book is because the novel features black female protagonist.
Profile Image for Lauren.
31 reviews2 followers
July 3, 2022
3.75/5 stars. I would’ve preferred more sexual tension in the beginning leading up to the first love scene; of course I would have liked more love scenes (I admit I am very greedy 😜) in this book. However, it was a lovely storyline and you can definitely feel the love, depth, and passion between the two main characters. Good read!
Profile Image for Ellie Clair.
Author 209 books374 followers
Read
February 25, 2021
A fossil hunter. A painter. And two dogs who could make anyone believe in love.

“This book, like all the others in this fantastic series, grabbed my attention from the beginning and didn’t let up until I turned the final page.” — Annette, reviewer
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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