An Earl, the Girl, and a Toddler: A Remarkable and Groundbreaking Multi-Cultural Regency Romance Novel

Vanessa Riley

Apr 2021 · Rogues and Remarkable Women Book 2 · Zebra Books

About this ebook

An OMag.com & Bibliolifestyle Most Anticipated Romance of 2021
A PopSugar Best Romance of April
A Publishers Weekly Top 10 Romance of Spring 2021
 
A witty and moving story from the acclaimed author of A Duke, the Lady, and a Baby, about the lengths to which a woman will go for the love of her child…and the love of a man who knows her worth. Breaking with traditional Regency rules and customs, Vanessa Riley pens an unforgettable story perfect for fans of Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton, Evie Dunmore, and Eloisa James looking for something fresh and stirring!
 
“Bridgerton fans, if you read just one book on this list, make sure it's Vanessa Riley's terrific An Earl, the Girl, and a Toddler.” – Popsugar
 
“Elaborate storytelling…a more diverse Regency world than is traditionally found. Well-researched, with a fascinating author's note at the end…A historical romance of impressive heft.” – Kirkus Reviews
 
“Fans of Shonda Rhimes’ adaptation of Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton books will devour this series.” – Booklist STARRED REVIEW
 
“Move over, Bridgertons. There’s a new set of scandalous aristocrats waiting to take London society by storm.” – Library Journal
 
Masterminded by the ton's most clever countess, the secret society The Widow’s Grace helps ill-treated widows regain their reputations, their families, and even find true love again—or perhaps for the very first time . . .
 
Surviving a shipwreck en route to London from Jamaica was just the start of Jemina St. Maur's nightmare. Suffering from amnesia, she was separated from anyone who might know her, and imprisoned in Bedlam. She was freed only because barrister Daniel Thackery, Lord Ashbrook, was convinced to betray the one thing he holds dear: the law. Desperate to unearth her true identity, Jemina’s only chance is to purloin dangerous secrets with help from The Widow’s Grace—which means staying steps ahead of the formidable Daniel, no matter how strongly she is drawn to him . . .
 
Married only by proxy, now widowed by shipwreck, Daniel is determined to protect his little stepdaughter, Hope, from his family’s scandalous reputation. That’s why he has dedicated himself not just to the law, but to remaining as proper, upstanding—and boring—as can be. But the closer he becomes to the mysterious, alluring Jemina, the more Daniel is tempted to break the very rule of law to which he's deevoted his life. And as ruthless adversaries close in, will the truth require him, and Jemina, to sacrifice their one chance at happiness?
  
RAVES FOR A DUKE, A LADY, AND A BABY
 
“One of the best historicals I’ve read in years.” —Kristan Higgins, New York Times bestselling author
 
“Smart and witty . . . the perfect historical read.”—Julia Quinn, #1 New York Times bestselling author
 
“Expertly crafted romance.” —Publishers Weekly, STARRED review
 
“Riley gifts readers a sparkling love story” —Entertainment Weekly
 

Ratings and reviews

I enjoyed reading this book even though the first half was a bit slow. However, the next half was absolutely intriguing and had my attention throughout. The characters were diverse and I liked that the leading male character was a successful lawyer but had a rough life because he was bi-racial. The lead female character was interesting. She was Caucasian and had a bi-racial baby girl from a marriage to a freed slave. The story touched on the prejudice of the era, how awful it was that women had few rights and touched on the slave trade. It is a good read even though it has a slow start. I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Sweet Regency romance! After surviving a shipwreck, Jemina has no memory of her past. But she suspects barrister Daniel is keeping information from her. Can the two trust each other long enough to discover the truth about her identity? This fresh, original novel has a brilliantly complex plot. It's as much historical fiction as romance. It deals head-on with issues of race and patriarchy, but they never dominate the story. This is about two smart, courageous, determined people taking control of their destiny and protecting those they love. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Awesome and passionate read.

About the author

Fascinated by the Regency and early Victorian eras, Vanessa Riley made time for renaissance fairs, and period novels and films while obtaining her Ph.D in mechanical engineering from Stanford University. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Specialty RWA Chapters: The Beaumonde, and the Georgia Chapters, as well as the Historical Novel Society. Vanessa also juggles her military hubby, mothering a teen, and speaking at women's events. Visit her at www.vanessariley.com.