The Earl's Inconvenient Houseguest

Virginia Heath

Feb 2022 · A Very Village Scandal Book 1 · Sold by Harlequin

About this ebook

The earl she loved to hate

…until she stayed in his mansion!

Sophie Gilbert has thwarted the standoffish new earl’s plans to sell his country estate and the quaint village that forms part of it. But when disaster strikes and he offers her refuge, she must reconsider everything about this vexing, determined man. After the heartbreak in her past, it’s a revelation to feel her pulse racing and her body yearning for his touch…

From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.

A Very Village Scandal Where love can be found at every turn

Book 1: The Earl's Inconvenient Houseguest

Ratings and reviews

Four and a half stars Sophie Gilbert lives with her aunt in a fire hazard of a cottage in Whittleston-on-the-Water. When the new lord of the manor moves in, the village is abuzz and frankly, terrified that he intends to sell the whole lot and evict them all, leaving them all homeless and destitute. Captain Rafe Peel never expected to inherit. He’s worked his whole life to care for and protect his family. He’s no desire for the encumbrances or responsibilities of his new title and property. Sophie and Rafe clash in an epic battle of smartly determined military minds, with each vowing and vying to protect what is nearest and dearest to them. It is a pleasure to see Virginia Heath’s characters fight for their hearts and their futures. A full complement of supporting cast round out the plot well. A winning start to a terrific new series.

Miss Heath has brought a story far from the life of London ton and I loved it so much! This book was refreshingly different from what I had expected. Not only does The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest have truly compelling characters among the villagers but also a challenge prejudice about disabled person and love. If you want a refreshing and entertaining read, this is for you as I also love it!

New earl Rafe has inherited a mausoleum of a house, along with its surrounding village. He's determined to sell the unentailed property and buy a quiet home in the middle of nowhere for himself and his dependent brother. The villagers, afraid they'll be thrown out of their homes, oppose the sale—quite forcefully. Sophie, the ringleader, makes a deal with Rafe—until she discovers he hasn't been fully honest with her. The two butt heads until disaster strikes, and she's forced to take refuge in his home. She begins to see a softer side of him, but she's unwilling to give up the fight to save her village. Can the two find a compromise? This story is delightful. I loved Rafe and Sophie, as well as the side characters. The plot included some tense and unexpected turns. I also enjoyed the humor. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

About the author

When Virginia Heath was a little girl it look her ages to fall asleep, so she made up stories in her head to pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories became more complicated, sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. Then one day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. Over thirty books and four Romantic Novel of the Year Award nominations later, it still takes her forever to fall asleep.