Redeeming The Reclusive Earl

by Virginia Heath

His heart is a fortress.

And she's trespassing!

After losing all he holds dear in a horrific fire, Max Aldersley, Earl of Rivenhall, shuns the world - until he catches Effie Nithercott digging holes on his estate! He banishes the intrepid archaeologist and the unsettled feelings she rouses within him. But she returns even more determined and infuriatingly desirable than before! He wonders just how deep she is prepared to dig - so far she'll reach the man beneath his scars...?

• ISBN10: 0263086399
• ISBN13: 9780263086393
• Publish Date: 1 August 2020 (first published 17 March 2020)
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 30 June 2021
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Imprint: Mills & Boon
• Edition: Large type / large print edition
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 384
• Language: English

Reviews

[Lynn]

Max Aldersley, Earl of Rivenhall wants to live a quiet life and most importantly, alone. After surviving a horrific accident, leaving him physically scarred, he's withdrawn from society after giving up his career at sea. Instead, he's found refuge at the estate he's inherited from his uncle Richard. Unfortunately, much to his irritation, he finds out a neighbour is trespassing his land. Even worse, she's female.

Euphemia "Effie" Nithercott is passionate about what she believes in, and it's a lot! Highly intelligent, she spends her days excavating a site on Earl of Rivenhall's estate. That's until the new earl forbids her to continue her work. Frustrated by the new owner's lack of understanding, Effie won't take no for an answer. Infuriatingly, neither will back down from their opinion, but as time passes and the two spend more time together, each begins to understand the other's point of view. 

I did foresee how the narrative would evolve, however, the author skilfully keeps readers enthralled with Effie and Max's relationship as it unfolds. It highlights the personal struggles the protagonists are suffering but as time passes, after many irritating conversations, both finally find common ground and mutual respect. It began as a battle of wills but thankfully ends in a meaningful and unexpected relationship. The dialogue clearly accentuates the frustration and determination of both perfectly. It's full of humour, compassion and empathy.

Encased in a well-thought-out plot, full of fascinating information and detail, Redeeming the Reluctant Earl is another fabulous novel by one of my favourite authors.

***arc generously received courtesy of Harlequin Historical via Rachel's Random Resources***