Unable to read or write, an earl discovers love in the last place he expects to find it—within the embrace of a brilliant woman—in this sexy, irresistible novel from USA Today bestselling author Bronwen Evans.

What’s an earl to do?
The Earl of Argyle has died suddenly, leaving his brother Guy Neville at a complete loss. The dull-witted second son, as his father used to call him, Guy is now responsible for the estate and his brother’s seat in the House of Lords. Shamed by an inability to read or write, his distress is multiplied by an inquiry from a dyed-in-the-wool bluestocking who wishes to use the Argyle library and study a rare plant on the estate. Guy’s first instinct is to decline her request—until he catches a glimpse of Miss Abigail Pinehurst.

How’s a girl to behave?
Abigail cares for only one thing: plants. She is unconcerned about how she looks, what she wears, or the impression she makes on men. An orphan who turned to books for solace in a miserly, cruel institution, she now makes her living illustrating the greenery she adores. Lord Argyle, in fact, with his uncanny memory and chiseled features, is the first man to capture her attention—a ridiculous distraction since he is so far above her station. But her unreasonable heart has a mind of its own.

Look for the enchanting Disgraced Lords series from Bronwen Evans:
A KISS OF LIES | A PROMISE OF MORE | A TOUCH OF PASSION | A WHISPER OF DESIRE | A TASTE OF SEDUCTION | A NIGHT OF FOREVER

And don’t miss her novels in the Imperfect Lords series:
ADDICTED TO THE DUKE | DRAWN TO THE MARQUESS | ATTRACTED TO THE EARL

Includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

This is the first book by Bronwen Evans that I have read and I am glad to say I look forward to reading more of her work.    I really enjoyed this book!  I love how both leading characters have their weaknesses and how they accept one another fully in spite of those weaknesses.  I love how both characters are given the chance to grow and find their own self value and their places in the world through the relationships they hold dear.

     Abigail Pinehurst is the very talented artist who has been commissioned by Lady Calthorpe to paint the elusive and rare Ghost Orchid that can only be found in the forest of the Argyle Estate.  On her way to Argyle House, Patrick Neville uses her darkest secret to blackmail her into digging around and uncovering what he hopes will be evidence that his cousin, Guy Neville, the new Earl of Argyle is unfit to run the estate.

     Guy Neville, Earl of Argyle never wanted his title for many reasons the biggest being a disability that nearly cost him his life, but now that it’shis he will do what he must to keep it out of the hands of his greedy cousin, Patrick Neville.   Will the unexpected and coincidental arrival of a beautiful artist prove to be a spy sent to find out his secrets or the woman of his dreams?

I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to find out what all of you think.

Danielle

The first novel in USA Today bestselling author Beverly Jenkins’ compelling new series follows a Northern woman south in the chaotic aftermath of the Civil War.

Valinda Lacey’s mission in the steamy heart of New Orleans is to help the newly emancipated community survive and flourish. But soon she discovers that here, freedom can also mean danger. When thugs destroy the school she has set up and then target her, Valinda runs for her life—and straight into the arms of Captain Drake LeVeq.

As an architect from an old New Orleans family, Drake has a deeply personal interest in rebuilding the city. Raised by strong women, he recognizes Valinda’s determination. And he can’t stop admiring—or wanting—her. But when Valinda’s father demands she return home to marry a man she doesn’t love, her daring rebellion draws Drake into an irresistible intrigue.

As you all know I really enjoy when an author does their research and isn’t afraid to maintain historical accuracy no matter how harsh it might be.  I know that I can count on Beverly Jenkins to do just that in her books.  This book was a joy to read!  New Orleans and the Mississippi River Basin has a special place I my heart so that made this story even more endearing for me.  I loved reading about this strong, independent, EDUCATED, black woman and getting a glimpse into her world.

Valinda Lacy is a Northern born, black, teacher who has come to New Orleans to teach former slaves to read and write.  While in New Orleans her strong will and determination for success are put to the test by white supremacists, rogue soldiers, and the stubborn employers of her students.  But rather than give up in the face of adversity she finds help from a handsome stranger and his family.

Drake LeVaq is a New Orleans native, former captain with the Louisiana Native Guard, and a volunteer for the city’s Freedmen’s Bureau.  He lives a fairly quiet life surrounded by his family.  It is a chance meeting where he saves a beautiful, young teacher from a couple of rogue soldiers that makes his whole world change.

This book was both interesting and sweet with equal parts history and romance to make it a truly fulfilling read.

Danielle