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 … before! He wonders just how deep she’s prepared to dig–so far she’ll reach the man beneath his scars?
“Just when I thought that Virginia Heath had reached her pinnacle with sexy and swoon-worthy heroes she pulls a stunner… I have said it before, but I am going to say it again; that Ms Heath really does have a gift with writing.”
— Chicks, Rogues and Scandals on The Disgraceful Lord Gray
“Virginia Heath’s books get better and better. She is an automatic buy for me. If you haven’t read her books, I highly recommend them.”
— Geeky Blogger’s Book Blog on The Uncompromising Lord Flint
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As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-1bJ
Max Aldersley enjoyed his life as a captain in the Royal Navy, and when lovely Miranda accepted his proposal, he felt that he had it all. A heroic action on his part changed all that, as a fire nearly took his life and ended his naval career. When Max pulls through his injuries, Miranda bluntly tells him that his resulting scars are revolting to her, and she dreads their upcoming marriage. Ever the gentleman, Max releases her from their engagement, and chooses to live in isolation. When Max inherits an earldom from his uncle, he can at least find some solace in riding free across his own land – until he finds a young woman digging on his property.
Effie Nithercott is the daughter of a professor (now deceased) and a competent archaeologist and antiquarian in her own right, though without the official credentials only available to men. When the previous earl was alive, he allowed Effie the freedom to dig anywhere on his property, and she has made some significant finds. Max, however, has no intention of allowing this arrangement to continue and orders Effie off his land. While Effie initially tries to be courteous, Max’s rudeness and refusal to listen to her pleas causes her to barge uninvited into his home, then later continue her excavation in the dead of night, without having the right to do so.
First impressions aren’t always true measures of character, as I initially found Max to be surly and mean, while I thought Effie was pushy and overbearing. It wasn’t long before I came to see how wrong I was. Max was wounded down to his soul by loss upon loss handed to him in the last two years. He sees himself as a monster, and doesn’t want anyone to have to look at him. He hates his own reactions, but he doesn’t know how to change. Effie is passionate about antiquities, but her personal life suffers because people find her odd. She has a photographic memory and is extremely intelligent, and tends to rattle off facts and figures in her conversation, which has put off just about every man who has ever shown an initial interest in her. She’s given up hope of marriage and a family, and foresees her future as a lonely one.
Eventually Max and Effie come to an armed truce. Max finds himself deliberately riding past Effie’s dig site every day, managing to toss a barb or two at her, while intentionally butchering her last name in a most amusing way. Effie only laughs at his verbal darts, and soon Max is even helping her dig, as the two become friends and confidantes. Unlike most men, Max is not put off by Effie’s intelligence, and he actually finds the facts she dishes out to be fascinating. Effie is not repulsed by Max’s scars, as she sees them as a badge of his courage, and, in fact, she is quite attracted to him. Both Effie and Max are so lacking in self confidence, that neither can imagine that the other would have any romantic interest in them. If only they knew that they are burning for the other, even falling in love, yet determined not to show it.
I love this story so much! The development of their relationship from adversaries to friends to lovers is truly delicious. Every encounter between them seems to bring back a little of Max’s confidence, and seeing him again become a self assured and amusing man is heartwarming, as is watching Effie bloom and feel desired as a woman. There are hiccups and obstacles along the way, as well as compromises to be made, but Max and Effie are committed to each other and having a future together. Virginia Heath has outdone herself with this warm, emotional, yet entertaining story. REDEEMING THE RECLUSIVE EARL is a book which touched my heart, and one I unreservedly recommend to all romance lovers. Even the cover is perfect, as it portrays how I think Max would look, scars and all.
Normally, I pay little, if any, attention to book covers, but I have to say this cover is absolutely perfect for Maximillian (Max) Aldersley, Earl of Rivenhall. Max is in a really dark place and he just wants to be left alone. He has suffered a debilitating series of losses – one after the other. There is no future for him – nothing left but endless, relentless days of despair and unhappiness. In an act of heroism, he managed to save his crew from a fiery death at sea – but – that nearly cost him his life. He was left scarred, and his fiancée begged off their betrothal. In a matter of just a few short months, he was horribly injured and scarred, lost his career, lost his ship, lost his crew, lost his father and lost his fiancée. He wants nothing more than to exist on his estate – alone. No visitors, no friends, no interactions with anyone except his staff. Until… Who is that muddy boy who is digging on his property? Only, is it a boy?
Euphemia (Effie) Nithercott is quite accustomed to people shying away from her. Oh, they approach her and compliment her on how lovely she is. At least they do until they spend a few minutes around her. Then they see how odd she is, how smart she is, how unconventional she is. Effie is also accustomed to her solitary life. She doesn’t like it, she’d like something more, but she is resigned to it. She has no family and no friends. Her sole joy is in the antiquities she is unearthing on the neighboring estate. She is uncovering some very rare, never seen before, kinds of things. Things that may very well rewrite England’s early history. Her one desire is to have the papers she’s written about the discoveries published in Archaeologia, but since she is female, they won’t even read her papers much less publish them.
I absolutely adored the romance between these two misfits. They were delightful characters to whom you’ll quickly relate. It was wonderful to watch the indomitable, irrepressible Effie totally flummox the grumpy, curmudgeonly Max. I love that the transformation didn’t happen overnight – it built up over months – and was so entirely believable. I was immediately sucked into the story and found it impossible to put the book down.
The humor is deliciously pleasing all through the book. For instance, Max rarely calls Effie Miss Nithercott. He calls her things like Miss Nuisance, Miss Nitwit, Miss Nocturnal, Miss Not-at-all-usual, Miss No-common-sense-whatsoever, Miss Nit-Picker, Miss Not-above-knavery-to-get-her-own-way, etc. Then, of course, there were the comments about Effie’s big brain – I kept giggling and picturing that cartoon character – Megamind.
It is a delightful story and you absolutely cannot go wrong by reading it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4.5 stars ~ rounded up
After surviving a horrific accident and several stunning losses, Maximillian “Max” Aldersley, Earl of Rivenhall, just wants to be left alone. So naturally when his odd spinster neighbor, starts digging on his property looking for ancient artifacts, he is eager to get rid of her. Especially when she makes him feel out of sorts and distracts him from his brooding.
Miss Euphemia “Effie” Nithercott is an aspiring archaeologist, but The Society of Antiquaries of London refuses to even read her papers because she is a woman. Effie is an incredibly lovely and intelligent woman, who after losing her fiancé rebuffs any man who show any interest in her. Instead she has resigned herself to spinsterhood and hunting for artifacts. She had the former earl’s permission to excavate on his property and he never bothered her. But the new earl is not nearly as gracious and tells her to leave. Effie refuses to comply and is surprised to realize that she actually likes Max, even though he confuses her and insists on calling her ridiculous names.
This story is a wonderful slow burn romance featuring two damaged, lonely people healing and finding love. This is a well written, sweet, funny, poignant story with wonderful characters, a well-paced romance and a lovely HEA. I really enjoyed this book and happily recommend it!!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me*
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.
I love just love the authors books. They are not only lovely romances but contain a wealth of historical facts. Very well portrayed characters with lots of depth but then again she doesn’t do two dimensional characters. The story flows so well that the pages flew by & yet again I found it very hard to put down.
I loved Max & Effie two misfits who were perfect for each other, their chemistry simmered until it sizzled. I loved the way they wormed into each others heart. Their insecurities were sympathetically handled & I found the ending to be very satisfying. A lovely page turning read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
My favorite part of this book was most definitely the characters. Max and Effie kept me turning pages way past my bedtime. I loved their conversations because it was impossible to predict what either one would say next (especially Max’s nicknames for Effie). Even their inner monologues were unpredictable and entertaining. Both Effie and Max are strong-willed, intelligent people who have had obstacles and disappointments to overcome, and they definitely earn their HEA.
I loved how much time they spent together working on the dig because it provided great opportunities for banter and for them to get to know one another in a realistic way. Their relationship was solidly built and made sense as the plot progressed because of the time, work, and conversations. Eleanor, Max’s sister, is an excellent side character who moves everything along quite adeptly while providing extra entertainment.
I also enjoyed the historical bits included. Naturally, archeological techniques were still being developed at that time and not as much was known about pre-Roman England. It was fun to think about who discovered those things and how they did it. I will be rereading this one in the future.
Wow wow wow, what a great read. I loved the idea of a broken hero who is not angry but has a great sense of humour and an odd but genius heroine. There was only a little sex in this book, which suited this reviewer well for the main story is the relationship and healing of two lost souls. The whole book was so well written with a lot of understanding and depth. The background story of archaeology was also wonderful. Add in the wonderful but bossy sister and the cheeky butler and you have a lovely array of characters. I found it hard to put down. I received this as an ARC and was happy to do a review.
An adorable spectacled bluestocking defies the unsociable and unrelenting Earl of Rivenhall.
Miss Euphemia Nithercott was considered an eccentric, at least in the era in which she was born. A spinster closer to her thirties than her twenties, she used to spend most of her time excavating near an old abbey in search of antiquities.
She even found an ancient, very rare pot, but unfortunately, at the same time, she met a reclusive, grumpy Earl, set on expelling her from the land.
Our hero, Lord Maximillian Aldersley, had had a substantial share of misfortunes and was not in a socializing mood. A spectacled, muddy, breech-wearing, bluestocking trespasser was more than he could cope with at that moment.
As usual in Mrs. Heath’s stories, the dialogues are witty, and there are some priceless bantering between the main characters. Be sure to pay attention to all inventive and fun names given by Max to Euphemia. They trace a timeline of their relationship.
The side-characters are also compelling. I particularly liked Max’s sister Eleanor, a caring sibling that stayed by his side no matter how much he pushed her away.
Max’s former fiancee Miranda is selfish, superficial, and cruel. Luckily, she does not make an appearance and lives only in the hero’s regrets and the heroine’s insecurities.
On the background of Euphemia and Max’s love story, the role of women in that society is questioned and analyzed. Euphemia’s genius mind and her dream of publishing her archeological finds are an essential part of the plot and bring an extra layer of complexity.
Redeeming the Reclusive Earl is entertaining and heart-warming. A story of love, understanding, and acceptance.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
After being disfigured in a disastrous fire aboard his ship, Max Aldersley, Earl of Rivenhall, has decided to shut himself away from everyone and everything. Little does he know that his neighbor, Effie Nithercott, has invaded his estate to begin digging for the next big antiquarian find. Though at first, Max works hard to run her off, over time he warms to her project and even begins to help her at the dig site. Effie is too smart for those around her, which has turned her into something of a recluse herself. Despite his initial misgivings, as they spend ever more time together, Max comes to cherish Effie’s frank way of speaking.
Effie is a little bit like a less annoying, female version of Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory, charming in her own way. While it isn’t my favorite of Virginia Heath’s books, they are always great and this one was over way too soon for me. I can’t wait to see what Virginia has in store for us next!
Virginia Heath has done it again. Redeeming the Reclusive Earl is now one of my all time favorite books. It is a “brainy and the beast” story done right. Effie Nithercott is the “brainy” heroine and Max Aldersley, Earl of Rivenhall is the”beast”. I really don’t want to spoil anything as this book is such a treat.
I always love Virginia’s characters they jump off the page with a life of their own. And honestly I can find something to relate to in the heroine and the hero which doesn’t always happen.
Plus they are entertaining and I get to visit a fabulous world where there is romance, true love and people solve problems like adults. What more do you want? You absolutely must read this book.
Redeeming the Reclusive Earl is witty, surprising and so good that when I finished reading it I started it over again.
All the stars.
Such a good book! Loved it! Intriguing characters, a strong plot and VH’s wonderful humor — what more can you ask?
Max Aldersley, Earl of Rivenhall, has withdrawn from the world (and most of life) after a heroic act in the Navy leaves him with serious scars. One day he discovers a woman digging on his property. He just wants her to go away and leave him alone, but Euphemia Nithercott is not easily persuaded to leave her archaelogical dig. Effie is a unique young woman with a very active mind and she has discovered some fascinating artifacts on his land.
I loved Effie and Max. Her ebullient outlook and clever mind were perfect to bring Max out of his self-imposed retreat. I think she might be a little ADD and she reluctantly accepts the fact that people find her odd. The way that Effie manages her “oddity” is a good contrast with Max being overwhelmed by his situation. The humor was wonderful! I especially liked how Max played with her name. I loved everything about this terrific book!
ARC provided by the author
From the start of this book Virginia Heath takes the reader on an amazing ride with two of the quirkiest characters I have ever read. Euphemia (Effie) Nithercott has been excavating on the Earl’s estate searching for antiquities. When the new Earl (Max Aldersley) arrives looking for a place to hide his burn scarred body away from society he attempts to throw her off his land.
He’s a curmudgeon (his words not mine) and she is an oddity with a big brain (her words). She is alone in the world but revels in her search for ancient artifacts. Her only sadness is that the scientific journal for antiquities refuses to print anything submitted by a woman.
Max is smart and strong but lacks confidence since his fiancee abandoned him after he almost lost his life in a ship fire while he was in the Navy.
This is a story you can’t put down and even though you could see it coming the Happily Ever After was well worth the wait.
I received an advanced copy of this book.
I’ve read several of Virginia Heath’s novels and am delighted to read and review her latest, Redeeming the Reclusive Earl which I received as an ARC. The review is mine alone.
Our hero (the reclusive Earl) has retreated to his newly-inherited country estate to lick his wounds and avoid society. As far as he is concerned, his scars and bitter feelings of insecurity have left him with the inability to ever lead a normal life.
Enter Effie, stage left. Effie is irrepressible, insanely intelligent, and grimly determined to continue with her archaeological dig on the Earl’s land despite his equal determination she should leave. Effie has her own demons – men are repulsed by her inability to remain silent on any number of topics, about which she knows far more than most people, and this includes potential suitors. Nearly thirty, Effie has resigned herself to never having what she so desires – someone to love her, someone she can love back, and children.
Aided and abetted by the Earl’s sister, our hero and heroine are thrown together, finally working together to get Effie’s writing about the dig recognised and printed by the esteemed Antiquarian Society…and find themselves falling in love in the process. Both the Earl and Effie manage to overcome their demons and insecurities and forge a golden future together.
This is a delightful and well-written romp which draws you in and keeps you engrossed to the very end, leaving you with a warm feeling of satisfaction. It also contains a wealth of accurate historical information about Celtic period in Great Britain. I very much look forward to the next Virginia Heath, and thank the author for all her hard work in writing this novel.
Virginia Heath writes incredible characters. However, Max and Effie are above par, by that I mean they are above normal. They are so different from other characters in Ms. Heath’s books.
Separately, Max is a curmudgeon with scars above and below the surface, and Effie is a nonstop talker with a photographic memory, Together their insecurities begin to cancel each other out with a little help from Max’s sister Eleanor. I should say with a lot of help from Eleanor.
The discoveries they make on Max’s land at first denied by Max, begins to bring them together thanks to Effie’s dogged persistance. Did I mention the humor? At some points it is laugh out loud, which endeared the book even more. There is the prerequiste steaminess, which technically brought this to 4.5 stars, but I rounded up. I loved this book, the HEA was wonderful.
I received a free e-book from the author. This in no way influenced my review which is true and honest.
Ms. Heath captured my undivided attention about about 20% through this story when she summed up novels in general by stating “ I thoroughly disapprove of all novels which end unhappily ….”. Then I was blown away by the next paragraph “I adore the way the women characters take control. It gives me hope that one day we mere females might be treated almost equally to men. “ This is an admirable tale of how one reclusive earl and an “odd” heroine bring about the recognition that a woman’s achievements deserve. The love story is believable, the banter between the main characters is brilliant, and the inclusion of an older no nonsense sister is perfect. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Redeeming the Reclusive Earl (Harlequin Historical, April 2020) is a well-crafted take on the Beauty and the Beast trope, and another reason why Virginia Heath’s historical romances are an automatic and enthusiastic “yes, please!” read for me.
Max is one of my all-time favorite heroes. He has suffered a wartime injury that has scarred him for life and cost him his betrothed. Though he swears he’s perfectly fine and happy, he has retreated to his country estate to shield the world from his less than perfect appearance and to wallow in self-pity in private. He was gruff and quarrelsome to everyone, but every time Max bellowed about wanting to be left alone, it was another step towards healing. I laughed (out loud and more than once) at his pig-headed attitude, at his sense of humor, and I almost needed tissues during his moments of grieving for everything he though was lost to him.
Effie Nithercott epitomizes everything I love in historical romance heroines; she was sassy, forthright, intelligent, stubborn and quite determined to be herself despite society’s rules. But even in pursuit of her own personal fulfillment, she obstinately refused to ignore another person’s pain and suffering no matter how loudly and frequently her help was refused. I found her foibles charming and endearing while her enthusiasm for archaeology was infectious; I wanted to grab a shovel and start digging alongside her.
I’ve never enjoyed the clash of two indomitable forces as much as I enjoyed this one. I highly recommend Redeeming the Reclusive Earl.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of Redeeming the Reclusive Earl from the author in eBook format in exchange for an honest review. The opinions and observations I share here are mine and mine alone and were in no way influenced by the format in which I received the book.
Absolutely loved this book, the tortured hero was so loveable and sexy, while the heroine was strong and feisty, I loved the humour woven throughout.
I really enjoy Virginia Heath’s stories and this was top of the list. Effie is brilliant and talkative and sassy. Max is…not. Great story as they dig for treasure on his land and navigate the past for form their own future.
When I sat down to write this review, I literally stared at the blank page for what much have been twenty minutes as the words I desperately wanted to say about this sensational book alluded me. My thoughts were as scrambled and illegible as those of my notes in my notebook….and believe me, a handwritten doctors note is neater and more legible than my shorthand….but the problem I was having was simple;
How do you describe perfection?
Because, I am telling you, that is exactly what this book is; Perfection!!
I have been an avid reader of Virginia Heath since the start, I have devoured book after book after book and loved everyone, there are some that have really stuck with me ***Warriners*** and every single time I say that Virginia you have outdone yourself which is the truth, but this one, my goodness!!….. Not only has Virginia literally out written herself, but this has ‘one of the Classics‘ written all over it, in years to come people will be talking about this book in the same breath as the literary giants, such as Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre, in my humble opinion this could easily rival and dominate those greats.
This book is something very special indeed!
Virginia has literally taken every aspect of what I (and thousands of other romance readers) love about historical romance and placed it in inside this book. Everything that we love about historical romance is here; romance, intrigue, history, intelligent and courageous heroines, flawed and fragile heroes, great banter, wit, unique and inspiring plot, perfect pacing and character development, heart-breaking moments of honesty, laughter and sadness…plus my beloved Heathcliffe has now been resigned to the ‘oh, he’s not too bad‘ category and well and truly been replaced by my now beloved Max (hhmmm….which sounds very possessive, but honestly this guy is very special)
I do realise I’m waffling and really making a complete hash of this review, plus most likely not making any sense what-so-ever, but this book is just so beautiful and mesmerising I really want to do it justice, but I’m afraid, I’m not; maybe I should stick to gifs and emoji’s!
After losing everything in a fire, a fire that not only stripped him of his possessions but it stole a part of him too, not just leaving his horrifically scarred both physically but his new scars run deep and have crept in and taken hold of his mind and his heart. Max Aldersley; Earl of Rivenhall becomes a recluse – or he wants to, he wants to run away from the world, from society from all hope so he retires to his newly inherited estate to as he hopes perhaps be forgotten about and I believe die in peace. But, that all get thrown out of the window when he meets the most startling and unusual woman he has ever met in his life; Miss Effie Nithercott, who is only digging up his land in the most alluring breaches which inflame the dormant lust he thought was dead.
He just cannot be having a distraction such as her curvaceous bottom roaming his land digging holes everywhere, even if is looking for archaeology, all our lovely Max wants is peace, so there and then he bans her from his property, well our plucky, determined and uniquely intelligent; Effie has never done wants she was supposed to do if she had maybe she would have been married off by now, but alas her smarts intimidate those poor boys. She very rarely hears the word ‘no’ which I supposed makes you think she is a right spoiled little madam, but that is the complete opposite, Effie is a remarkable, passionate and determined woman, whom I think is rather lonely herself due to her unique talent, she just turns up in the dead of night to dig, something which infuriates the hell out of Max.
Max, oh Max!!! Oh my goodness, I can’t write this, my heart is bursting with too much love for this scarred, fragile, sad, lonely and beautiful-in-his-own-way man. A man who is beyond heart-breaking and easily one of the most tortured individuals that Virginia has ever created, I just don’t know how this fabulous man can be topped, I don’t think he can be, in my eyes he is perfect!! My heart broke for him, he is so full of grief over the future he thinks he has lost, he is uncomfortable around everyone and even more confused and uncomfortable with his growing awareness for the marvellously unique Effie. Plus, I love that hint of a quirky sense of humour, I love that when he gets riled with Effie he changes her surname with hilarious results – but, I am easily amused, but calling her ‘Miss Nitwit’ fabulous.
The whole book is a beautiful masterpiece, a setting example of how a historical romance is supposed to be, it’s so perfectly crafted from start to finish, it’s actually criminal how heartbreakingly beautiful this book is! It’s sensual, traumatic, emotional, mesmerising, alluring, full of drama and romance, with that ever-present Virginia Heath humour and wit, which we have all come to know and love.
With its solid narrative, richly textured details and amusing and thought-provoking plot. Plus two of the most perfectly imperfect lead characters that have ever walked out of the pages of a book, this is an amazing never-ending pull at the heartstrings love story. One of the very finest that any historical romance reader can ever read, this book has ruined me, it’s exhausted me and sent me into a tizzy of happiness, just perfect! (I do realise I have said that about a hundred times, but there are books that can never have it said about them enough)
Plus, can I just mention the cover? Glory, glory, glory me!! Before I even opened the book, that cover got me; those penetrating, lost and beautiful eyes gazing out at you, Mills and Boon/Harlequin have literally outdone themselves with this beauty but it’s more than just easy on the eye, once you start reading it hits you like a storm that cover model IS-MAX, that is how I envisioned him in my head. I bow down to whoever created this cover, they need an award!
I don’t think I can say much more, without sounding like a broken record, but I will say it again just one more time; IT’S PERFECT!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Redeeming The Reclusive Earl, by Virginia Heath, is available at booksellers on 4-1-20. Ms Heath has written a story that puts me in mind of a screwball comedy from the 1930’s. The characters are quick, witty, funny, play well off each other. Max’s long suffering sister is a whirlwind of emotions & spends her time dashing about fixing things. The cast of characters all have such fascinating quirks. The 3 scholars who show up later in the story could have come straight out of central casting, the butler too. I can’t remember the last time I liked all the characters in a story, all of them.
The serious side of the story is there but it didn’t drag down the uplifting, funny part. Effie has a hard time being a woman in a mans world, so much disappointment in her life. To her credit she tries to stay upbeat & not cry over her losses but it’s still a deep wound. Max is a burn victim, physically healed but in the emotional quicksand of PTSD. He lost everything except his title & wonderful sister so he’s pretty bleak. Effie meets him when he’s in a place to begin exploring emotion, life & the outside world again. He doesn’t realize it’s happening until it’s done & it’s all because of this crazy antiquarian. They’re not two peas in a pod, a rather odd couple, but they work very well. I’m glad they got such a lovely HEA.
#VirginiaHeath #HarlequinHistorical #RedeemingTheReclusiveEarl #Romance #antiquarian
Euphemia “Effie” Nithercott is a woman very definitely born in the wrong era. With an eidetic memory and a towering intellect, she despairs of ever even being listened to, never mind taken seriously, by the stuffy men controlling the publication of Archaeologica, the premier historical publication of the Regency era… even though the pre-Roman dig she’s working on may be the most fascinating yet discovered in England to date. The arrival of Max, the new Earl of Rivenhall, and his immediate banishing of her from her precious site is absolutely the last straw, and Effie loses no time in telling Max exactly what she thinks of him.
Max is in no mood for company of any sort. Hiding out at his newly inherited country estate, he just wants to lick his wounds both physical and metaphorical. After suffering life-threatening burns which have left him severely scarred, losing his naval career and his fiancee all at once nearly destroyed him. He’d really like Effie to be gone, but she refuses to be intimidated and he can’t bring himself to physical action against her. Indeed, he finds himself reluctantly fascinated by a mind more brilliant than any he’s ever encountered, packaged in the body of an exceptionally pretty woman. He can’t understand how no man has snapped Effie up yet.
Max and Effie are fantastic in the way they play off and challenge each other. Max’s nicknames for Effie are both delightful and chart the progression of their relationship, as they go from insulting to affectionate. Her trust in him takes a long time to build, not always aided by his sister’s well-meaning meddling and definitely hindered by the aforementioned stuffy types, but eventually they find a place of mutual understanding.
This is a really great romance and, at the same time, a searing indictment of the way women were treated in the past. The flat refusal even to read Effie’s work, never mind consider the merits of it, was rage-inducing and the way Max reacted to it was just perfect. The tragedy is that you just KNOW there are male academics who still think this way – and behave this way, if they can get away with it. Overall I absolutely loved this and would highly recommend. Five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via Rachel’s Random Resources.