An Amazon Best Book of the Month!“Shana Galen’s deliciously brooding hero and delightfully quirky heroine turn this tale of adventure into an endearing love story that kept me up all hours reading….Wonderful!” — SABRINA JEFFRIES New York Times bestselling authorEwan Mostyn thinks a job as a duke’s daughter’s bodyguard will be easy—but Lady Lorraine has a few tricks up her sleeve that spark an … easy—but Lady Lorraine has a few tricks up her sleeve that spark an undeniable passion
Fiercely loyal to his friends and comrades, Ewan Mostyn is the toughest in a group of younger sons of nobility who met as soldiers and are now trying desperately to settle back into peaceful Society. Ewan trusts his brawn more than his brains, but when he’s offered a job watching the Duke of Ridlington’s stubbornly independent daughter, he finds both are challenged.
Lady Lorraine wants none of her father’s high-handed ways, and she’ll do everything in her power to avoid her distressingly attractive bodyguard—until she lands herself in real trouble. Lorraine begins to see Ewan’s protectiveness in a new light, and she can only hope that her stoic guardian will do for her what he’s always done—fight for what he wants.
The Survivors Series:
Third Son’s a Charm (Book 1)
No Earls Allowed (Book 2)
Affair With a Spare (Book 3)
More Praise for Third Son’s a Charm:
“Shana Galen delivers again!…A sharp, poignant battle of wills between a wonderful wounded hero and the only heroine brave enough to get past his defenses. Don’t miss it!” —Eileen Dreyer, New York Times bestselling author
“Galen charms readers with poignant and unforgettable characters, humor, and a passionate page-turning tale that’s impossible to put down”—Lorraine Heath, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
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This book was a wonderful breath of fresh air. The writing was excellent as was the pacing and character development. I can hardly wait to meet the rest of the survivors and see them find their HEA with just the perfect mate for them.
I loved the characters in this book – especially Lorrie and Ewan, but I also loved her parents as well as the members of the Survivors who made appearances. I loved the banter between them and how well they worked together while saving Lorrie.
There were thirty totally expendable younger sons of the nobility who made up an elite group of warriors during the Peninsular war. This group was assigned to the most dangerous and deadly missions in the war. Only twelve returned and they became known as Draven’s Dozen. In this book, we meet four of them – Ewan (our hero), Jasper, Neil, and Rafe. Each of the men had a special talent – Jasper was an outstanding tracker, Neil was the leader, Rafe the lover and Ewan – well – he thought bashing heads was his only talent. Each also had a ‘title’ – Ewan was called The Protector. I will be so excited to find out who the next hero will be – Neil certainly seems to be the most troubled.
Lady Lorraine (Lorrie) Caldwell is the youngest child and only daughter of the Duke of Ridlington. She often feels overlooked – not unloved, just often unnoticed. She is sweet, lovely, intelligent, naïve, stubborn and headstrong – not necessarily in that order. She is also desperately, madly in love with Francis Mostyn – at least she thinks she is. He has asked her father for her hand, but her father refused because he firmly believes that Francis is only after her dowry. After a thwarted attempt at elopement, her father hires a bodyguard. And what a bodyguard he is! Lorrie rarely thinks of him by name, she just thinks of him as The Viking.
Golden-maned Ewan Mostyn is the youngest son of the Earl of Pembroke. To say that Ewan had a troubled childhood would be putting it mildly. You just fall in love with him – you can’t help it – you just do. He loves bashing heads together and that is why he works at Langley’s Hell – and he owns a share of the club. He is totally flabbergasted when the Duke of Ridlington summons him and offers him the job of being a bodyguard for his daughter. His main task is to keep her away from Francis and thwart any elopement attempts. Since Ewan detests his cousin Francis and agrees with the Duke that Francis is only after Lorrie’s dowry, he accepts the job immediately.
At first, Lorrie tries to outwit Ewan and it is funny to watch him turn the tables on her time and again. Then, as they spend time together and get to know each other – feelings develop. Ewan tries his best to fight those feelings because he doesn’t feel that he’s good enough for her – and at the same time Lorrie is doing her best to seduce him. Watching them get to know and love each other is heartwarming.
I always try to tell what I love about a book and what I don’t. Well – I LOVED everything about this book, so it is hard to single one thing out. I did enjoy the secondary love story with the Duke and Duchess though. What I don’t love isn’t something that is in the book – it is something that isn’t in the book! I always, always, always absolutely hate it when the bad guys don’t get any punishment. In this particular case – one of them not only didn’t get any punishment, he profited. I really wish Ewan had just let that worthless excuse of a human being that was his father stay ruined. Ewan sure didn’t get anything from it and it was supposed to be for his brothers and sisters that he wanted to save the family fortunes. Well—where were they when Ewan needed them? I would say let them all sink. Then, there is Francis – he got kicked out of the house – BIG DEAL. I would have probably made this a 5-star review if the author had chosen to deal with the Earl and Francis.
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“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”
I loved this story. First in a new series making me excited to see the next one. Ewan and Lorrie are wonderful characters. Of course, you would never imagine how they could make a couple. But indeed, they are made for each other. Their skills, their shortcomings work perfectly together.
Lady Lorraine is sure she’s in love, and is determined to marry the man of her choice, even though her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Ridlington don’t approve and hire Ewan Mostyn to make sure she’s safe from the fortune hunter. He just happens to be Ewan’s cousin Francis, who tormented him as a boy, and thwarting him will make Ewan very happy. Of course Ewan doesn’t expect that protecting Lorrie will turn into something much more, as the irrepressible Lorrie tries to help him realize he can be more than a bodyguard, he just needs her by his side. I really liked Lorrie and her determination and spirit, and I desperately wanted to see Ewan have some happiness after his horrible childhood and family life. Of course I can always rely on Shana Galen to give me a fantastic conclusion for these characters I’ve grown to love. I was delighted with the added bonus of the rekindled relationship between the Duke and Duchess as well. I’m looking forward to reading more stories in this new series as well.
Stayed up late (or early rather) to finish this ARC. I must say this is one of the best historical romances that I’ve read in awhile! A gruff, gentle giant of a hero who doesn’t say much meets his match as he serves as bodyguard to a passionate, headstrong duke’s daughter who won’t STOP talking. A bit of role reversal as SHE pursues him. Funny, sweet and definitely worth a read. Beautiful cover!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thanks go to NetGalley!
I could kick myself for not reading Shana Galen’s books sooner. This is a wry, delightful story of the wild, willful, clever and a bit clumsy Duke of Ridlington’s daughter, Lady Lorraine and a war hero who doesn’t know his worth. I loved the progression of this journey of discovery. Of what is important in a person and their true character from their actions, not by what they say.
Lady Lorrie mostly ran wild at the Duke’s country estate and now has been brought to “heel” to join society and find a worthy husband. She’s been taken in by the handsome and charming Francis Mostyn. He’s not in love with her, he’s after her very substantial dowry. Enter Ewan Mostyn, third son of the Earl of Pembroke a war hero who suffers from dyslexia and has been labels stupid by his family. He is one of The Survivors, Lieutenant Colonel Draven’s special forces unit in the Napoleonic wars. This suicide unit had 30 members and after the war was down to 12. Ewan was called Protector as he was the “brawn” and was driven to protect his brothers-in-arms. He knows in his heart he’s not stupid but he can’t read. His unit brothers protect and value him. The Duke asks Ewan to be Lorraine’s bodyguard since he can mix in society and is the cousin to Frances. And so starts our story of Ewan learning his true worth as a person and Lorraine learning to see into someone’s heart to find their character.
Thank you Sourcebooks and Shana Galen for the free NetGalley ARC of this story for review. I so enjoy Shana’s author’s voice and humor in her stories.
What a great start to a new series!
This was such a fun book to read and almost impossible to put down.
Ewan Mostyn aka Protector aka the Viking is the third son of the Earl of Pembroke. He has returned from the war a hero, he was part of an elite group of men who took the most impossible missions and survived. Ewan is a man of few words and even fewer desires – a place to sleep, the opportunity to bash heads and food are all he really wants or needs to be happy. But beneath his stoic demeanor is a man that has been hurt and doubts his own self worth. I LOVED Ewan – LOVED HIM! Currently Ewan is bashing heads for a living at a gaming hell, but when he is approached by the Duke of Ridlington with an intriguing offer of employment, he decides to take the job.
Lady Lorraine Caldwell aka Lorrie is the only daughter of the Duke of Ridlington and she is madly in love with Francis Mostyn, too bad her father has declined his offer for her hand, so Lorrie decides to elope. She may have failed the first time, but she is in no way giving up! But her plans are thwarted when her father introduces her to Ewan – her new bodyguard and the cousin to Francis. Lorrie still isn’t ready to give up and even though she is captivated by Ewan, she firmly reminds herself that this man was a beast to her true love and she will outwit him! She will keep Ewan on his toes and is a total delight!
The story is sweet and as Ewan and Lorrie begin to have deeper feelings for each other, the reader really saw the struggle Ewan felt, his feelings of inadequacy, his longing for what could never be and his growing feelings for Lorrie. Lorrie also matures during the course of the story, she finally accepts that she never really loved Francis and wants a man that will fight for her, she hopes that Ewan will be that man, but he seems to be pushing her away.
When Lorrie is kidnapped, Ewan realizes that he loves her and nothing will stop him from finding her and keeping her forever.
The story was well written and flowed wonderfully, there is a great cast of secondary characters that add some extremely amusing moments, a secondary romance, secrets, action, steamy love scenes and a beautiful ending! I would be happy to recommend this book and I am looking forward to the rest of the series!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review of an ARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
Ms. Galen knows what’s appealing to the heart, but sets her sights on stimulating the mind. Third Son’s a Charm is a seductive puzzle. Every sense is on high alert. Sizzling attraction puts a mischievous lady and a duty bound soldier on a collision course with romance and intrigue unlike any other. Hidden agendas, secret liaisons and read herrings at every turn make the road treacherous, but no less thrilling. Never malicious but always delicious, Shana Galen is romance on the edge. Exciting, inviting and delighting.
A hero from the Napoleonic War finds himself hired as the bodyguard of a Duke’s daughter, who is determined to marry the man she loves, even if she has to elope. But the man who protects her will soon win her heart. This one will keep you laughing and leave you with a few singed fingers.
Third Son’s a Charm has been on my TBR list for a while and I wish I had read it sooner! This story enchanted me from the very beginning, it is very engaging and lively story and I could not put it down. I absolutely loved Ewan *swoon*! I loved that he wasn’t perfect. All of his qualities, everything about him just drew me in. His character had everything that I desire in a hero. I adored lady Lorraine, she was fun, passionate, quirky, intelligent and kept Ewan on his toes. Together they brought out the best in each other and their chemistry was hot! Definitely some steamy moments! So perfect for each other. I highly recommend this book, it is one I could read again and again! I’m desperate to read the rest in the series. The easiest 5 stars I’ve given in a while!
Third son’s a charm is THE SURVIVORS #1. It is written by Shana Galen.
It is the story of Ewan Mostyn and Lady Lorraine.
Lady Lorraine is an independent thinking, young lady. She is used to doing things that her father doesn’t necessarily approve of. She tries eloping with a man named Francis. Her father being in distress for his daughter’s reputation, hires a bodyguard to keep her from trying to elope again.
Ewan Mostyn is fierce and loyal. He had gone off to be a soldier, but he has come home to find peace after war. Ewan is third son of his father’s and part of a group of younger sons of nobility. He is working with his brawn in a gaming hell. He is hired by the Duke of Ridlington to watch over and guard his daughter. Ewan is challenged by Lorraine’s stubbornness and independence.
Lorraine tries Ewan’s patience constantly, and she lands in a bit of trouble. She has to hope that her guardian will fight for what he loves, something he has always done.
I enjoyed their story. I like how Lorraine gets to know Ewan better than practically anyone else. I like how Ewan sees Lorraine for the strong woman she is becoming. This book has humor, passion, love and is very enjoyable.
Carolintallahassee.blog
Shana Galen took the “strong silent type” hero to an extreme in this book, and I loved it! Her hero had very few words, but great actions.
This was an engaging story that kept me up late a couple of nights. I didn’t want to put it down.
I haven’t the faintest idea how this book came to be in my possession, but I love it and now want the rest of the series! Lorraine is a trip! Ewan is a precious cinnamon roll whose awful relatives should be taken to Gentleman Jacks and taught a lesson! Bonus love story in the parents was a lovely treat! Happy Reading!
The first book in The Survivors series a well written story that kept me turning pages. I enjoyed reading Ewan Mostyn and Lady Lorraine’s story of protection, abduction, drama, danger, twists, turns, a wilful woman, a villain, and romance. I want to read more in this series.
Ewan Mostyn, a war hero of the Napoleonic Wars, accepts a job as bodyguard for the Duke of Ridlington’s feisty daughter, Lady Lorraine. The Duke tasks Ewan with keeping his daughter from eloping with Francis Mostyn, Ewan’s cousin. Ewan is determined to keep Lorraine from his hated cousin, but along the way, he must now fend off the charms of the lady herself.
Ms. Galen has written a wonderfully charming story with our hero, a man of few words, and Lady Lorraine, a self-confessed chatterbox who is relentless in getting what she wants. I loved the interactions between these two. The book also tackles a serious problem and doesn’t revert to cliches in solving it. I was captivated throughout this book and was eagerly turning the pages to find out what happened next. Fans of Regency romances will definitely enjoy this book.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Quirky Love Story!
Throughout this story I kept thinking “the poor man, he is so hooked. Does he really think he’s going to get out of this”!
I’ve been laughing most of the time with all the antics going on.
He is known as the Protector and does a great job doing just that. The only problem is that Lorraine has him just where she wants him.
Such a fantastic adventure in love.
Wonderful characters, delightful story and a definite recommend from me!
4.5 stars
Fiercely loyal to his friends and comrades, Ewan Mostyn, The Protector, is the toughest in a group of younger sons of nobility who met as soldiers and are now trying desperately to settle back into peaceful Society known as Draven’s Dozen. Ewan trusts his brawn more than his brains, but when he’s offered a job watching the Duke of Ridlington’s stubbornly independent daughter, Lorrie he finds both are challenged.
Overall I thoroughly & enjoyed the book but I did find it ‘hard to get into’ & in the beginning I wasn’t enamoured of Ewan but that did change & by about 20% into the book I was firmly in his corner. I kept thinking of the Dirty Dozen film & so my image of Ewan was of Clint Walker!
Lorraine was feisty & thought herself in love with Francis. Francis decried Ewan at every opportunity but Ewan, although he hated Francis, didn’t malign him just told the truth. The attraction between Ewan & Lorraine was there from the start & gradually grew & grew. The plot was well paced & kept me engrossed. I look forward to more of the Dozen having their HEAs
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Unique characters are one hallmark of Shame Galen`s stories. This book has its share of unique characters. A host of them are introduced, several of whom will be featured in the series. Draven`s dozen were the survivors from the Napoleonic war. The biggest and strongest of them, known as the Protector, is Ewan Mostyn. Although Ewan is the third son of the Earl of Pembroke, he is alone except for his fellow comrades. He is dyslexic, a condition not understood in that era. Most with the condition were thought to be simple minded. So it was with Ewan, it cost him his family who could not accept him or his condition. He lived using his brute strength. Lady Lorraine (Lorrie) Caldwell is the only daughter of the Duke of Ridlington. She is quite the chattering, but her constant speech hides a need to be loved and accepted. Something she doesn’t feel she receives from her family. Lorrie and Ewan are thrown together when he is hired to prevent her from running off with his less than honorable cousin. The story not just one of romance, but also has its share of danger and intrigue, always a plus for me. This storyline holds the attention pretty much from beginning to end. I loved the story inside the story of Lorrie`s parents rediscovering why they married each other. I found myself rooting for them, especially since their outcome was not necessarily a given. A very nice read.
I love Tessa’s adventurous plots and intriguing characters.