THE EARL

Revenge is a dish best served cold—but what about justice?

Colin Gray and Emily Anne Vale were once best friends and promised to each other by their fathers. Years later, they barely speak to one another even though they are still meant to marry. Colin has become the Earl of Egremoor, and Emily now goes by Zenobia in public—and Lady Justice in the broadsheets. Lady Justice anonymously crusades against the worst indulgences of the aristocracy in her pamphlets, leading the new Earl (among others) to seek to root her out and expose her. When Emily’s sister goes missing, her alter ego has no choice but to seek help from Colin’s alter ego, Mr. Peregrine, head of a group that specializes in finding missing persons. Both find their way to Scotland while searching, but soon after, two thieves send them on the run together. Emily is aware of Colin's secret identity, but he still doesn't know about hers. In close quarters, their hatred of each other burns bright—as does a fearful chemistry. A smart hero, an even smarter heroine, and a fast-paced plot all keep the reader rushing through this excellent historical romance. With a charming Scottish backdrop and the help of excellent research that drives the accuracy of the legal structure of the plot, Ashe (The Rogue, 2016, etc.) has built a book that both stands alone and enhances her Devil’s Duke series.

A dashing Regency romance that proves smarts are the sexiest attribute of all.