Christopher Roker, the Earl of Sunderland, has been surrounded by title-hunting chits all of his life. It is a point of pride to be the oldest member of the Wicked Earls’ Club. But if he has to beget an heir, perhaps he could find a simple country chit to keep tucked away…

Grace Beaumont has seen what love can do to a woman. Her mother died, producing a coveted son late in life. A devastated father and newborn brother forces Grace to take on the role of Lady Beaumont and all of its responsibilities. But Grace finds she enjoys the freedom and power of her new status—minus the husband.

Kit travels to northern England with a friend, who has inherited some property. When the neighboring beauty arrives with her tales of murder and hauntings, he’s intrigued. As they search the castle for its secrets, the earl realizes Grace is much more captivating than the legend.

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I received this book from the author for an honest review.

I am a historical LOVER!!  I love the Ton.  I love Regency.  I love the corsets.  I love the rules.  I love the gossip.  I love the sneaking away to steal a moment with your loved one.  I. Just. Love. It!!

So this book didn’t disappoint me.  I opened it and devoured it in no time.  I was so drawn to the characters and their situations that placed the two of them together.  I loved how open minded Kit was about a woman.  He was raised by a strong woman and so he in turn wants a strong wife.

Grace has been the Lady of her family’s lands since her mother died at the young age of 15.  She became the woman of the house raising her brother, taking care of the ground, the staff and her father.  She wants to live her life her way and isn’t looking for a husband.  They will pin her down and she loves her independence.

Grace and Kit meet when her cousin/bestie marries Kit’s twin brother.  They hit it off but time was not right for them.  He had to return to the military to fight Napoleon while she must continue to raise her brother.

When they meet back up the sparks pick up right where they were at the wedding.  Neither are looking for an HEA.  They just want to pass the time over the summer with a friendly face and some silly flirting.  Little do they know, the silly fun turns serious very quickly.  Then both are worried about how the other will react to the news the other is in love with them.

I loved the scene when Kit comes to see her at her family home and we learn of all that he has planned and all he declares to our girl.  I also love the side characters in the story.  They are all there and offer the right guidance to the characters when they need it.  I would love to see Grace’s dad marry again along with Eliza!

Bestselling and award-winning author Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule and barn cats. She is an elementary teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by night. Obsessions include history, travel, trail riding, and all things Christmas.

Her short stories Merry Christmas, Henry and Pete’s Mighty Purty Privies won the Preditors & Editors Reader’s Choice in 2013 and 2014. Dante’s Gift, first in A Chicago Christmas series, received the 2016 Golden Quill, Aspen Gold, and Heart of Excellence awards.

Her upcoming series “A Vintage Romance” was inspired by tales of her stepfather, who served in the British Air Force in WWII. Wynne’s medieval fantasy series “Medieval Encounters” begins with Rolf’s Quest, 2016 NTRWA Great Expectations winner.