Redeeming the Reclusive Earl: A Regency Historical Romance

Redeeming the Reclusive Earl is author Virginia Heath’s latest story featuring a scarred hero and his very unique and fascinating neighbor. From the moment I picked up this book, I fell in love with the characters. Ms. Heath is known for her fabulous characters and witty banter and this story didn’t disappoint, it was a joy to read! Max Aldersley, Earl of Rivenhall was severely scarred in a fire and has since shut himself up from the world. He’s struggling to dig himself out of the pit of despair he’s in and just wants to be left alone. Euphemia “Effie” Nithercott is an antiquarian who lives to excavate the past. She’s extremely intelligent and realizes that most people find her peculiar. Such a fabulous couple! From the moment Max finds Effie digging on his land, you can tell these two are going to create some sparks if they can ever find a way to get along! I just loved Max, he’s the ultimate tortured hero! He’s rude and obnoxious to all those around him, wallowing in self-pity ever since the accident that took everything from him. So when Effie refuses to stop digging on his land he’s caught off guard and unprepared to deal with her. He initially lashes out at her, but his conscience gets the best of him and these two gradually form a friendship. Effie was such a wonderful heroine! She’s extremely intelligent and determined to live her life doing the thing she loves, excavating the past. She was a unique and entertaining young woman who unnerves Max from the very start. I loved watching these two characters get to know each other and see their romance blossom. The story is extremely well written and flowed perfectly with plenty of witty banter and chemistry between our hero and heroine. There were also some fabulous secondary characters that added to the storyline and made this book hard to put down! Ms. Heath has proved yet again why she is one of my favorite authors and why I love to read her books! Max and Effie’s story deserves much praise and five fabulous stars! I’d definitely give it more if I could! ;-)

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.