About the Book
Title: The Earl’s Return
Author: Callie Hutton
Genre: Regency Romance
London, 1819. Four years ago, Darius, the Earl of Redgrave fled London two weeks before his wedding to Lady Mary’s sister and married another woman. Now a widower, he has returned to seek a new wife.
One woman catches his eye . . .
At first, Lady Mary doesn’t recognize the handsome lord as the cad who ran out on her sister. After giving him the cut direct in a London ballroom, she finds herself running into him everywhere she goes, and fighting a forbidden attraction. Not only has Mary sworn off men, Redgrave is so very wrong for her. But she cannot stop thinking of his kisses. Redgrave means to stay away from Mary but it is impossible. Passion between two people who can never be together is a dangerous game.
Excerpt
Mary tore her eyes away from the beautiful nighttime sky to meet Redgrave’s scrutiny. His piercing blue eyes were nearly navy as he reached up and ran his finger lightly down her cheek. “So soft. So perfect.”
“Yes.”
He shook his head and narrowed his eyes. “What?”
“I am enjoying the party.” The words came out breathless. For some reason she seemed to have more trouble accessing air here in the garden than she had in the stuffy drawing room.
Redgrave’s hand cupped her neck, and he drew her closer. “I’m glad.”
Her brain dulled. “What?”
“I’m glad you are enjoying the party.”
“Oh.”
His other hand moved to caress her cheek. His gaze was as soft as a butterfly’s wing when his head descended. She sucked in a breath, her eyes drifting closed. His lips brushed over hers as he spoke. “I am enjoying it as well.”
The melding of their lips transformed the coolness of the night air to warmth and comfort. He nudged at her lips, and she opened to allow the velvet sweep of his tongue. She was shocked at her eager response to his kiss. Feelings she’d not experienced before swept through her, surprising her in their intensity.
He gathered her in his arms and brought her up tight against his chest. Through her gown and his clothing she felt the thump of his heartbeat, matching her own. He spread his legs apart and slid his hand to her lower back, pulling her against him, the part of her body where moisture had gathered flush up against his hardened flesh. She felt a sense of loss when he released her lips, then showered kisses over her eyelids, nose, and jaw.
*** Copy provided to the reviewer via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
The last thing, Darius, Earl of Redgrave, expected when he returned to London after his wife's death, was to find himself enthralled by the sister of the woman he stood up two weeks before their wedding four years ago.
After an awful experience two years ago, Lady Mary is not interested in marriage, not even to the handsome stranger that draws her attention. When she realizes the man is her sister's ex-fiancée, she's determined to cut him.
Circumstances keep throwing them together and they make a truce that turns into a tentative friendship and then blooms into more as they are unable to fight their attraction. Can they overcome all that sets them apart to find their happily ever after?
I love historical romances. They are one of my favorite subgenres, and this one was really good. I especially loved the way the author blended the flashbacks to Redgrave's past to show us what had happened to make him leave Mary's sister four years ago, and the hell he lived with his wife.
While I liked Redgrave, I wanted to shake him a few times, for allowing his ex-father-in-law to manipulate him in the way he did. I know it was other times, but I feel it showed some lack of backbone at the moment it happened. I liked Lady Mary, but there were a few instances in which I would've liked her to act differently. Still, Redgrave and Mary seemed very well-suited and it was lovely to see them fall for each other.
Recommendable!
Rating: 4 Stars!!!
Author Bio
The USA Today best selling author of The Elusive Wife writes both Western Historical and Regency romance, with “historic elements and sensory details” (The Romance Reviews). She also pens an occasional contemporary or two. Callie lives in Oklahoma with several rescue dogs, two adult children, and daughter-in-law (thankfully all not in the same house), and her top cheerleader husband of thirty-eight years. She recently welcomed twin grandsons and loves being a grandma. Callie loves to hear from readers, and would welcome you as a “friend” on Facebook. You can contact her through her website: www.calliehutton.com, or write her directly at calliehutton11@gmail.com
She is past president of the Oklahoma chapter of The Romance Writers of America and PAN Liaison for Hearts Through History Romance Writers chapter of RWA.
Website: http://calliehutton.com/She is past president of the Oklahoma chapter of The Romance Writers of America and PAN Liaison for Hearts Through History Romance Writers chapter of RWA.
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