Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Tour Review - - Redeeming the Reclusive Earl


Redeeming the Reclusive Earl
by Virginia Heath
Publisher: Harlequin Historical
Release Date: March 17, 2020
Reviewed by PJ
  




His heart is a fortress.

And she’s trespassing!After losing all he holds dear in a horrific fire, Max Aldersley, Earl of Rivenhall, shuns the world—until he catches Effie Nithercott digging holes on his estate! He banishes the intrepid archaeologist and the unsettled feelings she rouses within him. But she returns even more determined and infuriatingly desirable than before! He wonders just how deep she’s prepared to dig—so far she’ll reach the man beneath his scars?




PJ's Thoughts:

I only discovered Virginia Heath within the past year but I've become an enthusiastic fan of her writing. I adored Effie and Max, and their unconventional journey to love is my favorite of her books to date. 

Effie is a brilliant, determined woman who has learned through experience that she's probably destined to spend her life alone. Men are typically scared off by her enormous intellect and unwillingness to keep it hidden. In fact, her brain rarely quiets. Neither does her mouth. In modern times, she'd most likely be diagnosed as ADHD. She's driven to uncover the archeological secrets beneath the ground of the Earl of Rivenhall's estate and frustrated by the men of science who refuse to take her seriously simply because she's a woman. She's also equal parts frustrated and fascinated by Max, the reclusive new earl who keeps trying to banish her from his estate. 

The tragic detour in Max's life was sudden and devastating, leaving him grappling with deep physical and emotional wounds. Not only is he mourning the loss of his beloved career but he's also learned to view himself as a scarred monster, unworthy of love. I wanted to toss his former betrothed off the nearest cliff for making him feel that way. Effie is, of course, exactly what he needs in his life but we all know it's going to be a rocky road before he comes to that realization. The journey is both endearing and humorous, and had me laughing out loud more than once while also wiping away a few tears. 

The banter between these two is an absolute delight. I love how Effie challenges Max with dogged determination that ever so slowly begins to bring him out of the darkness and back to life, proving to him that he's worthy of being loved for exactly who he now is and that his dreams don't need to be cast aside. And, I love, love, love the grand gesture that Max uses to show Effie, and the world, that her brilliance should not only be accepted but celebrated. I turned the final page confident that these two are destined for a lifetime of adventure and love. And wishing I could tag along for the ride. 


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5 comments:

  1. This sounds like a lovely story - Thanks for the review.

    Y'all stay safe and healthy.

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  2. I haven't read any of her books yet. I look forward to trying her books.

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  3. I have also become a fan of hers. Great review PJ. Loved these characters.

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  4. I enjoy her books! I liked the following two series set in Texas: Rogues in Texas and Texas Trilogy. I do have to catch up on her newer work.

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  5. This is a bit of the Beauty and the Beast trope which is a favorite of mine. I love strong, quirky heroines, especially when they manage to get under the skin of someone who has closed themself off.

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