The Earl's Tempting Ward
Series: Dukes Gone Dirty #2
Author: Bella Moxie
Published June 10th 2022 by Dragonblade Publishing

Goodreads Synopsis
This surly earl expects obedience from his fiery new ward. What he gets is nothing but trouble.

The fire that claimed the Earl of Foster's father and brother left him scarred in every sense of the word. But despite the guilt and his mother’s hatred, Benedict took on the duties that came with the earldom. Including looking after his new ward—the orphaned daughter of his mother’s closest friend.

He expects a timid child to arrive on his doorstep, not a tantalizingly gorgeous young lady in need of a husband. The irritating beauty manages to rile more than just his temper, and he soon finds himself seeking her out for arguments that inevitably end with his lips on hers. His hands on her body. It isn’t right. It’s not what she deserves. But the temptation is too much. The only honorable solution is to marry the girl himself.

Only, Philippa has secrets of her own, and her past has her living a nightmare. She knows what her guardian has in store for her, but she's not looking for marriage to a good man. And despite his growls and his threats, Benedict is good. Better than he knows.

Better than she deserves.

When it's his honor pitted against her tortured past, a battle breaks out between the guilt-ridden lovers. It seems this ward will be teaching her prickly guardian what it means to fight dirty.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Losing his father and brother, and becoming the new Earl of Foster was a shock to the system for Benedict. He blames himself for the fire which his mistress caused, and though he is scarred both physically and mentally, his mother will not let him forget that he is the one who should've died. His entry into society as the earl was fraught with scandal and suspicion, and he longs to return to the country. But his mother soon announces that her goddaughter will be coming to their home, as his ward, and it's his job to find her a husband and get her settled. Expecting a brat to turn up, Benedict is shocked when the beautiful and tantalising Phillipa, and she gets his heart pounding again.

I think this book was even better than the first. Both the hero and heroine are wracked with guilt, and they don't trust themselves, or each other, to not get hurt. I loved their connection, and the way they grew comfortable with each other. Neither had any intention of marrying, but Benedict knows that after he has her, he can't get enough. He wants more, and though he initially goes about it the wrong way, it was sweet the way he fell first, and hardest. A really enjoyable and quick romantic read!

Dates Read:
November 18, 2022

Rating
3 Stars