About the Book:

A convenient betrothal

“It will save us both from scandal.”

Widowed three times over, Lady Anna Fortescue is used to ignoring the wagging tongues of the ton. After finding herself in a compromising position with handsome bachelor Lord Harry Edgerton, to avoid scandal she ends up engaged again. The arrangement may be one of convenience, but as Anna finds herself unable to resist Harry’s charms, she realizes the betrothal may have its benefits…

Click on title below for direct Amazon buy link:                                                An Earl to Save Her Reputation (Harlequin Historical)

My Review:                    

Lady Anna Fortescue is only twenty five years old, yet she has been widowed three times.  Only one of those marriages was by her own choice, and sadly, none of them were happy.  In fact, her third husband was cruel and abusive, leaving Anna determined to never marry again.  She owns and manages a small shipping company, which keeps her occupied and independent.  Her peace is shattered when she begins to receive a series of threatening notes and disturbing packages.

Harry Pershore, Earl of Edgerton, is not averse to marriage, as long as it’s a convenient one, as he has no use for love.  He also is a stickler for avoiding scandal, as his sister, Lydia, was caught in a shocking situation last year, causing her to retreat and hide from society.  When Harry and Anna are caught in a compromising situation, Harry, ever the gentleman,  is quick to announce their engagement.  While Anna would have stoically born being the subject of more gossip, the “Black Widow” reluctantly agrees to a temporary betrothal.  When Harry learns of the threatening letters and packages Anna has been receiving, his protective instincts kick in, and he’s determined to help her find out who her enemy is.

Harry and Anna soon find they have a genuine attraction, though neither of them wanted it.  Anna is a very strong woman now, having survived the abuse and lack of any input for her own future.  Being able to make her own decisions and controlling her fate are heady experiences that she’s not readily willing to give up.  Harry is a good and decent man, who wants Anna to feel free, while he still wants to shield her from harm.

AN EARL TO SAVE HER REPUTATION is a sweet and passionate romance with a worthy couple well deserving of  their happiness, if only they can work through their baggage.  There’s also a bit of mystery, along with a creepy villain.  I enjoy author Laura Martin’s writing style, and found AN EARL TO SAVE HER REPUTATION to be a solid and engaging read.