What a wonderful unique story! Well-written!
Anna St. Claire captured so much in this story - the Battle of New Orleans, to the Louisiana Bayou's filled with snakes and alligators, and a Leper Colony.
Strong characters throughout the story, I especially loved the dog, Dandie.
Instant chemistry between Bethany and Mathew!

Great first book in a new series!
Recommend Reading!

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Enjoyable and entertaining read with some really good characters and great chemistry.
Love the story, enjoy anything to do with this time period.
This was right up my street and a great first book to begin a series.

Recommended reading.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

Near New Orleans, LA 1815
Take a journey in this highly engaging story, that starts out with a battle and wounded soldier, and doesn't stop until the end! As usual, with her engaging characters, which often involves a beloved animal (Dandie in this case) and marvelous descriptions, Anna takes us into the Louisiana Bayou.

He thought he was dead and could only feel pain and pressure on his body. Far from his home in England, he knows he will never see his family again.

She had gone to search for herbs and come upon the ending of a fierce battle, when she and her dog, Dandie found the wounded British soldier. Managing to get him home, and works to heal his wounds and they begin to know each other.

But danger invades and they have to flee to safer grounds to her Aunt's, where her Grandmother is also and get help. Lovable characters, a slow build romance, a search for the hero and danger always present. Simply wonderful! I cannot wait for more!

PS Don't you just love the cover? Sigh.

I really liked that the time setting was new to me. I enjoyed that the heroine had to nurse the hero back to health for most of the book. I am thankful that the conmen miscommunication was not apart of this book, but that the author wrote another problem for the couple. The dog was adorable and I want one for myself. For me this book was nothing special, but i did enjoy it and I don’t regret reading it

The plot opens with a vicious battle scene, one in which there are few survivors and those that succumb to their wounds are left to die, only to be subjected to further indignity as fellow soldiers strip their bodies of any valuables. It is in this heap of bodies that Bethany Phillips' small dog alerts her to the still breathing Colonel Matthew Romney. Bethany may not have the strength required to lift Matthew, but she does have the determination and as she cajoles him into getting to his feet, Matthew realizes that to add insult to injury, he has lost his sight. In the days and weeks that follow, Bethany nurses Matthew back to health but when danger threatens the British officer once again, Bethany has no choice other than to take him to her beloved Grandmother. In this tale of war and adventure, the love that grows between Matthew and Bethany is sweet and gentle, but can she leave the safety of her family for him? Just when Bethany thinks Matthew is safe, danger strikes once again, leaving Bethany in despair of ever seeing him well. This novel is well written without any obvious errors, which is always a pleasure. Danger is ever-present and the romance that develops between the main couple moves slowly. Nevertheless, the story does end on a happy note. I received a copy of this book as a gift from Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Emotional and tense, this is a page turner. The descriptions of the settings in the story are stunning as it goes from the battlefield at a plantation near New Orleans to the bayou. The hero and heroine are awesome. Bethany Phillips is a healer, smart and courageous enough to help a badly wounded British officer. Colonel Matthew Romney has faced horrors in more than one war. He will need the same will and courage to battle his wounds, fever, and blindness, to heal, and find a way home. Bethany, and her sweet dog Dandie, will be there to help him. The chemistry between Matthew and Bethany is strong from the start. They start out as strangers, but gradually realize that they are developing feelings for each other. The other characters are wonderful. I loved Grand’Mere and Aunt Thea and their ready acceptance of Matthew. As investigators go, Mr. Sinclair is top notch. He managed to find Matthew in the Louisiana Bayou. There is nothing not to like about this story. The hero even learned to love cornbread. Great Read. I recommend it.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Colonel Matthew Romney, Lord Longueville son of the Earl of Romney is honorable, he adapts to new situations & always can be depended on; but now, has found himself wounded, left for dead on the battlefield of New Orleans. His head is aching, his bullet wound is painful & he can no longer see. Matthew has tried calling for help but no one comes to his aid & he is across the ocean from home.

Bethany Phillips is a independent, strong-willed, selfless young lady who has leaned to be a herbalist from her grandmother. She has been living with her grandmother since her mother died & her father just wanders around the country. Her Grandmother has gone to visit Bethany's aunt so this morning she & her dog, Dandie (a gift from her mother) went to gather herbs & vegetables at a nearby plantation when the battle begun, so they hid from danger until it was safe. Dandie kept whining & trying to get Bethany to come & after moving some dead bodies she heard & saw Matthew.

This only begins the danger & adventures that happen to them - most importantly after getting Matthew well; the danger was finding him with her. He was conscious enough to help her get to her home where she began to nurse him back to health. If caught, he would be killed & she would be charged with treason - so they decided to travel the river to her aunt's home, even though Matthew hadn't regained his sight. During his time at her home they began having feelings which only grew stronger in the days to come. They get their unlikely & romantic HEA. They had so many dangerous adventures from alligators to kidnapping & more. Dandie the pup was a big part of the story & was a wonderful addition, I love all of the secondary characters especially Bethany's Grandmother & Aunt & Matthew's friend & of course the young neighbor boy. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.

How will he find his way home and leave her behind …

I had near to zero knowledge about this war, and even more the debacle it was on the English side with so many life lost in the most gruesome way.

Bethany is a young woman how I like them, determined, hard-working, with an inner strength which leads her on the right path, all without being unnaturally strong. She does what she believes is right, seing only the suffering she might be able to ease. Pain has no color nor nationality.
Matthew is a man who did his duty for his country, yet now he is lying on the ground of a hostile land close to death, far away fro his kin. For a man who has seen horrors and suffered as much, he has not been touched by bitterness nor resentment. And while he can’t keep nightmares from visiting him at night, he adapts to his new circumstances without rancour.

Their romance is so sweet and lovely, together they face danger and threat, which helps to knit their bond tighter, never really seing the other as unsuitable despite their different upbringing and society’s rank.

My only reservation is about the epilogue, It feels like rushed, too short, lacking something. It looks like so many events occurred during their return trip, a few lines to wrap it up do not appear to be enough.

There is some mixup in the arc about the hero’s military rank (colonel or lieutenant), it will probably be resolved upon release.
4 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen sweet lovemaking scene.

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

I enjoyed the realism to the book. The characters were written so well, this had me so engaged in the story. I had one hiccup with the book and that is Bethany at the young age of eighteen. I imagine seeing a woman of twenty four or older for the romance books. I believe that the way the plot was written added so much weight to the depth of how far the book could have me the reader get swept away in the book. I was very impressed by this authors writing. The characters were fresh and very believable. Their personalities contributed to the grit. The strong emotions. And the pure romance between the two main characters.

This was a super entertaining book. The characters are wonderful and different from the normal romance stories. This takes place after the horrible Battle of New Orleans. Bethany Phillips is a healer just like her Mother, Grand'Mere and Aunt. After her Mother died when she was young, she has lived with her Grand'Mere learning the art of healing and helping others. After her father left for the war, she has learned to do a lot on her own even being just eighteen. She has gone to gather vegetables, herbs and whatever other items were left in the garden behind the large plantation. The owner told them they could use the garden. Unfortunately, she is there when a Hugh battle takes place between the English and the American troops. She hides with her wonder dog, Dandie till the fighting is over. As hurries to get away, Dandie runs to battle field !! She follows only to hear a man's cry for help. Buried under a pile of dead soldiers she finds a man barely alive. Colonel Matthew Romney is the beloved son of the Earl of Longueville. He has been gravely wounded and left for dead. Bethany takes him to her house and saves his life. When he awakes, he learns he is blind! As both Bethany and Matthew work to heal him they are together a lot. As they spend time together the attraction and passion between is off the charts.
There is a lot going on in the story. An Investigator hired by his family is searching for them.
Due to the war, there are lots of deserters and thieves about causing problems. They have to be careful as Matthew is a British officer, and she could hang for helping him. When things get too dangerous, they travel to her Grand mere's but find more problems and trouble too.,
There are lots of twist and turns that these two get caught in.
This story is so wonderful full of love and learning, villains out to hurt them, storms, her wonderful
dog, Dandie. The Grandmother and Aunt who helps Matthew.
Can Matthew and Bethany figure it all out and still get there happy ever after ?? You will have to get a copy and find out.. You will not be sorry. I didn't want it to end. The ending is truly perfect for this beautiful couple...
I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.

4.5 Stars
Colonel Matthew Romney, lord of Longueville, is gravely wounded during the Battle of New Orleans. With most available British forces dead and his weak pleas for help muffled beneath the dead soldier he lies below, the British report him missing in the aftermath. Bethany Phillips and her dog Dandie visit the Villeré Plantation’s gardens searching for herbs and food and unexpectedly become caught in the crossfire of grapeshot and cannon fire and forced to take cover until the battle ends. When the smoke clears, Bethany follows the sound of a man’s moans and pulls him from beneath a pile of dead soldiers being readied for a mass grave. Bethany saves Matthew’s life then takes him to her Aunt’s house where her Grandmere is staying whilst nursing her blind aunt to recuperate. Against all odds, sparks fly between Matthew and Bethany. A hired investigator for his father finds Matthew and encourages him to journey home but then Matthew contracts yellow fever & once again is dangerously ill.
I loved the setting in America, the author’s descriptions were brilliant especially of Matthew & Bethany’s journey to her Aunt's house. I also loved the tension throughout the book, would Matthew be found & handed over to Jackson, would he recover from his injuries, his blindness & then yellow fever? I also loved the attraction between Matthew & Bethany, which just grew & grew. A very well written action packed book that had me on the edge of my seat, add a slow burn romance, more than a dash of suspense & I was one very happy reader. I would have loved for it to have been longer so that their journey to England could have been more detailed. I look forward to the rest of the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Ms. Saint Claire has blown my mind with this read. Action right off the bat, gets you in the feels. If you like intrigue, a good dose of mystery, and a love story for the ages…this books is for you! I received an ARC through Netgalley and I approve of this book and highly recommend it.

Back at it with some historical romance! I love diversity in my historical romance any way I can get it, and the battle of New Orleans was a topic I had yet to learn a lot about. Besides that, I've mentioned in past reviews that I love unique heroines who break the stereotypical mold inside of historical romance (I understand that with the time period comes gender expectations) , but I would say that Bethany fits the unique mold.

Blurb: Bethany Phillips was jus trying to gather medicinal herbs at the neighboring plantation, when she stumbles upon the desolation of a battle ground. Even more surprising is the discovery of Colonel Matthew Romney, an injured British soldier who seems to have lost his eyesight. As Bethany seeks to nurse Matthew to health, she begins to realize the effect Matthew is having on her heart.

I really enjoyed this book! I liked how passionate Bethany was with her work, treating her talent with healing and herbs almost like an apprenticeship. Additionally, I loved that she refused to settle for anything less than a love marriage. As for Matthew, I love that he remained upbeat regardless of his hardship. I've read my fair share of romances with battle hardened soldiers, and they always take on the brooding archetype, and it was refreshing that Matthew did not.
I say this romance is perfect for someone who wants a cozier historical romance, with cleaner elements, as well as someone who is interested in reading about a more unexplored topic in history (they even mention leprosy, which is another unexplored topic)!

I'm giving it three stars, based on a personal preference, because I like a steamier romance..... and the cover led me to believe it would be. However, the writing is still really immersive as I felt like I took a trip down the bayou.

I want to thank Netgalley and Anna St. Claire for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Heat Level: 🔥

Bethany Phillips, who is a healer, comes to the aid of wounded British soldier, Colonel Matthew Romney.

This is a well-written entertaining book. The romantic/suspenseful drama kept me glued to my chair.

I received an advance reader copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Colonel Matthew Romney, Lord Longueville son of the Earl of Romney, is fighting in the war in Louisiana. He fought in the Napoleonic wars and the in the war with the colonies. As an errand of importance has arrive the messenger is shot, so Matthew takes it to the General only to be told to fight back. However, Matthew gets shot and left for dead as so many had been killed.

Bethany Phillips was born and raised in the area near New Orleans. She lives with her grandmother as her mother died and her father wonders now. She has a dog named Dandie, a gift from her mother, she is learning about herbs and healing methods from her grandmother and aunt.

While gathering herbs and vegetables from the plantation near her home the battle gets heated and Bethany hides. When the battle ends she spied all the people piling bodies and looting. As they leave her dog Dandie darts over to one like of bodies to discover Matthew alive. So she takes him home to heal him and hide him.

Now a strange man is asking about a British officer, a deserter is trying to steal her boat, and Matthew is blinded by an unknown cause. So off to her aunt's home they go to get help as her grandmother is there.

Will Matthew survive? Does the strange man find the person he is looking for and could it be Matthew? Will they be able to travel by boat or is it stolen? If Matthew survives does he make it back to England?

Join Matthew and Bethany as they deal with bullet wounds, fevers, and strange men. You will feel like you are in the midst of it all with the details and great world building. The characters are well defined and lively

Reviews on Goodreads and Bookbub

The Earl of Excess is an engaging and sweeping journey of adventure and love. Bethany and Matthew are wonderful characters and against all odds of a war torn land and dangers they make their journey home.

Bethany lives with her grandma amidst a war. Matthew is off to war. Bethany helps Matthew through a difficult time. A bond is formed. Alligator attack. Theft. Several boat rides. Such a good story!

The Earl of Excess is the first book in The Rakes of Mayhem, a new historical romance series by Anna St. Claire. The story begins when Bethany saves the life of a British soldier, an act punishable by death should she be caught. Bethany cares for Matthew for weeks, diligently nursing him back to health. However, when it appears that someone might know of Matthew’s location, Bethany decides to take him to her aunt and grandmother. Not fully healed and blinded in battle, Matthew can’t deny his growing feelings for Bethany. But can he convince her that his feelings are true? And will he ever be able to return home?

This is an interesting historical romance that takes place in war-torn Louisiana. Rich with culture and history, the story offers a unique outlook on life at that time. Matthew is a British soldier, and Bethany is a citizen of Louisiana, so their experiences are quite different. It’s interesting to get both perspectives throughout the story. I also really liked the integration of customs, landscapes, culture, and cuisines of the time. It was fascinating to read about the different foods and traditions, as well as the varied opinions about the war.

Bethany is a great protagonist, as is Matthew. Bethany is independent, brave, and strong, and she has a generous and selfless spirit. She is her own person, and she defies the norms of her time. Matthew is a long way from home, and he goes through so much! Honorable, dependable, and adaptable, Matthew shows strength and sincerity in all that he does. They make a great pair, and their chemistry is strong from the start. Though they begin as strangers, they quickly become friends, which leads to more. The way that they care for, protect, and support each other is wonderful.

I always love animal companions in books, and Bethany’s dog, Dandie is delightful! She’s an adorable dog that’s also a great judge of character. She’s also super intuitive and seems to understand more than one would expect of a canine friend. I also really enjoyed Bethany’s grandmother and aunt. They are women ahead of their time, and the wisdom, understanding, and acceptance they show are admirable. They, as well as several other minor characters in the story, are well-developed and interesting.

The plot is well-paced and filled with action and adventure, and there is never a dull moment in the story. Between the battle, the treacherous trip to Bethany’s grandmother, and their experiences once they reach their destination, Bethany and Matthew don’t experience a moment’s peace. Even their journey after leaving Bethany’s grandmother is riddled with obstacles and perilous situations. I do wish the end didn’t feel so rushed, as their story in the epilogue sounds as exciting and adventure-filled as the rest of the novel. It almost felt like it could be made into its own novel.

Readers who enjoy entertaining and engrossing historical romances with great side characters and a sweet love story will enjoy The Earl of Excess. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Dragonblade Publishing, and Anna St. Clair for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

This is book 1 of the new series Rakes of Mayhem.

Matthew Romney is injured on a battlefield in Louisianna and rescued from a pile of bodies by Bethany, who cares for his injuries for weeks. Matthew has lost his vision and is completely alone and at her mercy. Together they find friendship and attraction.

The trope is forced proximity and class difference. While I enjoyed this very clean romance, with one closed door love scene, I'm not sure that I ever felt the chemistry between these two. Friendship, yes. Respect, yes. But not the angsty yearning I have come to expect from Anna St. Claire. Matthew, the heir to an Earl, doesn't even seem to hesitate on making an American nobody from the woods of the bayou a future Countess. While the book is called the Earl of Excess, it doesn't really fit the book. He isn't made the Earl until 2 pages into the epilogue of the novel. There are so many other titles that would have been more appropriate!

This is a well written book with a fun diverse cast of characters and a good book to introduce the new series. I just wish there had been more angst and steam.

I voluntarily received a copy of Earl of Excess via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Thank you NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing!

This was my first time really delving into Historical romances set in America, specifically during any sort of war times. And also my first time reading this author.

I think this historical romance would be good for anyone who is a fan of American History and hurt/comfort. Cause this poor hero goes through so much throughout this story. And it doesn't end! More happens in the epilogue and I'm just sitting here going Matthew, sir, I am so sorry.

I really liked the cast of characters in this though I felt side characters seemed to weaved back in and out as if being summoned. And I will be fair I didn't really get the romance. I understood it later on in the story but in the beginning it felt like it wanted me to know it was an instant attraction and I felt it was kind of forced.

What this author really excells at is descriptions. She weaves the world around the characters beautifully and I really enjoyed hearing about the local cuisine and the landscape.

I also adore the dog. The dog is the true hero of this story and reminded me a lot of one my childhood dogs.