Benedict, the Earl of Foster, has lived with the guilt, that the fire that killed his father and older brother, came about by his actions. His mother has never let him forget the event, nor can the scars the line his face and boy, let him every forget. Consequently, Benedict feels the responsibility of the earldom, with great pressure and when he finds that he has a new ward, he is determined to do all that is right by her. Even, if it means marrying her, to stop anyone else from taking her from him. Meanwhile Philippa does everything to win over Benedict, but not because she wants to force a marriage between them, largely driven by her low self-perception.
A steamy novella, with two characters, finding their past hurts influencing their relationship. Philippa blames herself for the death of her parents, whilst Benedict feels similar pain. As they begin their relationship, it takes a battle of wills, to ensure that their passion can lead to a long-lasting love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Having read the first book in this series, which I thoroughly enjoyed, I was surprised by the content of this novel. Two broken people, each carrying their own scars, are thrown together amidst angst, hurt, and anger. Whilst Benedict's scars are obvious and the rumors that abound in society all have an element of truth, Philippa's scars are scorching her very soul, making it difficult to accept the good life she has been offered. This is a tragic tale, but fortunately, it does come to a worthwhile conclusion. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Love this author.
This was my first book I read from Bella Moxie, her style of writing appeals to me, so much that I went and read her other books in the series.
Its easy reading, hot and steamy romance but also a look into people and their emotional struggles.

Benedict became the Earl of Foster after a fire claimed his father and brother, it also 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. Philippa has secrets of her own, and her past has her living a nightmare.
This is the second book in the series & yes it could be read on its own but this series is SO good I’d recommend reading in order. I loved both Benedict & Philippa both are scarred & riddled with guilt. They lock horns at every meeting but the attraction & sexual tension just increases with every meeting too. I became totally invested in their journey to a HEA & what a journey it was, so much so that I devoured this steamy, emotional read in a sitting. Roll on book 3
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

The author has a hit with this story. I loved the characters and the twisty road they traveled to the end. They had good chemistry and the action and mystery just added the fuel to this good read. Don't hesitate, get the book cause you will enjoy it.

The new Earl is scared from the fire that claimed both his father and brother. Now all he carries is the guilt that will not go away and burdens his existence hourly. Benedict has taken to the duties of his station and finds that does not help either. But will his new ward, help. A young child running around the estate might help to calm his temperament. Too bad, his ward turns out to be older than he thought. And timid is not her nature. What a delightful adventure you are going to enjoy, and the extra steam does not hurt it either. An interesting adventure awaits the reader.

"She wanted to be consumed by him because that was the only time she felt sane and whole and...loved."

The Earl's Tempting Ward is a surprisingly touching novella.

Benedict is new to the title of earl. A second-son, now only son, responsibility is thrust upon him. Among them, is the ward his mother insists they take in. Benedict is surprised to find that their ward is not a child, but a young woman with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"I'll show you just how much I love you. Exactly how you are. Good, bad, naughty, or wicked. I love you. All of you."

The first 1/3-1/2 of it, I wasn't sure how I felt about Philippa's behavior. But then I started to understand it came from a hurt part of herself. From then on, the story took a whole new meaning. I loved how Benedict loved her. He saw the heart of her and wanted to heal her, even when she pushed him away.

The Earls' Troubled Angel or Witch?
A new author for me to read. It's much more involved physically and emotionally than I expected.
Tragedy brings three emotionally damaged people together in this whirlwind adult romance drama.
I enjoyed Benedict who was a damaged yet wonderful character to get to know.
Philippa who was an emotional disaster waiting for more disaster to befall her didn't thrill me.
A plot full of turmoil for all of the characters made this a very interesting story.
Lots of regrets discussed, discovering oneself and allowing each one to discover love, along with many adult situations kept me turning the pages.
I did enjoy the story. I would like to read the next book in the series.
I loved the cover:
I did receive an ARC copy for my honest opinion.
Adult Advisory:

I liked the idea of these book two people suffering from survivors guilt but it all got a bit lost in the sex scenes for me. I knew it was the flame collection so I had no problem with it being hot but the story just got a little bit lost. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

Benedict is an earl who blames himself for a fire that killed his father and brother. Philippa is a young woman who becomes his ward but feels guilty for an accident that killed her parents. Both have emotional guilt issues that they have to work through together. A fast read but very touching and steamy!

Hot! Hot! Hot!

Philippa wanted him as soon as she heard him say he would ‘spank her’ and that was before they had even met! Philippa had been raised in Italy and both her parents had died in a tragic accident which she blamed herself for. She was very outspoken and had lots of wicked thoughts about Benedict the Earl of Foster.

When Benedict made that comment, he was under the impression the girl his mother had said he was guardian to was a young child and they were discussing how he would not tolerated tantrums or misbehaving. Put on the spot after making the comment, he could not believe this stunning young woman was to be his ward!

Philippa and Benedict both had guilty feelings and in their own minds they had been the reason the people near to them had died. Philippa believed she wasn’t good enough for Benedict and deserved to be unhappy for the rest of her life but she wanted Benedict with a passion and tempted him every time they met.

Benedict tried his best to resist her, her antics were very wicked and very, very tempting and Philippa normally got what she wanted!

Be advised this is a really hot, steamy love story about two people who really did need each other and about coming to terms with their own guilty feelings to find their own HEA. I cannot wait to read the next instalment in this series.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I will definitely be reading more.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lovely romance with Dom/brat vibes

Benedict and Philippa are both grieving recent tragedies, ones that left emotional scars far deeper than the physical ones. Neither feels like they're in any shape to share life with a partner, but after being thrown together by circumstances they begin to recognize in each other the kind of damage that can only be healed by the love of someone who has survived a similar experience.

I really loved the Dom/brat dynamic here, where Benedict is drawn out of focusing on his own hurts by the taunts and teasing from Philippa, who is clearly needing direction but has no clue about how to get it. It was very gratifying to see that the author gave the characters such emotional depth to explain their motivations.

The intensity of the intimate scenes is unparalleled, yet those scenes still managed to focus on the emotional impact as much as the physical. I also loved the inclusion of Benedict's friends and their wives, especially how Evangeline reached out to Philippa. The HEA was sublime, and I'm looking forward to reading Hayden's story next. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

OMG, this story is absolutely marvelous! I loved it!
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 who manages to rile more than just his temper. In this battle of wills, who would be the winner?
This is a short story full of great steamy moments and a lot of sexual tension. Philippa blames herself for the death of her parents. She believes to be naughty and broken so she looks forward to be punish for her sins. What better way to do it that be in the hands of a fearful earl who promised to bend her to submission? Benedict find himself stranded to a vixen who tries to seduce him in every corner of his home. But this battle of wills could only end with them naked in his bed and a ring in her finger.
If you are looking for an amazing ultra-steamy historical romance with a sexy earl who loathes himself and his seductress ward who promises to make you fall in love with her, this is definitely your book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

3.5 stars

Started out Ok and then just went into lots of sexual encounters and f.... language. I must have missed the spoiler about that... I like passionate scenes but these didn't quite work for me. The hero was dominant and there was a BDSM vibe with the 'cheeky' heroine. It's part of a series so note to self to give the rest a miss.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I enjoyed the first book of the series and equally enjoyed this addition. A quick, easy lighthearted read with a happy ending.

🌟I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK! 🌟

Bella Moxie has written a story you don’t want to miss! This is book 2 in her Dukes Gone Dirty series and although there are character overlaps from The Duke’s Defiant Angel you can technically enjoy this book as a standalone, you will just miss a great book! This story and series is full of noble rogues who have decided it’s time to find a wife, get her breeding, and obtain their required heir and spare. The plan is they must all be married by the end of the season. The goal is to spend as little time with their future brides, do their duty, then return to Vestry Lane and their mistresses. No love is wanted. Their marriages will be business transactions and nothing more.

Well as with most plans – they change!

😍Just a warning this series is from Dragonblade Publishing’s “Flame” collection the hotter the better historical romance, this is a sexy, steamy, and scorching-hot read with multiple sex scenes. This story includes an Alpha male, a brazen heroine, and some low-key role playing, spanking, and domination. ❤️‍🔥


The MCs are Benedict, the Earl of Foster and his surprise ward Philippa. 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.

Full Review at https://alphabookclub.org/2022/06/06/the-earls-tempting-ward-bella-moxie-review-by-jaime/

Quick-ish read. Benedict is wallowing and scarred after a house fire killed his father and older brother. He feels guilty because his mistress who he brought to the house caused it. His mother’s goddaughter has shown up with her own guilt for her parents’ deaths last year. Phillippa wants escape from her guilt and grief and tries to seduce Benedict. Steamy and enjoyable read.

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I am not sure what I was expecting going into this novel but it wasn't what I got. This book is different than most in the genre and I really liked it.
Both out H/h are tormented by their pasts and riddled with guilt.
I enjoyed the interactions between the two and the strong love that unfolded.
I will read more in this series.