Perfect historical romance. Low drama, high steam and well written characters. Easy plotline to help keep those pages turning.

As lovely as always. I read a few Shana Galen novels lately and I absolutely adore all of them. They are well developed and not 0815. You have to like the leads.

This was a decent story and I somewhat enjoyed both the hero and the heroine. Neil and Juliana were both well-written characters. However, nothing really stood out making it a great book.

Neil Wraxall was a bit of a mysterious character in the first Survivor book. Book two is his story and it is quite the story, indeed. Neil is haunted, haunted by guilty memories. As the leader of a suicide squad, he had to send more than one of his men to their certain deaths. He is baring surviving the nightmares of war, and his brother's death in that war. He should have been able to protect them or not have survived at all. Now out of the the military, he is given a "mission" by his father to aid his good friend, the Earl of St. Maur. His daughter, Lady Juliana is running an orphanage that is falling apart around her. She refuses to leave her boys and stays there more days and nights than not. Neil is sent to get her to return home. Only he gets much more involved than he planned. Much is needed to make the orphanage liveable plus the rambunctious boys need a man's touch. Will Neil be able to complete his mission? Will the dastardly villain get his clutches on Lady Juliana? I always greatly enjoy Shana Galen`s books. I was fascinated with Neil during his appearance in book one. His story did not disappoint.

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 2 in the Survivors series. This was a fun read. Neil just was such a military man he kept a smile to my face. I was not a huge fan of Juliana. She just kept getting herself into trouble and driving me nuts. However, I am looking forward to the next one.

Neil Wraxall is one of a group of noble younger sons who met as soldiers and are now trying desperately to settle back into peaceful Society. When Neil is asked to help the Earl of St. Maur's daughter with a charity, Neil accepts, thinking it'll be easy. Lady Juliana has no use for high society. She's running a home for orphaned boys. Juliana is grateful for Neil-until she realizes she can't stop thinking about him. She doesn't like the distraction and wants him gone. But when Juliana pushes a local crime lord too far, she'll need Neil more than ever before.
This was a cute and quick read. The plot was pretty standard, but the book flowed well with likable characters. I enjoyed reading it. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

No Earls Allowed by Shana Galen is a historical romance for the ages! I loved the mentality of the heroine and the stubborn and steadfast hero. This story captured me from start to finish and I highly recommend to all romance readers who enjoy a fairytale love story!

Yes. Every book in this series has been wonderful, No Earls Allowed is no exception! Her dialogue is as sharp as ever and humorous, the chemistry burned bright between the two of them, and the romance was heart-felt. Shana has a great way of moving past the sex (although I do love the steam) and really giving the reader something to swoon over as their love builds. She just can't write fast enough for me!

Earls Allowed by Shana Galen
Subgenre: Historical romance
Release date: 6 Mar 2018
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Format: print and ebook
Length: 384 pages
RRP: $12.99 print; $11.00 ebook
It is the last place he wants to be. In an orphanage. But the request takes him there.
Major Neil Wraxall has arrived at the orphanage to try and persuade a young miss who thinks she should be doing charity work, that she should be at home attending balls and marrying. He is the illegitimate son of a marquess and has been accepted by the earl. Neil doesn’t think he is worthy of the consideration after the youngest son was killed in battle and Neil couldn’t save him. It haunts his dreams. Neil has been tasked with protecting and trying to persuade Lady Julianna to return home to her father. Julia will not do as he asks.
Lady Juliana, daughter of the Earl of St Maur, knows the orphanage is her destiny. When her sister died, she was determined to fulfil her wishes. She finds herself as the only person running the orphanage with twelve young boys. Neil arrives, and things start to become regimented with the boys following his orders. Neil has no other way to deal with these young boys than barking orders. He sees how Julia protects them but sometimes that protection is just not enough especially when you are dealing with the local gangs and their leader.
There is much toing and froing with Neil telling Julia she needs to go home and Julia saying she needs to stay. This provides an environment in which they are often thrown together and often in very close proximity. As the days go by Julia and Neil tell their stories (and Neil has something he tells her that is an interesting twist, and no I’m not going to reveal it).
When the orphanage burns, Neil tries to save all Julia has worked for and everyone in the building, it is the moment of reckoning. Julia and her father are reconciled, and Neil and Julia live happy ever after when he does one more thing for her.
I am really enjoying this series of the Survivors by Ms Galen. Each book has its own unique storyline and these have been woven around the characters and suits them perfectly. I did have a moment in the story where Julia frustrated me due to her actions but I get where she was coming from. In the end, it all worked out well for the characters and the reader has a feel-good story.
Reviewed by Heather

Neil is a war hero who doesn't like the label, and Juliana is a lady who is trying desperately to keep a houseful of orphans from a life of crime. They'll have to work together to save everything.

This second entry in Shana Galen's Survivor series is delightful. There is humor, high-stakes drama, and two protagonists who are trying desperately not to be attracted to each other.

I love this series from Shana Galen, I hope we get to find out more of the survivors stories. No two characters are alike and neither is their lives but they stick together and muddle their way through

No Earls Allowed is the second book in The Survivors series by Shana Galen. While I have read other books by the author, I had not read the first book in this series. However, I feel like I was fully able to enjoy the read without having read the first, although there are mentions of the other men that are the heroes of the series, so those reading in order might get a little more out of the read than those of us coming in cold.
Lady Juliana, daughter of the Earl of St. Maur, needs all the help she can get. She's running a ramshackle orphanage, London's worst slumlord has illicit designs on her, and her father has suddenly become determined to marry her off. Enter Major Neil Wraxall, bastard son of the Marquess of Kensington, sent to assist Lady Juliana in any way he can. Lucky for her, he's handy with repairs, knows how to keep her and the orphans safe, and is a natural leader of men. Unfortunately for both of them, the scandal that ensues from their mutual attraction is going to lead them a merry dance.

No Earls Allowed captured my attention immediately, with a charitable heroine dealing with her grief by throwing herself into the care of orphans. I liked Juliana, her stubbornness and pride sometime getting her into trouble but her heart and humor are what make her such a great character to read. Neil has survived the war, but not unscathed. As the bastard son of a nobleman he has limited acceptance in society, despite his status as war hero. I like that neither care much about convention, or what society has to say about them, at least for the most part. I loved watching Neil's soft side revealed, and his honor and need protect takes over as he gets to know Juliana and the boys. The twists and turns that are involved in protecting Juliana and the orphanage were very well done, and occasionally had me holding my breathe. I was entertained, engaged, and connected with both the story and the characters. The characterization of the boys Julie cares for was also extremely well done, capturing the variety of needs and personalities that would be most likely in the situation- but they still felt real rather than standard. I will admit, there were moments when I was not happy with the choices or words of our couple, but those moments ramped up the tension and moved forward the story, so they were well used. This story was highly entertaining, now I just need to as the first book, and the next one, to my TBR pile.

No Earls Allowed is a heart warming historical romance with plenty of danger in intrigue. I enjoyed the characters, the unique set up, and the book as a whole. I was reminded of how much I enjoy this authors work, and why I need to read more from them.

I enjoyed this book so much, the i can't wait for next book from this series. Totally ☆☆☆☆☆ rating.

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Barb's Reviews > No Earls Allowed
No Earls Allowed by Shana Galen
No Earls Allowed (The Survivors, #2)
by Shana Galen (Goodreads Author)
49074073
Barb's review Mar 03, 2018 · edit
it was amazing
bookshelves: 2017-challenge

love survivor series.

This is second in Shana's Survivor series. I love how she interweaves her characters to tell amazing story. Each book she gives us more insight to this incredible friends and war heroes.

In this book, we learn about the Warrior Neil Wraxell was the leader of Draven's dozen who is living with nightmares and deaths of men he was charge of.

Neil and Juliana love story was fill of intrigue and protecting the people you love most.

Neil was the warrior in Draven dozen.. he was leader who gave the ordered and all the men looked up too.

During the war Neil had to make the hard decisions for survive squadron. He had to live with decisions and watch his men die blaming himself for the outcome. During one of mission, his brother was one of men killed. His death and others haunted him for years later.

Back in London, he would help his father with problems at the various estates. As illegitimate son of the Marquess he didn't have the same responsibilities as the heir.

On one of missions to help the Marquess he was send to try help bring home the daughter of Earl of Muir found the orphanage she was helping to run. Earl of Muir wasn't happy his only daughter would rather live independently and care for orphans then live in Mayfair and find a husband. Neil was send to bring her home.

Juliana was determined to live independently and care for orphans. She didn't want anything to do with life in Mayfair.

When her sister died a few years ago, she was determined to raise her young nephew who ended being taken from her that's when the orphans became more important to her because they needs her and she was determined to give them a safe home and love.

A local crime lord Slag wanted the house the orphanage was located in and boys to work for him. He thought Juliana would be more then willing to pay for protection and go back to her former life. He started causing more problems.

When Neil went to the orphanage he realized this wasn't going to be an easy assignment and he was going to help improve the home and assist with protection for Juliana to be willing to leave the boys.

When he learned about Slag and his threats, Neil enlisted the help of his fellow survivors to assist with protection and finding a way to stop the crime lord.

One of familiar lines in book is I have my dancing shoes on. But this was one devil even Neil did not want to dance with. “Finally someone who understands the meaning of hospitality,” Neil said. Ewan growled his disapproval of Neil’s flippant tone, but Neil felt levity was the key now. “I find I am quite thirsty. You, Mr. Mostyn?”

Another one is Rafe frowned. “I’m never chosen for the dangerous assignments. It’s always, ‘Rafe, seduce that woman. Rafe, use your charm to distract those villagers.’” Neil would have laughed if fear hadn’t been clawing a bloody path through his heart.

Rafe later said, one of these days I want to put my dancing shoes and dance with devil.

Shana Galen has a way of intrigue and bringing lighthearted comedy to her stories.


READING PROGRESS
Finished Reading Add a date
December 25, 2017 – Shelved
December 25, 2017 – Shelved as: 2017-challenge

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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35902623-no-earls-allowed" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="No Earls Allowed (The Survivors, #2)" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1508348511m/35902623.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35902623-no-earls-allowed">No Earls Allowed</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/93709.Shana_Galen">Shana Galen</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2225471253">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
love survivor series.<br /><br />This is second in Shana's Survivor series. I love how she interweaves her characters to tell amazing story. Each book she gives us more insight to this incredible friends and war heroes. <br /><br />In this book, we learn about the Warrior Neil Wraxell was the leader of Draven's dozen who is living with nightmares and deaths of men he was charge of. <br /><br />Neil and Juliana love story was fill of intrigue and protecting the people you love most.<br /><br />Neil was the warrior in Draven dozen.. he was leader who gave the ordered and all the men looked up too. <br /><br />During the war Neil had to make the hard decisions for survive squadron. He had to live with decisions and watch his men die blaming himself for the outcome. During one of mission, his brother was one of men killed. His death and others haunted him for years later. <br /><br />Back in London, he would help his father with problems at the various estates. As illegitimate son of the Marquess he didn't have the same responsibilities as the heir.<br /><br /> On one of missions to help the Marquess he was send to try help bring home the daughter of Earl of Muir found the orphanage she was helping to run. Earl of Muir wasn't happy his only daughter would rather live independently and care for orphans then live in Mayfair and find a husband. Neil was send to bring her home. <br /><br />Juliana was determined to live independently and care for orphans. She didn't want anything to do with life in Mayfair.<br /><br /> When her sister died a few years ago, she was determined to raise her young nephew who ended being taken from her that's when the orphans became more important to her because they needs her and she was determined to give them a safe home and love. <br /><br />A local crime lord Slag wanted the house the orphanage was located in and boys to work for him. He thought Juliana would be more then willing to pay for protection and go back to her former life. He started causing more problems. <br /><br />When Neil went to the orphanage he realized this wasn't going to be an easy assignment and he was going to help improve the home and assist with protection for Juliana to be willing to leave the boys.<br /><br /> When he learned about Slag and his threats, Neil enlisted the help of his fellow survivors to assist with protection and finding a way to stop the crime lord. <br /><br />One of familiar lines in book is I have my dancing shoes on. But this was one devil even Neil did not want to dance with. “Finally someone who understands the meaning of hospitality,” Neil said. Ewan growled his disapproval of Neil’s flippant tone, but Neil felt levity was the key now. “I find I am quite thirsty. You, Mr. Mostyn?” <br /><br />Another one is Rafe frowned. “I’m never chosen for the dangerous assignments. It’s always, ‘Rafe, seduce that woman. Rafe, use your charm to distract those villagers.’” Neil would have laughed if fear hadn’t been clawing a bloody path through his heart.<br /><br />Rafe later said, one of these days I want to put my dancing shoes and dance with devil. <br /><br />Shana Galen has a way of intrigue and bringing lighthearted comedy to her stories.

Another engaging story in this series. A intrepid heroine and a reluctant hero face nefarious characters, a crumbling orphanage, a group of engaging, if colorful youngsters and rats! What more do you need for a great story? You need Shana Galen's talented pen to bring this story to life, and how beautifully she works her magic. Ms. Galen's characters are so realistic that you feel that you are implanted in the story, not as a reader, but a silent character sitting in the corner.

The Survivors series by Shana Galen has such great covers! So bright and colorful. I love them. I also love historical novels that feature heroines who have jobs that go beyond being ladies. Running an orphanage and trying to manage a bunch of unruly boys, the heroine is in over her head but stubborn and determined. The hero is sent to bring her home but can't resist helping her out. The chemistry sizzles and the romance was sweet. I enjoyed the book a lot and am looking forward to the next in the series.

Three and a half hours was all it took to read this book from cover to cover. Ms. Galen provided hours of entertainment in the process of sharing Lady Juliana and Major Neil Wraxall’s story of falling in love and finding out true love can even include rats. Rodents play a very unique sort of role as a catalyst and I am pretty impressed with the author’s skill. Why? Because by the end of the book, the author had me feeling fond of them too, and anyone who knows me knows I don’t like rats.

I liked Juliana’s spunk, determination and was charmed by her great capacity to love. She was at times innocent, ferocious and silly, and when push came to shove, courageous. She wears the mantle of heroine quite well and I liked her.

Neil is the one with a huge chip on his shoulder, and with good reason. It’s a good thing the hero has some solid friends to back him up. In fact, I liked meeting two of them and I hope to meet them again because they sound like they have some VERY interesting stories to tell. In any event, they sure played important roles in keeping Juliana and Neil safe. Something that wasn’t always easy to do.

The only thing that bothered me about this whole novel was Neil’s ability to solve just about anything – stairs, rats or boys. He seems to know what to do and when to do it. The author credits his success with his ability to lead and survive from being in the military, but when it comes to kids and their reaction to him, Neil seemed to always know just what to do and the kids, mostly, all fell in line. For some reason the children never offered that same respect to Juliana no matter what she did for them, and then, in walks a man and Poof! Within 24 hours he has them doing chores and burning toast. Too easy. I still liked Neil though.

The bit of drama and well written suspense is due to a dastardly villain that has deviant designs on the heroine. It’s a classic villainous trope but Ms. Galen brought Mr. Slag to evil glory with his actions and dialogue and his ultimate comeuppance. The fight scenes, though few, were well presented – not gory or gratuitous but effective and exciting.

Juliana does provide an emotional tension when she reveals why saving the boys in the orphanage is so incredibly important to her. The HEA is not just about the heroine and hero but the children too. I had happy feelings when all was said and done.

Yes, the title is amusing, but No Earls Allowed is packed with solid storytelling prowess that is a testimony to Ms. Galen’s writing talent.

I was never bored with any chapter, I couldn’t stop reading and many times I did laugh out loud. I was thoroughly enchanted with this novel and believe fans are going to gobble this one up. It’s an awesome romance. I absolutely recommend this book.

3.5 stars
I really enjoyed Book 1 in this series, but unfortunately this didn't live up to that one. There were a few problems I had. Juliana, the heroine, liked to shorten her name to Julia. Lolol no I'm kidding, that's not what I disliked about her (I mean, it's one small thing...). I appreciated that with Juliana, we're given a heroine who has developed a great deal, though most of it has happened before this book started. She used to be a belle-of-the-ball, darling of the ton, without many serious concerns, but something happened to change all that. By the time we meet her, she has been devoting the last several months of her life to an orphanage and the boys who live there, only going to Mayfair and society events as much as she promised her father she would.

Juliana is very wary of trusting Neil and I understand that—he's sent by her father to bring her home and is therefore, in many ways, her enemy. I also understand her wariness of men in general, given what happened to her sister, but it was taken too far. It's like those romances where because of the hero's ONE bad experience with a woman, he then views all women as deceitful bitches—it makes just as little sense, and is just as annoying. Neil proves himself over and over again, but she is quite mean to him. She's also dumb as nails when she insists on going into a dangerous situation, which is just going to make it more dangerous for everyone involved, since Neil will have to worry about the issue at hand, AND now protecting her. I did appreciate in the end when she decides to go all in and is the brave one emotionally, but she was too hostile for too long, in my opinion, while also giving mixed messages—they'd have a scorching hot kiss, and then she would kind of blame him. He'd give her pleasure, and then she would accuse him of wanting pleasure himself (which he didn't, but even if he did just want to orgasm, you could at least give the guy a break no?).

Neil is not like how I thought he would be, given Book 1. There, he is super regimented and almost OCD-like, so I thought we would see more of that here. He's not that way in this book, rather he's just quite strait-laced and very focused on duty. He's such a good guy, so giving and caring, and it's nice to have a hero who is so clear on not wanting to have bastards, that he goes about that the only sure-fire way there is—he doesn't have intercourse. Even though we have heroes who swear they don't want their family line to continue, or who are bastards and never want to visit that on destiny on someone else, they (almost) always still have sex, though yes they take certain measures to prevent pregnancy. Here though, we have a virtuous virgin hero who is just too delicious for words.

Like with Book 1, we also have a last twist thrown in when the hero determines that he's not worthy of the heroine, and with all the back and forth, we could have done without one more twist. It especially made no sense since only moments before, he had been wanting that and imagining it—then, she offers him a future, and suddenly no, he's not good enough?

Neil and the boys at the orphanage make the story worth it though. There are some super sweet scenes, I love reading more exchanges between the Survivors, and the romance and chemistry between Neil and Juliana leaps off the page—I wish that she hadn't been so hostile to him though. Overall, worth reading, but won't be a reread for me.

*This review is of an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Some changes and/or edits may be made to the final published version.

Lady Juliana and Neil were an unlikely combo until Lady Juliana runs into trouble and needs Neil's help. This was a very good novel with great texts and turns. I give it 5 stars. It was a great read!

Thank you for allowing me to review this book. It took me a long time to get into this book. I just cant put my finger on why it just didn't hold my attention. I enjoyed the different personalities of the children and the relationship form with Mr Wraxall.