I was so excited to start this one. From the blurb it sounded like something I’d love, but sadly by the end of chapter 12 I gave up. I ended up being so bored with this one. I just couldn’t connect with any of the characters and so far the plot seems incredibly predictable. Unfortunately I ended up DNFing this one.

I enjoyed Jemina and Daniel's journey and it is a journey. This one may be the most Austen-like yet of Riley's books. There are a lot of wheels turning here. At about the 1/3 point I felt like I'd lost where the story was going but I held on and kept reading. That wasn't Riley's fault, it was just a factor of so many moving pieces. To illustrate, we have 1) The Widow's Grace, still helping widows who have been wronged by their families and society; 2) Jemina, an amnesiac who is part of the Widow's Grace, and who Daniel rescued from Bedlam 3) Daniel's job as a Barrister, which is dealing with 3A) all the parts of the job and his concern the Widow's Grace work will impact it while also 3B) dealing with the racism of the Lord Mayor and others; 4) Daniel's deceased fiancee, lost during a storm from the same ship where Jemina lost her memory; 4) Adorable Hope, Daniel's daughter, who he saved after the shipwreck, being told she was his fiancee's daughter; 5) the St. Maur's, Jemina's late husband's family, who may or may cause trouble for her, may or may be responsible for her being at Bedlam, and who were plantation owners and enslaved people on these plantations, which turns Jemina's stomach and she can't remember it!; 6) the side characters who are helping or hindering at every corner. Plus more!

In addition to the story detail, Riley doesn't hesitate to address issues facing the Blackamoor population of London during the Regency. Daniel always feels the pressure of knowing he has to be better, he has to be perfect, one wrong step could cost him everything. And in this story, that everything could include his family. The society restrictions and harm to women is also here. Part of the brilliance of the Widow's Grace is how they use the system to right the wrongs. I appreciate all the work this novel is doing, while spinning this romance to its HEA.

There was only one piece of this puzzle that I guessed early, the rest just keep tumbling and turning and surprising me at every corner. Riley's language is classic, painting lush pictures in every scene. There is plenty of angst and chemistry between Jemina and Daniel, even as this is a mostly closed door romance. Sexy times are not explicitly detailed, more of a sweep of the ocean of the emotion.

I think this is a gorgeous book and will definitely be rereading, to discover what details I missed on the first read.

This was a delightfully, fresh regency romance and is the follow up to A Duke, the Lady and a Baby which is part of the "Rogues and Remarkable Women series!"

I loved Jemina's character, she was smart and witty and though she lost her memory, she had a strong sense of self! I so loved the friendship she had with Phoebe and wished I read the first book to get more of Phoebe's backstory. Daniel was a fine gentleman and a protector! We see this in the way he cares for his daughter Hope, and the the amazing work he does for the Widow's Grace project! These two characters balanced out each other - though neither one wanted to admit to their feelings.

Although this is a regency romance, Riley didn't shy away from addressing the not-so-romantic issues surrounding that time period: though Jemina was outspoken and strong, she was at the mercy of the men in charge and was locked away in a facility against her wishes. She also addressed the racist attitudes rampant in just about all part of society at the time!

I was expecting a slightly faster pace and more steamy scenes but overall this was a sweet story and perfect for those who want a lighter read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for my advanced review copy, which I received in exchange for an honest review.

I received a free e-ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

This is more 3.5 than 4.

Well, honestly, I don’t even know if this was better than the first. I enjoyed the comparatively better angst, and significantly better personality of the kid, but it still wasn’t exactly what I wanted?

I’ve been trying to write this review for the past hour, and I didn’t get past the last sentence. Why, you ask? Because I honestly don’t remember a lot of this. This was so forgettable, in the end. I pride myself on being able to remember a lot of plots, and so when I can’t remember most of one, it usually means a) I read it more than 6 months or 50-70 books back, or b) that it just wasn’t that good.

This case is the latter, and I’m pretty sure that’s why it took so long for me to slave through this. I don’t remember much of the characters, I don’t remember most of the plot, I don’t even remember what The Widow’s Grace was, but the last one can be discounted because no one really knows what it was.

Honestly, the only feeling I remember from the reading of this book is that it was alright. Just alright. And I was pretty happy when it was over.

There’s nothing completely wrong about this, it’s just not very interesting. The romance was an improvement from the first in the case that it had much more conflict, and there was actual bonding over the toddler.

The angst was enjoyable, because, again, conflict. It was a tiny bit repetitive in that the issues were the exact same thing being fought over every single time when it seemed like it should have been resolved by then, but you know what, at least there was conflict. The bar is so low.

I loved the bonding over the kid. I am a big fan of kid-fics, and I love romance novels with kids in them, but the main thing is that the kid has to have a personality. The kid has to be more than a prop. The kid needs to talk like the age it is supposed to be, and the kid needs to behave like a kid.

This book at least didn’t go wrong on that front. Hope ticked all boxes on actually being realistic, with her own personality quirks, and being more than a prop for the two to get together, and actually being on the character’s minds when they’re throwing themselves into danger *side-eyes A Duke, The Lady, and a Baby*

I did enjoy the mystery part, and I loved seeing slightly middle-class vibe that this had to it…even though Daniel is an Earl, he’s only just settling into the role, and so it’s somehow more relatable? I enjoyed the differences between Daniel and Jemina, and how he keeps trying to stop her from continuing with work in The Widow’s Grace.

I guessed Patience’s ‘condition’ pretty fast, these days after having read so many romances, one can see a bundle of joy from pretty far off. You see the words nausea, tiredness, cravings, and your mind just instantly jumps to the obvious (at least in my case) conclusion.

I was pretty confused about Jemina’s race throughout this book, because though it mentions in some places that she’s somewhat darker skinned than the locals in England, she’s not exactly black? She’s from Jamaica, but sometimes it seems she’s black, and sometimes white, and sometimes mixed race. While this did get sorted out later in the novel with mentions of third generation whites or something (forgive me, I don’t remember the details), I usually like my descriptions up front, and the cover to help me with the mental picture I form within the first few chapters.

The amnesia front was okay, but I usually prefer the falling-in-love-the-second-time than the falling-in-love-with-a-completely-new-person when it comes to amnesia. That being said, I did enjoy the random flashbacks, which slowly revealed what actually happened on that ship, and who Hope was really.

On the whole, an enjoyable book, but very forgettable. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys novels with kids in them, slightly badass scenes, slight mystery, amnesia, and a good pastime.

I liked the historical aspect of this book, as well as the discussion of race and interracial couples. I also like the premise of helping women escape bedlam. Mental health issues are so important, in current times and in historical context.

I struggled with following the plot, which was confusing at the best of times and often frustrating. I also did not like the dynamic between Jemina and Daniel. They keep so many secrets from each other and hurt each other constantly.

Overall I was mostly frustrated with this book but there were parts that were lovely and a lot of fun.

An Earl, the Girl, and a Toddler is the second book in Vanessa Riley's Rogues and Remarkable Women series. Although I have not read the first book, A Duke, the Lady, and a Baby yet, I still enjoyed this one.

The storyline centres around Daniel and heroine Jemina St. Maur whose conflict and will they/won't they back and forth drives the plot. Jemina, a personal maid, is one of the survivors of the ship Minerva's sinking and she suffers memory loss as a result. Daniel Thackery, is a barrister and a key person, along with the Widow's Grace members (a group that aims to put right the wrongs done to women by an unjust system) to help her escape the asylum where she was imprisoned. Widower Daniel is determined to protect his toddler stepdaughter from his family's scandalous reputation.

This is a well crafted historical love story that held my interest though I think I might have benefited from reading book one as there is some follow-on of events and characters. All in all, a compelling, worthy tale.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

This is the first book I have read by Vanessa Riley and now need to go back and read the first in this series. She is amazingly detailed and descriptive, both in the surrounding scene and in her characters. She gives insight into what it meant to be Black at that time in England's history; unfortunately and sadly, many of the same prejudices still exist today. The story was well-written and had me cheering for them to overcome their communication and trust issues. I look forward to the next in the series as I'm sure it will be just as good. Highly recommended.

A huge thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

This book is the second book in the Rogues and Remarkable Women series by Vanessa Riley! I went straight into this without having read the first book but that’s fine as this can be read as a standalone

The first chapters had me hooked because of how interesting the premise was though as I read through the first half of this, it felt a a bit slow but it eventually picks up again after.

I could clearly see the research that went into this book in making the setting as realistic as possible given that it is told in the POV of someone who is POC in a time where the white among the British aristocracy are often focused.

I enjoyed the dual POV between Daniel and Jemina though I didn’t feel as much chemistry as I wished but the way they co-parented was so wholesome and I loved that they got their HEA despite everyone and everything going against them. It broke my heart everytime people made them doubt each other! But I thoroughly enjoyed being with baby Hope! She was so cute and sweet and the way she was still getting a hang of walking is so adorable!

As for the steaminess, lots of passionate kisses and sex is closed door.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! It’s so refreshing reading about racially diverse characters in historical romance stories and this book and series even! Riley showed the heartbreaking reality of racism in this time period through the authenticity of her writing! I highly recommend this if you’re interested in that and a romance book with twists and mystery!

I wanted to give a other book in this series a try but there’s just something about the writing style that doesn’t capture my attention. I love the band of widow’s and the mystery the story revolves around but could t get around the writing style. This was a DNF for me.

I read the first novel in this series and thought it was so entertaining and lovely that I jumped at the opportunity to read this new couple's story too. I really love The Widow's Grace organization and what they do for the heroines of these stories. The only thing that I had a difficult time with was the back and forth between Jemina's POV and Daniel's POV only because they were each told from 1st person and 3rd person. I wish they'd remained the same. Otherwise, it's a charming read for anyone looking to enjoy a nice bit of romance!

Jemina St. Maur is certain P. Daniel Thackeray, Earl of Ashbrook, barrister at the Court of Chancery, knows more about her history than he's telling. One of two survivors from the Minerva that sank in a storm, she remembers nothing before waking in a hospital. Two years later, Jemina was saved from Bedlam by the same man who knows more about her past. Daniel lost his wife by proxy when the Minerva sank. The only other survivor is the baby he rescued and adopted as his daughter. Jemina won't give up until she has answers. Daniel is afraid he'll lose everything if she does. A little girl named Hope holds the key. The second book in the Widow's Grace is just as unique as the first one. Interconnecting characters give a nice continuity from the previous book to this one.

Vanessa Riley’s Rogues and Remarkable Women series continues apace with An Earl, a Girl and a Toddler, the heartbreaking but ultimately exhilarating story of lady’s maid Jemima St. Maur.

While readers definitely remember Jemina from the first book in the series (A Duke, the Lady, and a Baby), she does not remember much about her own life.  Fished free of a shipwreck with no memory and nothing to her name but the clothing on her back, Jemina can only remember that she had tried to flee Jamaica on a ship bound for London. When she is unable to give an explanation to the questioning authorities, she is sent to the infamous Bedlam.

Barrister Daniel Thackery has also lost mightily in the same shipwreck.  Phoebe Dunn, the young woman he’d fallen in love with via their correspondence, and married by proxy was traveling from Jamaica on the same ship as Jemina, but she died, and when Daniel tries to find out what happened to her, an aide worker shoves Phoebe’s infant daughter, Hope, into his arms.  Daniel is stunned and heartbroken – for the loss of Phoebe, and the fact that Phoebe had not told him she was a mother -  but he vows to dedicate himself to Hope’s wellbeing after the infant bonds with him.

Two years later, Daniel, who has spent all of his time focused on Hope and his career, has uncomfortably entered the peerage as the Earl of Ashbrook.  Putting himself back on the marriage mart forces him to keep a secret close to his chest; he is also an undercover barrister-for-hire for The Widow’s Grace, a charity organization that provides redress for widows who have been maligned by the social strata of the Ton or other forces, allowing them to reclaim their property and children through legal means. Though Daniel’s secret double life makes him uncomfortable, as the organization tries to push hard at the social boundaries hemming it in, since Lady Shrewsbury, head of the organization, is his aunt, he cannot really say no.  Lady Shrewsbury wants Daniel to use the favor entering the peerage has gained him with the Prince Regent to bring the complaints of The Widow’s Grace to the House of Lords, but his concern remains with Hope – he has been receiving threats he is determined to deal with on his own.

Jemina and Daniel literally bump into one another outside of Lady Shrewsbury’s apartments, and sparks instantly fly.  Jemina has been sprung from Bedlam thanks to Daniel’s good work, and she and Paitence work as agents for The Widow’s Grace, a fact that scandalizes Daniel, who describes Jemina as “gentle but loud.”  For Daniel, who has spent his whole life keeping his head down – his family’s notorious reputation means he has dedicated himself to a life of justice and calm living so he can keep custody of his beloved Hope.

Jemina, meanwhile, is in desperate pursuit of her past – she cannot account for her missing months in Jamaica - including a marriage – and she has no idea why she was fleeing the island.  With the help of Patience, all clues point to Daniel knowing more than he’s letting on.  She gets closer to him to get her hands on his information but, well – feelings interfere…

An Earl, a Girl and a Toddler is definitely buoyed by several things – a hero who earns the right to his cinnamon roll-hood but is no pushover; a heroine who has experienced the worst of Regency-era London but is determined to reclaim her life, and a romance that is restrained and yet touched with steamy tension.  Genuine period detail, and a great portrait of how difficult it was to be a woman, to be Black, to be biracial, to be considered mentally ill, during the Regency.

I adored Daniel, who’s one of my favorite heroes of 2021 so far.  Loving and fierce, a believer in the law who would do anything in the name of justice, he is a good man who tries to do good things, and is honorable, sexy and smart as every good hero should be.

Jemina is fierce and loving as well, and her determination to reclaim who she is makes her story a powerful one to follow – she is relentless, and nothing and no one can hold her back, even though they try.

The romance is fierce and filled with tension and warmth – just what a cinnamon roll and a gentlewoman deserve -  but stays firmly in PG territory;  there is much passionate kissing but nothing more than that.  Yet the intellectual and spiritual connection between the characters glimmers through.

I liked quiet Hope, and the ever prickly and plainspoken Lady Shrewsbury, and it was wonderful to see Patience again.

Riley’s writing and research, as always, is thorough, beautifully committed to the page and gorgeously handled.  You will feel like a richer, better person after reading this book.

My one quibble is that, while the plot moves along at a decent clip, the big twist was pretty self-evident.  But the book is less about getting to that major revelation (which happens around the midpoint) and more about how the characters handle it.

An Earl, The Girl, and a Toddler is a thought-provoking and touching romance that’s bracing, beguiling, and emotionally satisfying.

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This is the second book in Riley’s “Rogues and Remarkable Women” series. It’s the story of the mysterious Jemina St. Maur and Daniel Thackery (aka Lord Ashbrook), a handsome young barrister.

Be prepared that much like the first book in this series, this story is not a light-hearted romp. Jemina’s backstory is a mystery — one I tried to start solving from page 1. She has amnesia, is one of only two survivors from a shipwreck, and was wrongly admitted to Bedlam hospital for two years before Daniel advocated for her release. Daniel is the guardian and stepfather for the only other survivor of the shipwreck, a baby girl he named Hope — and assumed belonged to his proxy bride who died in the shipwreck.

The chapters switch back and forth between Daniel and Jemina’s point of view — Jemina’s in first person, and Daniel’s in third person. Initially this felt disruptive, but I got into the rhythm after several chapters. I struggled with the dialogue between Jemina and Daniel. My heart soared when they talked seriously to each other, but their banter didn’t resonate with me. I couldn’t tell they were teasing or joking, even when they explicitly stated that intent.

Riley writing provides lovely and vivid detail — descriptions of their clothing, scenery, and the overall atmosphere. She also represents diversity in the regency period that is so often ignored in other historical romances. It heightened my awareness as a reader, and I will definitely read more of her work.

Thanks to @netgalley for the ARC!

Good book. It is unusual for a romance of the Regency period to have such a diversity of characters. It tackles complex subjects such as racism, mental health, and women's rights while retaining the hopefulness of a romance.

The book opened in 1812 with Jemina, one of two survivors of a shipwreck, suffering from amnesia brought on by the trauma and threatened with commitment to Bedlam if she can't confirm her identity. At the same time, Daniel arrives at the port expecting to greet the woman he married by proxy, only to discover she died in the wreck. The only other survivor is a small Black child, whom the attending officers give to Daniel, the only Black man there. Daniel assumes the girl was his wife's and takes her home to raise as his own. Though Daniel is a barrister devoted to the law, he bends some rules to ensure that little Hope remains with him.

Two years later, Jemina escaped Bedlam with the help of The Widow's Grace and their lawyer, Daniel. Now she works with the group to help other widows escape the clutches of unscrupulous family members and restore their freedom. Her lack of memory still haunts Jemina, and she will do anything to unearth her identity.

As a barrister, Daniel works with his aunt, Lady Shrewesbury, to help the widows she rescues. Careful not to inquire too deeply into how she obtains her "evidence," Daniel unsuccessfully tries to get her to give up her crusade. He frequently finds himself butting heads with Jemina, one of his aunt's best agents.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Jemina and Daniel. The sparks that fly between them aren't all based on antagonism, but each has reasons to ignore them. Jemina won't get involved with anyone while not knowing her past. Daniel protects Hope by being as proper and upstanding as possible. But things between them become more complicated when Jemina stumbles across some information that indicates Daniel knows more about her past than he lets on. Jemina's search for the truth runs up against Daniel's need to protect his secrets.

I liked their back-and-forth banter as each tries to get the upper hand in their battle for information. The more time they spend together, the hotter the sparks between them grow. But Daniel has made some enemies determined to bring him down. When those enemies attempt to set him up, Jemina comes to his rescue. I ached for Daniel because if they succeed, he could lose everything he's worked for. The rescue scene had me laughing out loud as Jemina dealt with an intoxicated and uncooperative Daniel. Extreme measures became necessary, followed by a hilarious extraction.

All of these events led up to Daniel proposing marriage to Jemina. Neither one has yet admitted their feelings for the other, but they simmer under the surface. Little Hope takes to Jemina as soon as they meet, stirring up memories of another child in Jemina's mind. Just when their relationship shows promise, Daniel's secret comes out, destroying Jemina's trust in him. While she sets out on her own to look for the truth of her past, Daniel finally realizes what he must do. I liked seeing him finally come clean, and by doing that, discover an unexpected link between Jemina and Hope. All that is left is to unravel the rest of Jemina's story. I loved seeing the two of them confront the one responsible for so much trouble.

Overall, I enjoyed the story. I learned some things I didn't know, helped along by the author's notes in the back of the book. My only complaint was that the book seemed to drag at times, though I can't pinpoint why. It won't stop me from going back and reading the first in the series.

3.75 stars rounded up to 4; I received a copy of this title from the publisher for an honest review. An Earl, the Girl, and a Toddler is the second in Vanessa Riley's Widow's Grace series and can be read as a stand-alone although characters from the first one do make appearances. Daniel, the Earl of Ashbrook, was engaged to Phoebe Dunn, a mixed race young woman from Jamaica, but when he goes to meet her ship, the he discovers it sank during a hurricane with only two survivors. Neither of Phoebe, but one of the two is a young mixed race girl that no one has claimed and is in danger of being sent to a brothel so he claims she is Phoebe's daughter and that they were actually married. Two years later while on a mission for his aunt's organization, the Widow's Grace, he frees Jemina who lost her memory aboard the same ship that Phoebe was on from Bedlam where she had been committed with no memory prior to her rescue.

Two years later, Daniel and Jemina are clearly attracted to each other, but it comes across as bickering with each other. Jemina is determined to get her memories and past back, but Daniel is determined to make sure that the past stays buried for the sake of his daughter, Hope. The two recognize their attraction, but Jemina's lack of memory weighs on her given Daniel's mixed race and Daniel's need to protect his daughter Hope make their relationship difficult. Add in some sinister secondary characters, and you have all the ingredients for a wonderful tale of two wounded individuals finding each other and a very special little girl.

Like the first title in the series, chapters switch from Jemina and Daniel's point of view which may not work for some readers. I found the first 25% of the book to be slow going, but after that, things picked up and I couldn't wait to see what happened next. Ms. Riley clearly does her research into the time period to provide rich historical details that are often neglected in a genre that tends to focus on wealthy white members of the British aristocracy; she gives readers a feeling for the difficulties that such individuals faced as well as a view into society during the time. I am looking forward to additional titles in this series.

The Earl, The Girl, and the Toddler brings readers back into Vanessa Riley’s Rogues and Remarkable Women series! Jemina was in a shipwreck when she traveled from Jamaica to England to meet her future husband… with her daughter in tow. Now, plagued with amnesia, she is working as a spy and searching for any clues to figure out her true identity. Meanwhile, Daniel believes his wife to be dead, yet he cares for her biological daughter (his step daughter) as his own child. Daniel and Jemina cross paths never knowing the truth. But, with secrets between the two and more enemies than they can count… will they be able to make their love work? I am not a huge historical romance reader but I really enjoyed this story! It is not too confusing with olde English jargon--easy to follow! I didn’t really feel the chemistry between Jemina and Daniel (it seemed more platonic to me) but they make a great co-parenting pair and I love to see them get their happy ending!

I had trouble at first getting into the story, but so glad I stuck with it. Is has all the elements of a good story. Mystery, patience, overcoming the fear of the unknown, etc.
Daniel is one of the King’s bannisters and the only one that is of mixed race, a Blackamoor. He newly inherited the title of Earl. His aunt had raised him since he was 8 years old and Lady Shrewsbury has been the head of her secret organization the Widow’s Grace. Helping widows who a wrong has been done. Daniel had been recruited many times to aid in the cause, which lead him to meet Jemina St. Maur.....a member of the group.
Jemina has been struggling with who she is. She was rescued by Daniel from Bedlam two years ago and still suffers from amnesia.
Daniel had also taken custody of a two year old, Hope. She was one of two survivors in a shipwreck and Daniel awaiting news of survivors, hoping his wife by proxy, Phoebe was one. Was given the toddler, due to she skin color. The official assumed it must be his.
The weaving of the three life’s, the secrets uncovered and the bonds formed are well written. Will keep you guessing till the end.
I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story.

Review ⭐️⭐️ An Earl, the Girl, and the Toddler by Vanessa Riley
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Jemina survived a shipwreck, however she has no idea who she is anymore and everyone thinking thought she was crazy so they imprisoned her in an asylum. Barrister Daniel Thackery, Lord Ashbrook convinced them to let her go, but providing no answer about her past. She is still determined to learn everything she can, at any cost. Daniel was married by proxy, but now widowed by shipwreck he is determined to protect his stepdaughter. That's why he makes sure never to associate with scandal ever again. Getting closer to Jemina could destroy everything he has ever work for, but could it also be worth it?
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I had high hopes for this one, but unfortunately this book was really confusing, from the over flowery dialogues, to the cliché metaphors that weighted the story down. But there was also so many plots, but there were all somewhat predictable. I found myself wondering why is the whole truth this important, why can't they just be happy, together, as a family? But even then, except the painful bounding scenes between Jemina and Hope, we never really saw them bounding as a family, and I really wish we did, the whole purpose of the book is for them to be a family and instead we got tons of scenes at balls and schemes to ruin Daniel or Jemina. I thought the basis of the story was good, and had promised, but the real purpose go lost so that Jemina could learn the "truth" about her past, which we never fully get. However, I did like how the author showed the struggles with racism in regency-hero England, it was really well done. And, this is probably me nitpicking, but when is it okay to call a woman a girl-especially in the title?
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Steam rating: Some fiery kisses, and mention of sex, but closed door.
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I want to thank @netgalley and @kensingtonbooks for giving me an eARC. As always, all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.
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Book number 2 in the Rogues and Remarkable Women series. A good and well written addition to the series. I always find it interesting to read about people of color in historical romance and Vanessa Riley is a go to for that. Not my first read by her and surely won’t be my last. I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.

I think this series is the so poorly served by the cartoonish covers and cutesy title. This book has: thorough historical research, an amnesia storyline, a shipwreck, a rescue from Bedlam, a secret baby, a dastardly villain. I am enjoying this series for its perspective on the relationship between the Caribbean and England during the Regency, as well as how black and mixed race people moved in social circles. All that said, the romance itself didn't fully pull me in, I think because there was so much other plot! That said, I love a book with big research and big plot so I'm really glad this exists. I think the people who will like this book best are the ones who love reading interactions between men and small children (those do nothing for me personally) and are eager for fresh and well-researched historical romance without explicit sex scenes.