A Damsel for the Wounded Earl: A Historical Regency Romance Novel (Love Beyond Expectations Book 2)
In a garden where hearts hide, Felicity’s care blossoms Arthur’s spirit, nurturing a love that mends the deepest wounds.
Miss Felicity Thornhill, an aspiring botanist, relishes the tranquility of her countryside estate, dedicating her life to botanical studies in memory of her late aunt. Her encounter with Arthur Langley, the scarred Earl of Lanwood, at a summer house party, brings an unexpected twist to her peaceful existence. Their mutual interest in whist fosters a connection that evolves into something deeper, creating a bond of understanding and healing.
Arthur Langley, the brooding new Earl of Lanwood, found himself unexpectedly inheriting the distinguished title six months earlier. Burdened by his past and the scars of war, he seeks solace in his secluded gardens. His life takes a turn upon meeting Felicity. Her vibrant spirit, passion for botany, and their shared love of whist ignite a new spark within him, challenging his preference for solitude.
A blossoming connection unfolds between Felicity and Arthur, their mutual admiration deepening into a more significant bond. However, their emerging romance faces challenges: Arthur’s reluctance to fully open his heart and Felicity’s unwanted suitor complicate matters, creating a difficult love triangle. Concurrently, Arthur’s encounter with a past love reawakens old feelings, adding complexity to his current desires. Felicity must deftly maneuver through the intricate dynamics of love and ambition, while Arthur grapples with the choice between societal expectations and his heart’s true calling.
* Meet the protagonists, Felicity Thornhill, a nature-loving botanist enjoying her quiet estate, and Arthur Langley, the brooding Earl of Lanwood with scars from war. Their chance of meeting at a summer party leads to a bond over whist and a blossoming romance. Yet, they face hurdles—Felicity’s persistent suitor and Arthur’s old flame. As their love deepens, Felicity juggles emotions, while Arthur wrestles with duty versus desire.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a happily ever after full of romance.
Also available with Kindle Unlimited!
Customer Reviews
M**B
Good read
If I want a good read I can always count on Dorothy Sheldon to have one. This was a quick easy read, A clean story with an interesting story line and wonderful characters. I enjoyed every bit of this story !!May 13, 2025
R***R
Good but then just went on and on
This started out really good then the book just went on and on and I thought it would never end.March 29, 2025
C******.
Ms. Sheldon gave a new way to look at wounds.
I really liked reading A Damsel for a Wounded Earl. I liked the way the movement through the plot built the suspense. I liked the good guys and heartily disliked the villains. I did see her comparison between the two women who desired to marry the earl. I thought that was skillful writing. Ms. Sheldon managed to make me consider the impact a family crisis can make upon a person, for good or evil. The end showed the true character of one lady and the lack of character in another. In the end a lady of integrity and heart won the day and love.January 22, 2025
L******.
twists & turns!
The lengths some characters were willing to go to in order to reach their many & varied goals kept me guessing until the very end how this would work out for them all! Fun read!November 21, 2024
R*****d
Easy
Fun readNovember 13, 2024
K**********************************************************************.
A very good read.
Got a bit annoyed at the end ,but that’s how times were then ,not a lot of backbone to ladies or gentlemen, so will have to just read the books and ignore the silly bits that need some umph.October 16, 2024
l*****t
I loved it!!!!!
It was very well written,I loved everything about it, just couldn’t put it down, had find out what happened, I loved ending.August 29, 2024
u**********p
Enchanting
A true romantic and a bit of mystery as well! I truly enjoyed the full story. Wonderful characters and exciting backstory.August 24, 2024
G****K
Nicely Done
This romance with several twists, many twists rather than, was a good read and a nice HEA. I would like to read a story for Lucy and see a nice ending as well.June 28, 2024
cd
Entertaining reading
This was a bit different. The hero is scarred and wounded and a true introvert. The heroine is also introverted but less so. She’s also very well read, which her parents do not approve. It seems that most characters are against them getting together. They are pulled apart time and again, rather like a Gothic novel. This was a good read, especially if you have kindle unlimited.June 27, 2024
K*************r
What Next?
A very well written story with many twists and turns. The characters were fascinating and a couple were interested only in their own desires.June 23, 2024
B*****************r
Narrow Escapes
This book reminds me of the quote, “ Oh, what tangled webs we weave when once we try to deceive!” My, what deception ruled the pages of this wonderful, page-turning novel! Such fine examples of good versus evil!June 16, 2024
M*******n
Excellent
I find the characters in the story all remain true to themselves. It was riveting to read the twists throughout. I loved the bluestockingi would change part of Felicity. I think her parents, especially her mother, could have choked on more humble pie. All in all, it ended perfectly.May 26, 2024
B***********n
A damsel for the wounded Earl
Very good book I enjoy very much towards the end it made me cry, but I have found that most books make me cry at the end so that must be a good thing , keep writingMay 6, 2024
M***********n
very good
This was a good story. Good characters and interesting situations to keep your attention. Sweet ending. Much more interesting D Sheldon is getting better!!May 4, 2024
M***i
Love Found
I Was on pins and needles trying to figure out how Arthur would read himself of Miranda, but in the end love one out. I really enjoyed the characters and the pace of the bookMay 3, 2024
K*************r
Not for me
I am sure there are those who would really enjoy the story but I found it too drawn out, skipping clumps of pages.May 2, 2024
B************i
NIce read
This is the second book in the Love Beyond Expectations and it was as good as the first. This author writes a lot of historical stories and they are all different and good. The characters in this story are very well written. The main female character, Miss Felicity, is a strong independent woman who isn’t interested in marriage but more about botany, making potions for healing and learning. Not something her parents wanted her to be like. She meets Earl Arthur Langley who was wounded during the war and has a lot of flashbacks, pain and isn’t too interested in the society. The two meet and find out they have a lot in common but there is something always there to keep them apart. The story goes on withFelicity’s parents trying to control her life and Arthur trying to live a life and maybe letting his feelings come out.April 28, 2024
v**********i
old ways & true love
it was a great perspective of life in the early 1800’s in another land. it is always great when true love wins. Through all the controlling factors that parents & society put on people.April 27, 2024
e***5
A Damsel for the Wounded Earl
I liked the story. Loved the H/h. I liked the supporting characters as well. The book was well written and well edited. I took one star off bc I thought there was a little too much of Miranda.April 26, 2024
L*****G
Very good!
Very interesting story as it weaves through loves complexities. Enjoyed the characters and how they maneuvered through it all! Great book!April 24, 2024
D******n
Beware of Others
Arthur Langley suddenly becomes an Earl upon the death of distant relative. Even though he is now titled he wishes to remain in solitude as much as possible due to his physical and emotional trauma from war. His mother wishes him to mingle and plans a house party. Lady Felicity and family has been invited, where Arthur and she begin to know one another. Although, they are interested in each other there are dubious characters trying to force their own devious schemes on them. ARC ReviewApril 21, 2024
K**********n
Really good story
This is a good read ! I enjoyed this story and had trouble putting it down, looking forward to reading more from this author.April 21, 2024
j*****s
Another wonderful story!
Another wonderful story. Felicity has few prospects, but while attending a house party, she suddenly has two. Lord Vincent is handsome but in a slick, worrying way. The Earl, Arthur, was kind but damaged from the war. Will she ever have a happy ending? Very entertaining and kept me reading until the end.April 21, 2024
K*************r
Romance Thwarted on a Double Front
This is a must read for those who love English romance stories. It was hard to put down. I enjoyed the characters and the whole storyline. Of course in the end, true love prevails, but the trail leading to the end is SO worth reading! So, the bride’s parents wanted her married not matter what the groom was like or her opinion of the possible husband and a former fiancé came after the groom because he had come into money. So, there were some nail-biting moments for both sides.April 20, 2024
B**********s
Intrigue and Love
A Damsel for the Wounded Earl – a story of love and intrigue for Felicity and Arthur – and a treat for the reader!April 20, 2024
J*************s
Wonderful story!
This was the sweetest story! Lord Arthur is a war vet with large scar on his face, he is very much an introvert, but is now being thrust into the public eye and needs to marry. Felicity the avid reader and botanist is running out of time to marry, and her parents are starting to set ultimatums if she doesn’t settle down soon. Lord Arthur used to be engaged to Miranda until she broke it off after he returned from the war scarred. But once she is left penniless she sets her sights back on Arthur and his fortune and she will not let anything get in the way of her winning him back. Lord Vincent has his sights set on Felicity, he’s supposedly a catch according to everyone else BUT Felicity, she hates his personality but is forced to entertain his efforts. Felicity and Arthur seemed to be becoming fast friends. They understand each other, respect each other and feelings start to grow… but it never seems to be the right time. If Felicity doesn’t marry Lord Vincent she will be severely punished and cast out from her family home. And Arthur is now being forced to marry Miranda and make an honest women of her. But what happens if Miranda and Lord Vincent only want them for their money?! Will Arthur and Felicity succumb to societies expectations of them? Or push back and see what could happen between them?! This story is so wonderful, I stayed up until the early morning to finish it , hence the choppy review. I wish I could do this book more justice with a better written review honestly. All I can say is READ IT, and while you’re at it check out more of her books. Dorothy is an amazing writer!April 20, 2024
G**.
cherish
Felicity and Arthur’s story shows that a relationship like a plant requires care to bloom and prosper and bring joy to our lives.April 18, 2024
T******s
Sweet story
Nice, clean romance story… a different story line, with a woman who actually does something besides play piano or sing.. .Beatrice loves botany. Arthur has closed himself off due to past hurts and is viewed as somewhat of an outcast. Beatrice is a breath of fresh air to Arthur upon their meeting in the garden. Although Arthur and Beatrice are attracted to each other, will it be enough, or will past loves and outside forces keep them from finding their true happiness?April 18, 2024
T******.
This is Felicity and Arthur’s story.
I loved this book. It was about a lady named Felicity. Her parents want her to stop being silly and reading books. They decided to force her to marry a man who had already proven to be a brut. She met up w a new Earl that was her best friends relative. He inherited everything that used to be Lucy’s fathers estate. Arthur was a kind man, and he let Lucy stay and live with them in the house she grew up in. It was very unusual, and I loved that. The new Earl Arthur had reluctantly let his mother and Lucy have a ball. Lucy invited Felicity and her parents to come stay with them for the week of the ball. That is when Felicity spent time w Lucy’s family, including Arthur, the new Earl. I love the way the relationships build over time. The story real story, and not having to have sex confuse them.April 18, 2024
c**********3
Romance
Well written. Love the characters.April 17, 2024
J**********e
Outstanding book
Yet another wonderful tale by Ms Sheldon, quickly becoming a favorite author. Felicity and Arthur find love, but will outside forces allow it to grow? Only by reading this charming story will you know!April 17, 2024
RH
It’s a bit different !
I liked that the plotline wasn’t so predictable – we know the heroine and the hero will ultimately wind up together, of course, but the way they get there is where the interest lies, and this definitely kept my interest. Spelling and grammar were just about perfect !!! I know lots of folks don’t think that’s important, but I say words make communication happen, and the better you use them (which includes spelling and grammar) the better the end result. Way to go !!! More, please……… I am an ARC reader and am happy to leave this review.April 17, 2024
R******************n
steady moving story
would like a little more actionApril 17, 2024
M****e
Love that matters, prevails!!!
Society is not social, but cruel. The bartering of your daughter for monetary gain or social status is expected by the parents and excepted by most of the young ladies. A spinster at twenty-one, Felicity’s parents want her married to whomever offers for her. She wants to study, not marry. Arthur is scarred physically and emotionally, from the war. His engagement ended when his beautiful fiancée saw him, when he returned from the war. He was too broken to consider love and marriage again. Arthur was financially responsible for his cousin Lucy, after her father’s death. She was already considered a spinster, so he didn’t have to find her a match. Lucy was satisfied with her life. She and her friend Felicity are like-minded when it comes to love and marriage. It is not their primary goal in life. Felicity’s mother continually berates her, and threatens to exile her. Forcing her to accept the proposal of a wicked man or live in poverty and isolation. Felicity will not be cowed! She has another option for her life. Will she dare to defy her parents and Society? How will she survive without money from her parents? Can she survive the scandal and gossip?April 17, 2024
C***y
Unwanted help!
Don’t you just hate it when unwanted helpers jump in because they want you to experience a different outcome? Such is Arthur and Felicity’s challenge. Oh the book is thrilling and all will be revealed. A great story by Dorothy Sheldon.April 16, 2024
C*m
Love it!!
I loved watching the interactions between these two characters. Seeing their genuine interest in each others interests was so sweet to read. The love triangle felt very real and lifelike. Also, the epilogue was my favorite one I’ve read in quite some time!!April 16, 2024
R*********e
Hard to put this book down!
This book flowed along at a great pace and was interesting throughout which made it hard to put down. Arthur suffered from migraines and scars, both physical and mental. He became a recluse. Felicity loved botany and reading which irked her mother who feared she would never marry. A very rude, arrogant man, Vincent, pursued her. Meanwhile, Arthur’s former fiancee, Miranda, that had jilted him, attended the house party as well with the intent to marry him due to her family’s sudden reduced finances. No one knew just how far she was willing to go . . . . In the end, Felicity and Arthur fell in love and both Vincent and Miranda got what they deserved. Also, I was very happy that Lucy and Daniel received a happy ending as well! A wonderful read! I highly recommend it!April 16, 2024
K*************r
A clean romantic book
I really enjoyed this book. A great clean romance with strong characters. I highly recommend itApril 15, 2024
E****************y
A wonderful, romantic story
This is a lovely story. Romance intrigue. You will spend several hours Reading and enjoying this romance.April 15, 2024
S****n
Not all is as it appears
I love the characters and the plot. The story catches your attention from the start and holds it until the end. I don’t want to give anything away. So know that it is well worth your time.April 15, 2024
J*d
Good read!
Pretty much the typical plot I’ve read before. The Earl was left physically and emotionally scared from the war. He becomes a recluse. He knows he’s hurting his family so decides to visit a good fried of his deceased father, the Thornhills. Falls for the daughter. An old flame shows up wanting him back because he is now rich and titled. I did enjoy the story and would encourage you to read it. No surprises but enough differences to keep me interested.April 15, 2024
M**K
A cliffhanger
A Damsel for the Wounded is a fun, enjoyable light read with a couple of turns. A well written clean regency novel I recommend.April 15, 2024
S******.
LOVED this!!!
I loved how the plot in this one ran its course and that the female lead is smart and doesn’t hide her intelligence!! Excellent read – I couldn’t wait to see how the pieces fell into place.April 15, 2024
A*************r
I always look forward to reading any book by Dorothy Sheldon
I always look forward to a book by Dorothy Sheldon because I not only are they very entertaining, I enjoy that period of history. I never have to worry about her books because they are always clean reading. I look forward to reading the next Willoughby book as well.April 15, 2024
I********s
Excellent . Very well written.
I enjoyed the characters stories very much. Interesting variety of personalities, good and bad. Well developed and realistic. A little intrigue and a well developed story. Clean and a very good read. I have enjoyed the books written by Dorothy Sheldon that I have read and look forward to reading more.April 15, 2024
G**********y
Great story
I enjoyed reading this story as it brings so many aspects of finding true love despite hurdles being put in the way. Deception coming from all sides as this love is slowly developing. Obstacles and schemes are being thrown against their developing relationship . But in the end the truth comes out ,schemes get uncovered and the tender love comes through I thoroughly enjoyed the bookApril 15, 2024
A**e
Interesting love story
Felicity loves botany and reading. She is not good at typical debutant things like painting, drawing, playing the piano. Her mother wants her to find a husband or she will be sent to the country without her books. She meets Arthur who has a scar on his face from fighting in the war against France. Arthur is shy and keeps to himself. These two face obstacles in their relationship due to outside factors. Loved this book. I didn’t want to put it down!April 15, 2024
r**e
Card lovers
Well written, full of drama, love-old and new, society, intrigue, action, villains, and twists. All the characters, both bad and good, fit the need of this story. Felicity is a young woman who loves her plants, she’s a botanist. Arthur is an Earl who was wounded in the war. He has been more of a recluse, who likes the peace and quiet of his home. They meet up at a party where they both find they have something in common-cards. As they grow closer together, add in the people who really do not want them to be together. Has a great storyline to keep you reading. Would recommend to everyone. I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.April 15, 2024
Jo
Love of cards
A beautiful story of two lovely people, one with a broken spirit and one with a sparkling one. As Felicity and Arthur find commonality in participation of card games, more stirs their desires. But life isn’t easy for either one as they have decisions to make independently. My heart hurts for Felicity as Arthur is so closed off, yet beneath the wall of steel lays a gentle heart. Great characters with depth, clean story for any age. Well written.April 15, 2024
