Enamored with a Brooding Earl: A Historical Regency Romance Book (Romances of Intrigue 3)
She painted beauty to hide her own scars, but his love revealed a masterpiece she never expected…
Lady Temperance Greenwood is a woman trapped by expectations. Her disfiguring accident destroyed her debutante dreams, leaving her a social outcast confined to her aunt’s seaside estate. With every brushstroke, she escapes the cruel whispers of society into vibrant worlds on canvas, yet her own aching heart remains untouched. Destiny takes an unexpected turn on the windswept cliffs – a fateful encounter that will irrevocably alter the course of her life.
James Cartwright, the Earl of Calverton, is haunted by the weight of his family’s decline and the guilt of choices beyond his control. Struggling to restore his earldom while preserving his honor, he has no room for distractions. Yet, on a windswept cliff, he encounters a solitary woman whose enigmatic beauty and quiet dignity stir something long-dormant in his soul.
As passionate connection blossoms amidst canvases and storm-tossed shores, dark forces conspire to tear them apart. Scandal, manipulation, and the echoes of past tragedies threaten their fragile happiness. Can their love withstand the relentless onslaught and illuminate a path toward a future where scars are emblems of strength and shared passions paint a portrait of enduring devotion?
Enamored with a Brooding Earl is a Regency historical romance novel full of twists and turns, no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a happily ever after—around 60000 words. Get your copy today to unlock Temperance’s and James story.
Also available with Kindle Unlimited!
Customer Reviews
R*****.
Good read!
Loved the writing, the storyline, the characters, etc. Good book!May 21, 2025
A***********y
Love the book
Such a loving storyline , I loved all of it , you find every page you read it different types of the story and were the story based by the sea . Amazing book . Look forward too next book.April 21, 2025
A*************r
Enamored with a brooding Earl
A good love story. The readers will enjoy that Temperance father stood up for her. You couldn’t help both love her aunt and the Earl’s mother.April 10, 2025
J*********d
Temperance and James
Enamored with a Brooding Earl is an exciting and intriguing book. I enjoyed reading as all of the experiences and personalities were described. I liked trying to guess how everything would be resolved in a satisfying way. I liked how the characters learned and changed and in the end helped and fought for each other.January 7, 2025
C******F
Excellent Author
Highly recommend this bookDecember 2, 2024
C***************l
book 3
How does this Author always give us such wonderful stories with the characters being so real. I will now have to read the next book.June 15, 2024
O****************s
Enamored with a Brooding Earl
This book is such a good story. I fell completely in love with the Earl and felt the pain and angst of Temperance. Sally managed to weave a thrilling story that kept me spellbound.June 9, 2024
M*****************r
Awesome
I loved the little plot twist. The story was a great read, and when I had trouble towards the end, putting down.May 20, 2024
K**********************************************************************.
A good read.
Enjoyed this book except got a bit annoyed at the end,saw what was coming with the heroine, another week girl still not bad for the money.May 15, 2024
K*************r
Nice story!!
Typical historical romance simply written.. Maybe too simply. Quick read and yo know it will be a happy ever after ending.May 13, 2024
K*************r
Wonderful Story of Romance Based on Character
This is a wonderful story that shows that character is more important than appearance. Although, when someone truly fall in love with someone, the one loved becomes very beautiful. The characters were well developed and the writing was well done.May 11, 2024
D*********************e
Exceptional but…
Such exceptional depth, description, slowly growing admiration with respect that evolves into love between Temperance and Calverton. All the characters are well-developed with friends and one singular foe that moves this story nicely. So, I definitely recommend this book highly. However, I was STUNNED that Calverton’s Mother surprisingly shockingly went missing, was absent when she was so thoroughly enthralled with Temperance and couldn’t visit Temperance enough gleaning whatever she could about painting! And she doesn’t attend her beloved son and future daughter-in-law’s wedding whom she completely adored!? Nevertheless, Forbes is highly skilled, there’s no doubt and I enjoyed this story immensely!May 10, 2024
e***5
Good Story
I enjoyed this book. I liked the setting and the characters. It was a sweet story. There was an over use of the word mayhap I thought.May 9, 2024
M**B
LOVE this book and would give it 10 stars if I could
This is such an awesome book. I could not put it down. I LOVED the characters-I LOVED the story line–I LOVED everything about it. Did I mention I LOVED this book.? Lady Temperance had a riding accident that left her with a large scar on her fave. Her fiance then broke not only their engagement but her heart. She then went to the country to live with her Aunt an Uncle who loved and supported her (unlike her Mother) There she will meet James Cartwright, the Earl of Calverton who she will fall in love with and he with her. Much happens and then he ex fiance comes back to claim her –with her mothers full approval (BAD mother) So much happens before they can get their harpy ever after but this book is so worth your time to read. One of my favorite books ever. If you read just one book try this one. You will not be disappointed. Highly recommended !!!!!!May 5, 2024
G**.
hardships
Reading this review copy I was reminded to count my blessings, there are so many things we take for granted like a good health situation, financial independence. I found it awful that when two people struggling find love and support, envious forces try to destroy their lives but fortunately in books the good ones win in the end.May 2, 2024
K*************r
I enjoyed this story kept me up to 5am
This was a wonderful story could not put it down kept me up to 4 am but went to bed and woke up with a smile. Love a great love story this was my first book by this author but will not be my last.May 2, 2024
T******.
A beautiful story of how love can heals a broken person.
I love this book. It was about a beautiful woman who had been totally rejected after a riding accident. Her Betrothal had canceled the engagement. The ton spread such rumors, which made the rejection worse. Feeling totally ruined, she went to stay w her aunt by the seashore. She contented herself w painting . After a while, a gentleman came to live by the sea. Meanwhile, her ex Betrothal came back to force her to marry him. This is a beautiful story that included Temperance growing in her skill of painting . This story caught me up from the beginning, never became boring and had a great ending. I love all of Sally Forbes books.May 2, 2024
D******n
Beware of Others Intentions
I love Temperance’s character, and many characters within the story that were her supporters and friends. Lady Temperance lives in seclusion with her aunt by the sea. Due to a disfiguring accident, she went there to heal physically and mentally. Temperance has found solace in her paintings and is happy with life as is. She has no expectations of a marriage due to her disfigurement. James, an earl comes to stay with his mother at her dowager house. It had been a hard two years for them and felt the sea would improve their spirits. James and Temperance met at the cliffs at the sea where she was sketching and spoke a bit. And then was able to converse more at a small dinner party, where an immediate friendship happened. Temperance’s mother was wanting her to come to London to go out for the season which Temperance was very reluctant to do. So, if Temperance wouldn’t come to London to find a match, her mother would bring one to her. One that broke off their engagement immediately after the accident. ARC ReviewMay 1, 2024
M**********y
Grea read for a rainy day!
Once again Sally writes a delightful tale with romance and a touch of a villain. It’s nice to read a book with no foul language, no outright sex and just a good story to hold your interest.May 1, 2024
A*g
Wonderful Story
I loved every chapter in the story. Never found a dull part in the book or desire to put it down before I finished it. But I did many times reluctantly. Loved that the Marquee did not get his way and the rumors he threatened to start against others (start false rumors), happened to him, only the rumors were the truth. So happy Temperance found true love and her happily ever after.May 1, 2024
W**************s
Enamored with a Brooding Earl
A stirring novel with compassion, guilt and the forces that try to end the lives of a lady and an earl. It leaves a desire to see how they will play out. Will they be able to withstand the forces that try to tear them apart.May 1, 2024
A**.
Sweet love, devoted protection
Lady Temperance found herself scarred and secluded. With a broken engagement and a physical disfiguration, she thought no one would love her. Enter the brooding Earl, who is less. Brooding and more perfect. Caring, compassionate, and protective, he begins a deep an meaningful friendship with Lady Temperance. Then the hits come. Will Lady Temperance see that she is more than disfigured and a spinster? Will the Earl push his brooding aside to explore the affection welling inside? Will the mother back off and let her daughter shine? A lovely story with a HEA.May 1, 2024
M*******H
Another lovely book
I always enjoy Sally’s stories. Engaging characters, misunderstandings, friendship, love… all around a very sweet, clean story!April 30, 2024
J**********e
Another win!
Yes, another amazing story by this creative author! Unique plot, wonderful characters, and a dazzling setting all blend together to keep us wanting the book to never end.April 30, 2024
M*B
A gentle heart
This is a beautiful story of insecurity, true love and of course a villain! All of the characters came alive, and it was easy to root for the title characters. This is just the book to curl up on the couch with, when you need to unwind!April 30, 2024
C****e
Looking past the outward appearance into their heart.
Two broken people find each other. The Earl is not looking for love. Temperance is thinking she is unlovable as no man would be able to see past her scared face as her betrothed has already ended their betrothal. She is planning a life of spinsterhood. This all changes through family trials she finds loveApril 30, 2024
r**e
Sweet romance
Well written, by this author. Full of love, drama, romance, intrigue, friendship and society. Temperance received a scar on which causes her to end up with a broken engagement. She leaves society to live with Aunt and Uncle as a spinster. Happy to be there after an accident she is able to continue with her paintings. She is living by the sea and while out there , she meets James. As they becomes friends, feelings develop between them., each able to talk to the other. James is the new Lord after his brothers’ death. Add in the ex who comes back for reasons of his own and you have an enjoyable story. Would recommend to others. I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.April 30, 2024
R*********e
Sweet Love Story
Temperance had become a recluse after a riding accident scarred her face. After a chance meeting with James on a cliff near the beach, she meets his mother who loves to paint just as much as she does. She was happy living with her aunt, painting and meeting with her few friends until her parents and her former fiance came to visit. Her mother wanted them to reconcile but Temperance could clearly see the true character of Lord Barlington now and wanted nothing to do with him. She was able to thwart his plans for a while by keeping James and her friends close to her but eventually he managed to frighten her into accepting his proposal. Thankfully, she quickly confessed to James what had happened and he, Lord Thurston and her father were able to figure out a way to deliver her from the situation. The ending was sweet and beautiful. A very sweet love story!April 30, 2024
K***y
They came to the sea for healing!
Loved this story from page one! He came to the sea with his mother, to heal his spirit, after the death of his father and his older brother. She came to find peace after an accident that left her face scarred and her engagement was broken because her fiancé found her looks abhorrent. She found peace painting pictures of the sea. They meet and become friends well maybe more than just friends.April 29, 2024
J*d
Very good read!
Lots going on in this book. Lady Temperance was disfigured in a riding accident. Her betrothed couldn’t stand the sight of her cared face and called off the wedding. She decided to leave London and scandal and live with her Aunt. While at her Aunt’s she meets the Earl of Calverton. LIfe began to look hopeful until her old betrothed shows up wanting her back. Lots of twists and turns. Very engaging characters. Definitely worth the read.April 29, 2024
M***i
Finding Love in Art
Temperance was scarred both physically and emotionally but she and James were able to heal each other and find happiness!April 29, 2024
J*************s
Sweet, sweet story!
Years ago Temperance was happily engaged to be married. Until an unfortunate accident leaves her scarred along her face and single. She has decided that she will live her life happily as a spinster, with her Aunt and Uncle, on the coast, focusing on her art. But fate steps in, and its chasing down a stray piece of her art that lands her in the presence of James. James has just moved back to the coast and is silently taking over his late brothers role as Lord. While Temperance is settling into spinsterhood, and James is settling into his role as Lord they find themselves in each other’s presence more and more. They find they like each others presence and come to rely on it. And James is different than anyone Temperance has met, he doesn’t look at her scar, he focuses only on her. And James is enamored by Temperance, he’s drawn to her braverly, kindness, and beauty. As their friendship grows they face the biggest challenge in their friendship… Temperance’s fiance returns and wants her back! With no other men waiting to marry her, will Temperance take him back? Is their friendship meant to be something more? The more time Temperance spends with her ex fiance the riskier things become and more and more she’s at risk of being forced into a marriage with him. James can only interrupt her exs courting attempts but so many times, before he fears, it may be too late! This was a wonderful story. James is a truly admirable man. He wore his heart on his sleeve when it came to Temperance. Stepping up first as her friend and then protector when so many had let her down. The story is a bit if a slow burn, perhaps at times a little too slow for me. But all in all, I loved the story. 4 stars!April 29, 2024
c**********3
Romance
Well written. Love the characters.April 29, 2024
G**********y
Great story
I really loved this storyline. Hurt,betrayal,healing,love parental expectations , a wonderful story.April 29, 2024
J***e
So Good
A must read. I really loved this book. The storyline was very engaging.April 29, 2024
M*********h
A Man of Depth
Absolutely adored this book! Temperance who has withdrawn from society due to an injury that left her face scared and a fiance that spurned her because of said scar. Leaving her grappling with seeing her value is deeper then surface level that society as deemed most important. Then, comes James and from the start he’s intrigued by her. He see’s her talent in painting and values it. James just truly see’s Teperance as the amazing woman she is and saves her on many occasions due to that slimy ex-fiance. Overall, I enjoyed the progression of Temperance and James relationship from friends to so much more. Hundred percent recommend!!April 29, 2024
M***********r
Wonderful story!
I loved Calverton & Temperance’s story! She is a strong character and Calverton a true hero. This book made me feel like I was in the regency era. The language, behaviour and overall tone of the book felt authentic. There is some angst woven through the story, but the ending is lovely. I recommend this clean, enjoyable read!April 29, 2024
r*b
What a sweet, lovely, romantic story!
It left me with such a good feeling! I love how a person can grow and blossom with the love and loyalty of true friends. And I really love how the hero was such a decent person. A decent person in all facets of his life, not just when he falls in love with a lady.April 29, 2024
Jo
A decision for life
A beautiful, poignant story of two people being able to see beauty that lies under the surface. Temperance was badly scared in a number of ways and was dumbed by her fiance. Years later, he’s back and wants her in his life. Will she go with him or will her new friend James hold her heart instead? Will James honor stand in the way of the beauty he sees or will he find peace and joy? Read this book to get all the answers.April 29, 2024
G!
Clean Regency Romance
I LOVED James Cartwright. He is just so sweet and caring. I enjoyed this book a lot. It follows Lady Temperance Greenwood and James Cartwright on their path to love. They face scandals, scoundrels, and secrets along the way. Temperance has been in an accident that left her with face-altering scars and she has left society to live with her aunt. James just wants to get his family away from society as the wake of their scandal dies down. I loved that Temperance is an artist. I loved that James is kind of the hero in this story. I also loved that this story is set by the seaside. It is somewhat refreshing that this book is set away from the hustle and bustle of the season in town. The twist towards the end of the story is written so well. Thank you to Sally Forbes. These opinions are my own.April 29, 2024
