Beguiling the Baron

by Elizabeth Keysian

Beware reclusive barons. They are more hot-blooded than you’d expect . . .

A man who lurks day and night in an eerie tower must have something to hide. So thinks Galatea Wyndham, governess to Lord Ansford’s love-starved young daughter. Galatea’s new employer is objectionable, stubborn, great-hearted, handsome and, curse it, well worth saving from himself.

He proves her right with some shocking physical encounters, adding tinder to the blaze of her growing love for him. But just as the barriers between them are crumbling away, the tower crashes down.

With Lord Ansford inside it.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2019

About the author

Elizabeth Keysian is a multi-award winning, USA Today bestselling author of heart-pounding Regency romances, set mostly in the West of England. She has completed a unique series for Dragonblade Publishing called Trysts and Treachery, which is set in the Tudor era. Though primarily a writer of romance, she loves to put a bit of mystery, adventure, and suspense into her stories, and refuses to let her characters take themselves too seriously.

Elizabeth likes to write from experience, not easy when her works range from the medieval to the Victorian eras. However, her passion for re-enactment has helped, as have the many years she spent working in museums and British archaeology. If you find some detail in her work you’ve never come across before, you can bet she either dug it up, quite literally, or found it on a museum shelf.

Social media/web links

Newsletter http://eepurl.com/cxe369

Amazon page https://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Keys...

Twitter https://twitter.com/EKeysian

Facebook https://m.facebook.com/LizKeysian

BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/eliza...

Reviews

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beguiling the Baron by Elizabeth Keysian is the story of Galatea Wyndham and Henry 'Hal' Pelham, Lord Ansford.
Galatea and her mother are left in dire straits after her father is lost and presumed dead. They have gone to the poor house until a very distant relative is found to help. This leads Galatea working as Henry's governess for his daughter. Henry has become a recluse after the death of his wife but he is worried about what people will say to his daughter. So he hopes that Galatea can help with making her strong but its hard for Henry to move past what has happened. Galatea sees what the child is going through and she thinks that Henry could do more but is he worthy of saving?
I am a big fan of Ms. Keysian wirting so I really enjoyed this story and the different theme / story line. I would highly recommend this book and hope to read more from this author.

[Candace N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beguiling the Baron is a little different from what Elizabeth Keysian usually writes, but it was just as amazing as her other books! It has only been the last few months that I’ve grown to appreciate gothic romances, so I was thrilled to find out a favoured author of mine wrote one. I completely devoured it!

The story was beautifully written, unpredictable and had me on the edge of my seat. I could feel the excitement and suspense deep in my stomach. I couldn’t get enough! The characters were brilliant. The hero and heroine were both very strong, fascinating and REAL. I love how Elizabeth Keysian writes characters a person can connect with. The characters are incredibly likeable through their struggles, flaws, and all. The chemistry between the hero and heroine was believable and seductive.

I’ll be adding this to my pile of books to reread. It was a complete page turner, and one I really WANT to read again. A resounding 5 stars.

[Mary Yarde · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The last thing he wanted was to love anybody.
Ever again..."

However, despite Henry "Hal" Pelham, eighth Baron of Ansford's self-imposed isolation, and notwithstanding the whispered rumours that he had murdered his wife, he was honourable enough not to turn his back on his family — no matter how distant.

Nevertheless, for a man who had once spoken out against slavery, and had been steadfast in many other issues concerning the poor, the idea of opening his house up to strangers was more terrifying than facing a parliament of peers. He was no longer the man he had been. Instead, he was an empty shell with a heart so full of suffering he sometimes found it difficult to breathe.

Was this the land of plenty? Or was this just what happened to those down on their luck? Never had Galatea "Tia" Wyndham thought she would see the inside of a poorhouse, let alone be an inmate. But a misfortunate run of bad luck, a sunken ship, and a dead father, meant the debts had mounted up. With no means to pay, Tia and her mother had no choice. It was the poorhouse or death on the streets. If it were not for Lord Ansford's intervention, Tia dared not think how it would all end. But now, standing in the grounds of Foxleaze Abbey, Tia could not help but wonder if they had traded one desolate place for another.

He would not fall in love with this opinionated and stubborn young woman who had entered his life. He could not. For the ghost of Hal's late wife still haunted him.

Tia is determined to bring Hal back into the world of the living. By cutting himself off, Hal was missing so much. So very much... Hal had a young daughter who longed for her father's attention, and Tia would do anything for that little girl. What Tia must not do is fall for this wounded, and lost lord.

From the despair of Selbury Poorhouse to the crumbling remains of a dark and brooding tower, Beguiling the Baron by Elizabeth Keysian is the irresistibly alluring story of two lost souls who find hope and love in each other's arms.

Oh, this book had all the feels — a dashing, broken, wonderful hero and a courageous, plucky and romantic heroine. What more could you ask for in a Regency Romance?

Tia is a feisty heroine, who wants to help and ease suffering — whether that be in the poorhouse or at Foxleaze Abbey. Her relationship with Hal's daughter is tender and patient — her relationship with Hal is anything but. Tia is the kind of woman that feels deeply and personally, and for some reason, Hal's actions and what he says makes things very personal for her. When the two of them finally give in to their feelings, it could only be as explosive as their arguments and just as life-changing.

Through Hal, Keysian shows how easy it was to fall from grace when you were a member of the aristocracy. Although Hal's close friends refused to believe that he had any hand in his wife's death, the ton thrived on gossip, and it suited them to blacken Hal's character — not that Hal cared. Hal is in an incredibly dark place when Tia enters his life. He is paralysed by guilt, and instead of blaming his late wife for bringing the misfortune on herself, he blames himself. My heart bled for Hal, and as Tia begins to chip away at his cold exterior, the man he was begins to emerge, and he is anything but this bitter, cold man that the world now sees. Hal is passionate, kind, and really rather wonderful.

The romance between Hal and Tia is very sensual and forbidden, at least initially which, of course, made it all the more intense. Hal has been deeply hurt, and he doesn't want to love anyone ever again, he can't face that sort of pain. However, he had never countered on meeting someone like Tia, and she refuses to give up on him. It is a love story in the truest sense.

Keysian has given the same attention to detail with regards to the historical accuracy of her novel as she does to the romance. It felt like I had been transported back to Regency England. The terrible despair of the poorhouse was vivid in the telling, as was the grandeur of Foxleaze Abbey. Kudos, Ms Keysian.

Beguiling the Baron is what Regency Historical Romance is all about.

Prepare to fall in love.

I Highly Recommend.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.

[Deb Diem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beguiling The Baron by Elizabeth Keysian is a must read for historical romance lovers. Ms. Keysian has provided readers with a well-written book, furnished with a cast of characters that is outstanding. I love the characters in this tale. Galatea and her mother have been reduced to living in the poorhouse when her father's ship is lost at sea. She spends her time teaching the children there. Hal, Lord Ansford, is a distant relative and brings Galatea and her mother to live with him in the hopes that she will help with his motherless daughter. Galatea and Hal's story is loaded with drama, humor, spice and a little dose of action. This book hooked me on the first page and I loved it from cover to cover. I look forward to my next book by Elizabeth Keysian. Beguiling The Baron is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

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

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Galatea Wyndham & her mother Sarah have fallen on hard times following the death of her father & they find themselves in the workhouse. Tia’s friend Lucy manages to find a distant relative who is willing to give the pair a home & Tia will become governess to his motherless daughter Polly
A man who lurks day and night in an eerie tower must have something to hide. So thinks Tia of Hal Lord Ansford who is objectionable, stubborn, great-hearted, handsome and, curse it, well worth saving from himself.
This very well written novel has it all dark brooding hero, feisty strong heroine, delightful young girl, a supposed mystery surrounding a death and sizzling attraction. The characterisation is extremely good, no two dimensional characters here. The story flows effortlessly & kept me engrossed from cover to cover. The verbal sparring between Hal & Tia is so very entertaining & their attraction toe curling, I hadn’t realised cutting hair could be so hot! Hal gradually returning to the loving, life enjoying man is lovely & how he gradually changes throughout the book is a highlight. An engrossing enthralling read.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

"My Heart is dead," he told the pitiless spirit that haunted his every thought. "I live only to create a fittng memorial to you, Mary, and to make sure Polly is strong enough to withstand the censures of Society." Thus were the feelings of Henry Pelham, Baron Ansford as her gazed down from the battlements of his medieval home.
Talk about being pulled in from Chapter One! There was almost a gothic feel that I actually love in historical romances. I started with Victoria Holt and Barbara Michaels eons ago and still have their books to this day! Gripping, suspenseful and exciting with characters that come off the pages and pulled me into this tale of desperation, longing, sadness and strong emotions. A handsome, brooding hero (my favorite) who cannot get over the loss of his wife. Not so much due to love but to guilt. A heroine who has lost so much but is fiesty and strong willed, detemined to save the man from himself and help his daughter.
Elizabeth Keysian has written a wonderful story as she always does, that will keep you turning the pages as fast as you can to see what happens in this brilliant romance. Cannot wait for her next!! I highly recommend, trust me, you do not want to miss this one! I was gifted a copy of this book

[Sandee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Galatea and her mother need help after her father dies. In steps Henry, a distant cousin. He invites them to his home as he is a widower with a young daughter. He could use the help.
Galatea falls in love with his daughter but doesn't understand why Henry stays aloof from her. This is the story of a heartbroken man, betrayed by his late wife and feeling guilty about her death.
I enjoyed the push and pull between Galatea and Henry as well as their individual interests. If you enjoy historical romances with broken heroes and determined women, you will enjoy this one.

[Kelsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Horribly overwritten and predictable but for whatever reason I did enjoy it somewhat.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Galetea Wyndham and her mother have been lucky enough to be rescued from the poorhouse by a distant relative. She will make sure that they are as helpful as possible.
Henry Pelham, Lord Ansford retreated from the world after the death of his wife, paying penance for his faults. He is determined to ensure his young daughter will be strong enough to withstand any of the nasty gossip she is bound to hear about her parents.
The distant relatives will easily be ignored, and hopefully train his daughter until he sends her away to school.
Our heroine is a strong minded young woman who is not afraid to voice her opinions, even if it might get her turned out.
Our hero is sunk so deep into depression it affects everyone one around him, and his volatile temper sends them all running for cover.
An emotional story with very interesting characters. It might be a little predictable, but it's still a very good read. A beauty and the beast type tale, with our heroine dragging our hero back to life.
I loved it.

[Fizza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a riveting tale of a beauty falling in love with the beast. I quite enjoyed reading it and loved both Tia and Hal. They are two amazing characters who are just perfect for each other. They test each other's patience, they make each other angry, but at the end of the day, they also love one another unconditionally and with their whole hearts. I find it endearing.
Galatea, or Tia as her friends call her, has lost so much. After her father died their entire lives were changed and now some distant relative has agreed to help her and her mother. Both women are very much in debt of Lord Ansford's generosity. Tia is supposed to teach his daughter proper manners so that she can attend a school for girls. But when Tia meets the little girl, she realizes that what the child is her father more than anything else in the world. She decides to educate the Baron instead and let him no the errors of his ways.
It has been three years since his wife's death but Hal is still punishing himself. He blames himself for the death of his beloved and spends his days and nights seeking redemption. He thinks that what he is doing is the right thing and ignoring his only daughter doesn't seem to be wrong to him at all. This will teach her to be tough. He wants to make sure that his daughter never loves someone enough to stop living after losing them. He is making her stronger or so he keeps telling himself. That is until Tia arrives and turns his entire world upside down. He is feeling things he has no right to feel and he is beginning to see reason in her logic. Maybe there is still hope for him and his daughter after all. Maybe it is actually possible for them to be a happy family once again. Or maybe he is hoping too much... Only time will tell.
I think it is a very well-written story. I would definitely recommend it to all fiction fans, especially if you enjoy historical romance you will love this one. The chemistry between Tia and Hal is too good and I think it is one hot, swoon-worthy romantic tale, which is equal parts tragic and lovable.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book for which I'd like to thank the author from the bottom of my heart.

[Coco.V]

🎁 Free on Amazon today (4/19/2020)! 🎁

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Tia and her mother was in the poor house after her father died and his business went down. Her friend who was nobility found a distant very distant cousin who needed a companion/ governess for his daughter . Problem was he was Henry Pelham a duke. With a reputation of murdering his wife.

Upon arrival at her new home she finds Henry to be rude and unfatherly to his daughter. As these two battle each other in wills maybe they see more then just crossing words .

Good book like retelling beauty and the beast but in Victorian / regancey England. Characters well written very much enjoyed

[Lisa Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Excellent and beautifully written! A sweet romance with a complex, yet endearing hero and a stubborn heroine! I love a strong heroine, and Tia fits the bill!

[Marina Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book. A cross between Beauty and the Beast and poor relations. I didn't want it to end and I didn't want to put it down. I can't wait to read another book by this author.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good story with lots of sexual tension. Loved the hero and heroine. I received an ARC of this book.

[Rozzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things really couldn’t get any worse for Miss Galatea “Tia” Wyndham being in a poorhouse taking care of children. When Tia and her mother receive a missive from a distant relative of theirs, Henry Pelham, eighth Baron Ansford to come be a companion for his daughter Polly-Tia can’t refuse. Sure Tia looks forward to the adventure and the fact that she will get to leave the poorhouse there is also the little fact that Henry killed his wife. Still Tia is unable to refuse his request and goes willingly taking her mother along as well. When Tia gets to Henry’s home known as Foxleaze Abbey it is pretty much a very gloomy place and Tia is determined to help educate Polly while bringing life into the place too. As Tia gets through to Henry’s gruff exterior she finds a man with a heart and one scared to love. Henry is not immune to Tia’s charms and can’t help but fall for her. Unfortunately Henry’s past and his feelings for his dead wife threaten to destroy the relationship. Can Tia and Henry manage to fight for their love or will Henry lose Tia in the end?
This is a pretty good read and manages to keep one engaged in the book. Sure this story might have some reminiscent parts of Jane Eyre it still is its own story. There is a freshness that makes it interesting and keeps it moving. It is even well-written with a lot more steamy parts that the love is easily felt not only between the main characters but Tia’s mother and Henry’s daughter. Henry the dark gruff tragic handsome hero still manages to be likable. While Tia sparkles with a charisma and charm that she easily is loved. Sure she can be a little pushy especially when it comes to Henry or his feelings which also might be a sore point for some. She also doesn’t take into account that just because his marriage wasn’t the best he still loved his dead wife and Tia needed to be more understanding. Even though they are distantly related there is also a bit of a taboo aspect in there which might turn some off. Still the book is well worth it and readers will enjoy it anyway!

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this is an intriguing story. Lord Henry Andsford's wife reportedly by killing herself, but that is that the truth? Henry is defnitely haunted by her spirit, but is that he is really haunted, or just plagued by his memories of her? Henry Andsford reminds me of a young Hugh Jackman. Henry is handsome, strong, and resolute. Henry takes in two relative Mrs. Wyndham, and her beautiful, head-strong Miss Galatea Wyndham, rescuing them from the gruesome life in the Poorhouse following Mr. Wyndham's death. Perhaps, in Galatea Wyndham, Lord Andsford has met his match. This a book you don't want to miss!

[Carol · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointing

This book had a good start of a story but it ended up praising an obsession that was abnormal. Especially when one considers that the obsession was about an adulteress who indirectly died as a result of sexual illness due to her unfaithfulness. There is no way she should be held up in honor after such multiple acts of unfaithfulness. Despite her husbands flaws that is no way to treat some you supposedly loved so much that you married him.

[Martha B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Resurrection of a Broken Baron

To say that Henry (Hal) Pelham, eighth Baron Ansford is haunted would be an understatement. His life has been but one tragedy after another. The only truly good thing in his life is his daughter. Sadly, he can't seem to even get that relationship right.

Enter Miss Galatea (Tia) Wyndham and her mother. Their lives have also been turned upside down. They've lived in the poorhouse, but the experience has not soured them. Instead, they each see the good in others and the joy in the mundane.

Set in 1822 England, this lengthy standalone novel has interesting characters, a likable heroine, who is both innocent, strong and honest, and a redeemable hero who deserves a second chance at happiness. In addition, there is a sweet child (Polly Pelham) who needs to be loved, and some wise words from a supportive mother, Mrs. Wyndham. The plot is easily woven together and well written with a steady pace. The sweet ending includes an epilogue, but it could have been better. It lacks something that just keeps if from being satisfying.

Content 411: Although there are no vulgarities, there are a couple sexually intimate scenes that are descriptive and steamy.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining read. I did admire Tia, in the way that she made the best of her situation whether it was in the workhouse or in the Baron’s home. Henry (Hal) Pelham, Baron Ansford had become something of a recluse since his wife’s death. There were rumours concerning her death. Tia was quite determined to bring him out of himself, particularly for his daughter Polly. Hal and Tia were attracted to each other but Tia was mystified as to what Hal did in the folly, which he kept locked and the key around his neck. I enjoyed their growing relationship which had plenty of passion. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Anissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Galatea and her mother Sarah Wyndham have experience some heavy tragedy. Galatea has lost her sister and now both her and her mother are in the poorhouse since her father's ship sank, with him on it. Her friend has reached out to a distant relative and friend of her husbands. The Baron Ansford, Henry Pelham has agreed to pay their debt and take them into his home. He needs Tia's help with his 9 year old daughter Polly. He wants her touch and untouchable emotion wise when she goes out into the world. He feels she has to be since the scandalous death of her mother. Tia is very loving and he wants very strict. The two clash while the sexual tension and attraction mounts. The two come to odds, or not...and finally love has a chance.
Well written, and touches on some difficult topics. OH and that Haircut!!!!!

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable!
This was a very enjoyable story which tells about the love that grows between Galatea Wyndham and Lord Ansford.
Slowly but surely she wears down the walls he has build around his life with a delightful outcome.
Loved the story, the characters and all the tactics Galatea uses and this all made it a pleasure to read.

[Tom Prejsner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance

Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you

[lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story

This is a can not put down story. Tia is such free spirited young woman that had backbone. Thank you.