Gillian Ranson hasn’t seen her husband Brian, the Earl of Wright, in four years. The day after their wedding, Brian left her to fight Napoleon and return to his mistress. Having escaped her husband’s haughty parents to reside at Huntleigh, her cousin’s country estate, Gillian found happiness and a potential lover in a handsome Spaniard, Andres Ramigio. When her husband arrives to demand her return to their estate, Gillian at first refuses, until Brian challenges Andres to a duel.

Brian was called home after the death of his two older brothers. Now his father insists he become an Ambassador, but Brian wishes to obtain a position in the War Office and needs Gillian’s family connections. Gillian agrees to help him, but asks for a divorce after a month’s time. Brian agrees and a pact is forged.

During their return journey, Brian tells Gillian that Jess is dead. While Gillian wants Brian to remain a villain, he has changed and she decides that what matters is from that point on. Brian also realizes that Gillian has become a fascinating woman, one of intelligence, grace and courage, and hopes she will remain his wife.

Upon their arrival at Brian’s estate, Gillian discovers an infant: Anthony, the son of Brian’s father and Brian’s ex-mistress, Jess. Brian found the abandoned child and, having seen enough death during the war, was determined to save his tiny half-brother. Gillian saves the crying, starving infant, but when Jess arrives on the scene, Gillian knows she has every reason to leave after the agreed-upon month.

While Gillian has every reason not to trust her husband, the initial love she felt for Brian is rekindled as they both try to save little Anthony’s life. It also becomes clear that Brian is far more humane and loving than when he and Gillian married. I found myself rooting for him, hoping Gillian would put aside the past to be with her first love. What I enjoyed most about the novel was the rekindling of Gillian’s love for her husband, and Brian’s realization that Gillian and he were meant to be together.

The Earl Claims His Wife is an outstanding, fast-paced romance—one of compassion, understanding, and a second chance at love. Definitely a not-to-be-missed read.