I haven't read all of Shana Galen's books, but I have read many of them. I have always liked her writing style and enjoyed most of her story lines. But this book soared above the rest for me! I loved it, and it is the first 5 star rating I've ever given to a book by Shana Galen.
No Earls Allowed is the second book in the Survivor series. I am in love with this series because it centers around this group of men who were in an elite military force doing missions that they weren't expected to survive. Some of them did survive however, and now they are figuring out their lives back in regular society. But the brotherhood their experiences created is spectacular!
The Survivor this book showcases is Major Neil Wraxall. He is an illegitimate son of a marquess, but regardless of the slightly strained relationship, he agrees to help his father by helping his father's friend bring his daughter back into polite society. She has been spending more and more time doing charity work with a local orphanage, and her father wants her married off. Lady Julianna is doing the best she can for this orphanage for boys, but it just isn't cutting it. When Neil shows up, he starts out with a simple bit of help getting the boys some breakfast. But between the various boys inspiring his leadership skills to get them in order, and Julianna pulling at his heart, he begins to turn the place upside down for the better.
I really liked how much Julianna and Neil learned from each other and became better individuals for having known each other. The romance felt so genuine and progressed perfectly to make me fall in love with them falling in love. There was some excitement and danger within the story which also spiced things up and had me biting my nails with worry. It's funny how with these types of books, we all know how it's going to end with a "Happily Ever After". And yet, they still get me with the high anxiety moments, and take me to the point where I can't put the book down.
Shana Galen has a way (especially with this book) of letting the reader really get to know the characters to where you feel like you're close friends. I think that's the real hook for me enjoying this book so much. As a last note on the story line as well, Galen hit the ending and epilogue with a slam dunk of perfection. When the story was finishing, I kept saying to myself that one loose end had to be figured out in some way! Shana Galen did not disappoint! Can't wait for the sequel!
**ARC provided by Publisher**
Thanks for the great review! I bought the book & can't wait to read it!
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