Lady Emily Vale wants to help society as much as she can, and while donning the appearance of Lady Justice her pamphlets and ideas have changed many lives. When her sister turns up missing she must ask for the help her domineering arch nemesis, Colin Gray, Earl of Egremoor. He might be the last man she wants in her life, but when unforeseen circumstances strand them in the Scottish countryside their misunderstandings might just turn into true love.

THE EARL by Katharine Ashe is a pleasant romance many Ashe fans will enjoy. Emily is an independent and compassionate heroine, and though at times a bit judgmental this makes her all the more human. I'm not sure how I feel about Emily taking the name Zenobia, especially when no one else in the story call her by this name. When I read this name during Emily's scenes I find myself jolted out of the story. Colin is a wonderful romance hero, who secretly has a good heart and tries his best to do what is right. He seems intelligent, and knows plenty of intelligent women, yet he refuses to believe Justice is a woman, and this I find hard to believe. However, Emily and Colin are a perfect for each other, and their romance was tension filled and sweet.

The setting Ashe has written is very well done. The Scottish countryside is really brought to life, and Ashe uses the trouble Emily and Colin get into to bring the rugged mountains and forests to life. The secondary characters, such as Emily's French maid are delightful and bring some humor to the story, and Pip really brings out the best in Colin. The mystery and the plot twists help move the plot along at a nice pace, and the ending will live readers satisfied. THE EARL is a fine read with a gorgeous setting and a wonderful mystery.