An Earl, the Girl, and a Toddler is the second book in the Rogues and Remarkable Women series by Vanessa Riley. While the book stands fine on its own, I think returning readers will enjoy the book more than newcomers to the series. 
Surviving a shipwreck en route to London from Jamaica was just the start of Jemina St. Maur's nightmare. Suffering from amnesia, she was separated from anyone who might know her, and imprisoned in Bedlam. She was freed only because barrister Daniel Thackery, Lord Ashbrook, was convinced to betray the one thing he holds dear: the law. Desperate to unearth her true identity, Jemina’s only chance is to purloin dangerous secrets with help from The Widow’s Grace—which means staying steps ahead of the formidable Daniel, no matter how strongly she is drawn to him. Married only by proxy, now widowed by shipwreck, Daniel is determined to protect his little stepdaughter, Hope, from his family’s scandalous reputation. That’s why he has dedicated himself not just to the law, but to remaining as proper, upstanding—and boring—as can be. But the closer he becomes to the mysterious, alluring Jemina, the more Daniel is tempted to break the very rule of law to which he's devoted his life. And as ruthless adversaries close in, will the truth require him, and Jemina, to sacrifice their one chance at happiness?
This is a historical romance with big truths about how women and people of color have been treated in the past, and sadly still are by some today. The characters are fighting for happiness, and finding the truth of past and identity- and thankfully finding what they need and happiness along with it. It was a little more emotional and heavy of a read than I was really prepared for, but I did not reread the blurb before reading- just went by title and cover even though I know better, so that was completely on me. I really liked the characters- but the humorous banter and some of the situational humor were my favorite parts of the book. I also enjoyed the secondary characters and am glad that some already have their own story told, and some will be told later in the series. I felt like the author went into a great deal of effort to do the research and portray the characters in a thoughtful manner, rather than just checking of the boxes to be diverse and thought provoking. I really enjoyed that they included additional information on the historical people, climate, and landmarks of the time at the end of the book. I love a book that engages me on multiple levels, and this did happen here. I enjoyed the read all around- although there were definitely moments that hurt my heart.
An Earl, the Girl, and a Toddler is a thought and emotion provoking romance. It will break your heart and then piece it back together.
