Freed By the Love of an Earl by Abby Ayles

She thought nothing could save her life from ruin. He hoped to find happiness in her arms. Nothing could have prepared them for what fate brought next…
Edmund Lockridge, the Earl of Huxley and the youngest sibling of the Lockridge sisters has a hard time believing in himself. Most people think him as hard and cruel as his father but he does not care to prove them wrong. The only opinion he cares about is the one of the lady who stole his heart…
Margaret Hayward, the illegitimate child of late Earl Hayward, has no time to think about love and happiness. Now that her tormentor has returned stronger than ever, she must find a way to escape the nightmare of his threats as soon as possible.
And what better way to secure her reputation and fortune than an Earl granting her every wish…
What Margaret never expected was falling for the mysterious Edmund so deeply. Now, torn between her guilt and her admiration for him, she must find a way to both save herself and make Edmund happy. Can she play her remaining cards right before the last wave of blackmail brings them both down?