A Noble Excavation — Ellie St. Clair

He's fallen in love at first sight -- but she knows their forbidden love is too good to be true.For Rose Ellis already has one lofty goal -- to make a name for herself as a geologist. Uncovering fossils on the shores of Lyme Regis has been her life's work, and while it won't be easy for a working-class Black woman to achieve any recognition, she is determined not to let anything -- including accusations that she is a fraud -- get in her way.Not even the painter, the dreamer, the second son of an earl who she can't get off her mind. Perry has been content with simply enjoying drifting his way through life, until his brother's death changes everything. For suddenly he is not just Perry, but Lord Peregrine Belmont, future Earl of Sheriden. Which means a life of duty and responsibility, nothing at all like he had imagined for himself and the woman he is falling for.After Rose saves Perry's life and, in the process, unearths a skeleton that just might change both of their futures, they have to decide if risking an earldom, a betrothal, and a reputation is worth the love they just can't fight.But will that love be strong enough to battle all that stands in their way?This Regency romance contains some steamy content.