Why the Earl is After the Girl
Ways of Love Book 1
by Tabetha Waite
Genre: Historical Romance
277 pages
A missing heirloom. A stolen inheritance. Can love conquer mistrust?
Athena Hawthorne never imagined that she would lose everything she'd ever had. But after the death of her father, his prosperous jewelry store is sold off to pay his supposed debts. Athena, now destitute, embarks on a mission to discover the truth, but circumstances force her to accept an offer from a handsome stranger to work as a governess. She's determined to clear her father's name, but a certain earl is making matters far more difficult than necessary. And she can't be in danger of losing her heart to a member of the aristocracy...
Orion Ashcroft, the Earl of Rockford, is convinced that Athena is a grasping thief who stole a priceless family heirloom, the rare sapphire known as the Couleur Magnifique. When he offers her the position of governess to his sister's children, he only intends to catch her in some nefarious scheme and get back the sapphire—his grandmother's dying wish. But he soon discovers that keeping his distance—and his sanity—around the beautiful Athena isn't as easy as he'd planned. It certainly doesn't help that his sister and his best friend plead her innocence at every frustrating turn. Soon he's struggling between honoring his promise and his growing attraction to Athena.
But there's danger closer than either expect. Even a masquerade can't hide Athena from the curiosity of the ton forever...and there's a threat hiding among the highest members of society...
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Athena Hawthorne never imagined that she would lose everything she'd ever had. But after the death of her father, his prosperous jewelry store is sold off to pay his supposed debts. Athena, now destitute, embarks on a mission to discover the truth, but circumstances force her to accept an offer from a handsome stranger to work as a governess. She's determined to clear her father's name, but a certain earl is making matters far more difficult than necessary. And she can't be in danger of losing her heart to a member of the aristocracy...
Orion Ashcroft, the Earl of Rockford, is convinced that Athena is a grasping thief who stole a priceless family heirloom, the rare sapphire known as the Couleur Magnifique. When he offers her the position of governess to his sister's children, he only intends to catch her in some nefarious scheme and get back the sapphire—his grandmother's dying wish. But he soon discovers that keeping his distance—and his sanity—around the beautiful Athena isn't as easy as he'd planned. It certainly doesn't help that his sister and his best friend plead her innocence at every frustrating turn. Soon he's struggling between honoring his promise and his growing attraction to Athena.
But there's danger closer than either expect. Even a masquerade can't hide Athena from the curiosity of the ton forever...and there's a threat hiding among the highest members of society...
Add to Goodreads
Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo
Walking casually into the front parlor where his sister and Gregory sat enjoying a round of piquet, he found himself looking around for Athena before feeling a surge of disappointment when she didn’t appear.
“It seems rather quiet tonight,” he noted, to which he was ignored. With a frown, he walked over to a large globe in a corner of the room. Giving it a haphazard spin, he tried to keep his tone neutral when he asked, “Has Athena already retired?”
Cassie didn’t even look up but merely kept playing. “No.”
More was obviously not forthcoming, so he turned to his sister and put his hands on his hips. “Is she with the twins?”
“No.” This time the obscure reply came from Gregory.
Rion instantly froze. Something wasn’t right here…”Then where is she?”
“Out.” Cassie shrugged as she laid down another card.
He blinked, not sure that he’d heard correctly. “Do you mean she’s gone?”
“That’s what ‘out’ usually means, yes.” His sister rolled her eyes at Gregory as though she was worried about the welfare of Rion’s mind.
It was the last straw. “Does someone want to tell me what the hell is going on?” Gregory finally glanced up, his green eyes full of censure. “Friend or brother, I will thank you not to use that sort of language around my wife.”
“Then can we quit dancing around the subject of Athena?” Rion shot back irritably.
“Athena, is it?” Cassie said almost silkily, as she finally – finally – laid down her hand and turned to face him fully. When Rion didn’t reply, but merely kept his expression mutinous, she lifted her chin and said in the most casual manner imaginable, “She’s at a masquerade ball with Lord Eversleigh.”
Athena was with -- Roarke? “Wait.” Holding up a hand, he asked firmly, “How does she even know him?”
“The viscount paid us a call this afternoon.” Gregory replied, his full attention on the exchange now.
“To see Athena?” Rion asked, doubly confused.
Again, Cassie rolled her eyes, and damned if she wasn’t pregnant or even blood relation he would have called her out at that moment, regardless of the fact she was a woman. “No. He came to see Gregory and myself, but after meeting Athena, he thought she would be the perfect choice to take to the ball. So, I helped her choose one of my gowns…”
“You mean you were a party to this debacle?” Rion groaned in disbelief. Surely he was dreaming and he was only imagining this entire nightmare.
“I didn’t see where it hurt that she had a night to herself.” Cassie shrugged. “She is a young woman of age after all and she has been working quite hard.”
Rion felt a tic begin in his jaw. “Who, pray tell, was her chaperone?”
“Oh, good heavens! She just went out with Eversleigh!” Cassie replied, as if it was perfectly commonplace to allow a single governess to go about London in the middle of the night with a known rogue.
Rion didn’t even think. Before Cassie had even caught up to him, he had stalked back into the foyer and was shrugging on his greatcoat.
“It seems rather quiet tonight,” he noted, to which he was ignored. With a frown, he walked over to a large globe in a corner of the room. Giving it a haphazard spin, he tried to keep his tone neutral when he asked, “Has Athena already retired?”
Cassie didn’t even look up but merely kept playing. “No.”
More was obviously not forthcoming, so he turned to his sister and put his hands on his hips. “Is she with the twins?”
“No.” This time the obscure reply came from Gregory.
Rion instantly froze. Something wasn’t right here…”Then where is she?”
“Out.” Cassie shrugged as she laid down another card.
He blinked, not sure that he’d heard correctly. “Do you mean she’s gone?”
“That’s what ‘out’ usually means, yes.” His sister rolled her eyes at Gregory as though she was worried about the welfare of Rion’s mind.
It was the last straw. “Does someone want to tell me what the hell is going on?” Gregory finally glanced up, his green eyes full of censure. “Friend or brother, I will thank you not to use that sort of language around my wife.”
“Then can we quit dancing around the subject of Athena?” Rion shot back irritably.
“Athena, is it?” Cassie said almost silkily, as she finally – finally – laid down her hand and turned to face him fully. When Rion didn’t reply, but merely kept his expression mutinous, she lifted her chin and said in the most casual manner imaginable, “She’s at a masquerade ball with Lord Eversleigh.”
Athena was with -- Roarke? “Wait.” Holding up a hand, he asked firmly, “How does she even know him?”
“The viscount paid us a call this afternoon.” Gregory replied, his full attention on the exchange now.
“To see Athena?” Rion asked, doubly confused.
Again, Cassie rolled her eyes, and damned if she wasn’t pregnant or even blood relation he would have called her out at that moment, regardless of the fact she was a woman. “No. He came to see Gregory and myself, but after meeting Athena, he thought she would be the perfect choice to take to the ball. So, I helped her choose one of my gowns…”
“You mean you were a party to this debacle?” Rion groaned in disbelief. Surely he was dreaming and he was only imagining this entire nightmare.
“I didn’t see where it hurt that she had a night to herself.” Cassie shrugged. “She is a young woman of age after all and she has been working quite hard.”
Rion felt a tic begin in his jaw. “Who, pray tell, was her chaperone?”
“Oh, good heavens! She just went out with Eversleigh!” Cassie replied, as if it was perfectly commonplace to allow a single governess to go about London in the middle of the night with a known rogue.
Rion didn’t even think. Before Cassie had even caught up to him, he had stalked back into the foyer and was shrugging on his greatcoat.
Where the Viscount Met His Match
Ways of Love Book 2
380 pages
Secrets. Lies. And a second chance at love...
Torn from the only man she'd ever loved by a tragic secret, Mara Miller has traveled a long and difficult road. From poverty and the workhouses, she's finally made a life for herself as the owner of a small haberdashery in London. With her companion, Big B, an African slave she'd helped escape from a Brazilian slaver, she's made a fresh start. But when the past walks into her shop—in the form of the ever-handsome Roarke Garrott, Viscount Eversleigh—Mara feels her whole world crash to her feet. Thrust back into a web of lies, deceit, and manipulation, Mara is forced to face the one man she'd sworn to forget.
For the past seven years, Roarke had sequestered himself in India to mourn Mara's death. Vowing to move on and put the past behind him, he returns to London, only to find himself gazing into those beautiful green eyes he believed he'd never see again. Now he's found her--alive and trying to deny who she was. A million feelings wash over him. Joy. Fury. Heartbreak. He would have the truth from her—of where she'd gone, and why—but when trouble from the past finds Mara and Big B, the truth becomes secondary to saving Mara's life. After just learning that the woman he'd loved is alive, Roarke is not about to lose her again...
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Torn from the only man she'd ever loved by a tragic secret, Mara Miller has traveled a long and difficult road. From poverty and the workhouses, she's finally made a life for herself as the owner of a small haberdashery in London. With her companion, Big B, an African slave she'd helped escape from a Brazilian slaver, she's made a fresh start. But when the past walks into her shop—in the form of the ever-handsome Roarke Garrott, Viscount Eversleigh—Mara feels her whole world crash to her feet. Thrust back into a web of lies, deceit, and manipulation, Mara is forced to face the one man she'd sworn to forget.
For the past seven years, Roarke had sequestered himself in India to mourn Mara's death. Vowing to move on and put the past behind him, he returns to London, only to find himself gazing into those beautiful green eyes he believed he'd never see again. Now he's found her--alive and trying to deny who she was. A million feelings wash over him. Joy. Fury. Heartbreak. He would have the truth from her—of where she'd gone, and why—but when trouble from the past finds Mara and Big B, the truth becomes secondary to saving Mara's life. After just learning that the woman he'd loved is alive, Roarke is not about to lose her again...
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Her heart was pounding so fiercely she was sure that he could hear it. As it was, her entire body nearly vibrated with the force of it. “How did you get in?” she whispered.
His tone was slightly mocking when he said, “As if a locked door could keep me away from you.”
“Why are you here?” she dared to ask, swallowing nervously.
“I think you know why,” he murmured huskily in return. “We have unfinished business.”
“There is nothing else to discuss. Everything has already been said.”
“Has it?” He stroked the back of her neck. “Yes.” There was a brief pause, while Mara held her breath, before he said softly, “That’s where you’re wrong. You see, all this time that you’ve been running, you’ve never once asked my opinion on anything, and I’ve decided that I don’t give a damn what you say, because I want you.”
Mara felt herself begin to tremble. “You don’t know what you’re asking of me, Roarke. There are things you don’t know, that would be detrimental...” She shook her head to regain control of her scattered emotions. “You would grow to despise me. I’d rather be dead to you in truth than have that happen.”
She felt the gentle brush of a hand on her hair.
“You know, for years I tried to hate you, but it appears I’m not capable of it when it comes to you.” He took her by the shoulders and gently, but firmly, turned her to face him.
His tone was slightly mocking when he said, “As if a locked door could keep me away from you.”
“Why are you here?” she dared to ask, swallowing nervously.
“I think you know why,” he murmured huskily in return. “We have unfinished business.”
“There is nothing else to discuss. Everything has already been said.”
“Has it?” He stroked the back of her neck. “Yes.” There was a brief pause, while Mara held her breath, before he said softly, “That’s where you’re wrong. You see, all this time that you’ve been running, you’ve never once asked my opinion on anything, and I’ve decided that I don’t give a damn what you say, because I want you.”
Mara felt herself begin to tremble. “You don’t know what you’re asking of me, Roarke. There are things you don’t know, that would be detrimental...” She shook her head to regain control of her scattered emotions. “You would grow to despise me. I’d rather be dead to you in truth than have that happen.”
She felt the gentle brush of a hand on her hair.
“You know, for years I tried to hate you, but it appears I’m not capable of it when it comes to you.” He took her by the shoulders and gently, but firmly, turned her to face him.
When a Duke Pursues a Lady
Ways of Love Book 3
An innocent woman. A loyal agent to the Crown. A path of deception that tests the bonds of love.
Lyra Coventry, Lady Weston, has spent the past three years trapped in an abusive and loveless marriage. But just when she believes she’s free, she’s charged with the murder of her husband. With no one to turn to for help, her judgment seems rather dire, until the Duke of Albright comes forward to offer his aid. With no choice but to put her trust in him, she doesn’t know that he has an ulterior motive for helping her – to prove her guilty of treason. It isn’t until the true villain comes to light that she discovers a strength she never knew existed – and a love she never thought was possible.
Alister Ayles, Duke of Albright, might be the subject of ton ridicule, but as a highly respected agent for the Crown, he discovered a higher purpose. However, when he’s faced with his toughest investigation to date, he has to travel a difficult path. Years ago, he’d made a mistake and let Lyra slip through his fingers. Now, he has a chance to make it right by clearing her name. But when it comes down to a test of loyalty, will he stand strong, or fall prey to his desires?
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Lyra Coventry, Lady Weston, has spent the past three years trapped in an abusive and loveless marriage. But just when she believes she’s free, she’s charged with the murder of her husband. With no one to turn to for help, her judgment seems rather dire, until the Duke of Albright comes forward to offer his aid. With no choice but to put her trust in him, she doesn’t know that he has an ulterior motive for helping her – to prove her guilty of treason. It isn’t until the true villain comes to light that she discovers a strength she never knew existed – and a love she never thought was possible.
Alister Ayles, Duke of Albright, might be the subject of ton ridicule, but as a highly respected agent for the Crown, he discovered a higher purpose. However, when he’s faced with his toughest investigation to date, he has to travel a difficult path. Years ago, he’d made a mistake and let Lyra slip through his fingers. Now, he has a chance to make it right by clearing her name. But when it comes down to a test of loyalty, will he stand strong, or fall prey to his desires?
Add to Goodreads
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Lyra hadn’t heard the duke move, but suddenly, that husky voice brushed against the nape of her exposed neck. His arm came into her peripheral view; his masculine hand perilously close to touching hers on the shelf. “I meant no offense, Lady Weston. In fact, I’m rather amazed by your accomplishments. This is the most beautiful library I’ve seen in some time. It rather puts my own collection at Thorn Hall to shame.”
Lyra temporarily closed her eyes in an effort to gather her wits, not to absorb his nearness or his warmth. To enjoy such a thing at a time like this would be to question her sanity when her very existence was on the brink of ruin.
Even so, she couldn’t stop herself from whispering, “Why are you really here?”
His hand tightened fractionally next to hers. She didn’t have to look to feel the strength so very close. “I already told you. Your brother—”
She cut him off. “Do you really expect me to believe that you have such a high reverence for Roarke that you should volunteer for such an impossible task?”
“You’re not impossible.” His breath fanned her cheek. “But it’s true that someone needs to rescue you.”
She stiffened slightly. “I don’t need rescuing.”
“Everyone needs rescuing at some point,” he countered softly.
Lyra temporarily closed her eyes in an effort to gather her wits, not to absorb his nearness or his warmth. To enjoy such a thing at a time like this would be to question her sanity when her very existence was on the brink of ruin.
Even so, she couldn’t stop herself from whispering, “Why are you really here?”
His hand tightened fractionally next to hers. She didn’t have to look to feel the strength so very close. “I already told you. Your brother—”
She cut him off. “Do you really expect me to believe that you have such a high reverence for Roarke that you should volunteer for such an impossible task?”
“You’re not impossible.” His breath fanned her cheek. “But it’s true that someone needs to rescue you.”
She stiffened slightly. “I don’t need rescuing.”
“Everyone needs rescuing at some point,” he countered softly.
Tabetha Waite is the award winning author of "Why the Earl is After the Girl," her debut novel and the first installment of her Ways of Love series. Raised in Missouri by her paternal grandparents, she always had a love of reading. Her early influences were the Gothic romances of the 60s, the Janet Dailey Americana series, and "Midnight Bride" by Kathleen Drymon. She continues to make her home in the Midwest with her husband and two daughters.
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads
What is something unique/quirky about you?
I absolutely can NOT write or read without music! It doesn’t even have to be a particular genre. From classical to 80s retro, I listen to most anything that helps to set the mood of the scene.
Tell us something really interesting that's happened to you!
I recently won the BIBA for best romance in 2017 for my debut novel, “Why the Earl is After the Girl.” THAT was a great moment!
What are some of your pet peeves?
Bullies. I can’t stand people that pick on the less fortunate.
Where were you born/grew up at?
A small town in Missouri that no one has likely heard of!
If you knew you'd die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?
Spending it with my husband and two daughters.
Who is your hero and why?
My husband. If there is a true romantic hero in the flesh, it would be him. Naturally, he has his faults like the rest of us, but I wouldn’t trade him for anyone else. He is my rock, even after 18 years of marriage.
What kind of world ruler would you be?
I would definitely sponsor literacy. I think if more people opened up their hearts and minds, this would be a much better place to live and books can be very emotionally moving, especially romance.
What are you passionate about these days?
Staying on track with my writing and growing as an author.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
Read and listen to music! Or do some shopping!
How to find time to write as a parent?
When my girls were younger, it was more difficult, but now that they are both in school and I only work part time, it’s much easier to carve out a few hours to type. However, while I might find the time, I don’t always gain the motivation. Some days the words pour out and others I struggle to put down one paragraph.
Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Funny, Bookworm, Simple, Imaginative, Romantic
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Since I was nine years old I wanted to write, but I don’t think I considered myself an actual “author” until my debut novel was published in July of 2016. Even now, I still have to wonder, is this real?
Do you have a favorite movie?
Beauty and the Beast, the original, Disney cartoon version. I love the real life remake, but I have the first one practically memorized!
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
I’d love to see them all come to life on the big screen; I’m not going to lie! But I’m honestly content just seeing my name in print.
I absolutely can NOT write or read without music! It doesn’t even have to be a particular genre. From classical to 80s retro, I listen to most anything that helps to set the mood of the scene.
Tell us something really interesting that's happened to you!
I recently won the BIBA for best romance in 2017 for my debut novel, “Why the Earl is After the Girl.” THAT was a great moment!
What are some of your pet peeves?
Bullies. I can’t stand people that pick on the less fortunate.
Where were you born/grew up at?
A small town in Missouri that no one has likely heard of!
If you knew you'd die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?
Spending it with my husband and two daughters.
Who is your hero and why?
My husband. If there is a true romantic hero in the flesh, it would be him. Naturally, he has his faults like the rest of us, but I wouldn’t trade him for anyone else. He is my rock, even after 18 years of marriage.
What kind of world ruler would you be?
I would definitely sponsor literacy. I think if more people opened up their hearts and minds, this would be a much better place to live and books can be very emotionally moving, especially romance.
What are you passionate about these days?
Staying on track with my writing and growing as an author.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
Read and listen to music! Or do some shopping!
How to find time to write as a parent?
When my girls were younger, it was more difficult, but now that they are both in school and I only work part time, it’s much easier to carve out a few hours to type. However, while I might find the time, I don’t always gain the motivation. Some days the words pour out and others I struggle to put down one paragraph.
Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Funny, Bookworm, Simple, Imaginative, Romantic
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Since I was nine years old I wanted to write, but I don’t think I considered myself an actual “author” until my debut novel was published in July of 2016. Even now, I still have to wonder, is this real?
Do you have a favorite movie?
Beauty and the Beast, the original, Disney cartoon version. I love the real life remake, but I have the first one practically memorized!
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
I’d love to see them all come to life on the big screen; I’m not going to lie! But I’m honestly content just seeing my name in print.
Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!
Feb 2
kickoff at Silver Dagger Book Tours
Jazzy Book Reviews
Feb 3
Nicole's Book Musings
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too!
Feb 4
Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews
Spunky N Sassy
Feb 5
Romance Novel Giveaways
2 Girls & A Book
Feb 6
SSLY
AC Squared Book Blog
Feb 7
A Mama's Corner of the World
Book Bangers Blog
Feb 8
Books a Plenty Book Reviews
Book Lover in Florida
Feb 9
A Writer's Life
E-Romance News
Feb 10
Book Review Virignia Lee
Books all things paranormal and romance
Feb 11
Bound 2 Escape
Brianna Remus Books
Feb 12
eBook Addicts
Inside the Insanity
Feb 13
LaFifeReviews
Millsy Loves Books
Feb 14
BookwormBridgette's World
Deal Sharing Aunt
Feb 15
Mello & June
T's Stuff
Feb 16
Lisa-Queen of Random
Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
Feb 17
Indie Wish List – GUEST POST
Anna Del C Dye – GUEST POST
Feb 18
Girl with Pen
Home for Book Lovers
Feb 19
nanasbookreviews
Queen of All She Reads
Feb 20
Sylv.net
Tales of A Wanna-Be SuperHero Mom
Feb 21
Meghan's Mindless Mutterings: Reviews & Giveaways
The Authors Blog
Feb 22
Loves Great Reads Blog
The Bookworm Chronicles
Feb 23
Paulette's Papers
Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer
Feb 24
Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin'
The Book Town
Feb 25
Rabid Readers Book Blog
The Pen and Muse Book Reviews
Feb 26
Ms. Cat's Honest World – REVIEW ALL
Fantasticando sui libri - REVIEW 2
Feb 27
WS Momma Readers Nook
XoXo Book Blog
Feb 28
books are love – REVIEW ALL
The Voluptuous Book Diva
Mar 1
Am Kinda Busy Reading – REVIEW 2&3
Njkinny's World of Books & Stuff – REVIEW ALL
Mar 2
Triple A – REVIEW ALL
Teatime and Books – REVIEW ALL
Yearwood La Novela
Feb 2
kickoff at Silver Dagger Book Tours
Jazzy Book Reviews
Feb 3
Nicole's Book Musings
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too!
Feb 4
Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews
Spunky N Sassy
Feb 5
Romance Novel Giveaways
2 Girls & A Book
Feb 6
SSLY
AC Squared Book Blog
Feb 7
A Mama's Corner of the World
Book Bangers Blog
Feb 8
Books a Plenty Book Reviews
Book Lover in Florida
Feb 9
A Writer's Life
E-Romance News
Feb 10
Book Review Virignia Lee
Books all things paranormal and romance
Feb 11
Bound 2 Escape
Brianna Remus Books
Feb 12
eBook Addicts
Inside the Insanity
Feb 13
LaFifeReviews
Millsy Loves Books
Feb 14
BookwormBridgette's World
Deal Sharing Aunt
Feb 15
Mello & June
T's Stuff
Feb 16
Lisa-Queen of Random
Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
Feb 17
Indie Wish List – GUEST POST
Anna Del C Dye – GUEST POST
Feb 18
Girl with Pen
Home for Book Lovers
Feb 19
nanasbookreviews
Queen of All She Reads
Feb 20
Sylv.net
Tales of A Wanna-Be SuperHero Mom
Feb 21
Meghan's Mindless Mutterings: Reviews & Giveaways
The Authors Blog
Feb 22
Loves Great Reads Blog
The Bookworm Chronicles
Feb 23
Paulette's Papers
Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer
Feb 24
Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin'
The Book Town
Feb 25
Rabid Readers Book Blog
The Pen and Muse Book Reviews
Feb 26
Ms. Cat's Honest World – REVIEW ALL
Fantasticando sui libri - REVIEW 2
Feb 27
WS Momma Readers Nook
XoXo Book Blog
Feb 28
books are love – REVIEW ALL
The Voluptuous Book Diva
Mar 1
Am Kinda Busy Reading – REVIEW 2&3
Njkinny's World of Books & Stuff – REVIEW ALL
Mar 2
Triple A – REVIEW ALL
Teatime and Books – REVIEW ALL
Yearwood La Novela
