The Baron’s Open Arms by Annabelle Anders
The Baron's Open Arms by Annabelle Anders on July 9, 2026
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Historical / General, Fiction / Romance / Historical / Regency
Pages: 454
Goodreads
He was her brother’s closest friend. She was never meant to be his.
Beatrice Beckman has no interest in marriage. Armed with sharp wit and sharper aim, she’s determined to protect vulnerable young ladies from the dangers of the ton—even if it means forming a scandalous society of her own.
Gideon Rothmore, Baron Hawkins, has spent years honoring loyalty above all else. Especially where his best friend's sister is concerned.
But when her bold crusade places her directly in danger, Hawk is forced closer than either of them intended.
Desire ignites. Boundaries blur. And this forbidden heat threatens everything—his honor, her independence, and the fragile trust between them.
Because betraying his best friend would be unforgivable…
…but losing Beatrice may be impossible.
Book 2, in Annabelle Anders’ Scoundrels with Secrets series can also be read as a standalone.
The Baron’s Open Arms by Annabelle Anders is book two in the Scoundrels with Secrets series. I really enjoyed this story. With the passage of six months between the first two books, I decided to read them in tandem to refresh my memory, and I’m so glad I did. I began with The Duke I Lost and, around chapter twenty-one, I switched to The Baron’s Open Arms. Then I pivoted back and forth between the two books. I found this to be a fabulous way of taking in the timeline of the story. Anders is a master storyteller, and she weaves romance, intrigue, sorrow, and joy all through her books. The Baron’s Open Arms is about Beatrice Beckman, the sister of the Duke of Dasborough from The Duke I Lost, and the duke’s best friend Lord Gideon Rothmore, Baron Hawkins. I think Hawk is one of my favorite characters. Quiet, steady, and handsome, Hawk has been there for the duke since they were children, and he has always been kind to Beatrice. Beatrice’s character was a little harder to like. She is obstinate and at times blind to how her actions affect others. Underneath the romance, there are delightful side characters and a mystery that still hasn’t been revealed. There are a few steamy scenes. Overall, it is a delightful romance.
