Review: To Marry an Earl by Karen Thornell

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Katherine Cartwright knows through bitter experience that true love is fiction and trust should not be bestowed easily. Now, after two unsuccessful London Seasons, her atrocious father has decided to marry her off to the highest bidder to pay for his gambling debts, ridding himself of the daughter he never wanted. A profitable deal is struck, and Kate is packed off to the home of her betrothed, an earl she has never met. Or so she believes.

When James Fenwick, the new Earl of Bowcott, learns that the girl he’s loved since childhood is being sold off like chattel, he’s determined to step in and save her. He makes an offer her father cannot refuse and insists on a proper engagement. But when Kate meets James again, her old friend cannot bring himself to admit it is him whom she is to marry. Soon, an intricate charade and a past that cannot be escaped jeopardize James’s chance at rekindling their friendship, to say nothing of winning Kate’s heart. Can love truly conquer all, or was this a match doomed from the start?

My Review

The path to true love does not run smoothly for Katherine and James! Giving in to their fears makes for a rocky romance, with miscommunication and deception coming between them. I loved that James stepped in and rescued Katherine, but his vulnerability shows when he hides the fact that he is the earl whom she will wed. His justification that they could rekindle their friendship before revealing it to her was thin, and thankfully his friends pointed out the flaws in his impetuous plan. Learning to trust James is understandably difficult for Katherine after all she has been through. Ironically, it is the threatening notes meant to break them apart that are the catalyst for creating a stronger bond. I enjoyed their moments together when they could interact like old friends, allowing their genuine selves free rein. The climax was a bit melodramatic for my taste, but the happily ever after was just as sweet as I could hope. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.