A Deal with a Brooding Earl: A Historical Regency Romance Novel

by Julia Thorne

"If you walk away now, I won’t stop you... but I’ll spend the rest of my life regretting what I’ve done…"

Lady Harriet Carlisle never expected her quiet world of books and duty to collide with intrigue and forbidden passion. But when a mysterious earl with secrets of his own seeks her out, Harriet is drawn into a game far more dangerous than she imagined.

Lord Harold Ashworth, the Earl of Ashendale, is determined to uncover the truth behind his family’s ruin even if it means using the Marquess of Carenton’s brilliant daughter to get close to his target. Yet, as Harold’s schemes unravel, so does his heart, caught between revenge and a love he never anticipated.

With scandal, betrayal, and forbidden desires threatening to tear them apart, Harriet and Harold must decide what they value love or honor. Can they untangle the lies that bind them before it’s too late?

“A Deal with a Brooding Earl” is a captivating Regency romance filled with secrets, passion, and heart. With no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a swoon-worthy ending, it’s the perfect escape for anyone who loves a story of love overcoming the odds.

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Genres: Historical Romance

176 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 7, 2025

Reviews

[Christine Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking forward to this carefree delight and it supplied blessings in between every crack of the page.

[Gloria]

I admit it. I succumbed to a pretty face. I mean, that guy on the cover. Shew.

BUT.

DNF at 6%. Basic writing. Boring characters. Boring conversations. Zero interest.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet historical romance with likeable characters and a hint of suspense. I loved how the two main characters met and how their personalities complimented each other (which is why they fell in love), especially since they were both viewed as odd by other members of society. Overall, I enjoyed the book and didn't want to put it down until the last page.

I was given this book to read and review - all opinions are my own!

[BeBop19 · Rating 5 out of 5]

so sweet and scandalous

This had me front the beginning, I so love historical romance. This era of romance is one of my favorites and this one didn’t disappoint. We always think we can or will hold our emotions but I learn that our heart is the one in charge. I loved the ending and how it all played out.

[Rebekah Wanke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!
A mystery, an investigation , a surprising conspiracy, a so very handsome man, and a spirited woman with a dry sense of humor. What more could I want? There was a good amount of suspense and I often felt breathless just reading it, waiting to see what happens. I very much recommend this book!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was easy to get swept away in the romance of Harriet and Harold. I love that the pat didn’t over shadow the future between them. Their banter is easy and charming and makes for a fun and fantastic read. I received this ARC from the Author. This is my honest review.

[Frances Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced historical fiction

Cute story of a man looking for evidence to clear his deceased father with the help of his friends. Along the way, both him and a friend of his fall for one of the suspects' daughters. In the end, justice prevailed. There are some tense moments. Some cute ones.

On the other side, it's about a young lady prepping to endure another season with her sister. One who loves the social life and one who doesn't. Who stumbles onto hard truths.

Liked most of it. Had me engaged. The ending almost seemed abrupt, though. However, it at least gave closure .

[Kuzi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a fairly enjoyable, but pretty ridiculous read. Best not to analyze. There were some egregious typo/copy, edit mistakes along with historical inconsistencies, and general WTF-ness
The lack of angst on the hero's part about falling in love with the daughter of his arch enemy made no sense

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mysterious Earl

Lady Harriet Carlisle was on her third season, as she had more interest in books than she did in the whirl of society. Her sister Emily was the charming romantic, though everything the sisters did, they did together.

Harold Ashworth, Earl of Ashendale was the talk of the ton having just returned from the continent while rebuilding the family’s coffers. It seemed that his father, the previous Earl of Ashendale had died under mysterious circumstances with a scandal hovering over his death. Harold was certain that Lady Harriet’s father was responsible and would not stop until he proved it.

Fate seemed to take hold of both Harold and Harriet as they fall hopelessly in love. True to form with the sisters doing everything together, Emily and Harold’s cousin and dearest friend seem equally as smitten with each other.

With dark happenings swirling around them all, can love survive?

This was a five star, clean romance. The dastardly deeds were not too carefully detailed, but then, that isn’t the point of a romance, is it?

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much better than I had anticipated! All the characters were believable and each one played their part well to the story to flow in unison. Love, romance, scandal, deceit, mystery, etc.! Absolutely LOVE the romantic relationship of Harriet and Harold. Harriet is exactly the type of female protagonist I enjoy in books. Also enjoyed the sister's developing romance with the doctor. I like the added bonus of the extended epilogue seven years later that brought the family together for one big happy ever after ending.

[Pat Babcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many Challenges

Harold planning to discover who falsely blamed his father for false investments and caused his death. The investigation resulted in the discovery of his soul mate and a happy ending.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harold and Harriet

There is plenty of excitement in this story, along with a bit of mystery and some suspense. The story moved along at a good pace and the characters are well drawn. If you enjoy Regency romance filled with drama you should read this book.

[Reann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juila's books always have a bit a mystery to them. I enjoyed reading this book & stayed up late to finish it.

[Margaret Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story

The power of love is the center of this story. It is the one thing that helped to heal pain and sorrow caused by the betrayal.