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The Earl and the Marriage Deal
A fake relationship, marriage of convenience 1830s romance.
How to court…
A convenient countess!
When blacksmith Thorn Ackerman was announced as the new Earl of Gadmin, his life changed instantly! Not least because if he’s to secure his inheritance, he must marry. So, now Thorn must begin his hunt for a convenient bride…
Desperate to escape her demanding family, a practical union with Thorn could be Hypatia Quincy’s ticket to freedom. Especially when Thorn has made it clear that they’ll be saying “I do” to a business deal, not a real marriage. That is until their newfound desire poses a very real danger to their purely on-paper arrangement…
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
How to court…
A convenient countess!
When blacksmith Thorn Ackerman was announced as the new Earl of Gadmin, his life changed instantly! Not least because if he’s to secure his inheritance, he must marry. So, now Thorn must begin his hunt for a convenient bride…
Desperate to escape her demanding family, a practical union with Thorn could be Hypatia Quincy’s ticket to freedom. Especially when Thorn has made it clear that they’ll be saying “I do” to a business deal, not a real marriage. That is until their newfound desire poses a very real danger to their purely on-paper arrangement…
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 18, 2025
1 person is currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 22, 2025
I'm almost convinced that Lotte is writing just for me at this point. Sometimes it feels like she gets in my head and pulls out exactly what I want to happen next and then puts it on the page. If we ever were to meet in person, I'm almost scared of the level of sonic convergence that would occur.
Blacksmith Thorn Ackerman has recently become the Earl of Gadmin after a great-uncle he never knew died without a direct heir. Thorn was not raised for a life in the aristocracy and has pretty much no clue what he's doing in society, but that's the least of his problems. The previous earl left the estate in shambles. The house is falling apart, his pig farm is a resource drain, and there is almost no staff left. Thorn's only solution to raise the capital he needs to save the estate is to marry—and marry well.
Hypatia Quincy never expected to marry. Her parents use her to manage their lives, support her younger sister's quest to marry well, and expect her to care for them in their old age. Hypatia was given a season and a modest dowry, but her father turned down all offers for her, essentially forcing her into her fate as their caregiver, regardless of what she wants. But when Hypatia has a chance encounter with the new Earl of Gadmin and realizes he could be her ticket to freedom, she decides to marry him. It's purely a marriage of convenience. He gets her dowry and help with the estate; she gets freedom to choose her own future. Feelings will not enter into the equation.
This is my fourth book by Lotte this year, and I realized something while I was reading. The reason I love her writing so much is that she and I have a very similar style. We both love dependent clauses, complicated sentence structure, dialogue that reads like it's from a play, and detailed dialogue tags. The way she writes is the way my brain works, and that's why I vibe with her style.
The Earl and the Marriage Deal is a character-driven story about two people who had their choices taken away and are determined to never do that to someone else. Thorn's life was upended by the system of primogeniture, while Hypatia has been essentially imprisoned by her family for much of her life. They're both incredibly aware of preserving freedom of choice for each other, even to their own detriment. You also have two characters here who clearly do not know how to communicate feelings. Thorn is the more demonstrative of the two, but even he struggles with communicating basic emotions. I love reading about two people who are very similar but can't see those similarities in each other.
Lotte doesn't write traditionally likable heroines. Her heroines are often prickly, deeply flawed, and sometimes actually unlikable people. Hypatia is hypercompetent because she's had to be. Her parents basically delegated running their household to her as soon as she was old enough to properly communicate. Without getting too personal, I saw a lot of myself in Hypatia; she's fiercely independent, great at drawing boundaries, and compartmentalizes like an absolute boss. Those things make her an excellent business partner for Thorn but make for a more challenging wife. My favorite scene with her was pretty early on in the book, when she lays into the steward of the estate. If you're looking for a scene where a woman eviscerates a man in power—and who isn't in 2025?—look no further than this book.
The only thing I wish were different in the book is that I wanted a catastrophe for the act three low moment. I don't think there was adequate word count left for it (this is a category romance, so we're working within the constraints of the format), but I would have done almost anything for a carriage accident or illness. I'm a messy bitch and live for the drama. As it stands, there was a lovely speech from one of our characters, and I did love how all the supporting cast facilitated the grand gesture. It truly takes a village sometimes!
Oh, I almost forgot to mention the real star of the show: the piglet, Truffél. He is a scene stealer.
Overall, this was another lovely outing from Lotte R. James. 4.5 stars.
Blacksmith Thorn Ackerman has recently become the Earl of Gadmin after a great-uncle he never knew died without a direct heir. Thorn was not raised for a life in the aristocracy and has pretty much no clue what he's doing in society, but that's the least of his problems. The previous earl left the estate in shambles. The house is falling apart, his pig farm is a resource drain, and there is almost no staff left. Thorn's only solution to raise the capital he needs to save the estate is to marry—and marry well.
Hypatia Quincy never expected to marry. Her parents use her to manage their lives, support her younger sister's quest to marry well, and expect her to care for them in their old age. Hypatia was given a season and a modest dowry, but her father turned down all offers for her, essentially forcing her into her fate as their caregiver, regardless of what she wants. But when Hypatia has a chance encounter with the new Earl of Gadmin and realizes he could be her ticket to freedom, she decides to marry him. It's purely a marriage of convenience. He gets her dowry and help with the estate; she gets freedom to choose her own future. Feelings will not enter into the equation.
This is my fourth book by Lotte this year, and I realized something while I was reading. The reason I love her writing so much is that she and I have a very similar style. We both love dependent clauses, complicated sentence structure, dialogue that reads like it's from a play, and detailed dialogue tags. The way she writes is the way my brain works, and that's why I vibe with her style.
The Earl and the Marriage Deal is a character-driven story about two people who had their choices taken away and are determined to never do that to someone else. Thorn's life was upended by the system of primogeniture, while Hypatia has been essentially imprisoned by her family for much of her life. They're both incredibly aware of preserving freedom of choice for each other, even to their own detriment. You also have two characters here who clearly do not know how to communicate feelings. Thorn is the more demonstrative of the two, but even he struggles with communicating basic emotions. I love reading about two people who are very similar but can't see those similarities in each other.
Lotte doesn't write traditionally likable heroines. Her heroines are often prickly, deeply flawed, and sometimes actually unlikable people. Hypatia is hypercompetent because she's had to be. Her parents basically delegated running their household to her as soon as she was old enough to properly communicate. Without getting too personal, I saw a lot of myself in Hypatia; she's fiercely independent, great at drawing boundaries, and compartmentalizes like an absolute boss. Those things make her an excellent business partner for Thorn but make for a more challenging wife. My favorite scene with her was pretty early on in the book, when she lays into the steward of the estate. If you're looking for a scene where a woman eviscerates a man in power—and who isn't in 2025?—look no further than this book.
The only thing I wish were different in the book is that I wanted a catastrophe for the act three low moment. I don't think there was adequate word count left for it (this is a category romance, so we're working within the constraints of the format), but I would have done almost anything for a carriage accident or illness. I'm a messy bitch and live for the drama. As it stands, there was a lovely speech from one of our characters, and I did love how all the supporting cast facilitated the grand gesture. It truly takes a village sometimes!
Oh, I almost forgot to mention the real star of the show: the piglet, Truffél. He is a scene stealer.
Overall, this was another lovely outing from Lotte R. James. 4.5 stars.
December 19, 2025
Saucy, clever and oh so good, I love it!💖
It’s so refreshing to read a historical romance where the characters aren’t your stereotypical lords and ladies; instead, you have a blacksmith who unexpectedly becomes an Earl come farmer and a woman who wants to escape her selfishly demanding family. Don’t get me wrong, I love a devilishly handsome Duke (and any other aristocratic titles) like every other historical romance reader, but it is refreshing to come away from simpering debutantes and stuffy balls and the viperous Ton.
Thorn and Hypatia are a fantastic couple; theirs is a marriage of convenience, a trope I am starting to love more and more. Thorn is a incredibly talented Blacksmith, (proof of this comes in the form of Hypatia’s wedding ring which he made for her….sigh!) he suddenly becomes the new Earl of Gadmin, a role he neither knew about nor wanted especially as it means his entire life must change he must leave his beloved life as a smithy and become a farmer in a crumbling estate.
But, here’s the catch: Thorn has to marry, and he also must find the money to restore the estate, which means Thorn must navigate society. Best of luck with that, Thorn! Then out of nowhere (or out of a bush) comes the answer to his problems. Hypatia wants to escape her selfish and uncaring family; she wants freedom and sees Thorn as a good investment. So with only her savings, his new title and a rundown estate to each other, they both dive in, marry within a week and set off in their new life.
It sounds like your regular marriage of convenience, but don’t be fooled, this is so much more. It’s honest and true, I adore that even though they are perfect strangers, they do try and take the time to get to know each other, but it's more I actions not words with them. Hypatia proves to him that she is no simpering miss and more than able to take the reins and get her hands dirty.
I love the little moments between them,, the awkwardness as they get to know each other, the saucy, sexy times and that he asks permission to touch her, that made my heart burst, a man who takes his time, plus he listens to her, really listens, her allows her the freedom and gives her opportunities for adventure, which I adore.
I adored Thorn and Hypatia’s banter, right from the first moment they met, though met is a very loose term, as for the first few pages Thorn was talking to a bush (just read it and see why!). The fast dialogue between them is sharp and witty, fun and with a hint of good-natured jokey mocking. I love Hypatia’s quick responses to any question; she thinks on her feet and isn’t shy about saying what she thinks.
Don’t get me started on Hypatia’s family, just don’t! I disliked them for how they made Hypatia feel about herself, and how she was so desperate to be rid of them, even going so far as to marry a man within minutes of meeting him, all so she could be free of them. They are so unfeeling and selfish, I have never loved hating a set of characters as much as I hated them. Hypatia is worth so much more than what they offered, which wasn’t very much.
Whereas Thorn, well I instantly loved him, from the moment I saw the word ' Blacksmith’, and I knew that I was a goner, I do love a man who can wield a heavy anvil, and a man who can also make the most beautiful, delicate jewellery with his large soldi calloused well well-formed hands….oh, what he can do with those hands…..swoon!
Though as much as I adore him, I felt like shouting at him near the end; what the hell are you doing, open your eyes and see what's in front of you!! He soon saw the light!
Hypatia is wonderful, incredibly clever and practical, she's brave and has an inner strength. Despite how her family treats her, she is no wilting wallflower; she is not wilting anything. She isn’t averse to literally getting stuck in and doing any job which needs doing (which does include climbing on roofs to fix the tiles). There is a quiet loneliness to her; she needs to be set free to discover who she really is, and Thorn gave her that opportunity to fully embrace her own person.
I really connected with her on a deeper level than with other characters. She spoke to me, and I completely understood her more than I can elaborate, I don’t have the words to fully desrcive hw much I connected with her.
Despite how much I adore Thorn and Hypatia's story, and watching them grow and their romance develop naturally, I do think that the actual star of the entire book has to be Truffle the pig. Yup, and the entire love story was overshadowed by a cute, cheeky, funny little pig, and I now desperately want my own little truffle – not sure what the dogs would think though, lol!
I really, really loved this, essentially it’s a simple marriage of convenience story, with a few twists on the norm, it’s so clever, sweet, very saucy and with some incredibly hot moments…phew! 🔥
I loved the dialogue between the characters, the progression of the story is steady and enlightening, it’s a winner on all accounts; engaging, romantic, sensual, witty, and so much fun, an absolute must-read for any historical romance reader!
It’s so refreshing to read a historical romance where the characters aren’t your stereotypical lords and ladies; instead, you have a blacksmith who unexpectedly becomes an Earl come farmer and a woman who wants to escape her selfishly demanding family. Don’t get me wrong, I love a devilishly handsome Duke (and any other aristocratic titles) like every other historical romance reader, but it is refreshing to come away from simpering debutantes and stuffy balls and the viperous Ton.
Thorn and Hypatia are a fantastic couple; theirs is a marriage of convenience, a trope I am starting to love more and more. Thorn is a incredibly talented Blacksmith, (proof of this comes in the form of Hypatia’s wedding ring which he made for her….sigh!) he suddenly becomes the new Earl of Gadmin, a role he neither knew about nor wanted especially as it means his entire life must change he must leave his beloved life as a smithy and become a farmer in a crumbling estate.
But, here’s the catch: Thorn has to marry, and he also must find the money to restore the estate, which means Thorn must navigate society. Best of luck with that, Thorn! Then out of nowhere (or out of a bush) comes the answer to his problems. Hypatia wants to escape her selfish and uncaring family; she wants freedom and sees Thorn as a good investment. So with only her savings, his new title and a rundown estate to each other, they both dive in, marry within a week and set off in their new life.
It sounds like your regular marriage of convenience, but don’t be fooled, this is so much more. It’s honest and true, I adore that even though they are perfect strangers, they do try and take the time to get to know each other, but it's more I actions not words with them. Hypatia proves to him that she is no simpering miss and more than able to take the reins and get her hands dirty.
I love the little moments between them,, the awkwardness as they get to know each other, the saucy, sexy times and that he asks permission to touch her, that made my heart burst, a man who takes his time, plus he listens to her, really listens, her allows her the freedom and gives her opportunities for adventure, which I adore.
I adored Thorn and Hypatia’s banter, right from the first moment they met, though met is a very loose term, as for the first few pages Thorn was talking to a bush (just read it and see why!). The fast dialogue between them is sharp and witty, fun and with a hint of good-natured jokey mocking. I love Hypatia’s quick responses to any question; she thinks on her feet and isn’t shy about saying what she thinks.
Don’t get me started on Hypatia’s family, just don’t! I disliked them for how they made Hypatia feel about herself, and how she was so desperate to be rid of them, even going so far as to marry a man within minutes of meeting him, all so she could be free of them. They are so unfeeling and selfish, I have never loved hating a set of characters as much as I hated them. Hypatia is worth so much more than what they offered, which wasn’t very much.
Whereas Thorn, well I instantly loved him, from the moment I saw the word ' Blacksmith’, and I knew that I was a goner, I do love a man who can wield a heavy anvil, and a man who can also make the most beautiful, delicate jewellery with his large soldi calloused well well-formed hands….oh, what he can do with those hands…..swoon!
Though as much as I adore him, I felt like shouting at him near the end; what the hell are you doing, open your eyes and see what's in front of you!! He soon saw the light!
Hypatia is wonderful, incredibly clever and practical, she's brave and has an inner strength. Despite how her family treats her, she is no wilting wallflower; she is not wilting anything. She isn’t averse to literally getting stuck in and doing any job which needs doing (which does include climbing on roofs to fix the tiles). There is a quiet loneliness to her; she needs to be set free to discover who she really is, and Thorn gave her that opportunity to fully embrace her own person.
I really connected with her on a deeper level than with other characters. She spoke to me, and I completely understood her more than I can elaborate, I don’t have the words to fully desrcive hw much I connected with her.
Despite how much I adore Thorn and Hypatia's story, and watching them grow and their romance develop naturally, I do think that the actual star of the entire book has to be Truffle the pig. Yup, and the entire love story was overshadowed by a cute, cheeky, funny little pig, and I now desperately want my own little truffle – not sure what the dogs would think though, lol!
I really, really loved this, essentially it’s a simple marriage of convenience story, with a few twists on the norm, it’s so clever, sweet, very saucy and with some incredibly hot moments…phew! 🔥
I loved the dialogue between the characters, the progression of the story is steady and enlightening, it’s a winner on all accounts; engaging, romantic, sensual, witty, and so much fun, an absolute must-read for any historical romance reader!
December 26, 2025
Can a deal turn out better than expected?
Thorn Ackerman never expected that his life as a blacksmith would change into the life as the new Earl of Gadmin. However, no matter how alluring the life of an Earl is, Thorn quickly learns that his inheritance is at risk and it’s up to him to secure it. The only way to do that, is to marry well. But finding a willing and wealthy bride is easier said than done. Until Thorn meets Hypatia Quincy, who is ready to escape her own demanding family. With both needing something from each other, a deal is quickly made, with also clear expectations. However, with both wanting Thorn’s estate to do well, and with ideas bringing them to fruition, Thorn and Hypatia are discovering that there is a desire and attraction between them that they cannot ignore, yet could jeopardize the deal they made…
Having read several book with this genre, I have seen a lot. Especially situations where a marriage is a necessary need, for one reason or another. Yet these stories, with perhaps predictable endings, are always able to poke my curiosity.
And once again, I was pleasantly surprised with the direction of the story, because no matter that the ending is predictable, it is the characters’ journey that makes it an interesting story to read.
For people with normal lives, it for sure is a strange concept, marrying out of need and duty instead out of love. However, in this book it is obvious that Thorn and Hypatia don’t really have another choice.
Thorn finds himself being an Earl out of the blue, while in fact he enjoyed his life as a blacksmith. While it would seem like a fairytale, having suddenly a certain status, Thorn quickly learns that perhaps his normal life was not so bad at all.
Just like Thorn, I was a bit shocked seeing the state of his new home. And it is clear Thorn is out of his depth with trying to find a way to make it all work again.
I admired that determination that Thorn shows in this book. It would have been easy to just give up and go back to his former life. Yet the way he tries to find ways to make it all work, is truly amazing.
And while I never liked swine in particular, it was sweet to see how Thorn not only truly cares about the animals, but also bonds with one little piglet. Isn’t it true that you see one’s real character the way he is around animals?
I could see in so many how well – fitted Thorn and Hypatia would be, despite the weird way they got together.
I was truly saddened to read how Hypatia has been seen and treated by her own family. It felt to me that she was more a maid then a daughter or a sister. And that made me understand her need to get away from them.
So even if she is getting married to a compete stranger, anything would be an update compared to living with her parent, wouldn’t it?
What I absolutely loved in this story is that no matter how less Hypatia and Thorn know each other, they just get along so well. Often in books with this trope, the freshly married couple don’t get along and then something starts to change.
But here, Thorn and Hypatia understand each other right from the start, and together they are for sure a great pair. Not only do they find ways to turn their situation for the better, but also on a personal level they are just so…
The attraction between them is palpable, and the sparks even fly higher just because they also connect on many other levels.
However, how delightful it was to see these two characters getting closer and closer, it also saddened me how doubts, self-doubts and even the interference of others, were putting a damper on whatever Thorn and Hypatia are feeling and how it threatens to tear their bond apart.
Both Thorn and Hypatia are learning in this book who they truly are, that their background or current status doesn’t define them. What matters is what’s in your heart. They both are even afraid of their feelings, and coming clean about them. And I could understand that trepidation, but as a reader I was just rooting for the both of them, just moments away from literally screaming of not being afraid.
I loved reading this book, showing us that women can be strong characters, and that men can show their vulnerability. But what I loved the most was reading how these two wonderful yet hurt and bit fearful people find each other and become a strong, understanding couple. They are in fact a force to be reckoned with, but also a couple that give everyone a chance and aren’t prejudiced at all.
Just a wonderful, sweet, inspiring, strong story that I devoured! And yes, the presence of some sweet little animals added a nice little extra to like even more!
Thorn Ackerman never expected that his life as a blacksmith would change into the life as the new Earl of Gadmin. However, no matter how alluring the life of an Earl is, Thorn quickly learns that his inheritance is at risk and it’s up to him to secure it. The only way to do that, is to marry well. But finding a willing and wealthy bride is easier said than done. Until Thorn meets Hypatia Quincy, who is ready to escape her own demanding family. With both needing something from each other, a deal is quickly made, with also clear expectations. However, with both wanting Thorn’s estate to do well, and with ideas bringing them to fruition, Thorn and Hypatia are discovering that there is a desire and attraction between them that they cannot ignore, yet could jeopardize the deal they made…
Having read several book with this genre, I have seen a lot. Especially situations where a marriage is a necessary need, for one reason or another. Yet these stories, with perhaps predictable endings, are always able to poke my curiosity.
And once again, I was pleasantly surprised with the direction of the story, because no matter that the ending is predictable, it is the characters’ journey that makes it an interesting story to read.
For people with normal lives, it for sure is a strange concept, marrying out of need and duty instead out of love. However, in this book it is obvious that Thorn and Hypatia don’t really have another choice.
Thorn finds himself being an Earl out of the blue, while in fact he enjoyed his life as a blacksmith. While it would seem like a fairytale, having suddenly a certain status, Thorn quickly learns that perhaps his normal life was not so bad at all.
Just like Thorn, I was a bit shocked seeing the state of his new home. And it is clear Thorn is out of his depth with trying to find a way to make it all work again.
I admired that determination that Thorn shows in this book. It would have been easy to just give up and go back to his former life. Yet the way he tries to find ways to make it all work, is truly amazing.
And while I never liked swine in particular, it was sweet to see how Thorn not only truly cares about the animals, but also bonds with one little piglet. Isn’t it true that you see one’s real character the way he is around animals?
I could see in so many how well – fitted Thorn and Hypatia would be, despite the weird way they got together.
I was truly saddened to read how Hypatia has been seen and treated by her own family. It felt to me that she was more a maid then a daughter or a sister. And that made me understand her need to get away from them.
So even if she is getting married to a compete stranger, anything would be an update compared to living with her parent, wouldn’t it?
What I absolutely loved in this story is that no matter how less Hypatia and Thorn know each other, they just get along so well. Often in books with this trope, the freshly married couple don’t get along and then something starts to change.
But here, Thorn and Hypatia understand each other right from the start, and together they are for sure a great pair. Not only do they find ways to turn their situation for the better, but also on a personal level they are just so…
The attraction between them is palpable, and the sparks even fly higher just because they also connect on many other levels.
However, how delightful it was to see these two characters getting closer and closer, it also saddened me how doubts, self-doubts and even the interference of others, were putting a damper on whatever Thorn and Hypatia are feeling and how it threatens to tear their bond apart.
Both Thorn and Hypatia are learning in this book who they truly are, that their background or current status doesn’t define them. What matters is what’s in your heart. They both are even afraid of their feelings, and coming clean about them. And I could understand that trepidation, but as a reader I was just rooting for the both of them, just moments away from literally screaming of not being afraid.
I loved reading this book, showing us that women can be strong characters, and that men can show their vulnerability. But what I loved the most was reading how these two wonderful yet hurt and bit fearful people find each other and become a strong, understanding couple. They are in fact a force to be reckoned with, but also a couple that give everyone a chance and aren’t prejudiced at all.
Just a wonderful, sweet, inspiring, strong story that I devoured! And yes, the presence of some sweet little animals added a nice little extra to like even more!
December 29, 2025
Thorn and Hypatia have decided to enter into a marriage of convenience. But will love find it’s way into their arrangement?
I've read many books by this author (who has become a firm favourite of mine) and I absolutely love them. When I saw that this book included a fake relationship and a marriage of convenience, I knew it was the book for me because these are tropes that I love.
I adored the storyline. It was a complete breath of fresh air. The storyline was filled with romance and about two people that find each other in very unexpected circumstances. What I really liked about the story is that as soon as I started to read I was quickly thrown into Thorn and Hypatia’s life. They meet one moonlit night and within eleven minutes agree to marry, despite knowing very little about each other. I loved this first meeting. It was perfect, memorable and romantic.
Both Thorn and Hypatia were brilliant characters and complemented each other perfectly. Hypatia in particular left a lasting impression on me because she’s someone who is very independent but finds herself stifled by her family and her marriage prospects are limited. She makes the best of a bad situation and agrees to marry Thorn which was a brave move, but it ensured her independence. For Thorn although Hypatia’s dowry is very modest the estate he inherited is in debt. What I really admired about Hypatia is once she arrives at her new home she quickly realises that it’s not luxurious. The house needs a lot of work as does the pig farm. But this doesn't deter Hypatia, rather she pulls up her sleeves and she gets stuck in because she wants to make the house a home and the estate a success.
Thorn and Hypatia are equals in their relationship. They go from friends, to betrothed to married to surrogate parents to a baby piglet called Truffél in a very short period of time. What really came across is how well they work together despite a few bumps along the way. Although they enter into a marriage of convenience, they both take marriage and their vows very seriously. To the point that Thorn actually designs and makes Hypatia’s wedding ring himself.
If you love forced proximity and a marriage of convenience then this is a book I would highly recommend. Thorn and Hypatia’s story is one that is truly unforgettable.
I've read many books by this author (who has become a firm favourite of mine) and I absolutely love them. When I saw that this book included a fake relationship and a marriage of convenience, I knew it was the book for me because these are tropes that I love.
I adored the storyline. It was a complete breath of fresh air. The storyline was filled with romance and about two people that find each other in very unexpected circumstances. What I really liked about the story is that as soon as I started to read I was quickly thrown into Thorn and Hypatia’s life. They meet one moonlit night and within eleven minutes agree to marry, despite knowing very little about each other. I loved this first meeting. It was perfect, memorable and romantic.
Both Thorn and Hypatia were brilliant characters and complemented each other perfectly. Hypatia in particular left a lasting impression on me because she’s someone who is very independent but finds herself stifled by her family and her marriage prospects are limited. She makes the best of a bad situation and agrees to marry Thorn which was a brave move, but it ensured her independence. For Thorn although Hypatia’s dowry is very modest the estate he inherited is in debt. What I really admired about Hypatia is once she arrives at her new home she quickly realises that it’s not luxurious. The house needs a lot of work as does the pig farm. But this doesn't deter Hypatia, rather she pulls up her sleeves and she gets stuck in because she wants to make the house a home and the estate a success.
Thorn and Hypatia are equals in their relationship. They go from friends, to betrothed to married to surrogate parents to a baby piglet called Truffél in a very short period of time. What really came across is how well they work together despite a few bumps along the way. Although they enter into a marriage of convenience, they both take marriage and their vows very seriously. To the point that Thorn actually designs and makes Hypatia’s wedding ring himself.
If you love forced proximity and a marriage of convenience then this is a book I would highly recommend. Thorn and Hypatia’s story is one that is truly unforgettable.
December 20, 2025
I always enjoy this author’s books; she is one of my favourite historical romance authors—she just does it so bloody well! I love the variety of her storylines; they are always unique, well-researched, and brilliantly written.
Hypatia Quincy, our leading lady, decides to take charge of her own freedom and destiny after an undesirable life has been laid out for her by her horrible parents—by marrying Thorn Ackerman, the new Earl of Gadmin, whom she has only spoken to for mere minutes. Thorn needs a wife to secure his inheritance, and Hypatia needs to get away from her family; a marriage seems the ideal solution for both parties!
Hypatia is no meek and mild lady. Although being married to Thorn will free her, she certainly doesn’t need her new husband to stand up for her. After walking out on her family, she takes to her new role as Countess Gadmin like a duck to water. I was mentally cheering her on when she dismissed the vile Mr Warren, who had thieved from the farm and badly neglected the pigs Thorn had inherited. I just adored her and was rooting for her from the first page!
I liked how both Thorn and Hypatia had to figure out their new roles together, with the common goal of making a better life for themselves and the staff who worked for them—who almost became like found family. But can Thorn adapt to such an independent, headstrong woman? And as their growing passion for one another blurs the lines of their fake relationship, is there more to their marriage of convenience than they originally planned?
I read The Earl and the Marriage Deal in a single night and thoroughly enjoyed it! By the end, I felt so attached to these well-rounded characters—I always do with Lotte’s books—however, I don’t think I was mentally prepared for how much I would fall in love with Trufflé, the pig!
Another five star read from Lotte R. James!
Hypatia Quincy, our leading lady, decides to take charge of her own freedom and destiny after an undesirable life has been laid out for her by her horrible parents—by marrying Thorn Ackerman, the new Earl of Gadmin, whom she has only spoken to for mere minutes. Thorn needs a wife to secure his inheritance, and Hypatia needs to get away from her family; a marriage seems the ideal solution for both parties!
Hypatia is no meek and mild lady. Although being married to Thorn will free her, she certainly doesn’t need her new husband to stand up for her. After walking out on her family, she takes to her new role as Countess Gadmin like a duck to water. I was mentally cheering her on when she dismissed the vile Mr Warren, who had thieved from the farm and badly neglected the pigs Thorn had inherited. I just adored her and was rooting for her from the first page!
I liked how both Thorn and Hypatia had to figure out their new roles together, with the common goal of making a better life for themselves and the staff who worked for them—who almost became like found family. But can Thorn adapt to such an independent, headstrong woman? And as their growing passion for one another blurs the lines of their fake relationship, is there more to their marriage of convenience than they originally planned?
I read The Earl and the Marriage Deal in a single night and thoroughly enjoyed it! By the end, I felt so attached to these well-rounded characters—I always do with Lotte’s books—however, I don’t think I was mentally prepared for how much I would fall in love with Trufflé, the pig!
Another five star read from Lotte R. James!
December 14, 2025
I loved this book very much! The idea of a blacksmith turned earl is very good and it was handled gorgeously by the author. There’s a bit of humor, but also a pleasant undercurrent of angst (pleasant for me who love angsty books!). These are basically two people who don’t know each other at all when they marry, but they work together toward a common goal. I loved seeing them getting to know each other and learning to love and respect their partner. But I loved most of all that they were very real people, with faults, quirks, a past to contend with. Great book!
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