The Earl's Debt by Constance Remillard

Tracy

February 9

Series: The Worthy Peers, #1

Release Date: February 5, 2024

John Malcolm Malvern, the Earl of Sedrich needs a rich bride to save his indebted estate which is sinking further into debt each day thanks to his wastrel brother James, but so far he has had no luck. Malcolm was once in love and had his heart crushed, leaving him wary of deeper emotions, so when he meets Anne Merritt, a refreshing young woman at a ball, he is surprised at his initial reaction to her, he finds himself drawn to her, something that hasn't happened in a very long time. He chats with her and is completely charmed, so much so, that he wonders if she could be the bride he has been looking for. Even when he learns that she is penniless, he can't seem to walk away, and when his situation changes and his need for a bride becomes urgent, it seems like he may be able to have the bride of his choice after all. But when his brother shows up with his own bride in tow, things get heated and his budding relationship with Anne is put into jeopardy.

Miss Anne Merritt, the penniless ward of Lord Armitage, had no expectations that this ball would be different from any other, but she was wrong, she meets a handsome stranger and gives him advice on finding a bride. Later he charms her German governess/companion, they share a dance and then cigarette before parting ways. Anne wishes she could be the bride he is looking for, but not only is she penniless, has no dowry and she owes her guardian quite a bit of money, as he paid her father's debts when he died. She longs for a family but has accepted that she will probably never marry, so when her uncle announces that he has found her a husband, she is shocked and dismayed when she learns that her betrothed is old enough to be her grandfather and has already buried four wives. She rebels, but it does nothing but anger her guardian and gets her locked in her room to await her betrothed. But when her guardian sends her to meet her groom, she is shocked to be delivered to Malcolm. Will this be the start of the life she has always wanted or will it end in heartache?

This was a very good debut novel by a new to me author. The story is interesting and while the plot is not a new one, the author does give her readers a fresh take on the "marriage of convenience" trope. The book features a strong, somewhat outspoken heroine, a once-bitten, twice-shy hero, secret identities, deception, good friends, evil villains, an Aunt who is calling the shots, warmish love scenes, a few triggers, a few tears, a duel, and finally a well deserved HEA complete with an epilogue. This was a good book for a debut novel and the writing does show promise, but I did feel like there was a lot going on and at times it became a bit too much. It also tended to get somewhat wordy, but I am sure as this author continues to write, she will find her stride and only get better. I was impressed by the author's notes where she details her research and admits where she took a bit of creative license. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to my fellow HR readers, but would suggest that you check out the author's content warning as the story does contain a few scenes that might be troubling/upsetting to some readers.

3.5 stars

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*