A Convincing Arrangement with a Brute: A Historical Regency Romance Book (Deals of Marriage 4)
He lived alone, far from a world that had treated his mother, born a servant, with disdain. Silent. Gruff. Always ready to expect the worst, especially at gatherings. He rarely bothers to explain himself, with a touch of bitterness in every step.
Since her father had been turned away from a ball and humiliated in her childhood, Miss Lavender Latrice had been consumed with one thing and one thing—becoming a part of the nobility that had scorned them.
But while wealth could buy some things, a title surely wasn’t one of them.
Or at least that’s what Lavender believed until her brother stumbled upon a near-penniless bare-knuckle boxer—one Austin Thomas, the Earl of Derby.
On his sister’s behalf, her brother cut a deal with the Earl, offering him the money he sorely needed to repair his failing estates—but unbeknownst to Lavender’s brother, the Earl of Derby was no gentleman.
He was a hermit and a brute—determined to stay far away from a society that he felt had alienated his servant-borne mother.
It is only through a desire to save his estate that the Earl of Derby even considered Miss Latrice, expecting to find nothing more than a vapid socialite obsessed with her reputation.
But what Lord of Derby did not expect to find was a growing affection, one that might, if he were unlucky, even result in love.
*If you like powerful Dukes, loving Duchesses, and a marvelous depiction of the majestic Regency and Victorian era, then ”A Convincing Arrangement with a Brute” suits you. A captivating regency romance novel of around 70,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.
Pick up your copy today to discover this amazing story!
Also free with Kindle Unlimited!
Customer Reviews
L*********d
Enjoyable
This was a great read. I laughed quite a bit at Lavender and her antics. She was just what the Earl needed. I truly enjoyed it. Can’t wait to read another one of her books. She’s an author I will now follow.April 21, 2025
R*****.
Good read!
Good story! Loved that the young woman wasn’t the prettiest one around, but was intelligent and kind. She tamed the brute.April 16, 2025
K*************r
Good Clean Wholesome romance
Have really enjoyed this series.April 12, 2025
K*************r
Excellent Story
This story is so unlike any other Regency English story that you won’t want to put down. There are some unexpected twists and the characters are very interestingly different.March 21, 2025
L*****J
Good and easy read. Well edited.
Cute and clever.March 5, 2025
A*C
Loved this one.
The banter between the couple was amusing. Loved the storyline and plot and that the characters were not perfect. couldnt put this one down.March 1, 2025
H*L
A Sweet Story for all
Not all deals turn out as expected! A well meaning brother tries to broker a marriage deal where each party is satisfied but extra players enter the game and the future bride and groom change their goals before it’s even concluded. What’s a brother to do? There is a couple kissing scenes with a mild dash of desire but this is a clean,swear free novel where fisticuffs are the way to blow off steam. As brutal as it sounds, it’s less deadly. But hearts are at stake and this is a lovely read with fun characters. Read and enjoy.February 28, 2025
B**e
loved it!
The characters were so good, loved the Earl and the heroine was wonderful. A great read, can’t wait to read another story from Ms Barwood!February 26, 2025
s**a
Arrangement
A wealthy merchant found an earl who needs money to marry his sister. The earl who got his title recently needs money to restore his earldom.February 24, 2025
J*********d
delightful
Not your ordinary plot. Feisty young lady with a purpose, reluctant bastard born, poor earl, and a delightful contentious comedy of romance.January 19, 2025
M**V
A Plan of Revenge/A Title/An Arrangement!
A contract signed under protest (almost) ..an arranged marriage with a plan- but the best laid plans do not always go according to plan- As in case feelings begin to arise & yet it takes a while before each knows the truth about each others.November 7, 2024
J********n
A delightful tale
I found this a very enjoyable novel. My house did not get vacuumed and very little else was done as I was so keen to finish it!August 27, 2024
cd
Really like this author
This is a more or less light book with one of my favorite tropes, grumpy and sunshine. Both their character arcs are natural and they don’t act like brand new people. I enjoyed this one. I highly recommend you put it in your slush pile to read.July 1, 2024
A***e
Horrible Book
I have never been a fan of romance novels. But, when offered a cheap price, I decided to try a “guilty pleasure”. It was hardly that. Virtually every page included poor grammar, misspelling or errors. I honestly don’t know how this author obtained a publisher. Or how her editor keeps his or her job. I cannot recommend. Best not waste your time.June 12, 2024
S***********************.
Not your usual romance.
Bravo to Ms Barwood to conjure a plot so unique. The characters are so adorable and their interactions fun. Lavender is unflappable and Austin is reluctant every step of the way. You have to read it to enjoy their reactions. Lavender is a refreshing female lead. Well done.May 21, 2024
v*************e
Brute
I enjoyed the story. The characters were believable and adorable, we all know people like these two. I love happy endings.May 16, 2024
K**************************.
A Convincing Arrangement with a Brute
Loved this book! A grumpy just-turned-Earl is propositioned by the brother of a young woman for marriage. His need for money sealed his fate.May 14, 2024
s**********r
The Brute
A very good story line and an odd cast of characters. I enjoyed reading this love story. Way too many errors.May 12, 2024
M*******n
The perfect pair
Loved the story and the struggles. Couldn’t wait for everything to be resolved. Loved the reaction of the snooty society lady. She deserved the result of her actions. Loved the story. Do get a proofreader, though.May 10, 2024
D*****e
Enjoyable read
I liked the way the story developed. The banter between the two made me laugh and smile. Makes me want to read more by this author.May 8, 2024
B***y
What is wrong with being a misfit??
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Take one illegitimate gentleman who did not expect to be elevated to Earl and one young woman whose family is very wealthy but missing a title and shake things up. Austin (loves boxing/brawling) has been approached to become betrothed to Lavender (love the name). Lavender teaches Austin how to behave in public and Austin teaches Lavender what is important in life. SPOILER: The head matron who shamed Lavender and her father gets her comeuppance in the end. Thank you, Ms. Barwood for an excellent book.April 30, 2024
M***********n
excellent
Martha – Great work. Your books get better and better and better!!! Thank you for a brand new story line and wonderful character with wit and charm. What’s not to love.April 29, 2024
D*********************e
Extraordinarily wonderful story
Lavender and Lord Derby – vastly entertaining enthralling enchanting and page-turning excitement encased with a uniquely different approach and storyline. So many stories are the same ol same ol that it’s a treasure to read a story that’s fabulously unique. I loved their gradually growing friendship that evolved into love. I loved it! Note to author: Please, discontinue using God’s name. Thank you.April 28, 2024
M**B
Love this book
I will be honest here and tell you I almost gave up and quit this book (I can’t even remember why now) I am so glad I kept going because the more I read the better this book got. Earl of Derby and Lady Lavender both went to this arranged marriage for their own reasons. He needed money to restore his estate and she wanted his Title neither wanted love but sometimes what we don’t want turns out to be exactly what we need and if we’re lucky it’s what we get. Find out how this wonderful book meets both of these. Highly recommend.April 28, 2024
E****n
A awesome Book!
I loved the characters! I am an arch reader for Martha and she is a wonderful talented writer. I love that the merchant’s daughter got her happy ending with the Earl and that the Earl turned out to fall in love with his betrothed.April 28, 2024
L******e
Austin and Lavenders Love Story
I really enjoyed this romance, which I thought was quite original. It included drama, gossip, issues from childhood, a need for a title, plotting, schemes, a desire for revenge, jealousy, and a lot of humor and much wit. The main characters were very set in their ways in the beginning, so it was interesting to watch their personal growth by the end. The best part was how true love evolved into a beautiful and happy ending. I highly recommend reading this lovely story!April 27, 2024
A**K
Enjoy!
Read the book looking for problems. Found none. Enjoyed it greatly.April 26, 2024
r*************d
Martha Barwood … A Convincing Arrangement with a Brute
This is a great story of one young girl’s plan and execution of revenge against the leading lady responsible for degrading her wealthy (but not noble) merchant deceased father. Her brother steps in to get a contract with a bastard Earl whose inherited estate is in poor repair to betroth his sister for advance payment of double her dowery and rehab of his residences. His handsome face is always marred by a frown and his manners are completely ‘un noble.’ But it’s certainly a recommended read!April 26, 2024
R*********e
Wish I could give this book 10 STARS!!
This book was engaging from start to finish. It was so hard to put down! Austin was raised as a gentleman but never felt like he fit in because he was illegitimate. He preferred brawling to going to society events. Lavender had plans to become the toast of the ton but she had no title. Her brother arranged their betrothal. Austin made things embarrassing from the start for Lavender. I thought there was no way the author could make the match work in a convincing way but she did and it was a beautiful and sometimes hilarious love story to read! The characters were well fleshed out which really drew me in. The romantic moments were breathtaking while remaining clean! The tender moments between Austin and Lavender at the end of the book were so sweet. I just did not want this book to end! This is the best book Martha Barwood has ever written and I cannot begin to express how much I loved it! A must read!!April 24, 2024
L*******d
A great read
This was a great story! Lady Lavender wants to get revenge on the ton for shaming her father years ago. Austin, Earl of Derby, is penniless and wants nothing to to with society because is mother was looked down on for not being born into the nobility. A marriage is arranged between the two and they learn that the other is not what they seem at first glance. An engaging story and the dialogue between the main characters is delightful!April 24, 2024
C************y
Lovely tale!
A truly enjoyable story… the Earl of Derby only want someone with money to help him save his estate. Miss Latrice is nothing like what he expected. Surprises abound.April 23, 2024
L************y
Couldn’t put down once a started reading
Loved the book kept enthralled with the characters! I read it one day !April 23, 2024
E****************y
A great read
This book Will hold your interest. It starts out with an adventure in mind. You Can already tell from the very first page that it’s going to be an interesting story. Once you read the prologue, you won’t want to put it down.April 22, 2024
W***********r
Great pace!
I enjoyed the pace of this book. It had me reading steadily without rushing or skipping parts. There was just the right amount of description & not too much that I wanted to skip ahead to just find out what was happening. The storyline was inticing & kept me coming back for more. I enjoy reading this author & always come back for the next book.April 22, 2024
D*********i
Revenge
I absolutely loved this book. She was an extremely determined and strong person. Revenge was the goal. He thought that he needed no one but he needed money so he took the deal. Neither liked each other but fell in love. Naturally. But it was so much fun watching them get to that point. I loved this book just as much the second time around XOXOApril 22, 2024
B********a
Great novel
This is a great book to read I really enjoyed this storyline this is a very well written page turner I really enjoyed reading this bookApril 21, 2024
c**********3
Romance
Well written. Love the characters.April 21, 2024
J***e
Loved It
Really liked this book. Easy entertaining read.April 21, 2024
T*********s
A Convincing Arrangement with a Brute: A Historical Regency Romance Book (Deals of Marriage 4)
It was a good book. It was a page turner and the suspense was intense. I was on the verge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. The chemistry and physical attraction between them was sensational of energy. Was love in the cards for him as the romance will bond them together forever. I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina JonesApril 21, 2024
L***********s
An arranged marriage? But who is chasing after who?
A good story line that is not like all the other regency books. Ms Lavendar is certainly not a happy person about her betrothed, however he needs his bride and she needs him. This book had me turning pages to see their outcome and it was do good!April 21, 2024
J*d
Good read!
Miss Lavender wanted to get back at the ton for shaming her father. Marring a titled man was part of her plan.. Unbeknownst to her her brother arranged a betrothal to the Earl of Derby, a penniless brute who needed her dowry to save his estate. This is a fun love story. The banter between Lavender and Austin is hilarious. I enjoyed this story very much.April 21, 2024
r**e
A Convincing Arrangement with a Brute
A very good read, the Earl of Derby and Lady Lavender two people living away from Society for different reasons come together. I really liked the way their relations progressed to a happily ever after. I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.April 21, 2024
