A Deal with a Cruel Earl: A Historical Regency Romance Novel (Regency Expedient Marriages Book 6)
You want an arranged marriage, not one of love, so why would I be any different to my sister? I come with the same dowery. Why not me?
A monster haunts Rycroft Hall. Everyone knows that. But when Prudy is forced to marry Hall’s somber tenant, she quickly learns that the scarred Earl is a man to run from but the one who might need saving…
Prudy’s father has always been obsessed with growing his social influence. So, when the local Marquess is ready to sell off his nephew to the highest bidder, Jasper Copperwell is first in line to trade in his daughter. But Prudy’s sister Catherine is so very in love with another. How can she allow her dearest companion to give up everything she adores to be married to the haunting spectre that lurks around Rycroft Hall.
Claiming the bridal veil for herself, Prudy has no idea what to expect from the gothic manor on the hill, its skulking master or the threat that hunts women in the woods. One thing she does know, however, is that no-one is born a monster. Perhaps if she can unpick the horrors that have moulded Gideon Rycroft into a creature of the night, she can find a way to make this marriage work. What she doesn’t expect is that she might be the one who needs to change and grow, if she is to heal the man whom she is coming to love…
*If you like powerful characters, loving Duchesses, and a marvelous depiction of the majestic Regency and Victorian era, this is the novel for you.
It is an enchanting regency romance of 66,000 words.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.
Grab A Deal with a Cruel Earl today to discover this fantastic love story!
Customer Reviews
B***********t
fantastic
I haven’t enjoyed a book like this for a long time, just could not put it down, was still awake at 1-15 am. ,April 7, 2025
R*****d
Great
I read every book in this series. Easy.November 13, 2024
K**********************************************************************.
A good read.
Enjoyed this story, would recommend it to people who like this era. A bit rushed at the end, but this is always the way of these tales.October 3, 2024
B**e
It’s ok. No romance
The story was pretty good, but it wasn’t very romantic. A clean book is good, but a lot of authors tend to think the only way to keep it clean is to treat the main characters like they are only friends. The same happened here. Supposedly they fall in love, but I’m not sure when or how that even happened. By the end, I was getting good pal vibes. No passion, no romance. One shared kiss at the very end. If it’s a romance, I actually want to read some romance. I want to feel the characters falling in love. Some tension, some longing, some gravitational pull. A stolen kiss or an unintended caress. That would have been nice. Also, the mystery of what was going on in the house was good, but it would have been great if there had been more build up on that.September 25, 2024
K**************************.
A Deal with a Cruel Earl
Very good book! Loved the storyline and how they come to be more comfortable with each other. I would have liked to see more romance between the two main characters, but it was still a good book.August 17, 2024
K*************r
4.5 stars
I loved the story, it is totally compelling, a touch of humour, mystery, drama, and love. Half a star was deducted for missing words but apart from that the writing was wonderful. I certainly recommend tis book.August 12, 2024
A********e
A Deal with a Cruel Earl
This book is a quick read. It holds your attention from the beginning to the end of the book. The plot is wonderfully laid out.August 1, 2024
J*********r
Love Can Grow from Many Situations
Spoiler alert. Good story, believable characters, a little predictable, but some surprises along the way. The only problem I have with “Clean” stories is that they go from a marriage of true convenience to the end with a family on the way. There is no consideration for solidifying the marriage contract, no mention of tender care and then a family. Seems there should be a balance.July 23, 2024
M***e
Delightful
I had no idea how Prudy would be as a main character. She is totally wonderful. The husband, scarred by the war, is harder to understand.July 18, 2024
M**E
A MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE
An arranged married with the injured, reclusive Gideon Rycroft and Miss Prudence Copperwell doesn’t start off very well when the groom leaves without her after the wedding. Prudy isn’t one to give up and and soon follows. Rumors of a monster implicate her husband after the disappearance of a local girl. Defending her husband, Prudy thinks their marriage is doomed, until she finds herself in need of rescue. A nice quick read. Clean romance.July 16, 2024
D**********t
A good read!!
My first of her books, and I really enjoyed it!! I can’t wait to start on another one of her books!!July 11, 2024
K****************************S
Good, but
Definitely lacking. This is really a 3.5 rating for me because there wasn’t enough romance. Only one kiss at the very end of the book. I’m all for clean romance, but I like some heat. A few steamy kisses would have done the trick.July 9, 2024
K*************r
Things Are Not What They Seem
Prudy waa under appreciate d in her home so she accepted a marriage of convenience to save her sister from losing her love. The severely war wounded earl was a hermit until Prudy brought happiness to his lifeJuly 4, 2024
L******u
great story
I really like this author she writes well and usually her books have very few editing errors this one however was like stubbing my toe and the story stopped every so often starting at 4% and going all thru the book. Please keep the good writing and take a better look at the editing.June 27, 2024
j*****s
Gothic intrigue
Prudence strikes a deal to save her sister’s heart and ends up losing her own. A little mystery and gothic intrigue makes a great read. Great clean romance!June 24, 2024
A*************r
A wonderful story to read.
I loved the way Prudy dared to follow her heart. Because of her caring, healing began in her Earl.June 23, 2024
e***********************.
Perfect
What a beautiful love story. Prudy loving her sister and saving her from a life of lovelessness, finding her own happiness through her sacrifice. Gideon, so proud and sad, but, Prudy’s hero.June 23, 2024
r*************d
Dorothy Sheldon … A Deal with a Cruel Earl: (Regency Expedient Marriages Book 6)
I enjoyed this book because I liked the plain Prudy. Don’t call her Prudence, she says, ’cause everybody knows she does not recognize or know how to practice that virtue. She renegotiated her father’s and Gideon’s uncle’s betrothal contract right before them, substituting herself for her older sister who was already in love. When Gideon agreed, she did not understand that it was because he never really intended for his ‘wife’ to want to live with him in his home. Prudy is honest and brave and sets out to be an ‘excellent’ wife to the scarred ex-soldier who has become a recluse in his mansion in the thick forest. This story tells of exactly how Prudy proves herself as Lady Rycroft first to the servants, then to the tenants and town folk and finally to Lord Rycroft himself. Recommended.June 22, 2024
C*******a
Nice
The story was pleasant but not surprising.June 21, 2024
e***5
A Deal With A cruel Earl
I enjoyed most of the book. Really liked the H/h. I didn’t like the wedding at the end and felt the ending was abrupt. There was no extended epilogue!June 21, 2024
C******F
Excellent Author
Highly recommend this bookJune 20, 2024
O****************s
A Deal with a Cruel Earl
This book is a swoon worthy romance but with life lessons. One should not make assumptions about others, nor should one judge a person strictly on looks. Good story!June 20, 2024
M***********n
very good
Enjoyed this book immensely. Interesting characters, very interesting storyline and great drama, mystery and healing, it seems it was very good all round.June 20, 2024
B*****************r
A MUST READ!!!!!
Oh my goodness, what a ride this has been, reading the story of Prudy and Gideon! From the first few pages, til the very last, Dorothy Shelton filled each one with intrigue, mystery and excitement! What two characters they are! From Prudy’s early action of selflessness, to Gideon’s final admission, the pages kept turning as quickly as they could. I cannot wait until her next creation!June 19, 2024
cd
4 1/2 stars
I enjoyed this rather Gothic regency tale. The earl is not friendly. He’s a war hero with many types of scars. She’s a wallflower and a follower. Her character grows and she finds her strength. I liked the story, overall. I was disappointed in the Americanisms and I am an American. It was the only reason I took a half star away. This is a perfect book if you subscribe to Kindle unlimited. It was entertaining and enjoyable.June 18, 2024
K*************r
Fast read
Pretty predictable.. Not much new in the storyline but a nice fast read to wile away some time. Gideon and Prudy will make it…June 17, 2024
A*********p
Enthralling Historical Read
If you’re looking for a good clean historical read then this is definitely the book for you. The author drew me in on the first page and kept me turning the pages with her measures of angst, mystery, the push and pull of clash and harmony between the couples’ personalities, and curveballs that I never saw coming. This is not usually my cup of tea but I was delightfully surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Definitely worth giving it a chance!June 17, 2024
P***a
Knowing someone good makes you love him
Prude and Gideon had a hard time of it… Though it was Gideon mostly that stood at n the way you of his own happiness. Sometimes anger, hurt, uncertainty talks and not the man within, the secret person of the heart. It was interesting to see how true concern on the part of his new , but unwanted wife, were able to break the chains of his self-doubt. Ab interesting read into the deaths of the human heart!June 16, 2024
C*m
So GOOD!
I loved Prudence! She is so strong and full of love. I loved watching her growth. What a great regency romance!June 15, 2024
A*********r
Great plot
I loved this book! I love a good strong leading lady, and this book didn’t disappoint! I loved reading about the inner strength the earl had and how they brought out the best in each other. Ending was perhaps a bit predictable, but that’s what we love about regency romances, right?June 15, 2024
M***n
Sweet Clean Romace
Loved this novel from Dorthy! The heroine, Prudy, is a real treat to read about-feisty and full of spunk. The hero, Gideon, is terribly scarred from the war (both mentally and physically). Although they are in an arranged marriage where Gideon wants nothing to do with her, Prudy is determined to find her place as Lady Rycroft and win her husband’s heart.June 15, 2024
KB
Great Story
Wonderful story, loved it!June 14, 2024
K***i
Throughly enjoyed
Great story. Intriguing and suspenseful. So many overlooked clues.June 14, 2024
B**********r
Fantastic Story
I really enjoyed Prudy and Gideon learning to know each other and the mystery of the supposed monster; though I figured out everything before the end of the book; I received an ARC from the author but this review is my ownJune 14, 2024
a*******a
Id he a beast?
He is considered as a beast.After the war he had a broken body and a broken spirit..She was immature but lived her sister so she married him instead of her sister. And then ahe matured and changed her childish behaviour and he started to feel more comfortable with people. A very interesting story with an unexpected villainJune 14, 2024
B************i
Great story of two people
This author never disappoints. I loved the story of Prudy and Gideon and as in all the author’s books, the story is great, the characters are wonderful and she describes the scenery and the time in history to be enjoyable. Like in other books by the author, the woman character is a strong one not a wimpy damsel in distress and that’s probably why I read all of her books. In this one particular, she didn’t get into the London season and the dresses that women wore, it was more of the main characters and their lives. Very well written, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more of the authors.June 14, 2024
K*************r
Interesting Characters with a Dangerous Situation
I really enjoyed the characters – both of whom were not typical for the gentry of that time. And, all the while something sinister is going on and the locals want to blame the Earl because of his eccentricities. It is a very engaging story with a happy ending. The story is creative and well-written.June 13, 2024
D******n
Working Through Self Issues
Prudy’s considers herself the plain sister, but she is not jealous of her sister. She wants the best for her. Then one-night Prudy overheard her father telling Catherine she is to marry a man she has never seen and considered a monster of Rycroft Hall. She knew her sister was in love with another and tried to talk to her father but to no avail. So, when Simon came to meet Catherine, Prudy took a chance and offered herself to be his bride. He really didn’t care as he didn’t want to marry either, but he liked the spunk Prudy had to offer herself instead and he agree. After a conventual ceremony Prudy found herself married and he left her to return home with she could follow him or not. He did not care. Prudy followed to see what see could make of this marriage. As she slowly works herself into his life and heart rumors are made of Simon. She knew he couldn’t have done the things they were claiming, but he was really pushing her away because he was afraid for her. Simon’s war injuries made him isolate himself and with the rumors of the monster of Rycroft Hall and made it easy to make him the subject of the crime. ARC ReviewJune 13, 2024
c**********3
Romance
Well written. Love the characters.June 13, 2024
l********r
She married to save her sister
A tormented earl, blackmailed to marry and a young girl sacrificing herself for her sister, make an unlikely pairing. When we add in an obsessed man, tales of monsters, an abduction and rumours, we have an entertaining tale. As the story comes to its conclusion we can breathe a sigh of relief that all came together as it should.,June 12, 2024
J*************s
I loved Prudence and Gideon’s story!
“You’re going to propose another candidate for the role of Lady Rycroft?” he prompted, not quite able to hold back a mirthless smile. “Yes, I am,” Miss Prudence huffed. “Why not me?” “Very well, then,” Gideon said aloud. “I’ll marry you, Miss Prudence.” “Feel free to join me at Rycroft Hall whenever you like, wife,” Lord Rycroft had told her, leaning out of the carriage window. “I’m in no hurry, and I’m sure you aren’t, either.” “Whenever I like?” Prudy had repeated, feeling awkward. “Yes, and that includes never.” Once again… Dorothy writes yet another regency romance that is impossible to put down. You HAVE TO read this story! Gideon the Lord of Rycroft has been set to marry Catherine, Prudence’s sister. But when Prudence finds out that Catherine is already seeing and in love with another man, she steps in to take her place. Its a marriage of convenience so WHO marries the Lord shouldn’t matter. Except there are rumors around Rycroft hall of a monster and ghosts. And her husband is very much a recluse that has no interest in even getting to know her. So he is quite shocked when she moves in and makes herself at home. He has scars, emotional and physical but she’s determined to try to at least get to know who she married. BUT as his walls are slowly starting to come down a scandal near to woods of there home has him as the main suspect. Is her husband the monster? And will he ever consider her staying with him in Rycroft and consider giving their marriage an honest try? And why is the way he is… what has made him so closed up in the first place?! Is there any truth to all the rumors surrounding Rycroft Hall?June 12, 2024
M******************a
A strong woman for a scarred Marquess
I love this novel so much because of the strong female protagonist, Lady Prudence; a true woman of substance and character, with courage and grit to add to her list of virtues. It was not difficult to admire and love such a well-defined and molded character. Aiming to free her beloved sister from an unwanted arranged marriage, Lady Prudence offers herself as the sacrificial lamb for her father’s ambitions. This is reminiscent of Georgette Heyer’s A Convenient Marriage, although Lady Prudence is more sensible and wise than Heyer’s Countess Lady Horatia. Determined to make her arranged marriage work, she perseveres in drawing her mysterious husband, Lord Gideon Rycroft, out of his darkness. In the process, she falls in love with the brooding and scarred Earl, who continues to push her away. As a sinister force comes to their estate, Lord Gideon must come to terms with the realization that his wife is someone who he truly needs and wants in his life before he loses her, and pushing her away will only result to indescribable pain. One of the downside to this story is the somewhat weaker male hero as compared to the strong female lead. One can’t help but fall in love with her, without necessarily falling in love with him. It’s as if Lord Gideon didn’t really deserve a lady of quality such as Lady Prudence until the end when he saves her from impending doom. The ending is satisfactory but the romance is rather lacking and lackluster. A 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4, this is still an enjoyable read.June 12, 2024
G**********y
Absolutely loved this book
What a wonderful story. Totally enjoyed reading the story and didn’t want to put it down. Great plot twistJune 11, 2024
M****e
No love, no lust, no longing!
I definitely enjoyed the quick pace of the story. It wasn’t the usual get a proper match and live in misery. It was a loving sister compelled to sacrifice her life for her sister to marry the man she loved. The Earl was not cruel, but war ravaged. He condemned himself to solitude, but she brought light into his life. A beautiful and charming love story.June 11, 2024
R*********e
Hard to put down!
Prudy loves her sister so much that she offers herself in marriage in her place because her sister is in love with someone. Gideon is a deeply wounded man; whether more so physically or mentally, it is hard to tell. His loved ones have nearly given up hope that he will ever mentally recover who he was before the war changed him. Prudy brings life back to the estate and finally brings Gideon, slowly, back to life as well. The story is well paced, beautifully written and I love all the thunderstorms! (Traditional gothic romantic suspense lover here!) Looking forward to the next book from Dorothy Sheldon!June 11, 2024
T******.
This a wonderful story of Gideon and Prudy.
This book caught me early on. I could not put it down today. I love it. Gideon had been severely hurt in the war. He had scars, a limp that required him to use a cane. He didn’t sleep at night bec of the nightmares of the war that had nearly killed him and was frequently cruel bec of the to keep prople away. Gideon was being forced to wed by his uncle bec he wanted an heir, and he thought he might help Gideon to take his life back. Prudy’s father tried to force his oldest daughter to marry, but she was in love w someone else. Prudy volunteered to marry Gideon instead. Gideon was so physically and emotionally scared that he didn’t want to let anyone near him. What I love about Historical Regency Romance is that there is no sex while dating. An arranged marriage did not involve sex in the beginning. This gave the couple time to actually fall in love. Prudy was such a strong woman that she refused to give up on Gideon. She was herself, and Gideon had time to get to know her. It took a lot of courage and patience for Prudy to just be herself. The story has a great ending.June 11, 2024
L****h
A beauty and beast type story
I enjoy Sheldon’s books and a good beauty and the beast stories. This one was good but it had a slow start. The first chapter was difficult keeping my attention but afterwards it began to pick up. Prudy was a determined lady that didn’t easily back down. Gideon preferred being alone with his pain and scars. Both grew in maturity and relationship.June 11, 2024
E****************y
A great book
A wonderful day’s worth of reading. You will love Prudy and the mystery surrounding her.June 10, 2024
B**********s
There’s a mystery here!
A Deal With a Cruel Earl – I couldn’t put this one down! Prudy saves Catherine, but is Gideon really the cruel Earl? It’s a mystery you will really enjoy.June 10, 2024
T******s
A new storyline!
After reading so many historical novels, romantic or otherwise, I love that this story was unique, and that the woman actually determined her fate!! As always, happy endings abound, but this story had great detail and great character development. You could almost feel the same emotions as the characters! It was a great read!!June 10, 2024
J*d
Good read!
Prudy loves her sister and would do anything for her. When her parents arranged for Catherine to marry the scared Earl knowing she was in love with someone else Prudy chose to marry him herself saving her sister from a loveless marriage. This is a sweet love story with a bit of intrigue throw in. Watch out for Isaac Bates. He may not be as he seems.June 10, 2024
S*H
Mystery, Danger, and Romance
This book has the vibe of a good gothic romance. Despite beginning as a marriage of convenience, Gideon and Prudy weave their way to a true love match. Mystery, danger, and evil abound, which adds nicely to the story and gives us a puzzle to work out. This clean, sweet romance is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone.June 10, 2024
C***n
A good mystery
Prudy saves her sister from an arranged marriage with a deformed Earl, who everyone thinks is a monster. A girl goes missing near the Earl’s property and is accused of the crime by gossipers. Is he really at fault? Can their marriage survive the pressure when it started on shaky ground? A good book that I read quickly to find out what happened. 4.5 stars.June 10, 2024
Jo
Interesting
A very used plot of marrying off one’s child to gain social status Prudy takes the place of her sister and ends up with Gideon and his secrets. A bit of a twist on both family and power. Engaging and fun to read.June 10, 2024
r**e
Ghost or not
Very well written story by this author. Full of love, drama, action, war injuries, fun, mystery, society, fears, judgements, abuse, romance and kidnappings. Prudy is the daughter and a sister to a family that is controlled by her father. He wants to make a marriage agreement for his older daughter who is in love with an unsuitable man. Gideon is an Earl but to inherit a title of Marquess when his Uncle passes. He is also being forces to marry the older sister who doesn’t want to marry him. Prudy is in the room when both he and his Uncle arrive to meet Catherine. She is being forced to do her duty , unable to meet his eyes or even look at him. Prudy speaks up and offers herself looking right at Gideon and not shuddering at his features. Gideon takes her up on that and they will marry. Lots of strange things happen on her way to her new home. She has heard the stories about monsters and much more that are attached to the woods and house that she will be mistress of. Has lots of action and mystery in this book. So much so that it’s hard to put down and even when done, leaves you wanting more of their story. A great book to enjoy. Would strongly recommend to everyone. I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.June 10, 2024
A*************r
Nice change
I really liked the different setting, not the balls, although I do like those too. Also the plot was different. Give it 4 1/2 starsJune 10, 2024
