This was Karen Thornell’s first full-length novel, and before reading this I had read both of her novellas and loved them!

I really felt for Kate and the situation her father put her in, and I loved James’s character and the way he tried to win Kate’s trust. I loved all the characters, and the humor and banter throughout! The plot was engaging, and there was even a twist at the end that completely surprised me! I would say more, but I don’t want to ruin I for you 😉 Overall, I really enjoyed this book! If you enjoy regency and love a good romance, then I highly recommend it!

Since reading this book in 2021, I have since read every book Karen Thornell has published! She has become one of my favorite indie authors, and her books are ones that I always enjoy!

Due to some health issues, I was unable to get this book read and reviewed in a timely manner. I apologize.

I love an endearing second chance love story. Kate and James once knew each other, but he disappeared and her despicable father is marrying her off to the highest bidder.

Although he has numerous chances to do so, James just can't quite confess that he's the Earl who won Kate's hand in marriage, but I loved watching them reconnect and fan the sparks of their previous friendship in a gradual and natural way.

The mysterious, threatening letters that keep appearing enshrouded this romance with a veil of suspense. Light, sweet, and delightful, this book was a fun escape.

Content: mild romance; controlling father; mild moments of peril

Regency Love at its Finest
Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2021
This story truly has so much heart! Karen Thornell does an amazing job of connecting you to her wonderful characters and making you cheer for them every step of the way.

I truly enjoyed getting to know Kate and James. Who were childhood friends torn apart by misunderstanding.

Kate has never seen herself worthy of love, nor feels the emotion worth her time. "Emotions are too much work." Is her mentality. But could her resolve crumble when she is faced with an engagement to her dearest childhood friend? One she thought abandoned her?

James has never forgotten Kate. Despite his rollercoaster of circumstances. So when faced with the opportunity to be her saving grace he can not help but step in. Honorable gentleman that he is. But how do you explain to someone you love that you abandoned them because of that love? Lies are no grounds upon which to start a marriage. Even a forced marriage.

I loved learning and growing with Kate and James. It was wonderful to see them get past their insecurities and to find love in the end. Learning to trust and keeping an open heart are big messages in this tale. There is a fun mystery added to the mix, to spice up this Regency read. Though I wished there had been a little more unity between the couple in facing their dilemma at the end, it all worked together to a beautiful HEA. And I am looking forward to more from Karen Thornell in the future. Her writing is truly a delight.

Rating: PG-sweet romance/kisses, mild danger

I did receive a complimentary ARC to review, but all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This was a very sweet romance with a couple of flaws. First off, spoiler alert I very much dislike when a character pretends to be someone they are not, and he pretended for way too long. And honestly she was a little slow to not pick up on it sooner. I also dislike when the two love interests just don't talk to each other and 'dwell' on their issues in their thoughts for so long. We were too much in her head. I really enjoyed the side characters and hope for future stories to be flushed out there. I was glad for the second chance romance, because that is my favorite type, which redeemed it in my mind. But overall, this is one of those books, that is light, fun, easy to read and if you don't take it too seriously you'll enjoy it.

This is a historical romance with a father who can’t control his gambling. As expected debts come a calling and he needs quick money. What better way to get said money then to “auction” your daughter off to the highest bidder. Sometimes I think horses were treated better at Tattersalls than women on the marriage mart! Although the story is good I just couldn’t get invested in the story.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book 🦄

3 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

There was nothing really memorable here. There were more thoughts than actual dialogue between the characters. I never felt the connection because they were never connecting...just thinking.

I loved this book! The characters were so well written and charming. The story had a lot of emotional depth. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

A delight of realness with stocks of historical details, I just adore the way their romance played out!
I can totally understand her struggles with her father & how helpless she's been, it happens more often than not in real life too

But guys! The suspense in the romance, the way she reacts when she realizes her arranged husband was her long last friend, more increasingly how they got together in helping her adjust and how he looked out for her
Their dreams & goals were simple yet fulfilling, drawing our heart's deepest desire to love & be loved, to have a family, raise children 💙

This suspenseful historical romance has wonderful characters. The story moves quickly and I could not put it down until I finished it. It was a delightful read.

To Marry an Earl is a debut novel by Karen Thornell (published in 2021). For so long, I have said I don't like historical fiction, but I am finding that I enjoy Regency novels and historical fiction with hints of humor. To Marry an Earl falls into both of those categories.

This story captivated me from the opening scene and turned into a book that I did not want to put down to get other things done. I liked Katherine and could not believe what her father put her through. The back cover describes him as "atrocious," but that does not even begin to describe him. Despite her upbringing, Katherine is a strong character and attempts to make the most out of her situation.

James is a likable hero. He is kind and goes above and beyond for Katherine. His biggest fault is not being honest with Katherine when they meet up after being apart for years.

I appreciated the author's hints of humor in the story. The following lines are a small sample that made me snicker (keep in mind the time period is 1812):

"The feeling of being on a horse was the closest she imagined mankind would ever come to flying. If she could have released her hands and raised them about her head, she might have."

While To Marry an Earl might be a debut novel, the story flows seamlessly, giving off the air of a seasoned writer. Thornell wove a wonderful story of romance, mystery, intrigue, with doses of humor. I highly recommend this one to anyone who enjoys Regency romances and historical fiction.

★★★⭑/5

Romance, sweet, period;
Kate and Jame's story is a sweet romance, some deception (for a good cause), and some misunderstandings, mixed in with some bits of the past and present, that combines to make a lovely sweet romance, with a bit of intrigue.
Kate's family, her overbearing father, her ill mother, and all the circumstances surrounding her being offered to the highest bidder, was so sadly tragic. Kate, trying to understand her new future with a man she doesn't know, comes to his house party. James, who Kate only knows from the past as an impoverished young man, is the new Earl, (view spoiler).
Sweet tender moments as they reconnect, which also make Kate frustrated, and worried (as she believes James is not her fiance). The moments of concern with the threatened harm, the moments of joy as James takes Kate under his protection, and then finally reveals his secret/deception, which confuses and upsets her all combine to keep them not quite in a HEA.
This portrait of Kate, struggling with her issues of trust, and James with his longstanding affection and devotion to her, surrounded by a strong cast of supporting characters made for a lovely read.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.

Period drama, sweet love story with a bit of mystery. Had the beloved romantic trope of childhood friends about to marry, for convenience/love. Additionally it is well written, following the speech of the period.

About the main characters:
Kate - Bright girl that despite awful dad and sheltered life was happy in her childhood with her only friend, until he that left without any explaining or warning. Now on the age for marriage awaits for a good opportunity for a better life.

James - From a commoner background, trying to do do the right thing despite the hurdles in his life. In a unexpected turn ends up with a earl title and the chance to “purchase” the bride of his dreams with his one only childhood love.

Would recommend it for a light romance read, where you get a bit more them you have bargained.

Finally, I wish we could learn a bit about some side characters, like Julia, Henry and Lucas. Maybe a side story?? Sequel?

Yes - read it.

I enjoyed the story. Always like when you hope for the best for characters and a HEA ending is what I love to read. There was a bit of a mystery that kept me wondering as I read.

I received an ARC from Netgalley to help me prepare my honest review.

This was an enjoyable story. My heart ached for Kate and the abuse she had suffered at the hands of her father. I did have to keep reminding myself of that throughout the story as she continued to mistrust everyone, especially James. So much could have been solved with some simple communication, but when you've spent your whole life not able to trust those closest to you, that communication isn't so simple after all.
A sweet, clean read and I look forward to reading more from this author.

Oxfordshire, 1812. When her bullying and indebted father not only insists she marry at once without a dowry but also announces he will accept the highest bid for her hand, Lady Kate Cartwright is understandably devastated. Fortunately for her, the successful suitor is the recently elevated Earl of Bowcott, who turns out be to be a young man with whom she reached an understanding years earlier. Despite the mercenary circumstances, James still cares for her and acts to save her from a much worse rival. Prospects for a happy marriage are promising, but complications arise: errors in judgment are compounded by misunderstandings, mistrust, and mysterious threatening notes.

As is often the case in romances, the failure to be honest about their true feelings leads to heartache, but the protagonists have other flaws as well: Kate is insecure and fearful of lowering her emotional barriers; and though well-intentioned, James has difficulty reassuring his skittish bride-to-be. Though it provides a warning of the psychological damage resulting from parental abuse, their relationship becomes rather frustrating, for the readers as well as the engaged couple.

Those who can empathize with distressed heroines and inept heroes will find much to appreciate.

HNR Issue 98 (November 2021)
https://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/to-marry-an-earl/

This was a light hearted read. It' was a pleasant way to pass the time. The pacing of the story was a little slow.

Katherine and James... This was my first novel that I have read from Karen Thornell, but I believe she will be one I wait with anticipation for each book of hers that comes out. This was a great book that I thoroughly enjoyed. Try this wonderful book if you are looking for a journey into a historical novel that has twists and turns but a great ending.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

I really enjoyed To Marry an Earl . It was a great way to be introduced to Karen Thornell's books. I am giving it four and a half stars. .

Charming and engaging regency novel with a delicious couple, intriguing plot and fantastic story, I highly recommend it!