A Convincing Arrangement with a Brute
by Martha Barwood
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.
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Martial Peak Reviews
Martha Barwood's A Convincing Arrangement with a Brute is a compelling exploration of societal norms, personal redemption, and the transformative power of love. Set against the backdrop of a rigid class system, the novel deftly navigates the intricacies of human relationships, offering readers a nuanced portrayal of characters caught between personal desires and societal expectations.
At the heart of the story is Austin Thomas, the Earl of Derby, a character who embodies the quintessential "brute" archetype. His gruff exterior and reclusive lifestyle are a direct response to a society that has marginalized him due to his mother's servant origins. Barwood skillfully crafts Austin's character, allowing readers to see beyond his rough demeanor to the vulnerabilities and insecurities that lie beneath. His journey from a hermit to a man capable of love and connection is both believable and deeply satisfying.
Contrasting Austin is Miss Lavender Latrice, a woman driven by a singular ambition to ascend the social ladder that once scorned her family. Lavender's character is a study in determination and resilience. Her initial obsession with status and nobility is not merely a superficial desire but a deeply rooted need to reclaim her family's honor. Barwood's portrayal of Lavender is both empathetic and critical, allowing readers to understand her motivations while also questioning the cost of her ambitions.
The dynamic between Austin and Lavender is the novel's core, and Barwood excels in developing their relationship. What begins as a transactional arrangement gradually evolves into a complex emotional bond. The author takes her time to build this relationship, allowing it to unfold naturally and authentically. The gradual shift from mutual suspicion to understanding and affection is handled with a deft touch, making the eventual romance both inevitable and deeply rewarding.
One of the novel's most compelling themes is the exploration of societal class and the constraints it imposes on individuals. Barwood uses her characters to critique the rigid class structures of the time, highlighting the arbitrary nature of social status and the ways it can stifle personal growth and happiness. Austin's disdain for the society that rejected his mother and Lavender's desperation to be accepted by it serve as powerful commentaries on the limitations of a class-based system.
Barwood's writing is both evocative and precise, capturing the nuances of her characters' internal struggles and the societal pressures they face. Her prose is rich with detail, painting vivid pictures of the settings and emotions that drive the narrative. The dialogue is sharp and often laced with wit, providing insight into the characters' personalities and the dynamics of their relationships.
In comparison to other works in the historical romance genre, A Convincing Arrangement with a Brute stands out for its depth of character development and thematic complexity. While many romance novels focus primarily on the romantic plot, Barwood's work delves deeper, offering a more comprehensive exploration of its characters' inner lives and the societal forces that shape them. This depth is reminiscent of the works of authors like Lisa Kleypas and Mary Balogh, who similarly balance romance with rich character studies and social commentary.
Overall, A Convincing Arrangement with a Brute is a captivating read that offers both a satisfying romance and a thoughtful examination of societal norms. Barwood's ability to create complex, relatable characters and weave them into a narrative that challenges and entertains is a testament to her skill as a storyteller. For readers seeking a romance novel that offers more than just a love story, this book is a must-read.
In conclusion, Martha Barwood has crafted a novel that is as much about personal growth and societal critique as it is about romance. A Convincing Arrangement with a Brute is a testament to the power of love to transcend societal barriers and transform individuals. It is a story that will resonate with readers long after the final page is turned, leaving them to ponder the true nature of love and the courage it takes to defy societal expectations.
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