Oliver’s Opinion: The Earl’s Ultimatum (Book Review)

My mom loves Regencies, with her original fondness for Georgette Heyer (but not the omniscient point of view).  She’s written many regencies herself! You cand find them on this blog. But this isn’t about her writing. When she started reading The Earl’s Ultimatum by Judy Hut she asked me this question: “Why didn’t I get to edit this book? It’s wonderful!”

Judy Hut does deliver a lovely story in The Earl’s Ultimatum. A friends to lovers trope that feels fresher than Emma by Jane Austen and with far more depth of insight into the character’s inner thoughts. Perhaps more than what would originally have been true of the culture at the time (but who knows? She wasn’t there!). Still the characters are lively and fleshed out well and the interactions are refreshing. There are deep backstories slowly revealed including deep grief and loss. The motivations feel true and real.

Andrew is a viscount and his father is forcing him to marry in order to secure an heir. Andrew’s brother had died but not before leaving the woman he’d long to wed, pregnant with his child. In order to secure his brother’s inheritance for the child, Andrew must reluctantly acquiece to his father’s manipulations, leaving him angry and frustrated as he enters the marriage mart in London.

Lucy Grant is five years late to the marriage mart and not interested in finding a mate. Encountering Andrew, however, she finds a friend amongst the ton, which is not a done thing during that time period, but they are careful. She finds herself pursued but not engaged by another man which seems to illicit strange reactions in Andrew even though he’s courting someone himself. It seems that only with each other can they be truly themselves.

As the story progresses with their parallel courtships, both begin to realize they are settling for something much less than they deserve. I won’t give away the plot points and deny you the pleasure of the journey these two protagonists take, but to find healing form the past and a way to forgiveness is not an easy path. They are blessed with wonderful friends who support them on their journey.

There are a few twists and turns that Andrew needs to navigate before he can settle into a future of love and joy but Judy Hunt is masterful in her telling of the story and helping the reader care deeply about the outcome for Andrew and Lucy… as well as her friends.

The only thing my mom was disappointed with was that the author quickly wrapped up another two romances in the story that could have, on their own, made for lovely storytelling in a novel or novella, but either way, the reader will finish this book with a sigh of delight at the happily-ever-after ending. The devotional at the end, inserted by the publisher, makes personal application of the truths in this story which is wonderful.

So do my mom a favor, and pick up a copy of Judy Hut’s The Earl’s Ultimatum. You won’t regret it. I give it five bones because I’m a dog. I like bones. You’ll love this story.

Oliver trying to help mom with book reviews.