In this thrilling romance from award-winning author Sara Portman, the illegitimate son of a nobleman and a woman on the run chase their fate on the London Road . . . According to his father’s terms, Michael Roseyear’s duty is to be ignored—until such time as he is useful. Now that the earldom is in need of funds, Michael is to be sold off in marriage to the daughter of a crass but wealthy … of a crass but wealthy merchant willing to pay for any connection to nobility—even one from the wrong side of the blanket . . .
En route to his fate in London, Michael does not plan to board an extra passenger. Yet there is something in the young miss’s desperate plea that tugs at his conscience—though he is certain her story is a fabrication . . .
Juliana Crawford has fled her father’s cruel home. Using a false name to evade pursuit, she must find a private traveler with whom to complete her escape. Chance matches her with a dark and wounded young lord who guards his own secrets just as carefully. The unlikely pair embark on a journey filled with revelations and unexpected adventure—one that may lead them to question whether to part at their destination—or change course entirely. . .
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I thoroughly enjoy Ms. Portman’s books and “The Chase” does not disappoint. Michael Rosevear was born on the wrong side of the blanket and even though he is a recognized son, he is not close to his father. He manages a distant estate in Yorkshire, but must make his way to London when he is summoned by his father who has found a bride for him. If Michael wants the estate to finally be his, he must do as he is told. Juliana Crawford is running away from an abusive father and begs a ride to London from Michael even though it is most inappropriate for a young woman to do so. The mystery surrounding the young woman is more than Michael can let go.
Ms. Portman has a flair for teasing out the backgrounds for both Michael and Juliana. The growing attraction between these two was well-done and their romance was believable. The twists and turns in the book kept me turning the pages to the end. I only have a slight criticism in that I would have liked more of Michael and Juliana in the epilogue instead of Beadwell women. That chapter seemed a bit out of place in the story, but it was still a satisfying ending to the story.
The Chase by Sara Portman is the third book in The Brides of Beadwell series and my absolute favourite out of them all! I was completely hooked right from the beginning. I devoured this book! Michael and Juliana are two of the most intriguing characters! I instantly fell in love with them. The story is engaging and full of emotion and I was swept up into it all! This is a beautifully written, all consuming story. I absolutely loved it!!
I was so glad Juliana got her story and HEA! Loved that she took matters into her own hands to try and make a life. Micheal was the perfect hero to help save her. Loved how he was able to support and understand her situation!
This was an all-around lovely story about two characters who feel unloved by their families finding love and understanding with each other. Nothing complicated here, no confusing cast of characters…just a story of a woman’s bravery in escaping years of physical and mental abuse and the man who gives her confidence and unconditional love and support. I love these types of stories, and with The Reunion, The Offer and now this final chapter in the trilogy, Ms. Portman is fast becoming a new favorite author for me in this genre. She just keeps getting better and better, and I will definitely be watching for future offerings from her. Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC for review.
What happens when a young lady is terrified to be found by her father? She runs of course and tries to make her way to London. Left with little money and even fewer personal effects, Juliana Crawford hides out at a posting inn to find a kind soul who will allow her to travel with them. When she sees an elderly man with a cane, she feels her prayers have been answered! What she finds out is the man is really Michael Rosevear, the bastard son of an earl who was wounded in the war and uses his cane to steady himself. He is quite the opposite of old and infirm and tries to find out why Juliana is running. Tight lipped and cautious, she spouts many a falsehood until she gives brief answers that she is running from her father. Michael has his own problems. Going to London to marry a rich woman who his father has picked out., all Michael wants is to get back to his small estate and be left in peace. This is such an engaging story that will make you smile and want to shake Juliana at times to go ahead and tell Michael the truth ( and let the reader know too!) Michael travels with his dog Gelert, who also has his place in the story as Juliana is at first terrified of him. Throughout the journey the two become attracted to each other and reluctantly Michael leaves her at the solicitor’s office which was Juliana’s destination all along. They part ways, but all is not done yet!! Read this wonderful story to find out what happens. This is the third book in this series I have read by Sara Portman ( it can be read as a standalone book though) and have thoroughly enjoyed each one. Her stories are such that you will become engaged quickly with the characters and once the last page is turned, they will stay in your heart for awhile!!
The Chase by Sara Portman
Brides of Beadwell #3
A man traveling in a coach to London at the bequest of his father…
A woman traveling to London evading what she left behind and in need of a ride…
A hound named Gelert along for the ride…
When Juliana Crawford requests the assistance of Michael Rosevear he knows she has not been fully forthcoming when making her request but for some reason he takes her into the coach he is traveling in and thus begins a journey that will change both of their lives. As the trip begins conversation is limited since both have secrets to hold tight. As they travel there are setbacks and delays that must be dealt with. With each mile closer to London the more aware of one another they become and slowly more and more admiration is found by each for the other. The facts that are revealed shed new light on past beliefs both have held and the future they thought lay ahead just might actually prove to be better than either had thought it could be.
I enjoyed this story. I found the childhoods of both Juliana and Michael to have been difficult and their parents wanting so was happy that they found one another and were able to eventually find their way to a HEA that would provide so much more for them both. I have read all three books in the series and look forward to reading what this author decides to write next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books-Lyrical Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Michael Rosevear’s the illegitimate son of the Marquis of Rosevear. Michael has been living on his father’s estate in Yorkshire since being injured in the Peninsular Wars & he’s turned a neglected estate into a flourishing one & the place he calls. Now his father is in need of funds, Michael is to be sold off in marriage to the daughter of a crass but wealthy merchant willing to pay for any connection to nobility. En route to his fate in London, Michael does not plan to board an extra passenger. Yet there is something in the young miss’s desperate plea that tugs at his conscience–though he is certain her story is a fabrication. Juliana Crawford has fled her father’s cruel home. Using a false name Ana Crawley to evade pursuit, she must beg a lift to London. Chance matches her with a dark and wounded young lord who guards his own secrets just as carefully. The unlikely pair embark on a journey filled with revelations and unexpected adventure
This is the third part of the series but could be read on its own. I’ve been blown away by the earlier books & this is a worthy finale. The characterisation is so very good the characters have plenty of depth, Michael & Juliana are very likeable but both are determined to keep some secrets. The villains are cringe worthy & horrid. Alex is delightful & Gelert is the star of the book, the way Juliana goes from fearing him to having to touch him is lovely. The plot is well paced, it doesn’t lag but at times speeds up especially the accident & the encounter at the docks when I found myself totally engrossed. I’ve found myself another must read author & I look forward to her next book.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Sara Portman has been a delicious find. Her series, Brides of Beadwell, features strong heroines and compelling heroes. She does an excellent job of showing the different points of view — decisions that can seem cruel can make sense, depending on who is telling the story. The Chase is one of those wonderful road trip stories, where to dissimilar characters are thrown together and discover how much they truly have in common. I love the hero, Michael Rosevear, on the way to marry the woman of his choice to please his father — but more importantly, to win the estate he loves (0r so he thinks). The illegitimate son of a nobleman has quite a chip on his shoulder, and Portman explains his feelings well, all while showing he is has some misunderstandings to work through. The heroine, Juliana Crawford, is escaping a cruel home and is so desperate she will join a stranger in a carriage, just so she can get to London. She refuses to keep being mistreated, and that gives her the courage of a lion. This is a wonderful story, one I will read again, starting with the first book in the series and taking it all in. (I received an ARC on NetGalley in return for an honest review.)