Margaret Brinton keeps her promises, and the one she is most determined to keep is the promise to protect her heart. Fooled by love once before, Margaret vows never to be played the fool again. To keep her vow, she attends a notorious matchmaking party intent on securing the perfect marital match: a union of convenience to someone who could never affect her heart. She discovers a man who … discovers a man who exceeds all her hopes in the handsome and obliging rake Mr. Northam.
There’s only one problem. His meddling cousin, Lord Williams, won’t leave Margaret alone. Condescending and high-handed, Lord Williams lectures and insults her. When she refuses to give heed to his counsel, he single-handedly ruins Margaret’s chances for making a good match–to his cousin or anyone else. With no reason to remain at the party, Margaret returns home to discover her father has promised her hand in marriage–to Lord Williams.
Under no condition will Margaret consent to marrying such an odious man. Yet as Lord Williams inserts himself into her everyday life, interrupting her family games and following her on morning walks, winning the good opinion of her siblings and proving himself intelligent and even kind, Margaret is forced to realize that Lord Williams is exactly the type of man she’d hoped to marry before she’d learned how much love hurt. When paths diverge and her time with Lord Williams ends, Margaret is faced with her ultimate choice: keep the promises that protect her or break free of them for one more chance at love. Either way, she fears her heart will lose.
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I absolutely love, and highly recommend, Promised by Leah Garriott. Oh my goodness is this book good! I was curious, I was angry, I was frustrated. I loved Margaret one minute, then wanted to smack her the next. Gregory, the hero, is simultaneously swoon-worthy, passionate, and so, so kind, and then he is totally baffling. And the chemistry between Margaret and Gregory is breathtaking. Truly, Promised is a masterful Regency-era novel that kept me turning pages well into the night and has left this reader one satisfied and smiling girl!
There is truly so much to love about Promised, but my most favorite aspect is the discussion about perspective. On her home’s property, Margaret has a beloved lake. Her whole life, the lake has been her solace space, the place she could run to in order to collect her thoughts, or scream, or cry, or take a rest. The lake brought her peace so she saw it as beautiful. But then life happens and Margaret gets beat up a little (metaphorically speaking, of course). In an unfortunate series of events, Margaret and her father have to leave home for a bit. As happens in life, Margaret slowly grows and changes. When she and her father return home Margaret naturally visits her beloved lake. But this time it’s different. Her perspective has shifted and now she can see reality.
You see, the lake was manmade and not really a lake at all. To Margaret as a little girl, as a teenager, and as a very naive young woman the lake was pristine and perfect because of what the lake represented to her — peace and security and sanctuary. From Margaret’s youthful perspective, the lake was perfect. But when she grew up, when she lost her naivety a bit, she could see the lake for what it really is: a place with the appearance of life, but really nothing more than a place of stagnation. I love how the lake was used in the story to reflect (pun intended) Margaret’s emotional and personal growth and maturity. It’s quite gothic actually, and very true to all our lives. Most of us had that thing or person growing up we saw through rose-colored glasses. When others would criticize it we’d be hurt and dumbfounded. But then we grew up and the rose-colored glasses came off! Reality struck and we saw that thing or person for what it really was. Our perspectives subtly shifted and we became adults, just as Margaret does in this novel. It’s definitely a very, very subtle message about personal growth — blink and you’ll miss it in the novel — but a message that makes this novel quite deep and poignant.
This review, I can say with absolute certainty, does NOT do Promised justice. Seriously, I could do a post on the swooniness of Gregory alone. LOL! Promised is a novel that must be experienced. If you adore Regency-era novels as much as I do, I implore you to purchase a copy today. You will not be disappointed.
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via Celebrate Lit. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
After a painful disillusionment, Margaret Brinton determines to guard her heart when seeking a match this time around–by marrying a man she could never love. Great character arcs, tension, and emotional beats. This story kept me hooked all the way through. I definitely plan to read more from Leah Garriott.
Lovely regency romance with strong characters and an interesting premise. You’ll be hooked.
I had so much fun reading the Proper Romance story Promised! The character of Margaret Brinton is strong, no-nonsense, and has a clever wit. She is determined to make a match that will not involve the heart because hers has been broken once before. At a house party, Margaret is introduced to Lord Northam, a rake, and decides that he will do. Unfortunately, his cousin, Lord Williams, interferes with a surprise that Margaret could have never prepared for–an arranged marriage.
I absolutely love the inner dialogue, banter, and antics that Margaret employs to try to get out of a marriage to Lord Williams. As the two face-off, they find themselves learning more about each other and Margaret’s heart is once again in danger.
There were so many fun characters and little plots twists in this romance. The setting was beautifully drawn with ties to the choices the characters make. I love a happy ending and this story doesn’t disappoint, though the author makes sure it is well-earned. I think you’ll love the way everything turns out!
Promised
Proper Romance
Leah Garriott
Release date 02/18/2020
Publisher Shadow Mountain
Blurb
Margaret Brinton keeps her promises, and the one she is most determined to keep is the promise to protect her heart.
Fooled by love once before, Margaret vows never to be played the fool again. To keep her vow, she attends a notorious matchmaking party intent on securing the perfect marital match: a union of convenience to someone who could never affect her heart. She discovers a man who exceeds all her hopes in the handsome and obliging rake Mr. Northam.
There’s only one problem. His meddling cousin, Lord Williams, won’t leave Margaret alone. Condescending and high-handed, Lord Williams lectures and insults her. When she refuses to give heed to his counsel, he single-handedly ruins Margaret’s chances for making a good match. With no reason to remain at the party, Margaret returns home to discover her father has promised her hand in marriage—to Lord Williams.
Under no condition will Margaret consent to marrying such an odious man. Yet as Lord Williams inserts himself into her everyday life, Margaret is forced to realize that Lord Williams is exactly the type of man she’d hoped to marry before she’d learned how much love hurt. Margaret is faced with her ultimate choice: keep the promises that protect her or break free of them for one more chance at love. Either way, she fears her heart will lose.
My review :
When a woman’s plans, determined to find the perfect groom-to-be for her marriage of convenience, are derailed by an other …
It is less often these days to read a story told in the first person.
It is not my favorite narrative way as everything depends of the character’s strength.
I struggled a bit at the beginning, I understood the narrator had been hurt, broken-hearted, yet I did not comprehend her willingness to enter an emotionless marriage, one of only loneliness and coldness for the foreseeable future.
Margaret is nice flawed character, I loved her witty banters and pranks with her brother. She might choose the coward way by thinking she can avoid being entangled emotionally if she enters a marriage of convenience, but she is honest and is rather blunt about her true goal.
Why she fights her instant attraction to Lord Williams and sets her sight on his cousin, the one man she is certain will not move her heart.
But quickly everything is thwarted and soon she will navigate the muddy water of the sentiments, going from Charybdis and Scylla, and back as Lord Williams despite withholding something is at times aloof and other charming.
It unsettles her, because as determined she is to dislike him, she can’t stop to be intrigued and to realize there is more to him than this haughty picture he gives to others.
It took her so long to determine that even if she didn’t want to be hurt once again, it was not to be at the detriment of her happiness.
While at first I was unsure I would be able to like Margaret, then I watched her interact with her family, and later Gregory. She has her faults, and she does not always react fairly but she is like an animal trapped, she would chew a limb instead of being caught. Why she reacts so strongly and negatively to Lord Williams’ proposal. He stole her right to choose.
Mrs Leah Garriott debut novel is like jumping right in Jane Austen’s world, the quips, feuds, party’s games and proper behavior were enlightening and entertaining, the clue to a delightful read.
4.5 stars
I was granted by the publisher Shadow Mountain an advance copy through Netgalley.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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Margaret has been hurt by love in the past and has sworn that a marriage of convenience is the only way to protect her heart from being hurt again.
While attending a matchmaking party, she meets Mr. Northam and decides he’s the perfect gentleman for her marriage plan. But she soon discovers that Lord Gregory Williams is against the match. He sets his own plan in motion to protect Margaret.
However, Margaret is done being “protected”. She wants what she wants, and no one will stop her from getting it. But the more time she spends with Gregory, the more she starts second guessing what she truly wants in a marriage.
Can things be different with Gregory? Will she be happy in a loveless and lonely marriage? Or should she follow her heart and marry for love?
*dreamy sigh*
You know that saying, never judge a book by its cover? Confession. I totally judge them! The cover is what draws me to a book in the first place. If you have a beautiful cover, there’s a pretty good chance I’ll be clicking on your book to see if it’s something I would enjoy. Well that’s exactly what happened with Promised. Isn’t this cover gorgeous?! After reading the synopsis, I was hooked. I just HAD to read this book!
And I’m happy to say that it did not disappoint! Even though Margaret was beyond stubborn at times, it did not stop me from falling in love with her and Gregory. From their first meeting, the chemistry was off the charts. I found myself rooting for them from the very beginning.
I was pleasantly surprised to see that this was Ms. Garriott’s first book. For me, it did not read like a first book. I was captured from the first chapter and had a really hard time putting the book down. I was not happy when I had to put the book down and adult. I’m definitely looking forward to more books by her.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
A really fun enemies-to-lovers clean romance, and a great debut that Regency romance fans will love.
I loved the pace, the dialogue, the plot twists, and the resolution. The characters were real and endearing and aggravating all in one! I look forward to her next book! By the way: beautiful cover.
I absolutely LOVE this book! It is incredibly charming, romantic, witty, and lovely! Every time I picked up “Promised”, I felt like I was whisked back in time to the Regency Era.
Throughout the book, I felt extremely connected to the characters, and could feel what they were feeling and going through. Ms. Garriott writes in a way that all of the characters’ interactions felt extremely real and authentic, vivid, and beautifully true to the era as well as to their individual personalities. I found myself laughing at times, almost in tears at some moments, squealing with delight at others, and could not wait to see how everything turned out chapter after chapter. I also found myself really cheering for the characters to find their happiness. It is an absolutely heartwarming book. And the title “Promised” comes to have quite a few different meanings throughout the novel as well.
If you love Regency romance, romance novels, and / or historical fiction, I HIGHLY recommend this book! I did not want to put it down, nor did I want it to end! The only reason I found myself putting this book down was because I had to be up early the next morning! And I really want to dance the Waltz!! 🙂
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an ARC of this novel! I absolutely loved it!
Charming story. The start was slow for me but then the characters took hold. Clean romance. Ages are never provided except for the younger sister which I like as they could be the ages I wanted them to be. You could feel the heartbreak. Realistic family relationships. I would read more by this author.
Excellent Regency romance! Loved the characters. Loved the personal issues the heroine had to work through and the patience the hero had for her and the way he shared and showed his loved. Super story telling. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narrator bringing the story to life with her voice.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists,
and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive
reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this
in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This was a sweet, entertaining read. A nice little escape. Lady Margaret broke off one engagement when she found out her fiance was unfaithful. Afraid of being hurt, of being an old maid, and of being a blemish on her family, she decides she will marry someone she could never love and one who would never love her. It will be a marriage of convenience only. She goes to a match-making retreat and there finds the perfect man. He is a rogue that she would never love. The problem, his cousin who is nice, respectable, and handsome is also interested. Oh what is a girl to do?! This was cute and easy-to-read. If you love Jane Austen , I think you will love this book.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and offer my honest opinion of this book.
This book delivered the one thing that makes a story come alive for me- emotion! There are hidden games being played here that ramp up the drama, and Margaret’s denial of what will bring her happiness provides her character the opportunity for growth. Lord Williams is a Darcy-esque enigma at first, he has two sides of his personality that Margaret has seen and she doesn’t know which is the truth and which is a facade. Knowing who to trust is difficult, especially when Margaret makes her life harder by not trusting those she really can and should. In the midst of the inner turmoil, Margaret finds herself falling in love against her will, only to have the tables turned and twisted around again. This book was highly entertaining and kept me invested in the characters all the way to the end.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
You never quite know what you’re going to get when you read a book by a debut author. I knew this one would be good, because it’s a Proper Romance, but I was blown away by just how good it was!
I loved the way this book is told from Margaret’s perspective. And only her perspective. A lot of times I want to see perspectives from the male lead as well. But the way this one was, it just worked. Margaret is wanting to marry, and she wants to marry someone that she knows she will never give her heart to. It’s already been broken once, and she refuses to allow it to be broken again.
So she goes to a house party with the intent of picking out the kind of man she could never love. And there she meets cousins, Lord Williams and Mr Northam. She settles on Mr Northam and all would have worked out just how she wanted if not for her brother, Daniel, walking in at the wrong moment.
I have to say that I love Margaret’s relationships with her siblings. She and Daniel are constantly trying to best each other at whatever they do. And her little sister Alice is a delight. It was so fun to see their relationship.
I loved the way Lord Williams was forced on Margaret. And try as she might, she couldn’t get away from him. The banter between these two was probably my favorite part of this book. It’s just so great!
Make sure you take the time to read this one! It’s amazing and I LOVED it!
I was sent a copy of Promised as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Thank you Shadow Mountain for an advanced copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Promised
By: Leah Garriott
*REVIEW*
I love historical fiction, but it has been a minute since I have read a wow kind of romance in the genre. Promised changed all that. I began reading this story with typical expectations, but I soon realized Promised would be anything but typical. Granted, the premise is not unique, and I have read numerous similar stories. There was just something different about this story that I cannot pin down precisely. Margaret tells the tale, and I love her voice throughout the story. She is honest, conversational, witty, sassy and charming. The story begins with a matchmaking event. Margaret attends with one intention: find a husband who will be honest and upfront about his own character and their arrangement (should it come to that). Margaret has tasted the bitterness of heartbreak and wants no further part in love. Now, she views marriage as a practical matter, a transaction, if you will, and she approaches husband hunting with this belief in hand. Unfortunately, Margaret’s prospects are dimmed due to an incident with an ill mannered man at the matchmaking event. She returns home only to find an unwanted surprise-the same man who just doused her hopes wants to marry her. Poor Margaret is befuddled, but, as a woman with no choices, what can she do? As Margaret reluctantly spends time with this mysterious man, will her mind change about his prior inconsiderate boorish behavior? Will he prove to be something entirely different? It is not clear exactly what this guy is after-what are his true motives? You have to wonder what he is hiding. Margaret feels trepidation about everything, but who can blame her? I honestly enjoyed every minute of this story. The words flow effortlessly and read so easily that it seems like talking to an old friend. Plus, the story is clean, and that is not easy to find anymore. The pages kept turning because I had to know what would happen next. I could not resist reading once I started. Promised is the perfect balance of romance and drama, equalling a delightful read. Historical fiction romance enthusiasts should pick up this book today!
I am so utterly and wholeheartedly smitten with this book. Promised by Leah Garriot is a such a charming and wonderfully written romance story and I enjoyed everything about it.
After reading the first few pages, I knew that I would love this book and I honestly really did. The writing is exquisitely beautiful and I was absolutely enamored with Garriott’s storytelling that I could not put the book down. I loved the setting and descriptions, the pacing is amazing and there was never a dull moment, and the plot is so satisfyingly entertaining. I also really enjoyed the Jane Austen feel of the story. Garriott did a fantastic job creating a story that is reminiscent of a famous classic author while still standing on its own with a promising storyline that surprises and does not disappoint. With plenty of drama, banter, humor, heartbreak, romance, and unexpected twists and turns, this precious book definitely had me enthralled and hooked the entire time.
The characters are perfectly flawed and likeable. They’re also relatable in many ways as they make mistakes, learn from them, and grow continuosly throughout the story. They each have their own loveable quirks, charm, and complexities which made them such fascinating characters. Margaret and Lord Gregory Williams are both amazing leads and I absolutely adored them. I loved their chemistry from the start and I couldn’t wait to see their interactions and how their relationship will be. I don’t want to give too much away and spoil the fun, but I just want to say that there are plenty of swoony feels, heart-melting scenes, and beautiful moments that make this story amazingly interesting and a delight to read.
There are so many things I loved and enjoyed about this book and if I could discuss them all I really would. If you enjoy historical romance stories or those similar to Pride and Prejudice, then I think you’ll really want to check this book out. The writing is exceptional and I can honestly say that I’m going to be adding this on my favorite books for 2020. There’s plenty of scenes that will make you smile and laugh, some are a bit cheesy and cringy, and others are just perfectly adorable. The characters are likeable and intriguing and the relationships between the them are so interesting and fun. I enjoyed the humor and bantering and the storyline overall is well done, exciting, and filled with so many heartfelt moments. I really loved this book and I hope you will too.
Delightfully witty, absolutely charming, and wonderfully romantic, Promised by Leah Garriott is filled with so many lovely and sweet moments that absolutely warmed my heart. The writing is refreshing and addictive, the characters are relatable and loveable, and the plot is irresistibly fun and engaging. With twists and turns that kept me on my toes and turning the pages, Leah Garriot impressed me with her debut novel and I cannot wait to read more from her.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Margaret Brinton has decided she will not marry someone who could break her heart. She’s been through that before when her betrothed admitted he was only marrying her because his father told him he would be cut off if he refused to marry her and that he planned to have mistresses after they were married. She believes she has found the perfect candidate (Mr. Northam), but his cousin, Lord Williams, keeps getting in the way! Yes, she knows Mr. Northam will not be faithful, but she doesn’t care if he has affairs. And if she goes into the marriage with that attitude, she can’t possibly be hurt, right? However, Lord Williams pursues her and makes her fall in love with him. Then, she learns she was the subject of a bet between the 2 cousins and she runs home to lick her wounds. This is a very promising first book from Ms. Garriott! If you are a fan of Jane Austen or historical romance, you will enjoy this book immensely! I received an advance copy from the publisher for my reading enjoyment.
An absolute MUST read for all regency fans! There are times I read a regency romance and can appreciate all the references to make it authentic; and then there are times I can read a regency romance and feel transported. I was transported to Warwickshire, England. The matchmaking party and the subsequent fall out, the forced interactions and witty banter between Margaret and Lord Williams drew me in from page one. Reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice, both Margaret and Lord Williams are resolute in their intent and the reasons that drive them. The slow melting of Margaret’s barriers and the warm wooing of Lord Williams left me in a puddle of romance. I will be looking for more books by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
(4.5 Stars) Spunky characters are a hallmark of a great Regency romance. Margaret is strong-willed and determined to marry for convenience only, as she’s been burned by love in the past, but Gregory has other ideas, when it becomes apparent that her sights are set on his rakish cousin.
I was baffled by Gregory’s intentions for the first part of the book and was dying at how spiteful Margaret’s behavior was, but as the story progressed, my heart was won over with stolen moments, flowers, poetry, and even a donkey, right along with each character’s, and I was fascinated and intrigued by the turns of events. This book dabbles in a little of everything, with its moments of mystery, romance, illness, lost love, envy, and humor. It was a darling escape with a concrete, engaging plot and a steady cast of characters.
I loved settling into this charming story and felt this was a solid debut novel from this author. I look forward to more of her works.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
4.5 stars rounded up for this debut novel.
When you’ve been in love and that person hurts you, it’s not uucommon to promise yourself that you’ll never let yourself be so vulnerable as to let someone do that to you again. Margaret has made that promise to herself and intends to keep it, no matter what.
Margaret was previously engaged to married but had the courage to call it off when she realized the man’s feelings for her weren’t as deep as hers for him. She then decided that if she didn’t marry for love so she couldn’t be hurt, because she’d know what to expect going into the marriage. While attending a matchmaking party she finds “the perfect man” in Mr. Northam, a self professed rake, but his somewhat haughty and snobbish cousin, Lord Williams has other ideas about that and ruins her chances causing Margaret to leave the matchmaking party early. Upon arriving home she finds her father has consented to a marriage contract for her with someone, but won’t say whom until the man arrives the next day. Margaret is beyond surprised, astonished and words to find out it’s the awful Lord Williams!!
Oh my. As Lord Williams spends time with Margaret’s family helping her father survey their property for ways to improve it, playing games with she and her siblings, and basically being everywhere she turns, Margaret finds herself being attracted to him. This can’t be! She promised herself she wouldn’t marry for love and she won’t, no matter that as someone pointed out to her, Lord Williams is exactly the type of man she would’ve wanted to marry before her ill-fated engagement. What’s a stubborn and strong-willed woman to do?! Stick to the plan of course.
I admit there were more than a few times I wanted to gently, ok not so gently, slap some sense into Margaret. Girl what are you thinking wanting to marry a rake like Mr. Notham just because you made a promise to yourself? I also wanted to ask Lord Williams if he truly listened to how he sounded when he ‘complimented’ her, because he did sound a little arrogant at times. Of course right when Margaret’s about to throw the promise she made to herself out the window and tell Lord Williams how she felt, she finds out the truth behind the incident that made her leave the party early. Men can be so stupid! But this unexpected turn paves the way for Lord Williams to truly woo Margaret and I loved the way he did it. There’s a lot of lovely banter between Margaret and Lord Williams because she doesn’t hold her words back. She always speaks her mind when they converse.
I enjoyed this story and will definitely look for future books by this new author. Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for my copy to read. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.