The award-winning author of The Reunion continues her dazzling new series with a novel of one woman’s fall from saint to sinner . . . Lucy Betancourt’s future looks bleak. The daughter of an ailing vicar in a village with no eligible bachelors, her only hope is to find employment as a governess or companion. As she helps her childhood friend, the new Duchess of Worley, through her pregnancy, … Worley, through her pregnancy, the ever-practical Lucy makes her plans. But life—in the way of the dashing Bex Brantwood—has something else in store for Lucy…
Upon meeting Bex, the duke’s cousin, Lucy offers herself up to him. But Bex is no family man looking for a governess. And Lucy is not exactly mistress material. Still, the misunderstanding ends in a kiss neither can
forget . . .
Bex finds the proper vicar’s daughter and her most improper proposal endlessly amusing—and attractive. But, saddled with debt, he’s in no position to keep a woman, much less marry one, which is what a woman like Lucy deserves. Little does he know that even with her reputation at stake, Lucy will take the biggest gamble of her life by following her heart—straight into his arms . . .
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Bex Brentwood has foolishly speculated on numerous business ventures that have failed and he finds himself with no income, no home and a bleak future. All of that doesn’t stop him from trying to better his situation. When he meets Lucy Betancourt, he’s intrigued with the practical vicar’s daughter. Lucy has no dowry and no prospects of getting married so she plans her future as a governess to relieve the burden on her aging parents. Fate, however, has other plans for these two and a sweet love story emerges.
I was so excited to ready Lucy’s story. She was introduced in the previous novel and she’s such a unique character–kind, loving, but, oh so practical. Her childhood friend, Emma, the Duchess of Worley, asks her to join her in London where Lucy meets the duke’s cousin, Bex. I was happy to see that Bex wasn’t trying to get out of his financial situation by wooing a wealthy widow. His character was good and honorable and I loved watching Lucy and Bex’s unfolding story. The dialogue was witty and believable between these two as they got to know each other. There are a few twists in the story that kept me turning the pages. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Fans of Regency romance will be delighted to read this story.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The Offer by Sara Portman is the second book in The Brides of Beadwell series. This book is just as captivating as the first. I love the storyline and the characters so much. The chemistry between Bex and Lucy is hot as fire. I love the humour in this story. This was a very fun read! I was so excited to hear more about John and Emma as well. I can’t wait to read the next book!
Lucy was the perfect innocent young lady to Bex’s “bad boy”! He was constantly warning her that he wasn’t good enough for her, but she knew better! I did have to wipe my eyes near the end, but it was worth it!
Super Read Sara Portman! The Offer is the 2nd book in the Brides Of Beadwell series. It started out a tad slow but when it picked up, it went flying and I could not put this book down. Like any good romance novel that I read, I expect the novel to be good and steamy and Sara did not disappoint! Her characters came alive and her descriptions were to the point. This book has it all, humor, lies, deception, saints, sinners, rogue, gambling, pregnancy, deceit, investments, new friends, old friends, scandal, penniless, controlling, hatred, secrets and of course love. I highly recommend this book. So travel back in time to 1818 London, with Mr. Bextley Branton and Miss Lucy Betancourt.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
I love this story! Sara Portman is an Excellent Author, destined to rise in her field!
I highly recommend! Thanks! Enjoy!
carolintallahassee
As with Sara Porter’s first book in this series, The Offer was an engaging, delightful read that kept my interest until the very end. This is a story of two different people brought together by circumstances.,each looking for their place in life and survival. Lucy Betancourt, daughter of a vicar, is staying with her best friend, Emma, the Duchess or Worley, for her confinement. Looking ahead, Lucy determines she will need to find a post as a governess once Emma’s baby is born. She is practical, in that she may never wed due to having no settlement or titled background to recommend her. In steps Bexford Brantword, the Duke of Worley’s cousin and this is were the fun begins! Bex is down on his luck and heavily in debt and is the last person Lucy should feel any affection. But circumstances throw them together and they form a friendship. Bex finds Lucy refreshing for her honesty and she makes him determined to succeed and get himself out of his situation. The author brings the characters alive with great dialogue, witty conversations and humor. I found myself cheering for Bex and Lucy to find their way and come together.. This is a must read and I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. Keep your eye on this author because she will be in the spotlight with her delightful stories!
4.5/5
I am loving this Sara Portman series! This is book two and has a lovable, straightforward heroine and a sweet, prideful hero. Lucy learns that plans have a habit of changing and Bex learns that it’s OK to accept help when it’s offered. And they both find love when they’re least expecting it…of course. Looking forward to number three! Out today! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
The Offer by Sara Portman
The Brides of Beadwell #2
Can you remember your first kiss? I bet it was not given to you by a stranger but what if it had been and the memory of it lingered in your mind? Well, such was the case for Lucy Betancourt, friend of a duchess and Bex Brantwood, giver of that first kiss. The two thoroughly enjoyed that kiss but both realized nothing could come of it because Lucy was headed from her father’s vicarage to a position of service and Bex was in grave debt with few options out of his dilemma. So…a kiss is just a kiss…or so the song says…but…not always.
As Lucy and Bex spend time together they find they are compatible and friendship develops. They speak openly and enjoy the company of one another. They work separately toward achieving their individual goals. And yet…I could feel them both wanting more but not knowing how to go about getting it. I kept wondering just how the author would manage a HEA for this couple without title or money so kept reading and wondering and hoping…just as no doubt did the hero and heroine of the story. I won’t say more about the how but will say it was a well-crafted story unlike most historical romances I read. I liked Lucy and Bex and was delighted with the way this book ended. I see there is a book three and am eager to read it…soon…I can honestly recommend both books in this series and hope you will read and enjoy them, too.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books-Lyrical Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4.5 Stars