USA Today BestsellerAn inconvenient engagement turns a marriage of convenience into so much more in this sparkling new series from award-winning author Sara Portman . . . Lady Emmaline Shaw’s reputation was irreparably damaged when her fiancé, John Brantwood, disappeared immediately after their engagement four years ago. Since then, she’s grown from a shy, uncertain girl to a woman who knows … shy, uncertain girl to a woman who knows her own mind. And what she knows is that London society holds nothing for her.
Rumor has it that John ran off to war and died in battle. Now, as the new Duke of Worley, his shocking resurrection throws the ton into a tizzy and makes him one of England’s most sought after bachelors—except that he’s already engaged.
John needs a wife capable of smoothing his beloved sister’s introduction into society. But though Emma
happily grants him his freedom, her fiery beauty and resilient spirit hold him captive. In fact, John has no intention of letting her go. Her fate is now in his hands, but will her heart be safe there as well?
“Smart, sharp, and insightful . . . a must-read.”
—RT Book Reviews, 4.5 stars, TOP PICK
more
THE REUNION (Brides of Beadwell, #1) by Sara Portman is a wonderful character driven historical romance that had me hooked from the first chapter!
Lady Emmaline Shaw has grown from an uncertain girl into a strong, independent woman. She had to face the disappearance of her fiancée, John Brantwood, four years ago and not so long after that the death of her parents. She ignores the gossips, has a close circle of friends, and is living happily in the small village of Beadwell.
John Brantwood has returned to claim his family lands and title as the Duke of Worley. Everyone believed he had run off to war and been killed. Not so. Now he is back and needs to quickly find himself a bride. When he is reminded he already has a finacee, he remembers a shy, meek girl, who will not do for his plans, but Emma is no longer that girl and he finds himself liking and needing this strong woman.
A marriage of convenience is agreed upon, but can either keep their hearts uninvolved and safe?
This book is a wonderful introduction to this series and I can’t wait for many more. Ms. Portman has written characters that come to life on every page. Emma and John try so hard not to involve their hearts. The subplot of John’s sister, Charlotte trying to hide her American past was a great way to show the differences in cultures. The dialogue is witty and fun. The sex scenes are hot and steamy, but not over the top and placed perfectly to enhance John and Emma’s relationship.
Overall, just a wonderfully enjoyable historical romance!
This debut deserves its stars. Sara Portman tells the story of a man who rushed off to do his duty, taking care of his mother and sister, while forgetting the havoc he would leave behind him. It’s a reminder, again, that what would today be unremarked — a broken engagement — could ruin a young lady’s life. To be jilted was to be marked as ruined, unfit, and after Lady Emmaline was left by the future Duke, John Brantwood, she had few options. How it is all resolved is a satisfying read, and a quick one. This book is the kind that grabs a reader, envelops them, and several hours later, you look up and wonder where the time went. A really enjoyable read, especially for a debut. (I received an advanced copy via NetGalley. Views are my own.)
Brilliantly told story of an inconvenient that becomes a marriage of convenience….and then…becomes…oh so much more…
Lady Emmaline Shaw and John Brantwood, Duke of Worley were engaged…and he disappeared suddenly. Rumors abounded regarding where he might have gone and why leaving Emma to deal with other rumors in the wake of his disappearance. Four years later he reappears as if resurrected from a grave and he is looking for a wife to help him launch his sister into society. In his mind it won’t be his affianced Emma…not until he meets her at a ball and realizes she has the exact temperament to do what needs to be done. Emma puts up a good fight to avoid matrimony as her doggedly pursues her for the first third of the book. Once she realizes there might be benefits to her in marrying John the marriage takes place, the sister arrives (and what a hellion she is), the coaching and coaxing of Charlotte into being a lady begins, a blackmailer appears and more occurs. It takes most of the book for John and Emma to grow into loving one another and then expressing their feelings but in the end a HEA is achieved AND Charlotte finds her place in society, too.
This book felt in keeping with the era it was set in. The dialogue, costumes, descriptions, characters, interactions and everything resonated in a way that made me felt I was in the past no reading about contemporary characters acting modernly in a historical setting. It was a very good read and made me want to find each of this author’s books as it is published.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books-Lyrical Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.