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Rebel Promise #1
The Promise
TO PROTECT
On a desperate journey to America, Rebecca Neville promises the dying wife of the Earl of Stanmore to raise and care for her newborn son, James. Once in the New World, Rebecca begins her new life --- as a mother ...
TO CHERISH
Ten years later, the Earl of Stanmore learns of the fate of his family. He sends to the colonies for his young heir so he can raise him as a peer of the realm. With no intention of forsaking her vow, Rebecca returns to England with James to face a future without her beloved charge. But she must also face her tumultuous past ...
TO LOVE
At first glance, the formidable Stanmore sends Rebecca reeling. But beneath his coldly attractive facade and seeming indifference to his son's plight, emotions roil. For there is more to Stanmore and his motives than meets the eye. The enigmatic lord has his own promise to keep --- and a passion for Rebecca that cannot be denied ...
On a desperate journey to America, Rebecca Neville promises the dying wife of the Earl of Stanmore to raise and care for her newborn son, James. Once in the New World, Rebecca begins her new life --- as a mother ...
TO CHERISH
Ten years later, the Earl of Stanmore learns of the fate of his family. He sends to the colonies for his young heir so he can raise him as a peer of the realm. With no intention of forsaking her vow, Rebecca returns to England with James to face a future without her beloved charge. But she must also face her tumultuous past ...
TO LOVE
At first glance, the formidable Stanmore sends Rebecca reeling. But beneath his coldly attractive facade and seeming indifference to his son's plight, emotions roil. For there is more to Stanmore and his motives than meets the eye. The enigmatic lord has his own promise to keep --- and a passion for Rebecca that cannot be denied ...
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2001
696 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
May McGoldrick
579 books503 followersMay McGoldrick, Nik James, and Jan Coffey are pen names for USA Today bestselling authors Nikoo Kafi and Jim McGoldrick. Together, they have crafted over fifty fast-paced, conflict-filled historical, contemporary, and Western novels, and two works of nonfiction.
Nikoo’s education and training was in engineering. She worked in robotics and submarine shipbuilding. Before earning a PhD in sixteenth-century Scottish and English literature, Jim pursued a hundred and one jobs, including a decade in submarine construction.
Storytellers at heart, Nikoo and Jim were always searching for careers that gave them time for both family and writing. Then, after thirteen years of marriage, they recognized each other’s creative strengths. Nikoo is all about characters and feeling. Jim is about action and sense of place. Their first attempt in writing fiction together produced their award-winning novel, The Thistle and the Rose. Since then, their stories have touched the hearts and minds of millions of readers all over the world. Their work has been translated into over a dozen languages and counting.
Nikoo and Jim are four-time Rita Finalists and the winners of numerous awards for their writing, including the Daphne DeMaurier Award for Excellence, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Award, three NJRW Golden Leaf Awards, two Holt Medallions, and the Connecticut Press Club Award for Best Fiction.
The authors make their home in California.
Here is a complete catalogue of May McGoldrick, Nik James and Jan Coffey’s work, in chronological order.
Each book stands on its own.
MAY McGOLDRICK
Macpherson Clan Series
The Thistle and the Rose
A Midsummer Wedding (novella)
Angel of Skye
Heart of Gold
Beauty of the Mist
The Intended
Flame
Tess and the Highlander
The Dreamer (Highland Treasure)
The Enchantress (Highland Treasure)
The Firebrand (Highland Treasure)
Much Ado About Highlanders (Scottish Relic)
Taming the Highlander (Scottish Relic)
Tempest in the Highlands (Scottish Relic)
Arsenic and Old Armor
---
Pennington Family Series
The Promise
The Rebel
Borrowed Dreams
Captured Dreams
Dreams of Destiny
Romancing the Scot
It Happened in the Highlands
Sweet Home Highland Christmas (novella)
Sleepless in Scotland
Dearest Millie (novella)
How to Ditch a Duke (novella)
---
Royal Highlander Series
Highland Crown
Highland Jewel
Highland Sword
---
A Prince in the Pantry (novella)
Ghost of the Thames
---
Made in Heaven
Thanksgiving in Connecticut (novella)
NIK JAMES
The Winter Road (novella)
High Country Justice
Bullets and Silver
Silver Trail Christmas
JAN COFFEY
Trust Me Once
Twice Burned
Triple Threat
Fourth Victim
Five in a Row
Silent Waters
Cross Wired
The Janus Effect
The Puppet Master
Blind Eye
Road Kill
Mercy (novella)
Tropical Kiss
Aquarian
When the Mirror Cracks
NONFICTION
Marriage of Minds: Collaborative Fiction Writing
Step Write Up: Writing Exercises for 21st Century
---
Sign up for the May McGoldrick, Nik James, Jan Coffey Newsletter
https://www.maymcgoldrick.com/contact-us
---
Visit their author websites
www.MayMcGoldrick.com
www.NikJamesAuthor.com
www.JanCoffey.com
https://www.facebook.com/MayMcGoldrick/
https://twitter.com/MayMcGoldrick
https://www.instagram.com/maymcgoldrick/
Nikoo’s education and training was in engineering. She worked in robotics and submarine shipbuilding. Before earning a PhD in sixteenth-century Scottish and English literature, Jim pursued a hundred and one jobs, including a decade in submarine construction.
Storytellers at heart, Nikoo and Jim were always searching for careers that gave them time for both family and writing. Then, after thirteen years of marriage, they recognized each other’s creative strengths. Nikoo is all about characters and feeling. Jim is about action and sense of place. Their first attempt in writing fiction together produced their award-winning novel, The Thistle and the Rose. Since then, their stories have touched the hearts and minds of millions of readers all over the world. Their work has been translated into over a dozen languages and counting.
Nikoo and Jim are four-time Rita Finalists and the winners of numerous awards for their writing, including the Daphne DeMaurier Award for Excellence, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Award, three NJRW Golden Leaf Awards, two Holt Medallions, and the Connecticut Press Club Award for Best Fiction.
The authors make their home in California.
Here is a complete catalogue of May McGoldrick, Nik James and Jan Coffey’s work, in chronological order.
Each book stands on its own.
MAY McGOLDRICK
Macpherson Clan Series
The Thistle and the Rose
A Midsummer Wedding (novella)
Angel of Skye
Heart of Gold
Beauty of the Mist
The Intended
Flame
Tess and the Highlander
The Dreamer (Highland Treasure)
The Enchantress (Highland Treasure)
The Firebrand (Highland Treasure)
Much Ado About Highlanders (Scottish Relic)
Taming the Highlander (Scottish Relic)
Tempest in the Highlands (Scottish Relic)
Arsenic and Old Armor
---
Pennington Family Series
The Promise
The Rebel
Borrowed Dreams
Captured Dreams
Dreams of Destiny
Romancing the Scot
It Happened in the Highlands
Sweet Home Highland Christmas (novella)
Sleepless in Scotland
Dearest Millie (novella)
How to Ditch a Duke (novella)
---
Royal Highlander Series
Highland Crown
Highland Jewel
Highland Sword
---
A Prince in the Pantry (novella)
Ghost of the Thames
---
Made in Heaven
Thanksgiving in Connecticut (novella)
NIK JAMES
The Winter Road (novella)
High Country Justice
Bullets and Silver
Silver Trail Christmas
JAN COFFEY
Trust Me Once
Twice Burned
Triple Threat
Fourth Victim
Five in a Row
Silent Waters
Cross Wired
The Janus Effect
The Puppet Master
Blind Eye
Road Kill
Mercy (novella)
Tropical Kiss
Aquarian
When the Mirror Cracks
NONFICTION
Marriage of Minds: Collaborative Fiction Writing
Step Write Up: Writing Exercises for 21st Century
---
Sign up for the May McGoldrick, Nik James, Jan Coffey Newsletter
https://www.maymcgoldrick.com/contact-us
---
Visit their author websites
www.MayMcGoldrick.com
www.NikJamesAuthor.com
www.JanCoffey.com
https://www.facebook.com/MayMcGoldrick/
https://twitter.com/MayMcGoldrick
https://www.instagram.com/maymcgoldrick/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
March 22, 2018
3.5 not entirely sure stars.
I saw this available in audiobook through my library and wanted to check it out basically because the premise sounded OTT. I have never tried this author before, and I was going in blind with no friend reviews to reference. This is the type of book I would never buy after reading the premise, but I am willing and curious to check it out if I can get it free.
This starts with the heroine as a governess who is being molested by her employer. She is, as you might expect, a rare beauty. She defends herself with a fire poker, I believe, that causes the employer to be knocked unconscious and there is a lot of blood. She flees, fearing her fate. In flight, she convinces a passing carriage to take her with them. Inside this passing carriage is another woman fleeing with her day-old baby. She is very weak. She offers to take Rebecca with her to the colonies if she will care for her son in the event that anything happens to her, which of course does happen. Ten years later, the boy’s father has finally tracked them down. Rebecca had no idea that her charge was heir to an earldom. Thinking there are murder charges awaiting her, Rebecca is reluctant to return to England. She goes because of her love of the boy.
The Earl is at first suspect of her and her motives, but then comes to believe she is true of heart. He wants her because of her goodness and beauty. He is a man never denied and goes about seducing Rebecca. I almost stopped here, but he does listen to Rebecca’s wishes and doesn’t pressure her so it didn’t truly cross a hard line. It definitely got into some gray area though. The Earl is working for the abolishment of slavery in England. His neighbor has slaves. He treats slaves and women abominably. He is truly awful character. This story has a villain and villainess. Both are truly evil. He gets his just desserts. She, who was aiming to be the Earl’s wife, gets to move onto the next victim.
There was so much plot in this, and it got to be a little much to follow. It certainly wasn’t boring! There was much period details that I thought interesting. I really don’t know what to think of it. I didn’t really like any of the characters much, but didn’t hate them either. Generally, I like my romances to be more focused. This would be good read for people that enjoy the old bodice rippers, I expect.
The narrator was decent, but she has a slight lisp that I didn’t notice at first. I started to notice when I got overwhelmed with the story. It wasn’t bad, but FYI, in case that would bother you.
I saw this available in audiobook through my library and wanted to check it out basically because the premise sounded OTT. I have never tried this author before, and I was going in blind with no friend reviews to reference. This is the type of book I would never buy after reading the premise, but I am willing and curious to check it out if I can get it free.
This starts with the heroine as a governess who is being molested by her employer. She is, as you might expect, a rare beauty. She defends herself with a fire poker, I believe, that causes the employer to be knocked unconscious and there is a lot of blood. She flees, fearing her fate. In flight, she convinces a passing carriage to take her with them. Inside this passing carriage is another woman fleeing with her day-old baby. She is very weak. She offers to take Rebecca with her to the colonies if she will care for her son in the event that anything happens to her, which of course does happen. Ten years later, the boy’s father has finally tracked them down. Rebecca had no idea that her charge was heir to an earldom. Thinking there are murder charges awaiting her, Rebecca is reluctant to return to England. She goes because of her love of the boy.
The Earl is at first suspect of her and her motives, but then comes to believe she is true of heart. He wants her because of her goodness and beauty. He is a man never denied and goes about seducing Rebecca. I almost stopped here, but he does listen to Rebecca’s wishes and doesn’t pressure her so it didn’t truly cross a hard line. It definitely got into some gray area though. The Earl is working for the abolishment of slavery in England. His neighbor has slaves. He treats slaves and women abominably. He is truly awful character. This story has a villain and villainess. Both are truly evil. He gets his just desserts. She, who was aiming to be the Earl’s wife, gets to move onto the next victim.
There was so much plot in this, and it got to be a little much to follow. It certainly wasn’t boring! There was much period details that I thought interesting. I really don’t know what to think of it. I didn’t really like any of the characters much, but didn’t hate them either. Generally, I like my romances to be more focused. This would be good read for people that enjoy the old bodice rippers, I expect.
The narrator was decent, but she has a slight lisp that I didn’t notice at first. I started to notice when I got overwhelmed with the story. It wasn’t bad, but FYI, in case that would bother you.
October 14, 2023
Reread: 2018
Reread: 10/14/23
I've read this book so many times now, and I still enjoy it!
Reread: 10/14/23
I've read this book so many times now, and I still enjoy it!
August 19, 2024
3.5/5⭐️
3/5🌶
Es una novela de romance histórico, ambientada entre EEUU e Inglaterra en 1770.
Me gustó mucho la trama y todo el contexto. Las descripciones de lugar y tiempo están muy bien y los sucesos mantienen la atención.
El punto flojo, para mi, fue el romance. Entiendo la atracción y el deseo qué sienten los personajes, pero no veo bien relatado el enamoramiento. se sintió muy rápido y sin suficiente explicación.
Me gustó que se trate el tema de la esclavitud en Inglaterra, cosa que no es tan común. Pero la postura de los "buenos", esta muy romantizada y se ve extemporánea. Los villanos no son muy profundos y carecen de matices.
El final es satisfactorio, todo cierra convenientemente.
En resumen. La historia está bien, entretiene y se nota que los autores se documentaron para escribirla, el inicio es mejor que el desarrollo posterior.
Se parece un poco a las históricas de antes en cuanto a la recreación de época y a las formas, pero el romance lo sentí poco creíble para los parámetros actuales.
Para las amantes del romance histórico bien contextualizado.❤️
3/5🌶
Es una novela de romance histórico, ambientada entre EEUU e Inglaterra en 1770.
Me gustó mucho la trama y todo el contexto. Las descripciones de lugar y tiempo están muy bien y los sucesos mantienen la atención.
El punto flojo, para mi, fue el romance. Entiendo la atracción y el deseo qué sienten los personajes, pero no veo bien relatado el enamoramiento. se sintió muy rápido y sin suficiente explicación.
Me gustó que se trate el tema de la esclavitud en Inglaterra, cosa que no es tan común. Pero la postura de los "buenos", esta muy romantizada y se ve extemporánea. Los villanos no son muy profundos y carecen de matices.
El final es satisfactorio, todo cierra convenientemente.
En resumen. La historia está bien, entretiene y se nota que los autores se documentaron para escribirla, el inicio es mejor que el desarrollo posterior.
Se parece un poco a las históricas de antes en cuanto a la recreación de época y a las formas, pero el romance lo sentí poco creíble para los parámetros actuales.
Para las amantes del romance histórico bien contextualizado.❤️
January 27, 2019
The Promise is absolutely one of the best stories I have read in awhile. May McGoldrick is an Amazing Storyteller. This story will go on my re read list. I Highly Recommend Historical Romance or any read to read The Promise. The story is Heart Rendering, Emotional and will have you on the edge. The slow burn romance between Samuel The Earl of Stanmore and Rebecca Neville was beautifully written.
Ten years ago in 1760 Rebecca Neville was an 18 year old Governess for Sir Charles Hartington, a cruel, sexual abuser to women. He is after the young virginal Rebecca, but she fights back. she thinks she has killed him so she runs. Waving down a Coach she meet Elizabeth Wakefield she has just given birth that morning and is leaving for America with her newborn son Jamey. Jamey is hard of hearing and has a deformed hand. Elizabeth is running to. She has secrets. She helps Rebecca and takes her with them but Elizabeth dies on there voyage. She gets Rebecca to Promise she will raise her son. Rebecca never learns who Elizabeth and Jamey really are.
Ten years later Jamey and Rebecca have made there lives in America. Rebecca loves Jamey as her own and pretends to be his natural mother. Jamey loves his mother he knows no other. But Oliver Birch solicitor for the Earl of Stanmore shows up to retrieve Jamey the Earls son. But there are secrets there too.
All the characters and the backstories are very well written. I loved all the characters, except the evil slave owner and the ex mistress but even they were creatively written. Great writing all around in this story.
The story really takes off when Rebecca and Jamey arrive in England. She will stay with him until he is settled into his new life as heir to and Earldom. She just has to find a way to tell him she is not his real mother. This scene had me in tears. You can feel Jamey's pain. Heart Retching.
Samuel never tries to have any relationship with Jamey. Rebecca notice that Jamey doesn't look anything like Samuel but dismisses it. Rebecca tries to get Samuel to have some kind of relationship with his son. Soon there smoldering relationship starts to flame and off we go.
There is slavery and the abuse of slaves, a evil depraved ex mistress, a cruel slave owner and a story that will claim your heart and mind. I couldn't stop reading this story and then I listen to it on audible. Excellent Narration by Gabrielle Baker.
Ten years ago in 1760 Rebecca Neville was an 18 year old Governess for Sir Charles Hartington, a cruel, sexual abuser to women. He is after the young virginal Rebecca, but she fights back. she thinks she has killed him so she runs. Waving down a Coach she meet Elizabeth Wakefield she has just given birth that morning and is leaving for America with her newborn son Jamey. Jamey is hard of hearing and has a deformed hand. Elizabeth is running to. She has secrets. She helps Rebecca and takes her with them but Elizabeth dies on there voyage. She gets Rebecca to Promise she will raise her son. Rebecca never learns who Elizabeth and Jamey really are.
Ten years later Jamey and Rebecca have made there lives in America. Rebecca loves Jamey as her own and pretends to be his natural mother. Jamey loves his mother he knows no other. But Oliver Birch solicitor for the Earl of Stanmore shows up to retrieve Jamey the Earls son. But there are secrets there too.
All the characters and the backstories are very well written. I loved all the characters, except the evil slave owner and the ex mistress but even they were creatively written. Great writing all around in this story.
The story really takes off when Rebecca and Jamey arrive in England. She will stay with him until he is settled into his new life as heir to and Earldom. She just has to find a way to tell him she is not his real mother. This scene had me in tears. You can feel Jamey's pain. Heart Retching.
Samuel never tries to have any relationship with Jamey. Rebecca notice that Jamey doesn't look anything like Samuel but dismisses it. Rebecca tries to get Samuel to have some kind of relationship with his son. Soon there smoldering relationship starts to flame and off we go.
There is slavery and the abuse of slaves, a evil depraved ex mistress, a cruel slave owner and a story that will claim your heart and mind. I couldn't stop reading this story and then I listen to it on audible. Excellent Narration by Gabrielle Baker.
August 12, 2018
Rebecca is a historical Mary Sue who is obviously esthetically and morally superior to every other living being in England and the Colonies. Stanmore is a troubled nobleman who has suffered from the wrong-doings of others and who struggles to singlehandedly end with slavery in England (way before that would become a historical fact).
Rebecca fleds England because of reasons and is entrusted with the care of a baby, who is the light of her life and only source of comfort and affection. After 10 years she goes back to Englad to return little Jamey to his long lost father. Curiously, in the process of falling for Jamey's father and impressing everyone in the village with her obvious "quality", she kinda forgets about her bond with the boy and is ok with the prospect of leaving again to prevent her past to catch up with them (that aspect was so weird). Meanwhile there's savage slavery one estate over, sexual abuse running rampant and all kinds of cruelty and blackmail galore. Miraculously everything solves itself and true love can prosper.
A good point was that the Earl, the boy's father, did not stray and did not waver on his feelings for the heroine. One less source of angst at least! The down point for me is that there was no satisfying resolution for one VERY important point for ANY historical novel, which is: patrimony and inheritance. Let me explain: all historical novels and romances are set on a very specific background, which is a Patriarcal Social Organization, which implies that female sexual purity and honor is prized, marriages are arranged in order to secure family alliances and property, and males are valued for the social status and protection they provide for their families. This background is romantic, alluring and attractive in literature, IRL that would be a total nightmare. Still, historical novels have to follow such codes, the male main character being either rich, titled or incredibly heroic, the heroine being beautiful, pure and charitable, their lives merge in a union of perfect love, where he raises her to the social status her qualities make her deserve, and she must give him heirs to secure the passing of land and status to the next generation -- if these points are not met, it is not a full, proper HEA.
My rant indicates that when these issues are not addressed, we are facing either a modern novel (where individual happiness is pursued in spite of social constrains with huge personal loss) or not a proper romance, because of the lack of a HEA.
So..... in the face of how this book chose to organize the subject of inheritance at the end, I found it somehow lacking and messy in its planning. Still, the storytwlling was above par, the story was enjoyable, and maybe I will even remember it a year from now. I am in no rush to pick up the next book in the series though.
Rebecca fleds England because of reasons and is entrusted with the care of a baby, who is the light of her life and only source of comfort and affection. After 10 years she goes back to Englad to return little Jamey to his long lost father. Curiously, in the process of falling for Jamey's father and impressing everyone in the village with her obvious "quality", she kinda forgets about her bond with the boy and is ok with the prospect of leaving again to prevent her past to catch up with them (that aspect was so weird). Meanwhile there's savage slavery one estate over, sexual abuse running rampant and all kinds of cruelty and blackmail galore. Miraculously everything solves itself and true love can prosper.
A good point was that the Earl, the boy's father, did not stray and did not waver on his feelings for the heroine. One less source of angst at least! The down point for me is that there was no satisfying resolution for one VERY important point for ANY historical novel, which is: patrimony and inheritance. Let me explain: all historical novels and romances are set on a very specific background, which is a Patriarcal Social Organization, which implies that female sexual purity and honor is prized, marriages are arranged in order to secure family alliances and property, and males are valued for the social status and protection they provide for their families. This background is romantic, alluring and attractive in literature, IRL that would be a total nightmare. Still, historical novels have to follow such codes, the male main character being either rich, titled or incredibly heroic, the heroine being beautiful, pure and charitable, their lives merge in a union of perfect love, where he raises her to the social status her qualities make her deserve, and she must give him heirs to secure the passing of land and status to the next generation -- if these points are not met, it is not a full, proper HEA.
My rant indicates that when these issues are not addressed, we are facing either a modern novel (where individual happiness is pursued in spite of social constrains with huge personal loss) or not a proper romance, because of the lack of a HEA.
So..... in the face of how this book chose to organize the subject of inheritance at the end, I found it somehow lacking and messy in its planning. Still, the storytwlling was above par, the story was enjoyable, and maybe I will even remember it a year from now. I am in no rush to pick up the next book in the series though.
July 5, 2017
I don't know how I feel about this story.
The characters didn't meet until about 15% of the way through, which can be a good thing bc it adds to the build up of the story but then they didn't hang out a lot after.
I just didn't feel like there was good chemistry between the characters. Obviously Stanmore lusts after our girl Rebecca bc she's hawt but why did Rebecca like Stanmore? He completely ignores her son & is just constantly hitting on her. I get that that can be flattering but is he really husband material?
Anyways like all women before her, the minute she jumps into bed with him all rationality leaves her.
I just feel like there was a lot of lust with the characters just not a lot of brain chemistry.
The characters didn't meet until about 15% of the way through, which can be a good thing bc it adds to the build up of the story but then they didn't hang out a lot after.
I just didn't feel like there was good chemistry between the characters. Obviously Stanmore lusts after our girl Rebecca bc she's hawt but why did Rebecca like Stanmore? He completely ignores her son & is just constantly hitting on her. I get that that can be flattering but is he really husband material?
Anyways like all women before her, the minute she jumps into bed with him all rationality leaves her.
I just feel like there was a lot of lust with the characters just not a lot of brain chemistry.
February 26, 2021
The Promise is absolutely one of the best stories I have read in awhile. May McGoldrick is an Amazing Storyteller. This story will go on my re read list. I Highly Recommend Historical Romance or any read to read The Promise. The story is Heart Rendering, Emotional and will have you on the edge. The slow burn romance between Samuel The Earl of Stanmore and Rebecca Neville was beautifully written.
Ten years ago in 1760 Rebecca Neville was an 18 year old Governess for Sir Charles Hartington, a cruel, sexual abuser to women. He is after the young virginal Rebecca, but she fights back. she thinks she has killed him so she runs. Waving down a Coach she meet Elizabeth Wakefield she has just given birth that morning and is leaving for America with her newborn son Jamey. Jamey is hard of hearing and has a deformed hand. Elizabeth is running to. She has secrets. She helps Rebecca and takes her with them but Elizabeth dies on there voyage. She gets Rebecca to Promise she will raise her son. Rebecca never learns who Elizabeth and Jamey really are.
Ten years later Jamey and Rebecca have made there lives in America. Rebecca loves Jamey as her own and pretends to be his natural mother. Jamey loves his mother he knows no other. But Oliver Birch solicitor for the Earl of Stanmore shows up to retrieve Jamey the Earls son. But there are secrets there too.
All the characters and the backstories are very well written. I loved all the characters, except the evil slave owner and the ex mistress but even they were creatively written. Great writing all around in this story.
The story really takes off when Rebecca and Jamey arrive in England. She will stay with him until he is settled into his new life as heir to and Earldom. She just has to find a way to tell him she is not his real mother. This scene had me in tears. You can feel Jamey's pain. Heart Retching.
Samuel never tries to have any relationship with Jamey. Rebecca notice that Jamey doesn't look anything like Samuel but dismisses it. Rebecca tries to get Samuel to have some kind of relationship with his son. Soon there smoldering relationship starts to flame and off we go.
There is slavery and the abuse of slaves, a evil depraved ex mistress, a cruel slave owner and a story that will claim your heart and mind. I couldn't stop reading this story and then I listen to it on audible. Excellent Narration by Gabrielle Baker.
Ten years ago in 1760 Rebecca Neville was an 18 year old Governess for Sir Charles Hartington, a cruel, sexual abuser to women. He is after the young virginal Rebecca, but she fights back. she thinks she has killed him so she runs. Waving down a Coach she meet Elizabeth Wakefield she has just given birth that morning and is leaving for America with her newborn son Jamey. Jamey is hard of hearing and has a deformed hand. Elizabeth is running to. She has secrets. She helps Rebecca and takes her with them but Elizabeth dies on there voyage. She gets Rebecca to Promise she will raise her son. Rebecca never learns who Elizabeth and Jamey really are.
Ten years later Jamey and Rebecca have made there lives in America. Rebecca loves Jamey as her own and pretends to be his natural mother. Jamey loves his mother he knows no other. But Oliver Birch solicitor for the Earl of Stanmore shows up to retrieve Jamey the Earls son. But there are secrets there too.
All the characters and the backstories are very well written. I loved all the characters, except the evil slave owner and the ex mistress but even they were creatively written. Great writing all around in this story.
The story really takes off when Rebecca and Jamey arrive in England. She will stay with him until he is settled into his new life as heir to and Earldom. She just has to find a way to tell him she is not his real mother. This scene had me in tears. You can feel Jamey's pain. Heart Retching.
Samuel never tries to have any relationship with Jamey. Rebecca notice that Jamey doesn't look anything like Samuel but dismisses it. Rebecca tries to get Samuel to have some kind of relationship with his son. Soon there smoldering relationship starts to flame and off we go.
There is slavery and the abuse of slaves, a evil depraved ex mistress, a cruel slave owner and a story that will claim your heart and mind. I couldn't stop reading this story and then I listen to it on audible. Excellent Narration by Gabrielle Baker.
March 25, 2019
This was so good to me. I made myself put it down last night and picked it right back up this morning. Can't wait to read the 2nd one. I think I feel a binge read coming on....again. :-)
October 9, 2018
I finished listening to this audiobook a week ago, and I'm still thinking about it. Very few books leave such a lasting impression. Although this book is longer than 14 hours, it didn't feel like it while I was listening to it. Every minute was important to the story development, and every chapter helped the listener better understand the main characters.
The story centers around Rebecca who meets the sickly wife of an earl as she flees with her infant son. As the wife dies on a ship to America, Rebecca promises her that she will raise the boy as her own, which she does for 10 years in Philadelphia with much love, compassion, and affection. Then one day out of the blue, a lawyer from England arrives to take the boy back to England because the boy is the future Earl of Stanmore. Because Rebecca understands that her son would have a much better life in England with all that privilege and rank affords him, she accompanies him back to England "until he is settled in." The rest of the story is how Rebecca, her son, and the Earl "settle in" and learn to trust - and love - one another.
There is also a very moving secondary story arch dealing with the inhumanity of slavery and the degradation of women. These issues are not ignored or glossed over. Rather, they are dealt with adroitly and with compassion. I especially loved how the Earl took full responsibility when his neighbor is dealt with in a manner befitting his poor behavior. Simply put, this is a wonderfully written novel that every lover of historical romance will appreciate and enjoy.
The story centers around Rebecca who meets the sickly wife of an earl as she flees with her infant son. As the wife dies on a ship to America, Rebecca promises her that she will raise the boy as her own, which she does for 10 years in Philadelphia with much love, compassion, and affection. Then one day out of the blue, a lawyer from England arrives to take the boy back to England because the boy is the future Earl of Stanmore. Because Rebecca understands that her son would have a much better life in England with all that privilege and rank affords him, she accompanies him back to England "until he is settled in." The rest of the story is how Rebecca, her son, and the Earl "settle in" and learn to trust - and love - one another.
There is also a very moving secondary story arch dealing with the inhumanity of slavery and the degradation of women. These issues are not ignored or glossed over. Rather, they are dealt with adroitly and with compassion. I especially loved how the Earl took full responsibility when his neighbor is dealt with in a manner befitting his poor behavior. Simply put, this is a wonderfully written novel that every lover of historical romance will appreciate and enjoy.
December 2, 2018
I loved this book and. I was thrilled to see that it was so much more than a romance. I actually yelled "YES!" When the Earl threw his nasty neighbor out of his house because of the mistreatment of a child and the fact that the horrible practice of slavery was something the Earl would not tolerate. Loved it, now on to The Rebel!
July 30, 2017
I love the plot of this book. Loved the way the story flows. So why only 3 stars? The things I can't stand is how so perfect the heroine is, I meant she did not have any flaws, her characters or her physical attributes. NOT ONE! Made me cringe sometimes! I noticed that I am the minority here probably it is just because I was not in the mood to read a perfect heroine.
August 13, 2021
3.5 Stars - Review may contain spoilers.
The main story was good, but there was too much going on in this book, too many overlapping plots. It was kind of like reading a soap opera. I was disappointed in the ending regarding Louisa. She was such a terrible person, but in the end she got off scot-free. Her whole storyline was kind of pointless and unnecessary.
The main story was good, but there was too much going on in this book, too many overlapping plots. It was kind of like reading a soap opera. I was disappointed in the ending regarding Louisa. She was such a terrible person, but in the end she got off scot-free. Her whole storyline was kind of pointless and unnecessary.
May 9, 2014
Loved it and I want more!
January 30, 2024
A decent historical romance (the action takes place in 1770), although the theme of slavery running through the story made it grimmer than I like my romances. I've read many regency romances by now, but I didn't know that slavery existed in England during the regency period. The official Slavery Abolition Act only passed in Parliament in 1833. Although the 1807 Slave Trade Act prohibited the slave trade in the British Empire, it didn't abolish the practice of slavery in England, even though it was already unpopular. What an interesting thing to learn from a romance novel.
February 11, 2024
What I like most about this novel is the variety of narrative threads which this author weaves together to construct her fictional world: the primary romance between the Earl of Stanmore (the aloof Napoleonic war hero with a heart of ice) and his long lost son’s caretaker Rebecca Ford; a secondary romance between the schoolmaster and Rebecca’s old school friend, Millicent; the search for the earl’s son Jamey throughout England and the Colonies; the problem of spousal abuse within Millicent’s unhappy marriage; the issue of slavery; the cross racial bonds of friendship between Jamey and Israel; the long shadows cast by lies and infidelity; the redeeming power of love and loyalty; and much more. This book is addictive, so be forewarned—start it only if you have time to be totally sucked in.
December 5, 2018
Wow, this is a book that I just couldn't put down! I couldn't wait to see what happens, but I also didn't want to finish the book either. The anticipation is very heavy waiting to find out how her story ten years ago actually happened and to find out who are her parents. There is just an excitement about the entire story. What is going to happen when they find her id's just the beginning.
I highly recommend this book!
I highly recommend this book!
November 23, 2018
A solid, deftly written historical romance with interesting characters, memorable settings, and a page turning plot. Would definitely read more from this author... or authors ;-)
November 18, 2018
Wow! Just finished. I read this in one day because I could not put it down. Intricately woven story with believable characters. Quite suspenseful near the very satisfying end. On to Borrowed Dreams...
November 2, 2013
The Promise is quite a sweat book :) An orphaned girl (Rebecca) is forced to find a work as a governess, but her employer starts making unwanted advances. She kicks him on the head and flees his hose thinking that she killed him. On her way out she meets a countess who's also fleeing her husband's father with a child (James) who's only a day old. They board the ship to America together. But young mother dies and a girl is left alone to fend for herself and the kid. And she's good at it!
Unfortunately, the kid's presumable father (Stanmore) finds them in America and forces to come to Britain. Since Rebecca can't leave her son alone she returns to England and tries not to be caught by police for murdering a noblemen. But when she arrives Stanmore decides that she wants her in his bed and their journey together starts :) She wants to hide her past, but he wants to uncover it. And there are interesting things in Rebecca's past worth uncovering.
Unfortunately, the kid's presumable father (Stanmore) finds them in America and forces to come to Britain. Since Rebecca can't leave her son alone she returns to England and tries not to be caught by police for murdering a noblemen. But when she arrives Stanmore decides that she wants her in his bed and their journey together starts :) She wants to hide her past, but he wants to uncover it. And there are interesting things in Rebecca's past worth uncovering.
July 14, 2018
Captivated in England
I love that with every book that I read by this author, that there is a new captivating storyline. All new twists and turns with romance to keep the heart pumping. Sometimes it can seem as though storylines have resemblances, just new characters and names. The historical information along with a storyline that keeps interest enough not to want to put it down, makes this book another hit. Rebecca has no family, although she has an unknown benefactor, she is completely alone, but she is a strong woman who knows how to survive. She knows how to love and put others before herself which is a rarity. Love this book. Recommend it to anyone who loves historical romance.
I love that with every book that I read by this author, that there is a new captivating storyline. All new twists and turns with romance to keep the heart pumping. Sometimes it can seem as though storylines have resemblances, just new characters and names. The historical information along with a storyline that keeps interest enough not to want to put it down, makes this book another hit. Rebecca has no family, although she has an unknown benefactor, she is completely alone, but she is a strong woman who knows how to survive. She knows how to love and put others before herself which is a rarity. Love this book. Recommend it to anyone who loves historical romance.
January 25, 2023
Too much!
The number of plots & sub-plots in this book is ridiculous. There is just far too much going on, and because of that the romance element has to be picked out from among the vast amount of chaff. Between sexual abuse and deviance, slaves and the slave trade, and children lost or abandoned, there is the mystery of Rebecca’s lineage, the cause of her running away, and of course, slipping in amongst this hotch-potch is the romance with the Earl.
Worse is the swathes of repetitive introspection that serve a purpose once, but thereafter are a waste of time.
Read if you must.
The number of plots & sub-plots in this book is ridiculous. There is just far too much going on, and because of that the romance element has to be picked out from among the vast amount of chaff. Between sexual abuse and deviance, slaves and the slave trade, and children lost or abandoned, there is the mystery of Rebecca’s lineage, the cause of her running away, and of course, slipping in amongst this hotch-potch is the romance with the Earl.
Worse is the swathes of repetitive introspection that serve a purpose once, but thereafter are a waste of time.
Read if you must.
February 9, 2014
This book is excellent. The story is well written, the plot is interesting and the issues are complex. The characters are real and well rounded people who the reader becomes invested in. The author did excellent research into the history and the story is well founded in the country and people of the age. See my full review on Amazon.One of the characters introduced in this story appears in "Borrowed Dreams", and another in "The Rebel".
May 6, 2015
4.5 stars
Great plot, good storyline, well developed characters and likeable heroine, with a hero you can grow to like. Slow in some parts but keep reading, I think you will be glad you did. If you are tender hearted expect to cry at the treatment of the slaves and some people who aren't slaves.
How that last statement is not a spoiler but I am tender hearted and just about stopped reading when I reached that part but I'm glad I didn't.
I do recommend the book.
Great plot, good storyline, well developed characters and likeable heroine, with a hero you can grow to like. Slow in some parts but keep reading, I think you will be glad you did. If you are tender hearted expect to cry at the treatment of the slaves and some people who aren't slaves.
How that last statement is not a spoiler but I am tender hearted and just about stopped reading when I reached that part but I'm glad I didn't.
I do recommend the book.
July 28, 2020
The Promise: (Prequel to Pennington Series)
The love story of Rebecca and Stanmore. On the run from a the servings of Lord Charles Harrington, Rebecca is pick up a a woman who just had a baby and she to was on the run. They head to the new world and her rescue die, leaving Rebecca with the baby. Ten years later, the father shown up and want him back in England. Can she return? Great story.
The love story of Rebecca and Stanmore. On the run from a the servings of Lord Charles Harrington, Rebecca is pick up a a woman who just had a baby and she to was on the run. They head to the new world and her rescue die, leaving Rebecca with the baby. Ten years later, the father shown up and want him back in England. Can she return? Great story.
May 21, 2025
The Promise was a slog for me. I was wary when they introduced Samuel, the Earl of Stanmore, as an abolitionist. When contemporary authors of historical romance incorporate slavery into the narrative, they often do so primarily to absolve their (white, upper-class) characters of their complicity with the violence of colonialism and labour exploitation. While the text does spend more time on the issues, the enslaved characters exist mostly to suffer, to serve, and to show the aristocrats' moral fortitude (or lack thereof). We have limited access to their interiority and until the end, there are few opportunities for them to act. It is perhaps understandable based on context, but I think one unfortunate effect is that they feel like props in Rebecca and Stanmore's (comparatively low-stakes) story.
In addition to slavery, the novel tackles intimate partner violence, sexual coercion, ableism, and to a lesser extent, ageing/addiction. These heavy subjects sit uneasily next to the love affair between Rebecca and Stanmore. While the stark juxtaposition may be by design, I struggled to care about Rebecca and Stanmore's fate when Jonah, Israel, Moses, and they're peers lived under Mickleby's whip, and Millicent lived in fear of her life. It didn't help that both as individual characters and as a couple, Rebecca and Stanmore are underdeveloped. They each fulfill a stereotype, but there's no particular reason for their romance beyond physical attraction. Rebecca is the Victorian (or in this case, Georgian) Angel, so arguably, there's no need to explain the Earl's interest. Even strangers can't help but recognize Rebecca as a paragon of virtue and devoted motherhood. She is incomparably beautiful, self-sacrificing, noble, virtuous, respectable, and kind, with scarcely any flaws except too much concern for her nine-year-old son.
Stanmore doesn't have much character to recommend him, except that he's taken the correct moral position on slavery (and rent). It's supposed to point to substance, but he doesn't offer much supporting evidence. On the contrary, he mistrust all women based on the actions of a few and he largely ignores Jamey until Rebecca forces his hand. He has a sob story to justify his behaviour, but it never once occurs to him that he should question his father's version of events. There is every possibility that I highlight this example because it's misogyny to hold women responsible for the actions of a few, and children deserve genuine consideration from the adults in their lives. I can accept that Stanmore has a learning curve, but I would expect Rebecca to value self-reflection and hands-on fatherhood/guardianship based on her experience alone. Instead, he's so focused on his desires that the rest is incidental.
The villains aren't really worth speaking of, except to say that I think the text seemed a little too quick to link promiscuity with lax morality. Arguably, even In general, the text's attitude towards promiscuous women like Jenny Greene felt passé for a 2010 publication and little else actually worked for me. The writing didn't pull me in, the Butler's seemed too quickly forgotten, and though I don't claim to be an expert, I had occasional questions about historical accuracy.
I trust that the authors had the best intentions with the slavery subplot and I thought the premise had potential, but The Promise just didn't work for me.
ETA: It was originally published in 2001, so the attitude to women is a little less surprising. Only a little, though.
In addition to slavery, the novel tackles intimate partner violence, sexual coercion, ableism, and to a lesser extent, ageing/addiction. These heavy subjects sit uneasily next to the love affair between Rebecca and Stanmore. While the stark juxtaposition may be by design, I struggled to care about Rebecca and Stanmore's fate when Jonah, Israel, Moses, and they're peers lived under Mickleby's whip, and Millicent lived in fear of her life. It didn't help that both as individual characters and as a couple, Rebecca and Stanmore are underdeveloped. They each fulfill a stereotype, but there's no particular reason for their romance beyond physical attraction. Rebecca is the Victorian (or in this case, Georgian) Angel, so arguably, there's no need to explain the Earl's interest. Even strangers can't help but recognize Rebecca as a paragon of virtue and devoted motherhood. She is incomparably beautiful, self-sacrificing, noble, virtuous, respectable, and kind, with scarcely any flaws except too much concern for her nine-year-old son.
Stanmore doesn't have much character to recommend him, except that he's taken the correct moral position on slavery (and rent). It's supposed to point to substance, but he doesn't offer much supporting evidence. On the contrary, he mistrust all women based on the actions of a few and he largely ignores Jamey until Rebecca forces his hand. He has a sob story to justify his behaviour, but it never once occurs to him that he should question his father's version of events. There is every possibility that I highlight this example because it's misogyny to hold women responsible for the actions of a few, and children deserve genuine consideration from the adults in their lives. I can accept that Stanmore has a learning curve, but I would expect Rebecca to value self-reflection and hands-on fatherhood/guardianship based on her experience alone. Instead, he's so focused on his desires that the rest is incidental.
The villains aren't really worth speaking of, except to say that I think the text seemed a little too quick to link promiscuity with lax morality. Arguably, even In general, the text's attitude towards promiscuous women like Jenny Greene felt passé for a 2010 publication and little else actually worked for me. The writing didn't pull me in, the Butler's seemed too quickly forgotten, and though I don't claim to be an expert, I had occasional questions about historical accuracy.
I trust that the authors had the best intentions with the slavery subplot and I thought the premise had potential, but The Promise just didn't work for me.
ETA: It was originally published in 2001, so the attitude to women is a little less surprising. Only a little, though.
April 12, 2019
Worth Reading
This is my first time to read a book written by May McGoldrick. I liked the plot. It is a classic unfolding of an awesome story. The way it was written captivated me in the sense that I wanted to know what happened before and what will happen next, who was involved and how will it happen. Nothing was blatantly predictable.
The innocent heroine is truly admirable. Having no knowledge of who her family is, she entered as a governess for a noble family after her finishing school. She was harassed and almost molested by her employer and she narrowly escaped by causing him severe injury which she thought killed him. She ran away and met another woman and ended up taking care of the woman’s baby after she passed away and the heroine ended up settling in America. The hero was a strong character and likable. He sent out someone to reclaim his wife’s son and brought said son and the heroine to England. Hero and heroine meet but the beauty of their journey to love was in the depth of the development. I enjoyed their interactions. It was not the typical cat and mouse and I-hate-you-but-I-am-attracted-to-you scenario. It was a sweet, grounded, and romantic love story. The hero set out with different intentions but changed direction once he got to know the heroine better. I will not expound on the other elements of this book that made it enjoyable - the villain, the social issue addressed, the mystery family ties. I will just have to say that it was worth reading and discovering and enjoying up until the epilogue. One has to know though that this is a prequel to the story of the heroine’s friend. Oh, and there are very few lovemaking scenes that are mildly described.
I am happy with my chance purchase of this book.
This is my first time to read a book written by May McGoldrick. I liked the plot. It is a classic unfolding of an awesome story. The way it was written captivated me in the sense that I wanted to know what happened before and what will happen next, who was involved and how will it happen. Nothing was blatantly predictable.
The innocent heroine is truly admirable. Having no knowledge of who her family is, she entered as a governess for a noble family after her finishing school. She was harassed and almost molested by her employer and she narrowly escaped by causing him severe injury which she thought killed him. She ran away and met another woman and ended up taking care of the woman’s baby after she passed away and the heroine ended up settling in America. The hero was a strong character and likable. He sent out someone to reclaim his wife’s son and brought said son and the heroine to England. Hero and heroine meet but the beauty of their journey to love was in the depth of the development. I enjoyed their interactions. It was not the typical cat and mouse and I-hate-you-but-I-am-attracted-to-you scenario. It was a sweet, grounded, and romantic love story. The hero set out with different intentions but changed direction once he got to know the heroine better. I will not expound on the other elements of this book that made it enjoyable - the villain, the social issue addressed, the mystery family ties. I will just have to say that it was worth reading and discovering and enjoying up until the epilogue. One has to know though that this is a prequel to the story of the heroine’s friend. Oh, and there are very few lovemaking scenes that are mildly described.
I am happy with my chance purchase of this book.
April 22, 2024
Prequel to Borrowed Dreams.
Rebecca Neville never knew her parentage. She was raised and educated since childhood at the illustrious Mrs. Stockdale's Academy, paid for by an unknown benefactor.
On her first posting as a tutor, she is violently accosted by the lord of the manor. She defends herself, leaving the man gravely injured and runs away, knowing she will be hung for murder if she's caught.
She is rescued off the street by a woman who offers her passage on a ship to the American colonies. The lady has recently given birth and is ill. Rebecca agrees and promises to raise her son when it becomes clear the lady will not last the voyage.
10 years pass and Rebecca has made a life for herself and Jamey in Virginia. She's posing as a widow Mrs. Ford, with her son. When a lawyer from England discovers them and informs her that Jamey is the son and heir of the Earl of Stanmore. She is encouraged to return to England to support Jamey's transition, and she agrees for her love of the child, despite her fears of reprisal over the death of her employer all those years ago.
She meets Stanmore who is immediately attracted to her beauty and begrudgingly impressed by her care for the child.
I didn't really love the hero. He is supposed to be this great man, champion of the people etc, but he treats his (admittedly nasty) mistress without much consideration and then moves on to Rebecca, hoping for a fling. Over time he realises that he's in love with her, but still...
I liked Rebecca. She's smart, hard-working, devoted to Jayme and cares for everyone.
There is some action and mystery in the story as well, but nothing too difficult to figure out in advance.
His book contains descriptive love scenes.
Rebecca Neville never knew her parentage. She was raised and educated since childhood at the illustrious Mrs. Stockdale's Academy, paid for by an unknown benefactor.
On her first posting as a tutor, she is violently accosted by the lord of the manor. She defends herself, leaving the man gravely injured and runs away, knowing she will be hung for murder if she's caught.
She is rescued off the street by a woman who offers her passage on a ship to the American colonies. The lady has recently given birth and is ill. Rebecca agrees and promises to raise her son when it becomes clear the lady will not last the voyage.
10 years pass and Rebecca has made a life for herself and Jamey in Virginia. She's posing as a widow Mrs. Ford, with her son. When a lawyer from England discovers them and informs her that Jamey is the son and heir of the Earl of Stanmore. She is encouraged to return to England to support Jamey's transition, and she agrees for her love of the child, despite her fears of reprisal over the death of her employer all those years ago.
She meets Stanmore who is immediately attracted to her beauty and begrudgingly impressed by her care for the child.
I didn't really love the hero. He is supposed to be this great man, champion of the people etc, but he treats his (admittedly nasty) mistress without much consideration and then moves on to Rebecca, hoping for a fling. Over time he realises that he's in love with her, but still...
I liked Rebecca. She's smart, hard-working, devoted to Jayme and cares for everyone.
There is some action and mystery in the story as well, but nothing too difficult to figure out in advance.
His book contains descriptive love scenes.
July 26, 2020
The Ache💔 Of A Longing Heart💕
ADULT Georgian Romance💕 with Secrets💔and Lies.
England 1760
Rebecca💃Neville grows up and is educated at a prestigious girl's finishing school. Someone pays her way but she never knows who. She doesn't even know who her mother is.
At 18, she becomes a governess for Sir Charles Hartington's children, but soon finds out he is a cruel, lecherous man👺 who forces himself on his female servants.
When he tries to force himself on her, she is able to hit him in the head with a fireplace poker. Thinking she killed him, she flees with nothing. Men are chasing her and she gets a carriage ride from Elizabeth, a young woman with a newborn baby👶, also fleeing.
They go to the docks and board a ship⛵ to the colonies. Elizabeth soon dies of birth related complications, but she makes Rebecca💃💔 promise to raise her son James👶, as her own.
Rebecca loves James as her own and takes on the promise and motherhood with a deep responsibility. She tutors children for a living and takes on a new name in the new 🌎world, claiming to be a widow.
Rebecca💃💔 never knew who James' father is, but she knew that Elizabeth was a Lady. She fears that someday his father may come looking for him....
This is a wonderful saga stretching over ten years or so. The characters have many secrets, and Rebecca💃💔 has the most, some she doesn't even realize she has!
Great book! I Highly recommend it to all lovers💕 of historical romance. The story is truly magnificent! Probably the best of the hundreds I've read this year in this genre!
ADULT Georgian Romance💕 with Secrets💔and Lies.
England 1760
Rebecca💃Neville grows up and is educated at a prestigious girl's finishing school. Someone pays her way but she never knows who. She doesn't even know who her mother is.
At 18, she becomes a governess for Sir Charles Hartington's children, but soon finds out he is a cruel, lecherous man👺 who forces himself on his female servants.
When he tries to force himself on her, she is able to hit him in the head with a fireplace poker. Thinking she killed him, she flees with nothing. Men are chasing her and she gets a carriage ride from Elizabeth, a young woman with a newborn baby👶, also fleeing.
They go to the docks and board a ship⛵ to the colonies. Elizabeth soon dies of birth related complications, but she makes Rebecca💃💔 promise to raise her son James👶, as her own.
Rebecca loves James as her own and takes on the promise and motherhood with a deep responsibility. She tutors children for a living and takes on a new name in the new 🌎world, claiming to be a widow.
Rebecca💃💔 never knew who James' father is, but she knew that Elizabeth was a Lady. She fears that someday his father may come looking for him....
This is a wonderful saga stretching over ten years or so. The characters have many secrets, and Rebecca💃💔 has the most, some she doesn't even realize she has!
Great book! I Highly recommend it to all lovers💕 of historical romance. The story is truly magnificent! Probably the best of the hundreds I've read this year in this genre!
September 6, 2024
There was a lot going on in this book. The hero's mistress refused to go away after she was dismissed. The heroine's mother is a drunken washed-up actress who she doesn't know. The heroine almost got raped so she killed the pig and went into hiding as a widow pretending to be the mother to the hero's 9-year-old deformed son. The hero is having the heroine investigated but yet trying to seduce her. The hero's lawyer and best friend wants to marry the heroine, but he is the one the hero tasked with conducting the investigating of the heroine. The squire has slaves he's abusing. The squire is tupping the hero's ex-mistress in the home of his wife. The squire abused his wife and accused her of sleeping with the slaves. The heroine and the squire's wife planned to run away together. We then find out that the hero's 9-year-old deformed son is really the hero 's father and the hero's dead wife child. Then a series of events happened. The squire killed a man he thought was having an affair with his wife. Then one of the slaves killed the squire. Then the hero killed the bailiff. We then found out that the heroine didn't actually kill the pig who tried to rape her. And finally, we found out that the heroine is the daughter of an earl.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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