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A Prior Engagement
Living in a world built on pretenses, Everleigh Wright discovers how carefully orchestrated her Upper East Side life has been. Trapped in an arrangement for social prestige and financial gain, she finds life is not as idyllic as she once thought.
William Ryder leads a life rich in family support and endless determination. While attending university in Manhattan, he becomes enamored with a classic beauty who holds many secrets beneath her quiet propriety. William falls head over heels crazy for her, and she falls for him and his unfaltering optimism and kindness.
William and Everleigh may come from different worlds, but their attraction is instant and their love undeniable. Hoping love conquers all, they will find out if their love is unstoppable when faced with the consequences of breaking a prior engagement.
“Right here, right now is all that matters.”
William Ryder leads a life rich in family support and endless determination. While attending university in Manhattan, he becomes enamored with a classic beauty who holds many secrets beneath her quiet propriety. William falls head over heels crazy for her, and she falls for him and his unfaltering optimism and kindness.
William and Everleigh may come from different worlds, but their attraction is instant and their love undeniable. Hoping love conquers all, they will find out if their love is unstoppable when faced with the consequences of breaking a prior engagement.
“Right here, right now is all that matters.”
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2013
16 people are currently reading
1092 people want to read
About the author
S.L. Scott
88 books5,084 followersNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, S.L. Scott, writes character driven, heart-racing suspense, and swoony romances that will leave you glued to the page. With stories ranging from witty beach reads to heart wrenching and heart healing, her stories are highly regarded as emotional, relatable, and captivating.
Her books are more than escapes for the voracious readers of today. They are journeys of the heart that always come with a happily ever after reward at the end.
Website: www.slscottauthor.com or https://geni.us/slscott
Newsletter: https://geni.us/intheknow
Amazon Author Page: https://geni.us/SLSAm
Goodreads: https://geni.us/SLGR
Pinterest: https://geni.us/SLPin
Instagram: https://geni.us/IGSLS
Tiktok: https://geni.us/SLTikTok
Facebook: https://geni.us/SLSPage
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Facebook Reader Group: https://geni.us/SLScottBooks
Twitter: https://geni.us/SLTwitter
Youtube: https://geni.us/SLSYoutube
**Make sure to follow her here on Goodreads and Amazon.
Her books are more than escapes for the voracious readers of today. They are journeys of the heart that always come with a happily ever after reward at the end.
Website: www.slscottauthor.com or https://geni.us/slscott
Newsletter: https://geni.us/intheknow
Amazon Author Page: https://geni.us/SLSAm
Goodreads: https://geni.us/SLGR
Pinterest: https://geni.us/SLPin
Instagram: https://geni.us/IGSLS
Tiktok: https://geni.us/SLTikTok
Facebook: https://geni.us/SLSPage
Bookbub: https://geni.us/SLScottBB
Facebook Reader Group: https://geni.us/SLScottBooks
Twitter: https://geni.us/SLTwitter
Youtube: https://geni.us/SLSYoutube
**Make sure to follow her here on Goodreads and Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
April 29, 2013
Unfortunately, the writing was really bad. The descriptions were just too much. Here is an example:
"William carefully pulled the wrapper down from the sides and removed the baked good. He took a bite making sure to include some of the top, bottom and the bit in the middle."
There was just too much of this. It really detracted from the story. The premise of the story itself was pretty unbelievable and the ending, too fantastical.
I would not recommend this title.
"William carefully pulled the wrapper down from the sides and removed the baked good. He took a bite making sure to include some of the top, bottom and the bit in the middle."
There was just too much of this. It really detracted from the story. The premise of the story itself was pretty unbelievable and the ending, too fantastical.
I would not recommend this title.
April 22, 2013
5 Stars
Everleigh Wright has the weight of her family’s future on her shoulders. She must marry the man her parents chose for her years ago so that their families can forge a stronger hold in society. She once loved this man, but as the years have passed he has shown his true colors and she knows he is not her true love. Is there a true love for her, and where will she find him, and if she does will she be strong enough to leave the responsibilities to her family behind - no SL Scott has not written a period romance, this is a contemporary romance set in Manhattan.
Everleigh has resigned herself to a future of playing the role of a good wife and doing what is expected, then she finds a friend, William. William Ryder is a fellow college classmate, and lover of literature. He has noticed Everleigh all term but it isn’t until she sits at his favorite table in his favorite coffee shop that he gets the courage to speak to her. Everleigh moves forward with a friendship with William, one that gives her courage – courage to dream.
I enjoyed this book immensely. One thing about SL Scott’s writing there are no frivolous characters; from the three main characters of Everleigh, William and Tom; to Walter the doorman, each is created with clear definition – you could almost walk down a street in Manhattan and pick them out of a crowd. Dialog rang true to the situation for me, and sometimes the most poignant dialog is delivered by the most abstract character – such as when a waitress tells Everleigh a quote that has always meant something to her. There are no quick fixes to the conflict, so much so a HEA sometimes was in doubt. Characters fought for an HEA, and at times characters gave up on one too. And when they gave up – SL Scott made it believable and I found myself resigned with the character to their fate – a sign of writing that absorbs you into the story.
I had been reading many romantic suspense novels lately and found I needed a change of scenery in my brain – so I picked up the ARC SL Scott so kindly gave me in exchange for my honest review. I found myself finding little snippets of time to read a scene or two – at one point finding a couch in a shoe store to read while my mother shopped! Pick up A Prior Engagement, SL Scott has a unique voice, packs fantastic detail in every chapter, and drops a thought provoking line or two (blue vs black ink). This read did not disappoint, I hope sometime in the future she creates a series so I am able to spend ample time with these characters she so wonderfully sculpts.
Everleigh Wright has the weight of her family’s future on her shoulders. She must marry the man her parents chose for her years ago so that their families can forge a stronger hold in society. She once loved this man, but as the years have passed he has shown his true colors and she knows he is not her true love. Is there a true love for her, and where will she find him, and if she does will she be strong enough to leave the responsibilities to her family behind - no SL Scott has not written a period romance, this is a contemporary romance set in Manhattan.
Everleigh has resigned herself to a future of playing the role of a good wife and doing what is expected, then she finds a friend, William. William Ryder is a fellow college classmate, and lover of literature. He has noticed Everleigh all term but it isn’t until she sits at his favorite table in his favorite coffee shop that he gets the courage to speak to her. Everleigh moves forward with a friendship with William, one that gives her courage – courage to dream.
I enjoyed this book immensely. One thing about SL Scott’s writing there are no frivolous characters; from the three main characters of Everleigh, William and Tom; to Walter the doorman, each is created with clear definition – you could almost walk down a street in Manhattan and pick them out of a crowd. Dialog rang true to the situation for me, and sometimes the most poignant dialog is delivered by the most abstract character – such as when a waitress tells Everleigh a quote that has always meant something to her. There are no quick fixes to the conflict, so much so a HEA sometimes was in doubt. Characters fought for an HEA, and at times characters gave up on one too. And when they gave up – SL Scott made it believable and I found myself resigned with the character to their fate – a sign of writing that absorbs you into the story.
I had been reading many romantic suspense novels lately and found I needed a change of scenery in my brain – so I picked up the ARC SL Scott so kindly gave me in exchange for my honest review. I found myself finding little snippets of time to read a scene or two – at one point finding a couch in a shoe store to read while my mother shopped! Pick up A Prior Engagement, SL Scott has a unique voice, packs fantastic detail in every chapter, and drops a thought provoking line or two (blue vs black ink). This read did not disappoint, I hope sometime in the future she creates a series so I am able to spend ample time with these characters she so wonderfully sculpts.
April 17, 2013
A Prior Engagement was a beautifully written, contemporary romance that centers around two college seniors: Everleigh and William. The two meet in Professor Lang's classic British literature lecture. The feeling of the classics seems to weave itself into the two's budding love story. For me, that meant that it took a little bit of time to get into the book, but it paid off so big in the end. It is a gorgeous look at true love; love that can really accomplish all.
Scott writes beautifully, in a way that is almost lyrical and very visual. At times, I felt almost like like I were watching William and Evie's story play out in front me, rather than reading it. Her characters jumped off tA Prior Engagement was a beautifully written, contemporary romance that centers around two college seniors: Everleigh and William. The two meet in Professor Lang's classic British literature lecture. The feeling of the classics seems to weave itself into the two's budding love story. For me, that meant that it took a little bit of time to get into the book, but it paid off so big in the end. It is a gorgeous look at true love; love that can really accomplish all.
Scott writes beautifully, in a way that is almost lyrical and very visual. At times, I felt almost like like I were watching William and Evie's story play out in front me, rather than reading it. Her characters jumped off the page, coming alive, which for the reader is about the best compliment I can pay.
I do not want to give away too much of the story. However, Evie and William's love story is not an easy one. It is wrough with heartache, fear and many, many challenges. But it's uplifting, hopeful and beautiful. For me, it felt like how love stories really happen. Life is never easy, and sometime you have to save your true love from horrible circumstances.
One of the things I loved most about this story was that Scott gave us a peek into their happy ending. The story does not just end with "I love you", instead we get to see so much of Evie and William's life. It was almost like opening a treasured photo album or a journal.
All in all, it was a beautiful story, with a classic literature feeling. I truly loved this book.he page, coming alive, which for the reader is about the best compliment I can pay.
I do not want to give away too much of the story. However, Evie and William's love story is not an easy one. It is wrought with heartache, fear and many, many challenges. But it's uplifting, hopeful and beautiful. For me, it felt like how love stories really happen. Life is never easy, and sometime you have to save your true love from horrible circumstances.
One of the things I loved most about this story was that Scott gave us a peek into their happy ending. The story does not just end with "I love you", instead we get to see so much of Evie and William's life. It was almost like opening a treasured photo album or a journal.
All in all, it was a beautiful story, with a classic literature feeling. I truly loved this book.
Scott writes beautifully, in a way that is almost lyrical and very visual. At times, I felt almost like like I were watching William and Evie's story play out in front me, rather than reading it. Her characters jumped off tA Prior Engagement was a beautifully written, contemporary romance that centers around two college seniors: Everleigh and William. The two meet in Professor Lang's classic British literature lecture. The feeling of the classics seems to weave itself into the two's budding love story. For me, that meant that it took a little bit of time to get into the book, but it paid off so big in the end. It is a gorgeous look at true love; love that can really accomplish all.
Scott writes beautifully, in a way that is almost lyrical and very visual. At times, I felt almost like like I were watching William and Evie's story play out in front me, rather than reading it. Her characters jumped off the page, coming alive, which for the reader is about the best compliment I can pay.
I do not want to give away too much of the story. However, Evie and William's love story is not an easy one. It is wrough with heartache, fear and many, many challenges. But it's uplifting, hopeful and beautiful. For me, it felt like how love stories really happen. Life is never easy, and sometime you have to save your true love from horrible circumstances.
One of the things I loved most about this story was that Scott gave us a peek into their happy ending. The story does not just end with "I love you", instead we get to see so much of Evie and William's life. It was almost like opening a treasured photo album or a journal.
All in all, it was a beautiful story, with a classic literature feeling. I truly loved this book.he page, coming alive, which for the reader is about the best compliment I can pay.
I do not want to give away too much of the story. However, Evie and William's love story is not an easy one. It is wrought with heartache, fear and many, many challenges. But it's uplifting, hopeful and beautiful. For me, it felt like how love stories really happen. Life is never easy, and sometime you have to save your true love from horrible circumstances.
One of the things I loved most about this story was that Scott gave us a peek into their happy ending. The story does not just end with "I love you", instead we get to see so much of Evie and William's life. It was almost like opening a treasured photo album or a journal.
All in all, it was a beautiful story, with a classic literature feeling. I truly loved this book.
November 28, 2015
There were parts I really liked and others I was not sure about.
I usually loathe stories about rich girls, but i thought I would give this one a try since the heroine wanted out of her life.
The writing style took me awhile to get used to. There is FREQUENT SWITCH IN POVs like every other paragraph. In some instances, you know every character's feeling at every point. Even the barista's. However, towards the end of the book, the switches were less frequent and it flowed more.
The hero and heroine meet in an English class in college. The heroine is a very rich girl (she gets $8,000 monthly allowance from daddy) and the hero is very poor. The hero was amazing. I sometimes thought he was too nice. Anyway, the couple meet, fall in love, but there is a problem. The heroine is engaged to another man. A man she does not love or no longer loves. Her parents made the arrangement of her marrying this man as a way to join two families together when she was 17 years old. Everleigh feels she has no choice but to marry and when she decides to finally break free, others obstacles come in the way.
I liked the story, but some of it in the end did not work for me.
In the end, I am glad, I read it. I just had some issues.
I loved Walter the doorman and I did enjoy the heroine's sister. I was leery of her at first, but she was a true savior.
I usually loathe stories about rich girls, but i thought I would give this one a try since the heroine wanted out of her life.
The writing style took me awhile to get used to. There is FREQUENT SWITCH IN POVs like every other paragraph. In some instances, you know every character's feeling at every point. Even the barista's. However, towards the end of the book, the switches were less frequent and it flowed more.
The hero and heroine meet in an English class in college. The heroine is a very rich girl (she gets $8,000 monthly allowance from daddy) and the hero is very poor. The hero was amazing. I sometimes thought he was too nice. Anyway, the couple meet, fall in love, but there is a problem. The heroine is engaged to another man. A man she does not love or no longer loves. Her parents made the arrangement of her marrying this man as a way to join two families together when she was 17 years old. Everleigh feels she has no choice but to marry and when she decides to finally break free, others obstacles come in the way.
I liked the story, but some of it in the end did not work for me.
In the end, I am glad, I read it. I just had some issues.
I loved Walter the doorman and I did enjoy the heroine's sister. I was leery of her at first, but she was a true savior.
May 26, 2013
This is a beautiful love story, it is a modern Jane Austen novel. The story is so moving and so romantic it will melt your heart; it definitely melted my heart.
The story about a "forbidden" love. Everleigh (Evie) comes from a rich New York family and is engaged to a controlling, domineering, rich and abusive asshole. The engagement has been arranged for a long time and the wedding is expected. Why does Evie stay? because it is expected, because she is afraid, because she hopes her fiance is going through a phase and will eventually change and ultimately she stays because she has never been in real love and doesn't know any better.
Evie is sweet, smart, beautiful, sheltered and loves English literature. While buying coffee at a local coffee shop she encounters a fellow a class mate William Ryder and their innocent interactions soon lead into more as they each fall for each other. William who comes from a middle class background, is hard working, intelligent, super sweet and super hot. He has no idea that the girl whom he is slowly falling far is engaged.
The story is beautiful. It is well written and you can gradually feel as these 2 gentle souls fall in love. Yes, there were times were I was frustrated at Evie for her dishonesty, for not having the guts to tell William that she was engaged. I hated her because you could see how much he was falling for her and she was just so selfish and preoccupied with her emotions. However, I couldn't quite dislike her as I could see where she was coming from, I ultimately felt sorry for her and empathy for her situation. I so wanted these characters to get together!
The characters do go through lots of upheavals: the trials of their forbidden love, abuse from the fiance, parental disapproval etc. ultimately though their struggles are not in vain and the book does end on a very high note. I loved the fact that William never lost hope!
The story is wonderful, so moving and so romantic. I fell in love with the writing, the characters and the book. The book has no cliffhanger and has a HELL OF A HEA!!! Amazing book.
The story about a "forbidden" love. Everleigh (Evie) comes from a rich New York family and is engaged to a controlling, domineering, rich and abusive asshole. The engagement has been arranged for a long time and the wedding is expected. Why does Evie stay? because it is expected, because she is afraid, because she hopes her fiance is going through a phase and will eventually change and ultimately she stays because she has never been in real love and doesn't know any better.
Evie is sweet, smart, beautiful, sheltered and loves English literature. While buying coffee at a local coffee shop she encounters a fellow a class mate William Ryder and their innocent interactions soon lead into more as they each fall for each other. William who comes from a middle class background, is hard working, intelligent, super sweet and super hot. He has no idea that the girl whom he is slowly falling far is engaged.
The story is beautiful. It is well written and you can gradually feel as these 2 gentle souls fall in love. Yes, there were times were I was frustrated at Evie for her dishonesty, for not having the guts to tell William that she was engaged. I hated her because you could see how much he was falling for her and she was just so selfish and preoccupied with her emotions. However, I couldn't quite dislike her as I could see where she was coming from, I ultimately felt sorry for her and empathy for her situation. I so wanted these characters to get together!
The characters do go through lots of upheavals: the trials of their forbidden love, abuse from the fiance, parental disapproval etc. ultimately though their struggles are not in vain and the book does end on a very high note. I loved the fact that William never lost hope!
The story is wonderful, so moving and so romantic. I fell in love with the writing, the characters and the book. The book has no cliffhanger and has a HELL OF A HEA!!! Amazing book.
Want to read
May 14, 2013 Um, woah!! How did I miss this one? I see reviews of it being an emotional forbidden romance with a happy ending... I'm adding it to my list!!
I don't know much about it but it seems to be about a woman from a rich family trapped in an engagement to a pretty evil sounding guy when she falls in love with a (regular, not rich) guy in her university.
BLUBR --> Living in a world built on pretenses, Everleigh Wright discovers how carefully orchestrated her Upper East Side life has been. Trapped in an arrangement for social prestige and financial gain, she finds life is not as idyllic as she once thought.
William Ryder leads a life rich in family support and endless determination. While attending university in Manhattan, he becomes enamored with a classic beauty who holds many secrets beneath her quiet propriety. William falls head over heels crazy for her, and she falls for him and his unfaltering optimism and kindness.
William and Everleigh may come from different worlds, but their attraction is instant and their love undeniable. Hoping love conquers all, they will find out if their love is unstoppable when faced with the consequences of breaking a prior engagement.
I don't know much about it but it seems to be about a woman from a rich family trapped in an engagement to a pretty evil sounding guy when she falls in love with a (regular, not rich) guy in her university.
BLUBR --> Living in a world built on pretenses, Everleigh Wright discovers how carefully orchestrated her Upper East Side life has been. Trapped in an arrangement for social prestige and financial gain, she finds life is not as idyllic as she once thought.
William Ryder leads a life rich in family support and endless determination. While attending university in Manhattan, he becomes enamored with a classic beauty who holds many secrets beneath her quiet propriety. William falls head over heels crazy for her, and she falls for him and his unfaltering optimism and kindness.
William and Everleigh may come from different worlds, but their attraction is instant and their love undeniable. Hoping love conquers all, they will find out if their love is unstoppable when faced with the consequences of breaking a prior engagement.
“Right here, right now is all that matters.”
May 2, 2013
This book was part of a blog tour I received a copy for my honest review
The synopsis does a great job of summarizing the book so I am going to dive right into my review, this book was really hard for me to rate, parts of it were really good but other parts were outrageously bad. I loved how the story is told in third person, it you a broader picture of the story. William was a great guy, he has a great work ethic and his loyalty to family and friends is inspiring. Everleigh had a completely different upbringing yet she shares the same values and beliefs as William, the two of them have to push boundaries to stay together. There is no doubt that this author is a great writer, I just had problems with her being overly descriptive. I am all for setting the scene and getting things right but it becomes a problem when it takes a several sentences to a paragraph to describe something that could have been said in a few words. Other than that this was a good read and I will be checking out other books by this author.
The synopsis does a great job of summarizing the book so I am going to dive right into my review, this book was really hard for me to rate, parts of it were really good but other parts were outrageously bad. I loved how the story is told in third person, it you a broader picture of the story. William was a great guy, he has a great work ethic and his loyalty to family and friends is inspiring. Everleigh had a completely different upbringing yet she shares the same values and beliefs as William, the two of them have to push boundaries to stay together. There is no doubt that this author is a great writer, I just had problems with her being overly descriptive. I am all for setting the scene and getting things right but it becomes a problem when it takes a several sentences to a paragraph to describe something that could have been said in a few words. Other than that this was a good read and I will be checking out other books by this author.
April 23, 2013
It's a beautifully written story by a great author. Thank you!
I hate to make personal statements in my review but I feel I need to. Writing awful things and putting big ugly stamps in your reviews only makes YOU look bad!
I hate to make personal statements in my review but I feel I need to. Writing awful things and putting big ugly stamps in your reviews only makes YOU look bad!
July 29, 2013
I find the story slow but i manage to finish it.I just felt that the story has been told step by step.It did have a good HEA.
March 17, 2017
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
A pior engagement is a slow, sweet romance. This one will melt your heart.
It's a beautiful and wonderful story with developed characters. They go trough a lot of things, but they never lost the hope.
This a great reading with a unique plot and you should give a try if you are looking for a HEA book
Find me:
May 14, 2013
"You can't cage something meant to be free."
In A Prior Engagement, Scott presents a beautiful story about love overcoming impossible odds. This book hooked me from the beginning! What I initially meant to be a casual skimming of the first few pages rapidly evolved into a marathon reading session. I couldn't put this book down! My heart absolutely broke for the main characters, especially in the beginning. There were also lots of laughs, swoons, tears, fear, and rage. Though I have some criticism of how the story ends, I give this book 4 stars and totally encourage you to give it a read.
We begin with Everleigh Wright and William Ryder who are both college students in New York and happen to be taking the same British Lit class. After brief and serendipitous encounters at a coffee shop near campus and a rare books collection at the NY library, Evie and William strike up a friendship...sitting together in class and then becoming study buddies as finals week is coming up.
Evie is from a high society, Upper East Side family, and is engaged to Tom Whitney...a match that's in the best social and financial interests of their families. Unfortunately, Evie is unhappy and has been for awhile, especially since Tom is extremely possessive, controlling of her choices and actions, and (even worse) physically abusive.
On the other hand, William is from a working class family based in Staten Island. But with that said, he wouldn't trade it for the world. He loves his family, the life he leads, and his goals for himself. In fact, William is rather vocal about criticizing the Park Avenue crowd and how their money prevents them from experiencing the real New York.
There is definitely a strong attraction between William and Evie; however she is very secretive about her life and commitments. As William helps Evie expand her horizons, will she be able to shed feelings of obligation to her family and social hierarchy for a chance at true happiness?
I really, REALLY like Evie. I love that she's so family oriented...her choices and decisions are generally made from the lens of what would be best for her family. In fact, Evie's engagement to Tom and her willingness to endure his abuse is directly related to her desire to keep her parents happy. My heart just breaks for her though...when she's so determined to anticipate what Tom wants so he doesn't become angry...how she feels trapped in her life, unable to even do simple things like walk in the rain or vist the park...how she really just wants a friend outside of her fiance and family.
And William is more than willing to be that friend! I love how William takes pride in his hometown, family, and work. He's a genuinely kind and honest person. And goodness, I just love watching William pursue Evie. He's so generous with himself! This is still the case when William finds out about Evie's predicament. Though he's initially angry, once William finds out the nature of her engagement...being trapped in this relationship...he is DETERMINED to help Evie escape her fiance and family.
I love watching William and Evie's relationship develop...their shared love of literature and coffee and walking and parks. As time goes on, the difference between William's Evie and Tom's Everleigh becomes more and more distinct. Her interactions with William really help her to open up and learn about who she is and what she wants. We get to watch Evie become more assertive in her relationship with Tom and her parents, and that journey is a lovely thing to behold.
A few more comments:
1. "William represented everything she would never have, but her heart still struggled to come to terms with that."-*CRIES* Poor Evie!
2. "Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true."-I love this line, and I think it totally embodies the risks and sacrifices William and Evie make in order to be together.
3. Tom is absolutely horrid...and watching him abuse Evie is totally gut-wrenching. But what upsets me even more is how Evie's parents seemingly ignore it. I just find it really hard to believe that her parents are totally oblivious and closed off to Evie's unhappiness. And even when Evie and William tell them about the abuse, Evie's parents choose to take Tom's side.
Mercy...the scene where Evie's parents come to campus and her dad physically forces her into Tom's car while Tom and his cronies beat William up...its mind-boggling!
And I'm still not sure about what it is that finally convinces Evie's parents to believe her and side with her when she leaves Tom.
While I believe the story arc is nicely executed, the ending seems TOO perfect. I do enjoy seeing Tom meet his ruin, but again, it just seems unrealistic that Evie's parents would welcome William so quickly and with open arms. And it's really great to get a glimpse into William and Evie's future...they have kids, a wonderful family, and all the money they could ever need...but this is an almost too tidy HEA.
With that said, William and Evie certainly earn their happiness!
Scott gives us a really charming story that engages us, tugs at our heart, swoons us, and finally lifts us up. I definitely encourage you to give this a read!
In A Prior Engagement, Scott presents a beautiful story about love overcoming impossible odds. This book hooked me from the beginning! What I initially meant to be a casual skimming of the first few pages rapidly evolved into a marathon reading session. I couldn't put this book down! My heart absolutely broke for the main characters, especially in the beginning. There were also lots of laughs, swoons, tears, fear, and rage. Though I have some criticism of how the story ends, I give this book 4 stars and totally encourage you to give it a read.
We begin with Everleigh Wright and William Ryder who are both college students in New York and happen to be taking the same British Lit class. After brief and serendipitous encounters at a coffee shop near campus and a rare books collection at the NY library, Evie and William strike up a friendship...sitting together in class and then becoming study buddies as finals week is coming up.
Evie is from a high society, Upper East Side family, and is engaged to Tom Whitney...a match that's in the best social and financial interests of their families. Unfortunately, Evie is unhappy and has been for awhile, especially since Tom is extremely possessive, controlling of her choices and actions, and (even worse) physically abusive.
On the other hand, William is from a working class family based in Staten Island. But with that said, he wouldn't trade it for the world. He loves his family, the life he leads, and his goals for himself. In fact, William is rather vocal about criticizing the Park Avenue crowd and how their money prevents them from experiencing the real New York.
There is definitely a strong attraction between William and Evie; however she is very secretive about her life and commitments. As William helps Evie expand her horizons, will she be able to shed feelings of obligation to her family and social hierarchy for a chance at true happiness?
I really, REALLY like Evie. I love that she's so family oriented...her choices and decisions are generally made from the lens of what would be best for her family. In fact, Evie's engagement to Tom and her willingness to endure his abuse is directly related to her desire to keep her parents happy. My heart just breaks for her though...when she's so determined to anticipate what Tom wants so he doesn't become angry...how she feels trapped in her life, unable to even do simple things like walk in the rain or vist the park...how she really just wants a friend outside of her fiance and family.
And William is more than willing to be that friend! I love how William takes pride in his hometown, family, and work. He's a genuinely kind and honest person. And goodness, I just love watching William pursue Evie. He's so generous with himself! This is still the case when William finds out about Evie's predicament. Though he's initially angry, once William finds out the nature of her engagement...being trapped in this relationship...he is DETERMINED to help Evie escape her fiance and family.
I love watching William and Evie's relationship develop...their shared love of literature and coffee and walking and parks. As time goes on, the difference between William's Evie and Tom's Everleigh becomes more and more distinct. Her interactions with William really help her to open up and learn about who she is and what she wants. We get to watch Evie become more assertive in her relationship with Tom and her parents, and that journey is a lovely thing to behold.
A few more comments:
1. "William represented everything she would never have, but her heart still struggled to come to terms with that."-*CRIES* Poor Evie!
2. "Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true."-I love this line, and I think it totally embodies the risks and sacrifices William and Evie make in order to be together.
3. Tom is absolutely horrid...and watching him abuse Evie is totally gut-wrenching. But what upsets me even more is how Evie's parents seemingly ignore it. I just find it really hard to believe that her parents are totally oblivious and closed off to Evie's unhappiness. And even when Evie and William tell them about the abuse, Evie's parents choose to take Tom's side.
Mercy...the scene where Evie's parents come to campus and her dad physically forces her into Tom's car while Tom and his cronies beat William up...its mind-boggling!
And I'm still not sure about what it is that finally convinces Evie's parents to believe her and side with her when she leaves Tom.
While I believe the story arc is nicely executed, the ending seems TOO perfect. I do enjoy seeing Tom meet his ruin, but again, it just seems unrealistic that Evie's parents would welcome William so quickly and with open arms. And it's really great to get a glimpse into William and Evie's future...they have kids, a wonderful family, and all the money they could ever need...but this is an almost too tidy HEA.
With that said, William and Evie certainly earn their happiness!
Scott gives us a really charming story that engages us, tugs at our heart, swoons us, and finally lifts us up. I definitely encourage you to give this a read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2013
This unique and fascinating read about Evie and William really took me by surprise. It had a lot of elements to it and truly kept me captivated the entire time. I couldn’t put it down once it got started.
Everleigh Wright has led a privileged and sheltered life growing up with money in a high rise in the central park area of NYC. We all know the cost there, no shocker. But she is anything but pretentious or snobby like most people of that society… She’s beautiful yes but she really doesn’t see her own beauty. She’s destined to become a trophy wife thanks to her parents and the society’s social expectations of her.
Evie wants anything but this life she’s been handed… She want to work and be normal… Her idea of normal isn’t a trophy wife and it isn’t being married to Tom. Her fiancé is the typical pretentious snob, her exact opposite… He’s good looking but that is where it ends. Beauty is definitely only on the outside with this one. Her family believes that Tom is the perfect match but they like most people at this level in society turn their head and ignore the warning signs that are quite evident. Their daughter is miserable…
William Ryder is a dreamer, but he is a dreamer that knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to fight for it. He has big plans in his life knowing what career path he is on. He works as a bike messenger in the city to make ends meet while he attends college. He lives a meager but happy life, eating from Styrofoam containers of noodles and doing what he loves most. His family is supportive and loving. When William notices a beautiful girl in his class one day, everything in his life gets turned upside down. His life as he knows it will take on a new meaning to save the girl of his dreams from herself, her family and her fiancé.
I loved this book the characters all had such depth and emotion and it was completely realistic… S.L. Scott does a fantastic job of weaving this tale of Evie and William’s journey to self-discovery and happiness. I laughed and cried. I felt story for Evie and the life that she was forced to lead for so long as everyone turned a blind eye. This story was passionate and kept me on the edge of my seat. I really was sad when it ended but it all wrapped up very nicely in the end…
Happy Reading!
Everleigh Wright has led a privileged and sheltered life growing up with money in a high rise in the central park area of NYC. We all know the cost there, no shocker. But she is anything but pretentious or snobby like most people of that society… She’s beautiful yes but she really doesn’t see her own beauty. She’s destined to become a trophy wife thanks to her parents and the society’s social expectations of her.
Evie wants anything but this life she’s been handed… She want to work and be normal… Her idea of normal isn’t a trophy wife and it isn’t being married to Tom. Her fiancé is the typical pretentious snob, her exact opposite… He’s good looking but that is where it ends. Beauty is definitely only on the outside with this one. Her family believes that Tom is the perfect match but they like most people at this level in society turn their head and ignore the warning signs that are quite evident. Their daughter is miserable…
William Ryder is a dreamer, but he is a dreamer that knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to fight for it. He has big plans in his life knowing what career path he is on. He works as a bike messenger in the city to make ends meet while he attends college. He lives a meager but happy life, eating from Styrofoam containers of noodles and doing what he loves most. His family is supportive and loving. When William notices a beautiful girl in his class one day, everything in his life gets turned upside down. His life as he knows it will take on a new meaning to save the girl of his dreams from herself, her family and her fiancé.
I loved this book the characters all had such depth and emotion and it was completely realistic… S.L. Scott does a fantastic job of weaving this tale of Evie and William’s journey to self-discovery and happiness. I laughed and cried. I felt story for Evie and the life that she was forced to lead for so long as everyone turned a blind eye. This story was passionate and kept me on the edge of my seat. I really was sad when it ended but it all wrapped up very nicely in the end…
Happy Reading!
May 5, 2013
A prior engagement
Wealth and working class, family and obligations. This book had that and so much more. I really enjoyed this modern day story that pushed my thoughts to another time. The book for me had a very classical storyline to it.
Everleigh Wright (Evie) and William Ryder live very different lives. Very different! They are both college students at Manhattan university.
William is hard working class family, Staten Island proud. He works, goes to school and supports himself. He cherishes his values and his work ethic is engrained in his bones. He longs for what his parents have when they sit down for a family dinner. Everleigh has a silver spoon in her mouth regardless if she wants it there. Her life is dictated by the aristocracy and social and family obligations. It struck me early on.. She just wants to feel the rain. I felt a sadness about her in beginning. She perplexed me, I truly adored her by the time book was finished.
These two meet and a very unlikely friendship, and maybe just maybe more begin. Sometimes things are just beyond our control! Truths come out and commitments had been made, choices and decisions might be broken. This books has twists and turns and heartbreak! It has social status and standing tested! Is it possible for love to conquer all? However, after several twists and turns and with the help of many supporting characters love wins out or does it? Read it and see for yourself.
The characters are perfect. They do not disappoint. Watching them grow and develop was a joy. I loved New York City, the city itself played a wonderful role too. Central Park, Subways and the ferry to the Island. Enjoyed it all. The story was beautifully written and as I said had a modern day feel to a very classic tale.
What would you sacrifice for happiness? S.L. Scott turned me into a crazy loon rooting for love to come out on top and the good guy to not finish last! Well played!! Fun romantic must read that will make your heart smile!
May 20, 2013
A prior engagement
Wealth and working class, family and obligations. This book had that and so much more. I really enjoyed this modern day story that pushed my thoughts to another time. The book for me had a very classical storyline to it.
Everleigh Wright (Evie) and William Ryder live very different lives. Very different! They are both college students at Manhattan university.
William is hard working class family, Staten Island proud. He works, goes to school and supports himself. He cherishes his values and his work ethic is engrained in his bones. He longs for what his parents have when they sit down for a family dinner. Everleigh has a silver spoon in her mouth regardless if she wants it there. Her life is dictated by the aristocracy and social and family obligations. It struck me early on.. She just wants to feel the rain. I felt a sadness about her in beginning. She perplexed me, I truly adored her by the time book was finished.
These two meet and a very unlikely friendship, and maybe just maybe more begin. Sometimes things are just beyond our control! Truths come out and commitments had been made, choices and decisions might be broken. This books has twists and turns and heartbreak! It has social status and standing tested! Is it possible for love to conquer all? However, after several twists and turns and with the help of many supporting characters love wins out or does it? Read it and see for yourself.
The characters are perfect. They do not disappoint. Watching them grow and develop was a joy. I loved New York City, the city itself played a wonderful role too. Central Park, Subways and the ferry to the Island. Enjoyed it all. The story was beautifully written and as I said had a modern day feel to a very classic tale.
What would you sacrifice for happiness? S.L. Scott turned me into a crazy loon rooting for love to come out on top and the good guy to not finish last! Well played!! Fun romantic must read that will make your heart smile!
April 25, 2013
Amazing doesn’t begin to describe how awesome of a storyteller this author is. Everleigh is engaged to a powerfully controlling man named Tom. Didn’t like him at all but I understand the entanglements that evolve when money and families are involved. William is heartbreakingly perfect for her in every way and my heart aches at the trials and tribulations in this story.
I refuse to ruin this story with spoilers and have to say that this needs to be on your TBR list. If not, you are not a true romance reader. A lot of stories have a happy ever after, but this is the story that demands that love conquers all. It succeeds beautifully.
I refuse to ruin this story with spoilers and have to say that this needs to be on your TBR list. If not, you are not a true romance reader. A lot of stories have a happy ever after, but this is the story that demands that love conquers all. It succeeds beautifully.
May 20, 2013
okay...so obviously i'm not a writer...not even really great at reviews...so with that said here goes...
I LOVED the idea of this book. I liked the characters William and Evie. What was the killer for me was the writing ( I hate saying that) but it wasn't "smooth". Also, at time the story line 'poked" along. There is sooo much potential here in my opinion. I hate to say anything negative. On the positive the story was unique therefore, kept me reading. It didn't become a DNF :). Obviously, this is only my opinion and I can only imagine how difficult it is to write a book.
I LOVED the idea of this book. I liked the characters William and Evie. What was the killer for me was the writing ( I hate saying that) but it wasn't "smooth". Also, at time the story line 'poked" along. There is sooo much potential here in my opinion. I hate to say anything negative. On the positive the story was unique therefore, kept me reading. It didn't become a DNF :). Obviously, this is only my opinion and I can only imagine how difficult it is to write a book.
April 24, 2013
What a sweet story. A perfect read for my vacation in Cancun. I read it in just over a day. Hopefully I will get back here to write a more detailed review, but if not, it is a sweet romance with some ups and downs and angst here and there, but nothing too over the top.
not-my-cup-of-tea
April 18, 2013.
May 20, 2022
This was a pretty decent novel I came across while looking at the review of another title. It's an easy and quick read. Trigger warning for narcissistic/abusive relationship details. All and all, I'd read another by this author.
October 3, 2017
The story was quiet lame. I didn't like that the author changed the perspective several times between describing what happened in thirst person, to second and third person.
August 16, 2014
This was a good book, but the outcome was just too perfect, unrealistically so.
The beginning was great, the middle was even better, but then from there onward it went downhill.
I enjoyed being introduced to the characters, especially William and Evie, their personalities weren't entirely unique, but they were interesting and relatable. William was always a gentleman and a romantic, maybe a little too much at times though. He was no doubt a great guy, however, one you might wish wasn't fictional. ;) I loved the intellect and the subtle humour between Evie and William, and even some of the background characters such as Dallas, Bobby and Audrey. Even Walter, the doorman, was a nice character and one whose kindness stood out. Every character had their own individual personality, so they all didn't blend in as one or come across as monotonous. Even Prof Lang had a personality, and Tracy at the coffee shop—not stand out characters as part of the plot, but stand outs in their own scenes.
It did bother me that everyone was willing to line up and help Evie, though; once they all started piling up, it was getting a little ridiculous to me. Yeah, she's a good person and deserves happiness and to be "saved" from her possessive fiancé, however, there is no way that everyone in someone's life would be willing to risk their own, or their reputation/job, to help someone so much like that—especially not a barista who's almost a stranger, and not a professor who has a class full of students to focus on, not just two of his "star" pupils—I mean, he even bailed William out of jail, it was just weird. Then the whole plan with Bobby, Dallas and Audrey in getting Evie and William to see each other again was nice, but over the top in a sense of how far all these people were willing to go to help. I just think it was a little too dramatic, and unrealistic at times.
I was also not keen on the fact that Evie was so emotionally and romantically connected to William for weeks without telling him she was engaged; she was cheating, being unfaithful, even if her fiancé was a terrible partner and person, she was also setting William up for heartache, even if not intentionally. I didn't expect her to feel remorse for cheating on her abusive fiancé, but I did expect her to have respect, and she didn't in the moments she should have.
When the drama started after Tom found out about William, that's when the story really started to get interesting for me. I thought there was going to be a lot of suspense that followed, a lot of heartache and trepidation. But no soon as the drama started, it ended. Just like that. So quick, so easily. Everything fell into place, there was no suspense, there was no heartache, I didn't even get enough time to enjoy the drama because it lasted about five minutes before everything was resolved. From there on out, the story became nothing but a sappy romance that was sickeningly perfect.
William and Evie could now be together; her Father and Mother suddenly realised, without effort, that they'd been horrible parents and easily decided to right their wrongs all of a sudden; and they conveniently discovered Tom's embezzlement plans and had him arrested and sent away, then bought Tom's family business, just like that. William and Evie get married, Evie's parents buy them a whole fucking building, William and Evie both graduate and find careers, Evie gets ten million from the trust fund her grandparents had set up, and then another twenty million from her parents, then have two kids, two perfect jobs, a perfect house, enough money to live off of for the rest of their lives—IT WAS JUST TOO MUCH PERFECTION. It was unrealistic and cliché and everything was too fucking flawless and easy. The book went from something great, to something pathetic and useless and not at all realistic. It was a real shame. I was extremely disappointed.
Happy ever afters can be amazing, but in The Prior Engagement it wasn't executed well at all. Nothing ever ends perfectly, there's always something that doesn't go right or at least doesn't come to a conclusion easily or effortlessly. When realism flies out the window, I have no interest anymore. Even in fiction, you have to produce something that your reader can believe, and I couldn't believe a single thing in the ending of this book—this world is not a perfect world, and neither should be the world's in fiction.
The beginning was great, the middle was even better, but then from there onward it went downhill.
I enjoyed being introduced to the characters, especially William and Evie, their personalities weren't entirely unique, but they were interesting and relatable. William was always a gentleman and a romantic, maybe a little too much at times though. He was no doubt a great guy, however, one you might wish wasn't fictional. ;) I loved the intellect and the subtle humour between Evie and William, and even some of the background characters such as Dallas, Bobby and Audrey. Even Walter, the doorman, was a nice character and one whose kindness stood out. Every character had their own individual personality, so they all didn't blend in as one or come across as monotonous. Even Prof Lang had a personality, and Tracy at the coffee shop—not stand out characters as part of the plot, but stand outs in their own scenes.
It did bother me that everyone was willing to line up and help Evie, though; once they all started piling up, it was getting a little ridiculous to me. Yeah, she's a good person and deserves happiness and to be "saved" from her possessive fiancé, however, there is no way that everyone in someone's life would be willing to risk their own, or their reputation/job, to help someone so much like that—especially not a barista who's almost a stranger, and not a professor who has a class full of students to focus on, not just two of his "star" pupils—I mean, he even bailed William out of jail, it was just weird. Then the whole plan with Bobby, Dallas and Audrey in getting Evie and William to see each other again was nice, but over the top in a sense of how far all these people were willing to go to help. I just think it was a little too dramatic, and unrealistic at times.
I was also not keen on the fact that Evie was so emotionally and romantically connected to William for weeks without telling him she was engaged; she was cheating, being unfaithful, even if her fiancé was a terrible partner and person, she was also setting William up for heartache, even if not intentionally. I didn't expect her to feel remorse for cheating on her abusive fiancé, but I did expect her to have respect, and she didn't in the moments she should have.
When the drama started after Tom found out about William, that's when the story really started to get interesting for me. I thought there was going to be a lot of suspense that followed, a lot of heartache and trepidation. But no soon as the drama started, it ended. Just like that. So quick, so easily. Everything fell into place, there was no suspense, there was no heartache, I didn't even get enough time to enjoy the drama because it lasted about five minutes before everything was resolved. From there on out, the story became nothing but a sappy romance that was sickeningly perfect.
William and Evie could now be together; her Father and Mother suddenly realised, without effort, that they'd been horrible parents and easily decided to right their wrongs all of a sudden; and they conveniently discovered Tom's embezzlement plans and had him arrested and sent away, then bought Tom's family business, just like that. William and Evie get married, Evie's parents buy them a whole fucking building, William and Evie both graduate and find careers, Evie gets ten million from the trust fund her grandparents had set up, and then another twenty million from her parents, then have two kids, two perfect jobs, a perfect house, enough money to live off of for the rest of their lives—IT WAS JUST TOO MUCH PERFECTION. It was unrealistic and cliché and everything was too fucking flawless and easy. The book went from something great, to something pathetic and useless and not at all realistic. It was a real shame. I was extremely disappointed.
Happy ever afters can be amazing, but in The Prior Engagement it wasn't executed well at all. Nothing ever ends perfectly, there's always something that doesn't go right or at least doesn't come to a conclusion easily or effortlessly. When realism flies out the window, I have no interest anymore. Even in fiction, you have to produce something that your reader can believe, and I couldn't believe a single thing in the ending of this book—this world is not a perfect world, and neither should be the world's in fiction.
April 30, 2013
A Prior Engagement tells the story of Everleigh (Evie) Wright and William Ryder. Evie and William are college students at a Manhattan university. They come from markedly different backgrounds. William is from working class Staten Island and works full-time, in addition to attending school full-time in order to barely support himself in a studio apartment. In contrast, Everleigh comes from wealth and the New York aristocracy including all the social expectations and family obligations. The two meet in class and a friendship develops. Although they both have deeper feelings, Evie is held back by commitments made by her family. Heartbreak ensues when William learns Evie’s secrets. However, after several twists and turns and with the help of many supporting characters love wins out.
Ms. Scott writes A Prior Engagement in the third person, giving the story a real Austen style feel. In addition, her use of the themes of class and money and pride are also reminiscent of Austen. It is interesting to see the rules and regimentation of society are still strong in modern day New York City.
I loved the characters. William is hard working, smart, honest and loyal man. Evie works to be strong and independent against the strict societal rules imposed on her. They both grow as individuals then together as a couple as they learn to understand each other. They find that even though they experienced very different up bringings, they share similar values. My favorite quote from the book is a piece of advice Evie receives from a stranger “Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true.” ( Leon Joseph Cardinal Suenen). Evie and William both pay a price in the story, but they are able to realize their dreams and find their happiness.
The supporting characters are also very well written. I particularly loved Walter the doorman in Evie’s building and Professor Langley because they are very supportive of the young couple. The interweaving of New York City –Central Park, the Public Library, Hunter College, the ferries and subways as part of the story brings even more life to this vibrant story. The story is so well written that I could not put the book down.
S.L. Scott takes the classic story line of lovers that are not meant to be due to societal rules, sets it in modern day New York and shows us once again that you can realize your dreams and find happiness. I am a true romantic. I love Austen. I love New York. I love A Prior Engagement. I guarantee you will as well.
Ms. Scott writes A Prior Engagement in the third person, giving the story a real Austen style feel. In addition, her use of the themes of class and money and pride are also reminiscent of Austen. It is interesting to see the rules and regimentation of society are still strong in modern day New York City.
I loved the characters. William is hard working, smart, honest and loyal man. Evie works to be strong and independent against the strict societal rules imposed on her. They both grow as individuals then together as a couple as they learn to understand each other. They find that even though they experienced very different up bringings, they share similar values. My favorite quote from the book is a piece of advice Evie receives from a stranger “Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true.” ( Leon Joseph Cardinal Suenen). Evie and William both pay a price in the story, but they are able to realize their dreams and find their happiness.
The supporting characters are also very well written. I particularly loved Walter the doorman in Evie’s building and Professor Langley because they are very supportive of the young couple. The interweaving of New York City –Central Park, the Public Library, Hunter College, the ferries and subways as part of the story brings even more life to this vibrant story. The story is so well written that I could not put the book down.
S.L. Scott takes the classic story line of lovers that are not meant to be due to societal rules, sets it in modern day New York and shows us once again that you can realize your dreams and find happiness. I am a true romantic. I love Austen. I love New York. I love A Prior Engagement. I guarantee you will as well.
November 10, 2013
This book contains scenes that include both mental and physical abuse. If this is a hard limit for you, I would recommend looking elsewhere!
It's rare to find a book that captivates you and grabs you from the first word. A Prior Engagement did just that for me. This emotional story of forbidden romance is a definite must-read.
Everleigh Wright and William Ryder come from two different worlds, but find common ground in their love of English and literature and coffee. Everleigh has been engaged to Tom since she was 17 as part of an arranged marriage set up by the two families. She's the perfect daughter, sister and fiance. She understands that with her life comes certain responsibilities and she is all quietness and obedience. She puts on the perfect smile and says all the right things. She used to love Tom for his kindness and sweetness, but slowly over the years, he's turned in to a monster that she doesn't always recognize. He's the loving fiance one moment and berating her the next.
William comes from a family rich in love, support and togetherness. When he and Everleigh (Evie) meet for the first time at Bean There, their local coffee shop, a friendship blossoms between the two that changes both their lives. Evie learns to find her voice and start standing up for herself. She realizes that while she comes from a privileged life, she doesn't need all that to survive and be happy. William knows he can't give Evie everything she's accustomed too, but he loves her so deeply and passionately. He even understands the significance of her obsession between blue and black ink. The back and forth dialogue between these two is really quite entertaining due to their quick wit and sarcasm.
While the ending was a bit cheesy and a little rushed, it didn't take away from the original plot of the story. We all wish that women in Evie's position find their happily ever after and Prince Charming, and so often in real life, they don't.
This story brought out so many emotions of anger, sadness, tears and laughter. And throughout the whole story, I didn't once stop cheering for William and Evie. I don't think you will either. If you don't already own this book and you haven't read it, you should! You certainly won't regret it!
It's rare to find a book that captivates you and grabs you from the first word. A Prior Engagement did just that for me. This emotional story of forbidden romance is a definite must-read.
Everleigh Wright and William Ryder come from two different worlds, but find common ground in their love of English and literature and coffee. Everleigh has been engaged to Tom since she was 17 as part of an arranged marriage set up by the two families. She's the perfect daughter, sister and fiance. She understands that with her life comes certain responsibilities and she is all quietness and obedience. She puts on the perfect smile and says all the right things. She used to love Tom for his kindness and sweetness, but slowly over the years, he's turned in to a monster that she doesn't always recognize. He's the loving fiance one moment and berating her the next.
William comes from a family rich in love, support and togetherness. When he and Everleigh (Evie) meet for the first time at Bean There, their local coffee shop, a friendship blossoms between the two that changes both their lives. Evie learns to find her voice and start standing up for herself. She realizes that while she comes from a privileged life, she doesn't need all that to survive and be happy. William knows he can't give Evie everything she's accustomed too, but he loves her so deeply and passionately. He even understands the significance of her obsession between blue and black ink. The back and forth dialogue between these two is really quite entertaining due to their quick wit and sarcasm.
While the ending was a bit cheesy and a little rushed, it didn't take away from the original plot of the story. We all wish that women in Evie's position find their happily ever after and Prince Charming, and so often in real life, they don't.
This story brought out so many emotions of anger, sadness, tears and laughter. And throughout the whole story, I didn't once stop cheering for William and Evie. I don't think you will either. If you don't already own this book and you haven't read it, you should! You certainly won't regret it!
October 9, 2013
I saw this book as a "must" buy on facebook, so I knew that I should give it a shot. Even though it was a tough read at times (due to the subject matter, not the writing) I loved it!! I am glad that I one-clicked this one!
Everleigh (did I mention that I love this name and it is my new baby girl name?) Winters is a product of upper class New York. She is engaged to a world class DOUCHEBAG who treats her like a piece of you know what, and she is forced to stay with him because she is basically in an arranged marriage. I am not going to go into too much details about Tom (saying with malice and disgust...hence the italics) because I don't want to ruin the book, but lets just say he needs his wee wee cut off with rusty scissors. You would think that she would be just like her upbringing: nasty and snobbish, but she isn't. Instead she is a really sweet girl who really sees the positive in all situations She loves school and being outside. She is just a ray of sunshine, especially in her dark life. I just loved her as a character. Typically, I don't like female character that are in her predicament because they are just really weak (I know they can't help it usually, but the character tends to be weak even after she gets out) but Evie was different. She didn't let her asshat of a boyfriend change who she is when she is away from him. She is just bright, shiny, and wonderful!
William Ryder has to be the nicest male character that I have ever read. He is just like Evie, happy and bright, and shiny. He sees the good in everything and is willing to go above and beyond to make Evie happy. I am usually attracted to strong male characters, typically tattooed and bad-ass, but this sweet dorky man was just so hot to me.
I liked two things above all else in this book. Number one: Evie and William are two different people from two different worlds; however, Scott writes this book so well that you would never know that when they are together. They fit so well together that the difference doesn't matter. Number two: there was not a lot of unnecessary plot in this book. It was all about this boy meeting this girl at a coffee shop and their friendship blossoming into love with a few complications along the way. It was all about Evie and William and that made me happy. I read this book a while ago, and remember it like it was yesterday. It was just great!
The Verdict
Like I said at the top, this book is upsetting at times. But if you can get through that, then you are going to love love love this books! Read it!!
Everleigh (did I mention that I love this name and it is my new baby girl name?) Winters is a product of upper class New York. She is engaged to a world class DOUCHEBAG who treats her like a piece of you know what, and she is forced to stay with him because she is basically in an arranged marriage. I am not going to go into too much details about Tom (saying with malice and disgust...hence the italics) because I don't want to ruin the book, but lets just say he needs his wee wee cut off with rusty scissors. You would think that she would be just like her upbringing: nasty and snobbish, but she isn't. Instead she is a really sweet girl who really sees the positive in all situations She loves school and being outside. She is just a ray of sunshine, especially in her dark life. I just loved her as a character. Typically, I don't like female character that are in her predicament because they are just really weak (I know they can't help it usually, but the character tends to be weak even after she gets out) but Evie was different. She didn't let her asshat of a boyfriend change who she is when she is away from him. She is just bright, shiny, and wonderful!
William Ryder has to be the nicest male character that I have ever read. He is just like Evie, happy and bright, and shiny. He sees the good in everything and is willing to go above and beyond to make Evie happy. I am usually attracted to strong male characters, typically tattooed and bad-ass, but this sweet dorky man was just so hot to me.
I liked two things above all else in this book. Number one: Evie and William are two different people from two different worlds; however, Scott writes this book so well that you would never know that when they are together. They fit so well together that the difference doesn't matter. Number two: there was not a lot of unnecessary plot in this book. It was all about this boy meeting this girl at a coffee shop and their friendship blossoming into love with a few complications along the way. It was all about Evie and William and that made me happy. I read this book a while ago, and remember it like it was yesterday. It was just great!
The Verdict
Like I said at the top, this book is upsetting at times. But if you can get through that, then you are going to love love love this books! Read it!!
April 26, 2013
From my blog.
**ARC provided by author for an honest review**
Okay, I've been sitting here for a while, trying to figure out how to put everything I read into words. I just came up with one word: gut-wrenching.
From time to time, it was literally too much. I fought with myself during most of the book: one side of me told me to read it because I needed to review it and the other side was yelling at me to put it down and resume my own everyday life, because the story nearly got me killed. I was constantly feeling sick in my stomach and I was on the verge of tears way too many times. It was exhausting.
I felt connected with Evie. I felt her pain and confusion and fear and hope and happiness. I understood her conflicting thoughts and I believe for some reason that if I ever were in her situation, I would probably do everything the same. Maybe that's also the reason this book affected me so much.
However, I did have trouble with starting this book. The point of view was kind of too jumpy for my taste and at the beginning, I couldn't feel the characters at all. I think I got used to it or got sucked into the story so much that it stopped bothering me somewhere along the way. Still, it too a while before I was stuck enough in the story that I could no longer put it down despite the terrible feeling I had in my gut.
William became the light of my life. Or Evie's life, to be politically correct. However, since I was there, experiencing it all with Evie, he became not only her lifeline, but also mine. He was her dream guy, but because of some previous obligations, she could never really be his. Even then they fought for each other and the ending is beautiful, I promise. And while I did appreciate the closure the ending brought, I thought it dragged on and on, making me want to just not read the last chapter or two. And I am usually the one asking for more... Plus, I kept waiting for something to disrupt their perfect life because it was way too perfect... ;)
I have a feeling that some of you may appreciate the warning that the book has some pretty bad abuse in it. I know people who don't want to read something like that, so consider yourself warned...
Should you read it? If you're looking for a book that has you hurting so bad you just want to rock in the corner by yourself, you have the perfect one right here. I'd recommend it without a blink.
**ARC provided by author for an honest review**
Okay, I've been sitting here for a while, trying to figure out how to put everything I read into words. I just came up with one word: gut-wrenching.
From time to time, it was literally too much. I fought with myself during most of the book: one side of me told me to read it because I needed to review it and the other side was yelling at me to put it down and resume my own everyday life, because the story nearly got me killed. I was constantly feeling sick in my stomach and I was on the verge of tears way too many times. It was exhausting.
I felt connected with Evie. I felt her pain and confusion and fear and hope and happiness. I understood her conflicting thoughts and I believe for some reason that if I ever were in her situation, I would probably do everything the same. Maybe that's also the reason this book affected me so much.
However, I did have trouble with starting this book. The point of view was kind of too jumpy for my taste and at the beginning, I couldn't feel the characters at all. I think I got used to it or got sucked into the story so much that it stopped bothering me somewhere along the way. Still, it too a while before I was stuck enough in the story that I could no longer put it down despite the terrible feeling I had in my gut.
William became the light of my life. Or Evie's life, to be politically correct. However, since I was there, experiencing it all with Evie, he became not only her lifeline, but also mine. He was her dream guy, but because of some previous obligations, she could never really be his. Even then they fought for each other and the ending is beautiful, I promise. And while I did appreciate the closure the ending brought, I thought it dragged on and on, making me want to just not read the last chapter or two. And I am usually the one asking for more... Plus, I kept waiting for something to disrupt their perfect life because it was way too perfect... ;)
I have a feeling that some of you may appreciate the warning that the book has some pretty bad abuse in it. I know people who don't want to read something like that, so consider yourself warned...
Should you read it? If you're looking for a book that has you hurting so bad you just want to rock in the corner by yourself, you have the perfect one right here. I'd recommend it without a blink.
August 18, 2013
Summary
Everleigh Wright is a woman trapped in a world of money, cruelty, and privilege in her Upper East Side pent house. Her only escape from the demands of a respectable society and the chaotic and hurtful world of an arranged engagement is her classes and a local coffee shop, where she tries to blend in and survive as best she can, all while wearing the polite smile of a respectable lady. It is there that she meets William Ryder, a man rich in confidence, family support and debt. They come from two completely different worlds, but neither of them can deny that their friendship first formed over laptops and coffee is growing into something much more. When at last their opposing worlds collide, can the two of them survive?
Overall Impression
In a very real sense, A Prior Engagement is a classic romance story.
There’s the classic blossoming romance between a rich girl and poor guy, there is the classic villain in the form of a controlling and abusive fiancée, and the crafty friends who aid in the time of need. It has all the aspects you would expect from a romance story. In fact, refrains from the tune “Down in the Boondocks” by Billy Joe Royal kept interjecting themselves into my mind during the various interactions between Everleigh and William.
It’s a sweet story, and well told. The growing relationship between William and Everleigh, aka Evie was enjoyable to see, including the various missteps. I would have liked to have seen the author go into more detail about the downfall of the villain. There were so many potential shenanigans and outright villainy hinted at that it was rather disappointing when the whole take down took only a few paragraphs.
If you enjoy romance, and want the voyeuristic pleasure of two people discovering each other and the love that they share this is a good read. While I think it would have been better with a few more plot turns and detail, it stands up very well on its own.
Rating system:
0 Stars – Great for kindling or wasting space on your hard drive
1 Star – Perfect gift for that person you can’t stand
2 Stars – Put it on your to Borrow list
3 Stars – Buy it if you get the chance- worth a weekend read.
4 Stars – This is definitely something to add to your library
5 Stars – Impulse Buy Approved.
Everleigh Wright is a woman trapped in a world of money, cruelty, and privilege in her Upper East Side pent house. Her only escape from the demands of a respectable society and the chaotic and hurtful world of an arranged engagement is her classes and a local coffee shop, where she tries to blend in and survive as best she can, all while wearing the polite smile of a respectable lady. It is there that she meets William Ryder, a man rich in confidence, family support and debt. They come from two completely different worlds, but neither of them can deny that their friendship first formed over laptops and coffee is growing into something much more. When at last their opposing worlds collide, can the two of them survive?
Overall Impression
In a very real sense, A Prior Engagement is a classic romance story.
There’s the classic blossoming romance between a rich girl and poor guy, there is the classic villain in the form of a controlling and abusive fiancée, and the crafty friends who aid in the time of need. It has all the aspects you would expect from a romance story. In fact, refrains from the tune “Down in the Boondocks” by Billy Joe Royal kept interjecting themselves into my mind during the various interactions between Everleigh and William.
It’s a sweet story, and well told. The growing relationship between William and Everleigh, aka Evie was enjoyable to see, including the various missteps. I would have liked to have seen the author go into more detail about the downfall of the villain. There were so many potential shenanigans and outright villainy hinted at that it was rather disappointing when the whole take down took only a few paragraphs.
If you enjoy romance, and want the voyeuristic pleasure of two people discovering each other and the love that they share this is a good read. While I think it would have been better with a few more plot turns and detail, it stands up very well on its own.
Rating system:
0 Stars – Great for kindling or wasting space on your hard drive
1 Star – Perfect gift for that person you can’t stand
2 Stars – Put it on your to Borrow list
3 Stars – Buy it if you get the chance- worth a weekend read.
4 Stars – This is definitely something to add to your library
5 Stars – Impulse Buy Approved.
May 26, 2013
Well, here is the thing I don't know if it was from my previous book hangover or not but I liked it but I didn't love it.
I liked the concept of the story of the upper class and lower class finding love somewhere in the middle. But I don't know if it was because of the upper crust attitude but I found the dialogue very stiff but that could have been the authors goal so if it was than she got it, if it wasn't then I just shrug my shoulders with a big huh! Some of the lines were also a wee bit over the top.
The story had elements of gossip girl mixed with different angst and expectations.
It was neat to see the parallel of Everleigh's world to arrangement marriages of the past, which is a world that I have no clue about.
I liked William he was cute boy from the lower class who falls for the girl out of his league.
But Everleigh is lost and unhappy and meets William who shakes up her world.
There worlds collide and tear them apart from miscommunication, mistrust, lack of faith, commitments and expectations but Love is a powerful force.
Is love enough? That is the question. Love and Fate are strong contenders for Everleigh and William.
You can also find me on:
Live Read and Breathe Facebook
Live Read and Breathe Twitter
For more of my reviews:
Live Read and Breathe
I liked the concept of the story of the upper class and lower class finding love somewhere in the middle. But I don't know if it was because of the upper crust attitude but I found the dialogue very stiff but that could have been the authors goal so if it was than she got it, if it wasn't then I just shrug my shoulders with a big huh! Some of the lines were also a wee bit over the top.
The story had elements of gossip girl mixed with different angst and expectations.
It was neat to see the parallel of Everleigh's world to arrangement marriages of the past, which is a world that I have no clue about.
I liked William he was cute boy from the lower class who falls for the girl out of his league.
But Everleigh is lost and unhappy and meets William who shakes up her world.
There worlds collide and tear them apart from miscommunication, mistrust, lack of faith, commitments and expectations but Love is a powerful force.
Is love enough? That is the question. Love and Fate are strong contenders for Everleigh and William.
You can also find me on:
Live Read and Breathe Facebook
Live Read and Breathe Twitter
For more of my reviews:
Live Read and Breathe
March 6, 2015
WOW!! What a roller coaster of emotions A Prior Engagement is. I absolutely LOVED it! If there was a word I could gather to be greater than love I would.
Sweet Everleigh ("Evie") is living a shell of a life that from the outside looks like a dream. It is more of a nightmare in more ways than one. Facing a modern day arranged marriage to a man that lives a life behind of a mask of perfection is frightening from moment 1. How can, in this day and age, a beautiful and intelligent young woman face such a life? Money and power. It is obvious from the beginning that Evie has been manipulated into believing her duty is to sacrifice her own dreams and happiness for that of her family. Groomed for this 'duty' since an early age, Evie is thrown for a loop when she meets William.
William is a driven and kind-hearted man. A man that has grown up surrounded by love and commitment yet not without his own struggles. Having watched Evie from afar he is instantly drawn to her beauty and intelligence. It is only as they begin to learn about each other through a forbidden friendship does he see how much Evie really hides from the world.
Together Evie and William and beautiful. Almost like watching a dance unfold. Baby steps that blossom into a beautiful and flawless love. Love is not without challenges and quite frankly when two people come from such completely different worlds, the lack of communication and level of assumption is not surprising. I found myself cheering William on. Rooting for Evie to find her voice. Loving the stolen moments these two share.
My heart broke for each of them on a number of occasions but I knew S.L. Scott would heal them and bring them their HEA. She does not disappoint.
Sweet Everleigh ("Evie") is living a shell of a life that from the outside looks like a dream. It is more of a nightmare in more ways than one. Facing a modern day arranged marriage to a man that lives a life behind of a mask of perfection is frightening from moment 1. How can, in this day and age, a beautiful and intelligent young woman face such a life? Money and power. It is obvious from the beginning that Evie has been manipulated into believing her duty is to sacrifice her own dreams and happiness for that of her family. Groomed for this 'duty' since an early age, Evie is thrown for a loop when she meets William.
William is a driven and kind-hearted man. A man that has grown up surrounded by love and commitment yet not without his own struggles. Having watched Evie from afar he is instantly drawn to her beauty and intelligence. It is only as they begin to learn about each other through a forbidden friendship does he see how much Evie really hides from the world.
Together Evie and William and beautiful. Almost like watching a dance unfold. Baby steps that blossom into a beautiful and flawless love. Love is not without challenges and quite frankly when two people come from such completely different worlds, the lack of communication and level of assumption is not surprising. I found myself cheering William on. Rooting for Evie to find her voice. Loving the stolen moments these two share.
My heart broke for each of them on a number of occasions but I knew S.L. Scott would heal them and bring them their HEA. She does not disappoint.
July 29, 2013
Disappointing! SL Scott is obviously a good writer (definitely one of the better ones out there these days), and her "Naturally, Charlie" is positively sublime.
But this one? Not so much.
Mostly well written (lots of grammatical errors / misspellings), descriptive, but utterly implausible with lead characters who bored me nearly to tears and were a bit (? okay, a lot) saccharine.
Evie is an Upper East Side (Manhattan) college-attending princess, engaged to an abusive jerk. Her parents strongly encourage (ahem) the union to further their connections, business and social. They also raised a daughter with no backbone, no sense of self-worth, and without the ability to make / maintain friendships. Odd, especially as the parents aren't painted to be monsters but more "looking-the-other-way" superficial types. (Until, of course, the end, when they have their come-to-jesus and the angels sing. Somehow.)
William is a fellow student from a working-class family (Staten Island) who is taken with Evie; this is ostensibly their story, from friendship to falling in love, etc.
The only problem was that no one was interesting! No one was funny or sassy or engaging -- especially engaging. Our lead characters, Evie and Will, were positively boring, milquetoast, and they let ridiculous situations go on and on. And on.
I didn't care about any of them, and a real bore is this repeated type that one of the characters is insanely wealthy. We've had it in multiple books (inc a few of this author's) and really? Enough.
But this one? Not so much.
Mostly well written (lots of grammatical errors / misspellings), descriptive, but utterly implausible with lead characters who bored me nearly to tears and were a bit (? okay, a lot) saccharine.
Evie is an Upper East Side (Manhattan) college-attending princess, engaged to an abusive jerk. Her parents strongly encourage (ahem) the union to further their connections, business and social. They also raised a daughter with no backbone, no sense of self-worth, and without the ability to make / maintain friendships. Odd, especially as the parents aren't painted to be monsters but more "looking-the-other-way" superficial types. (Until, of course, the end, when they have their come-to-jesus and the angels sing. Somehow.)
William is a fellow student from a working-class family (Staten Island) who is taken with Evie; this is ostensibly their story, from friendship to falling in love, etc.
The only problem was that no one was interesting! No one was funny or sassy or engaging -- especially engaging. Our lead characters, Evie and Will, were positively boring, milquetoast, and they let ridiculous situations go on and on. And on.
I didn't care about any of them, and a real bore is this repeated type that one of the characters is insanely wealthy. We've had it in multiple books (inc a few of this author's) and really? Enough.
October 11, 2013
Book Review: Prior Engagement by S.L. Scott
This book was an emotional read. In fact I got so mad at the main character Everleigh, that I almost threw my kindle in frustration. Everleigh is the daughter of wealthy parents and engaged to a wealthy man. She has been raised to be proper and polite as her upper class society dictates. Her parents are oblivious to the torture that Everleigh is put through by her manipulating fiancé. There is no happiness or hope for her, until she meets William in her English Literature class. William is immediately smitten, which makes him adorable. Everleigh, or Evie as she becomes, begins seeing the life and love she could have if she wasn’t engaged to Tom Whitney. Her fear keeps her in the engagement as do her parents who are in denial. Yet she steals every moment she can for William. Evie falls for William even though she knows she can’t have him. Then she soon realizes what her fiancé is capable of and fights back. Here comes my frustration, she fights and then deflates being back where she began, questioning herself and her relationship with William. It drove me crazy to read. I even had to put it away for a bit when she ended up back with Tom. I was a very unhappy reader at that time. Of course the author didn’t disappoint with an awesome ending but the journey there is, as I said, an emotional one. I know many of you will like this book. It is a total emotional roller coaster ride.
This book was an emotional read. In fact I got so mad at the main character Everleigh, that I almost threw my kindle in frustration. Everleigh is the daughter of wealthy parents and engaged to a wealthy man. She has been raised to be proper and polite as her upper class society dictates. Her parents are oblivious to the torture that Everleigh is put through by her manipulating fiancé. There is no happiness or hope for her, until she meets William in her English Literature class. William is immediately smitten, which makes him adorable. Everleigh, or Evie as she becomes, begins seeing the life and love she could have if she wasn’t engaged to Tom Whitney. Her fear keeps her in the engagement as do her parents who are in denial. Yet she steals every moment she can for William. Evie falls for William even though she knows she can’t have him. Then she soon realizes what her fiancé is capable of and fights back. Here comes my frustration, she fights and then deflates being back where she began, questioning herself and her relationship with William. It drove me crazy to read. I even had to put it away for a bit when she ended up back with Tom. I was a very unhappy reader at that time. Of course the author didn’t disappoint with an awesome ending but the journey there is, as I said, an emotional one. I know many of you will like this book. It is a total emotional roller coaster ride.
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