A Gentleman's Promise

Scandalous London #1

by Tamara Gill

Against her better judgement, Charlotte King bows to family duty and marries a man who is not as he seems. Now trapped in a marriage of the worst kind, her life is an endless cycle of pain and fear. That is until Lord Helsing shows her another way to live...Lord Mason Helsing walked away from the one woman he’d always cared for, but upon returning to London, he finds Charlotte is in a loveless and cruel marriage. Should he throw away the principles by which he lives and follow a different path than he ought?But divorce for Charlotte means ruination. And Mason is relied upon to marry well and continue his family. Can they overcome the strictures of society and live the life they’ve always wanted? Or will they bow to pressure and do as society deems appropriate?

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Novella, Adult, Short Stories

87 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 18, 2013

About the author

Tamara is an Australian author who grew up in an old mining town in country South Australia, where her love of history was founded. She loves to write romance novels in an array of genres, including regency, medieval, and time travel.

https://linktr.ee/tamaragillauthor

Buy direct from my store - now open!
https://www.tamaragill.com

Reviews

[Sonia N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte and Mason ❤️

What a beautiful romance, even if Charlotte married a horrible Viscount. Miss. Charlotte comes from a rich family and she married a Viscount Lord Remington. He turned out to be an abusive husband.
But then her first true love comes to her rescue!
This is a wonderful fast paced story with great attention to details and narrative. The storyline is so beautiful because first love conquered Charlottes horrible first marriage.
And, of course the ending is so very beautiful!

[Kyjuliano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually read a lot of historical romance but I liked Ms. Gill's writing so much in the Daughter of the Gods series that I purchased more. This was a very sexy Novella, I really liked Mason and Charlotte. She was a very strong woman and I was glad to see her stand up for herself in the end.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Headstrong and wrong

Charlotte seems the type to jump in and ask questions later! Mason is her neighbor and they grew up together but he cared for her well being it seems! But when Charlotte announced her plan to marry he did not disclose what a horrible person and the debauchery her future husband was constantly involved in! Mason did go to her father and "tried" to convince a merchant that although his daughter was marrying into nobility it was not worth marrying her to such and evil man! Charlotte father was unconvinced! Charlotte headstrong and impulsive did not look too deep at his character under his appearance! Charlotte father should have investigated him but he did not!! Charlotte endured 2 years of pure hell! Mason in Bath learned how badly she was abused and decided to see for himself! Charlotte is married to a monster and Mason needs to marry for an heir! Can their be a HEA?

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio book

[Brandee (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Gentleman's Promise was a pretty compelling read. I felt it was fairly realistic in its portrayal of marriage in the Regency era - where a woman would be stuck in an abusive marriage because her family couldn't withstand the scandal of a divorce.

Charlotte seemed a typical young woman - enchanted by Lord Remmick's charm. Her heart did belong to someone else but she thought that was a dead end. By the time she began having misgivings about the arrangement with Lord Remmick, it was too late.

Lord Remmick was a despicable man. The way he treated his wife - and women in general - was disgusting. There was nothing redeemable about him.

Lord Helsing - Mason - was infatuated with Charlotte but didn't make his move in time. He did try to warn Charlotte's father against the match between her and Lord Remmick, but Charlotte's father brushed him off. He left London unable to deal with Charlotte's marriage mistake, but returns when he hears she's being mistreated.

As I said, this was a compelling read. The reasons I'm not giving it a higher rating are that

1) some of the dialog didn't seem period to me - I don't think a Lady of the Regency era would ask a man to "sleep" with her.

2) transitions weren't smooth in places and it affected the pacing

3) event happened too quickly for me to really feel the love between Charlotte and Mason

4) the change in Charlotte - when she chose to stand up for herself - wasn't explained so it was confusing

I think my issues were a result of this being a novella and therefore too few pages. :) I would have enjoyed a longer length for the character development. I did like the story and description of London life though, so I will continue with the series.

[Cocktails and Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte and Mason were childhood friends that grew apart as they aged. Charlotte marries and later regrets her choice, and she turns to Mason for the love and intimacy she needs. There are several sweet and spicy romantic escapades between Charlotte and Mason. The characters are so well-written they draw you into the story. I commiserated with Charlotte as she endured her husband's actions. I cheered Mason on as he decided to be there for her no matter what. Charlotte is kind and sweet with an inner strength and adventurous spirit that surprised me. She did what was needed and refused to just exist but reached out for adventure determined to live. Throughout the story I was kept on edge hoping that Mason would triumph and Charlotte would be happy and safe. I'll admit there were tears and for anyone that's ever watched someone they love go through a bad relationship or marriage you will I instantly identify with this story. Don't miss this story it will pull on all your emotions, and you'll love every minute---I did.

Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books

[J. Kahele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aw

Charlotte is married to a real bastard of a man, Lord Remmick. Her childhood friend fMason finds out and comes to her rescue but in his pursuit to save her an affair ensues between the two and Charlotte is confused on what to do. Continue on with Mason or stay committed to her marriage.

[SB Morales · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful story. My heart went out to Charlotte. Gill's writing is so wonderful that she transports me through time. I love this writer and I can't wait to find out where she takes me in her next book!

[Lynda]

this was awful zero stars rating. There was no plot no nothing. terrible I don't want to read anything by this author again. bad bad bad.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

[LOU71 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Gentleman’s Promise is the first novella in the Scandalous London erotic series. The Epilogue completes the short story being set two years later. I read it in a day.

I don’t recall having encountered a similar storyline to this within this genre so it’s a unique plot to me with compelling themes.

I do wish authors would choose more interesting names for their Heroines other than the overused and obvious choices in this genre.

A Gentleman’s Promise: 4- stars

Charlotte King bows to family duty and marries a man who is not as he seems. Now trapped in a marriage of the worst kind (beware, domestic violence theme) her life is an endless cycle of pain and fear.

Lord Mason Helsing is a loyal and passionate Hero. I liked his character.

I recommend this novella.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 in Gill's Scandalous London series and was a quick listen for me - captivating with strong characters. Charlotte made a bad choice and is paying dearly for it in her ever day life, while Mason is full of regret and will do all he can to protect Charlotte. What are they willing to risk for the love they have for one another?!?

I received this as part of a collection (books 1-3) for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read.

[Luz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick spicy historical romance.

Weirdly enough I did like seeing that the h owned up to her impulsiveness to accept the marriage proposal from James quickly. And it was sad to see what those consequences were. He was beating her. 💔

I did also like that the hero (Mason) didn’t kill he husband.

I loved that she made the decision to leave and reach out to her dad. And that her and Mason started a new life in America.

She did cheat on her husband with Mason and that didn’t bother me. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased A Gentleman's Promise as part of the Scandalous London Series anthology.

Lord Mason Helsing grew up next door to Charlotte King but he waited too long to make his interest known and she married a rake and violent man. A Gentleman's Promise is a sweet romance where Mason promises to always protect Charlotte and he does. The story shows a problem in society when the social ideals of the ton were more important than women in abusive marriages.

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is about Charlotte King, who marries against her better judgment from family pressure and ends up very unhappy. Lord Mason Helsing, had cared for Charlotte in the past and upon returning to London finds her in a terrible marriage and realizes what she means to him. Will they be happy or live by the strictures of society? A great novella!

[Bonnie Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the introduction to Tamara Gill’s Scandalous London Series. Normally I don’t often reach for a book this short in length, but this one packs a punch. I loved the characters and the story is compelling.
I enjoyed the Audible version also.
I would caution anyone who has unresolved issues with domestic abuse to be aware of the subject matter.

[Candace N · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by Tamara Gill that I have read and I enjoyed it immensely! The spark flying between Charlotte and Lord Mason Helsing are hot! Once I started reading, I could not stop! Excellent writing! Side note: I love the covers to Tamara's books 😍

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

Charlotte and Mason were childhood friends but grew apart as they moved in different social circles as they became older. Charlotte is ready to see adventure and finds herself engaged to Lord Remmick after her first season. Lord Remmick is rumored to be a rouge with a very questionable reputation and principles.


When Mason, Lord Helsing finds about her engagement he tries to stop it and tells Charlotte’s father that the rumors are true . But Charlotte’s father is dismissive and doesn’t want the scandal of a resolved union. He doesn’t believe Charlotte will be mistreated.


Ultimately, Mason is resolved to move on from Charlotte and find himself a wife. But two years later he comes back to the season and London after he hears that Charlotte’s being abused in her marriage. Charlotte is unhappy and regrets her hasty decision to marry Lord Remmick.


Charlotte meets Mason in town and they soon reconnect and their is an undeniable spark. But the strictures of society complicate their situation.



https://www.auniversaltruth.com/?p=1517

[Mischa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this one would have benefited from being a full-length novel. However, I did like it, the author gave me a different kind of historical romance than I've been reading on every corner, and while the writing was a bit rushed at times, I really enjoyed this.

[Cordelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am swooning over Mason

What a beautiful love story. I know it happens in life, because it happened to me, but I do not like to read historical romance which include wife beaters. I loved the story because I had a Mason in my life. Thank you, Lady Tamara.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

This isn’t the story for me. I wanted more in terms of explanations for why the characters did what they did than what we were given. The writing is easy to read and the characters are interesting. I didn’t connect with the story or the decisions/actions the characters made/took.

[Chenelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute

Cute read to past the time away. Love conquers all they say. Was entertained from beginning to end. Enjoy it

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short story with lots of story packed in even an epilogue

[Penny Hinch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read. Pretty standard trashy novel.

[Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly thought-provoking story about relationships features a woman who is fortunate to have the love and support of her loved ones, which finally enabled her to take decisions in her favour!

[Kelly Kusumi · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Promises Kept!
I could totally understand Charlotte's predicament of being stuck in an abusive relationship with her spouse and not being able to do anything to leave him. In her case it was the shame and ruination that she would have to bear.
When she finally plucked up her courage and did the right thing I cheered! Couldn't help it. The relief was immense.
Thank goodness for the love of a childhood friend, Lord Mason Helsing. I wouldn't mind someone like him in my life. Honest, caring, loyal and passionate ... Need I say more.
I love it when a story grabs me and I can get involved with the characters and this is what happened.
Lillian Yves did a remarkable narration and I feel it enhanced the story and brought the characters more to life.
I was gifted a copy of the audiobook and my voluntary review above is given freely and is unbiased.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chirp Audiobook

A story about a young woman who marries the wrong man. Charlotte marries a man who starts out clever & charming, but turns into a violent, cheating monster after the wedding vows are said. Her childhood crush tried to warn Charlotte’s dad about the rake, but he encourages her to marry him anyway. Then the crush peaces out for 2 years until she’s really miserable.

For the first time in Charlotte’s marriage she does something wicked that she wants to do. The story has an unusual ending, that is happy, but not traditional. I really enjoyed the ending.

[ABesse · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reading this was painfully reminiscent of reading stories written by third graders. If third graders wrote some porn that is.

The dialog is like a bad 50s soap opera. The story events could’ve more or less taken place in 1912 or 1812 that’s how little background development there is.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story will remain with me for a long time - and in a good way. Tamara Gill uses a topic, domestic violence, and turns the pages back in history to show its existence in Regency England. Miss Charlotte King is beautiful. She has all the advantages of the wealthy--a large home, an attractive dowery, the right education, and her family was connected in the ton.

Her first season sees her betrothed to Viscount Reddick, a man rumored for his roguish behavior and questionable principals. Of course, Miss Charlotte and her family are kept unaware of this reputation. They are swayed by his charm and his handsome appearance, and his title. As soon as her childhood friend, Lord Helsing finds out Miss Charlotte King has become betrothed- even though they have not seen each other in several years-he makes an immediate trip home to see her father. By chance, he runs into Charlotte at their familiar childhood swimming hole - and realizes that her beauty has only grown. She is gorgeous. Why has it taken her betrothal to bring him home?

The day after seeing Charlotte, Mason Helsing makes and appointment and reaches out to Charlotte's father as a family friend to ask him to break the betrothal contracts to Lord Remmick. He lets him know the rumors of Remmick's questionable behavior are true. Could Mr. King possibly mean to subject Miss Charlotte to a man of such character? But her father is not swayed. He tells Mason Helsing that the contracts will remain. He doesn't believe that his daughter will be mistreated.


Angry and upset about what his friend might face, Mason Helsing leaves Charlotte King's home - just as Lord Reddick arrives - for lunch. Mason decides that he needs to wash his hands of Charlotte King, her upcoming nuptials, and any potential problems. He needs to find a wife of his own. But Mason Helsing can never get the beautiful, sweet, Miss Charlotte King off of his mind. The reason for that becomes clear two years later.

Tamara Gill takes a very delicate topic - domestic violence - and writes a very meaningful novella. Readers like myself are taken through history and given a poignant picture of what a woman facing domestic violence would have gone through- and the options that were or were not available. I appreciated the storyline of this book. This is not something that just started happening in the twenty-first century! Anyone interested in historical romances will enjoy this book for its brutal honesty. It's a chance to look back and see how things really could have been for women. The characters were well-developed and the story well-written. Thumbs up and FIVE STARS! I highly recommend.