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A Promise Kept
How far would you go to keep a promise?
When twelve-year-old Oliver Ainsworth promised his life to Avery Hastings, she never believed him. After years apart, through war and tragedy, it seems even more likely that he's forgotten her entirely. And she's moved on as well.
Haunted by their parents' gruesome murder and the overbearing debt they'd left behind, Avery and her sister both sell themselves into different trades to make their livings, to pay back the murderer before he comes for them too. As for Oliver? The war came for him just like it came for every other young boy in their village. Or so Avery thinks.
Until her employment with a wealthy family in France forces their two worlds to collide once more and she learns there's far more to the boy she knew than she could have ever imagined.
Bound by a contract neither of them ever signed, they must come together again after years apart, after being worlds away, after becoming different people. A contract which states that they are overdue for their own wedding. But, after a lengthy engagement, when Oliver gives Avery the chance to opt out... will she even want to?
WINNER of the Watty 2022 Historical Fiction Award
Book One in the Devoted to the Duke Series
When twelve-year-old Oliver Ainsworth promised his life to Avery Hastings, she never believed him. After years apart, through war and tragedy, it seems even more likely that he's forgotten her entirely. And she's moved on as well.
Haunted by their parents' gruesome murder and the overbearing debt they'd left behind, Avery and her sister both sell themselves into different trades to make their livings, to pay back the murderer before he comes for them too. As for Oliver? The war came for him just like it came for every other young boy in their village. Or so Avery thinks.
Until her employment with a wealthy family in France forces their two worlds to collide once more and she learns there's far more to the boy she knew than she could have ever imagined.
Bound by a contract neither of them ever signed, they must come together again after years apart, after being worlds away, after becoming different people. A contract which states that they are overdue for their own wedding. But, after a lengthy engagement, when Oliver gives Avery the chance to opt out... will she even want to?
WINNER of the Watty 2022 Historical Fiction Award
Book One in the Devoted to the Duke Series
- GenresRomance
314 pages, Paperback
Published March 22, 2024
3 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
A.N. Horton
13 books109 followersA. N. Horton is a two-time award-winning author living in Nashville, TN with her husband, children, and moderately chunky Corgi. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, baking more cookies than her family can eat, and plotting crimes against her characters. Best known for crafting characters that steal her readers’ hearts as much as they shatter them, A. N. Horton is a cross-genre writer focused mainly on fantasy and romance with her upcoming urban fantasy series, The Third Ring, and her soon to be released historical romance novel, A Promise Kept.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 22, 2024
The author reached out to me to read their book and I'm glad I said yes. I love historical romances and this one was a childhood love (arranged future marriage) and a second chance after war time. After all the characters had to make hard choices to survive.
Avery had a very exciting and dangerous path. Very chance encounter a few years later with the boy she was to marry and he had a very different fortune than when they last met.
There was a lot of drama happening in both Avery and Oliver's families to keep up with. They both were still thinking of each other years later but Oliver had a half brother that was trying to threaten the fortune he found.
I was not expecting that ending. This was a historical murder mystery with some subterfuge and espionage. The romance between Oliver and Avery was so new with shared history but they had changed so much. OMG I don't know where this is going after that epilogue.
Can't wait for the next book to see how this continues!
Avery had a very exciting and dangerous path. Very chance encounter a few years later with the boy she was to marry and he had a very different fortune than when they last met.
There was a lot of drama happening in both Avery and Oliver's families to keep up with. They both were still thinking of each other years later but Oliver had a half brother that was trying to threaten the fortune he found.
I was not expecting that ending. This was a historical murder mystery with some subterfuge and espionage. The romance between Oliver and Avery was so new with shared history but they had changed so much. OMG I don't know where this is going after that epilogue.
Can't wait for the next book to see how this continues!
March 19, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ - eARC review - thank you to the author for the ARC!
A.N. Horton's "A Promise Kept" is a fun and promising start to a historical fiction series starring baker's daughter turned spy Avery Hastings, and rags to riches Oliver Ainsworth as they navigate the complications of coming into adulthood in a time where childhood promises are law.
What I liked:
▪️ The overall plot/storyline was captivating and believable
▪️ The tension between Avery and Oliver
▪️ Excellent supporting characters
▪️ There were some really enjoyable and humorous moments throughout the book, and I did genuinely enjoy the overall story
▪️ Avery had some solid reckoning.character development moments throughout which I quite enjoyed
What Missed the Mark:
▪️ The book needed another round of edits (but this was an eARC so this often happens after the fact).
▪️ This story would have really benefited from a dual POV between Avery and Oliver. I feel like we missed so much information on his end, and having Oliver's POV would have made him a more sympathetic character
▪️ There were at least 3 specific instances where scenes were skipped over, and I really wanted to read them! I wish we got to see more of Avery's background and training, as well as what happened right after the reveal at the end of the book.
Overall Thoughts:
Overall, I did enjoy this book. The plot and the characters were relatable and funny, and I am interested in seeing how the story progresses. Where the book lost me (and led to a review that wasn't quite four stars) was in the pacing and scaffolding of the storyline. I think the book has all of the right elements in place, and Horton knows where she is taking the characters. What needs more work, or perhaps just needs to be revealed more to the reader, is how we got to where we are. I felt as if we were skipping big and important pieces of the plot for the sake of moving to the next plot point. I think there needs to be a better balance between the distinct moments of conflict, and the journey between them. Nonetheless, I am looking forward to seeing what antics Avery and Oliver get up to in book two, and how they find their ways back to each other.
A.N. Horton's "A Promise Kept" is a fun and promising start to a historical fiction series starring baker's daughter turned spy Avery Hastings, and rags to riches Oliver Ainsworth as they navigate the complications of coming into adulthood in a time where childhood promises are law.
What I liked:
▪️ The overall plot/storyline was captivating and believable
▪️ The tension between Avery and Oliver
▪️ Excellent supporting characters
▪️ There were some really enjoyable and humorous moments throughout the book, and I did genuinely enjoy the overall story
▪️ Avery had some solid reckoning.character development moments throughout which I quite enjoyed
What Missed the Mark:
▪️ The book needed another round of edits (but this was an eARC so this often happens after the fact).
▪️ This story would have really benefited from a dual POV between Avery and Oliver. I feel like we missed so much information on his end, and having Oliver's POV would have made him a more sympathetic character
▪️ There were at least 3 specific instances where scenes were skipped over, and I really wanted to read them! I wish we got to see more of Avery's background and training, as well as what happened right after the reveal at the end of the book.
Overall Thoughts:
Overall, I did enjoy this book. The plot and the characters were relatable and funny, and I am interested in seeing how the story progresses. Where the book lost me (and led to a review that wasn't quite four stars) was in the pacing and scaffolding of the storyline. I think the book has all of the right elements in place, and Horton knows where she is taking the characters. What needs more work, or perhaps just needs to be revealed more to the reader, is how we got to where we are. I felt as if we were skipping big and important pieces of the plot for the sake of moving to the next plot point. I think there needs to be a better balance between the distinct moments of conflict, and the journey between them. Nonetheless, I am looking forward to seeing what antics Avery and Oliver get up to in book two, and how they find their ways back to each other.
March 22, 2024
This historical romance was so fun! This follows Avery and her sister after tragedy strikes and they are trying to pick up the pieces of their lives. Avery becomes a spy which leads her down a dangerous path until she finds herself given an opportunity she cannot accept. But when someone from her past reappears, Avery is forced to rethink her whole life plan.
I’ll admit, I did not read the synopsis before diving into this book and I was honestly confused about where the romance would go for the first 30 percent of the book. There were a few different directions it could have gone but when I realized what was actually happening, I was so excited. The hero in this book is fantastic and I thought the banter between him and Avery was great.
I loved that Avery was such a strong character. She comes off as a little cold as the beginning but I liked the way her character developed through the story. It felt like a very natural progression.
It does take the story a little while to get going which is my only complaint. I understand that it was to really get Avery going as a character but it felt a little tedious.
I really enjoyed this historical romance. It was just what I was in the mood for when I picked it up! I cannot wait to see what this author does next!
I’ll admit, I did not read the synopsis before diving into this book and I was honestly confused about where the romance would go for the first 30 percent of the book. There were a few different directions it could have gone but when I realized what was actually happening, I was so excited. The hero in this book is fantastic and I thought the banter between him and Avery was great.
I loved that Avery was such a strong character. She comes off as a little cold as the beginning but I liked the way her character developed through the story. It felt like a very natural progression.
It does take the story a little while to get going which is my only complaint. I understand that it was to really get Avery going as a character but it felt a little tedious.
I really enjoyed this historical romance. It was just what I was in the mood for when I picked it up! I cannot wait to see what this author does next!
April 25, 2024
I had some major problems with this book. The plot time jumps and leaves out crucial character development.
I had major problems with Avery. She’s supposed to be a spy but anytime this don’t go as she’s expecting she freezes. This is a horrible trait in someone who’s supposed to be a spy and would most likely get them killed! When she gets backed into a corner does she do her job and dig up some dirt on them? No! She shuts down and sulks. She does this multiple times in the book.
There were multiple historical inaccuracies that made me wonder how much research the author did. Why the hell is the Vatican being involved in matters of English nobility succession??? This makes absolutely no sense. This is supposed to take place during the Georgian era (which I didn’t figure out until the epilogue) which means any church involvement would be the Church of England and their head of church the king. Also in this period of time being catholic in England was kinda taboo. Especially among the nobility. The whole idea that a bastard could usurp a dukes legitimate heir is extremely improbable. To legitimize an English bastard they wold need the king and parliament. None of which happens.
I had major problems with Avery. She’s supposed to be a spy but anytime this don’t go as she’s expecting she freezes. This is a horrible trait in someone who’s supposed to be a spy and would most likely get them killed! When she gets backed into a corner does she do her job and dig up some dirt on them? No! She shuts down and sulks. She does this multiple times in the book.
There were multiple historical inaccuracies that made me wonder how much research the author did. Why the hell is the Vatican being involved in matters of English nobility succession??? This makes absolutely no sense. This is supposed to take place during the Georgian era (which I didn’t figure out until the epilogue) which means any church involvement would be the Church of England and their head of church the king. Also in this period of time being catholic in England was kinda taboo. Especially among the nobility. The whole idea that a bastard could usurp a dukes legitimate heir is extremely improbable. To legitimize an English bastard they wold need the king and parliament. None of which happens.
March 22, 2024
I am SCREAMING!!! This book was absolutely incredible!! If I could give it 10 ⭐️s I would with no hesitation. If you like historical romance, espionage, murder mystery, and flawless details you will be screaming right along with me!! The tenacity of our lovely Avery (and her sister) despite their hardships was inspiring. I adored the banter and flow of the relationships. I was alternating laughing and gasping as I read. Just when I thought I figured something out I would be thrown for a loop. It was just the perfect amount of plot twists and a hint of darkness that made this all the more enjoyable! All the details were beautiful and every facet of the characters (even the side characters) were so relatable and well done to that you felt like you knew them. And the ending! I was DYING!!! Screaming and wanting to throw my kindle across the room. But then there was the epilogue… and I wanted to throw it all over again!!!! Don’t hesitate to run grab a copy of this expertly written emotional roller coaster!! I’m already dying for book 2!
March 15, 2024
This book captured me from the start! And the cliffhanger!
I knew from the first chapter that there would be more to Avery, and that Oliver would play a larger role in her future. What I didn’t expect was how attached I would become to their very story, their friendship, and their love story … which, I am hopeful will continue.
Avery is a passionate young woman who is fiercely loyal. I believe that Oliver is a man of honor and loyalty. And Charles is a wicked bastard. Through their woven tale, we are able to see a view of the intense ins and outs of the regency era. This is a Bridgerton style novel ties in additional aspects of military strategy, espionage, extortion, and sexism. For two sisters to survive, they must both comprise their traditional values and forge new paths to ensure their future.
I would 100% recommend this book!
I knew from the first chapter that there would be more to Avery, and that Oliver would play a larger role in her future. What I didn’t expect was how attached I would become to their very story, their friendship, and their love story … which, I am hopeful will continue.
Avery is a passionate young woman who is fiercely loyal. I believe that Oliver is a man of honor and loyalty. And Charles is a wicked bastard. Through their woven tale, we are able to see a view of the intense ins and outs of the regency era. This is a Bridgerton style novel ties in additional aspects of military strategy, espionage, extortion, and sexism. For two sisters to survive, they must both comprise their traditional values and forge new paths to ensure their future.
I would 100% recommend this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2024
So I have never read a book like this, not typically my genre of books but gave it a shot.
The book started off slow for my liking in all honesty but did pick up about half way through, I'd say the middle and then towards the ending was the best part.
I can say I was really into it and could not wait to finish reading it but once I got to the end I was so angry.
I did not see the book ending the way it did and did not like it at all, like the book was going so good and that turn just made it terrible in my opinion. Good thing you don't read the end 1st because I would have not read it if I had.
The writing is good, the story is steady, mainly focused one 1 character and her story.
Would I read a sequel absolutely not and I don't mean to be mean when saying it but how this one left off just ruined any further book about this story for me.
The book started off slow for my liking in all honesty but did pick up about half way through, I'd say the middle and then towards the ending was the best part.
I can say I was really into it and could not wait to finish reading it but once I got to the end I was so angry.
I did not see the book ending the way it did and did not like it at all, like the book was going so good and that turn just made it terrible in my opinion. Good thing you don't read the end 1st because I would have not read it if I had.
The writing is good, the story is steady, mainly focused one 1 character and her story.
Would I read a sequel absolutely not and I don't mean to be mean when saying it but how this one left off just ruined any further book about this story for me.
March 20, 2024
Author takes us to Raleigh, shows us the distinct class difference between peasants, military men and the ruling class. A story narrated masterfully between England and France, we follow the journey of Avery. The time skips are seamless, almost too much to the point I wish the story had lingered to reveal more. The book leaves the reader with a thirst to know more, which I hope will be unraveled in book 2.
Great set up for side characters and the mains as well. Everyone was well rounded, had specific contributions to the plot and one with so much intrigue and mystery, thanks to a single pov, this was a page turner.
4 stars ⭐
Great set up for side characters and the mains as well. Everyone was well rounded, had specific contributions to the plot and one with so much intrigue and mystery, thanks to a single pov, this was a page turner.
4 stars ⭐
March 28, 2024
A Promise Kept is a historical fiction story that focuses on Avery Hastings, Oliver Ainsworth, and the promise he made to her. As a huge fan of this genre, I was easily pulled into this story and the lives of the characters. Avery and Oliver are overdue for their own wedding, but with the option to opt out, it may never happen… or will it? I loved the setting of the story and the timeline we’re presented with. Each chapter kept me hooked until the very end! When Avery and Oliver reunited it was my favorite part, and you’ll definitely understand why!
March 9, 2024
4.5 rounded to 5. This was an eARC read.
This book was so much FUN, HARD to put down and NEVER had a dull moment. I flew through it.
This historical romance has it all, a strong heroine, mystery, murder and love.
There were some misspellings I hoping they fix before it’s released.
I will definitely be anxiously awaiting the next installment.
Thank you to the author for the advance read.
This book was so much FUN, HARD to put down and NEVER had a dull moment. I flew through it.
This historical romance has it all, a strong heroine, mystery, murder and love.
There were some misspellings I hoping they fix before it’s released.
I will definitely be anxiously awaiting the next installment.
Thank you to the author for the advance read.
March 6, 2024
This was an arc read that is typically out of what I reach for
This historical romance/ arranged marriage was captivating.
I found myself flying through the pages. There is tragedies, murder, and love.
If you enjoy historical with love and mystery this book is a must!!
This historical romance/ arranged marriage was captivating.
I found myself flying through the pages. There is tragedies, murder, and love.
If you enjoy historical with love and mystery this book is a must!!
March 14, 2024
This was such a good historical romance book that had mystery in it and it has zero spice so if that is something that you’re looking for I would highly recommend picking up this book I read it so quickly it was definitely a page turner.
March 15, 2024
Holy crap what did I just read? This book starts off slow but feels rushed in some places. At about 60% of the book things picked up with Avery. There was twist after twist after twist. I couldn't keep up. And it ended with a cliffhanger!! Ugh!! I can't wait for the next one.
March 2, 2024
It's an astonishing story!! Avery is a strong heroine forced to make a choice that no young lady should ever have to make. I held my breath through the twists and turns of A Promised Kept.
March 17, 2024
It’s amazing like LOVED IT.
March 17, 2024
Full review to follow!
April 5, 2024
This book is based in 18th century England. The writing style was amazing and really mimicked that era. This book was filled with unexpected plots. For instance, I was not expecting Avery and Oliver to meet again in such circumstances. This book was equivalent to a historical classic.
I was really impressed by the character development of Avery. Evelyn is full of secrets. Oliver is also a mystery, and one of my favourite fictional men.
While in the middle, the cursing and all felt like it was the 21st century world. It broke my heart to know that Charles could be so dominating. I wished that Avery was more open to Evelyn so that she would not resort to such a profession.
The way the climax occured dropped my jaw. It's left in a cliffhanger and I really wish to know how the 'unfinished business' is taken care of in the next book.
I would highly recommend this book to all the classic lovers. For me personally, this was a book with mixed emotions - love, frustration, sorrow and comedy. In a nutshell, it was a very filling read for me and I enjoyed it.
I was really impressed by the character development of Avery. Evelyn is full of secrets. Oliver is also a mystery, and one of my favourite fictional men.
While in the middle, the cursing and all felt like it was the 21st century world. It broke my heart to know that Charles could be so dominating. I wished that Avery was more open to Evelyn so that she would not resort to such a profession.
The way the climax occured dropped my jaw. It's left in a cliffhanger and I really wish to know how the 'unfinished business' is taken care of in the next book.
I would highly recommend this book to all the classic lovers. For me personally, this was a book with mixed emotions - love, frustration, sorrow and comedy. In a nutshell, it was a very filling read for me and I enjoyed it.
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April 15, 2024DNFed at 30%
May 9, 2024
My best friend strongly recommended this book to me after she read it. She is usually very good at guessing plot twists and figuring out what is going to happen, so when she told me that even she did not see the ending coming, I knew I had to buy it and read it immediately.
This book has several enjoyable twists and turns, and several heart-wrenching, yet still incredibly written, twists and turns. I cannot wait for book 2, and I highly highly recommend this book!!!
This book has several enjoyable twists and turns, and several heart-wrenching, yet still incredibly written, twists and turns. I cannot wait for book 2, and I highly highly recommend this book!!!
March 23, 2024
Thank you to the author for an eARC.
ACCURACY ISSUES.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I struggled with this one from the beginning y’all. The bones were good. And I liked the characters enough.
Buuuuut. The historical inaccuracies were bugging me. The writing style seemed much more modern than it should have been and there were glaring plot holes. The time jumps that skipped over crucial details left me confused when certain things happened. One of them being that the FMC catches a knife out of the air when thrown at the love interest. This and other aspects made no sense to me. Other style and plot choices had me skimming to get to the rest of the book too.
I’m going to leave this as it is. This was an unfortunate miss for me.
Overall audience notes:
- Historical Romance
- Language: low
- Romance: fade to black
- Violence: moderate
- Trigger/Content Warnings: murder, prostitution, near death experiences
ACCURACY ISSUES.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I struggled with this one from the beginning y’all. The bones were good. And I liked the characters enough.
Buuuuut. The historical inaccuracies were bugging me. The writing style seemed much more modern than it should have been and there were glaring plot holes. The time jumps that skipped over crucial details left me confused when certain things happened. One of them being that the FMC catches a knife out of the air when thrown at the love interest. This and other aspects made no sense to me. Other style and plot choices had me skimming to get to the rest of the book too.
I’m going to leave this as it is. This was an unfortunate miss for me.
Overall audience notes:
- Historical Romance
- Language: low
- Romance: fade to black
- Violence: moderate
- Trigger/Content Warnings: murder, prostitution, near death experiences
May 8, 2024
You cannot end a book like that😭😭 i need the next one ASAP
10/10
A million stars
Absolutely fantastic
10/10
A million stars
Absolutely fantastic
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews