The Earl's London Bride

Sweet Chase Brides #1

by Lauren Royal, Devon Royal

♥ A nobleman and a common girl
♥ A close-knit, meddling family
♥ A trunkful of jewelry
♥ A dastardly kidnapping
♥ Sweet romance!

From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Royal and her daughter comes the first novel in their beloved series featuring the “outrageously funny, loyal, and endearing” Chase family.

Amethyst Goldsmith makes dazzling jewelry, but her future isn’t nearly as bright as the pieces she creates. Though custom dictates she wed her father’s apprentice, her heart rebels against the match. In mere days Amy will be condemned to a stifling, loveless marriage, and she sees no way out—until the devastating fire of 1666 sweeps through London, and tragedy lands her in the arms of a dashing young earl who knows a diamond in the rough when he sees it…

Colin Chase, the Earl of Greystone, has his future all figured out. He’s restoring his crumbling castle and estate to its former glory, and the key to its completion is his rich bride-to-be. But the Great Fire lays waste to his plans, saddling him with trouble—in the form of a penniless shopkeeper’s daughter with whom he’s most inconveniently falling in love…

PLEASE NOTE: This book is a SWEET & CLEAN ROMANCE. If you’d prefer to read a steamy romance with a similar plot, look for “When an Earl Meets a Girl” by Lauren Royal.

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical, Fiction, Clean Romance, Regency

420 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2015

About the author

FALL IN LOVE WITH A HISTORICAL ROMANCE BY LAUREN ROYAL!

LAUREN ROYAL is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of humorous historical romance. Her “truly enchanting” novels have won many awards including Booklist's “Top 10 Romance of the Year,” and they’ve earned raves from reviewers including Publishers Weekly, who calls her “an impressive talent.”

All of Lauren's books are complete, stand-alone stories, and yet they are also all connected—because they all feature her beloved “outrageously funny, loyal, compassionate, and unconventional” Chase family!

Lauren writes steamy historical romance on her own and sweet/clean historical romance with her daughter, Devon Royal. Lauren lives in Southern California with her family, two constantly shedding cats, and a stupendous collection of fuzzy socks. When she's not busy writing, she enjoys singing along (off-key) to Hamilton, dancing (badly), and (wasting time) watching HGTV.

Want great free and 99¢ books sent to your inbox on select Fridays? Sign up for Lauren's Book Club newsletter at http://royall.ink/Newsletter

Become an honorary Chase cousin (and get a FREE historical cookbook)! Join Lauren's Chase Family Readers Group on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/ChaseFamilyReaders

Visit Lauren’s website at LaurenRoyal.com, where you can learn about the real people and real places in her books, enter a contest to win jewelry, and see the ever-growing branches of the Chase Family Tree.

Join Lauren on Facebook...

Readers Group: facebook.com/groups/ChaseFamilyReaders
Facebook Page: facebook.com/LaurenRoyal

Reviews

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amethyst 'Amy' Goldsmith and Robert Stanley had been betrothed since she was born, and he was currently an apprentice in her father's jewelry shop. As time came nearer for her wedding, Amy expressed her reluctance and begged her father to call off the wedding. After tragedy strikes taking her father's life, Amy finds refuge with the Chase family until Robert spots her in public and realizes she must have saved her family's fortune. His maniacal scheme to marry her so that he can get his hands on her family's inheritance, whether she is willing or not. The darkness brought about by Robert Stanley's irrational persona and deranged force was certainly something I could have done without. I never liked the depraved fellow, which was probably the point.

This was the introductory installation for the sweet and clean version of the Chase Family series, which I for one was delighted to discover by Lauren and Devon Royal. The Chase family are a diverse group, yet they are fiercely loyal to one another. Colin was the prankster and consistently played practical jokes on his family members. This was not a traditional historical romance story. It actually seems more like a fairytale of sorts.

Robert's role definitely makes the reader seeking a clean read a bit wary and hesitant about completing the book. However, completing the book was well worth it, since the H.E.A. should meet with most reader's approval. The book is able to stand on its own. Each successive installment will provide the opportunity to learn more about the other members of the family in future installations of this series.

Completing this nonconventional historical romance book was well worth it, since the H.E.A. should meet with most reader's approval. Read on and enjoy!

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started out good, I liked the setting and time period and learning a little bit more about the London fires of 1666. I read a lot of historicals, but I am definitely far from an expert. Despite the setting and time period, this just didn't feel like a historical. The characters didn't really act or speak how I would expect them to for the time period and their stations. As for the characters, I wasn't really a fan. I thought Colin was very immature and didn't really care for some of his mean spirited practical jokes (did they use the term "practical joke" in the 1600s??). The joke he played on his fiancée was very very rude and childish. I also didn't like that he was basically cheating on his fiancée with Amy. He didn't treat Amy or his fiancée very well. I just never liked him very much, he needed a lot of growing up, IMO. The pacing and different events felt off and when I thought it should have ended it just kept going and going. I had a hard time really enjoying this one. I really appreciate that the author has written this series to be cleaner reads, I love when authors do that.

Content: Clean romance, closed door-fade to black intimacy, an attempted rape.

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a hard book to rate. I realized that this is a clean version of Amethyst. There were parts that I thought were unrealistic, and that figures, because they probably had a very different result in the other version of the book.

The setting is during the fires in London in the 1600's. Charles II has just returned to his throne. I loved that the setting was different than other stories that I have read. I imagine that the book follows a realistic social expectation of Amethyst and Collin. They were obviously attracted to each other, but a relationship between them wasn't prudent due to their social status. That part of the story was tedious, because it was mentioned every time someone noticed the attraction between the two.

This was a light romance. There are difficult scenes to read. Amethyst has a betrothed jerk, and he does some very jerky things. I don't want to mention it, in case you read the book. I will only say there is a near rape, for those sensitive to that situation.

I "purchased" a copy of this book for FREE on kindle.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read: 2018
Setting: Charles II, England
also under the title: Amethyst
clean romance

Goodreads lost another review:(. I remember really enjoying this book. I'm going to have to revisit it son

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It seemed to drag just a little in the middle but that might have just been my need to see them happy. This had good elements that lead to a believable, romance set in the time of London's great fire. I want to read more by this author. This was a clean read.

[Tyler Leigh · Rating 1 out of 5]

*eye roll* boy did this feel like it too forever to get through. I ended up skimming the second half of the book because I was bored.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The use of restoration England is an interesting setting, however once you got into the main body of the plot you would be forgiven for forgetting what setting it was placed in. Th author has obviously done a lot of research on the era but needs to add more.
The plot line was a bit absurd, a lot of coincidences where happening in order to make it move forward. It also reminded me of the plot line for the first in her clean regency series Alexandra.
However I did like the two mc's and I love the idea of the story following the family tree and seeing how everybody is related.


#24in48 - 4 hrs 53 mins

price: freebie

#COYER

[Eliza Lagonia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is more of a 2.65 stars, but I didn't want to bump it up to a three because it's not a 3- star book.
The basic Premise is Amy Goldsmith is the daughter of a Goldsmith merchant whose family have been merchants for centuries and it's the restoration of the Crown for Charles II.
So if you know don't know anything about Charles II is brought back to power after Cromwell's desaster of a rein. Charles I was disemboweled.
Charles II saw the issues in his father's government and arrived to do better. And yes he had many mistresses and claimed and unclaimed bastards.

Back to the story and why I couldn't give it 3 stars. 1. The book is 100 pages too long. I had to slog through the ending of the book. Now I'm not saying parts of those 10 pages weren't good I actually enjoy a good 60 pages of it.
2. And it goes with the first, but book needs more balance. You could cut back on the first 300 pages and keep the good 60 pages at the end and you'd have a solid 340 page book that isn't a slog to get through.
3. The Charles story at the end was unneeded. It felt like the Royals wanted to add more Charles in and found the most awkward way ever.

There were good parts and I did like the development of Colin and Amy's relationship, but those parts were not as tight as they could be.

[Tales Untangled · Rating 3 out of 5]

In The Earl's London Bride I thought the setting was above average. The backdrop is during the Restoration of King Charles II in London. The Great Fire of London in 1666 is the catalyst for the romance of Colin and Amy. At this point I had great hope for the plot.

I was sadly mistaken. The plot devolved into maudlin dialogue and stolen kisses that melt, ect. I actually got excited when Colin was sent off to France by King Charles because I was looking forward to more historical facts.

Amy is written with many modern values which seem ...

To read the full review go to www.talesuntangled.wordpress.com

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe I was just sick of drivel but this was a refreshing break from the so so books I had been reading. I liked this book so much that I went ahead and bought four more from these authors. In doing so I discovered that this was originally written under a different title by the mother and then mother and daughter cleaned it up to give us this masterful piece of enjoyment. I am very pleased by their efforts.

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable, but I prefer the original version. Happy reading!

[Tena Rees · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stupid

I don't like this mother and daughter writing combo. The writing feels shallow and modern. Is "Amy" a medieval name?

[CYNTHIA CHARLES · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one as well as the one with that bit of spice!

[Crazychriss889 · Rating 4 out of 5]

He’s a Lord; she’s just a goldsmith’s daughter. The Great Fire of London changes all of this.

First, let me say something about all the historical events in this novel because there are quite many of them in there (which was really cool)!

The Great Fire of London – This novel takes place at a time when the fire broke out in central London destroying a large part of the city.

We’ve got King Charles II fighting to break the fire in the novel. And indeed, there are reports that he helped. What was quite interesting was that the author explains how (at that time) they tried to extinguish the fire: by creating firebreaks. So I really liked that this book tried to include historically accurate situations. Of course, there is also a lot of worshipping in there, e.g. of King Charles II., which can and possibly should be seen more critically. Sure, a lot of people did worship him at that time but certainly not all of them.

I also loved the way Charles’ mistresses were involved in this story. Hilarious. And so true. Of course, their names were changed in this book but for example Barbara, Countess of Castlemaine (in the books) can be compared with Barbara Palmer, Duchess of Cleveland. Charles II had many mistresses, by him Palmer had five children. Love that this is also mentioned in the book. Also, it’s pretty interesting that he acknowledged all of them and ennobled them. Her influence was great and this is also mentioned in the book.
We also meet Charles’ wife, Catherine of Braganza, and again, the depictions of her are pretty accurate and interesting. Their marriage was childless which is also mentioned in the book. Plus, she wasn’t being referred to as a beauty in the novel and this was also mentioned in several documents.

What was disappointing was the mentioning of amount of those who died during the Great Fire of London. Cause there were much, much, much, much, much more than it says in this novel. Sure, official recordings are said to only state six deaths but the deaths of poor and middle-class people were not recorded so there's that. Of course, we are in higher circles in this novel and still... Better not to mention the amount of the dead people at all... Especially since a lot of other depictions are quite true and accurate.

So, now let’s talk about our main characters.
Well, there is Colin Chase. He’s the hero during the fire; he saves children; he saves Amethyst, a simple goldsmith’s daughter who he is immensely attracted to.
I really had my problems with Colin. He’s betrothed, doesn’t want to marry for love because he’s seen that love can destroy a human. Love would leave him vulnerable. Very true words, of course. Thing is, he is the person who hurts Amethyst the most. She is vulnerable and he totally exploits that. I do absolutely not like that he is no gentleman. I think some of his actions are just plain disgusting.

These actions lead me to Amethyst. I’m really disappointed that she is so naïve and that she just won’t let go of her attraction.
What I like or rather love about her is that she is so determined to continue with her work, even though her soon-to-be-husband is clearly opposed to it. However, that is also something that isn’t really coherent in this novel since she never tries to do her work when she is at the Chase’s castle.

Back to Colin… I don’t like the way he talks about Amethyst with his brothers and his sister. I hate that after all he does to her, he knows that he is hurting her and he still doesn’t marry her.
I really have my problems with the fact that it takes him sooo long to finally admit that he loves her. And he really hurts her in the process and I don’t like that.

All in all, the characters (especially Colin who was really hard to like in the beginning) were interesting and refreshing but also a bit too naïve and too ungentlemanly for me :D (at least for a historical romance)
I loved the writing style. There were quite a lot of descriptions, quite a lot of historical events or historical characters in this novel, which was really nice. Thing is it takes quite some time to read this novel and I was really considering just putting it away and not continuing with it.
Anyways, in the end I must admit I’m so happy I finished it.

So, to sum this review up, it’s a gorgeous book and the ending is simply fantastic. I also think that the Chase family is really a hilarious one. Their pranks are gorgeous!

To be honest, I would have only chosen three stars but then I read the ending and I was like... no, it definitely deserves four.

[Margaret Fisk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over

I was in the mood for a historical romance, and this one sparked my curiosity because it’s a sweet version of a sensual romance transformed by a mother-daughter team. I read romance at all levels, but especially with historicals, the sweet novels often have more space for the feel of the place. Now I want to read the sensual version to see what changed, but I never felt like there were things missing from the story.

The emotional tension between the Amethyst and Colin could have been stronger. I could feel the tension in other, non-romantic, circumstances, so it wasn’t a question of writing ability, but that’s a mild issue in a book I enjoyed very much.

The blend of historical elements with the Great London Fire and the odd circumstances of King Charles’ return to England strengthened the story. What happened during and after the fire showed the type of people Amy had around her and the character of her newfound family. The same was true with the king, revealed in glimpses of court and during processions. History also affected the social conventions as Colin had the king’s ear for all he chose not to use it to his benefit until forced.

Colin was definitely an unusual sort of an earl, so it makes sense he fell for an unusual jeweler. He’d earned his title by being a friend to King Charles during the years in exile when he had none as a second son. Even better, those differences came to play a part in the story because standing didn’t equate to wealth or calling.

Their marriage came a bit earlier than I expected, but in the focus on them, I’d forgotten another part of their story that needed resolution. There’s an element of not talking to each other involved, and they required outside intervention to start seeing the truth, but the reasons were clear, and I enjoyed how things worked out. Amy and Colin married before they truly understood each other beyond instinctive attraction, something that later events made possible. Contradicting my earlier concern, when they came together in spirit as well as desire, I felt the emotion on the page.

I’m trying to keep away from the crucial details so you can experience the story unfold, but I will say it had more levels than originally apparent. The novel gave a good sense of the times and the cost of breaking the rules as well.

The characters, whether historical figure cameos or members of the Chase family, felt rich with specifics and opinions. The friendship that grows between Kendra (Colin’s little sister) and Amy is wonderful, with both emotional and humorous moments. Then there’s Colin’s love of history and how he makes the damaged castles come to life as another example where many more remain.

If you enjoy fiction that gives you a glimpse into the past with characters you want to spend time with, I think The Earl’s Unsuitable Bride will serve nicely.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this sweet clean fun romance which kept me smiling and laughing all the way through. Two people must marry but are not happy about marrying the ones they must. My heart really went out to Amethyst who had everyone against her and what she wanted to be. Her father made her promises which he is unable to keep. He told her she would marry for love but now she finds she will not. He promised she would be making jewel for years to come but she finds out from her husband to be she will not. All he is after is the jewelry, money and half the business when he marries her. When one of her worse fears comes true she finds her life is changed forever.

To restore Colin castle he must marry into money love doesn’t matter it didn’t go far with his parents. He finds the lady pretty but as things come to ahead he finds he doesn’t like her much at all. There is no way out he will see this through hoping for the best and getting his home in order. Once Amy’s world falls apart he see things different but still must do has he promised. He just doesn’t see in any hope of happy ever after for any of them.

I have not read the original of this book I hear it has some steamy parts. I do like some steam but even without the steam this was a very entertaining read. Steam is not always the most important part of a book it is the writing, plot and the style that makes it a good read. This book has all of those as the authors put a lot of thought into making this a wonderful fun loving read.

I really love these characters they are warm, loving and caring. I love their humor as they pull pranks on each other and their family. I didn’t care for Amy husband to be he was really a hateful man from the start. Lord help her if this man makes her marry him I am sure it will be filled of abuse. Amy’s father was a dear blind in so many ways but still a dear. He wanted what he thought best for his daughter as he found love can hurt and cut you deep when one lives and one dies. I adore the Chase family and look forward to getting to know each one better as I read their stories. I read this until I could not keep my eyes open last night. It was so good, sweet, and loving that you just do not want to put it down. These two must deal with a lot of issues from those they must marry who do not understand the word NO. A lot is lost but more is gained as they turn the page to a new and wonderful life where you can have it all. I think most would find this highly entertaining even if you have read the more steamer version. If you are looking for a well written wonderful read that will keep you chuckling throughout I hope you will pick this up and give it a read.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this sweet clean fun romance which kept me smiling and laughing all the way through. Two people must marry but are not happy about marrying the ones they must. My heart really went out to Amethyst who had everyone against her and what she wanted to be. Her father made her promises which he is unable to keep. He told her she would marry for love but now she finds she will not. He promised she would be making jewel for years to come but she finds out from her husband to be she will not. All he is after is the jewelry, money and half the business when he marries her. When one of her worse fears comes true she finds her life is changed forever.

To restore Colin castle he must marry into money love doesn’t matter it didn’t go far with his parents. He finds the lady pretty but as things come to ahead he finds he doesn’t like her much at all. There is no way out he will see this through hoping for the best and getting his home in order. Once Amy’s world falls apart he see things different but still must do has he promised. He just doesn’t see in any hope of happy ever after for any of them.

I have not read the original of this book I hear it has some steamy parts. I do like some steam but even without the steam this was a very entertaining read. Steam is not always the most important part of a book it is the writing, plot and the style that makes it a good read. This book has all of those as the authors put a lot of thought into making this a wonderful fun loving read.

I really love these characters they are warm, loving and caring. I love their humor as they pull pranks on each other and their family. I didn’t care for Amy husband to be he was really a hateful man from the start. Lord help her if this man makes her marry him I am sure it will be filled of abuse. Amy’s father was a dear blind in so many ways but still a dear. He wanted what he thought best for his daughter as he found love can hurt and cut you deep when one lives and one dies. I adore the Chase family and look forward to getting to know each one better as I read their stories. I read this until I could not keep my eyes open last night. It was so good, sweet, and loving that you just do not want to put it down. These two must deal with a lot of issues from those they must marry who do not understand the word NO. A lot is lost but more is gained as they turn the page to a new and wonderful life where you can have it all. I think most would find this highly entertaining even if you have read the more steamer version. If you are looking for a well written wonderful read that will keep you chuckling throughout I hope you will pick this up and give it a read.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in this clean romance, and adventure series. I loved the characters, and the story. The couple had seen each other, as Colin returned from war, behind his king. Amy as those who loved her, called her and stood on the side lines cheering, the return of their victorious army. She was a very gifted jewellers daughter, as if the purest gold filled her veins. She loved designing, and creating beautiful, one of a kind pieces that the richest, and most fashionable ladies ,of the court desired. She was still young, barely twelve, but how she adored the parade, but not more than making her jewelry, and loving her father. The book takes you through the passing years, the huge fire of London, and the changes in both their lives. Colin, who was an Earl ,and a second son had extinguished himself in battle ,and received an old keep , and grounds for his loyalty. His older brother has the main huge castle that has always been in the family, and the wealth, and property that it included. There is also Kendra, who is spirited and Fun being raised with all brothers, and a younger brother, who lives in a world of math, and statistics, and reading. They are robust, and friendly, and close as siblings. Their parents had done the last kings bidding, and died on one of their many missions. The words flow so easy, and you feel as if your part of the environment. Charles the new King, refuses to live with no jewels, or dancing, joy, or music. It was wonderful to see the world at that time, after Cromwell' s death. I loved the slow burn, as two people are conflicted about their duties, and their future, and their inner feelings, of attraction to each other. Both are promised, to people they are not really well matched to. It is a time when babies are promised to each other at birth, or to add to property, or titled men, or ladies marry to add gold to their families wealth. I loved the epilogue, that was six years past the ending, which just tied it all in a bow.. There is a bit of steam, but no fire, or foul language. You feel their love in small touches, stolen kisses, and heated stares. I loved it all. 5 grand stars.

[Dawn Dorsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cleaned-up version of Amythest, by Lauren Royal. While that novel is by no means "smut", there are a few explicit love scenes in it. This version tells the same story, but leaves those details to the reader's imagination after suitable hints. It also gave a better description of seventeenth-century English Christmas celebrations, and offered a more fleshed-out resolution of the central struggle of the two main characters, that of reconciling the different backgrounds of two lovers who clearly need each other despite their separate social strata.

Amythest is a goldsmith by trade, and a very talented jewelry maker, whose family has owned a successful business for several hundred years. Besides wanting to continue doing what she loves, she is committed to passing both her skill and the family business on to her children, considering that to be her sacred trust, given to her as a steward for future generations just as she received it from her family.

Colin descends from a noble line dating back to the Conquest, and his parents were so heavily involved in defending the doomed Charles I that their children felt neglected by their Royalist parents, growing up in exile while Cromwell and the Parliamentarians ruled England with a mailed fist, outlawing the Church and Christmas, and trying to set themselves up as the new hereditary monarchy. For his family's and his own service to the Crown, Colin, a second son, and his younger brother were both granted titles by Charles II at the Restoration, and he takes those responsibilities seriously.

Since this is a love story, the problem is how to conjoin two honorable but disparate classes of Society, and the story is in how they accomplish that end. Along the way, we meet assorted members of the Chase family who are sure to feature in subsequent books, and even get a glimpse into the next generation.

[Hadiqa · Rating 3 out of 5]

THANKS TO THE AUTHOR FOR PROVIDING ME A FREE COPY VIA INSTAFREEBIE IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.

I love reading historical romance novels and this one started really good. The characters were excellent and I loved the protagonist in the beginning, Amethyst. I love reading novels in which the protagonist is shown different from the other members of the society or the same gender, a rebellion or unique sort of person. Amethyst was just that in the beginning!

As the story progressed and when I was around 50%, I started to lost interest because the story seemed really dragging on without any purpose. In my opinion the stay of Colin and Amethyst could have been shortened because the author didn't reveal anything special in that time they spent. So it was pretty useless, to be blunt.

The book picked up my interest when the antagonist, Robert, shows up and all the drama happens. Then again, the ending was prolonged and made much longer than I think it should have been.

In short:

>> The length should have been lesser. The plot wasn't one which needed to have and be dragged on for 300+ pages.
>> Characterization was awesome.
>> Dialogues and setting was spot on

My favourite part of the books were:

>> The bickering and the liveliness of Colin's siblings, I loved the dinners they had together and all the time they spent. It always brought a smile to my face.
>> I have never read a historical romance novel that was set in as old setting as this one and hence, the 'pox on you' was the first time I had read it and it was beyond funny but realistic in that setting. Loved it!

[Lillian Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can you escape the choices that have been made for you? Amy just wants to be a jeweler, she is a find craftswoman but the man that she is to marry won't allow her to work once they are married. She has begged her father to dissolve the arrangement but he won't, ho can she escape this life? Colin knows that he has to marry someone who has money as his family needs it but he knows that the woman that he has chosen isn't the one. He saves Amy from certain death and now he has to care for her but he is attracted to her and he knows that it is wrong. So the only thing that he can do, is make sure that she recovers and leaves for France. Amy can't understand why he wants to send her away, she likes his family and she is falling madly in love with Colin.
But her past is about to change everything, the man that she was meant to marry finds her and he will do anything to get his hands on her family fortune but she will fight him with everything that she has. Colin realizes that he loves Amy and he breaks off his engagement but Amy is gone and he will have to find her before it is too late. Amy never wanted him to love her for her money but for who she is and she worries that he doesn't want her even though she is safe now. Colin can't ask her for money as he has promised her that it is safe from him. Amy surprises him again as she won't allow him to just give up their life together. Will Colin let her look after their future? A great read loved it.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Earl's London Bride (The Chase Brides Book 1) by Lauren Royal and Devon Royal is a sweeter and cleaner version of the book Amethyst written by Lauren Royal.

Amethyst (Amy) Goldsmith creates beautiful jewelry for her father’s store. She was betrothed as a child to Robert Stanley, an apprentice to her father, but she does not love him nor want to marry him. Amy sees no way out of this situation until the devastating fore of 1666 hits her London neighborhood and she lands in the arms of a young, handsome earl.

Colin Chase, Earl of Greystone, needs his rich his bride-to-be to restore his beautiful crumbling castle to its former glory. The Great Fire derails all of his plans when he saves Amy from her burning home and finds himself falling in love with her.

I enjoyed getting to know Colin’s family and their interactions with Amethyst. It was interesting to me learning about Amy’s family and the role they played in history providing jewels to royalty and the wealthy. We also got a glimpsed into the true character of Robert Stanley and how he really did not deserve to marry Amy. I cheered when Colin saved the day.

I highly recommend this book to all readers. I truly enjoyed this book and had trouble putting it down. This is also a story about how love can overcome all obstacles.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Cathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Amethyst Goldsmith was raised in a family of jewellers and she has the gift of the generations behind her. Though betrothed since birth to her father's apprentice, Robert, Amy is reluctant to marry him, especially after a chance encounter at their shop with the handsome Earl of Greystone. When the Great Fire of London breaks out, they are reunited as he struggles to save abandoned and lost children while she struggles with the loss of her father. Safe with his family she finds a love missing from her life and resists leaving to join her aunt on France. Neither Robert or the Earl are willing to let her go either.

Though I liked the idea of a book set in the seventeenth century and the historical references throughout I was disappointed in the execution. This obviously was a cleaner version of a rather steamier original. The plot seems to lead to a lot of kissing scenes that were probably originally filled with too much lusting and sex leaving a rather boring story behind. The behaviors and language were not time-appropriate other than a few oft repeated phrases. It seemed to climax 2/3 of the way through the book and petered downhill from there. I finished it, but only because I made myself. I liked the characters and the setting, the storyline kept moving forward, but it just seemed "kinda blah."

[Jerry Jares]

This story is pleasing because the characters seem to live and breathe. Amethyst Goldsmith is engaged to marry Robert Stanley, her father's apprentice. The Goldsmiths and Stanleys are jewelers. Hugh Goldsmith's dream is to keep the Goldsmith and Sons Company afloat for more generations. Even though he did not have a son, he thought marrying Robert Stanley to his gifted daughter would ensure the continuation of the line. The only problem is that Robert has no intention of allowing Amy to continue being a jeweler after they marry. Amy knows this, but Hugh does not.

With the wedding drawing close, London bursts into flames and destroys 2/3 of the city. A former customer, Colin Chase, saves Amy (with her box of jewels). He also gathers up nine bereft children about being unable to find their parents. Colin gathers them all to escape the flames and misery. At the story's heart are the class differences between a jeweler and an aristocrat, especially one close to the king. Both Amy and Colin are engaged to other persons. However, they are attracted to each other, despite their knowledge that their relationship won't work.

I thought the story was rather long, but the authors filled the pages with an exciting account. This story is well-written and engaging because so much research went into this book. Overall score = 4.5 stars.

[WyoGal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable characters and plot but a few bits were annoying

The historical elements woven throughout add much to the story.

The female protagonist has an interesting craft, and it would’ve been good to see her using those skills and talents throughout the book, especially at the end. She too easily drifts away from her passion.

The male protagonist is likable, will rescue those in need, and he has some honor. I’m just not impressed with jokesters as their revenge pranks seem immature, insensitive and tend to escalate and/or backfire.

The bad guy seems to go over the edge rather abruptly. Even more foreshadowing about his personal problems and motivations might help.

Time jumps throughout the book and especially toward the end, and these jumps are somewhat okay, but the mission to France and robbery could’ve been developed more. As also the decision to invest in the rebuilding project and maybe more about saving the health of sick livestock. These are either loose ends or are too quickly glossed over/solved too neatly.

It’s a good story with history woven in and a few memorable escape and rescue scenes.

[Chandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

SENSUALITY RATING: No/Yes profanity; No/Yes Euphemistic "code words; No/Yes sexual encounters

GENRE: Historical romance

SETTING: 17th century London

CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTER: AMETHYST aka AMY GOLDSMITH - a Talented and skilled goldsmith; Betrothed; Appreciates the small things in life.

CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: COLIN CHASE, EARL OF GREYSTONE – also Betrothed; Comes from a family of practical jokers; Great sense of humor; Will work below things that people would do in his class.

SYNOPSIS: They caught each other’s eye when they were much younger. A birthday brooch brings them together. Her fiancée did not like the way he looked at her nor the way she looked at him.

WHAT I LIKED: Nine orphans and maintaining a chest as secret is more than enough.

WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: Robert did not know what to do with a knife? Seriously?

OVERALL RATING: (5) stars because the differences in central characters’ lifestyles. Not a slow moving book. Romance can always use characters with a sense of humor.

[Linda Buzard-Moffitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Clean Read! I have the steamy version (Amethyst) but have not read it yet. I do love a Sweet, Clean, HEA, Romance Read, and this was one that I really enjoyed. I would love to read the next books in The Chase Family series by Devon to see what else happens in this Fun Family's Life and with the other characters and hopefully hear some more about Amethyst and Colin. This book does have 80 chapters, which might make it seem longer but it is actually about 140 pages shorter than Amethyst. I just hope that nothing informative was left out and it was just shorter because Lauren expanded on the steamy parts and they took longer. I'd recommend this book for anyone who loves A Clean Romance and Yes! everyone you can still be an Adult and prefer Sweet & Clean Reads, you do not have to be a teenager or of a younger age to enjoy this story. I received a free review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Betty Lambert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very, very good. This is Amethyst Goldsmith and and Lord Greystone's story. They each live in other worlds, Amethyst is a simple merchants daughter and Lord Greystone is a titled nobleman and so cannot be together. When Amethyst is left an orphan after the great fire of London burned down their store, Colin (Lord Greystone) comes to her rescue along with 7 other children left adrift after the fire. There is a lot of passion between them but they both know they cannot be together. Colin needs to marry well as he needs the money from his brides dowry to rebuild his castle and Amethyst is or was engaged to marry the apprentice to her father. Lots of plot and action in and around the fire of London and had me enthralled with all the facts put forth. The lengths they go to, to stay away from each other when all they want is to be together was funny at times but very sad at times too. Highly recommend.

[Teri Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another wonderful Chase family book. While I have been reading them out of order, I have enjoyed each of them.
This is the story of Amethyst, who is a creative and accomplished jewelry maker. She has been promised to Robert Stanley, her father's apprentice since birth. Sadly, she does not love him or want to marry him.
Colin, the Earl of Greystone, needs to marry well to restore his castle.
The great fire in London changes everything for both of them. Colin not only saves Amethyst, but many of the children in the fire. That act alone made me adore him!
It was fun getting to know Colin's family, especially his sister. I loved that they embraced Amethyst.
The descriptions of the settings, the beautiful jewelry and characters were rich and vivid.
I loved it from beginning to end and can't wait to continue with the Chase family series.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the wonderful story of Colin and Amy, a couple seemingly destined to be together although they are betrothed to other people, will there be a happy solution to their problems? There is also the fascinating and highly entertaining interaction between Colin and his siblings. A boisterous family who love practical jokes and are not above interfering in each other's lives, albeit done with loving intentions.
This is a book that is difficult to put down, adding to its appeal are the historical events that are happening, the Great Fire of London and it's aftermath, the new court of Charles 11, the legacy of Cromwell's time. I can thoroughly recommend this book and if this is your first book about the Chase family, you will definitely want to read more. I received a free copy for an honest review.