A Vow To Secure His Legacy

by Annie West

‘Marry me. This week.’

After losing her mother, Imogen Holgate believes she’s living on borrowed time with the same terminal illness. So the cautious accountant blows all her savings on a once-in-a-lifetime trip around the world and meets sexy Parisian Thierry Girard.

But after two steamy weeks there are permanent consequences to their temporary affair…

Now, with more than herself to think about, Imogen turns to Thierry for help – but the last thing she expects is for him to imprison her with a gold ring!

ONE NIGHT WITH CONSEQUENCES
When one night…leads to pregnancy!

Genres: Harlequin, Harlequin Presents, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Hqn, Contemporary

188 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 1, 2016

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Hello! I love writing passionate, intense love stories about sexy alpha men and the women who are their perfect match. Look out for my books with Harlequin (Presents) or Mills & Boon (Modern/Sexy) and for my indie stories, full of passion and intense emotion with a touch of glamour. My latest stories are my Hot Italian Nights series including 'Bound to the Italian Boss' June '17, 'The Italian's Bold Reckoning' July '17, 'At the Italian's Bidding' August '17 and 'Falling for the Brooding Italian' September '17.
Yes, I do like a dark, handsome hero!

You can catch up with my news at www.annie-west.com (where you can also sign up for my exclusive reader newsletter with giveaways and behind the scenes info). I'm on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/anniewest.au... and I adore hearing from readers. You can also contact me at annie(at)annie-west(dot)com

I live with my family at beautiful Lake Macquarie on the east Coast of Australia and my favourite things when not writing are good food, good company, great books, getting outside in nature and travel.

Bookwise, I'm a multi USA Today bestselling author with millions of books sold, in English as well as in lots of other languages. I've won the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award and the Romantic Book of the Year (Romance Writers of Australia). One of my favourite review quotes is from Romantic Times which said in its review of The Sheikh's Ransomed Bride 'This is what a love story could be.'.

Reviews

[StMargarets · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise is the most dramatic thing about this story. Heroine’s twin sister dies from a traffic accident in Paris, her mother dies from a brain tumor. When heroine has the same symptoms as her mother she decides she has a brain tumor with just months to live. So she travels from Australia to Paris just as her more adventurous twin did, meets the hero, has a one night stand and then realizes she’s pregnant.

Heroine tells H she’s going to die, so they marry so he can easily claim custody of the child. Then heroine discovers she doesn’t have a brain tumor. Hero is not angry nor does he feel duped he’s just . . . full of thoughts?

Honestly, I skimmed the last half since H/h were ridiculous in how *little* they felt/thought about the big things and how *much* they felt about the small things (he didn’t say I love you – that’s the hang up after all this life and death stuff?)

If you like low conflict stories with lots of herbal tea drinking, this one is for you.

[Vashti · Rating 2 out of 5]

French hero,the only thing I liked was his name.

[Siv30 · Rating 2 out of 5]

לסקירה מפורטת בעברית, קישור לבלוג שלי -

https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/חופש...

[Jacqueline J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty fun over the top read. From one of the newer authors who can be hit or miss for me. I liked that the story didn't take place over one or two days (as so many of the new ones do) but rather had a rational time line. The hero was nice and a good guy other than being a commitment phobe but the heroine was a bit of a ninny although that was necessary for the story line. A fun read.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly MS West knows how to take her readers on a magical journey to the glamourous world of the rich and beautiful in ballrooms and chateaus around the world and this story has taken us to Paris where vulnerable Imogen Holgate the ever cautious accountant has decided to live life to the fullest after first losing her twin sister and then her mother and with the fact that she is suffering the same symptoms as her mother is convinced her life is going to be a short one. So she takes herself on a trip of a life time around the world and the first stop Paris where her world is turned upside down in such a good way.

Thierry Girard adventurer turned businessman is looking forward to the day that he can hand the family business back over to managers to handle and get back to his climbing hot air ballooning and dare devil sports he does not believe in love after being burnt once already. Although he is very fond of woman things have been quiet on that front for a while way too busy with the business that is until he spots a beautiful woman across the other side of a ballroom and things start to warm up for Thierry as he is attracted to Imogen as he has not been for years to any woman and sets out to get to know her well.

The zing between Imogen and Thierry is so strong neither can deny each other and so a short affair that seems the best for both leads to passion and exhilaration as Imogen enjoys life and Thierry and Thierry enjoys Imogen and showing her so much fun in and out of the bedroom but when the time comes to an end there are consequences. Imogen does not expect that Thierry will marry her but he does but is it for the wrong reasons and as Imogen and Thierry get closer in some ways there is still a lot that needs to be said.

This is a beautiful story one that pulled me in from page one it is heart-warming so very sensual and emotional another winner from MS West another for the keeper shelf and one not to be missed I highly recommend this story especially for readers who love to fall in love.

[Coral · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
It's amazing to find a not-a-virgin heroine and an alpha-male-but-not-a-jerk hero in a HP book. Wonderful and believable romantic progression between the characters. I do wish there are more HP like this.

[Raffaella · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part of this book was a little slow: the hero meets the heroine in Paris, she thinks she’s going to die soon because she’s got the same symptoms as her mother who died of cancer some time before. So she decided to enjoy a last trip and she has an afternoon with the hero. Then they part and some weeks later she’s back to him because she’s pregnant. She tells him she’s going to die and asks him to take care of their child. The hero accepts and asks her to marry. Soon after it turns out that she’s not ill only stressed... then the hero goes to a ski holiday and when he’s back he asks her to have a proper marriage. And that’s where things get interesting. I hated both characters. This hero was the typical poor rich boy. He resents the fact that he actually has to work to keep his billionaire lifestyle, he’s looking forward to being free of his job to do the things he likes most, that is diving, skiing, partying, rafting, free climbing, changing women one a day, things like that. We ordinary people understand him very well how he can feel, don’t we. He is the typical man with a Peter Pan syndrome, one who is allergic to responsibility and wants only to enjoy his upper class lifestyle. Bully for him. When he gets the heroine pregnant I must say that he doesn’t act like a jerk, but only because he thinks she’s going to die soon, but when he finds out she’s not, after being relieved for her, he feels trapped. How will he be able to go rafting and trekking now that he’s saddled with an unwanted wife??? The heroine, feeling guilty for trapping him, tells him to go skiing. Of course he goes, and he also finds the time to kiss another woman. The poor boy. Then he feels guilty and tries to persuade the heroine to stay married and here’s where the heroine gets annoying. Suddenly she’s in love with him and asking herself how she will be able to live with him since he will never love her. Because he told her that since he was in love with another woman years before and she left him, he will never love another. How romantic. The heroine decides to try and to stay. Maybe he will love her someday. Good decision. Then suddenly all goes wrong. They organize a party and guess who’s coming? His bitchy ex, that is as evil and jealous as it comes and tells every kind of awful things about her and reveals that only weeks before he was cheating on her with a blond. The heroine sees the picture, hears the ow lies and decides to leave. The hero panics and declares his love for her. I didn’t understand why the ow had to be at the party. Exes should stay far away, except if you are living in a village of 200 people. The hero was juvenile and acted like a spoiled brat. The heroine was ready to believe all the nasty things a jealous ex was saying just because she was jealous, this is not a strong base for a marriage. Anyway at least in the end there was some angst and passion.

[Susan in Perthshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a lovely story which took you on a really romantic and satisfying journey with a few side turns for angst and drama. I really love Annie West's writing - romantic, sensual and intelligent.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Vow to Secure His Legacy is now my favorite Annie West novel without question.

Ms. West delivers a sophisticated, stunning portrayal of romance in its most magical state in her latest Harlequin Presents novel: A Vow to Secure His Legacy. Set in fabulous locales with picturesque descriptions, memorable scenes and characters that grab you instantly, this book packs all the right punches and you won’t want to put it down until you turn the last page! Thierry Girard is an absolute sweetheart, I fell in love with him at the start of the book, and his ladylove is breathtaking. She captures your attention from chapter one. Imogen is resilient and strong. But her life isn’t all smooth sailing. Her life has been turned upside down, inside out and so she decides to live her life without caution. The instant attraction between her and Thierry is as hot as molten lava. They click from the start and it isn’t before long that things spiral out of control. Without giving much of the plot away, I’d say Imogen must remain strong in the test of time as she and Thierry create magic for each other. Beautiful writing and a fast-paced plot makes you wish you were in the shoes of the characters!

Highly Recommended
5 Stars

[Nas Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A VOW TO SECURE HIS LEGACY by author Annie West is a March 2016 release by Harlequin Presents series.

Imogen Holgate made a spur of a moment decision to live life fully, dangerously and adventurously before going for a final check-up for her medical condition. In essence she was fulfilling her bucket list when she met Thierry Girard in Paris. Instant chemistry ignited and Imogen decided to give in to her passions and desires.

But their short fling had consequences and Thierry did the right thing by getting his ring on her finger. Yet when Imogen found out that her days is not numbered, could she leave Thierry and go back to her country?

Would Thierry allow her to go now that their marriage was not necessary?

A VOW TO SECURE HIS LEGACY is a sensational romance filled with sensual scenes amid heart-breaking emotions. Author Annie West, once again astounds her readers by this sizzling tale.

Highly recommended for all readers of romance.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid read from Annie West. This was an intense, emotional love story between Imogen and Thierry that West has become known for over the coarse of her books. It was so good.

The story started off with a bang with the beautiful, romantic Paris. What I liked the most was that I felt like I was in Paris. I felt the beauty and romance of the city encompass me. It was like I was there. I loved all descriptions and just how it was beautifully written. I loved the meeting of Imogen and Thierry because it was so romantic and beautifully written just like the setting. It was also very playful and fun scene as they bantered back and forth. I could feel their chemistry off the page it was easy to see them falling in love through the course of the book. It was just very romantic.

After their fling in Paris then things got real and very emotionally intense. They met up again because of her pregnancy as well as her health issues, which caused them to be married. Once they learn the truth, things got even more intense and really good. That's when the book really took off for me and all the issues they had to deal with. There were heart breaking moments as well as some really good angst that really was an emotional punch to the gut.

Through the course of the book, I felt so bad for the turmoil that Imogen went through. She lost two people that she loved when she met Thierry, and also was dealing with her own issues. When she met him, she felt alive the first time in her life, and from that moment on, she went through those emotional up and downs. And just what she went through emotionally just touched me and broke me on every level. All the angst between her and Thierry was just gutted me. Her feelings ran deep for Thierry while he was trying to deal with his own feelings. There were just so many feels associated with their romantic journey.

It just had some much good angst that I couldn't not be invested in their story. That emotional side of the story was really the driving force, and like I said gave me all the feels. There was lots of pain but there were highs too that made the journey so worthwhile.

Their chemistry was really good and I could feel the sexual tension between them. I could feel their heat. Their passion was driven by the caring and love between them. At times for Thierry it did feel mostly like lust but I could tell that he cared about Imogen too, though he didn't want to admit how deeply. On her side, I saw her falling in love and always wanted that closeness with him both physically and emotionally. It was obvious from the beginning that she fell hard for him, and when he sort of denounced the idea of love then I felt her pain and struggle of it all, but despite that she wanted that love and closeness with him even if that meant the bedroom.

Surprisingly there weren't a lot of love scenes like other Annie West books, but that didn't bother me. The emotionally side of the book really did it for me and made up for the lack of love scenes. The two that there were, were decent. It was passionate and consuming. It showed their physical connection that later lead to more. It showed their caring and respect for one another. They just really fit together in every way that the were meant to.

It was a really good book by Annie West. I enjoyed the angst and the emotionally intensity of their relationship. I felt so much while reading. I felt her pain and my heart broke for her at times. She had an uphill battle with Thierry and his stubbornness over admitting his love for her. I was gutted at times. It just took me on that emotional roller coaster right along with them. It was just a good ride.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Annie West writes it, I will read it. No questions asked. Annie West always brings so much heart and emotion to her stories; A Vow to Secure His Legacy is just another example of that. It is unquestionably a scorching romance for sure!

After two devastating close family member’s deaths, Imogen Holgate now believes that she too does not have long to live so she decides to be proactive and live life to the fullest immediately.
Her journey takes her from the bright blue Australian skies to the romantic Parisian life and at her first society event; debonair and reluctant businessman, Thierry Girard, notices her and decides that the intriguing and enchanting Imogen will be a perfect short-term diversion.

Whilst experiencing a blinding and excruciating migraine, Imogen begins to fall for the tender and fascinating Thierry who un-expectantly came to her aid during this time. Imogen takes Thierry up on his offer of short-term pleasure for her remaining 2 weeks in Paris in keeping with her new attitude and experiences and enjoys his sensual pleasures.

Whilst in London, Imogen believes that she has some new symptoms to her illness but discovers instead that she is pregnant with her and Thierry’s baby.
She returns to Paris to find Thierry, as her biggest concern is to ensure that he will look after their baby when she is no longer able to.
Becoming a father now after spending the last four years of re-stabilising his family’s business was not on Thierry’s agenda but Imogen’s news brings Thierry’s protective side to the fore and he proposes marriage so he can keep Imogen and their baby with him in France.

Imogen is an amazing heroine who is independent, beautiful, and strong and is ready to do anything for the unexpected baby on the way. She was not the typical damsel in distress and I loved how she stood up Thierry and was willing to walk away from him even though she had fallen completely and irrevocably in love with him. Thierry is a sexy hero and takes charge in all situations! He was the perfect caring; romantic hero and I loved how protective he was towards Imogen. Neither went into their relationship looking for love, but they found something even deeper, more meaningful than they had ever expected. Their explosive chemistry made this romance so much enjoyable!

I can always count on Ms. West to deliver a beautifully touching love story. A heart-warming romance full of humor, emotion, and passion, A Vow to Secure His Legacy was a thing of grace and charm.
Annie West is an author who continuously pours her heart and soul into her books and her readers feel that in every single page and this is the perfect book to start 2016 with a bang.

[Les Romantiques · Rating 5 out of 5]

Posted on Les Romantiques - Le forum du site
Reviewed by Fabiola
Review Copy from the Author (as a thank you for my help)

A vow to secure his legacy is the 16th volume in a multi authors series titles One night with consequences. There’s no link between the different stories, but a compulsory theme: one night or one love affair that has an unexpected pregnancy as a result.
The author must construct her plot around this subject.

A vow to secure his legacy isn’t original. Our heroes meet each other, fall for the other, have an affair, and she becomes pregnant. The big plus is that they don’t hover around the other for a good part of the novel.
I liked the fact that the heroine decides to inform the father-to-be of her circumstances immediately. I don’t stand the hidden baby trope in contemporaries, except when there’s a good reason. In A vow to secure his legacy, Imogen Holgate, our heroine, must face two problems: she’s suffering from an incurable disease and she must protect her baby because she wants to go through with her pregnancy.
I really liked the unreserved support Thierry Girard, the hero, brings to Imogen. The problem is that he’s very determined not to fall in love and so he tends to have quite borderline reactions. I even almost shook him once or twice. But the way he behaves with her counterbalances his biggest bad action of the book. And he makes up for it very, very well in the end, an ending that is very moving.

The story takes place in France, with a big part in Paris. The description of a typical Parisian apartment shows us the author did some researches on the subject, a thing I appreciate a lot. What’s more the hero has a name and a surname purely French. The rest is typical for Harlequin Presents: rich, handsome, womanizer.

The important secondary characters were very likeable, like Thierry’s grandmother. We glimpse Orsino Chatsfield too, who appears in Rebel’s Bargain and is one of Thierry’s best friends.

To conclude, a classical Presents as I like them. If you’re fan of the genre, you’ll have a very good moment with this book.

[Devika Fernando · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of Annie West’s romances, and her latest offering doesn’t disappoint in the least. “A Vow to Secure His Legacy” has all the ingredients that – to me – make a great Annie West novel: a hero to swoon for who has the perfect mix of brain and brawn, a heroine who discovers herself and her strength, an exotic setting that is almost a character in itself, twists and turns and thought-provoking snippets, sensual scenes that made the pages melt in my hands, dialogue that seems plucked out of real life, and a happy ending to die for.

Imogen seems an unlikely heroine at first, unsure of herself and her place in the world despite planning everything and remaining as sane as possible. When – shortly after losing her mother and her twin sister – she is faced with her own impending death, she makes the decision to break out of the circle and for once really live. This decision sets the stone rolling. It brings her to Paris, where she meets handsome, mysterious Thierry and falls for him. I loved learning more about the protagonist alongside her, finding out what made her behave like this and who and what she could be. It was wonderful seeing her finally accept herself and be herself and love herself, partly thanks to Thierry.

As for Thierry, he’s just perfect. Much, much more than only handsome and charismatic and charming, he’s filled with a determined drive, with a soft heart, intelligence and true kindness. I found it very believable how meeting and falling in love with Imogen also changed him and made him realize he’s much more than he or others give him credit for.

I devoured this book in two days, and I will definitely read it again, for it has left a lasting impression on me. It’s about much more than just romance, although the love story is a wonderfully executed one. There’s a hidden lesson in there about self-acceptance, confidence, trust and a joy for life.

[Biggaletta Day · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf - It was so well written, very sexy first meet, and I'm sure a great story. So if you don't mind heavy character emotional issues to drive a story forward, and want an 'aww... emotional tear jeaker' then you'll enjoy this book.

However I found heroine's backstory was too depressing and distractive for me continue. I read Harlequin for escapism and I don't mind the 'orphan' heroines with HEA but in her recent backstory first her twin sister dies, then her mother in quick succession leaving the heroine very bereft, on top of it she thinks she has a terminal illness - same as her mother. Too raw. Geez, if I wanted that I'd have picked up a Jodi Picoult or a bigger book with more pages.

She didn't even have time to grieve before she's swapping tonsils with some hot dude, and has a one night stand. Nay. I don't mind techniques for getting character sympathy but this pushed the boat. Way too much. Geez, it could have been excellent if the writer only killed off one of the family but the whole family? One after the other in successive years, and in the third year running the character's time is up? Wow! Then again this trope has been done so many times, she probably had to make it different. Cathy Williams wrote a similar trope but left the sister alive. Or when I've read this trope, it's normally a childhood tragedy. I guess it's hard to keep these stories fresh and original.

Sure the heroine deserves a happy ending, but it plays with my mind. Too much. Also when someone is bereaved to that extent, it can make a person very very vulnerable. So if you just want super sexy scenes, a yummy romance and don't care too much about back stories then this book is for you. Judge for yourself. Great book just not my taste.

[Dottie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imogen Holgate, feeling she is living on borrowed time has blown all her savings on what she believes will be a once in a lifetime trip around the world. Losing her sister and then her mother she now has symptoms that leads her to believe her life will be short. While fulfilling her bucket list and sitting in a bar she is spotted across the room by Thierry Girard. He has an instant attraction to her and approaches her. They start an affair that will last two weeks, except the affair leaves a permanent consequence. I am not telling you the rest. Annie West is an amazing author who consistently writes stories that take you on a journey,where she pulls you in and wraps you in the love that she puts in each and every word. This book is another incredible one that must be savored by the reader without any spoilers. Annie West has proven time and time again that the title Best selling author is one she has truly earned she is always telling the most
heartfelt stories happening in the most amazing places and her description of the surrounding and even clothing, even jewelry leave the reader with a true visual that they actually feel they are there with the characters.

An amazingly talented author that consistently writes fantastic stories, from her first book to this newest released one that leave you with a lovely feeling ,will keep you glued to each word while you wonder till the end how this couple who are truly meant for each other will finally find their HEA. When you do you will with a sigh. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would its a keeper.
Loved it and everyone will also.

[Liba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imogen has lost her outgoing twin, Isabelle ,and her mother in a few months.She prefers not to go to a specialist about her health and goes to Paris, instead.There she is as flamboyant as was her twin.The result- she is pregnant.
Thierry is an aristocrat, who has turned to business after his ski accident.He is a daredevil, who loves
extreme sports (together with his friend Orsino Chatsfield).Suddenly he is married and expecting a child.
Imogen is sure she is dying, but then everything changes-she is just under a huge stress.Now she isn't
sure about her place in Thierry's life and French society.She wants to bolt back to comfort of life in Australia.She think that Thierry married her out of duty ,not love.
Will there be a happy end for them ?
I liked the story.I've probably read about Poppy and Orsino, too.It's nice to meet heroes of other stories again.

[Mary Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Vow to Secure His Legacy by Annie West ( One Night with Consequences)

With the loss of her twin sister and mom and a death sentence for her, Imogene decides to leave Australia and head to Paris for a trip of a lifetime before the illness that took her mom takes her. There one night she meets handsome sexy wealthy Thierry Girard and has a two week steamy affair with consequences.
How does she face her illness, her pregnancy and what Thierry will do when confronted with the consequences. Once again Annie can really pull at the heart strings when reading about Imogene and also Thierry. She brought an interesting twist to her story that keeps you reading till the end to find out how they will work together to bring about a HEA ending.

[RomLibrary · Rating 1 out of 5]

"Marry me. This week."

After losing her mother, Imogen Holgate believes she's living on borrowed time with the same terminal illness. So the cautious accountant blows all her savings on a once-in-a-lifetime trip around the world, where she meets sexy Parisian Thierry Girard.

But after two steamy weeks there are permanent consequences to their temporary affair…

Now with more than herself to think about, Imogen turns to Thierry to help, but the last thing she expected was for him to imprison her with a gold ring!

[Tracey Aitken-Tanner · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bit dramatic... I'm dying of a brain tumour... oh wait, no I'm not... bit hard to relate to the story and the characters... As much as these are fantasy, you want to believe there is a slight chance of reality... that's what makes romance novels so appealing... the question of 'Could it really happen'..

[Lisa (Remarkablylisa) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm literally so unsure about this book because Annie West tried to do something different with how the male character was feeling in the middle of the story but then she reverted back to the typical story line of how the female realizes their emotions first. It's confusing and it lacks realism.

[Ada · Rating 3 out of 5]

No me convenció de todo Therry, no sé, creo que ella se deja convencer muy fácil de su "inocencia". En general creo que le falto algo a toda la historia o solo es que me canso de ese papel sumiso frente al "amor" de las protagonistas

[Fabiola Chenet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book, a kind heroine and a hero very supportive though stubborn sometimes.

[Laurie Gyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

True romance

This is true romance on its truest firm. Loved Thierry and Imogen's story of a vacation fling to making a marriage work. Great story.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was kind of a unique story Imogen has lost both her mother and sister in a short amount of time. Then she thinks she has the same disease that killed her mother. She decides to hit her bucket list. In Paris, she meets Thierry Girard. After a brief fling, they both head to other places, until Imogen finds out she is pregnant. With all that has happened in her life, she turns to Thierry for help. They come together for the baby's sake, and in the process fall in love. The ending is wonderful. Another great story from Annie West.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice book!!

I loved it even if the heroine believed she was going to die. I felt like they were in love straight away. I really enjoyed it.

[Calysta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely story, with likable characters and a satisfying conclusion

[C · Rating 2 out of 5]

Finally finished, 4 years later! Lol!

[More Books Than Time · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't much like this, rather explicit and not a lot of emotional development. Didn't feel much reading it and she's a nincompoop. Skimmed a lot.

[Monse · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐

Me mantuvo entretenida, a pesar de que en un momento se me hizo un poco eterno, pero después volvió a engancharme.