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Deridia #4
Pledge
Used.
Despised.
Unwanted.
For the whole of her life, Linora had tried to do as she was told. Guided by her sisters, she had followed her father’s direction, had worked tirelessly at the trade of his house as she bettered her skills in stitch-craft, had learned to mind her tongue and keep her thoughts to herself. And one by one her sisters were arranged into marriages. Leaving her entirely alone.
Until an evening of cards and strong drink leads her father to a terrible offer—one that would see her shamed and censured by all.
But there is a foreigner amongst her kind, strange in appearance and in manner. With a warmth in his eyes and a confidence that beguiles and unnerves her. And who offers an entirely different accord.
Despised.
Unwanted.
For the whole of her life, Linora had tried to do as she was told. Guided by her sisters, she had followed her father’s direction, had worked tirelessly at the trade of his house as she bettered her skills in stitch-craft, had learned to mind her tongue and keep her thoughts to herself. And one by one her sisters were arranged into marriages. Leaving her entirely alone.
Until an evening of cards and strong drink leads her father to a terrible offer—one that would see her shamed and censured by all.
But there is a foreigner amongst her kind, strange in appearance and in manner. With a warmth in his eyes and a confidence that beguiles and unnerves her. And who offers an entirely different accord.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2020
109 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Miller
25 books125 followersI am an American by birth and situation, whose heart forever remains in Great Britain. I derive much inspiration from my holidays abroad, and my writing is heavily influenced by the delights of the English and Scottish countryside. My author's journey began in several reimaginings of The Phantom of the Opera where I explore happier endings for our beloved Erik-- hopefully aided by my degrees in psychology. I have a love for fantasy and paranormal romance, as well as the pleasure of a thrilling murder mystery... each of which have begun to creep into my writerly pursuits. When I am not consumed with a novel, I enjoy lavishing affection on my two cats, and working in historical costume design.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 11, 2022
If you've read the previous books in the series then you will most likely enjoy this one, it's of a similar vein.
Heroine not expecting much, fearful of her new husband.
The heroine is a bit depressing, always expecting the worst but that's been her life prior to her marriage.
Hero trying hard to overcome cultural differences and is good to the heroine.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
HEA.
No other man/woman drama.
No cheating.
In this book the Hero is the explorer and the heroine isn't used to technology, so compared to previous books it's the other way around.
The book ends with them seeking out her sister who went as part of a marriage alliance to the Marzon.
Book 5 is the sister.
Heroine not expecting much, fearful of her new husband.
The heroine is a bit depressing, always expecting the worst but that's been her life prior to her marriage.
Hero trying hard to overcome cultural differences and is good to the heroine.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
HEA.
No other man/woman drama.
No cheating.
In this book the Hero is the explorer and the heroine isn't used to technology, so compared to previous books it's the other way around.
The book ends with them seeking out her sister who went as part of a marriage alliance to the Marzon.
Book 5 is the sister.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2024
Oh my gosh. I am truly at a loss for words. I am ever so glad I reached out to Catherine asking about the series. I remember I was so desperate to see it continue, and the fact that she returned my message and even put my name in the dedication... oh my gosh that was every bookworm/fangirl dream come true. Catherine you are genuinely a sweet and kind person to answer my pestering questions, and I am ever grateful you did so. I didn’t think it was possible to have a series where every book was better than the last. I can’t wait to read Naida’s story and hopefully ;) any stories after.
Remy & Linora
Two broken people with so much love to give. They remind me so much of Ness and Olivar with a bit of Renna and Machrus. Regardless of their similarities they are still a unique couple in every sense of the word. Which is something I love about Catherine’s books. Though every couple has similarities, they are also distinct and unique at the same time. I wish the Deridia series had more recognition because it is an absolute masterpiece. The vagueness surrounding how humans came to space and all of the connecting cultures draws you in so, to where you never want to leave. I could spend hours reading dozens of books within this universe and still want for more.
Much like Catherine’s other stories, we see her knack for the perfect slow-burn story shine through once again with Pledge. We meet the mysterious Remy and see him save a helpless girl subjected to maltreatment by the only way that was presented to him. Marriage. Married off by her drunk of a Father for some coin, Linora was thrown away without thought or care. Married off to a husband who was of a people unknown to her sheltered world. Having lived in a previously closed off world not long opened to other species to inhabit, she has next to no idea of what to expect of her foreign husband with his many oddities.
She knows what is expected of her as a wife. To submit. Remy disagrees. His lack of expectations as to her duties as his wife overwhelm her and the clashing of two cultures addle her thoughts and leave her feeling confused as what this strange husband wants from her. She knows not what it is to simply BE. His strange ‘magic’ and odd manner only adds to her distress at her newfound ‘place’ in the world.
So, the ever adoring and doting mysterious and ‘magic’ wielding Remy slowly draws her out of the shell she hid herself in. The shell she had lost herself in so as to protect herself from the cruelty and isolation that was her life. Her sisters long having been lost to her, her life had become a lonesome torture. Her ‘odd’ husband with his strange ‘protruding nose’ (how unnatural? ;) shows her a new life of comfort,love, safety, and a husbands complete and utter devotion to his wife’s happiness.
Remy is a broken soul much like his ‘Darlin’ and his hurts are hidden away with his calm and sweet nature. Ever so eager to see his timid little wife to find comfort and happiness in his home, his unwavering devotion to a girl he’d never met before was so heart-wrenching. To see this broken soul so neglected of love and a family of his own, take on the risk of a wife born of a culture full or rules and men who care not for the gift that is their women was gut wrenching. It was beautiful and heartbreaking all at once.
I can only pray I find a man to live up to the expectations set by the men of Deridia. I can only pray that I one day know the unwavering and adoring love that we see between these couples. The love of a man so adoring and intent on my happiness, and a relationship built on a mutual desire to love and care for one another... It feels like a silly little fairytale these days.... but I’ll hold out hope that I might one day meet my sweet and gentle Olivar or maybe even a stubborn, and quiet man like Machrus or an adoring and doting man like Remy or a strong and selfless man so like Rykkon. Any man who even holds a candle to the men of Deridia... I would hold on to my prince among scoundrels and never let go❤️
Remy & Linora
Two broken people with so much love to give. They remind me so much of Ness and Olivar with a bit of Renna and Machrus. Regardless of their similarities they are still a unique couple in every sense of the word. Which is something I love about Catherine’s books. Though every couple has similarities, they are also distinct and unique at the same time. I wish the Deridia series had more recognition because it is an absolute masterpiece. The vagueness surrounding how humans came to space and all of the connecting cultures draws you in so, to where you never want to leave. I could spend hours reading dozens of books within this universe and still want for more.
Much like Catherine’s other stories, we see her knack for the perfect slow-burn story shine through once again with Pledge. We meet the mysterious Remy and see him save a helpless girl subjected to maltreatment by the only way that was presented to him. Marriage. Married off by her drunk of a Father for some coin, Linora was thrown away without thought or care. Married off to a husband who was of a people unknown to her sheltered world. Having lived in a previously closed off world not long opened to other species to inhabit, she has next to no idea of what to expect of her foreign husband with his many oddities.
She knows what is expected of her as a wife. To submit. Remy disagrees. His lack of expectations as to her duties as his wife overwhelm her and the clashing of two cultures addle her thoughts and leave her feeling confused as what this strange husband wants from her. She knows not what it is to simply BE. His strange ‘magic’ and odd manner only adds to her distress at her newfound ‘place’ in the world.
So, the ever adoring and doting mysterious and ‘magic’ wielding Remy slowly draws her out of the shell she hid herself in. The shell she had lost herself in so as to protect herself from the cruelty and isolation that was her life. Her sisters long having been lost to her, her life had become a lonesome torture. Her ‘odd’ husband with his strange ‘protruding nose’ (how unnatural? ;) shows her a new life of comfort,love, safety, and a husbands complete and utter devotion to his wife’s happiness.
Remy is a broken soul much like his ‘Darlin’ and his hurts are hidden away with his calm and sweet nature. Ever so eager to see his timid little wife to find comfort and happiness in his home, his unwavering devotion to a girl he’d never met before was so heart-wrenching. To see this broken soul so neglected of love and a family of his own, take on the risk of a wife born of a culture full or rules and men who care not for the gift that is their women was gut wrenching. It was beautiful and heartbreaking all at once.
I can only pray I find a man to live up to the expectations set by the men of Deridia. I can only pray that I one day know the unwavering and adoring love that we see between these couples. The love of a man so adoring and intent on my happiness, and a relationship built on a mutual desire to love and care for one another... It feels like a silly little fairytale these days.... but I’ll hold out hope that I might one day meet my sweet and gentle Olivar or maybe even a stubborn, and quiet man like Machrus or an adoring and doting man like Remy or a strong and selfless man so like Rykkon. Any man who even holds a candle to the men of Deridia... I would hold on to my prince among scoundrels and never let go❤️
December 12, 2020
2.5 - 3.0 ***
Not a standalone and part of the Deridia series. The story started OK. Linora has been subjugated and abused by her drunk father in a strict patriarchal society. Her father offers her to the winner of a card game for one night. Remy wins Linora and takes her as is wife. After that the book became tedious for me. Linora's internal self criticism went on throughout the entire book. We never learn enough about Remy or where he's from. Linora spends a great deal of time thinking of her sisters. In particular, one sister that was traded to another foreigner. There's a big buildup about this then the book ends without any resolution. The bones of a great story were there and the author is a good writer but I felt like I was reading an unedited draft. No true plot or character exploration, except for Linora's repetitive inner dialog.
I've read two other books in the series and was excited to see a new addition but it fell flat for me and I struggled to finish it.
Not a standalone and part of the Deridia series. The story started OK. Linora has been subjugated and abused by her drunk father in a strict patriarchal society. Her father offers her to the winner of a card game for one night. Remy wins Linora and takes her as is wife. After that the book became tedious for me. Linora's internal self criticism went on throughout the entire book. We never learn enough about Remy or where he's from. Linora spends a great deal of time thinking of her sisters. In particular, one sister that was traded to another foreigner. There's a big buildup about this then the book ends without any resolution. The bones of a great story were there and the author is a good writer but I felt like I was reading an unedited draft. No true plot or character exploration, except for Linora's repetitive inner dialog.
I've read two other books in the series and was excited to see a new addition but it fell flat for me and I struggled to finish it.
January 15, 2022
Golly that was a sloooow book. Not much happened except a whole bunch of wallowing around in the heroine’s head. No world building, no description, no action. Yikes.
December 31, 2020
A welcome return
It’s a long time coming. I love this series of stories, this is a welcome return! These stories are about finding your way and finding who you truly are underneath. That’s what I enjoy most when I read this series.
It’s a long time coming. I love this series of stories, this is a welcome return! These stories are about finding your way and finding who you truly are underneath. That’s what I enjoy most when I read this series.
February 7, 2021
Ughhhh
Very very drawn out . Skipped half the book to be honest it was a very hard read for me
Very very drawn out . Skipped half the book to be honest it was a very hard read for me
January 24, 2021
An excellent read in the Deridia series!
Although all the books in this series are wonderful reads, this is my favorite so far. I will be hitting the "buy it" tab as this is definitely a "reread it a dozen times" book!
Although all the books in this series are wonderful reads, this is my favorite so far. I will be hitting the "buy it" tab as this is definitely a "reread it a dozen times" book!
January 22, 2021
Loved the premise
I loved the idea, loved the story, but it was to wordy for me, I found myself fast reading over the descriptions and reading mostly the conversations.
I loved the idea, loved the story, but it was to wordy for me, I found myself fast reading over the descriptions and reading mostly the conversations.
December 30, 2020
Would love a second installment
Very nicely written , always enjoy your books . Really like Remy but so many unanswered questions. Wont write a spoiler but hope there's more to come
Very nicely written , always enjoy your books . Really like Remy but so many unanswered questions. Wont write a spoiler but hope there's more to come
December 24, 2020
I love all her books!!
Catherine does such a good job at storytelling. I enjoy all her books and was so excited to see a new one in this series. I have read and re-read all of them many times.
Catherine does such a good job at storytelling. I enjoy all her books and was so excited to see a new one in this series. I have read and re-read all of them many times.
November 26, 2020
Sweet romance with a dark side. 4 stars.
February 14, 2021
A truly sweet love story
This is the first book I have read by Catherine Miller, and I want sure what to expect. Although the story seemed to start out pretty slow to me, I was soon pulled into the story, into Linora's fears and doubts of the unknown.
This story is very reminiscent of what one might imagine from a marriage between a sheltered (and abused, in this case) young girl from a middle eastern country and a wealthy tech genius fun the western world.
The scenes of physical intimacy are very very mild. The slow burn, sweet romance between these 2 made this a very enjoyable read.
What kept it from 5 stars is that I wanted the ending to be more drawn out, for there to be a scene of her seeing her sister again or at least some sort of epilogue. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this one.
This is the first book I have read by Catherine Miller, and I want sure what to expect. Although the story seemed to start out pretty slow to me, I was soon pulled into the story, into Linora's fears and doubts of the unknown.
This story is very reminiscent of what one might imagine from a marriage between a sheltered (and abused, in this case) young girl from a middle eastern country and a wealthy tech genius fun the western world.
The scenes of physical intimacy are very very mild. The slow burn, sweet romance between these 2 made this a very enjoyable read.
What kept it from 5 stars is that I wanted the ending to be more drawn out, for there to be a scene of her seeing her sister again or at least some sort of epilogue. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this one.
March 24, 2021
Great book
This is my first book by Miss Catherine Miller.
Linora is a shy abused young lady that her father rules with an iron will. When her father use her as a maker in his card game. Her life changes in an instant.
Remy is the man that Linora is offered to when he wins the card game and realizes that he can't just use her and leave and he's not the type of person to do that.
The days are hard and many misunderstanding are afoot but eventually both find there way to each other's heart.
There I a lot of internal conversation and this book is from Linora point of view. Buy in my opinion it's with the read to see Lornioa become her own person. I'm hoping another book is made for the end of this book.
This is my first book by Miss Catherine Miller.
Linora is a shy abused young lady that her father rules with an iron will. When her father use her as a maker in his card game. Her life changes in an instant.
Remy is the man that Linora is offered to when he wins the card game and realizes that he can't just use her and leave and he's not the type of person to do that.
The days are hard and many misunderstanding are afoot but eventually both find there way to each other's heart.
There I a lot of internal conversation and this book is from Linora point of view. Buy in my opinion it's with the read to see Lornioa become her own person. I'm hoping another book is made for the end of this book.
January 22, 2021
Pledge by Catherine Miller
I wasn’t sure I liked this book in the beginning, the female( Linora )in the story was scared of everything. She was raised to be obedient to always defer to the male members and that her thoughts and wants were unimportant. But then she married and a became aware of a whole new world of possibilities . It’s was nice to see her change slowly and grow a backbone. My only complaint is that Remy her husband was not expanded upon. Where did he come from, what race was he, was he a shape shifter or more like a chameleon able to change colors to fit in? Fun easy read:)
I wasn’t sure I liked this book in the beginning, the female( Linora )in the story was scared of everything. She was raised to be obedient to always defer to the male members and that her thoughts and wants were unimportant. But then she married and a became aware of a whole new world of possibilities . It’s was nice to see her change slowly and grow a backbone. My only complaint is that Remy her husband was not expanded upon. Where did he come from, what race was he, was he a shape shifter or more like a chameleon able to change colors to fit in? Fun easy read:)
March 15, 2024
I love how Miller ties the stories together by introducing from the first book different species, characters and situations and then goes back to explore them in greater detail. For instance, Linora in this story is the younger sister of Naida, a very minor character that is mentioned in the second book. Naida was a very submissive character that SEEMED like she MIGHT be in fear of her husband despite assurances from everyone that he is very good to her and she chooses to act like she does but is very happy.
In this story, we find out what kind of society Naida came from by reading about her youngest sister Linora. It's a very patriarchal and oppressive society where the women must cover themselves, keep their eyes down, follow behind the men and basically exist only to serve. They are property with zero rights that can be discarded and dishonored at the male's whim. They can be publicly punished or executed for perceived immodesty. She is the last sibling to be married off and her father despises her. Well, he despised all of his family but especially Linora as he blames her for the death of his wife during childbirth. He's a drunk and a gambler and having lost money he gambles Linora away. She is "won" by a kind man who has his own dark secrets.
Again, a fascinating story where men both oppress and empower women showing that one should never judge an entire people by the actions of the individuals. The MMC is interesting as he alludes to his upbringing and where he is from. It's all vague and sounds rather scary. I'll be interested to see if Miller ever decides to explore his culture.
In this story, we find out what kind of society Naida came from by reading about her youngest sister Linora. It's a very patriarchal and oppressive society where the women must cover themselves, keep their eyes down, follow behind the men and basically exist only to serve. They are property with zero rights that can be discarded and dishonored at the male's whim. They can be publicly punished or executed for perceived immodesty. She is the last sibling to be married off and her father despises her. Well, he despised all of his family but especially Linora as he blames her for the death of his wife during childbirth. He's a drunk and a gambler and having lost money he gambles Linora away. She is "won" by a kind man who has his own dark secrets.
Again, a fascinating story where men both oppress and empower women showing that one should never judge an entire people by the actions of the individuals. The MMC is interesting as he alludes to his upbringing and where he is from. It's all vague and sounds rather scary. I'll be interested to see if Miller ever decides to explore his culture.
May 30, 2021
This thought hit me like lightening
I was reading this and something kept reminding me of something. Would not go away until I finished the book and it hit me: This is like a fanfic of Howls Moving Castle. Remy is Howl with his 'magic' and Linora is Sophie. Honestly with this authors history of writing fic I wonder if I'm on to something here.
As always well written and character driven this book slightly overlaps her other series with the number designations. If you want more character insight to Remy, please read those but you wont be lost if you skip it.
I was reading this and something kept reminding me of something. Would not go away until I finished the book and it hit me: This is like a fanfic of Howls Moving Castle. Remy is Howl with his 'magic' and Linora is Sophie. Honestly with this authors history of writing fic I wonder if I'm on to something here.
As always well written and character driven this book slightly overlaps her other series with the number designations. If you want more character insight to Remy, please read those but you wont be lost if you skip it.
January 10, 2021
I read this as a stand alone. not knowing it was 4th in a series. Still I feel like I was able to follow it reasonably well. There were a lot of things however, that I would have loved to learn more about.
Such as a more clear picture of Remys past. And what the heck happened to Lenora’s sister!
There were also quite a few grammar issues. Normally I can look them over, but as the book progresses they began to feel distracting.
Such as a more clear picture of Remys past. And what the heck happened to Lenora’s sister!
There were also quite a few grammar issues. Normally I can look them over, but as the book progresses they began to feel distracting.
January 20, 2023
A sweet story that, giving what it deals with, shoud have had much more angst.
The couple move past their circumstances way too quickly
the whole plot felt rushed and, by consequence, superficial
a lot of elements are not explained or just ignored
the hero is kind and sweet and all too holy in a way that is just not believable
his personality is one dimensional
we dont see their growth because eveything is already set for them
that being said, I will read the other books in this series
The couple move past their circumstances way too quickly
the whole plot felt rushed and, by consequence, superficial
a lot of elements are not explained or just ignored
the hero is kind and sweet and all too holy in a way that is just not believable
his personality is one dimensional
we dont see their growth because eveything is already set for them
that being said, I will read the other books in this series
December 6, 2020
Confusing
Not a stand alone, half of the story i couldn't comprehend, where is him from who are her species . How did he get there? Its confusing and all the book is about her and insights onto her thinking I would have like to have a pick into his insights as well and what did he feel.
Not a stand alone, half of the story i couldn't comprehend, where is him from who are her species . How did he get there? Its confusing and all the book is about her and insights onto her thinking I would have like to have a pick into his insights as well and what did he feel.
February 12, 2021
If you haven't read any of Miller's Designation books, then this will not only be a slow burn romace but a mystery as well. It has amazing world building and a real life romance in an arranged marriage. It starts off really sad but does have a happy ending.
Once you've read her Designation books, then it will have an even bigger happy ending once you realize who and what Remy was.
Once you've read her Designation books, then it will have an even bigger happy ending once you realize who and what Remy was.
July 17, 2022
Remy is written like some wannabe Texas dude. Darlin'? Really? Yech. Not only does the word not sit well on my eyes, but often people who use generic endearments like that use them so they don't accidently call the lover du jure by the wrong name. That said, I was happy
July 24, 2023
Slow burn rescue romance
No graphic violence towards women. A calm innocent slow burn to romance. The good Man saves the Girl with a cultural twist.
Just a heads up the female character is a Debbie Downer...I understand why the author did this...(an attempt to show the effects of prolonged parental verbal abuse). However, it killed the romantic feel to the story.
No graphic violence towards women. A calm innocent slow burn to romance. The good Man saves the Girl with a cultural twist.
Just a heads up the female character is a Debbie Downer...I understand why the author did this...(an attempt to show the effects of prolonged parental verbal abuse). However, it killed the romantic feel to the story.
November 16, 2025
I feel like people either enjoy the author's writing/plot/characterization style or they don't. I like it. I thought it was another good read. I read in very quickly and wasn't bored. I did like the change of having an alien heroine and hero (though he seems mostly human?). The author does a good job at creating different alien cultures that are not just blends of each other on this same planet.
February 21, 2021
Painfully awkward
This was painfully awkward to read but much appreciated. Deep seated issues can't just be sweeped under the rug in the guise of insta love. And I like the fact that the author cared enough about keeping things real rather than writing cheap smut.
This was painfully awkward to read but much appreciated. Deep seated issues can't just be sweeped under the rug in the guise of insta love. And I like the fact that the author cared enough about keeping things real rather than writing cheap smut.
March 15, 2021
This book had a very interesting concept, and I was very intrigued by the alien culture that dominated the story. However, it was very one-dimensional and flat, and the story never really went anywhere.
February 13, 2023
This was good, I liked both MCs. But I needed more info on the MmC and also the ending was SO abrupt I didn’t like it. I needed an epilogue. Maybe we see her meet her sister again in the next book but for now it needed an epilogue
August 16, 2023
I love all of these Deridia books and this is my 2nd favorite, after Thrall. I love the introspective nature of the heroine and how she slowly begins to look at and honor herself differently. Highly recommend!
November 11, 2024
single pov
I’ve read other books by this author so I knew what I was getting into but I still lost my mind a bit at the slow pacing and the petrified, circular thinking of the FMC. Did it make sense? Yes. But, it was still a little tiring.
I’ve read other books by this author so I knew what I was getting into but I still lost my mind a bit at the slow pacing and the petrified, circular thinking of the FMC. Did it make sense? Yes. But, it was still a little tiring.
Read
July 10, 2022Skycart is actually a fantastic name for a space…airline. Spaceline.
April 1, 2023
Bingo: Nonhuman/Monster
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews