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Larkhall Letters #5
Lord Blackwell's Promise
Never make a promise you cannot keep...
Margaret Lovell tries her best to love everyone, if only to make up for the fact that she loathes one man far more than she should, but no less than he deserves. After the young Earl of Blackwell accused her father of cheating and tricked him out of his fortune, she has despised him for causing their disgrace and lack of security. So when she learns that Lord Blackwell is on his deathbed, she cannot help but feel a lack of sympathy. With her family's financial situation worsening, she doesn't have time to think of anything else, especially the man who caused it.
Peter Trafford, Earl of Blackwell, has never had reason to evaluate his life before now. But with certain death looming before him, he is awakened to a sense of his guilt. When this strange desperation to repair all his wrongdoings comes over him, he does what any sensible man would: He writes a letter to Margaret Lovell, the daughter of the man whose reputation he singlehandedly destroyed. In the letter, he offers to marry her.
...And promises to die shortly after.
As his widow, Margaret would have an abundance of wealth and comfort, and he would be free of a small measure of his guilt. But promises—fickle as they are—have a way of breaking.
Margaret Lovell tries her best to love everyone, if only to make up for the fact that she loathes one man far more than she should, but no less than he deserves. After the young Earl of Blackwell accused her father of cheating and tricked him out of his fortune, she has despised him for causing their disgrace and lack of security. So when she learns that Lord Blackwell is on his deathbed, she cannot help but feel a lack of sympathy. With her family's financial situation worsening, she doesn't have time to think of anything else, especially the man who caused it.
Peter Trafford, Earl of Blackwell, has never had reason to evaluate his life before now. But with certain death looming before him, he is awakened to a sense of his guilt. When this strange desperation to repair all his wrongdoings comes over him, he does what any sensible man would: He writes a letter to Margaret Lovell, the daughter of the man whose reputation he singlehandedly destroyed. In the letter, he offers to marry her.
...And promises to die shortly after.
As his widow, Margaret would have an abundance of wealth and comfort, and he would be free of a small measure of his guilt. But promises—fickle as they are—have a way of breaking.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2022
265 people are currently reading
701 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
November 22, 2022
That doctor needs a new job 🫣
December 20, 2022
Всяка книга успешно ми напомня защо харесвам стила на Ashtyn Newbold. Lord Blackwell's promise не прави изключение. Сладка историческа романтика, която обaче не пропуска да ни покаже как чувствата могат да преминават от една гама в нейната прогивоположна. Как е добре да опознаем хората, за да можем основателно да изпитваме към тях онова, което заслужават. Иначе омразата, любовта, пренебрежението, възхищението, доверието или страха ще са само кухи емоции, понякога незаслужени и заблуждаващи самите нас. И най - важното нещо в живота - да знаем какво искаме от него? Да сме наясно със себе си , за да не сме объркани в лутанияна и търсенията си. Защото в мига , в който изгубим нещо, обикновено разбираме колко сме го искали. И колко нашето щастие зависи от него!
* " Омразата е силна емоция - ужасна и може да остане толкова дълго, колкото ние го позволим. "
/ Lord Blackwell's promise
* " Омразата е силна емоция - ужасна и може да остане толкова дълго, колкото ние го позволим. "
/ Lord Blackwell's promise
December 2, 2022
Holy hannah, this book was ADORABLE!! I feel like the entire series has been building up to this book and it definitely did not disappoint!
Peter (Lord Blackwell) has done things he is not proud of and now that he is on his deathbed, he tries to redeem himself by offering a marriage of convenience to Margaret, the daughter of the man whose fortune he stole and whose name he ruined.
Though she loathes Lord Blackwell, Margaret accepts his offer knowing to save her family. She only has to put up with her new husband for a few weeks, right?
I binge read this in one sitting because I could not put it down! So much to love about this book!
enemies to lovers
marriage of convenience
redemption story
matchmaking
armchair wars
guy falls first
one bed
the beach kiss. Oh my!
fun, flirty, competitive banter
the incompetent doctor (he seriously needs to be fired)
the promises
close-knit family
Seriously, if you love sweet regency romance, you need to add this one - and the entire Larkhall Letters series - to your reading list. Loved, loved, loved this one!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.
Peter (Lord Blackwell) has done things he is not proud of and now that he is on his deathbed, he tries to redeem himself by offering a marriage of convenience to Margaret, the daughter of the man whose fortune he stole and whose name he ruined.
Though she loathes Lord Blackwell, Margaret accepts his offer knowing to save her family. She only has to put up with her new husband for a few weeks, right?
I binge read this in one sitting because I could not put it down! So much to love about this book!
enemies to lovers
marriage of convenience
redemption story
matchmaking
armchair wars
guy falls first
one bed
the beach kiss. Oh my!
fun, flirty, competitive banter
the incompetent doctor (he seriously needs to be fired)
the promises
close-knit family
Seriously, if you love sweet regency romance, you need to add this one - and the entire Larkhall Letters series - to your reading list. Loved, loved, loved this one!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.
December 23, 2022
This was an easy one to get pulled into, with an endearingly unlikely marriage of convenience popping up almost immediately. The ensuing complications of a groom who is "guaranteed" to die soon and leave his bride a wealthy widow are not exactly surprising. But it's enjoyable escape reading, and if it sounds like your kind of thing, it probably is.
I do have to laugh a bit at the fact that the plot hinges on the opinion of a doctor who, clearly, should in no way be practicing medicine. 😆 But without such quirks of plotting, where would all our favorite tropes be?!
I do have to laugh a bit at the fact that the plot hinges on the opinion of a doctor who, clearly, should in no way be practicing medicine. 😆 But without such quirks of plotting, where would all our favorite tropes be?!
September 30, 2024
I want more…
Book five is finished already? Nooo. I need more, much more. This story was a constant up and down, with moments of wanting to hurt certain characters and other times of wanting to hug the heck out of them. Larkhall Letters was a wonderful journey full of love and happy sizzling moments.
Book five is finished already? Nooo. I need more, much more. This story was a constant up and down, with moments of wanting to hurt certain characters and other times of wanting to hug the heck out of them. Larkhall Letters was a wonderful journey full of love and happy sizzling moments.
June 20, 2023
An okay read overall, but things were hit or miss. I didn't connect to this book as much as I would like. It wasn't a perfect fit for me but it could be for someone else.
Clean romance, a marriage of convenience......Peter writes a letter to Margaret, the daughter of the man whose reputation he singlehandedly destroyed and the fortune He stole. Peter's decision to marry is to clear his conscience before he dies, to give Margaret and her family financial security, with the money he stole, and restore her family's reputation, but just keep quite the only thing that can help restore her family's reputation, I didn't feel any redeeming quality in Peter, all he did was for his own self-interest and his family. I just felt bad for Margaret's Father, a little confused about Margaret's attitude, loving the man that destroyed her Father's reputation.
Awarkeness= too much blush on the neck, and face, angry red face.... talking or looking down the floor= doctor who, clearly, should in no way be practicing medicine.....make mistake twice about people dying.
Clean romance, a marriage of convenience......Peter writes a letter to Margaret, the daughter of the man whose reputation he singlehandedly destroyed and the fortune He stole. Peter's decision to marry is to clear his conscience before he dies, to give Margaret and her family financial security, with the money he stole, and restore her family's reputation, but just keep quite the only thing that can help restore her family's reputation, I didn't feel any redeeming quality in Peter, all he did was for his own self-interest and his family. I just felt bad for Margaret's Father, a little confused about Margaret's attitude, loving the man that destroyed her Father's reputation.
Awarkeness= too much blush on the neck, and face, angry red face.... talking or looking down the floor= doctor who, clearly, should in no way be practicing medicine.....make mistake twice about people dying.
January 25, 2023
4.5
This was a cute read! I enjoyed the storyline and characters quite a bit! Definitely a fun book to get me out of my rut. I need to go grab some more of Ms. Newbold books to read!
Content Rated G+
Clean romance, kissing. No language or violence.
This was a cute read! I enjoyed the storyline and characters quite a bit! Definitely a fun book to get me out of my rut. I need to go grab some more of Ms. Newbold books to read!
Content Rated G+
Clean romance, kissing. No language or violence.
Read
October 11, 2023Just like that, I have read every book by Ashtyn Newbold.
If you like sweet, short, and fun Regency Romances, I highly recommend her novels.
♡
If you like sweet, short, and fun Regency Romances, I highly recommend her novels.
♡
November 20, 2022
A well-written charming read.
January 11, 2023
"How would she feel if something as simple as reading became so exhausting?..."
"How would she feel if something as simple as reading became so exhausting? It would be devastating."
I really wanted to like this story as much as the previous books in the series, but I just couldn't.
One thing I did admire was Peter's determination to truly change.
****SPOILER ALERT!!****
Peter's sickness wasn't explained. Ever. Not just in a realistic way, but I feel like there were holes there. I get that the Dr. is awful, and so yeah he's not actually dying, but what did he have? Why all those terrible symptoms?
If that Dr. seemed so incompetent before, why on Earth would you have him "take care" of another loved one?!? Seriously people! That just made Mr. Lovell's illness seem faked.
I get that Margaret needed to overcome some insecurities and anger/hatred issues, but why was she willing to trust Peter with her heart and kisses one day, and then go back to hating him again the next day? Plus, I feel like things were wrapped up too swiftly once he came back from London. It wasn't believable to me.
I thought the kissing scenes were way too long and descriptive compared to the milder versions in the previous books in the series. Could be because they were married so the author wanted to take things a little farther. Not sure, but either way I didn't appreciate it.
Overall, I wish I had stopped reading this series after book four. I didn't enjoy this book, and for me this book didn't add anything to the previous storylines to make it worth reading.
I must say, I have read nearly all the books by this author and this is the first one I can recall not enjoying. So pretty good percentage of remarkable reads.
"How would she feel if something as simple as reading became so exhausting? It would be devastating."
I really wanted to like this story as much as the previous books in the series, but I just couldn't.
One thing I did admire was Peter's determination to truly change.
****SPOILER ALERT!!****
Peter's sickness wasn't explained. Ever. Not just in a realistic way, but I feel like there were holes there. I get that the Dr. is awful, and so yeah he's not actually dying, but what did he have? Why all those terrible symptoms?
If that Dr. seemed so incompetent before, why on Earth would you have him "take care" of another loved one?!? Seriously people! That just made Mr. Lovell's illness seem faked.
I get that Margaret needed to overcome some insecurities and anger/hatred issues, but why was she willing to trust Peter with her heart and kisses one day, and then go back to hating him again the next day? Plus, I feel like things were wrapped up too swiftly once he came back from London. It wasn't believable to me.
I thought the kissing scenes were way too long and descriptive compared to the milder versions in the previous books in the series. Could be because they were married so the author wanted to take things a little farther. Not sure, but either way I didn't appreciate it.
Overall, I wish I had stopped reading this series after book four. I didn't enjoy this book, and for me this book didn't add anything to the previous storylines to make it worth reading.
I must say, I have read nearly all the books by this author and this is the first one I can recall not enjoying. So pretty good percentage of remarkable reads.
November 21, 2022
I really loved this book, and I put it on my list of my top books for 2022. It's been a while since a regency novel has made me laugh out loud, and this one had me snickering a few times. I loved the enemies to lovers premise. I thought it was a very original storyline, and I liked the redemption story. The romance was satisfying and sweet.
January 13, 2024
Oh, Peter Peter Peter. I do love a forced/arranged marriage. And he was quite an enjoyable hero. Redemption is all well and good as a trope as well. However, Margaret was hit and miss for me.
But she wasn't annoying. She was likeable. I just wanted to shake her sometimes. And I loved the situation with the chair "wink, wink, nudge, nudge". A good addition to the series.
But she wasn't annoying. She was likeable. I just wanted to shake her sometimes. And I loved the situation with the chair "wink, wink, nudge, nudge". A good addition to the series.
March 20, 2023
This was a classic late-series side-character story. I tend to not enjoy these type of finales as it is tough to get invested in characters that have only been sprinkled here and there through the main characters’ books. Newbold has made it especially tough for herself as the hero here in Promise, Peter, has been set up as the baddie through the previous couple of books. As things start, our heroine, Margaret, hates Peter. Not unfair to say she loathes Peter.
All this to say that the romance is going to have a very long turnaround that requires some deft writing of the enemies to lovers’ plot. Does Newbold pull it off? Yes. For the most part, she pulls it off brilliantly.
However, I’m subtracting a star as Newbold throws in a clanky 11th hour conflict; worse, it’s the exhausting “I’m not telling you for your own good” contrived drama. Ugh. We’re all adults here, just give me the information and I’ll make my own judgements. I hate it in contemporary romance, and I hate it here in this historical piece.
Despite the few hiccups in book 5, I have enjoyed this entire series immensely. Even in the sub-genre of Romance—Historical/Regency Era—there are a lot of authors jockeying for attention, and I’m glad I discovered Newbold. Bravo and cheers.
All this to say that the romance is going to have a very long turnaround that requires some deft writing of the enemies to lovers’ plot. Does Newbold pull it off? Yes. For the most part, she pulls it off brilliantly.
However, I’m subtracting a star as Newbold throws in a clanky 11th hour conflict; worse, it’s the exhausting “I’m not telling you for your own good” contrived drama. Ugh. We’re all adults here, just give me the information and I’ll make my own judgements. I hate it in contemporary romance, and I hate it here in this historical piece.
Despite the few hiccups in book 5, I have enjoyed this entire series immensely. Even in the sub-genre of Romance—Historical/Regency Era—there are a lot of authors jockeying for attention, and I’m glad I discovered Newbold. Bravo and cheers.
February 6, 2023
2.5/5
So absurd it was funny to read
So absurd it was funny to read
December 9, 2022
finishing a book in a day is the greatest feeling ever. even if you had to sacrifice sleep. makes it even better imo ahh this was fun. aside from a few irks like repetition of certain phrases, and the third act was unoriginal and not structured very well, i had fun! boy falls first, as nature intended
November 26, 2022
An entirely charming read! I LOVED the armchair war and the slow simmer of emotions for each of the main characters… To be pulled together along a stunning journey sharing the lives of the characters going from enemies to lovers. One of my favorite books of this year!
December 20, 2022
Marriage of convenience. Enemies to lovers. Forced proximity. Fake relationship. Redemption. All in one beautiful novel that had me staying up way too late. I’ve loved this whole series, but this one was my favorite. Loved it!
May 13, 2025
Re-read: April 2025
I really liked this, but it's definitely my least favorite in the series. There were a lot of moments I loved (any scene in the library was enjoyable--also, I really want that library in my house), but I didn't feel as much chemistry between Margaret and Peter compared to the other couples. So, a bit disappointing as a conclusion to the series, but still a lot of fun.
Original Review
I'm so glad I finally got around to reading this! It was such a cute book <3 Not my favorite in the series, but definitely not a disappointment either. It is trope filled (in a wonderful way) and was so easy to get into.
My main complaint is that the relationship moved too fast for my taste. Margaret hated Peter at the beginning (for good reason!) and I think this hatred turned to love too quickly. If things had been more slow burn it would have felt more realistic and would have left more time for cute moments. I also wish that we had seen/heard about the other characters more! We saw Matthew once at the beginning of the book, but this book takes place in the same town as book 3, so I wish Louisa and Jack had made an appearance.
I think this might be the last book in the series which is so sad! I would love to read more books in this world. Fortunately the author has written many other books so I'll have to check those out next.
I really liked this, but it's definitely my least favorite in the series. There were a lot of moments I loved (any scene in the library was enjoyable--also, I really want that library in my house), but I didn't feel as much chemistry between Margaret and Peter compared to the other couples. So, a bit disappointing as a conclusion to the series, but still a lot of fun.
Original Review
I'm so glad I finally got around to reading this! It was such a cute book <3 Not my favorite in the series, but definitely not a disappointment either. It is trope filled (in a wonderful way) and was so easy to get into.
My main complaint is that the relationship moved too fast for my taste. Margaret hated Peter at the beginning (for good reason!) and I think this hatred turned to love too quickly. If things had been more slow burn it would have felt more realistic and would have left more time for cute moments. I also wish that we had seen/heard about the other characters more! We saw Matthew once at the beginning of the book, but this book takes place in the same town as book 3, so I wish Louisa and Jack had made an appearance.
I think this might be the last book in the series which is so sad! I would love to read more books in this world. Fortunately the author has written many other books so I'll have to check those out next.
December 13, 2022
I am so sad my time with this outstanding series is over; but, man, did I enjoy every single book. Lord Blackwell’s Promise is the fifth and final installment in the Larkhall Letters series by Ashtyn Newbold, and I found it to be an excellent conclusion. I enjoyed this novel for many reasons. First, Ashtyn Newbold really knows how to tell a good story. She’s one of those authors where when you start one of her books you are hooked and don’t ever want to put the book down. I love that about her writing. Her sentences are the best. I love how she uses words. One minute, the reader is laughing out loud and the next her heart hurts for one of the characters. It’s SO good! I also enjoyed this novel because of the characters. We meet Margaret in book 1, so I have very patiently been waiting for her story. I love her. She is fiercely loyal to her family, to the point of sacrifice. She takes on the burdens of all her loved ones much to her detriment. And she is stubborn. I mean really, really stubborn and this gets her backed into very interesting corners. Lord Blackwell — Peter — is truly unique. He is a case of nurture vs. nature. His nature from a very small boy is to be sweet, kind, generous, and loving, but his nurture at the hands of his father turned him into a monster. At the start of the novel, Peter’s father has been dead for a while and Peter himself is at death’s door (or so he is led to believe). He wants to set all his monstrous acts to right before he passes and begins his acts of penance with Margaret and her family. I appreciate Peter’s struggle throughout the course of this novel. He desperately wants to be the good guy again, but he’s caused so much bad in so many people’s lives that people (especially Margaret) don’t know how to trust his change. I really enjoyed how Newbold explores this topic. There are a lot of frustrating moments for Peter because people struggle to believe his change in nature is real. I actually felt badly for him often because he is actively working to change, but almost everyone keeps putting his past back in his face. It’s a really odd, contradictory thing we humans do to others — we say people can change, but we don’t really allow space for them to do so. We want immediate change, but change takes time. How many people have we discouraged because we expected, demanded, immediate change when change takes time? Food for thought indeed. Margaret definitely struggles with this issue as she navigates her changing, growing feelings for Peter. It’s a rough journey at times, but definitely worth it. I very much enjoyed traveling with Peter and Margaret as the wove their way from hate to friendship to love.
Lord Blackwell’s Promise is a wonderful story that I highly recommend. If you love excellent writing, if you love Historical Romance, and/or if you just love a really good book then I implore you to purchase a copy of this story today. You won’t regret your purchase!
I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on November 17, 2022, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Lord Blackwell’s Promise is a wonderful story that I highly recommend. If you love excellent writing, if you love Historical Romance, and/or if you just love a really good book then I implore you to purchase a copy of this story today. You won’t regret your purchase!
I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on November 17, 2022, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
November 27, 2022
Read it for the:
- Hate to love
- Marriage of convenience
- Redemption Arc
- Pining
- He falls first
- Armchair wars
CW: mention of past abusive parent
Final Rating: 4/5
The fun I had reading Peter and Margaret distracted me from realizing the Larkhall Letters series ends with their story. A story that beings with a marriage of convenience made with the promise/expectation of the husband dying within the month. This was a new twist to a beloved trope that caught my interest right away.
I loved the determination Peter had to prove to Margaret he was a changed man and sorry for the mistakes he committed in the past. This was the central conflict of the plot and I felt that the redemption arc was well done.
Despite his dark past and illness, Peter was a fun, flirty character, with a grin that didn't leave his face when Margaret was near. I loved that Margaret did not make things easy for him. The chemistry they when their competitive natures were explored really was the highlight of their romance for me. I laughed at the armchair wars and threats of murder antics they fell into. I will say, Newbold, knows how to write a pining hero! The emotions conveyed added that string that tugs at your heart and brought balance to an otherwise, quick, light-hearted read.
My only drawback to this read was that I would have liked some points expanded on more than others that were chosen to be focused on plotwise. I also wanted to see more of the previous characters featured, if only to really round the conclusion of the series. However, these points did not distract from my overall enjoyment of this book.
Now that the Larkhall Letters series is concluded, I cannot wait to see what comes next.
*Although this is part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone.
- Hate to love
- Marriage of convenience
- Redemption Arc
- Pining
- He falls first
- Armchair wars
CW: mention of past abusive parent
Final Rating: 4/5
The fun I had reading Peter and Margaret distracted me from realizing the Larkhall Letters series ends with their story. A story that beings with a marriage of convenience made with the promise/expectation of the husband dying within the month. This was a new twist to a beloved trope that caught my interest right away.
I loved the determination Peter had to prove to Margaret he was a changed man and sorry for the mistakes he committed in the past. This was the central conflict of the plot and I felt that the redemption arc was well done.
Despite his dark past and illness, Peter was a fun, flirty character, with a grin that didn't leave his face when Margaret was near. I loved that Margaret did not make things easy for him. The chemistry they when their competitive natures were explored really was the highlight of their romance for me. I laughed at the armchair wars and threats of murder antics they fell into. I will say, Newbold, knows how to write a pining hero! The emotions conveyed added that string that tugs at your heart and brought balance to an otherwise, quick, light-hearted read.
My only drawback to this read was that I would have liked some points expanded on more than others that were chosen to be focused on plotwise. I also wanted to see more of the previous characters featured, if only to really round the conclusion of the series. However, these points did not distract from my overall enjoyment of this book.
Now that the Larkhall Letters series is concluded, I cannot wait to see what comes next.
*Although this is part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone.
January 18, 2023
I dunno! This was just okay. It seemed too perfectly wrapped up in a bow without enough depth to explain it. There was character growth from Lord Blackwell, but it wasn’t really explained how it came about. Margaret’s feelings towards Lord Blackwell changed, but I couldn’t really figure out why.
Lord Blackwell made a huge deal about not breaking promises, but then broke a promise to her father without flinching. He leaves for two weeks right after he and Margaret make a connection without telling her! He used sarcasm and teasing to connect with her, which didn’t feel sufficient considering how horrible their relationship started.
I just felt like he changed, but also didn’t really and because his change wasn’t really explained, I didn’t feel confident that his change was genuine. This had all the pieces and parts, but I was still left feeling unsatisfied with how it turned out. I felt like they started making progress around 80% in and that there was still a lot of work for them to do by the end.
Lord Blackwell made a huge deal about not breaking promises, but then broke a promise to her father without flinching. He leaves for two weeks right after he and Margaret make a connection without telling her! He used sarcasm and teasing to connect with her, which didn’t feel sufficient considering how horrible their relationship started.
I just felt like he changed, but also didn’t really and because his change wasn’t really explained, I didn’t feel confident that his change was genuine. This had all the pieces and parts, but I was still left feeling unsatisfied with how it turned out. I felt like they started making progress around 80% in and that there was still a lot of work for them to do by the end.
January 3, 2024
This was a unique storyline. This is the final book in the Larkhall Letters series and could be read as a standalone. I found it beneficial to read the series in order though. I earlier books we see both of these main characters and some of the issues they have to deal with progress to the point where they find themselves in this story.
Again I listened to the audiobook and I really enjoyed it. I was glad the narrator gave Lord Blackwell his own voice similar to what he'd had in the previous books.
There were a couple of things that didn't quite make sense to me as far as continuity and historical accuracy, but it was easy enough for me to overlook those and enjoy the story. I really enjoyed listening to this whole series. I just have to go back and read the prequel novella that wasn't listed in the original list I found for the series. And it isn't on audio.
4.5 stars rounded up
Again I listened to the audiobook and I really enjoyed it. I was glad the narrator gave Lord Blackwell his own voice similar to what he'd had in the previous books.
There were a couple of things that didn't quite make sense to me as far as continuity and historical accuracy, but it was easy enough for me to overlook those and enjoy the story. I really enjoyed listening to this whole series. I just have to go back and read the prequel novella that wasn't listed in the original list I found for the series. And it isn't on audio.
4.5 stars rounded up
March 27, 2025
Could have been so much better. Poor Lord Blackwell. Tries to do the right thing and gets nothing but Margaret the shrew in return. I expected better from her. This is a great story about amends and forgiveness that really touched my heart. But I feel like there was just too much going on. The focus should have been on Peter’s attempts to become a better man and win Margaret’s heart, but we get interference from the Dowager, from Rachel, from Rachel’s husband, from her father, and from the nosey neighbors. They are plagued by the worst collection of physicians ever, which was far too deux ex machina for my taste. Too much time spent on trivialities instead of the romance. My sympathies were with Peter from the last book. I was just certain he wouldn’t turn out to be as black as he’d been painted, but he was! He took full responsibility and set to change his ways and make amends. And she rebuffed him. That went on much too long. I felt like she didn’t take responsibility for her own decision, which was completely mercenary, let’s be honest. She should have been censured by Society as a gold digger, as we’ve seen so often with other authors. Even with my frustrations over the plot, it’s enjoyable. Without the epilogue it would only get three stars.
March 20, 2023
Well I let too much time pass between reading the previous book in the Larkhall Letters series and this delightful story. Ashtyn Newbold has officially joined my list of favorite authors, her stories are so sweet, fun, and romantic, plus the writing is amazing! And as a fellow songwriter, I want to congratulate Ashtyn on her recent song release :)
This book had everything I wanted in my foray back into regency romance after a long hiatus:
🌸a crazy circumstantial marriage of (in)convenience
🌸enemies to love that along the way became friends to love
🌸the funniest banter and conversations
🌸a hidden library
I adored reading Peter and Margaret’s story and if you’re looking for a sweet historical romance to kick off your spring reading I would highly recommend Lord Blackwell’s promise!
This book had everything I wanted in my foray back into regency romance after a long hiatus:
🌸a crazy circumstantial marriage of (in)convenience
🌸enemies to love that along the way became friends to love
🌸the funniest banter and conversations
🌸a hidden library
I adored reading Peter and Margaret’s story and if you’re looking for a sweet historical romance to kick off your spring reading I would highly recommend Lord Blackwell’s promise!
December 21, 2022
4.5 stars this was a great ending to a fabulous series and I loved that Margaret and Peter got a happily ever after.
Some of the highlights for me were:
*Dual POV
*Peter falling in love first
*The enemies to lovers vibes with a bit of forbidden romance AND marriage of convenience
*Their flirting (armchair war)
*The change of heart and inspiring thread that people can change and forgiveness
I did feel like Peter's illness was a bit brushed over considering how serious and close to death he was. I obviously am happy he recovered, but I felt like it jumped from death to totally okay a little too fast.
I recommend this book. A clean Regency romance.
Some of the highlights for me were:
*Dual POV
*Peter falling in love first
*The enemies to lovers vibes with a bit of forbidden romance AND marriage of convenience
*Their flirting (armchair war)
*The change of heart and inspiring thread that people can change and forgiveness
I did feel like Peter's illness was a bit brushed over considering how serious and close to death he was. I obviously am happy he recovered, but I felt like it jumped from death to totally okay a little too fast.
I recommend this book. A clean Regency romance.
February 3, 2023
#2023readingchallenge
#39regencyromance
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scrip...
#39 Regency Romance
Book: Lord Blackwell’s Promise
Author: Ashtyn Newbold
Review: I'm giving this one a solid 4 stars on Goodreads. I was in the mood for a little bit of a romance, and I don't like too sugary sweet so the premise of this one intrigued me. It is number five in a series, but I don't mind starting in the middle!
When I read mostly secular books, I read a lot of regency romance. I’m glad their is someone in the CF space filling this genre and doing it well I might add.
I immensely enjoyed this book, I had laugh out loud moments and moments of swooning over the dashing Lord.
It’s your typical enemies to lovers book, not too much depth, but it was an enjoyable ride. Margaret fought until the very end, almost a little too long. I did really like her and Peter, it became harder to see how Peter did this grievous wrong because, he is such a nice guy.
Per usual in these types of books, there was an extra contrived plot device thrown in at the very end that made me roll my eyes, but it didn’t take away from the story.
Overall, I’d recommend this book, and I plan on reading more of her books.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scrip...
#39regencyromance
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scrip...
#39 Regency Romance
Book: Lord Blackwell’s Promise
Author: Ashtyn Newbold
Review: I'm giving this one a solid 4 stars on Goodreads. I was in the mood for a little bit of a romance, and I don't like too sugary sweet so the premise of this one intrigued me. It is number five in a series, but I don't mind starting in the middle!
When I read mostly secular books, I read a lot of regency romance. I’m glad their is someone in the CF space filling this genre and doing it well I might add.
I immensely enjoyed this book, I had laugh out loud moments and moments of swooning over the dashing Lord.
It’s your typical enemies to lovers book, not too much depth, but it was an enjoyable ride. Margaret fought until the very end, almost a little too long. I did really like her and Peter, it became harder to see how Peter did this grievous wrong because, he is such a nice guy.
Per usual in these types of books, there was an extra contrived plot device thrown in at the very end that made me roll my eyes, but it didn’t take away from the story.
Overall, I’d recommend this book, and I plan on reading more of her books.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scrip...
May 1, 2023
I'm a sucker for a marriage of convenience story, so this ended up being my favorite out of the series EXCEPT for Margaret's dad kind of being a jerk about the whole thing. I get why he didn't trust Peter, but Peter and Margaret would have reached an understanding with each other so much more quickly if Margaret's dad would have stopped interfering and forcing Peter to make promises against Peter's better judgment. This was especially true with the whole thing when Peter had to go to London. That situation aggravated me a LOT and felt 100% unnecessary and unrealistic. But on the whole, a fun, fluffy, easy read with likable characters.
November 19, 2022
*Happy sigh*
Definitely worth the wait.
Peter’s redemption arc was so fun to read. This had marriage of convenience, enemies for more, he falls first, among other great tropes. I love the witty banter. I laughed out loud many times. I love Margaret’s loyalty to her family and her stubbornness. I also love Peter’s mom! She’s a bit of a matchmaker.
Such a great read. Consider it if you like Historical Romance or any of the tropes I mentioned. It’s the final book of the series, but can be read by itself.
Definitely worth the wait.
Peter’s redemption arc was so fun to read. This had marriage of convenience, enemies for more, he falls first, among other great tropes. I love the witty banter. I laughed out loud many times. I love Margaret’s loyalty to her family and her stubbornness. I also love Peter’s mom! She’s a bit of a matchmaker.
Such a great read. Consider it if you like Historical Romance or any of the tropes I mentioned. It’s the final book of the series, but can be read by itself.
August 8, 2024
4.75⭐️ Margaret has straight blond hair that won’t hold a curl and Peter just came back from being stranded on Lian Yu…. No reason to be nitpicky: questionable sicknesses? Sure. Quick changes of the heart and true character? (Lookin’ at you Pete). Yeah… but it was charming nonetheless and the competitive flavor made me want to suck it all down in the comfiest chair of the library. With this as the last book of a 5-book series, I dreamed for a little more guest appearances, but merely a personal preference. Gimme my big, fat, sparkly bow. 🎀
May 17, 2023
This one is a little difficult to rate... I obviously didn't like Lord Blackwell's past, and it's hard to say how realistic it is that he completely changed his life after his near-death experience. But I did like his character after that and it was an interesting read, going through their changing emotions and all. I enjoyed their friendly teasing and his unique approach to win her over. It was well written, of course.
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