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Lost Lords #3
Promise Me Forever
On the outside, Lauren Fairfield appears the very picture of cool, contained nobility and blueblood British sophistication. Inside, however, she longs for Tom, the charming rogue she loved—and lost.
Now a sinfully handsome would-be gentleman has arrived in London—and Lauren nearly swoons when she realizes it is her Tom, grown to magnificent manhood. He has come to claim his lost title as Earl of Sachse . . .and to fulfill an oath once made by two young lovers beneath a long-ago moon, a scandalous promise no proper lady would dare honor.
Lauren could never love a staid and stifling lord, and Tom's future is the aristocracy. So she will teach him their ways before she exits his life forever. But the wildness she adored still lives in Tom's heart—and he will not rest until he proves to the proud, resisting beauty that "forever" is a promise that must be kept . . .
Now a sinfully handsome would-be gentleman has arrived in London—and Lauren nearly swoons when she realizes it is her Tom, grown to magnificent manhood. He has come to claim his lost title as Earl of Sachse . . .and to fulfill an oath once made by two young lovers beneath a long-ago moon, a scandalous promise no proper lady would dare honor.
Lauren could never love a staid and stifling lord, and Tom's future is the aristocracy. So she will teach him their ways before she exits his life forever. But the wildness she adored still lives in Tom's heart—and he will not rest until he proves to the proud, resisting beauty that "forever" is a promise that must be kept . . .
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
86 people are currently reading
1154 people want to read
About the author
Lorraine Heath
91 books4,385 followersAlso writes Young Adult under Rachel Hawthorne, Jade Parker, and with her son as J.A. London.
Lorraine Heath has always had a soft spot for emotional love stories. No doubt because growing up, watching movies with her mom, she was taught that the best movies "won't half make you cry."
She is the daughter of a British beauty (her mom won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero, (the Joker on the original Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan, and she enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.
When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.” She began her career writing training manuals and computer code for the IRS, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since.
Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA's RITA®. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA TODAY and the New York Times.
The author of more than 60 novels, she writes historical and contemporary romance for adults and historical romance for teen readers.
Under the names Rachel Hawthorne and Jade Parker, she writes popular contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance for teens readers. She also writes young adult novels with her son under the name J. A. London.
Lorraine Heath has always had a soft spot for emotional love stories. No doubt because growing up, watching movies with her mom, she was taught that the best movies "won't half make you cry."
She is the daughter of a British beauty (her mom won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero, (the Joker on the original Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan, and she enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.
When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.” She began her career writing training manuals and computer code for the IRS, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since.
Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA's RITA®. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA TODAY and the New York Times.
The author of more than 60 novels, she writes historical and contemporary romance for adults and historical romance for teen readers.
Under the names Rachel Hawthorne and Jade Parker, she writes popular contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance for teens readers. She also writes young adult novels with her son under the name J. A. London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
November 12, 2018
this is another great installment to add to Lorraine Heath's library. Childhood sweethearts trope is one of my favourite... Lorraine Heath always makes me cry... I am a big fan of her!
June 30, 2017
Thomas Warner is a Cowboy Earl, which is a minor title under Space Cowboy. Laura Fairfield thinks Texas > England and will fight anyone who says otherwise. They end up boning, like a lot, and eventually realize that both feelings and the ability to cross the Atlantic in a timely fashion mean they can live happily ever after in Texas and England.
Take that, Declaration of Independence!
1. I know it's fiction but the fact that like 25% of English nobility is from some tiny-ass Texas town is just really hilarious to me? THIS IS NOT A DIG AT TEXAS. Just a dig at the inbred mentality of upper-crust life or something. SOCIAL COMMENTARY.
2. Lauren was dense af tho. Like, she realizes how intensely she's into Tom and how impossibly hard it would be to leave him and ... it isn't until the last chapter of the book that she's suddenly like "OH RIGHT I LOVE HIM???" And then is promptly pushed down the stairs in the most overdramatic mean girl plot twist ever.
If only buses ran in ye olde timey England, am I right.
3. I liked Tom and that is saying something because the Cowboys-are-super-hot thing doesn't always do it for me. Too many repressed memories of suburban white boys playing at cowboy in the super-loaded pickup trucks their parents bought for them?? But Tom's pursuit of Lauren was kind of sweet?
4. I SAY KIND OF BECAUSE OF COURSE THERE'S A PLOT ABOUT HOW LAUREN HAS PINED FOR TOM THE WHOLE TIME (10 YEARS!!!) AND TOM CLAIMS TO HAVE BEEN LESS PINEY AND QUOTES SOME SHITTY LETTERS ABOUT COWS (AND ALSO MENTIONS HOW HE PAID FOR SEX FROM SOME LADIES SO HE KNOWS WHAT HE'S ABOUT IN THE SACK) EXCEPT THEN WHEN LAUREN IS RECOVERING FROM THE STAIR-TUMBLE, HE REVEALS THAT HE REMEMBERS ALL HIS LETTERS JUST FINE BECAUSE HE WAS SUPER DEDICATED YOU GUYS!!! PLANNING THE WHOLE TIME TO FIND LAUREN AND BRING HER HOME TO TEXAS!!! NEVER WENT A DAY WITHOUT THINKING FONDLY OF HER!!!
so he cheated on her with prostitutes good job guys i can see how that's true love right there. nice.
5. Overall, this wasn't that great. I'm being extremely lenient because of the other book I finished today (Somewhere I'll Find You, I AM COMING FOR YOU) but it wasn't that bad, either. Like, I enjoyed it. I thought the conflict between hometown pride and adjusting to a new way of life was interesting, if kind of weirdly into fetishizing Texas.
6. Also there's mustache fondling, so be prepared.
Take that, Declaration of Independence!
1. I know it's fiction but the fact that like 25% of English nobility is from some tiny-ass Texas town is just really hilarious to me? THIS IS NOT A DIG AT TEXAS. Just a dig at the inbred mentality of upper-crust life or something. SOCIAL COMMENTARY.
2. Lauren was dense af tho. Like, she realizes how intensely she's into Tom and how impossibly hard it would be to leave him and ... it isn't until the last chapter of the book that she's suddenly like "OH RIGHT I LOVE HIM???" And then is promptly pushed down the stairs in the most overdramatic mean girl plot twist ever.
If only buses ran in ye olde timey England, am I right.
3. I liked Tom and that is saying something because the Cowboys-are-super-hot thing doesn't always do it for me. Too many repressed memories of suburban white boys playing at cowboy in the super-loaded pickup trucks their parents bought for them?? But Tom's pursuit of Lauren was kind of sweet?
4. I SAY KIND OF BECAUSE OF COURSE THERE'S A PLOT ABOUT HOW LAUREN HAS PINED FOR TOM THE WHOLE TIME (10 YEARS!!!) AND TOM CLAIMS TO HAVE BEEN LESS PINEY AND QUOTES SOME SHITTY LETTERS ABOUT COWS (AND ALSO MENTIONS HOW HE PAID FOR SEX FROM SOME LADIES SO HE KNOWS WHAT HE'S ABOUT IN THE SACK) EXCEPT THEN WHEN LAUREN IS RECOVERING FROM THE STAIR-TUMBLE, HE REVEALS THAT HE REMEMBERS ALL HIS LETTERS JUST FINE BECAUSE HE WAS SUPER DEDICATED YOU GUYS!!! PLANNING THE WHOLE TIME TO FIND LAUREN AND BRING HER HOME TO TEXAS!!! NEVER WENT A DAY WITHOUT THINKING FONDLY OF HER!!!
so he cheated on her with prostitutes good job guys i can see how that's true love right there. nice.
5. Overall, this wasn't that great. I'm being extremely lenient because of the other book I finished today (Somewhere I'll Find You, I AM COMING FOR YOU) but it wasn't that bad, either. Like, I enjoyed it. I thought the conflict between hometown pride and adjusting to a new way of life was interesting, if kind of weirdly into fetishizing Texas.
6. Also there's mustache fondling, so be prepared.
February 28, 2012
Dear Lorraine Heath,
Did You Enjoy making me cry?
Yours,
Erin.
My first Lorraine Heath book and most diffinitely not my last.
This is a brilliant and hearwrenching novel, that made me wish i was then heroine, Lauren Fairfield ...boy, did she get lucky! Find me a man like Tom and I'm sorted for life.
I think what really got to me was the the ending bit. Oh...My...God...I WEPT LIKE A BABY!! I was like ''ITS SO BEAUTIFUL!!''
My behaviour was sad really:)and I honestly don't think any of you need to see that...
Lorraine Heath, I Love you and will be reading more of your books.
My Libary best have them or there will be hell...XD
The Romance is just...AH! I can't think of the word...Beautiful, explosive, Sweet, gentle, passionate,...Okay, lets just say pure love!
Playlist:
Hinder-better than me
It reminded me of
By Nicolous Sparks, in some aspects. Like the falling in love at a young age in a small town in a southern county in America E.G: Texas. Also the sending of the letters yet never recieving them because of Mother who thinks she knows best and the Passionate getting together again!
But to be honest...this was better.
Did You Enjoy making me cry?
Yours,
Erin.
My first Lorraine Heath book and most diffinitely not my last.
This is a brilliant and hearwrenching novel, that made me wish i was then heroine, Lauren Fairfield ...boy, did she get lucky! Find me a man like Tom and I'm sorted for life.
I think what really got to me was the the ending bit. Oh...My...God...I WEPT LIKE A BABY!! I was like ''ITS SO BEAUTIFUL!!''
My behaviour was sad really:)and I honestly don't think any of you need to see that...
Lorraine Heath, I Love you and will be reading more of your books.
My Libary best have them or there will be hell...XD
The Romance is just...AH! I can't think of the word...Beautiful, explosive, Sweet, gentle, passionate,...Okay, lets just say pure love!
Playlist:
Hinder-better than me
It reminded me of
By Nicolous Sparks, in some aspects. Like the falling in love at a young age in a small town in a southern county in America E.G: Texas. Also the sending of the letters yet never recieving them because of Mother who thinks she knows best and the Passionate getting together again!But to be honest...this was better.
January 21, 2023
Lauren Fairfield y Thomas Warner vivieron una historia de amor cuando eran adolescentes, pero el destino los separó. Ahora Thomas deja Texas y llega a Inglaterra a reclamar su título y allí se reencuentra con Lauren, una mujer sofisticada a la que pedirá ayuda para convertirse en todo un caballero.
Tercera novela de la serie cuyo protagonista masculino conocimos en el primero de los libros. Thomas Warner fue abandonado por su madre en Estados Unidos, evitando a un padre que podría convertirlo en su imagen y semejanza. Todos lo creyeron muerto, pero tras una carta reveladora escrita por su madre, se conoce toda la verdad. Ahora es el nuevo conde de Sachse y debe volver a Inglaterra y reclamar lo que es suyo por derecho. Allí se reencuentra con Lauren Fairfield, un amor de juventud por el que aún tiene sentimientos.
La novela se ambienta en su mayor parte en Londres, aunque también en Texas, alternando entre el pasado y el presente. Nuestros protagonistas viven un amor de juventud, tienen sueños y se hacen promesas, pero el destino hace que se separen y no se vuelvan a encontrar tras diez largos años. Es ahí cuando se desvelan secretos y deben decidir qué es lo que sienten ahora.
De esta manera, iremos poco a poco descubriendo si los sentimientos de ambos continúan intactos o si solo se quedan en el amor... https://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/2...
Tercera novela de la serie cuyo protagonista masculino conocimos en el primero de los libros. Thomas Warner fue abandonado por su madre en Estados Unidos, evitando a un padre que podría convertirlo en su imagen y semejanza. Todos lo creyeron muerto, pero tras una carta reveladora escrita por su madre, se conoce toda la verdad. Ahora es el nuevo conde de Sachse y debe volver a Inglaterra y reclamar lo que es suyo por derecho. Allí se reencuentra con Lauren Fairfield, un amor de juventud por el que aún tiene sentimientos.
La novela se ambienta en su mayor parte en Londres, aunque también en Texas, alternando entre el pasado y el presente. Nuestros protagonistas viven un amor de juventud, tienen sueños y se hacen promesas, pero el destino hace que se separen y no se vuelvan a encontrar tras diez largos años. Es ahí cuando se desvelan secretos y deben decidir qué es lo que sienten ahora.
De esta manera, iremos poco a poco descubriendo si los sentimientos de ambos continúan intactos o si solo se quedan en el amor... https://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/2...
May 20, 2010
I am a big fan of Lorraine Heath, but this left a mediocre impression on me. Here's some reasons why:
1. I just got done reading Again The Magic by Lisa Kleypas. It has an almost identical plot, but it really is just so much better. I felt like I was reading a bad imitation.
2. I LOVE Heath's cowboy's.....but keep them OUT of England and BACK in Texas where they belong. This book took a major plunge for me when Tom show's up in Regency England with a Texas drawl saying "Darl'in"!
3. There are a host of characters (too many to mention) that either appear in this book or play large roles. I felt lost and "out of the loop" a lot of times. I guess with this author it's good to read her books in order. Heath obviously book hops her characters which is AWESOME if you've read the books and FRUSTRATING if you haven't!
4. This book had the whole "big misunderstanding" thing going on. If, and only if, you are Judith McNaught should this be attempted IMHO.
BUT.....
1. This book contains one of the most touching final four paragraphs of any book I've ever read. Classic Heath, I finished this book with tears on my cheeks and a smile on my face! For that reason, I would recommend this book...or maybe I should say....this author!
1. I just got done reading Again The Magic by Lisa Kleypas. It has an almost identical plot, but it really is just so much better. I felt like I was reading a bad imitation.
2. I LOVE Heath's cowboy's.....but keep them OUT of England and BACK in Texas where they belong. This book took a major plunge for me when Tom show's up in Regency England with a Texas drawl saying "Darl'in"!
3. There are a host of characters (too many to mention) that either appear in this book or play large roles. I felt lost and "out of the loop" a lot of times. I guess with this author it's good to read her books in order. Heath obviously book hops her characters which is AWESOME if you've read the books and FRUSTRATING if you haven't!
4. This book had the whole "big misunderstanding" thing going on. If, and only if, you are Judith McNaught should this be attempted IMHO.
BUT.....
1. This book contains one of the most touching final four paragraphs of any book I've ever read. Classic Heath, I finished this book with tears on my cheeks and a smile on my face! For that reason, I would recommend this book...or maybe I should say....this author!
May 16, 2022
Ik heb de Nederlands talige uitgave gelezen : Eeuwige belofte - Candlelight Historische roman 802 .
Net als bij het 1e boek uit deze serie had ik nu ook weer de indruk dat ik veel van de genoemde personen al moest kennen maar helaas .. waarschijnlijk kwamen zij voor in eerdere verhalen van L.H. maar die heb ik niet gelezen .
Voor de rest is het wel een leuk maar niet geweldig van jeugdliefjes naar volwassen liefde verhaal .
Net als bij het 1e boek uit deze serie had ik nu ook weer de indruk dat ik veel van de genoemde personen al moest kennen maar helaas .. waarschijnlijk kwamen zij voor in eerdere verhalen van L.H. maar die heb ik niet gelezen .
Voor de rest is het wel een leuk maar niet geweldig van jeugdliefjes naar volwassen liefde verhaal .
January 22, 2022
It’s a story of love that stand the test of time and distance. I really enjoyed this story and the ending made me cry (happy tears) Read it and be pleasantly surprised ❤️
October 22, 2017
Es sin dudas el más flojo de la serie en cuanto a trama y romance se refiere.
Ambos personajes no me han conseguido llamar la atención hasta bien entrado el final de la historia.
La razón por la cual él regresa a por ella tras 10 años separados me ha parecido muy inverosímil y Lauren en ocasiones me ha parecido una mujer que no sabe lo que quiere.
Eso sí, si le he puesto una estrellita más de lo que pensaba, ha sido por el final, un epílogo precioso y que me ha hecho soltar alguna lagrimilla.
Ambos personajes no me han conseguido llamar la atención hasta bien entrado el final de la historia.
La razón por la cual él regresa a por ella tras 10 años separados me ha parecido muy inverosímil y Lauren en ocasiones me ha parecido una mujer que no sabe lo que quiere.
Eso sí, si le he puesto una estrellita más de lo que pensaba, ha sido por el final, un epílogo precioso y que me ha hecho soltar alguna lagrimilla.
November 18, 2016
*4.5 stars
Lorraine Heath is one of my favourite historical romance writers. I am constantly amazed with her characters and the depth of emotion she puts into them and their journeys. This time wasn't any different.
I confess the childhood sweethearts trope is one dear to my heart, so of course I would love Lauren and Tom's story.
I loved that Tom wasn't that type of man who's afraid of showing his true feelings and pursuing his woman, because that would be 'too pathetic' or making a fool of himself.
And I loved even more that in spite of the misunderstanding between them and all those lost years, he didn't come back with the idea of making Lauren pay for hurting him.
He wanted to know why she had never answered his letters. He needed to confront her and see if she still remembered him, expecting she didn't, while desperately hoping she did.
Lauren was also an awesome heroine. She was brave, clever and loyal. Deep down, she never gave up hope she would have her beloved cowboy again, although she did despair sometimes.
It was beautiful to see how every little thing they did from the moment they met was for the other, even though they might have not realized it at the time.
Truly amazing. I just didn't give the book 5 stars because it frustrated me like hell when they kept saying they didn't know if they loved each other anymore when even blind people could see it.
November 16, 2018
The epilogue was beauuuuuutiful
October 12, 2018
Ternyata anak hilang di Amrik itu adalah Thomas Warner, Earl Sachse berikutnya. Dia adalah bocah nakal yg dulunya mau membuka korset Lauren Fairfield di Fortune, Texas. Sekarang mereka sudah sama-sama dewasa dan kembali bertemu di London.
Thomas aka Tom datang utk mengklaim gelarnya, alih-alih mengunjungi Lauren. Lauren sendiri sudah beken di London sbg kompetitor Lady Blythe dalam menemukan pasangan potensial. Jadi mereka bersaing utk mendapatkan Tom yang tampan, kaya dan sekarang juga bergelar. Selain itu dari awal kisah digadang-gadang bhw Lauren mau pulkam ke Texas, tapi ternyata gak jadi, karena keasyikan berasyik-masyuk dengan Tom. Saya juga kurang mudeng dgn alibi Lauren kenapa dia nggak betah di London dan apa tujuannya di Texas.
Tarik ulur pasangan ini membosankan, hanya seputar bernostalgia sepuluh tahun yg lalu, surat-surat mereka yang tak sampai (yg ternyata "diblok" oleh ibunya Lauren), kompetisi Lauren dan Lady Blythe yg tidak menarik. Saya menunggu momen-momen yg kata teman-teman saya sudah baca, momen mengharukan yg bikin sesenggukan, dan ternyata.......... gak ada!!!!!!!!
Saya merasa seperti dikasih berita hoax ala Ratna Sarumpaet. Yang ada saya berjuang utk melawan kebosanan, karena walaupun yg kali ini gak begitu angst, tetap saja kebanyakan ocehan gak penting. Reuni antara para bangsawan muda di London rasanya gak membantu meningkatkan tensi buku ini, karena mereka bukan sosok-sosok memorable seperti Marcus Westcliff buatan LK. Sayang sekali, sudah sekian banyak yg saya baca dari buku-buku author, cuma segelintir saja yg memorable di ingatan saya.
Thomas aka Tom datang utk mengklaim gelarnya, alih-alih mengunjungi Lauren. Lauren sendiri sudah beken di London sbg kompetitor Lady Blythe dalam menemukan pasangan potensial. Jadi mereka bersaing utk mendapatkan Tom yang tampan, kaya dan sekarang juga bergelar. Selain itu dari awal kisah digadang-gadang bhw Lauren mau pulkam ke Texas, tapi ternyata gak jadi, karena keasyikan berasyik-masyuk dengan Tom. Saya juga kurang mudeng dgn alibi Lauren kenapa dia nggak betah di London dan apa tujuannya di Texas.
Tarik ulur pasangan ini membosankan, hanya seputar bernostalgia sepuluh tahun yg lalu, surat-surat mereka yang tak sampai (yg ternyata "diblok" oleh ibunya Lauren), kompetisi Lauren dan Lady Blythe yg tidak menarik. Saya menunggu momen-momen yg kata teman-teman saya sudah baca, momen mengharukan yg bikin sesenggukan, dan ternyata.......... gak ada!!!!!!!!
Saya merasa seperti dikasih berita hoax ala Ratna Sarumpaet. Yang ada saya berjuang utk melawan kebosanan, karena walaupun yg kali ini gak begitu angst, tetap saja kebanyakan ocehan gak penting. Reuni antara para bangsawan muda di London rasanya gak membantu meningkatkan tensi buku ini, karena mereka bukan sosok-sosok memorable seperti Marcus Westcliff buatan LK. Sayang sekali, sudah sekian banyak yg saya baca dari buku-buku author, cuma segelintir saja yg memorable di ingatan saya.
October 26, 2009
This is the second time I would say that Lorraine Heath's story is magical. This story, Promise me Forever, is as magical as her other stories I have read. So far I'm not yet disappointed.
Promise me Forever is a story about love found too prematurely, lost then found again.
The choice of words might be cheesy or redundant but it can be forgiven nonetheless, because what shines the most if the story between this two people in love.
The end is achingly poignant. It didn't fail to make me smile because the ending pointed that love can go beyond eternity. The title was apt because it told how love between this two lasted--forever.
It is saddening that Heath is underrated when she deserves to have a great place in HR world because she is just a good writer. This isn't the last time I would read from her. I would continue reading the rest of the story she has to share. :)
Promise me Forever is a story about love found too prematurely, lost then found again.
The choice of words might be cheesy or redundant but it can be forgiven nonetheless, because what shines the most if the story between this two people in love.
The end is achingly poignant. It didn't fail to make me smile because the ending pointed that love can go beyond eternity. The title was apt because it told how love between this two lasted--forever.
It is saddening that Heath is underrated when she deserves to have a great place in HR world because she is just a good writer. This isn't the last time I would read from her. I would continue reading the rest of the story she has to share. :)
January 26, 2020
3 Uneven Stars
Lauren Fairfield may appear to be the picture of English nobility and sophistication, but her soul and heart still hungers for untamed Texas and the charming young man she loved and lost - cowboy Tom. When Tom arrives in England, Lauren is startled to realise that he is the lost Earl of Sachse. But even as joy engulfs her so does sadness, Tom's future lies in England within the Ton, whereas she feels that in order to gain happiness she needs to return to Texas.
The attraction and affection between Tom and Lauren was clear, but the two as individuals and couple didn't have me potently entranced. Usually Heath does fab in engaging my emotions, but that didn't happen here until near the end.
Not exactly what I was hoping for, given this is a Lorraine Heath book, and I don't see myself re-reading this, but the last bit of the book did thug a little on the heartstrings.
Lauren Fairfield may appear to be the picture of English nobility and sophistication, but her soul and heart still hungers for untamed Texas and the charming young man she loved and lost - cowboy Tom. When Tom arrives in England, Lauren is startled to realise that he is the lost Earl of Sachse. But even as joy engulfs her so does sadness, Tom's future lies in England within the Ton, whereas she feels that in order to gain happiness she needs to return to Texas.
The attraction and affection between Tom and Lauren was clear, but the two as individuals and couple didn't have me potently entranced. Usually Heath does fab in engaging my emotions, but that didn't happen here until near the end.
Not exactly what I was hoping for, given this is a Lorraine Heath book, and I don't see myself re-reading this, but the last bit of the book did thug a little on the heartstrings.
May 22, 2022
6/5 stars!
I loooved this book. Ms. Heath writes amazing second-chance romance/childhood friends to grownup lovers. I read this book in one go. Just a phenomenal romance. And, oh, the romance on page. And the pining. And the swooning. You don’t have to read the first two of this series, in order to read this one. They are great, but this was phenomenal.
Notes: this book was pubbed originally in 2006
I loooved this book. Ms. Heath writes amazing second-chance romance/childhood friends to grownup lovers. I read this book in one go. Just a phenomenal romance. And, oh, the romance on page. And the pining. And the swooning. You don’t have to read the first two of this series, in order to read this one. They are great, but this was phenomenal.
Notes: this book was pubbed originally in 2006
January 30, 2018
Buen libro, muy del estilo de Lorraine Heath. Diálogos cuidados y personajes con personalidades creíbles, cada uno con sus errores y aciertos. La historia suena interesante y sin embargo no terminó de engancharme nunca. Es un linda historia pero nada más. O será que siempre tengo altas expectativas con esta autora? en fin, tres estrellas porque es Lorraine Heath.
September 9, 2022
1) that epilogue took me out
2) that cover is so camp I’m obsessed
2) that cover is so camp I’m obsessed
September 6, 2024
Amazing book. I love these characters.
April 8, 2024
4 stars. Beautiful second chance story.
March 4, 2017
Good story. I wouldn't mind a Tom of my own who clearly loves me with all of that devotion. I expected this to involve a lot of miscommunication regarding the initial separation of the H/h or about their intentions or about whether they love each other or not and it refreshingly wasn't. Thankfully, I didn't mind that these two pretty much had their feelings from the get go but took forever to understand how it could work for them. Both characters are pretty likeable, although Lauren who thus far has been presented as one who follows the rules pretty well, basically throws them all out the window here.
Rather than #3 of the Lost Lords series, this seems like book #5 of the Daughters of Fortune series. It's all a very complicated series of books...especially since A Matter of Temptation which is book #2 of the Lost Lords series takes place 20 years before An Invitation to Seduction which is book #4 of the Daughters of Fortune series (which takes place in the same time period as this book). Talk about confusing.
Rather than #3 of the Lost Lords series, this seems like book #5 of the Daughters of Fortune series. It's all a very complicated series of books...especially since A Matter of Temptation which is book #2 of the Lost Lords series takes place 20 years before An Invitation to Seduction which is book #4 of the Daughters of Fortune series (which takes place in the same time period as this book). Talk about confusing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2015
I suspect this book was the final, tie-it-all-together novel in a series. I'm not sure how many previous characters appear--but it seems like Lauren's mother, her cousin, her friend were all previous heroines. Their characters are written in that loving way of indulging long-time readers by 'checking in' on how happy their marriages are. This is to say, while it's the last in this series 'Lost Lords,' it appears to pull from many series.
Unfortunately, the story surrounding all these checking ins is not much. Lauren and Tom have almost no obstacles. Everyone keeps asking Lauren why she wants to go back to Texas now that Tom has come to her. She has no real reason. Just general wondering if they know each other enough to fall in love. Because having her run back to Texas when he just got to England is the perfect way to get to know each other again. (humph). This story doesn't even have much 'fall in love' part. They are already pretty much there and there's very few flashbacks to their teens to explain it. So, with no obstacles, little fall in love, the story seems thin.
Unfortunately, the story surrounding all these checking ins is not much. Lauren and Tom have almost no obstacles. Everyone keeps asking Lauren why she wants to go back to Texas now that Tom has come to her. She has no real reason. Just general wondering if they know each other enough to fall in love. Because having her run back to Texas when he just got to England is the perfect way to get to know each other again. (humph). This story doesn't even have much 'fall in love' part. They are already pretty much there and there's very few flashbacks to their teens to explain it. So, with no obstacles, little fall in love, the story seems thin.
July 15, 2021
My Heart Almost Stopped Beating
The epilogue of this story just melted my heart. This book took me on a journey and I was glad I decided to read it.
Second chance romance is tricky to write because of the development and how the past is integrated into the character’s present and future. Lorraine Heath did it splendidly. The hero and heroine fell in love as young teenagers (16 and 14). They met again as adults (mid twenties). The heroine’s mother kept them from communicating and corresponding all those years. But both characters were able to connect again and explore the what might have been in their relationship. I enjoyed reading their sweet moments where they share an experience related to their past as a young couple. I enjoyed how this love just got stronger. This is a book to read for when you want to believe in hope and love.
The epilogue of this story just melted my heart. This book took me on a journey and I was glad I decided to read it.
Second chance romance is tricky to write because of the development and how the past is integrated into the character’s present and future. Lorraine Heath did it splendidly. The hero and heroine fell in love as young teenagers (16 and 14). They met again as adults (mid twenties). The heroine’s mother kept them from communicating and corresponding all those years. But both characters were able to connect again and explore the what might have been in their relationship. I enjoyed reading their sweet moments where they share an experience related to their past as a young couple. I enjoyed how this love just got stronger. This is a book to read for when you want to believe in hope and love.
February 19, 2009
Not a bad romance, but I'm a little tempted to knock it down a star purely due to the way the author ended the epilogue. I don't want to know how the hero and heroine die, thank you very much. I don't want to know how many years they ended up having together or who died first and I absolutely don't want to know where they were buried or what was written on the bloody tombstone. Way to ruin the happy-ending high....
January 7, 2015
En mi opinión, no es lo mejor que he leído de esta autora aunque tiene escenas muy logradas. El protagonista masculino es creíble, entrañable y tiene cierta originalidad dentro de los protagonistas de las novelas de regencia, pero el personaje femenino acaba resultando anodino. Si no has leído nada de Lorraine Heath, recomiendo empezar por otra de sus novelas.
January 4, 2014
No me gustó... una historia bastante sosa con unos protagonistas poco coherentes con la época... eso no me importa, siempre y cuando no sea algo "normal y natural"
September 9, 2016
I hate when the ending showed how they die. Aside from that, it was a lovely story.
December 10, 2016
3.5 stars. There were just too many similarities from the other books, but definitely have a soft spot for dear Tom! :)
March 3, 2023
Good until the really depressing epilogue. I'll assume they stayed together until they died. No need to spell it out.
October 23, 2021
Heroine: Miss Lauren Fairfield, 24. Stepdaughter of the Earl of Ravenleigh. An American living in England, having left Texas as a teenager when her mother married Ravenleigh.
Hero: Thomas Warner, about 26. Nickname: Tom. Earl of Sachse (pronounced Saxee). Had been living in America since he was a child, not knowing he was heir to an earldom. His mother hid him there to keep him safe from an evil and abusive father (who believed his son had died). When the family he was living with died, he became an orphan and lived in poverty until he was 16.
Date: 1880 (with flashbacks to 1870; epilogue = 1889)
How they meet: They met off page in Texas as children and were childhood sweethearts. They meet again in the book when Tom comes to England after learning he is the Earl of Sachse.
What happens: Tom is eager to reconnect with Lauren even though his letters went unanswered for 10 years. Lauren had written to him as well, but unfortunately her mother had intercepted the letters in both directions. They still have an interest in one another, although Lauren has already decided that England is not for her and that she wishes to return to Texas. They make a deal: Lauren will help Tom learn the ways of the aristocracy and guide him through his first season after which he will pay Lauren’s way back to Texas. Their old feeling return and grow, leading Lauren to wonder where her home truly is.
Verdict: I just didn’t connect with this book or the characters and had a number of issues with how the story unfolded. Overall, it just didn’t flow well and wasn’t up to the quality of the other works I’ve read by this author. Lauren didn’t seem to know her own mind and Tom was annoying with all the constant darlin’-ing. There was a lack of direct communication between them about their feelings, even after their affair began. I also didn’t see much (any?) personal growth in the characters.
Steam-level: Several intimate scenes, but they were pretty bland. Only mildly explicit.
Rating: 2 stars
Hero: Thomas Warner, about 26. Nickname: Tom. Earl of Sachse (pronounced Saxee). Had been living in America since he was a child, not knowing he was heir to an earldom. His mother hid him there to keep him safe from an evil and abusive father (who believed his son had died). When the family he was living with died, he became an orphan and lived in poverty until he was 16.
Date: 1880 (with flashbacks to 1870; epilogue = 1889)
How they meet: They met off page in Texas as children and were childhood sweethearts. They meet again in the book when Tom comes to England after learning he is the Earl of Sachse.
What happens: Tom is eager to reconnect with Lauren even though his letters went unanswered for 10 years. Lauren had written to him as well, but unfortunately her mother had intercepted the letters in both directions. They still have an interest in one another, although Lauren has already decided that England is not for her and that she wishes to return to Texas. They make a deal: Lauren will help Tom learn the ways of the aristocracy and guide him through his first season after which he will pay Lauren’s way back to Texas. Their old feeling return and grow, leading Lauren to wonder where her home truly is.
Verdict: I just didn’t connect with this book or the characters and had a number of issues with how the story unfolded. Overall, it just didn’t flow well and wasn’t up to the quality of the other works I’ve read by this author. Lauren didn’t seem to know her own mind and Tom was annoying with all the constant darlin’-ing. There was a lack of direct communication between them about their feelings, even after their affair began. I also didn’t see much (any?) personal growth in the characters.
Steam-level: Several intimate scenes, but they were pretty bland. Only mildly explicit.
Rating: 2 stars
November 24, 2024
Promise Me Forever was so unexpected. I had no idea going in that this book would end up taking my breath away. If you love the epilogue to The Duchess Hunt from Lorraine's Once Upon a Dukedom series, you must read this book.
When Lauren Fairfield was 14 years old, her mother accepted a proposal from an English lord and she was forced to leave behind her idyllic, country life in Fortune, Texas. Lauren has a hard time fitting in when she gets to London and dreams of returning to Texas, not only for the simpler life but to find the boy she fell in love with as a girl. Thomas Warner was an orphan who escaped a terrible situation to become a rancher in Fortune. After Lauren left, he spent 10 years building a life that was worthy of her. But one day an investigator comes to town to tell him he is the lost Earl of Sachse and needs to come to England to claim his title and estates. He does and his first stop is to see Lauren.
I loved every single second of this book. Like the other pre-2008 Lorraine Heath books I have read, this is a character-drive, slow paced book that really focused on the quality of the character interactions. The chapters in this book are longer than they usually are in a Lorraine Heath novel and she gives the characters intense, long scenes together. She also leverages close third person POV and switches, mid-scene with no break, which was the first time I've seen that in her writing. It made this book feel very intimate.
Act 3 was classic Lorraine– it's where she let the plot come out to play– and Tom's reaction to the event was everything I wanted and more. And that epilogue! Just wait for the last line of the epilogue. You will lose it.
Just a note, you should read book 1 of this series, As An Earl Desires, before reading this book to truly get the full story. You can skip book 2.
This was a top read of 2024 for me. Above 5 stars.
When Lauren Fairfield was 14 years old, her mother accepted a proposal from an English lord and she was forced to leave behind her idyllic, country life in Fortune, Texas. Lauren has a hard time fitting in when she gets to London and dreams of returning to Texas, not only for the simpler life but to find the boy she fell in love with as a girl. Thomas Warner was an orphan who escaped a terrible situation to become a rancher in Fortune. After Lauren left, he spent 10 years building a life that was worthy of her. But one day an investigator comes to town to tell him he is the lost Earl of Sachse and needs to come to England to claim his title and estates. He does and his first stop is to see Lauren.
I loved every single second of this book. Like the other pre-2008 Lorraine Heath books I have read, this is a character-drive, slow paced book that really focused on the quality of the character interactions. The chapters in this book are longer than they usually are in a Lorraine Heath novel and she gives the characters intense, long scenes together. She also leverages close third person POV and switches, mid-scene with no break, which was the first time I've seen that in her writing. It made this book feel very intimate.
Act 3 was classic Lorraine– it's where she let the plot come out to play– and Tom's reaction to the event was everything I wanted and more. And that epilogue! Just wait for the last line of the epilogue. You will lose it.
Just a note, you should read book 1 of this series, As An Earl Desires, before reading this book to truly get the full story. You can skip book 2.
This was a top read of 2024 for me. Above 5 stars.
February 25, 2020
I always enjoy a story where the hero and heroine are in love with each other from the start and there’s no denying feelings for so much of the book. Tom and Lauren met as young teenagers and spent a summer (they don’t really confirm exact timing, but it feels about a few months long) falling in love. Tom is an orphan who has had a rough childhood but is now learning to work on a ranch; Lauren is a young girl who isn’t exactly wealthy, but is doing okay and lives in the same small Texas town. Lauren’s mother marries a wealthy English nobility who is visiting Texas and takes the entire family back to London. Lauren, her mom, and her sisters, then work really hard to lose their more rough Texas roots and fit in with the English nobility - all the while Lauren is waiting for her Tom to come and take her back to Texas like he promised. Ten years later, Lauren has adapted to become the picture perfect daughter of British nobility, but she still hates all the strict rules and longs to return to Texas. She’s in denial about exactly why she wants to return to Texas, as she didn’t hear from Tom as promised and he still hasn’t come to her, so she claims she’s over him and wants to return to Texas for the more relaxed lifestyle. Then, suddenly the talk of the town is a lost Earl of Sachse, who was found in Texas and has returned to London to claim his rightful heritage. Surprise (not), Sachse is actually Tom and he’s now coming back for Lauren as he never forgot her after all these years. It’s sweet to see them reconnect and figure out if they love the adults they’ve both become. Lauren also has to make the decision if she loves Tom enough to continue in the nobility lifestyle that he now must lead - or if she hates the restrictions so much that she wants to move back to a Texas without him (a decision, I felt took a bit too long for her to come to her senses about bc, obviously, what she loved and missed about Texas was Tom). Overall, it was a great story that I didn’t want to put down. A very satisfying and sweet love story with two good people I rooted for all the way.
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