Sara Portman

First of all: the cover of this book is beautiful. Just beautiful.

The story is quite interesting and fresh: a duke with a secret sister who needs grooming, and a convenient wife to do just that. Unfortunately, the execution is lacking. Pacing is slow, characters are simple and all the secrets are too easily revealed and solved. Writing is solid, but there's a little bit too much of it.

I'll continue the series because this one wasn't a bad read and the other two book also have gorgeous covers...… (mehr)

The Chase by Sara Portman
Brides of Beadwell #3

A man traveling in a coach to London at the bequest of his father…
A woman traveling to London evading what she left behind and in need of a ride…
A hound named Gelert along for the ride…

When Juliana Crawford requests the assistance of Michael Rosevear he knows she has not been fully forthcoming when making her request but for some reason he takes her into the coach he is traveling in and thus begins a journey that will change both of their lives. As the trip begins conversation is limited since both have secrets to hold tight. As they travel there are setbacks and delays that must be dealt with. With each mile closer to London the more aware of one another they become and slowly more and more admiration is found by each for the other. The facts that are revealed shed new light on past beliefs both have held and the future they thought lay ahead just might actually prove to be better than either had thought it could be.

I enjoyed this story. I found the childhoods of both Juliana and Michael to have been difficult and their parents wanting so was happy that they found one another and were able to eventually find their way to a HEA that would provide so much more for them both. I have read all three books in the series and look forward to reading what this author decides to write next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books-Lyrical Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars… (mehr)

Chance and circumstance!

'A wooden spoon for courage'. An uncommon choice. But then Juliana Crawford is not by any stretch of the imagination ordinary. Juliana is running from a desperate situation. She is running to a possible future. Stranded at an inn, in a highly unorthodox move, she approaches an elderly gentleman to request a place in his coach.
Michael Roseyear (illegitimate son of an earl) is in pain from being confined to a carriage. His leg is hurting and he's bored. He needs distraction and it seems the wan, poorly clothed young woman seeking assistance will provide that. He and his wolfhound Gelert make room for their unusual guest.
Of course their journey is eventful, unavoidably delayed and downright dangerous. After all the drama they encounter their relationship might develop somewhat beyond the bounds of propriety, but their ways will part whether by choice, design, sacrifice or happenstance. To choose or not to choose, that is the question!
The idea of choice permeates the story, both lead characters discuss it. Choosing to make your own destiny, to be at the mercy of others, and how to change that.
A romance with a difference that I found very enjoyable.

A NetGalley ARC… (mehr)

The Offer by Sara Portman
The Brides of Beadwell #2

Can you remember your first kiss? I bet it was not given to you by a stranger but what if it had been and the memory of it lingered in your mind? Well, such was the case for Lucy Betancourt, friend of a duchess and Bex Brantwood, giver of that first kiss. The two thoroughly enjoyed that kiss but both realized nothing could come of it because Lucy was headed from her father’s vicarage to a position of service and Bex was in grave debt with few options out of his dilemma. So…a kiss is just a kiss…or so the song says…but…not always.

As Lucy and Bex spend time together they find they are compatible and friendship develops. They speak openly and enjoy the company of one another. They work separately toward achieving their individual goals. And yet…I could feel them both wanting more but not knowing how to go about getting it. I kept wondering just how the author would manage a HEA for this couple without title or money so kept reading and wondering and hoping…just as no doubt did the hero and heroine of the story. I won’t say more about the how but will say it was a well-crafted story unlike most historical romances I read. I liked Lucy and Bex and was delighted with the way this book ended. I see there is a book three and am eager to read it…soon…I can honestly recommend both books in this series and hope you will read and enjoy them, too.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books-Lyrical Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4.5 Stars… (mehr)