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 ( )

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 ( )