Promised

Proper Romance Regency, Book 1

By: Leah Garriott

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

Length: 9 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Margaret Brinton keeps her promises, and the one she is most determined to keep is the promise to protect her heart.

Warwishire, England, 1810

Fooled by love once before, Margaret vows never to be played the fool again. To keep her vow, she attends a notorious matchmaking party intent on securing the perfect marital match: a union of convenience to someone who could never affect her heart. She discovers a man who exceeds all her hopes in the handsome and obliging rake, Mr. Northam.

There’s only one problem: his meddling cousin, Lord Williams, won’t leave Margaret alone. Condescending and high-handed, Lord Williams lectures and insults her. When she refuses to give heed to his counsel, he single-handedly ruins Margaret’s chances for making a good match - to his cousin or anyone else. With no reason to remain at the party, Margaret returns home to discover her father has promised her hand in marriage - to Lord Williams.

Under no conditions will Margaret consent to marrying such an odious man. Yet as Lord Williams inserts himself into her everyday life, interrupting her family games and following her on morning walks, winning the good opinion of her siblings and proving himself intelligent and even kind, Margaret is forced to realize that Lord Williams is exactly the man she’d hoped to marry before she’d learned how much love hurt. When paths diverge and her time with Lord Williams ends, Margaret is faced with her ultimate choice: keep the promises that protect her or break free of them for one more chance at love. Either way, she fears her heart will lose.

©2020 Leah Garriott (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing

A Roller Coaster

The first half of the book is enjoyable and even humorous at times. It takes a hard turn into tedious about halfway through with all of Margaret’s indecision and moping. Getting through those chapters was exhausting. Then the story rallies and picks up interest once more and manages an adequately satisfying ending. Throughout the entire book, Margaret is self-centered and immature but still moderately likable. Her brother is an inconsiderate jackass whom I did not find funny at all (although I believe he was meant to be). Gregory — Lord Williams — is stiff but charming. Not my favorite hero but not the worst.

I would recommend this book if it’s ever free but I wouldn’t suggest spending money on it.

Nice story, but not my favorite

The story was well written and the narration was enjoyable. My only complaint is I didn’t get why Edward wanted to be with Margaret. She was bitter and didn’t have a positive interaction with him until more that half-way through the book. I understand that Margaret had been hurt, but she seemed to take her desire to protect herself to an extreme.

I enjoyed parts, but not sure if this is a story that I will reread.

Cute but annoying at times

I liked the hero. The heroine however was nonsensical her reasoning was really not sound. I understand being hurt and protecting the heart but not to the degrees that she went. I always finish a book and that was why I saw it through. The narrator did a great job.

Love this book!

I love this book!
Only downside was how the reader did the men's voices. it made them sound kinda dumb and bumbling.

Excellent!

Jane Austen would be proud. Wonderful proper romance story and impeccable narration. I loved it!

Great narration and wonderful story

Great narration and wonderful story! Similar to pride and prejudice but different enough to be enjoyable, for sure.

I almost didn’t read, so glad I did!

I don’t know how this book got any bad reviews. It was sweet and clean! She had a broken heart to protect and a hope of love she wouldn’t allow herself. And a man willing to see it and give it time regardless of pushback. It wasn’t long winded but just right in the history of their relationships with other. I loved it! Hope to see more from this author!

Redemption for the cousin in a future book?
Maybe a love story for Alice one day?

Great Book!

This was a very enjoyable book to listen to! I am surprised that this is a debut novel for this author! I loved her writing style/voice. I thought the characters were enjoyable and this book reminded me a bit of Pride and Prejudice. Margaret made me laugh and I loved her interactions with Gregory and also her relationship with her brother. I am excited for another book by Garriott! Highly recommend for fans of regency romances. (4.5)

Delightful!

My first five star read of 2023! I laughed out loud, I cried, I swooned! I am eagerly anticipating what’s to come from this author! And you can’t go wrong with Justine Eyre narrating!

Loved this!

I really enjoyed this book by Leah Garriott. The premise hooked me from the very beginning and even though the heroine was a little (actually a lot) stubborn, I liked seeing her growth and change of heart. There were a lot of twists and turns that kept the story interesting.