Promised

Proper Romance Regency, Book 1

By: Leah Garriott

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

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

loved this story!

this book made me laugh and cry. I enjoyed every minute. the narrator was wonderful as well. highly recommend if you like sweet, clean romances.

I loved this book!

Margaret Brinton will not open her heart to be hurt again. She will marry someone for whom she does not care. That is the only way she will keep her heart safe from the pain of love.

Promises is an Austenesque, sigh-worthy love story with a dashing hero. Garriott flawlessly pens Margaret Brinton in first person POV, exposing her inner turmoil over her past hurt and present predicament. She over analyzes to a fault, but she must talk herself out of the feelings she must deny.

I also enjoyed the audiobook. Justine Eyre is one of my favorite narrators. She never disappoints. Her portrayal of these characters proves to capture the story and bring it to life.

This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language.

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.

Great narrator and a romantic story.

Firstly, I want to praise the wonderful narrator: Justine Eyre!
Her pacing & voice were perfect; and her assortment of accents and voice inflections are the best I’ve heard of the many books on tape I have listened to!

Now to the story. I was at first confused by the thoughts and dialogue of the lead character, Margaret. Her reactions seemed bewildering and overly emotional. Her responses to the two gentleman she meets in the story seem nonsensical and confusing.

However, as the story progresses, some of her reactions and decisions are better explained.
As the plot of the story begins to take shape I enjoyed the book more and more.
As the romance heats up, the author, Leah Garriott shows her greatest strength in expressing emotion the passion of love!
The Story has some very romantic moments!

Overall I gave the book 4 stars because of the romantic, emotional dialogue, and the fantastic narrator!
I will definitely try another one of Miss Garriot’s books!

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!

How horrible the reading!

I hated the reading. The woman’s voice trying to do the man’s voice was terrible. The story line was good.

Teasingly Fantastic

Leah Garriott showcases a remarkable flair for storytelling and a deep understanding of the Regency period. If you appreciate exquisitely crafted, heartwarming romance, I highly recommend delving into her work. And that kiss 😘 🤭🫠

Loved it!

it was a very good read and was very fun to listen to. I loved it!

Terrific story!!

I couldn’t stop listening! Great story with many surprises. Write more,more,more, more please!!