Promised by Leah Garriott

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 condition 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 type of 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.

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I was so reluctant to end this book.  I really enjoyed every single moment in it and I wanted more of Margaret and Lord Williams.  I love when that happens.

This story is gentle and doesn't hold many climactic moments but wow, it sure did hold my attention.  I was interested from the very first dinner scene because Margaret has such a determination to marry someone that cannot hurt her and that she has no real affection for even at her brother's  obvious disapproval.  Getting to know Margaret was a treat even though at times I wanted to shake some sense into her.

The beginning third of the book had a distinctly Pride & Prejudice feel to it as Margaret and Lord Williams have a bit of a battle of the wills and some heavy judging.  (mostly Margaret).  But then, Lord Williams is there and at every turn he is proving himself to be the most gallant of men.  I really adored him- his tenacity, his hope and his patience.

I enjoyed this book from start to finish.  It was just lovely.  Oh!  And I love the cover too.

Content:  kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.