Promised

Deception runs rampant in Garriott’s promising Regency-set debut. Heartbreak leaves Margaret Britton determined to marry for convenience, unwilling to put her feelings on the line. When she meets known rake Fredrick Northam, she believes he’d make the perfect husband, as he is too roguish to inspire real feelings. Fredrick’s cousin, Lord Gregory Williams, is immediately drawn to Margaret’s fiery spirit, and he refuses to stand by and let his cousin ruin her, which he is sure would be the outcome of their match. The best way he can think to keep the pair apart is to marry Margaret himself. When Margaret’s father agrees to their union, Margaret is furious. Gregory works to win her over, but as Margaret’s defenses finally start to fall, a secret threatens the passion she was just rediscovering. Margaret and Gregory are well-matched in their stubbornness, but the swift changes in their relationship are jarring and unbelievable. There’s plenty of chemistry between them, but the love story feels unnaturally rushed. Still, the vivid period details and the hero’s grand romantic efforts will please fans of historical romance. (Feb.)