Promised

October 21, 2019
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.

February 1, 2020

DEBUT Miss Margaret Brinton has been duped once by love, and she won't allow it to happen again. The only sure way to protect her heart is to marry a man she cannot love. When she meets the handsome Mr. Northam at a house party, she immediately sets her sights on him, knowing that the rakish man is exactly as he seems. The charming Northam is nothing like his rude cousin, Lord Williams. Brooding and inscrutable, Williams is against the idea of Margaret marrying Northam, arguing that the match will end in heartbreak. Angry with Lord Williams for interfering with her plans, Margaret returns home only to find that her father has arranged an engagement for her--with Lord Williams. Margaret is certain Williams only wants to stop her from marrying his cousin and does not actually care for her. Fans of Pride & Prejudice will feel a sense of familiarity as the two rival suitors duke it out for Margaret's affections. VERDICT Debut author Garriott's smooth prose and character-driven story will enthrall readers looking for sweet historicals with Austen-esque plots.--Kathryn Howe, Saint John Free P.L., NB

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2020
After discovering that her fianc� was secretly sharing his romantic favors with a number of other ladies, Margaret Brinton decides it is time to abandon her idealistic philosophy of love in favor of a more pragmatic approach to matrimony. Upon being introduced to Fredrick Northam at a matchmaking party, Margaret believes she may have found exactly the right husband-to-be. Since Margaret knows precisely what she would be getting spousewise from the rakish Mr. Northam, a marriage of convenience would suit them both to a T. If only Fredrick's annoying cousin Lord Gregory Williams wasn't constantly trying to tell Margaret what she should do with her life and confusing her by being exactly the kind of man one could easily fall in love with. Garriott's impressive debut distinguishes itself with its expertly evoked Regency setting, a cast of realistically flawed yet eminently relatable characters, and a sweetly satisfying love story.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)