A Reckless Promise

The Little Season, Book #3

By Kasey Michaels

IBSN: 9780373779727

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Una

Synopsis:

London’s Little Season has never been so scandalous

It’s the kind of vow often made on the battlefield. Darby Travers, Viscount Nailbourne, never imagines he’ll have to honor it. Yet here she is on his doorstep—his late comrade’s young daughter, and Darby’s new ward. Worse, she comes with the most overprotective, mistrustful, bothersome chaperone—the child’s aunt, Sadie Grace Boxer. Darby is quite sure that behind her lovely facade, the woman is guarding a secret.

Sadie Grace faced many trials working in her brother’s surgery, but none prepared her for the world she’s thrust into with his passing. Navigating the ton, with its endless ball gowns and parade of parties, is difficult enough, but hiding the truth about her niece while the sophisticated viscount watches her every move proves nearly impossible—particularly when his searing gaze tempts her to bare all. But when her family’s past catches up with her, she’ll have to trust in Darby…no matter the cost to her heart.

Review:

Wartime promises come to fruition as Darby awaits the arrival of his friend’s orphaned daughter. What he didn’t expect was her to be accompanied by a very young and beautiful Aunt who is overprotective of her charge and very mistrustful of his intentions.  From the moment he meets Sadie Grace he knows she is hiding secrets and he has to wonder how long it will be before she reveals them.  Although Darby suggests a marriage of convenience for the sake of the child he wonders what he has gotten into.

Sadie Grace arrives under a pseudo married last name to protect her niece and herself from harm when travelling. Viscount Nailbourne and his life are completely different than that she has known and her married status becomes unraveled in only a few days.  Although she knows her niece will be safe with Darby and his household she becomes concerned for her own well-being knowing the secrets she harbors. Can she trust Darby to look after both of them?  

Their troubled pasts draw them together but can their love survive the secrets both hold?

A fast moving story with well-developed characters kept me turning pages. The setting drew me into the society of the time. I felt as I was reading that I could easily be part of the story and as a result I didn’t put it down until I was finished.  A truly delightful read!