Broken Promise

The Brotherhood #2

by Laura Landon

Victorian Romance
Captain Austin Landwell lives with nightmares that torture him every day. So, when he’s given the chance to redeem himself and make the family he destroyed whole again, nothing will stand in his way except...his love for a woman who has the power to breathe life back into a heart he thought was dead.

Sarah Bentley is determined to honor the promise she made her dying mistress--to protect her babe from a man who wants the child dead. But when Captain Landwell discovers her hideaway, her loyalty now becomes strangely divided between the child entrusted to her and the man who has captured her heart. She must make a tortured decision that not only might put the child in danger, but threatens to destroy her heart as well.

All that stands between eternal love and two broken hearts is one broken promise.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Ebooks, Historical Fiction

358 pages, Paperback

First published October 12, 2011

About the author

Laura Landon taught high school for ten years before leaving the classroom to open her own ice-cream shop. As much as she loved serving up sundaes and malts from behind the counter, she closed up shop after penning her first novel. Now she spends nearly every waking minute writing, guiding her heroes and heroines to find their happily ever afters.

She is the author of more than a dozen historical novels, including SILENT REVENGE, INTIMATE DECEPTION, and her newest Montlake Romance release, INTIMATE SURRENDER.

Her books are enjoyed by readers around the world and you can find out more about her by visiting her website at www.lauralandon.com

Reviews

[Jacqueline J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the first half of this book better than the last half. I enjoyed the thing that caused the hero to feel he owed the Earl to find his son's wife. It caused a quite believable feeling of something owed. I liked the hero's job and his determination. I liked the way he stuck to his guns and stuck to the heroine, and the way he took care of her. I liked the intensity of the way the heroine cared about the boy. At least at first, but later when she knew he had a true home and family to go to, I think she held on too long. And I'm a person who becomes frantic at the thought of separating mothers from their children

But there were some problems:
The hero should have figured out who the heroine was much much sooner. Even when he knew she wasn't who she claimed to be, he didn't make the incredibly obvious intuitive leap.

There was too much repetitive introspection.

The thing that kept them apart became less believable as the story neared the end.

The rationale behind the plot at the end to reveal the bad guy didn't really make sense. If you were determined to kill a baby for it's inheritance, granted killing him before anyone knew about him would have been fine. But when you've failed at that, the smart villain would not have tried to kill him on the evening of the announcement of his existence. In the 19th century, there were many many ways that a child could come to grief. Wait a couple of years or even a couple of months to attempt something that looked like an accident or Act of God, instead of sneaking upstairs and and trying to stab him with the house full of your relatives. Way to point the finger at yourself dude. And the other brother sneaking in to visit the baby as a red herring was just not real believable.

So all in all a fairly decent book with some high points and some not so high points.

[P. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't finish this book. In fact I didn't get very far. I just couldn't get around the fact that Landon had the French torturing their British allies during the Crimean war. FYI and according to Wiki: The Crimean War (October 1853 – February 1856) was a conflict in which Russia lost to an alliance of France, Britain, the Ottoman Empire, and Sardinia. One must hazard that wars are rarely won when allies take to torturing each other.

[Alexa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Have you ever read a book that screamed girly writer??? That kept buzzing you with so many sugary descriptions of feelings and thoughts that you just feel the need to shout to the heroine "Get on with it already!" ?
That's how I felt while struggling to finish "Broken Promise". Because I do have the trait of being an obsessive-compulsive reader and need to finish each book I start. I just can't give it up even though it might turn my eyes into a yo-yo from the eye-rolling...

I got "Broken Promise" as a freebie from amazon, and having read all the great 5-star posted reviews, I was under the impression I 'd made a good deal. A really good deal. Weeeeeell, not so swell as I thought.

Up to 85% through the book I was relentlessly yawning from the constant repeats between the characters' thoughts and feelings. This novel was supposed to have a little suspense. Or at least, that's what the excerpt said.
Then why was I constantly presented to Sara's internal inane battles of her Jonathan-related emotions? (Which by the way, I got tired being told of by the author, instead of being showed to). And how about the extra-terrestrial intuition Austin showed when Sara's lack of breathing/unsteadiness/waterworks occurred and was there by her side every single time? Again, and again, and again. It is, a historical romance, not a paranormal novel with mind-readers, right? Or maybe I am mistaken... The couple was just otherworldly to me in their 19th-century regency manners and their between a maid and a member of the peer reactions, as the author wanted them to be...

The story could have missed 100 pages of she felt that and he felt this and be in a much better shape than the unedited jungle of dragging scenes, repetitive facts and big "revelations" of secrets -although after the 5th time, "revelations" that had been presented the exact same way as the previous 4 times, were just old news.

Even though "Broken -not one, but many- Promises" caught a better pace by the time it reached its resolution, literally, this novel had nothing new, nothing fresh and nothing intriguing to add to the historical romance genre. In the end, all I felt about it, was what a waste of my time...

[Pamela(AllHoney) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a kindle freebie. The second in The Brotherhood Series by Laura Landon. This one started off nicely with lots of potential but sadly slowed down for me.

Captain Austin Landwell has been tasked to find the Earl of Penderly's daughter-in-law. Instead, he finds Sarah Bentley, who he believes to be the daughter-in-law, and the Earl's grandson. But Sarah is not making his task easy and escapes.

It was a decent read and not bad at all but the second half just slowed down and wasn't keeping my interest like the first half did. Still I would recommend it to readers of light historical romances.

[Sarah Peralta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I thought it was better than the first book in the brotherhood trilogy. Great author. Her books are right up my alley. Regency romance with suspense. What more could a girl want?

[Gilgamesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of this book was an intriguing read....the second half became a little too silly for me. I still enjoyed reading the book.

[Betty · Rating 3 out of 5]

It spent many pages going over and over the same thing. Her feelings of obligation to the dead actress. His feelings of obligation to the dead soldier. His sister-in-law spotted the fake identity right off. He was a spy and couldn’t tell that something was off? Did he not get a description of the actress to go by? He found her by asking about a woman with a baby? Then there were pages of tell him who you really are. And in those days there was no way a maid would be accepted as the wife of a member of nobility. Not even a second son. And then the climax? The red herring of the nephew who had the most to lose by the new heir being found coming into the nursery to look at the baby that had already been introduced to the whole family. Please. And the logic from the actual murderer that his brother would inherit and then he’d be set for life because his brother would take care of him? Most second sons knew they had to make their own way. There’s never enough money for the family of the heir and his family plus younger siblings to live in style.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sigh. Is it just me? Am I tired of books right now? Impatient? Uninterested?

Maybe.

This book just bored me. I slogged through until about half way and then just skipped forward and read the last few chapters. Snorfle snorfle.

Second time this authors work has left me cold.

[Shirley kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honor and devotion

Really enjoyable reading; I find myself wishing there was another book in this serious, I.e. Harrison. I will follow this author to see how she develops future plots.

[Michele D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart warming story

I never retell a story in my reviews. I just tell that the stories are well worth reading. The characters are wonderful and the stories are well written and I thoroughly like enjoy reading Laura London’s books.

[Tom Prejsner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance

Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you

[Melanie Atchley Robb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exceptional

This was a great story. I liked the characters. It's well written. I'm impressed with all the elements of this book.

[Roberta Copper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good simple book

This was a good romance novel. Very similar to the first book. I read it in a few hours. Enjoyable to pass the time since we are in lockdown.

[Carol Bowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did expect quite so interesting a read

Wonderful book. This book held my interest from beginning to end . It was a love story and mystery that was impossible to put down.

[m.robbins · Rating 3 out of 5]

By MR

I didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would....the first half was ok then it got boring

[merilie Gonzales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Promise

Another great book by a talented author. I buy any book with her name on it. She knows how to write historical romance without being explicit.

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally could not put this book down.

From the offset we see Captain Austin Landwell being held as a prisoner of war and see the nightmares that torture him throughout the book. He is asked to track someone down and discovers much more than he expected.

I loved the first scenes with Landwell and Sarah - the sparks between them were brilliantly described and from there I knew this book was going to be a ‘read in one sitting’.

The emotions in the book were so well written and so vivid - I could almost feel them myself, I really felt that I bonded with Landwell and Sarah. Both of them were unwilling to admit their feelings.

Landwell was so focused on trying to right the wrong that he had done and Sarah so innocent, yet very headstrong and loyal to her promise - literally risking her life to protect that promise - the life of baby Jonathan, who can never be given to his grandparents as he will be at risk. I loved the way that it unfolded and it appeared that although Jonathan was at risk - it might not be from his grandparents.

Both Landwell and Sarah are struggling with their emotions as they realise that standing by their decisions means two broken hearts - any changing of minds leads to Broken Promises.

This book truly is a wonderful read, full of passion, romance, overflowing with emotion and brilliantly written, I liked the fact that it wasn’t predictable - I was left wondering all along the way as to how the book was going to end.

[L.A. Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love most about Laura Landon's writing is that from the moment you read the first line she draws you into her world. She creates a vivid image of another time and her characters come to life before you. You feel every emotion and at times your heart is left raw with pain as two souls struggle to find happiness. You cry when you learn of their despair and sacrifices and you rejoice when love finally overcomes all. This is a great follow up in her Brotherhood series where once again old characters are reunited with new. Austin and Sarah's relationship is filled with wonderful moments and you will remember them long after the last page is turned. The only regret is that you will want more because it is always hard to say good bye to characters that touch the heart. It's like having a close friend move away knowing you will never see them again. Thankfully though you can always reread the story. Well done Ms. Landon and thank you for creating a world that one can escape life's pressures for just a moment.

[~Leslie~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the author to read and review. I have never read any of her novels before and didn't know what to expect. I have to say that I was thoroughly surprised. I enjoyed this novel alot. The characters were interesting and well written and the storyline was different. I have to admit I'm always a sucker for the tortured returned home soldier hero, and Austin fit the bill perfectly. He is asked to find a woman and when he does, he gets embroiled in a mystery. Sarah is a wonderful heroine, very strong and loving. The action moves along very quickly and I never lost interest. The only negative is that the writing sometimes sounded like the author was telling me the story instead of it simply unfolding. But other than that, it was a wonderful story and I look forward to reading others by this author.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure--I won this book through FirstReads.

Books from small presses can be hit or miss, with more falling into the miss category it unfortunately seems. But this nice romance is one of the decent hits out there. The characters are developed adequately and the plot is uncluttered and well progressed. As you read, you want the characters of Austin and Sarah together, and though to our modern sensiblities, what keeps them apart may feel a bit like they're only creating their own obstacles, the writing still manages to make the situation between them engaging until the expected happy ending. A good little romance, with only one non-graphic love scene.

[Pontiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This writer builds up the suspense and pathos of the characters. Austin's pain and guilt for his actions in the war gave him depth and made me want him to heal.

Sarah's commitment to her promise and her sacrifices to save baby Jonathan made her strong and deep also.

The thing that didn't make sense and was repeated throughout was her refusal to sway from her duty to be there for Jonathan as it became clear she didn't need to worry about him anymore. She finally figures out that she needs Austin as much as he needs her.

Great story, but could have been a bit tighter. Still, love the characters and the tale.

[Dilys Myhill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this on giveaways so not my normal read.
Mid 19th century regency romantic mystery. Lord & Lady Penderly disown their eldest son & heir Gregory when he has a relationship with an actress Collette Flemming. After Gregory gets killed in an accident Lord Penderly wants to make amends with Gregory,s widow but she,s disappeared. He hires Austin who was a captain in the crimea & now an investigator to search for her. This is a lovely & enjoyable read.

[Ann Gonzalez]

I think this book had a great story that is a little different from the usual. The beginning of the book was excellent and kept the reader pulled in. The last few chapters felt more rushed. The ending was wanting....in my opinion. Overall it is a good read. I would recommend the book and the author. Characters were well written. I liked Austin from book one and hope he is present in book 3.

[Dawn Archambault · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captured from page 1. I could not put it down. I have not read any of Laura Landons books before, but intend to now. I do not giive 5 stars very easily and this one was by far a 5 star. I would recommend this book to any romance reader.

[LoRee Peery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Landon hooked me from page one and I read 3/4 of this book in one sitting. I empathized all the way to the end with Austin and Sarah and their decisions throughout the plot.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much back to back repetition & sometimes the characters didn't act true to form but there were parts that really pulled me in.

[Angel Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love

What a very special love they shared both desperately needing love. What strength Sarah had protecting little Johnny and the devotion Alex had in protecting them all.

[Ms M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good plot

Loved the H but not much so much of h . Looking fwd to the next book of Harry, the earl.

[Lem-ne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out well but then stalled and just dragged on for the rest of the book. The same thing over and over. Only just finished in the end.

[Stephanie henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

Made me emotional to the end. Want to finish the series. Had me involved from the first page. Would recommend.