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Betrothed
Headstrong Irish lady Sara Ballivar has been betrothed since she was a child to an Englishman she’d rather strangle than meet, much less marry.
Lord Justin Carrington, heir to a prestigious dukedom, would rather live the life of a bachelor, sowing his wild oats across London, than deal with the Irish chit to whom he’s shackled.
However, when the time comes to honor their betrothal contract, and Sara is shipped overseas to meet her mysterious English lord, nothing is as either of them expected. Sparks fly. Friendship blossoms into genuine feelings—perhaps even love. But what happens when a man from Sara’s past travels abroad to England in hopes of winning her? Will this new affection she has for her betrothed, the man she once thought she’d hate for all eternity, stand up against the one chance she has to return to Ireland?
Lord Justin Carrington, heir to a prestigious dukedom, would rather live the life of a bachelor, sowing his wild oats across London, than deal with the Irish chit to whom he’s shackled.
However, when the time comes to honor their betrothal contract, and Sara is shipped overseas to meet her mysterious English lord, nothing is as either of them expected. Sparks fly. Friendship blossoms into genuine feelings—perhaps even love. But what happens when a man from Sara’s past travels abroad to England in hopes of winning her? Will this new affection she has for her betrothed, the man she once thought she’d hate for all eternity, stand up against the one chance she has to return to Ireland?
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2012
About the author
Alyssia Kirkhart
8 books26 followersAlyssia is an award-winning romance writer who loves animals, Junior Mints, Harry Potter, and hanging out with her fabulous hubby. When she's not writing, reading, or watching Friends reruns in her Northern Louisiana home, she enjoys what every other chick in America digs: shopping, chocolate, and a good cup of coffee.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 24, 2020
Sweet heavens, this is awful. Not only does it have a paper-thin plot, but the writing is an affront to the king's, queen's, and even my English. In addition, the author makes very little effort to have dialogue and behavior of the characters align with the time period. And she is not very clear about titles and forms of address. Our heroine, an unmarried young woman, is consistently addressed as "Lady Ballivar." She should be "Lady Sara."
Let's discuss the writing first. Misused vocabulary abounds. (1) A shoe thrown at someone left a "whelp." (2) Someone's interest was "peaked." (3) Someone took "every opportunity in coddling herself with tasteless gossip." (What does that even mean?) (4) Someone looked into someone's glimmering eyes and felt "all willy-nilly inside." (5) Try to figure out this complete sentence, copied verbatim: "Which he definitely appeared to be at quite an impairment of uttering a response, much less the plural of that." (6) And there was the time someone tried to leave a lady's chamber "without drawing a magnanimous amount of attention to" himself. (7) Explain this one: "Having a maid had never been this interminable." (8) Or this: "Cavanaugh bowed in a swoop-ish manor." (No, he was not in a building that swooped a bit.) (9) Someone sent "condolences for being unable to attend" something. (Regrets, I've had a few.) (10) Someone smiled "as if in mid-recollection of some past memoir." (Memories, I've had a few too.)
Okay, folks, I'll quit now but I could go on and on. This is kinda entertaining in a train wreck with no casualties way. I spent my reading time highlighting this mess. It seemed like the best thing to do since the story itself is slight and silly. H and h were betrothed when young by their fathers. Neither, strangers to each other, is happy about this but when the time comes for them to marry and they meet, it's insta-lust with a side helping of antagonism.
Only 99 cents and a lovely book to use in a beginning writing class as a how-not-to manual.
Let's discuss the writing first. Misused vocabulary abounds. (1) A shoe thrown at someone left a "whelp." (2) Someone's interest was "peaked." (3) Someone took "every opportunity in coddling herself with tasteless gossip." (What does that even mean?) (4) Someone looked into someone's glimmering eyes and felt "all willy-nilly inside." (5) Try to figure out this complete sentence, copied verbatim: "Which he definitely appeared to be at quite an impairment of uttering a response, much less the plural of that." (6) And there was the time someone tried to leave a lady's chamber "without drawing a magnanimous amount of attention to" himself. (7) Explain this one: "Having a maid had never been this interminable." (8) Or this: "Cavanaugh bowed in a swoop-ish manor." (No, he was not in a building that swooped a bit.) (9) Someone sent "condolences for being unable to attend" something. (Regrets, I've had a few.) (10) Someone smiled "as if in mid-recollection of some past memoir." (Memories, I've had a few too.)
Okay, folks, I'll quit now but I could go on and on. This is kinda entertaining in a train wreck with no casualties way. I spent my reading time highlighting this mess. It seemed like the best thing to do since the story itself is slight and silly. H and h were betrothed when young by their fathers. Neither, strangers to each other, is happy about this but when the time comes for them to marry and they meet, it's insta-lust with a side helping of antagonism.
Only 99 cents and a lovely book to use in a beginning writing class as a how-not-to manual.
April 9, 2022
5 stars. Sara and Justin. Amazing! I really like that the hero is 22 almost 23 years old. It is refreshing to not have a 30 something or older for a hero. Both the hero and the heroine love their families. I also loved the special moments these two had together in their short time of getting to know one another. Love!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2012
This was an enjoyable read! I loved the chemistry between Justin and Sara. Heck, I loved the chemistry between all the characters, really. And I particularly loved the subtle theme laced throughout--getting beyond preconceived notions and prejudices. The characters had obvious and relatable growth. Oh, and Sebastian...What a scene stealer! I look forward to reading what comes next!
September 24, 2012
Betrothed was a classic romance. I loved the story and how other romances transpired within this book. I'm not a historical romance reader, but this book has truly changed my perspective on the genre. Justin and Sara love was so pure and innocent, which is lacking in many romance novels today. I can't wait to read other books from the author.
June 9, 2018
I loved Betrothed! This book had me from the beginning and I was not able to put down. The characters were very well developed and each chapter had me wanting more! If you like romance novels I highly recommend this one. Can't wait to read more from this author!
February 26, 2017
Good story but slow pace
I loved the story though the pace was too slow for my liking. I jumped several pages numerous times when the story dragged, hence the 4 star rating.
I loved the story though the pace was too slow for my liking. I jumped several pages numerous times when the story dragged, hence the 4 star rating.
May 27, 2015
I could not put this book down!
I enjoyed this book from cover to cover, from Scotland to London, England, from friendships to marriage contracts and from sorrow to love and happiness.
This book was extremely well written and while this is the first book I have read by Alyssia Kirkhart, I sure hope there is more.
I enjoyed this book from cover to cover, from Scotland to London, England, from friendships to marriage contracts and from sorrow to love and happiness.
This book was extremely well written and while this is the first book I have read by Alyssia Kirkhart, I sure hope there is more.
August 15, 2012
Review coming soon.
August 10, 2016
Great book. Lovely romance. The book had great flow. I highly recommended.
April 13, 2017
Omg I loved it
I have spent quite some time feel into peace and prejudice fan fiction and this book was an excellent book to open myself back into the regency non p&p stories. I am so excited to read anything else I can from this author!
I have spent quite some time feel into peace and prejudice fan fiction and this book was an excellent book to open myself back into the regency non p&p stories. I am so excited to read anything else I can from this author!
Shelved as 'historical'
January 7, 2019Headstrong Irish lady Sara Ballivar has been betrothed since she was a child to an Englishman she’d rather strangle than meet, much less marry.
Lord Justin Carrington, heir to a prestigious dukedom, would rather live the life of a bachelor, sowing his wild oats across London, than deal with the Irish chit to whom he’s shackled.
However, when the time comes to honor their betrothal contract, and Sara is shipped overseas to meet her mysterious English lord, nothing is as either of them expected. Sparks fly. Friendship blossoms into genuine feelings—perhaps even love. But what happens when a man from Sara’s past travels abroad to England in hopes of winning her? Will this new affection she has for her betrothed, the man she once thought she’d hate for all eternity, stand up against the one chance she has to return to Ireland?
Lord Justin Carrington, heir to a prestigious dukedom, would rather live the life of a bachelor, sowing his wild oats across London, than deal with the Irish chit to whom he’s shackled.
However, when the time comes to honor their betrothal contract, and Sara is shipped overseas to meet her mysterious English lord, nothing is as either of them expected. Sparks fly. Friendship blossoms into genuine feelings—perhaps even love. But what happens when a man from Sara’s past travels abroad to England in hopes of winning her? Will this new affection she has for her betrothed, the man she once thought she’d hate for all eternity, stand up against the one chance she has to return to Ireland?
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews