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Lords of Action #2
Promise
A deal with a notorious rake may be her only hope.
In a desperate search for her missing sister, Lady Natalia Abbingale is out of money, out of options, and out of hope—until she spies the one man that may be the key to finding her sister—the Marquess of Lockston. He was a rake. A connoisseur of young widows. She knew that. But he was also the only man that could help her.
Fletcher Williston, the eleventh Marquess of Lockston, had been minding his own business in the brothel, never imaging he was being watched. That is, until Lady Natalia appears at his home, demanding he help her to find her sister. Refusing her should be easy. He has secrets he must live his life by. And those secrets did not need to be threatened by a downfallen lady of the ton.
Yet Lady Natalia possesses the right family, the right veneer, and most importantly, the right circumstance—desperation—and a deal made with her could possibly be just what he is looking for.
Note: The books in the Lords of Action series by K.J. Jackson are each stand-alone stories, and can be read individually in any order. These historical romances are set in the Regency and Victorian eras, and do not shy away from scenes with steamy heat, occasional naughty language, and moments that might possibly make you squirm.
In a desperate search for her missing sister, Lady Natalia Abbingale is out of money, out of options, and out of hope—until she spies the one man that may be the key to finding her sister—the Marquess of Lockston. He was a rake. A connoisseur of young widows. She knew that. But he was also the only man that could help her.
Fletcher Williston, the eleventh Marquess of Lockston, had been minding his own business in the brothel, never imaging he was being watched. That is, until Lady Natalia appears at his home, demanding he help her to find her sister. Refusing her should be easy. He has secrets he must live his life by. And those secrets did not need to be threatened by a downfallen lady of the ton.
Yet Lady Natalia possesses the right family, the right veneer, and most importantly, the right circumstance—desperation—and a deal made with her could possibly be just what he is looking for.
Note: The books in the Lords of Action series by K.J. Jackson are each stand-alone stories, and can be read individually in any order. These historical romances are set in the Regency and Victorian eras, and do not shy away from scenes with steamy heat, occasional naughty language, and moments that might possibly make you squirm.
296 pages, Paperback
First published September 12, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 28, 2020
Promise is the second book in the Lords of Action series by KJ Jackson. I actually read this one before the first book (Vow), and perhaps because of that I like this one a little better...? It was also the very first book I read by this author who quickly became a favorite and auto-buy for me. The plot line is original and fresh; the story was interesting; the characters were likable even when they were not supposed to be... the author brings the goods!
Fletcher, Lord Lockston as he is known in society, has been asked to perform a huge favor for his best friend Caine: go to brothel auctions and purchase virgins at any cost. Um.... creeper? No --- Caine actually began his mission when looking for his fiancee who was taken from him and sold to the highest bidder (this happened in the previous book); in the process of seeking his love, he decided to help other young women and even girls who had been snatched by ruthless traffickers for the purpose of selling them to despicable gentlemen with specific and debauched proclivities. Caine is going away on his honeymoon, but he does not want to stop saving women, so he has asked Fletch to step in for him. While Fletch balks at the request even if it is for good purposes, he finally acquiesces and agrees to temporarily assist his friend.
Lady Natalia ("Talia") is desperate to find her younger sister who was abducted shortly after her father's death that left them impoverished and defenseless. She learns that Louise is to be sold at a brothel, but which one? In order to find her, Talia dresses in maid's attire, blackens her hair with ash, covers herself in stench, and uses an uneducated sounding accent so that she can accept nightly jobs as a chamber pot cleaner which allows her access to the rooms within the seedy establishments so that she can search for her sister. One night, she happens to witness a man dragging a very unwilling woman to his carriage and recognizes him as Lord Lockston. Infuriated by his behavior, she arrives on his doorstep the following morning to confront him and learns of his purposes for purchasing women in order to free them. She asks for his help in finding her sister, and he initially refuses, but when he continues to run into her and recognizes the danger she is in, he decides to assist her in finding Louise. As they pick up the trail, they become closer than just acquaintances, but Fletch has a secret that prohibits him for promising Talia more than his assistance in locating her sister. Will he be able to keep his promises to her, or will Talia be betrayed once again by a loved one?
What I liked:
---- There is SO MUCH MORE to this story than I can begin to summarize --- so well-crafted and original - I loved it!
--- Both characters are damaged in their own ways and flawed, but they are extremely likeable and the depth the author achieves is incredible
--- Steamy goodness galore!
What I didn't like:
--- Fletch was a little too stubborn, but he eventually got there, so I can mostly forgive that (with the exception of when he temporarily abandoned her)
Overall, a highly recommended read if you enjoy unique story lines, twists and turns, interesting characters that you can't help but root for, and some steamy deliciousness!
Plot --- 5/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.5/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- nothing graphic or triggering in this one (some inferences to what happened to Louise but nothing specific)
Language --- not egregious for the circumstances (they are in the brothels where sh!t literally happens!)
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
Fletcher, Lord Lockston as he is known in society, has been asked to perform a huge favor for his best friend Caine: go to brothel auctions and purchase virgins at any cost. Um.... creeper? No --- Caine actually began his mission when looking for his fiancee who was taken from him and sold to the highest bidder (this happened in the previous book); in the process of seeking his love, he decided to help other young women and even girls who had been snatched by ruthless traffickers for the purpose of selling them to despicable gentlemen with specific and debauched proclivities. Caine is going away on his honeymoon, but he does not want to stop saving women, so he has asked Fletch to step in for him. While Fletch balks at the request even if it is for good purposes, he finally acquiesces and agrees to temporarily assist his friend.
Lady Natalia ("Talia") is desperate to find her younger sister who was abducted shortly after her father's death that left them impoverished and defenseless. She learns that Louise is to be sold at a brothel, but which one? In order to find her, Talia dresses in maid's attire, blackens her hair with ash, covers herself in stench, and uses an uneducated sounding accent so that she can accept nightly jobs as a chamber pot cleaner which allows her access to the rooms within the seedy establishments so that she can search for her sister. One night, she happens to witness a man dragging a very unwilling woman to his carriage and recognizes him as Lord Lockston. Infuriated by his behavior, she arrives on his doorstep the following morning to confront him and learns of his purposes for purchasing women in order to free them. She asks for his help in finding her sister, and he initially refuses, but when he continues to run into her and recognizes the danger she is in, he decides to assist her in finding Louise. As they pick up the trail, they become closer than just acquaintances, but Fletch has a secret that prohibits him for promising Talia more than his assistance in locating her sister. Will he be able to keep his promises to her, or will Talia be betrayed once again by a loved one?
What I liked:
---- There is SO MUCH MORE to this story than I can begin to summarize --- so well-crafted and original - I loved it!
--- Both characters are damaged in their own ways and flawed, but they are extremely likeable and the depth the author achieves is incredible
--- Steamy goodness galore!
What I didn't like:
--- Fletch was a little too stubborn, but he eventually got there, so I can mostly forgive that (with the exception of when he temporarily abandoned her)
Overall, a highly recommended read if you enjoy unique story lines, twists and turns, interesting characters that you can't help but root for, and some steamy deliciousness!
Plot --- 5/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.5/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- nothing graphic or triggering in this one (some inferences to what happened to Louise but nothing specific)
Language --- not egregious for the circumstances (they are in the brothels where sh!t literally happens!)
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
September 14, 2016
Oh how I love a strong woman in a story and in Promise we have such a one, in Natalia or Talia as she is known to close friends and family. Talia has lost her home and her luxuries on the death of her father but these circumstances seem to have strengthened her character. She is looking for her sister who has been abducted from their village and is willing to take on a job as a cleaner at a brothel to find her. Whilst doing this job she comes across Fletcher, a marquess, who she knows by his dubious reputation. He too, has his own problems including a family curse. However these two come to an agreement to help each other. This story has many elements, amusing scenes with his elderly relation, some heart wrenching moments and frustration with Talia's mother to name a few. There is also the threat of Talia's relative. This was a book that I wanted to keep reading and gripped me from the first page. Another excellent story from K J Jackson and one I can highly recommend.
I received an ARC copy for an honest review.
I received an ARC copy for an honest review.
July 25, 2019
Sorry I am not a fan of human trafficking stories.
Lady Natalie Abbingale sister Louise is missing. She is believed to have been kidnapped and taken to a brothel in London to be sold as a virgin sex slave. Lady Natalie takes jobs in brothels looking for her sister. After the death of the Earl of Roserton there father the family has fallen on very hard times. No money for food or lodging.
Flecther Bartholomew the 11th Marquess of Lockston goes to brothels to to bid kidnapped virginal young girls and send them back home or help them get jobs. Which is admirable.
Its just the story is depressing it relates to what is happening in the world today with young chidlren, women and even boys. So I don't want to read about it.
Lady Natalie Abbingale sister Louise is missing. She is believed to have been kidnapped and taken to a brothel in London to be sold as a virgin sex slave. Lady Natalie takes jobs in brothels looking for her sister. After the death of the Earl of Roserton there father the family has fallen on very hard times. No money for food or lodging.
Flecther Bartholomew the 11th Marquess of Lockston goes to brothels to to bid kidnapped virginal young girls and send them back home or help them get jobs. Which is admirable.
Its just the story is depressing it relates to what is happening in the world today with young chidlren, women and even boys. So I don't want to read about it.
April 9, 2023
Love it
I definitely can say this story had me captivated again for the second time from beginning to end. I love everything about this story.
I definitely can say this story had me captivated again for the second time from beginning to end. I love everything about this story.
February 6, 2026
Apparently I red this series? I have ZERO memory of it.
June 26, 2020
Fabulous
The story of Talia and Fletch was wonderful, it had lots of twists and turns. You read of Fletch in the first book of the series and see him as a carefree gentleman with plenty of charm. A request of a friend placed him in a location where he is seen by Talia seeks his assistance in finding her sister. That is just the beginning of this adventure filled story with secrets being discovered along the way. Well with the read, I am looking forward to the last of the series Oath,. I would recommend this book, even though the series can be read in any order I chose to read in order. I love how an author ties a series together throughout a series.
The story of Talia and Fletch was wonderful, it had lots of twists and turns. You read of Fletch in the first book of the series and see him as a carefree gentleman with plenty of charm. A request of a friend placed him in a location where he is seen by Talia seeks his assistance in finding her sister. That is just the beginning of this adventure filled story with secrets being discovered along the way. Well with the read, I am looking forward to the last of the series Oath,. I would recommend this book, even though the series can be read in any order I chose to read in order. I love how an author ties a series together throughout a series.
June 30, 2020
Powerful - Regency romance storytelling at its finest.
For readers of regency romance books, K.J. Jackson is at the top of my list as best author and writer of moving and impactful love stories. Right from the first page she grabs your emotions and feelings bringing you into her story as Talia desperately searches for her kidnapped sister and enlists the help of Lord Lockston, Fletcher Williston, and thus begins a dramatic and emotionally beautiful love story. I highly recommend it.
For readers of regency romance books, K.J. Jackson is at the top of my list as best author and writer of moving and impactful love stories. Right from the first page she grabs your emotions and feelings bringing you into her story as Talia desperately searches for her kidnapped sister and enlists the help of Lord Lockston, Fletcher Williston, and thus begins a dramatic and emotionally beautiful love story. I highly recommend it.
July 13, 2024
The Strength of a Promise
It always amazes me how when a true promise is made that one makes a jolly good effort to keep it and this is the situation between Talie and Fletch.
They are two rather remarkable characters whom I couldn't help but love and keep rooting for their success.
This is one of those stories where I was kept on the edge of my seat waiting for the next scene to open and unfold and that kept me turning pages like crazy.
I would happily recommend this story to anyone who has or who would like to overcome the odds and that must be everyone, I think.
It always amazes me how when a true promise is made that one makes a jolly good effort to keep it and this is the situation between Talie and Fletch.
They are two rather remarkable characters whom I couldn't help but love and keep rooting for their success.
This is one of those stories where I was kept on the edge of my seat waiting for the next scene to open and unfold and that kept me turning pages like crazy.
I would happily recommend this story to anyone who has or who would like to overcome the odds and that must be everyone, I think.
August 24, 2024
Perfect title
Natalia was in London searching for her sister who had been kidnapped from their home. She had searched everywhere and was now following the only lead she had. She was working as a maid in a brothel emptying chamber pots. This was so she could search for her sister. It was hard degrading but she would do anything for her sister. On a wave of desperation she visited a well known rogue she had seen at the brothel. She needed help, help a man could provide. If he would. She had seen him buy a virgin!
Natalia was in London searching for her sister who had been kidnapped from their home. She had searched everywhere and was now following the only lead she had. She was working as a maid in a brothel emptying chamber pots. This was so she could search for her sister. It was hard degrading but she would do anything for her sister. On a wave of desperation she visited a well known rogue she had seen at the brothel. She needed help, help a man could provide. If he would. She had seen him buy a virgin!
July 21, 2024
Power ofHope. What a unique set of situations both Talia and Fletch found themselves in! Watching the quick problem solving tenacity Talia employed really kept the story suspense moving. Fletch was a strong figure, but seemed under a spell of resignation as to his fate. Seeing this pair try solve each other’s problems amidst external pressures made it hard to put the novel down. Loved how things were ultimately explained-right through to the extended epilogue!
June 4, 2017
Promise
Wow! Another wonderful book by K.J. Jackson! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the characters, they're so real. Talia and Fletch are so strong, loyal and honorable. Talia has such a strong sense of responsibility that she will fight anything for someone she loves. I recommend this book.
Wow! Another wonderful book by K.J. Jackson! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the characters, they're so real. Talia and Fletch are so strong, loyal and honorable. Talia has such a strong sense of responsibility that she will fight anything for someone she loves. I recommend this book.
January 24, 2020
An inspiring, delightful romantic action novel!
I really enjoy stories of brave, strong women and the men who realize their worth. That love can make such wonderful changes in our lives. That I can feel a tug in my throat and a tear in my eye at a well written phrase. Thank you, Jack.
I really enjoy stories of brave, strong women and the men who realize their worth. That love can make such wonderful changes in our lives. That I can feel a tug in my throat and a tear in my eye at a well written phrase. Thank you, Jack.
May 21, 2020
Great Read
Is it possible for a curse to hit 4 generations? Fletch was determined to be deceased by the age of 33 just like his father, brother and grandfathers before him. Talia a very determined woman who endured so much came into his life determined he would not leave her. Such a strong female lead. Lots of twists and turns. Very quick read. Well written.
Is it possible for a curse to hit 4 generations? Fletch was determined to be deceased by the age of 33 just like his father, brother and grandfathers before him. Talia a very determined woman who endured so much came into his life determined he would not leave her. Such a strong female lead. Lots of twists and turns. Very quick read. Well written.
January 31, 2023
Strong heroine
Talia is working as a maid in brothels in order to find her abducted sister. She asks Fletch to help her and he agrees. As their attraction grows, they work to find her. Strong characters with good communication. There are misunderstandings but they don't drag on. I couldn't put the book down.
Talia is working as a maid in brothels in order to find her abducted sister. She asks Fletch to help her and he agrees. As their attraction grows, they work to find her. Strong characters with good communication. There are misunderstandings but they don't drag on. I couldn't put the book down.
July 12, 2024
I liked the characters and the plot. It was a captivating story throughout. There were a few redundant parts where they spoke of his curse, but that was to be expected. Quite a few steamy parts. Overall a great book. Epilogue wasn't my favorite as that was a little farther in the future than what I would have preferred.
July 5, 2017
Only my opinion
I have read most of the series and have enjoyed all. They are well written and the characters stay true to form. I seethe formu!a but can ignore it because the story is so good.
I have read most of the series and have enjoyed all. They are well written and the characters stay true to form. I seethe formu!a but can ignore it because the story is so good.
March 10, 2018
Fully entertaining
A lady desperately seeking her sister in the brothels of London. A lord slowly awaiting his death. Neither wanting love or entanglements. Both fighting for justice. An HEA than warms the soul.
A lady desperately seeking her sister in the brothels of London. A lord slowly awaiting his death. Neither wanting love or entanglements. Both fighting for justice. An HEA than warms the soul.
October 14, 2019
A very fun read with a great plot
I am a voracious reader and I do love it when an author decided on a plot with depth and difference. Fletch's "curse" and Talia's story were a new idea and I loved this.
I am a voracious reader and I do love it when an author decided on a plot with depth and difference. Fletch's "curse" and Talia's story were a new idea and I loved this.
January 19, 2021
I'm not a fan of the "curse" type tropes, but other than that I liked this book. I have to laugh at some of the comments on human trafficking. It wasn't uncommon then, and the police certainly didn't care back then.
May 27, 2017
Loved this book. Talia was strong but a bit too strong at times and stubborn. The ending was well worth it.
September 5, 2017
I enjoyed this x
September 10, 2017
AMAZING STORY!
This was an amazing story of white slavery in old London. It also was a discovery of HEART problems and how they helped people. And it really wasn't a CURSE.
This was an amazing story of white slavery in old London. It also was a discovery of HEART problems and how they helped people. And it really wasn't a CURSE.
July 28, 2019
Fate
While searching for her kidnapped sister destitute lady meets gentleman sure he is soon to die, what happens to them makes a very good story
While searching for her kidnapped sister destitute lady meets gentleman sure he is soon to die, what happens to them makes a very good story
August 11, 2019
3.5 stars. I really liked Talia, so strong, honest and caring. Fletch was a little harder to warm up to; to believe in.
September 11, 2020
I loved this story.
February 4, 2022
Promise
K. J. Jackson has written another outstanding story about love overcoming life's obsticals. I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to anyone.
K. J. Jackson has written another outstanding story about love overcoming life's obsticals. I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to anyone.
February 23, 2023
A family destitute by death, a daughter kidnapped another daughter trying to save her family and a duke with a curse
May 3, 2023
I always enjoy reading all novels written by K L Jackson.
Promise has a nice twist to the story and just enough romantic bedroom romps to keep the story interesting.
Great read.
Promise has a nice twist to the story and just enough romantic bedroom romps to keep the story interesting.
Great read.
January 31, 2024
Great characters. Fun story
February 11, 2026
Depressing
This was a rather depressing story. Neither character was very likeable nor heroic. They were selfish and grandstanding. Read if you want to be disappointed.
This was a rather depressing story. Neither character was very likeable nor heroic. They were selfish and grandstanding. Read if you want to be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews