The Viscount's Vow

Veterans Club #2

by Julie Coulter Bellon

A "sweet story of redemption, forgiveness, and love." ---T. Westoff
"The Viscount’s Vow is a light, fun read, though it carries a deeper message concerning the lengths one might go to keep a vow or promise to a loved one." ---Meridian Magazine "This clean historical romance will have readers dabbing the tears in their eyes . . . this tale is timeless and shows a beautiful representation of love and forgiveness." ---InD'Tale Magazine
A man changed by war. The woman who loves him. And a secret that could tear them apart.
Edward Rutledge, the newly minted Viscount Carlisle, has come back from war a changed man. The echo of the battlefield and the death of his best friend Marcus haunt him to the point that he decides to break his betrothal to Charlotte---the only woman he’s ever loved. When he’s summoned home to Hartwell Manor, he comes face-to-face with her. Slowly, her strength and love make him see that he might be able to reclaim what he thought was lost. But when word reaches him that Marcus might not have died in Spain and yet lives, Edward will do anything to bring his friend home. As the mystery deepens, however, Edward is drawn into an intrigue that forces him to confront the demons that have plagued him since he returned to England. Will he have to sacrifice everything he’s built with Charlotte in order to keep her safe?

Genres: Regency, Second Chance, Historical Romance, Military Fiction, Clean Romance

202 pages, Paperback

First published June 5, 2020

About the author

After reading every Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, and Hardy Boys book her elementary school library had, Julie Coulter Bellon knew from a young age she wanted to write books and be a published author someday. That dream came true and she is now the author of thirty romantic suspense novels and two children's books. One nightmare that also came true was that she once tripped up the stairs going on stage to accept a book award and she thinks about that moment more often than she should.

Julie loves to travel and her favorite cities she's visited so far are probably Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. She is a former journalist and podcast host of Authors Off the Page. She loves to read, write, teach, watch Hawaii Five-O reruns, and eat Canadian chocolate. Not necessarily in that order.

If you'd like to be the first to hear about Julie's new projects and receive a free book, you can sign up to be part of her VIP Readers Group at juliebellon DOT com

Reviews

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely Second Chance Romance

Not only is Edward haunted by the events of the war, but he's also got the added pressure of being the new viscount. These demands cause him to break Charlotte's heart, as he feels he doesn't deserve happiness. Bellon does a great job in not only describing Edward's feelings, but in also bringing his demons to life in a way that isn't too heavy, yet causes the reader to connect with him.

These characters are quite delightful! I love how Charlotte is kind and supportive, especially in the face of a dangerous situation, while Edward is strong, yet vulnerable. I do feel that his about-face happened a tad too quickly, but all in all, it was for the best and added to the story line.

As much as I love fluff, I really enjoyed having some meat to the story. The mystery and resulting matters added an entertaining element and drew me in. It was fun watching the story unfold, the mystery get discovered, and the romance blossom. Nice!

Content: mild romance; very mild violence

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet

3.5 stars, rounding up
The beginning premise of this book isn't a unique one.  In fact, when I began reading, it felt very similar to a couple of regency books I've read recently.  Man comes home from war, feels he is unworthy/incapable of love for varying reasons so he refuses the girl.  I was excited when things took a turn as Edward goes on a mission to rescue his old friend, Marcus.  That's when I really became interested in this story.  I wish there had been more intensity to that part of the story because it all ended very gently without too much fuss.  I was a little disappointed.  I also felt like Marcus changed his mind regarding marrying Charlotte easily and quickly.  His promises to Charlotte's brother seemed contradictory to what he really intended.  I don't know.  Some of that just confused me. 


Edward and Charlotte are both nice characters, good people, easy to like.  The story is gentle, easy reading and the ending is sweet.  Although this book wasn't my favorite I liked it and I am a fan of this author.  Her military romantic suspense books are my very favorites.


Content:  kissing

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This clean historical romance will have readers dabbing the tears in their eyes. It is wonderful to read about characters going through struggles but can depend on each other.

Read full review in the 2020 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Amanda Hupe]

"This clean historical romance will have readers dabbing the tears in their eyes..."

Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/...

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

***3.5 stars***

Viscount Carlisle is a haunted man. He has nightmare's from serving his country in the war against Napoleon. He has survivor's guilt and is has reoccurring nightmares about the loss of his best friend. He doesn't feel as if he can offer a good life and is willing to break his vow to Charlotte. He doesn't feel as if he worthy of love and worries what he may do to her during one of his episodes.

Charlotte disagrees and is unwilling to release him from their betrothal. She is not afraid to stand up and voice her opinion or let him know how she feels about his change of heart. She is a force to be reckoned with.

This is a cute story and a good read. Somewhere it felt a little forced and didn't have the flow that I am used to with one of Julie Coulter Bellon's stories. Not to say that I don't recommend this book. I do!

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved The Marquess Meets His Match, book 1 in this series, so I was delighted to see Christian & Alice play a small role in The Viscount’s Vow too – as well as the follow-up with Lord Pembroke & the fallout his family (specifically his sister) had faced as a result of some of the events in the first book.

When we think of war-related PTSD, we tend to think of it in a more modern setting – from the Vietnam War on. One of the elements of The Viscount’s Vow that I found most interesting was Edward’s PTSD from the Napoleonic Wars. The author did a great job, in my opinion, of framing his behavior with the sights & sounds & survivor’s guilt that he was struggling to reconcile with daily life now that he had returned to England. She does this in such a way that we see his actions & reactions from the perspective of our modern understandings while still maintaining the unique elements that separate a war of that era from those in more recent history. I loved this element to the story, though I do wish his inner battle hadn’t been won quite so easily; more fleshing-out of the layers involved in healing from such a traumatic experience would have given it a bit more realism.

Charlotte is a supportive sister, friend and betrothed love, though she has suffered from being all three. Her determination to rise above a broken heart, her refusal to give up on Edward, and her strength to stand up for herself when it counts make her a heroine that will definitely capture you. She is kind in spite of being treated unkindly, and she is wise beyond her years. I really liked Charlotte, and the tender affection between her and Edward (not to mention the sizzle & sparks that fly off the page whenever they can’t resist the pull of a kiss!) is a highlight of the novel.

Bottom Line: The Viscount’s Vow is a sweet romance with layered characters & a bit of intrigue to round out the romance. While Edward’s PTSD & the Marcus subplot could have been developed further, with more dimension, overall this read will definitely hold your attention from beginning to end. Edward & Charlotte are simply meant to be, and your heart will melt as they reacquaint themselves with that assurance. A great choice for fans of Laura V. Beers & Rebecca Connolly! A beautiful story of redemption & restoration.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Mylissa Demeyere · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a nice escape with both excellent writing and captivating characters. Bellon does a great job of showing Edward’s and Charlotte’s flaws and still keeping the story easy enough to read. I felt connected to them and their journey in overcoming their heartache. The book showed not only their love story but gave the right balance of British era details to keep me intrigued, but not overdone to have me distracted by said details. I especially loved Alice and Christian as supporting characters. I look forward to reading their story in the future.

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edward Rutledge, the newly minted Viscount Carlisle, and Lady Charlotte are childhood sweethearts and were betrothed to one another. Edward went off to war against France and comes back a shell of the man he once was. There is also great turmoil in that he no longer wants to marry Charlotte, or Charlie as he calls her. He feels he doesn't deserve her love and he is dealing with what we now call PTSD. The kind and loving Charlotte is still in love with Edward and will do whatever it takes to be wed to Edward. They go through a lot to wed and then to stay together. You can clearly feel that this is a couple that should be together and they have great chemistry despite their struggles.

There is also a mystery of their friend Marcus that went to war along with Edward and died while there. The guilt eats at him but then there's a rumor that Marcus may be alive. There is great suspense as Edward searches for his childhood friend. There is a very low level of angst compared to the author's military suspense/romance books, but I just truly loved this sweet story of redemption and forgiveness. I always love it when a character starts to heal from metal or emotional pain. This novel did bring me to tears a few times because it is packed full of emotions.

The Viscount's Vow was a sweet, easy read, full of clean romance, and heartfelt restitution. Regency Romance readers will enjoy reading this book.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last year I got to read The Marquess Meets His Match by Julie Coulter Bellon. I loved that book! So when she had this book come out this year, of course I was going to read it!

I loved everything about this book! The author did a really great job with the setting and characters. And the plot keeps the reader interested from the very beginning.

This one features Edward. I was really glad that the reader got to see things through his eyes. Edward is a complicated character. He’s got PTSD from being in the war. And he doesn’t want to put that on to Charlotte, the young lady he’s loved and been betrothed to since before the war.

Charlotte is uncertain what’s wrong. She only knows that Edward has told her brother to break their betrothal. And that Edward has been hiding from her. I loved her courage. She knew that Edward didn’t want to marry her anymore, but she went after him to change his mind anyway.

Charlotte and Edward’s story kept me wanting to read more and more! I couldn’t stop until I knew what would happen to them. It’s a great read for anyone interested in historical romance.

I was sent an e-copy of The Viscount’s Vow as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved writing this tender story of Edward and Charlotte's second chance romance and how they work to try and find their way back to each other. Love can heal so many wounds, if we let it in.

[Janene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 stars

What I found interesting and what I liked:

• During the opening of this book, I was impressed by how the author thoroughly imparted to the reader the depth of emotional turmoil Edward was going through at this time in his life. He hated himself, his deceased father, and his new responsibility as a viscount.

• After returning from the Nepoleonic War front in Spain, Edward is adrift and is trying to cope with the after effects of combat. Even when soldiers survive war, there are the walking silent wounded.

• Edward and Charlotte were characters that you wanted to discover more about as you read their story. You wanted them to recognize that they were meant to be together.

• The descriptions of locations and emotions were well done, easy to visualize, and to feel. I felt a part of the scenes.

• This story had a sweet satisfying ending.

• This was a clean read and I appreciated that fact.


I received an advance copy of this book from the author. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own. I highly recommend this book to Regency romance readers. I will definitely be reading more books by this author.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edward Rutledge ran off to war and came home whole in body, but the war changed him and left him with overwhelming guilt. Charlotte (the sister of Lord Pembroke from The Marquess Meets His Match) waited patiently for him at home, always trusting that he'd come back to her. Instead, Edward wants to break their betrothal, and Charlotte refuses, even when Edward threatens to ruin her brother. Charlotte knows that they are meant for each other and wants to help Edward overcome whatever he needs to. I liked each of the characters as individuals. I especially think that Edward's problems are well written, not over the top nor are they downplayed. Charlotte is kind and good, but has a strength to her that serves her well. I do think there was a point where Edward flips on his view of their relationship a little too easily, but I think the rest of the book was well written. I read straight through this on a rainy afternoon, and it was the perfect entertainment. It's quick and clean and will entertain you.

I received a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I thought it was well paced and loved that it was clean and wholesome while still being romantic. Whilst not as suspenseful as the previous book, this story still had plenty of moments that had me wondering what would happen next and a twist that I didn’t expect initially.
This is the second book in the series (not actually sure what to call this series 🤔), the first book being Christian and Alice’s story in “The Marquess Meets His Match”, and I enjoyed it every bit as much. I definitely recommend reading them in order if you can, as there are a lot of subtle references in this relating back to Christian and Alice... plus a few other crossover characters which we were introduced to in the first book that play more of a role in this one and potentially future stories. No spoilers though! I’m already looking forward to the next books in the series. There are plenty of characters from both books that I would love to see have their own stories.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. This in no way influenced my opinion and I am under no obligation to leave a review.

[Cindy Cooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story of enduring love

He was one of the lucky ones who came home after the was with France. He really didn't feel lucky though. He had internal scars; they didn't show, but he knew his life might ax well be over, because no one could stand to be around a hero who hid under the desk whenever a thunderstorm rolled through. No one would stay with a man who had night terrors whenever he slept. Pre-emptively, he sent word to his fiancee that she should cry off their engagement to protect her reputation, because it didn't matter what people thought of him. His mother didn't know. She insisted he go to church with her, and thereby ensured that he would see his fiancee there. Wise woman knew her son still loved the lady he had played with as a small child, and she also knew that she and her son were soulmates. When he was caught in a thunderstorm, his fiancee stood with him through the storm. She believed in him, injuries and all. Would her feelings for him save him? Could they have a future?
This was a lovely book of redemption and enduring love. The author caught the essence and delivered a wonderfully goodread.

[Cyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Bellon has written a beautiful historical romance with just a touch of suspense to keep you wondering. Charlotte has loved Edward since they were children. She was the little sister to Edward that insisted she be allowed to play with the 3 boy best friends. This included Marcus a servants son. When the war happened it changed everything for the 4 friends, would it ever be possible to regain the freedom of childhood. This story is very emotional as it deals with a subject that is happening still every day. I was drawn to each of the characters, as I shared in their struggles. A very beautifully written book that I really enjoyed reading.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion.

[Marti Switzler · Rating 3 out of 5]

It isn't the story; it's me. I've been reading so much (due to pandemic downtime) that I'm just about over read. Lot's of regency stories. Lot's of cozy mysteries. I just couldn't connect with the characters in this book. I read to Chapter 13 then skipped to the last 3 chapters. And there have been more than one author with books that include reoccurring characters, and I couldn't remember the back stories of the previously appearing characters in this one. It's hard to find good clean stories now-a-days. This is one. Keep writing Julie!

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a fan so I’ll just throw that down right here. This is a great second chance book at finding love within life’s trials. I’ve said it many times, but I love how this author tends to get characters together early in the book so they can grow together. It always makes my heart happy. A glimpse at earlier characters is just the icing on the cake.

[Tamera Westhoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Regency Romance

This was a very sweet story of Redemption, Forgiveness, and Love. Edward comes home from war a changed man, only wanting to drink to forget his pain. Charlotte has been waiting impatiently for his return, so they can finally get married! Then her brother tells her that she’s supposed to break the betrothal. She refuses and works to get her Edward back! Mix in some miraculous occurrences and a quick marriage makes for a very happy ending!

[Erin Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! Full of love and redemption. I believe that Julie Bellon has found a great stride in these historical romance. I could feel the love and the strife in my heart. It tore my heart out, but filled me with such joy! I can’t wait to see where the next story takes me.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice story.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Viscount’s Vow was a story about healing and second chances. I liked the characters a lot and I think Bellon did a good job covering returning soldiers PTSD. This was a very short story so it didn’t get into the details of a full novel but it was still a good read. I do think Edward would’ve been kicked in the patookus by anyone else, but Charlotte had the patience of Job so it worked out with them.

[Richelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance - Sweet and Clean
Language - None
Violence - None

First time reading this author, but I was not disappointed.

Edward and Charlotte have loved each other since they were children. He returns from the war a changed man, and feels he is unworthy of her and seeks to break off their betrothal. She refuses to let him push her away, and they manage to find their way back to one another.

This is not a new theme, but this was well done and I enjoyed the story.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This was an enjoyable, clean romantic read. I really appreciated the way the author addressed Edward's (and others Veterans') struggles with PTSD. Charlotte showed love in action and is the type of character I wish were real so we could be friends.

This is a standalone story, although I would read book 1 in this series before this one if you have the chance (for a little more background and because it's an enjoyable read).

[Iris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Content:
Language: none
Sexual: kissing only

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read The Marquess Meets His Match last year and really liked it, so when I had the opportunity to listen to this one I took it. Edward Rutledge is back from the war, and in addition to dealing with nightmares and the trauma from the war, he has to deal with all the responsibilty that comes with being the new Viscount Carlisle. Feeling damaged and unworthy of his bethrothed's love, he calls off his engagement to Charlotte without much explanation.

I thought the author did a wonderful job with Edward's character as a veteran of the war. He suffered from what we now call PTSD and I think Julie Coulter Bellon handled that well. I like that Edward receives support from other former soldiers. I can't imagine what those men went through back then as they probably didn't have any type of counseling available to them.

I thought Charlotte was a great character. She didn't want to call off their bethrothal--she still loves Edward, and although she doesn't know what's wrong, she wants to help him. I really enjoyed the trip to save his friend Marcus, as I'm always up for a little suspense. I thought that showed what a wonderful friend Edward was to Marcus.

I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator was fantastic--she does a lot of Regency audiobooks.

[Crystal (Books Are Sanity!!!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Viscount's Vow is a regency novel with a powerful message tucked inside. Recently returned from war Edward cannot bear the demons he brought back with him, including the death of his best friend. He cuts off his engagement to his beloved Charlotte to spare her. But at what cost? I had to keep reading to figure out how everything would play out! Bellon did a beautiful job creating Edward and Charlotte's world. Charlotte was such a strong and determined character, I felt her determination fly off of the pages! This regency novel is not just a romance, it bears a message all need to hear! I received a copy of this book for free, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ashley Lavering · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay

I felt like the tension she tried to build in this story kept falling flat. Most of the problems were solved relatively easy and in a short amount of time. Clean romance.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a clean, easy reading book in romance that has some tension but is relatively easily resolved, this could be the book for you. I will say however, that nothing would have been resolved, at least not happily, if it weren't for Charlotte's tenacity.


Potential triggers: PTSD, alcohol abuse
Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: brief, mild
*I received a complimentary copy of the audiobook and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Shaylin Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

That’s s book was shorter than most but still so good. It had a unique plot. I loved hearing about how the men had so many problems after coming back from war and how they started having support groups. I can’t imagine having to deal with PTSD in regency times when people probably weren’t very accepting of it.
The narrator was fantastic- her accent and voice were pleasant and she did a great job changing her voice for all the characters.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edward and Charlotte had grand plans to marry when Edward got back from the war. However, neither of them suspected that Edward would be a changed man after serving his country. Edward suffers from the trauma of war and he breaks of his engagement to prevent others from knowing of his “weakness”.
Charlotte is still in love with Edward and wants to convince Edward that they are meant to be together. She is a good and kind woman.
This is a sweet story that has a few surprises in it.