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Soldiers and Sweethearts #1

To Trust a Viscount

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Can Viscount Harrogate be trusted? Sarah can't be sure, and too much is at stake to be wrong.

The newly titled Viscount Daniel Harrogate has just returned from war. Having fought against Napoleon's forces, he makes his way to London with a task still to complete. The Duke of Abernyte must be found and a message relayed—but Daniel cannot find him. When he meets the beautiful Miss Graham, cousin to the Duke, he begins to grow suspicious of her, certain that she is hiding something from him.

Miss Sarah Graham knows the Duke is involved in important matters for the King, but she must also remain silent. Her fears grow when Viscount Harrogate continues to pursue her, quite certain that his evident admiration of her is nothing but a ruse. When things become even more entangled, Sarah must make a choice. Will her fears continue to push her away from the Viscount? Or will she dare to trust him—not only with the truth but with her own heart?

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 31, 2021

217 people are currently reading
189 people want to read

About the author

Rose Pearson

189 books1,013 followers
Rose has read her way through countless romances over the years, “borrowing” them from her older sisters, and hiding them from her mother.

She has a special love for Regency romances and when she began writing, the Regency period was a natural place to start. The ton, the wealthy families, the Season, the dilemmas, and yes, the marriages, have always fascinated her.

She loves a happy ever after! Now she is happy to bring this passion to her stories and share it with her readers.

On a personal note, Rose lives in North Carolina, is married, and has a terrier that barks too much. She enjoys taking him for walks to tire him out!

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5 stars
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190 (32%)
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99 (16%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
Profile Image for Janet.
5,222 reviews66 followers
August 28, 2021
Captain Daniel Harrogate is injured during the Napoleonic Wars but whilst recovering he learns that he's now the new Viscount Harrogate so has to return home to oversee his affairs. His commanding officer asks him to hand deliver a sealed message to the Duke of Abernyte but Daniel cannot find him. When he meets the beautiful Miss Graham, cousin to the Duke, he begins to grow suspicious of her, certain that she is hiding something from him. Miss Sarah Graham knows the Duke is involved in important matters for the King but she must also remain silent. Her fears grow when Viscount Harrogate continues to pursue her, quite certain that his evident admiration of her is nothing but a ruse. Then things escalate who can Daniel & Sarah trust?
The first of a new series & a well written engrossing read. I loved both Daniel & Sarah whose attraction simmered but there’s misunderstandings, mistrust & not the whole truth which threatens their budding romance. The characters are well portrayed, Sarah is intelligent & quire forthright, Daniel is honourable & seems to be hurt frequently. I loved the mix of romance & intrigue & hope the thread of traitors continues throughout the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 1 book123 followers
September 21, 2021
High on the Indeed-o-meter… and Not Enough Romance

I’ve read and enjoyed Regency and JAFF books by this author for years. Unfortunately, this one left me a little cold. I felt as the author spent though too much time on the distrust between the couple (well over the 50% mark), leaving not enough time to develop the romantic relationship. Yes, this is romantic suspense, but a dual-genre story needs to have an even balance between the genres for it to feel satisfying. This one did not. Even the ending chapters did not feel like the couple’s story. Rather, it felt like it was just there to set up the next book (and possibly the rest) of the series. I hope the author returns to romance in the next book!

One other thing… this author and this book rank high on my Indeed-o-meter. Sooo many Regency authors overuse “indeed” Yes, we do see it used in original Regency books (like Pride & Prejudice), but not to the extent modern authors of Regency romances overuse it. For me, when it is used so often in a book, each instance grates on my nerves. This book had 67 “indeeds,” roughly 1.5 for every thousand words! Sometimes, two happened in the same paragraph or paragraphs right next to each other. I challenge Regency authors to only use this in dialogue (not thoughts)… and only once or twice per chapter!

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
1,657 reviews15 followers
September 3, 2021
4.5 STARS

This story was amazing - from a budding romance to many villains to keep the pace perfect.

This is a clean story with only a kiss or two. I felt a connection to the H/h though sometimes each had to hold back the complete truth because they were trying to figure out who to trust.

The story ends at 91% on my e-reader. I felt it ended abruptly because everything is resolved with the villains a few days pass and he meets her, kisses her and boom it ends with him asking her to marry him. This cried for an epilogue! I was going to deduct in my rating, but didn't because of the whole story being exceptional in suspense and twists.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, interesting main and secondary character's, HEA, romance and clean. I will be reading the rest of the series as the ending is satisfying. (ljb)
Profile Image for Leena Aluru.
611 reviews41 followers
September 20, 2021
3.5🌟

It's a very pleasant espionage story. It's the heroine, Sarah who that truly shines. A wonderful heroine.

Recommended: 👍 for Sarah's sake.
Profile Image for Mari.
813 reviews13 followers
March 22, 2022
I was 20%in and nodding off.
136 reviews
August 28, 2023
DNF. No depth to characters. Poor dialogue. Simplistic writing.
Profile Image for Nanna.
1,237 reviews4 followers
August 27, 2021
This is the first book in a new series, "Soldiers and Sweethearts". If all the other books are this good
it will be an amazing series. I have read most of Rose's series. And I have to say if the fact that these are sweet, clean stories stops you from reading them thinking they will be boring you couldn't be more wrong. All her books have tons of intrigue, mystery, emotions, attractions and great plots.
This on no different, I was hooked from page one. Daniel Harrogate is a soldier who has been wounded and is being sent home. He doesn't want to leave the fighting trying to keep Napoleon off English soil. His chance at staying is cut short when his commanding office receives news that he is now the new Viscount Harrogate !! His Uncle has passed away without any children. Now that he is a titled gentleman his commander gives him one last mission. He is tasked with finding and giving an important message to the Duke of Abernyte. He has couple of problems doing this one he doesn't know the Duke and second even thru the Duke was supposed to be in London for the season no one has seen him? Daniel is at a lost at what to do, he is also having a hard time adjusting to his new title. He has been gone a long time and never was able to meet and go to the upper society events before. He meets Lord Ware and he is able to introduce him to the cousin of the Duke. One Miss Sarah Graham, a very lovely, pretty Lady making her coming out this season.
Sarah is different from most young ladies as she doesn't like to talk about balls, dresses or sewing.
She is very interested in the war and current events. Both her father and the Duke Indulge her in this. Talking to her about what is going on and telling her that she is not to tell anyone what they say.
Both Daniel and Sarah have lots of secrets and thoughts of the other. Their attraction is great, poor
Daniel seems to end up getting hurt a lot. Poor guy. Both Daniel and Sarah want to trust the other but keep thinking the worst of each other. Both wondering if the other is spy or just wanting to meet the Duke to hurt him.
This story keeps you on the edge of your seat, trying to figure out who the villains are. With lots of twist and turns, one very evil person you will hate, the growing feeling with each of our H and h.
I love the meeting between them at the end it is wonderful....
I hope you get a copy and setback to be entertain for a couple of hours. You will not be disappointed. I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it. Can't wait for book two !!
124 reviews4 followers
September 1, 2021
A lady learns to trust a Viscount with secrets of the Crown against Napoleon.

This is Rose Pearson’s initial novel in her new “Soldiers and Sweethearts” series. It is a wonderful book with a fascinating historical plot based on some of Britain’s aristocracy’s support of the French in the Napoleonic wars. As usual of Ms. Pearson’s works, the characters are well developed and The plot has backdrop of mystery. The principle characters exhibit strong loyalty to the King and Crown. It is a delightful addition to Ms. Pearson’s library. I look forward to her additions to this series.
Viscount Daniel Harrogate has just inherited the title and returned to England from the war. He has been given the task of delivering a secret missive to the Duke of Abernyte about a possible French invasion of Britain. He has been unable to locate the Duke in London. He meets Miss Sarah Graham, the Duke’s cousin at ball and befriends her. He cautiously makes inquiries about the Duke’s whereabouts but Sarah believes that he is keeping something from her. He in turn also thinks she is keeping secrets about the Duke from him. The trust between them is proven when Daniel helps in preventing the assignation of Sarah’s father. During their interaction, they developing feelings for each other, and once they begin to work together, this attraction blossoms. Don’t miss this book.
Having received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, I voluntarily leave this review.
399 reviews2 followers
August 29, 2021
This is the first book in the new "Soldiers and Sweethearts" series.

The newly titles Viscount Daniel Harrogate has been injured in the war against Napoleon. He is sent back to London to deliver a letter to the Duke of Abernyte. This is to be of the upmost secrecy and importance.

Sarah does not really enjoy talking about clothes and gossip etc. She enjoys talking to her father about what is going on about the war etc. Sarah is the dukes cousin.

When Daniel can’t find the duke, he wonders whether Sarah knows where he is.
Although he is attracted to Sarah, he knows he has to deliver the letter before anything else.

Sarah does not know whether to trust the viscount as she knows there are people who wants France to win the war rather than England and is suspicious of Daniel asking about where the duke might be.

Daniel does not know whether to trust Sarah as he is concerned she is not telling him everything – especially the whereabouts of the Duke.

They both have to learn to trust but first have to work out who to trust and who are enemies.

This is a clean sweet story but is not boring. There is intrigue, mystery, danger and romance.

I found this book to have a good plot and is well written.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kristy Halseth.
469 reviews2 followers
April 14, 2022
Enjoyable book. I'm certain I've read it. I knew most of it. So many of the characters are familiar. But it wasn't in my Kindle list. There is no previous review or rating on Goodreads or Amazon. Amazon does not indicate I have already purchased it. I was also sure I read the last book. All the above points are missing when I looked at the last book both here and on Amazon. And how have all 5 books been released between 8-31-2021 and 12-31-2021? So, I am confused. And this bothers me a great deal.

I enjoyed the book but felt it was a little too short. I saw that someone else thought Daniel and Sarah spent too much of the book distrusting each other. But it seemed about right to me. It was the half after that which fell into place too quickly.

My complaint is the reason Daniel gave to Sarah for why he kept asking about her cousin. You see it pop up a lot in period romances, particularly in Regency romances, as a negative character trait. Oh, it is perfectly acceptable to seek an acquaintance or connection for the reason he so often states, but it is horribly vulgar to actually be obvious about it. I'm not stating more because of spoilers.
4,236 reviews22 followers
September 23, 2021
This is the first book of Ms. Pearson 's new series, Soldiers and Sweethearts, and it is off to a fantastic start. As with Ms. Pearson's other books, this is a well-written, engaging story that kept my interest from beginning to end. Along with romance, there is also intrigue and suspense which made this a most enjoyable read. Daniel and Sarah were two amazing characters, well-developed and endearing and you can't help but adore them.
Their attraction is strong, but as their relationship begins to blossom, they also have lots of secrets between them. They must overcome the hurdles of misunderstandings and mistrust before they can move forward. The story is so captivating and the plot twists and turns will keep you turning the pages, anxious to find out what happens next. If you have never read any of Ms Pearson's books before, then I guarantee you are in for a treat. I wholeheartedly recommend! Can't wait to read the next installment!

I received a complimentary advanced reader's copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
119 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2021
Daniel is to leave his post in the army due to an injury and coming into his uncle's title. His commanding officer informs who he needs to deliver a letter to the Duke and nobody else. Once in London Daniel finds the Duke isn't there and can find nobody to say where he is. At a ball, he meets Lady Sarah after doing her a great service he finds the Duke is her cousin, asking her to introduce him he finds her reluctant to say much about the Duke. AS the question continues where is the Duke more people seem to be involved with looking for him. Suspicion grows concerning his whereabouts knowing there are traitors to the crown waiting to pounce the need to keep all secret, then Daniel is found in the garden knocked out and Sarah's father is stabbed where it will all end is unknown at this point, will the Duke be found, will Sarah's father live and is there a romance smoldering in the background.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
236 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2021
Author Rose Pearson's work is only getting better and better with each book. To trust a Viscount is the 1st book of the new series by the author, Soldiers and Sweethearts. It is set in the period when England was waging war against Napolean in the late 1790s. Viscount Daniel and Lady Sarah meet under intriguing circumstances and despite being attracted to each other, find it necessary to be cautious not knowing each other's intentions.

Their journey towards each other amidst all the intrigue and terrible developments make up the majority of the story. Author Pearson has done a great job of maintaining the thrill factor of the story while not letting it become heavy-handed thereby reducing the romance element of the story. I absolutely loved both Daniel and Sarah; they were a delight to read about. As always, I couldn't wait for more books from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews366 followers
September 1, 2021
Trying to Trust . . .

Viscount Daniel Harrogate, with his new title, has been sent home from war with a message to deliver to the Duke of Abernyte. But he never met the Duke and no one has seen him. When he is directed to Miss Graham, the Duke’s cousin, he feels she is hiding something.

Miss Sarah Graham is aware the Duke is doing things for the King that she is not allowed to talk about. Yet Viscount Harrogate keeps after her and she is not sure whether he is a spy or not! She figures his supposed admiration for her is a ruse to get information. Will the two of them figure out what is really going on when they believe they must keep secrets for others? Will they lose the chance for their own relationship?

I love this author’s writing. Her stories always leave me with a heartfelt sigh of contentment. The story line is intriguing and the characters charming. Will these two get their HEA?
Profile Image for Space Cowgirl.
4,133 reviews145 followers
September 1, 2021
Return of the Soldier🐺🔫🔪

SWEET and CLEAN Regency Romance💕 and Adventure.
Wounded British soldier, Daniel🐺🔫🔪, is told he must return home, his service is over. A missive comes to his commanding officer, Lord Statham, that also says his uncle has died and now he is the new Viscount Harrogate.

Lord Stratham gives Daniel🐺🔫🔪 a secret missive of his own to carry back home and hand deliver to The Duke of Abernyte in London.

The Duke is part of a network of Nobles who are loyal to the crown,👑 and are trying to catch and expose another group of Nobles who are spying for and helping Napoleon.

Sarah💃💋, a Bluestocking and the cousin of the Duke, meets Daniel 🐺🔫🔪at his meeting with the Duke, and is interested in him.

ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
I also got this ebook from Amazon 📚with KU.

I love Author Pearson's novels. They are interesting romances 💕that always have a good story and don't depend on the romance to carry them along.
784 reviews9 followers
August 22, 2021
And so a new series, Soldiers and Sweethearts, begins. The storyline begins around the front lines in the war with Napoleon on British soil. Daniel, a wounded soldier and the H, is being sent back to London against his own wishes by his commanding officer to contact the Duke of Abernyte. Thus begins this newest storytelling - Instead of earls, marquees, dukes, etc (who play a more minor role) we are taken on a trip with the more common folk - money through business ventures or land. Sarah, the h in this book, is excited about being introduced to society. An engaging read that has a great deal of subterfuge happening almost non-stop. This promises to have all the action, mystery and special moments that readers have come to enjoy with this author. A definite sweet, clean romance.

I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary and honest review.
436 reviews24 followers
August 29, 2021
Daniel had been injured falling from his horse during the battle the Marquess of Stratham told him that he needed to go home. Daniel didn't want to leave he wanted to remain with the Army the Marquess said he was going to have to go back home and the soldier entered bearing the note which the Marquess informed him that he was now the Viscount of Harrogate and he had to return to take up the title. When he got to London at the ball, he attended he met Miss Sarah Graham the daughter of the Viscount of Blackwell. He asked if she knew where her cousin the Duke of Abernyte was, she told him no but he was not in London. Ms. Pearson has written a good book and an easy reading book that keeps you wanting more. I highly recommend it...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kim.
1,104 reviews38 followers
August 29, 2021
I loved that we got a heroine, Ms. Graham, who wasn’t shunned from the conversation of men. In fact, she is brought into the fold as if it is perfectly natural! As much as I loved the author’s idea to make Ms. Graham into a novel character in that way, I also did not like how Ms. Graham behaved at times, especially toward Lord Harrogate.
Daniel, Lord Harrogate, is a newly minted lord who is tasked with finding and passing on important intel to Ms. Graham’s cousin, the Duke of Abernyte. It brings the element of danger that the author sprinkles into all of her stories. Daniel is aided by his new wary friend, Lord Ware.
Though there was the brief time where I felt that Ms. Graham behaved horribly, the story flowed well, and the romantic entanglements were very believable.
I look forward to the next installment!
814 reviews9 followers
August 31, 2021
Daniel Harrogate is returning from the war against Napoleon, not because he wants to but because he is wounded and has just found out he is a Viscount as his Uncle is deceased with no heirs. Upon his return, he has been directed to deliver a sealed message from his commanding officer to the Duke of Abernyte. As he tries to find the Duke, he knows he can’t trust anyone and of course others don’t trust him. He meets Sarah Graham, who is a cousin to the Duke, he is attracted to her but knows she is hiding something from him but isn’t sure if it is good or bad. He also meets Lord Ware who seems friendly enough but knows as things are starting to escalate that he needs to find the Duke. He finds who he can trust but will he be in time to find the traitors to the King in time. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
55 reviews
August 31, 2021
I like a book where even when there is attraction, one has to prove themselves. With this storyline, characters had to validate their authenticity. At first no one knew who they could trust. Two of the main antagonists are found out but the characters fighting for England know there are more. Does this mean there will be follow up books to find the rest of those who are traitors to the king? I would read the stories if there were, but if not, it is still a good stand alone. The two main characters are drawn to each other, but are also suspicious because of the situation. It makes for a good read and a different plot than the usual ballroom romance in Regency reading. I will be recommending this to all my reader friends.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jayne Butcher.
1,368 reviews15 followers
September 1, 2021
Daniel and Sarah met at a ball, where he saved her from having to dance with the unsavory Lord Sumption. They both found themselves drawn to each other, and soon were caught in a game of intrigue. There was a threat to the Crown and trust was in short supply. Daniel had been tasked with delivering a dispatch from the army to the Duke of Abernyte, who just happened to be Sarah’s cousin. The duke was on a mission and appeared to be awol. Sarah, who didn’t know if Daniel was interested in her, or was a threat to her cousin, found herself on an emotional rollercoaster. This story has several twists, lots of emotion, a few brutal attacks and a whole lot of looks of longing. The characters are vivid, interesting and genuine….and the story is well written and well told. Very enjoyable!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
168 reviews2 followers
September 2, 2021
Who to trust? Hearts and England itself are at stake.

The tension and intrigue begin from the first page. Daniel has to deal with a lot of change right from the start. He’s injured, then learns he is unexpectedly a viscount, then he’s given an important task to complete. How does he figure out who to trust when traitors are in his midst? He’s a really decent guy who is just trying to succeed at his new responsibilities. He meets Sarah and there is mutual interest but is he really interested in her or is he just trying to get information? There is a nice balance between the romance and the espionage in England during this tale set during the Napoleonic War. It kept me guessing trying to figure out which noblemen were friends or foes and where the duke was.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
354 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2021
💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
The napoleon wars are coming to an end, when Daniel learns that his father the Duke has died.
Daniels time as an officer has come to an end. As Daniel travels home he delivers a letter, and meets Sarah at a ball.

How these two come together and resolve their differences and expectations, you will need to read the book.

Rose Pearson is a talented author who puts a lot of research into her books.
The characters are strong, and determined, the descriptions add much to the story.

I have very much enjoyed reading this book.

Please read the author introduction blurb for more details from Rose Pearson about the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

🇳🇿💜📚
818 reviews5 followers
August 29, 2021
Before he leaves France the new Viscount is charged with an important mission - take a letter to the Duke of Abernyte. But the mission becomes one of danger, intrigue - and romance!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this engaging entertaining and compelling story! I just couldn't put it down!! I really loved how the mystery slowly unravelled, how the relationship between Daniel and Sarah grew from a rocky start, and plenty of intrigue, drama and suspense as the well paced story developed. Told from dual POVs reveals intimately their thoughts, feelings, and emotions as they explore their relationship. There's a HEA 💓 Recommended 💓
967 reviews8 followers
September 1, 2021
I really enjoy Rose Pearson books. She is the Queen of Regency Romance. This book doesn’t disappoint! There is a lot
Of intrigue , mystery, romance, exclusive balls and unfortunately war & spys!
The Duke is MIA and his cousin and uncle are worried. The more people who inquire about him the more suspicion they drawn onto themselves! Sarah is trying to protect her cousins whereabouts but as she starts to fall for Lord Harrogate she doesn’t know if she can trust him. It all ends with a dramatic scene & a lot of questions answered! This is the first book in an exciting new series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,720 reviews41 followers
August 28, 2021
Splendid book to spend time with.
Sarah is attracted to Lord Harrogate right from the first he was everything a gentleman should be. Yet doubt will enter the picture when he becomes interested in the whereabouts of her cousin. Expect danger, action all combined with love in this splendid piece. It really is a tangle web of villains and I do not think the story is done yet. I look forward to seeing if these characters show up in other stories. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
248 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2021
When New Viscount Daniel Harrogate returns from war he is given his last orders. To find a deliver a message to the Duke of Abernyte. When he can not be found he befriends the Duke's niece hoping to get information of his whereabouts. Little to his knowledge The Dukes Niece Miss Sarah Graham is not your usual flighty debutant. She will test the Viscounts merits and his will. Can they work together to find the missing Duke? Who can they trust? This is a great addition to any library.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,596 reviews12 followers
September 1, 2021
A wonderful Regency romance that kept me entertained and intrigued from beginning to end with interesting characters and a story that had some suspense and pulled at the heartstrings. I loved the undeniable attraction and chemistry between Sarah Graham, cousin to Duke Abernyte and newly titled Viscount Daniel Harrogate. This is a great debut to the Soldiers and Sweethearts series and I look forward to book two. I received an advance reader copy of "To Trust a Viscount" from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review.
3,673 reviews17 followers
September 2, 2021
Newly released from the military and titled Viscount Harrogate, Daniel is tasked with giving the Duke of Abernyte a sealed letter because there are traitor’s among the ton. But no one knows where he is or at least they are not saying. Daniel suspects everyone he meets and they in turn suspect him. He defends Sarah but she questions his motives since he keeps asking about her cousin the duke. There was a lot of back and forth and changing of opinions, attacks and attempted murders. The romance develops quickly escalated by the drama.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews

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