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Stolen Promise

(Dark Hearts #1)

Lisa Marie Wilkinson (Goodreads Author)

3.74 · Rating details · 98 ratings · 15 reviews

Cultures clash and passions collide when a stunning deathbed confession by his mother sends Evan Dark, the heir to a sprawling South Carolina plantation, to England in search of information about the father he never knew.

Evan, a Southern gentleman who has just discovered his Gypsy heritage, cannot resist coming to the aid of a spirited young Gypsy woman, Jade of the Lo ...more

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Mass Market Paperback, 376 pages

Published March 1st 2010 by Medallion Press (first published January 1st 2010)

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· 98 ratings · 15 reviews

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Mar 03, 2010 Susan Gottfried rated it really liked it

From http://rockread.westofmars.com

When Lisa Marie Wilkinson sent me a copy of her first book, Fire at Midnight, it was to thank me for the posts I'd made for her at Win a Book. This happens not often enough; authors sending books to me and Bridget to say thanks. We've read some great stuff, and (rarely) some not-so-great stuff. And we've appreciated the chance to experience it all.

Fire at Midnight was a standout for me. I loved the way Lisa Marie (Yep, we're on a first-name basis) was able to ...more

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Jan 26, 2010 Terra rated it it was amazing

Stolen Promise by Lisa Marie Wilkinson is one romance book that will hold its promise of everything we have come to expect from a historical romance novel. I really don't think I've read a book about Gypsies before but I must say that this is a must have read. Absolutely scrumptious!

Jade is not only a Gypsy, but like most of her people she is astoundingly beautiful. Green eyes that draw you into their depths with raven hair that has a halo of blueish to it to make it shine like spun silk. She we ...more

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May 24, 2010 TJ rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-romance

I read this a while ago and while I remember I really enjoyed it, I'm afraid I can't remember enough of the particulars to write a comprehensive review. I wish I could give it a 3.5 rating. It deserves better than a three but not enough in my opinion for a 4. Oh well, we'll be generous! ...more

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Jan 21, 2010 LWB Marissa rated it really liked it

Stolen Promise is the second novel of Lisa Marie Wilkinson and from page one it demanded my full attention for this story takes off full steam ahead! Lisa Marie Wilkinson threw me back in time to the early 1800’s, with a great eye for historical detail she took me on a touching journey to the Romany culture with its many beliefs and customs and the every-day-plantation-life of the crème de la crème of Charleston’s society.

With Evan Dark Lisa Marie Wilkinson created a classic hero, he is strong, Stolen Promise is the second novel of Lisa Marie Wilkinson and from page one it demanded my full attention for this story takes off full steam ahead! Lisa Marie Wilkinson threw me back in time to the early 1800’s, with a great eye for historical detail she took me on a touching journey to the Romany culture with its many beliefs and customs and the every-day-plantation-life of the crème de la crème of Charleston’s society.

With Evan Dark Lisa Marie Wilkinson created a classic hero, he is strong, honourable, dutiful and reliable. As the heir to a large plantation he is used to give orders, but when he finds out his real father was a gypsy he sails to England to discover his roots and learn more about his Roma background. He meets his grandfather who insists he takes a Romany wife from another tribe so an alliance between the tribes can be made. As a man of honour, Evan friendly declines the offer and intends to leave for America where his fiancée and duties are waiting for him, and then he runs into Jade.

Jade is a beautiful, strong, young woman who is trapped in the traditions of the Romany culture. A Romany woman has no rights; she obeys and accepts her fate. Jade has known for a long time she is supposed to marry Dimitri, an abuser. But she refuses to accept this; she wants a better life for herself and her younger sister, away from everything that has to do with her own culture. So she runs away, gets into trouble and Evan saves her. He insists on taking her back to her camp.

On the way back to the camp Evan and Jade experience several charged, breathless moments of undeniable attraction. It also becomes clear that Jade has lived an isolated life in the gypsy camp; she knows little of life outside the camp. Trouble always seems to find her. But she is a real survivor, she is smart and spirited. The gypsies have their own traditions and law, and when they blackmail Evan to uphold the arranged marriage, he has no choice than to play along so he can escape later. After all, a gypsy marriage has no value outside the gypsy world. He is very angry when he finds out that it is Jade who he has to marry, he is convinced she has entrapped him. But he also cares and worries for Jade, he does not like to leave her with Dimitri, so when she makes him an offer to be his indentured servant if he takes her and her sister with him to America he cannot refuse.

And so their fate stays entangled, Evan takes Jade and her sister to South Carolina. Now both sisters have to learn to live in Evan’s world, this is not so easy, the rules of etiquette are very different in Evan’s world and society is very prejudiced when it comes to gypsies. But Evan is a true gentleman; he is very protective of Jade and her sister. Their smouldering attraction keeps growing although both know it can never be more. But Evan starts to have doubts about his upcoming marriage, due to Jade he starts to see his fiancée in a different light. He does not voice his thoughts out loud because he knows his duties; he is expected to marry his fiancée Glorianna so that their two plantations can merge. But he cannot overlook certain things that Glorianna has done or deny his passion for Jade and the way she makes him feel either. He is torn between his duty and his heart.

Wilkinson’s writing is laid-back and smooth, the combination of the romance, suspense, characters and the pace of the story see to it that the story is perfectly in balance. I like it that Jade and Evan meet each other early on in the story so you see their attraction for one another slowly grow into something more meaningful. Both Jade and Evan’s characters are well-rounded; it is very clear what makes them tick. I also enjoyed learning more about the Romany culture, Lisa Marie Wilkinson vividly depicts the gypsy’s way of life and their traditions, and this provided me with a better insight into the gypsy world.

The supporting cast of characters is a mishmash of a charming kid brother, a loyal sister, a brother without a backbone and one malicious viper. All play their own part and add depth to the story. I especially liked his younger brother Patrick, although he is the youngest, he knows exactly how Evan feels and tries many times to push Evan on the right track. And I love the way he takes care of Jade’s younger sister Liberina. The dialogues are witty, full of humour and leap off the pages, especially the ones between Jade and Evan and Evan and his brother Patrick.

““What did you do?” “I placed a curse on him.” Jade replied. “You cursed him with the recipe for hedgehog soup?” ““He should have learn to speak Romanes”, Jade said with a shrug.”

With Stolen Promise Lisa Marie Wilkinson delivered a romantic but fast-paced story set against the backdrop of the gypsy world and the Southern hospitality of South Carolina. It is fluently written and researched with profound characters. This warm, dynamic and spirited story will keep you reading until the very last page!

...more

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Jun 07, 2010 Helena rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fiction

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Lisa Marie Wilkinson has done it – gifted the reader with an outstanding story that delivers a full experience! She has spun a tale of Gypsies and society that is so vivid; this book is a feast for the senses and emotions that effortlessly takes you on a stunning journey between the two worlds that Jade and Evan inhabit.

A complete read from start to finish Stolen Promises provides a tale of love, betrayal, hope, honor, revenge, forgiveness and romance conveyed through compelling characters, wild Lisa Marie Wilkinson has done it – gifted the reader with an outstanding story that delivers a full experience! She has spun a tale of Gypsies and society that is so vivid; this book is a feast for the senses and emotions that effortlessly takes you on a stunning journey between the two worlds that Jade and Evan inhabit.

A complete read from start to finish Stolen Promises provides a tale of love, betrayal, hope, honor, revenge, forgiveness and romance conveyed through compelling characters, wildly differing settings and gripping circumstances. Drawn into Jade’s Gypsy (Roma) society, the reader explores the enigmatic Gypsies and customs while straddling Evan’s (Gadjo) world of English and Colonial societies.

Bargained by her father in marriage to another Gypsy tribe to escape the clutches of the evil Dimitri, Jade wants nothing more than her freedom and safety for her sister, Liberina. But Dimitri is holding her to their original promise of marriage. To escape a lifetime of his abuse, Jade runs away from the Lowara Gypsy Camp, stumbling into Evan Dark. Himself half-Gypsy, Evan wars with his sense of honor and duty returning Jade to her tribe unwittingly sealing both their fates. While he tries to protect Jade but respect his family obligations and engagement to another in America, his growing attraction to and need for her level hers for him.

After their reluctant Roma wedding, the couple with her sister in tow, board an America-bound vessel. Jade is now tied by indenture to Evan to pay for their passage all but negating their Roma vows, yet the couple circle one another building tension which is steadily heightened as they learn about each other, trying to bridge their backgrounds.

When the trio arrive at his family’s plantation, Rosefield, in South Carolina they are greeted by his two brothers and privileged fiancée, Glorianna Clayton. Dark’s treatment of Jade and Liberina as guests rather than servants raises Glorianna’s suspicion and ire sealing her plans to get rid of Jade.

Dark’s Roma side and hunger for Jade begin to trump his sense of duty to marry Glorianna the more time he spends with her as Jade struggles with being a bondswoman and a proud Gypsy at a plantation in high society. Meanwhile, Glorianna hatches plans to ensure she becomes mistress of Rosefield and with the help of mysterious conspirator Count Heron, ensnares the family and Jade’s past in sweeping treachery.

Artfully crafted descriptions, compelling dialogue, a striking range of emotions and enough plot twists interspersed at just the right corners, surprise and spur the reader on to make this a delicious, page-turner. Wilkinson infuses this novel with such continuous energy that it was a pleasure to go from paragraph to page in eager anticipation.
...more

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Dec 19, 2009 Lorraine Durbin rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Dec 05, 2012 Sabrina rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, romance, free-nook-book, reviewed

Lisa Marie Wilkinson created a romance story that was different and extremely fun to read. There were so many twists and turns; just when you thought you’d get the HEA something drastic would happen.

I especially liked the submission into the gypsy world. It is clear the author had extensive knowledge with this way of life.

I was impressed with this book and am glad I read it.

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Jan 15, 2013 Jacquelyn Smith rated it really liked it

Shelves: love-stories, nook, own, romance

Jade flees from the Lowara gypsy camp as she rejects the abusive Demitri. Along the way she meet the half - breed american gypsy Evan Dark. He refuses to help her and returned her to the encampment.

I enjoyed this more than I expected it had an interesting plot.

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Mar 29, 2010 Pam rated it it was amazing

Absolutely loved it!!!

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Dec 16, 2011 Kim rated it really liked it

3.5 stars. Just what I was looking for, a lovely historical romance.

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Oct 20, 2009 Rosemary marked it as to-read

Lisa writes about an area that I'm familiar with and love to read the accuracy ...more

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Apr 28, 2011 Pamela(AllHoney) rated it liked it

Shelves: hr-american-south, loc-usa

Not as good as her 1st novel, Fire at Midnight but still a decent read. Evan Dark goes in search of his gypsy roots. Jade was promised to an evil and cruel gypsy in marriage but she runs and encounters, Evan. He ends up married to her in a gypsy style wedding. He returns to his plantation in South Carolina but doesn't acknowledge his wedding. ...more

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Nov 05, 2014 Jessica rated it did not like it

Shelves: bad-writing, dnf, unlikeable-mcs

not knowing what a decent amount of words the heroine said meant i could get over. A patronizing hero i kept trying. When the hero is cheating on a fiance with the heroine who is little more than a total stranger to him? Thats when im done done done. DNF

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