A Gentleman’s Promise

By Penny Hampson

What it’s about?

A docile wife is what he want. A husband is the last thing she needs. Cab the quest for a killer convince them that they are both wrong?

Emma Smythe and her brother arrive at Easterby Hall to discover that a handsome stranger has laid claim to their ancestral home and the family title.

Have her relatives been murdered, and is her brother next?

Determined to find the answers, she has no option but to trust the gentleman who insists that he will help. But danger appears in many guises, and for a woman intent on remaining single, her intriguing protector may prove the biggest threat of all.

The attempts on Richard Lacey’s life begin when he inherits a title and a rundown estate. A coincidence? He’s not so sure. Problems multiply with the unexpected arrival of Jamie and Emma
Smythe. Long thought dead, they too are potential targets. Richard thinks he wants a docile, obedient wife, but will the task of keeping headstrong Emma safe from danger change his mind?

Embroiled in a sinister mystery, can Richard and Emma work together to catch a killer? And will this dangerous quest teach them that what they both wish to avoid is exactly what they need?

Filled with intrigue, unexpected twists, and faultless period detail, this slow-burn romance is a must-
read for lovers of classic Regency fiction.

What I think:

Like lots of readers, Bridgerton has reintroduced me to the world of historical romance which is the perfect escapist reading at the moment. So when the chance to read A Gentleman’s Promise – part historical romance, part murder mystery came up, I jumped at it!

This is such an enjoyable read.

Richard Lacey has unexpectedly become a Viscount and inherited Easterby Hall, a neglected but quite lovely estate. His plan is to stay at the Hall, meet his new staff and decide what to do with the his new property. He’s organised and methodical, responsible and compassionate.

He’s barely settled in when a commotion at the door sees the arrival of two bedraggled and exhausted young boys. They turn put to be Jamie Smythe, the true heir to the estate whom it was believed was dead, and his sister, Emma.

Emma is headstrong and independent. Having managed to get travel across Europe to bring her teenage brother home with very little to their name, she is resourceful and takes no nonsense. Educated and academic, she has seen how marriage limited her mother’s options and is determined not to accept the same fate.

Despite their differences, Richard and Emma find themselves increasingly drawn to each other as they challenge each other’s expectations and work together to uncover the truth about the mysterious deaths and past family scandals.

This is such a charming story. All of the characters are brilliant. I loved the slow development of Emma and Richard’s relationship and romance. They face danger and adventure with humour and develop a genuine friendship. Richard is a gentleman throughout which is refreshing as some Regency romance storylines put women in perilous positions.

The supporting characters are also great. I particularly liked Richard’s sister, Julia who is fun and witty.

This is a good twist on the genre. It was a great read over the bank holiday weekend, a gentle page turner, and I will definitely be reading more by Penny Hampson in the future.

If you fancy A Gentleman’s Promise use the link below:

Purchase Link – mybook.toGentlemans-Promise

About the author:

Penny Hampson writes mysteries, and because she has a passion for history, you’ll find her storiesalso reflect that. A Gentleman’s Promise, a traditional Regency romance, was Penny’s debut novel, which was shortly followed by more in the same genre.

Penny also enjoys writing contemporary mysteries with a hint of the paranormal, because where do ghosts come from but the past?

Penny lives with her family in Oxfordshire, and when she is not writing, she enjoys reading, walking,
swimming, and the odd gin and tonic (not all at the same time).

Social Media Links –
For more on Penny’s writing, visit her blog: https://pennyhampson.co.uk/blog/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/penny_hampson

Thank you to Penny Hampson and Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me to be a part of this blog blitz.