The Promise by Brenda Joyce
"Pride...
After a record breaking sail from China, Alexi de Warenne’s moment of triumph quickly vanishes. At his welcoming party, his bewitching childhood friend Elysse O’Neill begins flirting with a shipmate, clearly punishing Alexi for his time at sea. But when Alexi finds Elysse desperately struggling in the man’s arms,, tragedy ensues. Within days, Alexi weds her to save her honor—and leaves her to forge a new life.
And Pretense.
Elysse de Warenne rules the ton with her wit and grace, but the whispers of “abandoned bride” follow her ruthlessly. Elysse will never reveal the truth: that she hasn’t see her husband in six years—and they didn’t even consummate their marriage! When Alexi unexpectedly returns to England, Elysse will do whatever it takes to win his heart and claim her place at his side."
I was intrigued enough to want to read Elysse and Alexi's story, having read previous books in The De Warenne Dynasty series(such as A Dangerous Love) and admiring Alexi, unfortunately, The Promise was dissatisfying and quite disappointing. First of all, every time Elysse is around Alexi, she is humiliated and taunted, I strongly dislike heroines that are walked over, she spends so much thought on Alexi and tries to treat him well while he torments her at every turn, he seemed cruel rather than heroic. I like romance novels with a bit of a misunderstanding in the relationship at the beginning, however, Alexi had hateful feelings towards Elysse until the last five or so chapters - he condemned her over something that happened six years before when, previously, they had been the best of friends. Brenda Joyce has a gift of making readers feel emotion, however, the story was not an enjoyable tale. All in all, however, I liked the plot at a glance, the idea of Alexi making a promise to Elysse when he was all of eight and keeping it through thick and thin was utterly romantic and I enjoyed the few tender moments and ending(which left me feeling empty, nonetheless) . I don't like saying too many negative things about books, and this book had potential, however, the character flaws and relationship issues were too incessant and important - it just didn't do it for me. I won't say I won't pick up another Brenda Joyce book because she has a lovely writing style, however, I would not suggest this to first-time readers.
After a record breaking sail from China, Alexi de Warenne’s moment of triumph quickly vanishes. At his welcoming party, his bewitching childhood friend Elysse O’Neill begins flirting with a shipmate, clearly punishing Alexi for his time at sea. But when Alexi finds Elysse desperately struggling in the man’s arms,, tragedy ensues. Within days, Alexi weds her to save her honor—and leaves her to forge a new life.
And Pretense.
Elysse de Warenne rules the ton with her wit and grace, but the whispers of “abandoned bride” follow her ruthlessly. Elysse will never reveal the truth: that she hasn’t see her husband in six years—and they didn’t even consummate their marriage! When Alexi unexpectedly returns to England, Elysse will do whatever it takes to win his heart and claim her place at his side."
I was intrigued enough to want to read Elysse and Alexi's story, having read previous books in The De Warenne Dynasty series(such as A Dangerous Love) and admiring Alexi, unfortunately, The Promise was dissatisfying and quite disappointing. First of all, every time Elysse is around Alexi, she is humiliated and taunted, I strongly dislike heroines that are walked over, she spends so much thought on Alexi and tries to treat him well while he torments her at every turn, he seemed cruel rather than heroic. I like romance novels with a bit of a misunderstanding in the relationship at the beginning, however, Alexi had hateful feelings towards Elysse until the last five or so chapters - he condemned her over something that happened six years before when, previously, they had been the best of friends. Brenda Joyce has a gift of making readers feel emotion, however, the story was not an enjoyable tale. All in all, however, I liked the plot at a glance, the idea of Alexi making a promise to Elysse when he was all of eight and keeping it through thick and thin was utterly romantic and I enjoyed the few tender moments and ending(which left me feeling empty, nonetheless) . I don't like saying too many negative things about books, and this book had potential, however, the character flaws and relationship issues were too incessant and important - it just didn't do it for me. I won't say I won't pick up another Brenda Joyce book because she has a lovely writing style, however, I would not suggest this to first-time readers.