The Reunion was a satisfying read for the historical romance lover in me.

This is the story of John, the new Duke of Worley that has come back from the death. He returns to London to take a wife in a hurry since he needs one to help launch his sister into a season. He’s looking for a woman of character and not a simpering miss, and luckily he’s still engaged to one. On the other hand, Emma wants nothing to do with the man that disappeared four years before, leaving scandal at his wake. However, due to pressure from John and her aunt, she sees the benefits that being a duchess (who wouldn’t , right?) Besides, John had a very noble and reasonable explanation for leaving everything behind, and not giving a second thought to his fiancee.

The marriage is very passionate, but rocky at times, especially since John believes that loving his wife will be his undoing. In the meantime, his sister Charlotte arrives and she’s a hellion! It is hilarious at times all the trouble she causes and her banter with Hugh (John’s best friend) as they abuse each other. I loved how these two smart, loving, resourceful people start to change and love each other.

I really liked Portman’s writing. It was witty, funny, easy to read and hot!

Reunion stories: my favourite trope. Of course I was going to request this one for review!
I liked a lot about this book. Both characters have changed since they were first thrown together in the past. I also liked that the affection was slow to develop: this was a business arrangement at first. I liked the author’s writing style, and I enjoyed the main characters.
I did nearly tear my hair out at the frequent use of gotten (not a word that should appear in Regency romances), however - a minor complaint.
My issue came with the hero’s sister, who is supposed to be launched into English society after a lifetime in America. She was in her late teens but had temper tantrums to match any toddler. I did like the surprise this docile, shy, awkward girl we expected turned out to be the opposite, but her behaviour was a bit ridiculous.
If you can overlook that, there’s plenty to enjoy in The Reunion. I would read more by this author.

I enjoyed this historical romance. New author for me. Filled with humor, plucky characters (great character development and growth BTW), and some sweet (and steamy) romance. ❤️ And I just realized that even though there was no big adventure or diabolical plot here, I didn't miss that. This was all about relationships...losing them, repairing them, fighting them and embracing them. It was simply a joy to follow these well-written characters as they moved forward in their lives within those relationships. Can't wait for Lucy's story up next! Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC.

Delightful regency romance! I love a good romance, and this story did not fail in that regard. I hope to read more from this author.

This is the best story! Lady Emma, engaged since coming of age, to the heir of a Dukedom. The only problem is, the Duke ran off for four years, and there are more stories than horses! He finally returns with his young sister in tow, who needs a tremendous amount of help to launch her debut. Therefore, he needs a wife, not remembering or caring, that he has a bethroth whose reputation was ruined when he left her, high and dry!
Lady Emma has remembered, is still angry, and beside herself to see him dancing with every debutante at his first ball. He finally realized that she is there, is not meek, nor impressed with his title! It just gets better! I highly recommend! Thanks! Enjoy!
carolintallahassee 👒

This is the first in a new series, The Brides of Beadwell by Sara Portman. The story centers around Lady Emma and Lord John Brandwood. The two were betrothed by their parents and shortly afterwards, John expressed what appeared to be his displeasure with the arrangement by leaving her behind and then dying in the war. Oddly enough, he shows up 4 years later, very much alive. After he had left Emma, she became the target of malicious gossip of the ton and slowly faded away from society, preferring to spend time in the country. Since neither has married, it appears their betrothal is still standing. Do either of them want to stay betrothed or not and what are their motivations now? Emma has changed from a quiet and timid girl to a woman with a spine. She is tough and admirable in her ability to stand up for her convictions. John is loyal and passionate but also stubborn at times to the point where you felt frustrated at him. The character is likeable and there is a good and exciting dynamic between the two main characters. The book was well written and engaging and worth the read.

A nice enough read with feisty heroine and broody hero....

Recently, I had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of The Reunion by Sara Portman. This is the first book in her debut series, The Brides of Beadwell.

This Regency romance swept me away right from the first page. Ms. Portman skillfully weaves a touching story with a dash of wit, strong characters, and wonderful prose.

The story is about Lady Emmaline Shaw and John Brantwood, the Duke of Worley. The latter disappeared after his engagement to Emmaline, leaving the ton to speculate about his hurried departure. He’s thought a casualty of war until he reappears four years later.

Since Emmaline doesn’t know why John left, she harbors resentment toward him, blaming him for the gossip she endured after he left London—many presume he ran away to war to avoid marriage to her. And though John was not a fan of the betrothal four years ago, now, in need of a wife, he is committed to winning Emmaline’s hand and offers her a marriage of convenience.

However, the once timid Emmaline has blossomed into a strong and independent woman who is not so easily swayed.

In addition to the well-drawn out plot, the secondary characters are multi-dimensional, especially John’s sister, Charlotte. She’s a spitfire, having been raised in America. Ah, those rash and opinionated Americans! 😊

So, if you are looking for a satisfying Regency romance, I highly recommend The Reunion, which won the 2015 historical category in Romance Writers of America’s® Golden Heart® contest.

The Reunion is available for pre-order and will be released on September 26, 2017, from Kensington.

Lady Emmaline Shaw never wanted to be engaged and certainly not to the rude and arrogant Duke of Worley, John Brentwood. When he disappeared 4 years ago, she was relieved that she never had to think of him again, that is, until he showed up at the ball and informed her he intended to keep their engagement and marry her. Thus begins an unlikely marriage where Emma would help tutor his sister Charlotte in the ways of society.

Ms. Portman teases out the story of Emma and John's growing attachment for each other. Of course, along the way, there are numerous misunderstandings. There is also a small side plot with a villain, but I wasn't particularly impressed with it. It was bland at best. The story moved along at a good pace and I it kept me turning the pages until the end. Fans of Regency romances will certainly enjoy the story.

4.5 stars - What a lovely story! There is much to like about the hero and heroine. Both are honorable, faithful and loyal to those they call friend or family. They both long to take charge of their futures and be more than either of their fathers gage them credit for. This is no insta-love story. We, the readers, are allowed to see acceptance turn into a sort of unconventional trust. This trust leads to exploration in the bedroom, which gives birth to passion. We also see this trust secure the future of a once lost sister, the protection of a cherished garden, and finally the keeper of a beloved's heart.

There are reunions, grit, passion and all forms of love to be found in these pages. It’s a real treat.

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

John Brantwood, now the Duke of Worley, has been missing for four years and presumed dead. Now, he's resurfaced in England, speculations were rife as to his whereabouts. This was indeed a shock to Lady Emmaline Shaw, who's betrothed was 'resurrected' and has no recollection of her nor their engagement four years prior.
John needs to find a suitable bride. His Duchess would be instrumental to his sister Charlotte's introduction to polite society. Charlotte grew up in poverty in Boston and resists all the changes expected of her. John was equally dumbfounded and relieved when he found out he can marry in haste as he's already engaged! Emma was distressed and would not acquiesce.
They found a compromise, have mutually agreed to do their duties and found love in each other.

I thoroughly enjoyed John and Emma's story. It's beautifully written. I can't recommend this enough. Sara Portman is my new favourite author. Five stars.

I received an advance reader's copy from the publisher through NetGalley. This is my impartial review.

This is the first novel that I have read by Sara Portman and I now have another author that I will be following. From the beginning, the characters had me entranced, particularly the central character Emmaline. The story begins with Lady Emmaline (Emma) who was jilted by her fiancée, John Brantwood, four years ago. His father and Emma believed that he was killed in battle but his arrival but to London, finds her once again at the mercy of the gossiping ton. Emma has endured the years since his departure as the subject of gossip so it is not surprising that she longs for a quiet life at her cottage. However, John is captivated by her strength, a characteristic that he believes will help with returning his sister Lucy back into society. Eventually Emma agrees but she faces a significant battle from Lucy, John’s best friend and John himself, who begins to find himself falling in love with his wife. Emma has such strength of character that it was hard not to like her from the start. I did like John but wanted to shake some sense into him. The ability to feel such frustration with a character shows the author’s great ability to weave an entrancing story. Do yourself a favor and read this novel – you will not be disappointed.

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"The Reunion" by Sara Portman is a very good book, with likable characters and an interesting plot. Emma was engaged to John when she was just barely out of the school room. John only agreed to marry her to keep his father off his back and, if the gossip is true, he ran off to war to die rather than marry her. Emma hasn't had a true suitor since and believes she will be a spinster.
John didn't run off to war, he ran off to America to help his mother and sister who he thought died years ago. John was a likable hero, he didn't think of the consequences his actions had on Emma, he thought she had probably married long ago and forgot about him.
Imagine his surprise when he learns that she is unmarried, attractive, and furious with him for the scandal he caused her when he left. John wants a wife to help his sister and her entrance into society, who better than the woman he is still engaged to?
Emma wants nothing to do with John. Not only did he say awful things to her on their first and only meeting, he left her reputation in tatters when he ran away. John is set on his course and Emma is set on disrupting him every chance she gets.
Of course it wouldn't be a romance without them coming together. They are both a bit surprised by the depth of the passion they feel for one another. There is quite a bit of hurt on Emma's part that John has to overcome. There were also a couple of misunderstandings and add in some nice conflict from John's sister and John's friend moves the story along nicely. There are a couple of mildly steamy love scenes. Really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author.

This book was so good, it was written beautifully, why can't they make historical now with good dukes that don't cheat and are able to really love excellent story

The Reunion, Sara Portman

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Historical, Romance

I've read several contemporary and fantasy romances recently, so wanted something different to clear my mind. I'm not a huge historical reader but sometimes its nice to just dip back in time to a period with very different priorities not today's ones.

This is Sara's debut novel and its was a fun read. I look forward to the next one too, a snippet was at the end of this and its sounds another interesting read. 

I like strong heroines, ones who have a mind of their own, and back then that wasn't encouraged. Ladies were to sit prettily and be quiet, to take an interest in gentile pursuits like embroidery and afternoon teas...Emma isn't like that and so far she's avoided the need for a husband. She has a fiancee though, but after one disastrous meeting four years ago, following which he disappeared and was presumed dead, she's content living with her aunt and uncle.
Then her fiancee turns up doing the rounds of the London Society circuit. Gossip has it he's after a wife.
Emma is incensed, she doesn't want to marry him anyway, doesn't really want to marry anyone and after the scandal of him leaving their betrothal like that she's been ignored by society anyway. Now after ruining her reputation he's back, and ignoring the fact they are betrothed. Looks like he's happy to heap more scandal n her head and she's furious, she's determined to meet him, give him a price of her mind and break the engagement. 

John had reasons for leaving, is annoyed that he let his fury at his father blend over into rudeness to Emma, but remembers her as a mousy, quiet teen and assumes she's married since he left. Now he wants someone with strength of character to marry, who can bring his sister into society and give her the kind of life she should have had if their father wasn't such an a rse.
All he gets though are simpering, brainless misses, who want nothing more than to be his duchess and the prestige it will bring them. Then he meets someone who's angry at him, answers him back, sparks off him and he's intrigued. Even more so when he learns who she is. she's perfect he thinks, but Emma has other ideas. 

Its a fun read, typical Society gossip, where what you are seen to do is far more important than what you actually do. I loved Emma and John, although the man was blind with prejudice in his attempt to not be like his father...Gah, I wanted to smack him at times, shake him and say " c'mon, what are you thinking Man!!" 
I loved the other characters too, his friend Hugh, sharp wit on that man, and his sister Charlotte, who has such a massive transition in her life. She seems like an ungrateful, surly teen when we first meet her, but once we see things from her side - well, I had sympathy for her.
Then there's Emma's friend Lucy, vicars daughter who'd been Emma's best friend since childhood. She's the subject of the next book, and thats sounds another fun and spicy read. A great group, leading to a sweet fun romance with some surprising sensuality and erotic moments. 
If you want a hot, sensual historical, with solid characters and a genuine period feeling you'll enjoy this. 

Stars: Five, its not a heart-stopping, pulse thumping romance, but a gentler period meander with some intensely sensual moments rarely found in the genre.

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers

This novel was an enjoyable read. The plot flowed and there was also a little side story in additional to the two main characters. Sometimes in life, you need to accept the situations you are given and adapt. However, you should still be able to be your own person without giving up who you are.
Lady Emmaline Shaw had her reputation destroyed when her finance left her. She was a young debutante and was deeply hurt by the words from him and other. This changed her and she became a stronger person, knowing what she wants regardless of society. Things change when her fiance returns from the "dead".
John Brantwood, the Duke of Worley, has returned from abroad and seeks a wife. When his friend informs she he still has a fiance, he plans to call it off. However, after meeting Emma, he realizes she is exactly what he needs. Emma has no desire to marry him or anyone, which intrigues John. John wants Emma to prepare his sister for her entrance into society, since he is not afraid of the gossip or the ton. John does not want love in the marriage, for it destroyed his father.
John and Emma have a battle of will in regards to marriage. When a situation arises that could hurt someone Emma cares about, she knows that being a duchess will give her more sway. Both John and Emma give each other conditions, but still keep secrets, which will impact their marriage.
The arrival of John's sisters causes chaos for everyone and it is a nice side story in the novel. Emma tries to teach John's sister how to be a lady, but the girl keeps disappearing. She is extremely outspoken, but Emma is up to the challenge. Emma realizes that John needs to be more apart of his sister's life. John kept disappearing to avoid Emma, trying to fight the desire to be with her. When someone from John's sister's past comes into their lives, things take an interesting twist. John will protect his sister, but at what cost to Emma, who realizes she loves her husband?