I adore Regency romances. The dukes, duchesses, balls, and fashion. That high society stuff is such fun to read. But what about the ordinary working people? Those that don’t have the luxury of a title. Don’t they deserve a happily ever after too? It’s not a common theme in historical romance but new-to-me-author Sara Portman portrays it beautifully in the second of her Brides of Beadwell series, The Offer. Two ordinary people struggling to find their way in life and, in the process, finding each other.

Lucy Betancourt was the daughter of an ailing vicar. Unmarried, no prospects, and no connections. Being the pragmatic girl that she was, Lucy knew she needed to look for employment as a companion or governess. It was the sensible thing for a girl like her. So Lucy travelled to help her childhood friend, the Duchess of Worley, through her pregnancy. There she could further her practical plans for her future. But once she met Bex Brantwood, the Duke of Worley’s cousin, practicality seemed much less appealing than it had before.

Bex Brantwood was as down on his luck as he could possibly be. Thinking Bex was in line for the dukedom, his father had incurred considerable debt. But the title went to his cousin and Bex was left with nothing but moneylenders anxious for repayment. He’d been “lowered to a state in which he subsisted solely on the grace and favour of others”. It was time for Bex to focus on his future. A future he wanted to build on his own without the charity of his cousin. When Bex met the lovely Lucy Betancourt, he had no idea who she was but he was taken with the ethereal creature. She obviously had no idea who he was. And “the more she spoke, the more muddled the entire situation became”. After a comedy of errors, the two strangers kissed. Bex knew he should walk away. Yes, he desired Lucy but he couldn’t ruin her. He had nothing to offer and his attentions needed to be focused elsewhere. But thoughts of Lucy occupied every corner of his mind.

Lucy couldn’t keep Bex from her thoughts either. With each encounter, their attraction and friendship grew. And with each encounter, the need to touch was too tempting also. And the more Bex touched her, the more she knew she wanted him to keep touching her. She’d enjoyed his kisses and wanted to experience more. She’d never be a wife or mother. Couldn’t she, for a brief time, know what it was to be a lover? Bex tried to resist the temptation. They shouldn’t continue these dangerous games. Lucy would be ruined and he was in no position to save her from scandal. But it’s only a scandal if someone knows about it.

Bex and Lucy were two of the most loveable characters I’ve read in a long time. Yes, there was an immediate attraction between them, but the friendship they formed was the most delightful aspect of their growing relationship. With each encounter, they became more perfect for each other. The things I loved about Bex and Lucy were the things about each other that they fell in love with. I loved Lucy’s tendency to babble when anxious. After all, that’s what led to their first kiss. I loved that she saw worth in Bex beyond any title or income. She was genuinely interested in his business endeavours. Though she worried about the risk in such ventures, she had faith in him. And she helped him see that others had faith in his abilities as well. I loved Bex’s attitude. He didn’t give up and was determined to make his own way in life. He wanted to be worthy of Lucy. His confidence and determination helped Lucy to have the courage to be more adventurous. To go for the path she wanted in life rather than the path she’d convinced herself was practical.

The secondary characters were just as loveable. Though I’ve not read the first book in this series, meeting Emma and the duke in this story makes me want to go back and read about how they met. I also adored Lady Constance. She was instrumental in Bex and Lucy’s romance. I hope there is more of her in future books. If Ms. Portman is considering a more mature heroine, I think a story for Lady Constance would be spectacular.

I’m so glad I found this author and am anxious to read more from her. It was a great plot with loveable characters and lots of witty banter. And the final scene after the relationship is discovered is hysterical. If you’re looking for something fresh and unpredictable, you’ll love this one. Funny, touching, romantic, engaging, and thoroughly enjoyable.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
Reviewed by AMy for Buried Under Romance

First kiss, a vicars daughter, a Dukes cousin. Cute, cute, cute will definitely read the series.

I adored book one of this series, but this one did nothing for me. At the 40% mark I was not invested in this story at all. And such a lack of romance. Crossing my fingers that book three brings back the sparkle that I felt in book one.

DNF

This is romantic, dramatic and amusing. Bex is charming, noble, mischievous and entertaining. Lucy is practical, stubborn and bold. Lady Constance is wily and interesting. Bex has nothing but debt, Lucy has no prospects for marriage, so they decide to be friends because they're comfortable with each other. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to resist the alluring pull of romance and sparks. It's a thoroughly entertaining story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

This is book two in the brides of beadwell series. I really thought this was a good read. I just couldn’t see a HEA but it was well done.

This is the second story in the Brides of Beadwell series, and while you do not have to have read the first in this series, it may make this one more enjoyable for you as the characters from the first story are featured in this story as well.

That being said, this story was an OK read. It doesn't really stand out among the crowd of other books in its genre, but I am sure it will still appeal to those who enjoy historical romances all the same.

After reading the first story, I was really excited for Lucy's happily ever after. And Bex was an interesting character, albeit not the sort I would have chosen for Lucy myself. While the aspect of his investments at first was an unusual one, it quickly become somewhat of a bore as they almost seemed to take on a larger role in the story than the romance itself.

I do however enjoy this author's writing style, and I am looking forward to reading more stories by her.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

The Offer by Sara Portman is Book Two in the "Brides of Beadwell" series. This is the story of Lucy Betancourt and Bex Brantwood. Lucy is having to face that her life is now going to turn into that of a life of servitude. Lucy father is a again vicar and she without a suitor...there is no other real outcome for her. But Lucy is staying and help her friend Emma, the Duchess of Worley to help get her through her troubling pregnancy. Emma happens to mention that she may know someone who is looking for help. Lucy happens upon Bex at the house and thinks he is the person that Emma was talking about. Bex is not sure what Lucy is offering at first but his coffers are bare so he can't keep or marry a women...but it does lead to a first kiss and friendship.
This was a sweet romance that you are just waiting to see how these two ended up together.

As with Sara Porter's first book in this series, The Offer was an engaging, delightful read that kept my interest until the very end. This is a story of two different people brought together by circumstances.,each looking for their place in life and survival. Lucy Betancourt, daughter of a vicar, is staying with her best friend, Emma, the Duchess or Worley, for her confinement. Looking ahead, Lucy determines she will need to find a post as a governess once Emma's baby is born. She is practical, in that she may never wed due to having no settlement or titled background to recommend her. In steps Bexford Brantword, the Duke of Worley's cousin and this is were the fun begins! Bex is down on his luck and heavily in debt and is the last person Lucy should feel any affection. But circumstances throw them together and they form a friendship. Bex finds Lucy refreshing for her honesty and she makes him determined to succeed and get himself out of his situation. The author brings the characters alive with great dialogue, witty conversations and humor. I found myself cheering for Bex and Lucy to find their way and come together.. This is a must read and I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. Keep your eye on this author because she will be in the spotlight with her delightful stories!

1818

Lucy Betancourt is the daughter of a vicar. She realizes that her father is not well and knows she may soon need to find work to care for herself as she will probably never marry.

Currently, she is staying with her friend, Emma, the Duchess of Worley, who is expecting and has been ill through most of her pregnancy. She is happy to serve as a companion to Emma. She has just informed Emma that she will seek a job as a governess after Emma’s baby is born. Emma mentions a friend who is looking for a governess and has been invited to dinner that night.

When Emma goes downstairs to retrieve a book she has been reading, she encounters a man who introduces himself as Bex Brantwood. Thinking he is the man in need of a governess, Lucy brazenly introduces herself and tells the man she would like the job. Lucy realizes she has mistaken him for someone else and he is also unsure as to what she is really offering him. Unfortunately, he is not the wealthy man she assumes him to be and can offer her nothing. Her protests make him assume she is asking to be his mistress. When the misunderstanding comes out, Lucy is embarrassed and flees.

Bex is cousin to the Duke of Worley and has discovered that his father asked for a meeting with the Duke to request funds. The Duke had been missing for some years and Bex’s father thought he would inherit the dukedom, spending all of their family money setting himself up with the ton. Now, Bex and his father are penniless. However, Bex has his honor and will not allow his father to bring him down. He plans to make his own way in life.

This is just an OK story. It dragged in many areas with endless verbiage about the businesses Bex wants to invest in and all the ways the businesses make their end product. Boring! I simply did not care for the characters either.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Lucy Betancourt’s father is a vicar but ailing, she doesn’t want to be a burden to her parents so she leaves her small village (that has no prospective young men for marriage) and goes to help her best friend the Duchess of Worley in her confinement. With every thought to becoming a governess she has the training to be a good governess thanks to sharing Emma’s tutoring when they were younger.
The proposition - Lucy decides to take matters into her own hands by proposing to Bex Brantwood (thinking he was in need of a governess) that he could hire her, every time Lucy spoke about the governess position it came out as a complete different proposition, her attraction to Bex was muddling her senses. Bex on the other hand couldn’t believe that this beautiful woman was actually proposition him for the position as his mistress! He could hardly support himself, but there was something about her that had him thinking of a future with her. But how can a man without any prospects no title ever have a chance at happiness with Lucy? Lucy saw the man that he was and decided for both of them that together they would make it work.

I fell in love with this story even more than the first one. Lucy is such a lovable character so spunky in a Lucy kind of way with delightful witty banter. A refreshing romance with humour and amusing circumstances. Loved the secondary characters and I wouldn’t mind seeing a story for some of them especially Lady Constance. This had turns and twists that keep you turning the pages a truly excellent engaging story.
I received a complimentary copy from the author through NetGalley for my honest opinion

This was a very good read. I did take a little while to get into it but once Lady Constance came on the scene, the story really took off. Lucy was quite a complex character. Although she was a vicar’s daughter and practical I her thoughts, there was another side to her character. One that would defy convention. Bexley was all you would want in a hero, apart from his despicable father. I really wanted them to have a happy ending but wondered how it would come about. I loved the first book in this series and I’m looking forward to the next. I received a pre-release copy from Netgalley and have voluntarily reviewed it. However I have purchased a copy as well.

I am loving this Sara Portman series! This is book two and has a lovable, straightforward heroine and a sweet, prideful hero. Lucy learns that plans have a habit of changing and Bex learns that it’s OK to accept help when it’s offered. And they both find love when they’re least expecting it...of course. 😉 Looking forward to number three! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Out today! Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC!

book 2 in the brides of beadwell series, the offer, picks up the story of emma's best friend lucy betancourt. lucy is the daughter of a humble vicar, possesses no fortune and doesn't expect to marry. but she also doesn't want to be a burden on her friends and family. she believes that her best way forward is to seek a position as a governess.

when she mistakenly assumes that bexley brantwood is the earl of ashby, a comedy of errors ensues. she believes that she's speaking to him about a possible governess in his household, while bex thinks she's propositioning him. when they realize that it’s all a misunderstanding they keep it to themselves. but the sliver of attraction remains.

if bex were a man with prospects, perhaps he could follow his impulse to flirt and tease and kiss lily. but he’s not. he’s so far from eligible that an alliance between him and lily would actually be disastrous. he’s trying so hard to make money on his own so as to not have to rely on the duke’s charity and it’s not going well.

lily and bex are clearly attracted to one another, the more time they spend together the deeper their feelings are. but their position is untenable. he has no money and no prospects. she has no dowry and her only prospects involve going into the servant class.

innovation and creativity are the only things that will get them out of their mess. but challenging society’s expectations and strictures is no small thing. love is worth it though.

The Offer by Sara Portman
The Brides of Beadwell #2

Can you remember your first kiss? I bet it was not given to you by a stranger but what if it had been and the memory of it lingered in your mind? Well, such was the case for Lucy Betancourt, friend of a duchess and Bex Brantwood, giver of that first kiss. The two thoroughly enjoyed that kiss but both realized nothing could come of it because Lucy was headed from her father’s vicarage to a position of service and Bex was in grave debt with few options out of his dilemma. So…a kiss is just a kiss…or so the song says…but…not always.

As Lucy and Bex spend time together they find they are compatible and friendship develops. They speak openly and enjoy the company of one another. They work separately toward achieving their individual goals. And yet…I could feel them both wanting more but not knowing how to go about getting it. I kept wondering just how the author would manage a HEA for this couple without title or money so kept reading and wondering and hoping…just as no doubt did the hero and heroine of the story. I won’t say more about the how but will say it was a well-crafted story unlike most historical romances I read. I liked Lucy and Bex and was delighted with the way this book ended. I see there is a book three and am eager to read it…soon…I can honestly recommend both books in this series and hope you will read and enjoy them, too.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books-Lyrical Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4.5 Stars

I will keep my promise that I will give an honest and fair review in exchange for this ARC. Well written story and the characters are endearing. I would like to have seen a bit more intrigue but it is certainly worth reading.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. The story is about a young woman, Lucy who meets and falls in love with a man, Bex. He has nothing to offer her but is trying to improve his finances. In the end they have a HEA but there are a lot of ups and downs before this happens. The book is well written and a very good read. I would highly recommend this book.

Lucy Betancourt’s future looks bleak she’s the daughter of an ailing,aging vicar in a village with no eligible bachelors, her only hope is to find employment as a governess or companion. She’s visiting her childhood friend, the new Duchess of Worley & helping Emma through her difficult pregnancy but the ever-practical Lucy is making her plans to become a governess.
Bexley Brantwood, the duke’s cousin, arrives for dinner with the Worley’s & is propositioned by a blonde angel but Bex is no family man looking for a governess. And Lucy is not exactly mistress material. Still, the misunderstanding ends in a kiss neither can forget.
Bex finds the proper vicar’s daughter and her most improper proposal endlessly amusing and attractive. However he’s saddled with debt & in no position to keep a woman, much less marry one, which is what a woman like Lucy deserves.
Another delightful entertaining read. Bex is a proud young man with a sly, conniving father, he wishes to succeed from his own efforts & not rely on hand outs from his wealthy cousin John, Duke of Worley. Lucy is innocent & naïve but also down to earth & practical. The attraction between the pair is there from their first hilarious meeting & what a meeting the misunderstanding had me laughing out loud. The characterisation is very good & the story is very well paced. The secondary characters are also well portrayed & I especially liked Lady Constance.
Bex & Lucy decide to be friends as neither has plans to marry but their growing affection & attraction can only lead to one thing. The road to their HEA is rocky & obstacles are thrown in their way but their journey is so very entertaining.
This book is the second in the series but could be read as a stand alone book. It is hard to believe that this is only the author’s second book, like the first it is extremely well written & a very accomplished novel. I’m so looking forward to the third in the series

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Sara Portman is fast becoming one of my favorite historical romance authors. This is only the second book of hers that I have read but both books have been that good. I loved almost everything about this book. It was fresh and different and so well written. The next book in the series is an auto-buy for me.

This is now number 14 out of 20, not in that order, for My Best Books of 2017!
Bex, deeply in debt through a long lost cousin coming from America, and claiming the family Dukedom! His father had told them to prepare as gentleman of leisure, instead of gentleman farmers, where Bex had grown up happily. Now, thanks to his avarice father, he needs a miracle to pull him out debt.
Lucy, best friends with Emma, Duchess of the new found Duke, is in London, while Emma is preparing for the birth of her child. She meets Bex by accident, incorrectly thinking he is a married Lord, in need of a Governess for his children. The meeting is precious, witty, sweet. This is a great story of up and downs, laughter, and tears, just like real life!
I highly recommend! Thanks! Enjoy!
carolintallahassee 👒

Lucy Betancourt is a vicar's daughter, who is visiting her friend, the Duchess of Worley. She has no marriage prospects and no special skills .Bexley Brantwood at one time had a possibility of becoming a duke, but the real duke showed up, so he was just a Mr. He had no skills and no income.
A compelling story of friendship and love, Lucy has decided to be a companion or governess and take the pressure off her father, who is getting old. The descriptions are very good and they help you to be part of the story. The characters are funny, loving and compassionate, unless you talk about his dad. He is a despicable creature. There are some twists and turns to this tale, Sara Portman, in her usual expertise, has made it into a wonderful book that is well written, even paced and moves smoothly. It keeps your interest and you have trouble putting it down.