Over the top adorable!
It was super heartwarming and lovely. Usually, I'm not a fan of super naive and innocent FMCs, but June was so likeable that you can't help but fall in love with her.
The way she was open with her feelings and thoughts was endearing, and it made the short duration of her falling in love much more acceptable.
Augustus was rather plain compared to June, she outshined him so much. He was a textbook manly man, there was nothing distinctive about him as a character.
The plot, although simple, was engaging and enjoyable. I flew through the book in a day.
Overall, a great read.
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

This book had a lot of potential, and may have helped me discover that I like age gap romances. But June shifts in character so many times, from awkward teen trying to deploy feminine wiles to combat ninja to schoolmarm reading the book and talking sooo much... I just wished Augustus had found someone a little more consistent. But I might try another from this series.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

This is the first book by Meara Platt that I've read, and I really enjoyed it. The interplay with the sisters was humorous. The story was very compelling and I can't wait to see what happens next in the series.

June Farthingale is travelling with her sisters from her small town to London. The three of them are to going to have a season with their aunt acting as their chaperone. They stop at an inn after their aunt isn't feeling well where June meets a handsome Scottish general named Augustus MacLauren. They immediately like each other and she feels at ease with him, enough so that she talks about the Book of Love with him. The biggest issue when them falling instantly in love is the fact she is headed to London and he is going to Scotland. Theirs is no easy road to a HEA, as they experience a bevy of events which needs to be overcome including attempted murder and physical threats.

This book is the 10th of a series and I had no trouble reading it as a stand-alone. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

The Promise of Love is the first book I've read by the author and I really enjoyed it. I'll have to check more books from the series. I am a huge historical romance fanatic and I just adored the premise of the book. Although the book was a bit short, I would still say that it was a very enjoyable read and I would definitely recommend it to people who are lovers of regency romances.

3 stars

Not a bad story. I read this after reading book `1 which is where Olivia finds the book. The book helps young women understand mens motivations. It talks about a lower and higher attraction. Obviously the lower is just lust whereas the higher is full LUV. June meets Augustus , a scottish General and falls for him. Whilst testing one of the books theories on him she introduces herself as Tallulah, which seemed to me a later name than 1815. Later Augustus mentions Peach Melba, which Wikipedia tells me was invented 1893. These aren't hideous faults but has the effect of pulling me from the story. I felt that June manpulates or uses her feminine wiles, which is a bit old hat, I probably won't bother with the rest of the series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you Net Galley for an ARC of The Promise of Love by Meara Platt. This is the first book I've read by this much loved author, but it won't be the last! The love story was a breath of fresh air and I was needing a historical romance fix!

General Augustus MacLauren and his men from the Royal Scots Guards have stopped off in Taunton on the way home to Scotland. Giggles from outside his room at the inn draw his attention, and will change the course of many lives.
Miss Juniper Farthingale and her sisters are on their way to London for the season. They have a certain book with them that has helped many family members find true love. It could be interesting to experiment with what it says, if they can find a test frog.
There are lots of giggles and some danger for all of our fabulous characters. I have read all the books in this series and they are all very amusing and entertaining. Our hero in this one is a very serious man, used to taking his time on serious decisions. Our heroine is a brave young lady unafraid to go after what she wants.
Really good fun.

Love at First Sight

She is reading the Book of Love, and he is just going to be her “test frog.” As with so many plans, this one is about to go awry. Little does June know that Augustus hears her plot with her sisters, and he is not about to be used as a test subject. However, the general does not understand the whirlwind that is about to take over his life and turn him into a lovesick fool. Surely, no one falls in love in such a short time, or do they? The Book of Love strikes again, and Augustus might not be able to resist the pull.

This is an entertaining read. It is lighthearted and suspenseful. How can a book be both? You’ll have to read this story to find out. There will be danger because there are louts intent on mischief at the inn, and they are intent on mayhem and murder.

I enjoyed the story and would recommend it to those who like lighthearted historical romance with a dash of suspense. I had a smile on my face almost the entire time I was reading the book.

The Promise of Love is book #10 in The Book of Love series. You can read it as a stand-alone story though, as it was my case
Juniper Farthingale is going to London with her 2 younger sisters for their debut, when she meets thoughtful General Augustus MacLauren and falls in love with him at first sight. And, accordingly to the Book of Love, Juniper is absolutely right and being in love with such a handsome Scottish general.
Augustus is attracted to Juniper too, but doesn't believe that theirs would be a match made iin heaven, especially because he needs to find a wife who may add to his promising diplomatic career - and Juniper doesn't seem to fill this requirement.
I liked the book, but I thought that their attraction was too soon, mainly from the heroine. Plus, the book lagged a little around its 50%. Anyway, I'm very interested in the last instalment of this series, The Wonder of Love, Willow and Shayne's story.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This is the tenth book in this series. Great and naughty this book is the epitome of love.
Meara Platt writes a great story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

I have all her books and have enjoyed every one of them. This one is about love at first sight. It sets a nice pace and is funny. Of course, you must have a villain and she picked a good one. He is cruel and Egocentric, as are the rest of his friends. June is twenty-two and has never been anywhere. Her aunt is taking the three girls to London so they can have their come out. When Augustus and June first met, they have a hard time looking away from each other. They enjoy spending time together and talking.
Unfortunately, the villain keeps intruding, actually his friends, and he endangers a lot of people.
It does keep you entertained and definitely smiling. The author has always, in my opinion, written a well-rounded novel. When you pick up one of her books you will not be disappointed.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and Dragonblade publishing and voluntarily reviewed the novel.

England 1821
A whirlwind adventure that will catch you from the first and spin you around so fast.. wait more like have Augustus MacLauren's head aching and spinning from the fight he got into trying to protect Tallulah.. umm I mean June!

The famous Book of Love makes an appearance weaving it's magic with a glorious Scot and a beautiful Farthingale.. Which may be almost... yes almost love at first sight! But he is a General, just stopping over at an inn before going on to Scotland and she is headed to London! How could these two possibly get together?

This has been truly one of the most fun and entertaining series I have read. But of course it is Meara Platt bringing these stories to life, so one can expect no less!! What an apt title and another beautiful cover. Simply perfect... Sigh (I still want to borrow that book!)

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Have I ever stressed how much I love this series and Meara Platt's writing style.
Let me do so now.

This series has had me captivated since the beginning, it has stunning characters who have been thrilling and passionate, storylines to die for, dialogue that is both brilliant and witty, and they are satisfying and entertaining to read.
To me they deliver everything and anything you could ever ask from a Historical Romance.

Augustus and June are a perfect example a wonderful and chemistry filled story in this series.
There is tension in the form of a Lord who is out of control.
A knight on a Grey charger, our hero.
And a damsel in distress, our heroine.
It’s all put together so beautifully by Meara, a really great read.

There is also the promise of more of those Brayden Boys on the horizon. *Swoon.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

The book of love has worked its way around different ladies, particularly those of the Farthingale clan. June is the next lady who receives The Book of Love. She and her sisters are traveling to London when they stop at an inn along the way. June is immediately captivated by Augustus, a general and a Scot. Augustus thinks things through but June causes all his thoughts to go haywire. He cannot explain these feelings he is having and does not want to fall in love and tries to convince June that he does not have an interest in her, but fails miserably. June tries to prove to Augustus that she is more than what she appears, for she is no simpering maiden. Will it be enough to convince him that she is the one for him and he for her?
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I've never been a huge fan of the love at first sight trope but I did enjoy this overall. It felt a little forced at the beginning but I couldn't help but get invested in the story, nonetheless. This was the first book I'd read in the series and I will definitely read the next one after the brief preview at the end. Overall, a fun, quick read I would recommend!

The Promise of Love by Meara Platt is another in The Book of Love series, featuring the Farthingale girls. This time it is Juniper, who with her two sisters, Cammy and Willow is traveling to London to make their come-outs. While resting at an inn, they meet General Augustus McLauren. He is entranced by her but is cognizant of the fact that she is young and naive, not at all the sort of woman he is accustomed to. It would be wrong; especially knowing he is on his way back to Europe soon after seeing this grandfather. After a variety of things go wrong, including Augustus getting shot, and June being snatched with the end goal cutting up her face so badly she would be scarred for life, August finally comes around to the fact that he loves her and they will manage.

Augustus is a great character, but of course, he is a Highlander, isn't he? He is strong and intelligent, except where women are concerned. The, he is a little lacking, as his men don't hesitate to point out. June is just sweet. She is everything a young woman should be, and truly sweet, as well. They are an odd match and yet they work. The days leading up to their romance are fraught with misdeed caused by a spoiled young local lord, and his equally spoiled friends. It was frightening, but made for a good read. Augustus is nothing if not a protector and their behavior netted them a free trip to Australia, and their leader a trip to see the hangman. This is a fun series and this was a wonderful addition to it. I recommend it. I can't wait for the next one.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Promise of Love by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #thepromiseoflove

A Scottish General and Diplomat, Augustus MacLauren is a battled hardened warrior, but his meeting with Miss Juniper Farthingale upends his life and throws him into a state of discombobulation. June's naive curiosity initially amuses him until he realizes that she has every intention of using him as her test frog. Before he has much of a chance to dissuade her, a group of unruly youths interrupts the scene, creating havoc in both their lives. I found this romance entertaining as The Book of Love once again makes an appearance. In the hands of the three Farthingale sisters, it is a dangerous weapon, especially given their curiosity. When Augustus thinks to make his exit in order to follow the orders he has received, he discovers that not only does the party of men he is traveling with side with June, but his horse does too. There is some suspense and tension in this novel, but overall it is a lighthearted and amusing romance. I received a copy of this entertaining novel through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Oy Vey. This book started off so well and just got to be So. Damn. Tedious. At only 211 pages, Meara Platt’s, The Promise of Love, commits the mortal sin of catching a case of the ‘splaineys’ and finishes off with little to no sexual payoff. In lieu of action, the reader suffers through one exhausting conversation after the next between hero and heroine as they encounter so many contrived soap opera set pieces.

A little plot
Young debutante Juniper (June) Farthingale (that fucking name, amirite?) travels with her two equally gorgeous and somewhat insipid sisters to London for their first season out. After a chance encounter with dreamy and swoon-worthy Scottish captain, Augustus MacLauren, June is struck with an insta-love so strong that she vows never to be happy again unless she can convince Augustus to marry her. The entire story spans 3 days, during which June is almost raped, kidnapped, and mutilated. In between these periods of overdone melodrama, Augustus and June spend hours reading from the Book of Love, which will prove beyond a doubt they are fated to be soulmates.

Yeah, nothing says “spellbinding drama and excitement” than being subjected to two trite characters yammer at each other for pages on end.

The Compliment Sandwich.. :sigh:

The Top Bun (Pro)
POTENTIAL!!!
Call the manager, because I was fricking sold - at least, for the first quarter of the book. The banter between the sisters was charming; the aspect of utilizing Augustus as their ‘test frog’ to determine validity of the Book of Love was inspired.

He warned himself...whatever you do, do not look at her bosom.
Do not…
Oh, mercy.
She sighed, causing her chest to lightly heave.
He looked.
Just a glance.
She hadn’t noticed. Nor had her companions, he hoped.
Well, he wasn’t going to look again.
Mercy.
He looked again.

The outrageous presumption of three young women in 1830 testing men with their femining wiles I found to be comical and quite original. While I’m sure it’s not historically accurate, I found it refreshing. The reader can envision this is something a teenage girl today to employ - some trick featured on tik tok, insta, or twitter which would ensnare their ‘man’ while probably with the same unfortunate results. Think about it: how many tv shows and movies from the 80’s and 90’s featured a scene of some teenage girl stuffing her bra with socks, or on occasion chicken breasts, to entice a boy. The results were very much the same - they didn’t normally work as one would hope.

The Meat (Con)
Around that quarter mark, after June deploys a series of self defense moves that would make Black Widow jealous, the story stops dead. Like roll it into the morgue, slap a toe tag on, coins on the eyes...dead. June kicks ass and takes names. She’s kind of a bad ass. She then delves into simpering young miss mode.

After one decent scene where we are teased with some possible hanky panky (yeah, I said it), we must listen to June either wimper like a watering pot or just dither on about this stupid book and the five senses. Seriously, if I was Augustus, I’d take the friggin book, light it on fire, get on my horse and peace out. No amount of blathering is worth a little roll in the hay.

“Fine”, she said with a sigh. “No more discussion of chapter one. Let us concentrate on the five senses now, sight touch, taste, scent, and hearing. The importance of these chapters is to teach us how to open ourselves to the truth of what we are seeing, or hearing, and so on. We can use each other as mutual test frogs”.

Poor sexy captain Augustus. He’s that one friend we all have that you just want to take aside and say “seriously, bro, RUN. Run like the wind”.

The Bottom Bun (Pro)
I enjoyed the characters that made up MacLauren’s band of comrades. I’m envisioning that a mandolorian-esque side story with these characters would have been much more enjoyable than this overdramatic escapade. Honestly, the best character might be Augustus’s horse, who, side note, I’d cast as the Baby Yoda of the tv show that I’m optioning to Disney for the Fall.

Augustus himself is a decent character: he’s Scottish, so it’s an automatic pass for me. His vacuous turn of character toward the end of the book, however, negates all the good will, and naughty thoughts, I had toward him from the beginning.

In summation, I’m casting Jock (the father figure and Augustus’s right hand man) as Mando (Din Djarin) and looking to sell my screenplay for 700K. Disney: Call me. Bonus, we can sell so many horse figurines with jedi powers at Christmas. Cash grab.

In other words: Take a hard pass on this book.

He’s on his way to Scotland to see his family. She’s on the way to London for her first season. This is the brilliantly entertaining and sometimes (a lot) amusing story of General Augustus MacLauren and Juniper Farthingale who fall in love at first sight during their stay at an inn on their journey. It is fast-paced, a little unpredictable, and a lot of fun. There is some trouble from a group of privileged bullies (actually pretty bad guys and more than once) and a sort of joint rescue. June’s sisters and aunt and Augustus’s men keep an eye on these two. June’s explanation of the information in the Book of Love is laugh-out-loud funny for the reader and desperate avoidance of the same for Augustus. Augustus has some concerns about a future for them, and June is uncertain of his feelings for her. But things have a way of working out. Aunt Charlotte and the Book of Love say so. An entertaining story with wonderful characters. I recommend it and the series.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.