Wonderful book that leads you down a road you never expected. This novel had two very different main characters, different stations, different circumstances, different lives, yet somehow molds them to make something more.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

4.5 stars
This was an enjoyable read with likeable characters. Rhianna was a bold and fearless person. She was resourceful and had a caring attitude to her servants and friends. Prince Marc was a handsome and brave man but he did have a stubborn streak. I felt like giving him a shake at times! Neither Rhi or Marc wanted an arranged marriage. There are a number of events happening in this story, one being the plight of the miners left to the questionable ethics of Rhi’s uncle. I did enjoy the teasing banter between Marc and his brothers. There is a mystery as to her mother’s connection with Marc’s homeland. Rhi and Marc had an attraction but Marc found it difficult to commit, due to his responsibilities. Would he ever come to his senses? I received a copy and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. However, I did preorder my own copy.

3.5 Stars
Rhianna Davies is well-acquainted with heartache after the painful loss of her parents. At the arrival of her ghastly uncle, she is brought even lower: Rhi has been banished from her family’s estate home and must rely on the kindness of her tightly knit Welsh miners for help. Marc Wilhelm, Prince of Oldenburg, is in Wales with one purpose: to claim his betrothed. A long-ago promise between their fathers forges an indelible link between Rhi and Marc, but there remains just one problem: neither wants to marry a stranger. With no remaining ties to Wales, Rhi agrees to accompany Marc to Oldenburg, where he will forfeit their betrothal so she may have her pick of husbands.
This is the third book in the series & I didn’t realise that when I requested it but I found it easy to read & didn't feel I'd missed out by not reading the earlier books. I liked both Marc & Rhi but didn’t love them, their characters had depth & they were well portrayed but I didn’t feel any real chemistry between them. A well written book which was easy to read & entertaining but didn’t have me engrossed.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

When Rhianna stands up for those working at her family's mine, her uncle banishes her to the family's hunting cabin. Then, a prince shows up- Prince Marc. She finds out that her dad and his dad arranged when they were young to have her marry one of the king's sons. He sent Prince Marc, seeming to think he would be the best match for her. Marc and Rhianna agree to set out and help each other. They both aren't interested in an arranged marriage, so Marc agrees to help Rhianna with the mines and help her find an acceptable suitor. Marc serves on a security detail for his country, so he is determined to stay single to spare a partner from fear and danger. What becomes more inconvenient is when Marc and Rhianna begin to develop deep feelings for each other. Will they be able to let go of their plans and find a way to be together?
I enjoyed a lot about this story. Rhianna is a wonderful character. She is determined to care for the miners, and she holds on to hope and love despite the very difficult things that she faces. The secondary characters in this story were also delightful. I loved the friends that help Marc & Rhianna, as well as, Marc's family- his brothers, as well as, the king and queen. I had a difficult time liking Marc. His actions came across as selfish and unkind. But, the rest of the characters and story were lovely, and I definitely look forward to reading more in this series and by this author!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

“Your goodness stands untested. Be kind to those in your care, even when you have reason not to be.”

This is the second book I’ve read by This author and it was definitely better than I thought it would be. I was frustrated through most of the book due to the fact the main characters started off their relationship by saying I don’t want to have an arrange marriage. You know it will all work out in the end but it’s frustrating that they clearly like each other, and refuse to make a move. 😂

Rhianna and Marc are very similar in personalities. But there’s enough of a difference that it works out great. Rhianna is a stubborn and spitfire of a woman. She knows what she wants in life and does what she can to help those she cares about. Marc is loyal and a great listener. He is protective of those he cares about. He is a little bit of an idiot but what man isn’t in this kind of situation? 😂

This book is the third one in a series but can be read as a stand-alone. Which is what I did. It was easy to follow despite characters from the first two books showing up. Jen Johnson, definitely is aware that some of her readers might be reading these out of order. I will now be reading the first two books in the near future.

These thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks NetGalley and Covenant Communication for the ARC.

“Marc was just plain ridiculous. And if he wasn’t going to see what was plain to everyone else, then she wasn’t going to try to make him.”

What happens when a father’s wish beyond the grave changes the life of a newly orphaned Welsh beauty forever? Rhianna Davies has gone from being the daughter of a wealthy Welsh mine owner to living in a cold barren cottage on her father’s estate while her greedy uncle has taken over her property and mines. When she’s summoned by her uncle to her former home, she learns her father left a provision in his will for her to marry a handsome prince from Oldenburg. But, when neither Rhianna nor Prince Marc are disposed to marry a virtual stranger, they decide to strike a bargain to still honor their fathers’ wishes but marry whom and when they want. As love begins to bloom though, Prince Marc is still determined not to wed. Will he give in to his feelings or will he maintain his stubborn nobility and duty?

Jen Geigle Johnson knows how to write characters who evoke strong emotions. While I was reading this, there were times when I loved Prince Marc and then wanted to shake him! He’s every bit the handsome prince with integrity and passion, but his desire to protect his family’s kingdom virtually by himself frustrated me to no end. It’s so obvious he’s in love with Rhi, but he doesn’t want to put her in danger.

I absolutely loved Rhi! She’s daring, bold, smart, strong, and extremely patient. She also has a kind heart which at times gets trampled upon. She cares deeply about her people who work the mines and is willing to do what it takes to ensure their safety. She doesn’t hesitate to risk her life for others. She’s also extremely forgiving when it comes to Marc and his mercurial personality.

I also loved the other princes of Oldenburg as well as the king and queen. The princes who attempt to woo Rhi are so fun and I have to admit there were times I wanted her to choose one of them. I look forward to reading more of their stories.

There’s plenty of action and adventure as well as swoony romance. Despite my frustration with Prince Marc, circumstances lead him to question his beliefs and I was so happy with the way things turned out. It’s definitely an action packed story that takes the reader on a journey from Wales to England to Oldenburg and deals with treacheries from Napoleon sympathizers.

Though this is the third book in the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone! I hadn’t read the previous books, but now look forward to going back and reading them. I recommend this to fans of Regency and historical clean romance. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

I enjoyed reading this book. I loved how every character was honest with everyone. A lot of times a character will not say how they feel but not so with these characters. I loved Rihanna’s character, she is so caring about people. I also like how she can joke around with the brothers and Marc. Marc was great too but I didn’t like some of the way he treated Rihanna. Overall good story. Clean read. Definitely recommend

I've only read one book by Jen Geigle Johnson before--His Lady in Hiding. It was good, but not great. I remember enjoying parts of it, but then feeling like other parts just weren't up to my standards. And well, that's basically how I felt about A Tenuous Betrothal.

The story started off well. Rhianna's parents died leaving her under the care of her uncle. Her uncle has no purpose for her. She's basically in his way and has been relegated to a secluded hunting lodge on the family property. Except it turns out that her father made provisions for her before he died in the form of a betrothal to a longtime friend's son. Rhianna has no desire to be in an arranged marriage, but she does desperately hope for a future beyond being stuck in a hunting lodge in a small mining town. And bonus, the friend of her father is a king meaning his sons are princes. And there happens to be several of them to choose from. On top of that, the one who actually shows up to rescue her is quite handsome and the two make a good team upon first meeting.

Marc has no desire to wed any time soon. He is head of security for his country and that means that he's constantly in harm's way from those who wish ill upon their kingdom. He knows that marrying will require him to relinquish his duties so as to not place himself or his wife or family in any undue harm's way. Despite feeling a pull, an attraction toward Rhianna, he constantly tries to pull away.

My biggest frustrations revolved around the wishy-washiness of these characters. One moment they're heading in one direction, the next they change course in another. They're traveling to one location but abruptly go back the way they came. One minute they agree that there's nothing to be between them, the next they're cozying up on a ship only to turn around and part ways as soon as they make land. I found one too many "we can't be togethers" and "you don't understands."

Ultimately, I feel torn about A Tenuous Betrothal. Some parts were good and I was eager to read more, particularly the beginning. Other parts I struggle with wanting to roll my eyes and getting annoyed with the characters. I'm intrigued for future books, but not sure I would want to go back to read the previous in the series (I didn't know this was in the middle of a series when I requested it), and I can't say for sure that I will carry on the series or not. A Tenuous Betrothal gets 3 Stars. Have you read A Tenuous Betrothal? What did you think? Let me know!

There’s something about humble royalty that warms my heart. I loved reading Marc and Rhi’s story. They each represent their people so well and battle knowing how to let others in to protect their people as much as they do. It’s a fabulous story. And I LOVED that we got to spend time in Oldenburg and meet more of the brothers! Ms Johnson has captured the common tropes-forced marriage, strangers to more, royalty-and truly made them her own in this third installment of her Royal Regency Romance series.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

A Tenuous Betrothal by Jen Geigle Johnson was so well written. I am obsessed with this story line.

You get it all.. a prince rescue, a ball, an open sea voyage, castles, and TRUE LOVE! It doesn’t get any better.

I love getting both she and he perspectives!

The yearning that Rhi and Marc have for each other jumps off the pages!

The struggle between duty and love just pulls at your heart for these characters. Their swoon worthy moments are throughout the whole book! Not just starting halfway in.

Marc is at the top of fictional boyfriends list!

I felt all the emotions with this story. You will not be disappointed with this one.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Netgalley, Covenant Communications, and Jen Geigle Johnson for the opportunity to read and review this book!

This is the third in the Royal Regency series--a series about the Wilhelm brothers, princes of Oldenburg. This book features Marc Wilhelm--the head of security for the royal family.

Rhianna Davies, a lady from Wales, has been sent to live in a cabin on her family property by her abhorrent uncle, who inherited the house, and mine, after her father passed away. Wanting to get Rhianna out of his hair, he sends her to the cabin where he doesn't have to deal with her. 

Upon the reading of her father's will, it's discovered that her father provided for her: a husband. And also the ability to make sure that the mines they own--and the miners with it--will be taken care of. Rhianna's assumed betrothed is none other than Marc Wilhelm. 

Knowing that either one wants to be forced into marriage, Marc and Rhianna strike a friendship and a mutually beneficial understanding where he will help her take care of the mine and (maybe) find a husband that suits her. 

Their friendship grows throughout the novel--both of them catching feelings, of course, knowing that they're perfectly suited for each other. 

The issue is that Marc feels his job is too dangerous for a family. So he pushes Rhi away. 

This book was a clean read with romance, intrigue, drama, and several Wilhelm brothers that I can't wait to read more about.

💗A sweet romance that feels more like a fairy tale than a true historical romance.

The cover caught my attention. Isn't that cover Beautiful?

Rhi grew up in Wales and was recently orphaned. When her horrible uncle throws her out of the estate and controls the family mining business, Rhi doesn’t know how to support the workers or herself. Marc is a prince and has no idea he is secretly betrothed to Rhi... With no desire to marry, both agree to come up with a plan to avoid marriage to each other, but also to secure the safety of the miners. Both characters are independent and strong individuals that have a sense of duty to the things or people they love.

Marc is kind and noble, But then he had to go and spoil it by constantly telling us he wasn’t ready to marry. Once, twice, many times over🙄 (I just lost count). I did think that Marc did protest too much about not marrying, especially since the only reason given was his life was too dangerous.

I just think the plot could have been developed a bit stronger to have some push-pull. It felt like some of the “problems” within the book were resolved quickly, and the story may have been stronger with a tighter focus. (It was just too much) I’m going to agree to disagree with this book. It gets a 3.5⭐for me.

💗Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

If you enjoy Regency stories with intrigue and romance, this is the series for you. I don’t think I’ve read a book set in Wales before this one, and Johnson definitely has me itching to go there now. I enjoyed the characters and found their journeys, both physical and emotional ones, intriguing. Plus, this cover deserves all the love! 4/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.5 stars This was a very sweet romance with only a couple of kisses but lots of tension. Rhianna and Marc were good as main characters, with good chemistry however I did think that Marc did protest too much about not marrying especially since the only reason given was his life was too dangerous. While it was nice to have a more independent and adventurous heroine, it felt a bit too modern but I did love her concern for the miner's which was a nice twist on the usual fairy tale type story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Marc and Rhi are my favorite couple so far! I love that they had to overcome things together and I just fell in love with their love story. Thank you for the ARC, the opinions are my own.

I enjoyed it. Rhi and Marc are clearly meant to be together. He fights it throughout the book out of duty to his country. She is a woman of action and isn't afraid to face hard trials head on.
I liked that this book had multiple settings - Wales, London, the sea, Oldenburg, and Prussia. It kept it exciting. The action really picks up about halfway through and keeps going until the end. I loved getting to know more of the Wilhelm brothers and look forward to their stories.

A sweet romance that feels more like a fairy tale than a true historical romance. The prince was very gallant and the heroine was kind and brave. This book definitely gives me some kind of Cinderella vibes.

Thank you NetGalley and Covenant Communications for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 4.0 / 5 Stars
Publication: August 8, 2022
Series: Royals Regency/Wilhelm Brothers #3

“A Tenuous Betrothal” is a first time read in this Royal Regency/Wilhelm Brothers Series by Jen Geigle Johnson, new author to this reader.

The story is of Rhianna Davies (Rhi) who lost her parents, treated ghastly by her uncle, banished from the only home she knew, but in all her heartache and pain she has a love for her servants and those who worked in the Welsh mines. She does not have any illusions of a happily ever after until an addendum to her father’s will now has her betrothed and in the hands of handsome Prince Marc Wilhelm of Oldenburg.

Marc is determined in his role as Prince and also spy for his government. He sets out to claim his betrothed, Rhi from a long-ago promise between their fathers. He does not want to be married to her and sets his mind on helping her find a suitor as they do not want to be strangers in a fixed marriage. They agree to travel to Oldenburg to forfeit their betrothal so that she can pick a husband of her choosing. Upon arriving, Marc’s father arrange courtships between the remaining Wilhelm brothers to see who can win the heart of Rhi…but will Marc cave to his feelings and jealousy of his brothers to allow Rhi firmly in his heart?

I really liked this book although some parts were a little rushed and slow going at the beginning…Marc clearing up all the mining problems at a whim…somewhat unbelievable nasty the uncle has been toward Rhi and the miners. Both characters are independent and strong individuals that have a sense of duty to the things or people they love. I did think the plot could have been developed a bit stronger to have some push/pull in resolving the problems with the miners, the angst between Rhi and her uncle and the relationship between the main characters. I did enjoy the heartwarming, witty, and entertaining moments in the story and you can pick up the slow-build romance to get to love and eventually the HEA.

This is a clean historical that included kissing and a little violence that is not overly done by the author. Love, loved the secondary characters…the bothers and look forward to reading Henri, Kristoff and Frederick’s story.

A Tenuous Betrothal is the third book in Jen Geiger Johnson’s Royal series. I enjoyed the first books in this series and was excited to get to read Marc’s story, as he was one of my favorite characters from the first books. I am anxiously awaiting the rest of the brothers stories.

This is such a fun read! The chemistry between Rhi and Marc is great! They are both amazing characters that you can’t help but to cheer them on. Not only is this a great romance but is also has a bit of suspense with some spying, a kidnapping, and a daring rescue. It has everything you could want in a book!

This is a book I will definitely be buying. I highly recommend it to all lovers of a clean sweet romance.

This is book three in the Royal Regency/Wilhelm brothers series and I was thrilled it was Marc’s story.
From the get go I adored Rhianna. She’s strong, spunky, and everything I love in a regency heroine. Her and Marc’s story was sweet and endearing. I loved watching their relationship grow.
And oh the Wilhelm brothers! I adore this bunch so much. We got to spend a lot of time with the varying brothers and they are a hoot.
It was sweet romance with a touch of action in the end. Thoroughly enjoyable all around. Thanks to Netgalley and Covenant Communications for sending me a copy. All opinions expressed are my own.