I just reviewed An Uncharted Devotion by Amanda Taylor. #AnUnchartedDevotion #NetGalley

Loved this book! It was so good, I didn’t want to put it down. The characters and the storyline were amazing. I love this new author!

Newly married and off to war doesn't make for a great foundation of marriage. James, a navy lieutenant, returns 5 year later when his eldest brother dies, He's tortured by the capture of his best friend and emotionally shutdown. They can't seem to reconnect as he continues to shut her out - she's left hurt and suffering.

The advice of her friend is to look out first for her own happiness. So she leaves with them for London.

A good army friend comes along who challenges James and the choices he's making. The rest of the story takes an unexpected turn as they get swooped into espionage.

This story communicates the tensions in reconciling a marriage, Though they are each hurting in their own way, looking after themselves first is what drives them apart in the first place, and perhaps the lesson to be learned. Clean, historical suspense.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this regency novel from Amanda Taylor! After five years spent fighting at sea, Lord James Whitfield is called home to take up his position in society after the sudden death of his older brother. Yet he is a changed man from the warm and kind groom that left Sarah shortly after their wedding.

They both must fight for a marriage that has grown cold and distant amidst a series of misunderstandings and hurts from each other.

I loved the side plot reminiscent of The Scarlet Pimpernel and would love a whole story devoted to those side characters!

Can a new marriage survive war and five years apart?
James and Sarah met and it was love at first sight. They married quickly knowing that James, a second son and in the navy, would soon leave to fight in the war. Five years later with very few visits during that time, James is forced to return after the sudden death of his brother, Lord Whitfield. A captain now, James did not relish the idea of returning to England especially since his best friend, Patrick, had been captured by the French and he felt the need to rescue him. So he returns angry, sullen, withdrawn, and unapproachable. Sarah, knowing there would be an adjustment period tries to bear with his moods with patience and acceptance but then he pushes too far driving her as well as friends and his own family away. With all of his poor behavior and choices can anything be saved? Patrick? His marriage? Friends? Family? How do you start to repair the damage? Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.

I really enjoyed this book! The characters were relatable and hook you by the first chapter. I wasn’t able to put it down until I finished the entire book. Definitely a must read!

4 STARS!!!

An Uncharted Devotion is the story of a troubled marriage between James and Sarah. James is to leave for his naval career and Sarah is dealing with the loss of her parents when they marry in haste, leading to a marriage built on shaky foundations. It doesn't help that James is yet to grow up when he falls in love with Sarah- he is emotionally immature and youthfully selfish. Add to that the trauma he goes through due to being a soldier and seeing war, violence, carnage.
All these issues do not a stable relationship make.
The turning point is the death of James' brother, resulting in him inheriting a viscountcy he never wanted. Now James is home to stay, and he has to deal with the loss of his brother, his desolate sister-in-law, his aggrieved mother and a wife who only wants to be loved and love him in return.
He struggles under the weight of this, and hurts his family in the process, until they finally give up on him. Its up to James now to rebuild his life as he sees fit.

What I liked - Sarah's character arc is beautifully done. She goes from trying to deal with James' immaturity to finally realizing she has to stand up for herself.

What could have been better - I wish James and Sarah had more one-on-one time together!

An Uncharted Devotion is a well-written book with a great plot, and even a bit of action and adventure! Extra marks for the gorgeous cover!

My thanks to the author, the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC!

Beautifully written historical romance! Intrigue, adventure and husband and wife trying to find their way back to each other. So many emotions play out in this story. You just want to cheer Sarah and James on to their happily ever after. Highly recommend!

I thoroughly enjoyed this regency novel from Amanda Taylor! After five years spent fighting at sea, Lord James Whitfield is called home to take up his position in society after the sudden death of his older brother. Yet he is a changed man from the warm and kind groom that left Sarah shortly after their wedding.

They both must fight for a marriage that has grown cold and distant amidst a series of misunderstandings and hurts from each other.

I loved the side plot reminiscent of The Scarlet Pimpernel and would love a whole story devoted to those side characters!

Thank you to Netgalley!