Review: The Chase by Sara Portman

Print Length: 320 pages

Publisher: Lyrical Press (November 21, 2017)

From Goodreads.com: According to his father's terms, Michael Rosevear's duty is to be ignored—until such time as he is useful. Now that the earldom is in need of funds, Michael is to be sold off in marriage to the daughter of a crass but wealthy merchant willing to pay for any connection to nobility—even one from the wrong side of the blanket.

En route to his fate in London, Michael does not plan to board an extra passenger. Yet there is something in the young miss's desperate plea that tugs at his conscience—though he is certain her story is a fabrication.

Juliana Crawford has fled her father's cruel home. Using a false name to evade pursuit, she must find a private traveler with whom to complete her escape. Chance matches her with a dark and wounded young lord who guards his own secrets just as carefully. The unlikely pair embark on a journey filled with revelations and unexpected adventure—one that may lead them to question whether to part at their destination—or change course entirely.

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My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

This was a cute, stand alone story that I believe will be enjoyed by those who enjoy historical romances with strong characters. 

I enjoyed both of these characters, even if there were times I wanted to smack them. Julianna was head-strong, although emotionally scarred by the acts of her cruel father. While I found it admirable that she set off alone to claim her inheritance and start a life of her own, it was obvious that she had no idea how the world works. Especially towards women during that time. At times, I found her independent streak and head-strong nature to be more of a hindrance than a help. 

Michael on the other hand, was physically scarred, and very much set in his ways, such as they were. He loathed to be called away from his beloved brewery, but resigned himself to do what it was his father asked. I enjoyed seeing these two interact with each other and watch their carefully constructed walls begin to come down, and their heavily guarded secrets begin to come to light.  

Romance was the least thing on either of their minds, in fact both had resigned themselves to their respective fates, so to see them go from strangers, to tentative acquaintances was a lot of fun. The romance that blossomed only did more to heighten my enjoyment of this story. 

I would read more from this author! 

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.

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                                   The Chase is available from Amazon.com