The Chase

What happens when a young lady is terrified to be found by her father? She runs of course and tries to make her way to London. Left with little money and even fewer personal effects, Juliana Crawford hides out at a posting inn to find a kind soul who will allow her to travel with them. When she sees an elderly man with a cane, she feels her prayers have been answered! What she finds out is the man is really Michael Rosevear, the bastard son of an earl who was wounded in the war and uses his cane to steady himself. He is quite the opposite of old and infirm and tries to find out why Juliana is running. Tight lipped and cautious, she spouts many a falsehood until she gives brief answers that she is running from her father. Michael has his own problems. Going to London to marry a rich woman who his father has picked out., all Michael wants is to get back to his small estate and be left in peace. This is such an engaging story that will make you smile and want to shake Juliana at times to go ahead and tell Michael the truth ( and let the reader know too!) Michael travels with his dog Gelert, who also has his place in the story as Juliana is at first terrified of him. Throughout the journey the two become attracted to each other and reluctantly Michael leaves her at the solicitor's office which was Juliana's destination all along. They part ways, but all is not done yet!! Read this wonderful story to find out what happens. This is the third book in this series I have read by Sara Portman ( it can be read as a standalone book though) and have thoroughly enjoyed each one. Her stories are such that you will become engaged quickly with the characters and once the last page is turned, they will stay in your heart for awhile!!

Michael Rosevear's the illegitimate son of the Marquis of Rosevear. Michael has been living on his father’s estate in Yorkshire since being injured in the Peninsular Wars & he’s turned a neglected estate into a flourishing one & the place he calls. Now his father 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. 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 Ana Crawley to evade pursuit, she must beg a lift to London. 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 This is the third part of the series but could be read on its own. I’ve been blown away by the earlier books & this is a worthy finale. The characterisation is so very good the characters have plenty of depth, Michael & Juliana are very likeable but both are determined to keep some secrets. The villains are cringe worthy & horrid. Alex is delightful & Gelert is the star of the book, the way Juliana goes from fearing him to having to touch him is lovely. The plot is well paced, it doesn’t lag but at times speeds up especially the accident & the encounter at the docks when I found myself totally engrossed. I’ve found myself another must read author & I look forward to her next book. My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read