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Lords of Chance #1
A Stranger's Promise
Penniless and jilted, Charlotte Atchenson accepts a position as governess to Lord Alistair Cassilis ’s illegitimate children. When Eliza sets foot in the Scottish lord’s carriage, she faces the most dangerous foe a woman can face: a charming rogue. The danger is not only to her heart, however, but to her life, as well.
In an effort to deny her son’s illegitimate children, Alistair’s stepmother insists on a dour governess who will break their rebellious spirits. Alistair, however, decides that the pretty lass with a colorful French vocabulary who shows up in his stepmother’s drawing room is exactly what the children need. If the notion offends his stepmother, all the better. If the lass is what he needs…well, a man can’t ask for more. His stepmother doesn’t intend for Alistair to open his heart to her grandchildren, or the woman who cares for them. Her plans include forcing them onto the streets.
In an effort to deny her son’s illegitimate children, Alistair’s stepmother insists on a dour governess who will break their rebellious spirits. Alistair, however, decides that the pretty lass with a colorful French vocabulary who shows up in his stepmother’s drawing room is exactly what the children need. If the notion offends his stepmother, all the better. If the lass is what he needs…well, a man can’t ask for more. His stepmother doesn’t intend for Alistair to open his heart to her grandchildren, or the woman who cares for them. Her plans include forcing them onto the streets.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2020
49 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 16, 2021
2.5 stars
This novella was just a nice light read, nothing more..nothing less.
This novella was just a nice light read, nothing more..nothing less.
October 13, 2019
There You Have It....💕
Charlotte💃💋 is betrothed to a fuddy duddy captain, who will never allow her an iota of freedom of any sort. She decides she's had enough!
When her father suddenly dies, she finds out he was destitute, so she is, too. Creditors take everything, and none of her relatives are willing to even take her in!
She puts herself forth as a governess, and gains her first employment after talking to the man of the house, Alistair James🐺, the Baron Aisla, and Earl of Cassilis, among other titles! He was thought by many, including his evil stepmother, to be illegitimate. Recent discovery of his parents !marriage records and his birth certificate, verify him as the legitimate heir! Good thing, because his estate has money problems too, that He is busily rectifying.
Alistair must also also rectify his step brothers penchant for siring illegitimate children. Charlotte came to apply for scullery maid and is promoted by Alistair to governess. He likes The look of her!
The new Governess is needed for The two children, a boy and a girl, both wild as hares. His step mother is also a hag, and hard to live with. She has a plan to demote Alistair🐺 and put her own debauched son, Charles👺 forward as the true Lord of the manor🏰.
Charlotte💃💋 winds up in The middle of another controversy just as the two children start to 💘Love her!
ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.
I liked this book a lot. Some of it is ironically humorous, as when Charlotte💃💋 arrives to meet the two children, and Alistair🐺 doesn't even know their names!
Happy Ending Guarenteed. Great story!
Charlotte💃💋 is betrothed to a fuddy duddy captain, who will never allow her an iota of freedom of any sort. She decides she's had enough!
When her father suddenly dies, she finds out he was destitute, so she is, too. Creditors take everything, and none of her relatives are willing to even take her in!
She puts herself forth as a governess, and gains her first employment after talking to the man of the house, Alistair James🐺, the Baron Aisla, and Earl of Cassilis, among other titles! He was thought by many, including his evil stepmother, to be illegitimate. Recent discovery of his parents !marriage records and his birth certificate, verify him as the legitimate heir! Good thing, because his estate has money problems too, that He is busily rectifying.
Alistair must also also rectify his step brothers penchant for siring illegitimate children. Charlotte came to apply for scullery maid and is promoted by Alistair to governess. He likes The look of her!
The new Governess is needed for The two children, a boy and a girl, both wild as hares. His step mother is also a hag, and hard to live with. She has a plan to demote Alistair🐺 and put her own debauched son, Charles👺 forward as the true Lord of the manor🏰.
Charlotte💃💋 winds up in The middle of another controversy just as the two children start to 💘Love her!
ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.
I liked this book a lot. Some of it is ironically humorous, as when Charlotte💃💋 arrives to meet the two children, and Alistair🐺 doesn't even know their names!
Happy Ending Guarenteed. Great story!
June 20, 2019
Audiobook Review: A Stranger's Promise (Lords of Chance Book 1) by Tarah Scott (Author), Stevie Zimmerman (Narrator)
Cinderella meets her Prince, but has to face down his wicked stepmother to protect the family she's come to love. Scott brings a dark touch to her spin on a classic tale. Charlotte brings the heart, Alistair the temption, while battling a dangerously, manipulative enemy. Zimmerman brings an edge of sophistication to an intricate yet intriguing war.
Cinderella meets her Prince, but has to face down his wicked stepmother to protect the family she's come to love. Scott brings a dark touch to her spin on a classic tale. Charlotte brings the heart, Alistair the temption, while battling a dangerously, manipulative enemy. Zimmerman brings an edge of sophistication to an intricate yet intriguing war.
March 30, 2019
3.5 stars
I did find this an entertaining read and I liked the characters of Alastair and Charlotte. Finding herself in dire straits, Charlotte endeavours to find herself a job as a governess. By chance, she meets Alistair and is given the job of looking after his two wards. I enjoyed the way that Alastair wouldn’t let anyone slight another person. There is a wicked stepmother, a friend with a problem that wasn’t solved (maybe in the next book?) and the growing attraction between Alastair and Charlotte. One bugbear for me was the way in which the little girl Jane was often referred to as Charlotte! I often had to re-read to decide who was being referred to. Hence the reason for 3.5 stars. However, I will read the next book.
I did find this an entertaining read and I liked the characters of Alastair and Charlotte. Finding herself in dire straits, Charlotte endeavours to find herself a job as a governess. By chance, she meets Alistair and is given the job of looking after his two wards. I enjoyed the way that Alastair wouldn’t let anyone slight another person. There is a wicked stepmother, a friend with a problem that wasn’t solved (maybe in the next book?) and the growing attraction between Alastair and Charlotte. One bugbear for me was the way in which the little girl Jane was often referred to as Charlotte! I often had to re-read to decide who was being referred to. Hence the reason for 3.5 stars. However, I will read the next book.
October 25, 2021
I quite enjoyed reading this story. Liked the plot and main characters were good. Going to read the series. 4�
February 7, 2020
Sencillita pero dulce.
Hija de militar queda en la ruina y con ruptura de compromiso con otro. Consigue empleo de institutriz de los bastardos de un noble. Un misterio acerca de la bastardía de un lord escocés ( el protagonista, tío de los chicos) y un acosador de mujeres.
Seo explícto, cero.
No estoy muy inspirada para escribir
Hija de militar queda en la ruina y con ruptura de compromiso con otro. Consigue empleo de institutriz de los bastardos de un noble. Un misterio acerca de la bastardía de un lord escocés ( el protagonista, tío de los chicos) y un acosador de mujeres.
Seo explícto, cero.
No estoy muy inspirada para escribir
August 19, 2019
Audio book review
Love how the author Tarah likes to have stories full of mystery, excitement and makes you want to go back to that time period.
This one is no different. Story takes place in Scotland.
Hero is Lord Alistair. Heroine is Charlotte .
Charlotte is in a bind. Her father left her penniless. She has no choice but to find work . Lord Alistair is looking for a governess for his 2 children . When he sees Charlotte he knows he found his right match Charlotte while up in Scotland has to defend Lord Alistair from his wicked Stepmother. The stepmother advises the lord that he isn’t the legal heir. That’s when Charlotte flies into the stepmother and let’s her have it. Like all of Tarahs stories their is a happy ever after. Grab it
The performance of Stevie was good. Her voice had just the right accent , her voice is smooth and clear also
Love how the author Tarah likes to have stories full of mystery, excitement and makes you want to go back to that time period.
This one is no different. Story takes place in Scotland.
Hero is Lord Alistair. Heroine is Charlotte .
Charlotte is in a bind. Her father left her penniless. She has no choice but to find work . Lord Alistair is looking for a governess for his 2 children . When he sees Charlotte he knows he found his right match Charlotte while up in Scotland has to defend Lord Alistair from his wicked Stepmother. The stepmother advises the lord that he isn’t the legal heir. That’s when Charlotte flies into the stepmother and let’s her have it. Like all of Tarahs stories their is a happy ever after. Grab it
The performance of Stevie was good. Her voice had just the right accent , her voice is smooth and clear also
November 5, 2019
Desperate times call for desperate measures and Charlotte Atchenson had no choices left! With the death of her father, being left penniless and with no relatives to help her, she called upon a Lady her father had saved her son. But the termagant was not going to give her the time of day. But her nephew, Alistair James, Laird of Castle Culzean most certainly did. She would make a fine governess for his cousin's two illegitimate children. Before she knew it she was off to his home Castle Culzean and the journey began!
I really enjoyed this story with the interaction between Charlotte and the children and with Alistair.
Sit back and enjoy this short read that will bring a smile and a happy ending!
I really enjoyed this story with the interaction between Charlotte and the children and with Alistair.
Sit back and enjoy this short read that will bring a smile and a happy ending!
October 22, 2019
I enjoyed this delightful love story!
Charlotte is at the end of her rope, and Alistair is in desperate need for both a governess and an ally. This is a charming story about how these two navigate the choppy social waters and build a sweet romance on a solid foundation of friendship.
Alistair is every bit the gentleman, perfectly respectful yet disarmingly irreverent towards Charlotte, making this a witty and fun romance that hits all the right notes. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Charlotte is at the end of her rope, and Alistair is in desperate need for both a governess and an ally. This is a charming story about how these two navigate the choppy social waters and build a sweet romance on a solid foundation of friendship.
Alistair is every bit the gentleman, perfectly respectful yet disarmingly irreverent towards Charlotte, making this a witty and fun romance that hits all the right notes. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
April 26, 2019
Wonderful
What a lovely story! Just the right blend of humor and adventure with some ghostly piper takes thrown in for good measure! Such a good story! Great read!
What a lovely story! Just the right blend of humor and adventure with some ghostly piper takes thrown in for good measure! Such a good story! Great read!
October 11, 2019
Charlotte's father dies suddenly leaving her nothing but a fiancee that she can't stand but no other way to turn for survival. Then, Captain Edwards, he can't marry a woman standing or money, while relieved to have him gone from her life she stills needs to find a way to survive. Alistar James, a baron, an Earl, as well as the Laird Culzean, is at his aunt's home seeking to arrange for two children to return to Scotland with him but no governess that suits his purpose can be found, enter Charlotte looking for help from Alistar's aunt her father had done a service for her family in the past and has hopes she would help. The lady had no such intentions but Alistar stepped in quickly decided she would make an excellent governess for the children. So the adventure begins two orphaned children, an uncle, and a governess, what adventure's they face must be found by reading this very well written book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 27, 2019
ONE INTENSE ADVENTURE!!!
Enthralling treat! Tarah rocks this baby from the start with all the dissention, turmoil and distress that blasts this baby wide open. A tumultuous wild ride with a surplus ofunexpected misfortune and surprising incidents that bursts all of your emotions into play perfectly. Hurdling the trials and tribulations, witnessing the struggle our characters are faced with as the lines blur and a bond grows into unexpected thrills and opportunity. One compelling storyline and gripping plot jolts this baby to life smoothly. All the drama, uncertainty, intrigue and suspense make for one incredible experience. The characters are authentic, genuine and realistic with such depth and qualities that blend and transform into amazing personalities. The scenes are so vividly detailed it gives the illusion you were right there standing in the middle of ground zero with them. Amazing job Tarah, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
Enthralling treat! Tarah rocks this baby from the start with all the dissention, turmoil and distress that blasts this baby wide open. A tumultuous wild ride with a surplus ofunexpected misfortune and surprising incidents that bursts all of your emotions into play perfectly. Hurdling the trials and tribulations, witnessing the struggle our characters are faced with as the lines blur and a bond grows into unexpected thrills and opportunity. One compelling storyline and gripping plot jolts this baby to life smoothly. All the drama, uncertainty, intrigue and suspense make for one incredible experience. The characters are authentic, genuine and realistic with such depth and qualities that blend and transform into amazing personalities. The scenes are so vividly detailed it gives the illusion you were right there standing in the middle of ground zero with them. Amazing job Tarah, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
October 27, 2019
Charlotte is left destitute when her father accidentally drowns. Her fiance rejects her and the creditors that her father owed took everything, even her mothers cookery book. She is desperate to find employment and goes to the London home of Lady Prescott, the mother of a man her father had saved, to ask her if she can help her.
While Charlotte is at Lady Prescott's home she is offered a position of governess by Lord Alistair, the Earl of Cassilis, Lady Prescott's nephew. Although Charlotte has no idea what all a governess is supposed to do, she accepts the offer.
As Charlotte settles in as governess to her two small charges at Castle Culzean, she fights her growing attraction to Alistair. And Alistair is becoming enchanted with the children's governess.
Will the threats that loom over the two bring them together or drive them apart?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While Charlotte is at Lady Prescott's home she is offered a position of governess by Lord Alistair, the Earl of Cassilis, Lady Prescott's nephew. Although Charlotte has no idea what all a governess is supposed to do, she accepts the offer.
As Charlotte settles in as governess to her two small charges at Castle Culzean, she fights her growing attraction to Alistair. And Alistair is becoming enchanted with the children's governess.
Will the threats that loom over the two bring them together or drive them apart?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 28, 2019
Since she was 16 Charlotte has been bethrothed to a much older Captain Edwards by her father to settle debts he owed. He is a pompous and arrogant man and as Charlotte has grown older she regrets the bethrothal but has no way out. When her father dies suddenly and the amount of his debts come to light Charlotte is penniless and has not anything left to her as everything is taken to settle her fathers debts. No relatives will take her in and she looks for work to no avail. By chance she appears at a residence seeking employment just as Lord Alaistair is searching for a governess for his niece and nephew. He hires her immediately and they begin a journey to his country estate in Scotland. Chemistry works between the two almost at once and the niece and nephew prove to be a challenge for Charlotte. The story moves swiftly and the plot is quite compelling. Good Read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 24, 2019
� A Stranger's Promise (Lords of Chance Book 1)� by Tarah Scott is a tale of Charlotte Atchenson accepts a position as governess to Lord Alistair Cassilis ’s illegitimate children.....once ensconced as Lord Cassilis’s children’s governess however Charlotte realizes that more than her future is at stake ...having been on the streets alone herself ...she recognizes the malfeasance afoot to throw the children and herself into the gutter...and that Charlotte cannot allow. Castle Culzean inhabitants are in for a surprise with Charlotte ensconced within....and that includes not only the children but the Lord of the manor as well. Much enjoyed and Highly Recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 25, 2019
I want an Earl
What a lovely romance. Two people brought together by necessity. Charlotte having lost all she had and now on her own is seeking employment. Alistair the Earl of Cassilis having landed in the roll of guardian to the offspring of his dissolute brother and is in need of a governess. Together they have some nasty baggage, his snooty aunt and greedy stepmother her nasty pompous ass of an ex fiancé. There are several times I found myself smiling it was such a sweet story. This is the first in the Lords of Chance series I’m hopeful to see if Charles redeems himself somewhere down the road. I am already a big fan of Tarah Scott and am looking forward to reading book two A Strangers Kiss I definitely recommend a Strangers Promise.
What a lovely romance. Two people brought together by necessity. Charlotte having lost all she had and now on her own is seeking employment. Alistair the Earl of Cassilis having landed in the roll of guardian to the offspring of his dissolute brother and is in need of a governess. Together they have some nasty baggage, his snooty aunt and greedy stepmother her nasty pompous ass of an ex fiancé. There are several times I found myself smiling it was such a sweet story. This is the first in the Lords of Chance series I’m hopeful to see if Charles redeems himself somewhere down the road. I am already a big fan of Tarah Scott and am looking forward to reading book two A Strangers Kiss I definitely recommend a Strangers Promise.
October 27, 2019
Love Story Not Truly Realized
I'm not quite sure what I was expecting, but the book seemed like it would be a historical romance. While much happened in the strange household of the hero, he and the heroine spent far too little time together for this to be really called a romance. It didn't have the traditional build of a love story; there was no organic evolution of the romance. Parts of it were interesting to read, but I just kept waiting for a love story to kick in (it felt like). So, unfortunately, this story didn't quite work for me.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My Book Blog:
I'm not quite sure what I was expecting, but the book seemed like it would be a historical romance. While much happened in the strange household of the hero, he and the heroine spent far too little time together for this to be really called a romance. It didn't have the traditional build of a love story; there was no organic evolution of the romance. Parts of it were interesting to read, but I just kept waiting for a love story to kick in (it felt like). So, unfortunately, this story didn't quite work for me.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My Book Blog:
October 27, 2019
When is a cookbook not really a cookbook?
Charlotte finds out she was destitute after her father’s death. Charlotte Atchenson accepts a position as governess for Lord Alistair Cassilis. Her biggest enemy was Lord Cassilis’s stepmother she would love to see the children on the streets and Alistair, not the heir. She wanted instead her son (the father of those illegitimate children) to become the heir. I enjoy the piece there was some action and danger along with the romance. I recommend that you check this one out. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Charlotte finds out she was destitute after her father’s death. Charlotte Atchenson accepts a position as governess for Lord Alistair Cassilis. Her biggest enemy was Lord Cassilis’s stepmother she would love to see the children on the streets and Alistair, not the heir. She wanted instead her son (the father of those illegitimate children) to become the heir. I enjoy the piece there was some action and danger along with the romance. I recommend that you check this one out. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
November 16, 2019
A sweet, enjoyable romance.
Charlotte is left penniless & destitute after her father's death reveals he owed many debts, with no family to turn to she seeks for employment and meets Lord Alistair Cassillis who is looking for a governess for his recently abandoned nephew and niece. Even though class divides them, the attraction is strong.
I enjoyed this story but I read the 2nd book first. Even though it's not strongly linked, Lord Nicolas does appear in this story as a main character.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Charlotte is left penniless & destitute after her father's death reveals he owed many debts, with no family to turn to she seeks for employment and meets Lord Alistair Cassillis who is looking for a governess for his recently abandoned nephew and niece. Even though class divides them, the attraction is strong.
I enjoyed this story but I read the 2nd book first. Even though it's not strongly linked, Lord Nicolas does appear in this story as a main character.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 23, 2023
I really liked this book and the way this author strings everything together. I fell in love with Charlotte who remains true to herself even in a world filled with self important men. Her life was ruined by her desolate father and her overbearing fiancée. Whom by the way dumps her when she is destitute.
Along comes Alistair Cassilis to lift her up. I mean who can resist a muscular, compassionate Scotsmen? 😉 It’s a clean romance in that there is no overt sexual content. I so look forward to reading the story about Baron Nicholas.
Along comes Alistair Cassilis to lift her up. I mean who can resist a muscular, compassionate Scotsmen? 😉 It’s a clean romance in that there is no overt sexual content. I so look forward to reading the story about Baron Nicholas.
August 22, 2019
A governess or a lady
Charlotte has lost her home, a fiance and her father had passed away! Visiting a relative she meets Alistair and agrees to be a governess to who she believes are his children! She travels to Scotland and encounters Allistairs evil bitter Aunt! Mysterious doings the children are unruly to say the least and Charlotte and Alistair are smitten with each other! Will Charlotte be brave and accept his love? Read this page Turner to find out!
Charlotte has lost her home, a fiance and her father had passed away! Visiting a relative she meets Alistair and agrees to be a governess to who she believes are his children! She travels to Scotland and encounters Allistairs evil bitter Aunt! Mysterious doings the children are unruly to say the least and Charlotte and Alistair are smitten with each other! Will Charlotte be brave and accept his love? Read this page Turner to find out!
October 8, 2019
This was a yummy, sweet, endearing story about making lemonade from life's unfortunate lemons. Perseverance, trust, societal constraints, friendship, betrayal, entitlement, honesty, hope, and love were some of the underlying themes. Charlotte and Alistair were both good hearted, strong, clever, and kind, and they richly deserved their HEA.
I received a free copy of A Stranger's Promise, but that did not affect my review.
I received a free copy of A Stranger's Promise, but that did not affect my review.
October 27, 2019
Loved this beautiful story with Charlotte who has been left penniless and abandoned by her once fiancé Captain Edward. She goes looking for a job and finds a governess position with Lord Alistar for his nephew and niece which he is raising. This are some twists and turns in this story and the romance is everything it should be. Great story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 22, 2019
His stepmother wants nothing do do with her son illegitimate children and she wants someone to take them. When he see one of the governess he will have her even if she hates it. She hates it when he opens his heart both to the children and the governess. Will she destroy their happiness? Will love win out instead? Will they stop her putting them on the streets? See how this will all go
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 27, 2019
A Stranger's Promise is the first book in the Lords of Chance series. I really enjoyed this historical romance. The characters were well defined and the story flows nicely. There is mystery, intrigue, deceit, an evil stepmother, a rogue captain, and a wonderful chance for romance.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
October 30, 2019
A charming rogue, a penniless governess, and group of children bring the reader a delightful tale amidst the Ton and society of Olde. This is the first book in the Lords of Chance Book series. Settle in for a good read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2022
A Stranger's Promise is the first book in the Lords of Chance series, as well as the first book by this author I have read. I have always enjoyed reading historical romance books, and this one was no exception. I loved following Charlotte and Alistair's wonderful story, as they try do good by his cousin's children and themselves. Anyone loves historical romances will love this book.
June 26, 2019
Great story of a young woman rising above personal hardship and a man who believes in doing the right thing for his family. He does not let his vile step-mother destroy that what he is trying hard to build.
October 22, 2019
This is a well written story with likeable characters and an interesting backdrop, it is entertaining and keep your interest from the beginning.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2019
Talk about a wicked step mother. I loved the dramatics in this book and how they lend a perfect flare to this book without being overwhelming.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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