Betrothed to the Blade by C.W. Willows

Betrothed to the Blade (The Betrothed Saga, #1)Betrothed to the Blade by C.M. Willows

Tracy’s Rating: 2 of 5 stars

Series: The Betrothed Saga #1

Release Date: June 15, 2026

Princess Cordetta’s father has decided that it is time for her to marry and has chosen Fitzbarton Humphreys-Humphries as her groom. Cordetta has a talent for inventing and knows that marriage to Fitzbarton will crush her, so after a lifetime of rules and expectations, she is taking matters into her own hands and will follow her own path. She decides to steal her sister’s flying ship to make her escape, but finds the ship already occupied. Heath is a pirate with his own secrets and is driven by revenge. He has a plan, but traveling with an entitled princess wasn’t part of it. They set off and pulled into the threat of the Seep, a magical corruption that twists the land and creates dangerous creatures.

I was so excited for this book, but sadly this story just didn’t work for me. The writing felt wordy, and the slow pace made it hard for me to stay interested in the book and I found myself skimming just to finish. I also think the world building could have been better, there were interesting aspects to the story, but unfortunately, it never felt fully developed, additionally, the magic system and the “Seep” really needed more explanation, and the romance was lacking. Overall, the story had promise, but in the end, it just didn’t deliver the story I was hoping for. This is the first book in a series, but it is not a book I would read again or a series I am interested in continuing.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

 

Unmasking the Marquess by Pamela Gibson ~ BLOG TOUR

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Pamela Gibson will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

He was a licentious rogue, or was he?

Aubrey St. Clair, Marquess of Leisterbridge, a notorious rake and society fribble, abandons his bride on their wedding night to spite his father, the man who coerced him into the marriage. When his intrepid bride turns up at his personal estate to quash the scandal, they call a truce and finally get to know each other.

Lady Catherine Sturbridge considered ending her betrothal. But a threatening letter sent to her by a convicted criminal whom she chanced upon in London, changed her mind. Marrying the powerful Duke of Gresham’s heir would keep her loved ones safe, even if she must tie herself to a frivolous rogue.

When, despite her silence, her enemy abducts her godchild, Catherine is forced to confide in her husband who agrees to help her. But can she trust him to know what to do when a child’s life is at stake and they’ve been warned not to go to go the authorities?

As they work closely together, they succumb to the passionate side of their marriage. But Catherine is wary, despite finding a different man under the guise of a society dandy, and when Aubrey reveals a long-held secret, she must protect her heart because betrayal is the enemy of trust and their fragile, new-found love is about to shatter.

Read an Excerpt

“A bit solemn, are you not, my dear? If you keep biting your lower lip, I shall have to offer you my handkerchief to staunch the blood, and I would hate to soil it. Smile. This is, after all, your wedding day.”

“And yours, as you now have access to a considerable dowry to fund all of your bad habits.”

The rogue put his hand on her chin and turned her face toward him. A broad grin lit up his face as if taunting her brought him the greatest of pleasures. “Now, now, Catherine. I am not as bad as all that. You might be pleasantly surprised once you get to know me. Gossip would have me sporting horns and a forked tail.”

“I remember seeing a poster with you seated on a bed surrounded by well-endowed, unclad ladies in various positions. Your face, horns, and tail were well-drawn. The only thing missing being signs of the pox.”

The laughter did not leave his face when he clutched his heart. “You wound me, wife. I do not now, nor have I ever, had the pox, if that is the cause of your sour expression.”

“I am relieved to hear it. However, this conversation must be put off. We are nearing my father’s house.”

Horses were drawn to a halt, and the marquess alighted first then turned and grabbed Catherine around the waist, swinging her in a circle before setting her on her feet.

“Milord, are you mad?” she squealed.

He tilted his head and grinned. “Perhaps. Shall we make our grand entrance through the stately front doors?”

Oh lord, what have I done?

About the Author:

Author of eight books on California history and twenty-three romance novels, Pamela Gibson is a former City Manager who lives in Southern Nevada. Having spent several years messing about in boats, a hobby that included a five-thousand-mile trip in a 32-foot Nordic Tug, she now spends most of her time indoors happily reading, writing, cooking and keeping up with the antics of her latest rescue cat, Lady Diana, a dignified senior. She loves red wine, all kinds of chocolate, old Jimmy Buffet sailing songs, and curling up with a good book.

Thank you for reading. If you are so inclined, we would love for you to leave a review or rating.

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Giveaway:

Pamela Gibson will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.

*No Purchase Necessary – Prize will be randomly chosen and fulfilled by Pamela Gibson – NOT Flippin’ Pages Book Blog*