A perfectly delightful Regency romance... Otherwise Engaged by Joanna Barker (Review & #Giveaway) @Covenant_Comm @AuthorJoBarker #cleanromance #mustread



Welcome! Check out my 5-star review and the tour giveaway below...

Otherwise Engaged
By Joanna Barker
Adult Historical Romance
Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 266 Pages
October 12th 2020 by Covenant Communications

Summary

Constantly stifled by the rules of Society, spirited Rebecca Rowley enjoys finding ways to quietly—or not so quietly—rebel. But riding bareback and avoiding nosy neighbors are nothing compared to the thrilling secret she is keeping from her family.

When Rebecca’s quick thinking saves the life of a young girl, she unwittingly attracts the attention of the child’s dashing brother, Lieutenant Nicholas Avery. As that attention turns flirtatious, Rebecca is forced to tell him the truth: she is secretly engaged—to the one man her family would never approve of. Fortunately, Lieutenant Avery is a navy man with no wish to marry, or so they both assume as they enter into a friendship. Rebecca hopes to change her family’s mind about her betrothed, but the more she comes to know the handsome lieutenant, the more she wonders if she promised her hand too hastily.

After all her carefully laid plans are shattered during a family crisis, Rebecca must force her heart to decide. Should she stay true to the promise she made or fight for the future she’s only just begun to imagine?

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My Review

OTHERWISE ENGAGED is one of those stories that has a delicious meet cute in the most awkward of ways and from there unfolds a story of humor, friendship, heartache, family, and love. Readers will fall for this head-strong leading lady and the dashing lieutenant who loses his heart to her, as well as the supporting characters. A story that is perfectly delightful from beginning to end!

Goodness! This story! It was such joy to read! I loved the characters with their apparent struggles and vulnerabilities. I also loved how this story was so well balanced. There was plenty of humor, moments that made me smile and laugh, heartbreaking moments that made me want to cry, mixed with family and friendship, and some swoon-worthy moments as well. Rebecca's family and Nicholas' sister also help develop the story, but I particularly felt endeared by his sister and her situation. I also appreciated that the romance slowly built, with attraction and friendship first before anyone feel in love. The couple faced some definite obstacles as well and I enjoyed how they had to figure some things out and find their own happily-ever-after. I literally read this in one sitting and was sad to turn the last page. 

I did have some frustrations with Rebecca when she tends to go around and around instead of just being upfront and honest with her family. I also felt like she needed to do a few things different. However, I also understood why she did what she did. Regardless, my frustrations didn't detour from my enjoyment of this story.

In the end, was it what I wished for? I loved this story! Great characters and a plot with all the feels made for a fantastic read. If you're looking for a sweet Regency romance to fall in love with, I highly recommend this one!

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author


Joanna Barker was born and raised in northern California. She discovered her love for historical fiction after visiting England as an eleven-year-old, and subsequently read every Jane Austen book she could get her hands on. After graduating Brigham Young University with a degree in English, she worked as an acquisitions editor before devoting herself full-time to writing. She enjoys music, chocolate, and reading everything from romance to science fiction. She lives in Utah and is just a little crazy about her husband and two wild-but-loveable boys.


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