“Lush, sexy and exciting, The Promise offers a fascinating glimpse into a rarely visited age!”
~ Victoria Dahl, author of To Tempt A Scotsman and A Rake’s Guide To Pleasure
“A delightful breath of fresh air in historical romance! With a unique setting and memorable characters, TJ Bennett delivers a gripping romantic adventure that will leave you breathless for more.”
~ Monica McCarty, New York Times Bestselling Author of Highlander Unchained
“A romantic adventure with a devastating hero that you’re sure to love. T.J. Bennett’s The Promise is a breath of fresh air in the Regency-heavy historical market.”
~ Kahlen Hughes, Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Nominee; author of Lord Sin and Lord Scandal
“Ms. Bennett is a master at writing historical romance. . . . I enjoyed Ms. Bennett’s first book, The Legacy, and this book is just as good. . . . The journey these two people take is one of true love."
~ Historical Romance Writers
4 Stars, HOT
“The well-defined characters and fast pace will keep your attention from the first page to the last.”
~Keitha Hart, Romantic Times BOOKreviews (May 2009)
“The Promise is chock full of adventure, passion, romance and humor in a story about the territorial disputes of the Italian wars. Gunter is a fearless and noble soldier, and he is a hero you would want for yourself. The fair Alonsa is the perfect princess who has seen many terrible days in the ten years since her first experience of innocent love. The pages literally zip through your fingers in the journey to finish this wonderful story.”
~ Diana Risso, Romance Reviews Today (May 2009)
"Humor, dry wit, outrageous hero sexiness, intricate plotting, and shedding a few tears all make for a winning combination in my world. TJ Bennett is now firmly on my radar and I will watch closely for her next publication.".
~ Lea Hensley, AllAboutRomance.com (May 2009)
“This fast-paced sixteenth century romance is a terrific tale due to the conflict between the fully developed lead characters. Whereas she fears love, he loathes love. Loaded with action and adventure, readers will enjoy The Promise, wondering throughout if love will prove strong enough.”
~ Harriet Klausner, Midwest Book Reviews
“Everything blends together into one satisfying read.”
~ ARomanceReview.com (April 2009)
“4.5 Hearts . . . The story itself is passionate, enchanting, and moving. I enjoyed this story greatly and will be adding TJ Bennett to my list of authors to watch for.”
~ Kyraninse, NightOwlRomance.com (July 2009)
“Readers who enjoy steamy historical romance in an outside-the-ordinary setting will enjoy The Promise.”
~ Nanette Donahue, The Historical Novels Review (August 2009)
“TJ Bennett provides us with an unusual time period for this lusty little romance in The Promise. If you're looking for a good beach story for the summer, or a sizzler to warm up your winter, pick up a copy of TJ Bennett’s The Promise. It’s a delightful book.”
~ Sabine Maurier, NovelSpot.net (September 2009)
1515, in the village of Aranjuez, near Toledo, Spain
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Alonsa García de Aranjuez jolted awake in her bed, heart pounding in the dark. She heard the sound that had awakened her once more: gravel pelting against the closed shutters of her bedchamber window. “Alonsa!” The deep male voice called softly to her from the inner courtyard below. A thrilling bolt of fear mixed with anticipation shot through her. How had Miguel managed to find his way inside the grounds? It would mean death for him if her father discovered him. Alonsa leapt from the bed, threw a shawl over her shoulders, and leaned out of the shutters. At first, she saw nothing; then the shadows moved, divided—and he appeared. Even surrounded by the glow of moon light pouring in from the high arches of the courtyard, his smooth, swarthy skin gave him an advantage in the shadowed night. He had dressed from head to toe in black, and with the blackness of his hair and eyes, he was a dangerous, seductive sight to behold. He stared up at her, and she could feel the heat of his longing rising up like the scent of a burnt offering to a pagan goddess. She nearly swayed from the impact upon her senses. “Alonsa,” he whispered urgently. “Come down. I must see you.” “No!” she whispered back, and put a finger to her mouth in silent entreaty to her lover. She glanced over her shoulder, praying her dueña did not awake. The woman slept like the dead, a convenience Alonsa had taken advantage of more than once. Her lover. Oh, would that she had the courage to make those words come true in all their meaning, but she possessed a coward’s heart. She could never defy her father to such an extent. He had already chosen a husband for her; if she went to the man impure, Papa would be humiliated, and that she could not bear.
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