This was an all-around lovely story about two characters who feel unloved by their families finding love and understanding with each other. Nothing complicated here, no confusing cast of characters...just a story of a woman’s bravery in escaping years of physical and mental abuse and the man who gives her confidence and unconditional love and support. I love these types of stories, and with The Reunion, The Offer and now this final chapter in the trilogy, Ms. Portman is fast becoming a new favorite author for me in this genre. She just keeps getting better and better, and I will definitely be watching for future offerings from her. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for providing an ARC for review.

I love historical romances, and was thrilled to get the chance to read THE CHASE by Sara Portman. And there was definitely good bones to this story--a wounded hero, a frightened but brave heroine. In the end, though, I didn't feel very connected to either of the characters, and felt like their romance was a little lackluster.

~~Reviewed by AnnMarie~~

The Chase is the third book in the Brides of Beadwell series by Sara Portman. It can easily be read as a stand-alone story.

Juliana Crawford has left her home and her cruel, violent father with it. She is 25 and has come into a small inheritance which she plans to use to get far away from her father where he will never find her. He will chase after her, not out of love, but because he wants her money and to use her as a general dogsbody. Before she can get her inheritance though Juliana has to make her way to London. She takes the mail coach so far, but then knowing her father could trace her on the coach, she gets off much earlier and waits around an Inn with the hope that she can find a kindly person to let her share their carriage the rest of the way to London.

Michael Rosevear is the illegitimate son of The Marquess of Rosevear. He has been acknowledged by his father but is not in line to inherit anything from him, including his title. He has a younger half-brother whom that will all go to. After returning wounded from war Michael’s father sent him to one of his distant estates in Yorkshire, Rose Hall. It was a run-down affair, but over the years Michael has got the place flourishing. Now he wants to take ownership of the place and he believes he has the perfect bargaining chip to make his father sign the place over to him. His father wants him to marry and has a woman already picked out for him. A woman with money whose father wants to buy their way into the aristocracy. Michael will agree to marry the woman only if his father gives up Rose Hall.

It’s on the way to London that Michael stops at an Inn in order to stretch his injured leg. It’s also there that he comes across Juliana who asks if she could share his coach with him to London. He normally wouldn’t say yes, especially as the woman in question was young and her reputation could be ruined, but she assured him she had no intention of marriage anyway and convinced him how important it was for her to get to London.

There begins the relationship between the two mismatched people. Two people with problems of their own, problems that in all likelihood should keep them well apart. But best-laid plans and all that…

I loved this story. I loved how protective Michael was of Juliana despite knowing that she was telling him a lot of lies. I loved how she tried to be strong in the face of adversity, and I especially loved it when they realised that they were falling for each other when they definitely shouldn’t. The suspense of poor Juliana being chased by her father was intense, especially when her life was in danger twice because of that. I couldn’t read the book quickly enough to see if she stayed out of her wicked father’s clutches and if there could be any way that Michael and Juliana could have a happy ever after. Do they have one, well you will have to read the book to find out!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers’ copy of this book.

When one reads a lot of books, one learns to take book blurbs with a pinch of salt. Those that give a basic outline of the plot are fine, but those that proudly proclaim how ‘exciting’, or ‘unforgettable’ or ‘unique’ a story is always see me raising a sceptical eyebrow and thinking, ‘yeah, right.’ Or wrong. As is the case here. The cover copy of new-to-me author Sara Portman’s The Chase promised a ‘thrilling romance’, but I think whoever wrote that must have lost their dictionary, or got hold of one in which the definition of ‘thrilling’ was ‘the feeling one experiences when watching paint dry.’ Because there is nothing remotely thrilling about a story featuring quite possibly the wettest, wimpiest, weepiest heroine I’ve think I’ve ever read, who is completely dependent on the hero to get her out of every single difficulty she faces.

Miss Juliana Crawford has spent all of her adult life acting as her father’s skivvy. Hers has been a very lonely life, but throughout it all, she has had one thing to look forward to; the small inheritance that will become hers on her twenty-fifth birthday. She knows her cruel, cold father will never allow her to receive it, so for years, she has hoarded every penny she can in order to buy herself a ticket that will take her away from her home village of Beadwell in Derbyshire. She can’t afford to purchase a ticket to take her to London, (where she plans to visit the family solicitor to claim her inheritance) but hopes instead to be able to inspire the kindness of a random traveller to take her there. Juliana has lived a very sheltered life, but I’d have thought her father’s example of bad-tempered selfishness would have been sufficient to tell her that relying on the kindness and good intentions of others is not really the way to go.

Anyway. Watching the various arrivals at the Bear & Boar coaching inn in Peckingham, Juliana surveys the available prospects (a large family, a mother and son) and in the end, approaches a well-to-do gentlemen who is travelling in a smart carriage with a coat of arms on the door, and asks if he will convey her to London. The man is very surprised at her making such a request of a stranger, and warns her that her reputation will be ruined if she is known to have travelled with a man without a chaperone; Juliana insists she is not worried about it, and the man allows her to enter his carriage.

Michael Rosevear is the bastard son of the Marquess of Rosevear (and yes, the names and titles in this story are all over the place) and is on his way from his Yorkshire home to his father’s house in London. He’s not best pleased at having to make the trip, but is determined this is the last time he will dance to his father’s tune. All his life, the marquess has treated Michael as someone to be used when needed and shoved aside when not, and he has had enough of it. He knows he is expected to marry a wealthy tradesman’s daughter in order to bring her money into the family, and he’s prepared to do it in exchange for his father turning Rose Hall in Yorkshire over to him. He is frustrated and annoyed; and decides that if nothing else, the strange young woman who has asked him to take her to London will provide some diversion on the rest of the trip.

Alas, this is not to be. His companion is taciturn and evasive; even though she is clearly frightened of something or someone, she refuses to tell him what it is which frustrates him – and bugged the hell out of me – no end. Yet Michael’s protective streak is roused full force; his companion is an odd mixture of timid and fearless (so he thinks; I never saw anything to suggest the fearless part) and he is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding her.

We all know where this is going; the problem is that the way it gets there is so unengaging. With the exception of Michael’s precocious younger brother and his step-mother, the characters are bland, the writing is wooden and the deus-ex-machina employed towards the end made me roll my eyes so hard they hurt.

Michael’s situation as the bastard son of a peer is an interesting one, and had that been more fully explored, I suspect it could have added some badly needed appeal to the story. By focusing on the wimpy Juliana, who is easily one of the dullest, least relatable heroines I’ve ever come across, we’re dragged instead in to a vat of insipidity; the woman doesn’t even know how to hail a cab, and is too stupid to understand how to do such a simple thing as raise her hand, because someone else has to show her how to do it!

There’s no character development and no romantic development; the first kiss happens with almost no build up, and the book’s two love scenes are uninspiring and devoid of any sexual tension. Not only am I disputing the word ‘thrilling’ in the blurb, I’m calling into question the word ‘romance’. I read an advance copy in which I spotted a number of typos, incorrect word choices, inconsistencies and sudden PoV switches, which I hope may be fixed at the copy-editing stage. Quite honestly though, even if that happens, it’s not going to turn this poor effort into something worth your time and money.

Grade: D

the third brides of beadwell novel, the chase, opens when julianna crawford begs michael rosevear for a ride to london. and he is intrigued enough to say yes. at the very least she'll provide a distraction from an old war injury that troubles him when he is forced to travel. he is on his way to london to meet the woman his father has picked out for him. an heiress who will line his father's coffers and a marriage that he hopes he can use to get his father to sign over the property he's rehabilitated to his name.

julianna is escaping her abusive father and seeking out the inheritance she is due to receive from her mother's family when she turns 25. she hopes to get to london and find passage on a ship to boston and settle there. however, she keeps her plans to herself. she's certain her father will do everything in his power to thwart her. and she's not sure she can trust any man, even michael, because though he is kind, he also has some pretty outdated ideas about women and their abilities to fend for themselves.

julianna and michael spend a large chunk of the book bickering. and that bickering masks the spark of attraction between them. but when they are forced to spend a night alone in a small cabin, there is no way that spark won't ignite into something more. the problem is that michael's future has already been prescribed by his father. and julianna's plans don't include marriage or a man in her life. unfortunately, julianna's plans aren't actually feasible, in large part due to the fact that regency society isn't going to make it easy for a young woman to make an independent life for herself.

finding their way out of the corner society has pushed them in will be their challenge. but as their paths continue to cross, it becomes clear that there is something between them that keeps them coming together. and that if they hold on to the love they feel for one another, the rest will sort itself out.

**the chase will publish on november 21, 2017. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/kensington books in exchange for my honest review.

This is Book 3, it's as thrilling as Books 1 and 2.

Juliana Crawford and Michael Rosevear are two intriguing characters who met on the road to London. Michael, the bastard son of a Marquess, is reluctantly heading towards his father's house to talk about his impending marriage to someone his father favours. Juliana is running as far away as she can from her cruel father, and plans to begin a new life in Boston.

Juliana and Michael grew up feeling unwanted by their respective fathers. Fate has been kind to them and brought them together but it was never an easy ride for either of them, literally and figuratively.

This is a monumental tale of a woman's personal struggle and survival against her violent father and a man's display of strength of character against all odds.

I absolutely recommend this book. Sara Portman writes about human emotions so well. Five stars.

I voluntarily read an eGalley arc from the publisher. This is my impartial review.

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!!

The Chase by Sara Portman is book Three in the "Brides of Beadwell" series. This is the story of Michael Rosevear and Juliana Crawford. I have read the other books in this series but feel this can be a standalone book.
Juliana is running from her abusive father which leads her to meet Michael. Michael has been summoned by his father when he takes to helping Juliana. Michael is the illegitimate child of the Marquis of Rosevear Michael was sent to live on his father property after he was hurt in the war. While staying there he has turned that property into a flourishing estate. But now his father wants to sell him off to a marriage to gain money. Juliana has trust issues but the more she gets to know Michael the closer they become.
I enjoyed watching their story come together.

Michael Rosevear, bastard son of the Marquess of Rosevear, is enroute to London to marry a woman his father has chosen for him.

Juliana Crawford, age 25, is waiting at an Inn hoping to find someone to agree to let her travel with them to London.

When Michael’s carriage stops at the Inn to allow him to exercise his injured leg, Juliana asks to ride with him and he agrees. She tells him her name is Miss Ana Crawley and she is heading to a solicitor’s office in London.

When bad weather necessitates they stop at an Inn, her fear prompts her to ask Michael to stay in the same room with her. She tells him that she is terrified of her father from whom she fled and that he will come after her. An evil man, she has been his housekeeper since she was 11-years-old. Now, at age 25, she is going to London try and find her mother who ran from her father years ago.

At first, Michael is skeptical of this woman but feels sorry for her because she is obviously terrified of of her father and he sees a strong, yet fragile young woman who needs someone to protect her.

When they arrive in London, he leaves her at the solicitor’s office as requested and goes on his way. Oh, but they are not done because they have fallen in love and now Michael must find her.

Of the other books in this series, this one is my favorite. I liked the caring man that Michael is and the strong woman that Juliana is. They both possess the traits that would make for a long and lasting love.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This has been an excellent series and this book just adds to it. A chance meeting between Juliana Crawford and Michael Rosevear leads to an intriguing adventure. They are two people who are attracted to each other but know nothing can come of it as Michael is about to be betrothed to a woman of his father’s choice and Juliana has no plans to marry. However not everything goes as planned, Juliana finds herself in some trouble and will Michael be able to help? I thought the Marchioness ( the wife of Michael’s father) was a lovely character, so observant and understanding. I received a copy from Netgalley and have voluntarily reviewed it. This is my honest review.

I enjoyed the final book in the series lots of mystery with some intense moments. Michael has been summoned by his father to do his duty, marry the woman picked for him. Even though he’s a bastard born son he has a duty to his father. On the way to London he meets Juliana who gets him to give her a lift in his coach. Micheal is sympathetic to her plight when he finds out that she’s fleeing from an abusive father, they both harbour secrets but as they get to know each other they start trusting, it helps that Micheal is extremely gentle and kind to his dog Gelert his Irish Wolfhound it won Juliana’s heart.

Well written and flows well, mystery and intrigue a plenty lots of suspense will have you turning the pages. Highly recommend this series you won’t be disappointed.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest unbiased opinion .

The Chase by Sara Portman
Brides of Beadwell #3

A man traveling in a coach to London at the bequest of his father…
A woman traveling to London evading what she left behind and in need of a ride…
A hound named Gelert along for the ride…

When Juliana Crawford requests the assistance of Michael Rosevear he knows she has not been fully forthcoming when making her request but for some reason he takes her into the coach he is traveling in and thus begins a journey that will change both of their lives. As the trip begins conversation is limited since both have secrets to hold tight. As they travel there are setbacks and delays that must be dealt with. With each mile closer to London the more aware of one another they become and slowly more and more admiration is found by each for the other. The facts that are revealed shed new light on past beliefs both have held and the future they thought lay ahead just might actually prove to be better than either had thought it could be.

I enjoyed this story. I found the childhoods of both Juliana and Michael to have been difficult and their parents wanting so was happy that they found one another and were able to eventually find their way to a HEA that would provide so much more for them both. I have read all three books in the series and look forward to reading what this author decides to write next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books-Lyrical Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

Chance and circumstance!

'A wooden spoon for courage'. An uncommon choice. But then Juliana Crawford is not by any stretch of the imagination ordinary. Juliana is running from a desperate situation. She is running to a possible future. Stranded at an inn, in a highly unorthodox move, she approaches an elderly gentleman to request a place in his coach.
Michael Roseyear (illegitimate son of an earl) is in pain from being confined to a carriage. His leg is hurting and he's bored. He needs distraction and it seems the wan, poorly clothed young woman seeking assistance will provide that. He and his wolfhound Gelert make room for their unusual guest.
Of course their journey is eventful, unavoidably delayed and downright dangerous. After all the drama they encounter their relationship might develop somewhat beyond the bounds of propriety, but their ways will part whether by choice, design, sacrifice or happenstance. To choose or not to choose, that is the question!
The idea of choice permeates the story, both lead characters discuss it. Choosing to make your own destiny, to be at the mercy of others, and how to change that.
A romance with a difference that I found very enjoyable.

A NetGalley ARC

Juliana is on the run from her abusive father. She possesses a photographic memory. She found a letter when she was around 12 that mentioned an inheritance when she reached her majority (25). This is the main reason she runs when she does. She sees Michael and asks him (mainly because of her cane and limp) for help in getting to London.
Michael is on his way to London to answer his father's summons. His father has decided it is time for Michael to get married. His bride has been picked out.
I did like both Michael and Juliana. Michael comes across as a good person already; mainly because of the way he treats Gelert (his dog). Juliana is a little harder to like at first. I believe it's because of her background. She doesn't trust that once Michael finds out he won't return her to her father. (The whole property thing, what good girl leaves her father's protection- on purpose?)
I both liked and didn't like the resolution with Juliana's father. Yes, he got what he deserved, but it was too quick and the whole issue with Juliana's mother could have been more. Michael was pleasantly surprised with how his family viewed him (that was nice). I also liked that Juliana's inheritance seemed to be hers to do what she wanted with it (at least with how I interpreted the epilogue).
3.5* rounded up since GR doesn't "do" 1/2 stars.

eARC courtesy or Kensington Books/Lyrical Press and NetGalley.
Publication date: Nov 21st

I thoroughly enjoy Ms. Portman's books and "The Chase" does not disappoint. Michael Rosevear was born on the wrong side of the blanket and even though he is a recognized son, he is not close to his father. He manages a distant estate in Yorkshire, but must make his way to London when he is summoned by his father who has found a bride for him. If Michael wants the estate to finally be his, he must do as he is told. Juliana Crawford is running away from an abusive father and begs a ride to London from Michael even though it is most inappropriate for a young woman to do so. The mystery surrounding the young woman is more than Michael can let go.

Ms. Portman has a flair for teasing out the backgrounds for both Michael and Juliana. The growing attraction between these two was well-done and their romance was believable. The twists and turns in the book kept me turning the pages to the end. I only have a slight criticism in that I would have liked more of Michael and Juliana in the epilogue instead of Beadwell women. That chapter seemed a bit out of place in the story, but it was still a satisfying ending to the story.

This was a quick read that gave the reader a sweet romance and a happy ever after to dream about! I enjoyed the mystery of why the heroine was in the situation she found herself, and Sara Portman did a great job keeping me on the edge of my seat trying to figure it out. Each time I thought I knew what happened, she would throw in another clue that would have me spinning off in another direction entirely. Once I learned the reality of the situation, it was so different and intriguing that I found myself reading even faster to find out how she fared in the end.

Juliana Crawford has been waiting for hours for the right person to come along, for a kindly soul to take her into their carriage and help her get to London where her future awaits. Running away from her father, she is desperate to arrive in London and thwart her father's plans for her. Seeing a gentleman with a cane exit a carriage, she believes she may have found the perfect person to help her - an older man who would take pity on a young girl. Instead, she finds Michael Rosevear, the illegitimate son of an earl on his way to his father's to negotiate for his own future. Young and hobbled by an old war injury, the last thing he needs to deal with is a woman with a thousand lies on the tip of her tongue and an odd way about her that lends to both courage and submissiveness. Against his better judgment, he decides to aid her and the two embark on a journey that will test Michael's patience and Juliana's heart.

I enjoyed both Michael and Juliana, though I think I liked Michael the best of the two! His way of dealing with Juliana's odd behavior made me laugh, and he has an adorable dog named Gelert with a tragic story to go with his noble name. I was hooked from the start by his gentle handling of the dog - always a good sign in a man. Juliana's personality was such a mixture of behaviors, and because the author didn't explain why from the get-go, it took a bit for me to understand just who Juliana was as a person. It wasn't obvious but it was worth the effort getting to the bottom of her life. They were a sweet couple who both had their problems, but Michael really stood out in the end with how he saved Juliana's life several times in spite of his not knowing who she was. It showed a warm nobleness of character.

I enjoyed this book and am interested enough to look up the previous books in the series! Since this is the third and we meet characters from the first two books, I am intrigued to read their stories as well.

This was a cute, stand alone story that I believe will be enjoyed by those who enjoy historical romances with strong characters.

I enjoyed both of these characters, even if there were times I wanted to smack them. Julianna was head-strong, although emotionally scarred by the acts of her cruel father. While I found it admirable that she set off alone to claim her inheritance and start a life of her own, it was obvious that she had no idea how the world works. Especially towards women during that time. At times, I found her independent streak and head-strong nature to be more of a hindrance than a help.

Michael on the other hand, was physically scarred, and very much set in his ways, such as they were. He loathed to be called away from his beloved brewery, but resigned himself to do what it was his father asked. I enjoyed seeing these two interact with each other and watch their carefully constructed walls begin to come down, and their heavily guarded secrets begin to come to light.

Romance was the least thing on either of their minds, in fact both had resigned themselves to their respective fates, so to see them go from strangers, to tentative acquaintances was a lot of fun. The romance that blossomed only did more to heighten my enjoyment of this story.

I would read more from this author!

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

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

Haven’t read this author before but enjoyed this book, so may read further.. The H and h are both quite delightful . Enjoyed the development of the story and the relationship.

Sara Portman has been a delicious find. Her series, Brides of Beadwell, features strong heroines and compelling heroes. She does an excellent job of showing the different points of view -- decisions that can seem cruel can make sense, depending on who is telling the story. The Chase is one of those wonderful road trip stories, where to dissimilar characters are thrown together and discover how much they truly have in common. I love the hero, Michael Rosevear, on the way to marry the woman of his choice to please his father — but more importantly, to win the estate he loves (0r so he thinks). The illegitimate son of a nobleman has quite a chip on his shoulder, and Portman explains his feelings well, all while showing he is has some misunderstandings to work through. The heroine, Juliana Crawford, is escaping a cruel home and is so desperate she will join a stranger in a carriage, just so she can get to London. She refuses to keep being mistreated, and that gives her the courage of a lion. This is a wonderful story, one I will read again, starting with the first book in the series and taking it all in. (I received an ARC on NetGalley in return for an honest review.)