A RECKLESS PROMISE (THE LITTLE SEASON #3) is an historical romance set in France and England in the early 1800’s that once again takes some liberties by putting Darby and Sadie Grace together over and over again without the use of a chaperone. It was nice to be reunited with characters I’ve met in her first book in the series as well as new characters.

Michaels’ A RECKLESS PROMISE is Darby and Sadie Grace’s story along with her niece Marley who becomes Darby’s ward after the death of her father. There is a lightheartedness to the story but also some darkness due to secrets being kept, Darby and Sadie Grace’s upbringings, the curse on the Duke and some evil characters. There is instant attraction between Darby, a Viscount, and Sadie Grace, a commoner, even though he doesn’t fully believe her story of why she’s at his cottage with Marley at the request of Marley’s father, a war buddy, who was injured during the war while in France as he was as well. He knows there are pieces of the story that she’s leaving out but he’s willing to give her time to tell him the true facts. When they are finally comfortable around each other we get to know their secrets a little at a time which is eating at both of them. They are good for each other and don’t have a cold relationship like others in the ton. Watching their interactions as well as those between their friends gave a liveliness to the story. I could tell how much their friendships meant to each of them and that they truly cared for each other.

There are family and friends, dogs, birds, titled people of the ton, servants, secrets, illness, tears, laughter, happiness, twists and turns, lots of loving and love. The prologue set in France during the war sets the stage and the epilogue set in England wraps things up the story and gives me the closure I was hoping for along with some happily ever afters.

Michaels is a fairly new to me author only having read MUCH ADO ABOUT ROGUES (BLACKTHORN BROTHERS, #3) and the first book in this series, AN IMPROPER ARRANGEMENT. I somehow missed the second book in the series, A SCANDALOUS PROPOSAL and I plan to rectify that. I do look forward to reading more of her books since historical romance is one of my favorite genres.

Thank you for the chance to review this book, however, unfortunately, I was unable to download this title before it was archived

A Reckless Promise is the third book in the Little Season series by Kasey Michaels. I have not read the previous books in this series, but was still able to fully enjoy the read. Darby Travers, Viscount Nailbourne, made a battlefield promise but never imagined that he would have to honor it. Yet here she is on his doorstep—his late comrade's young daughter, and Darby's new ward. Worse, she comes with the most overprotective, mistrustful, bothersome chaperon—the child's aunt, Sadie Grace Boxer. Darby is quite sure that behind her lovely facade, the woman is guarding a secret. Sadie Grace faced many trials working in her brother's surgery, but none prepared her for the world she's thrust into with his passing. Navigating the ton, with its endless ball gowns and parade of parties, is difficult enough, but hiding the truth about her niece while the sophisticated viscount watches her every move proves nearly impossible—particularly when his searing gaze tempts her to bare all. But when her family's past catches up with her, she'll have to trust in Darby no matter the cost to her heart.

A Reckless Promise is an entertaining and interesting read, with characters and complications that kept things interesting. I liked Sadie's character, she is smart and willing to do anything to protect her niece any danger from all sides. The mystery and danger surrounding the little girl was well done, but maybe a little too much for my tastes. However, I did love the little girl's personality and the secondary characters that made things more entertaining. Darby is a strong character, although I honestly thought his big secret would be even bigger and somehow different- not that it was not traumatic enough. I like the slow growth of friendship and more between Sadie and Darby, how they came together in trust and friendship really made their relationship seem more real to me. I was a little distracted by the secondary stories that were happening, though fans of the series are probably looking or how those little bits played out. It was an entertaining read and well worth the time, but not one that makes my looking to read the prior books of the series.

A Reckless Promise is a charming and enthralling romance and met my expectations for the author. However, it just did not stand out as an absolutely must read, but it is wonderful for a summer weekend.