Review: The Bargain Episode I by Vanessa Riley

The Bargain

by Vanessa Riley

Christian Regency Historical Romance

ebook & print, 88 pages

March 15, 2015 by Gallium Optronics, LLC

A Port Elizabeth Regency Tale: Season One #1

Coming to London has given Precious Jewell a taste of freedom, and she will do anything, bear anything, to keep it. Defying her master is at the top of her mind, and she won't let his unnerving charm sway her. Yet, will her restored courage lead her to forsake a debt owed to the grave and a child who is as dear to her as her own flesh? Gareth Conroy, the third Baron Welling, can neither abandon his upcoming duty to lead the fledgling colony of Port Elizabeth, South Africa nor find the strength to be a good father to his heir. Every look at the boy reminds him of the loss of his wife. Guilt over her death plagues his sleep, particularly when he returns to London. Perhaps the spirit and fine eyes of her lady's maid, Precious Jewell, might offer the beleaguered baron a new reason to dream. The Bargain is the first Port Elizabeth Regency Tale.

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My Thoughts

The Bargain Episode I had an interesting story. I like the plot and the characters.

Precious Jewell was the lady's maid of the third Baron Welling's wife. When she was freed by her mistress so that she would take care of her son, she could not refused. How could she deny her dying wish? But after two years, a shocking truth that changed her freedom and a certain handsome baron made sure of that.

The Third Baron Welling was still in regret of what was happening to his wife two years ago. Now, he needed Jewell more than ever to take care of his heir. So he made a difficult offer that she couldn't refuse.

I really love the setting and the era. The rebellion that she put to her master was understandable.

I can't wait for the next episode.

Other Episodes

The Bargain

by Vanessa Riley

Christian Regency Historical Romance

ebook & print, 135 pages

May 22, 2015 by Gallium Optronics, LLC

A Port Elizabeth Regency Tale: Season One #2

In this episode:

The vastness of the cresting ocean isn't enough to drown Precious Jewell's high spirits or her dreams of doing for herself, but a false move and an old nightmare have placed her in more jeopardy, Lord Welling's bedchamber.

Captaining his schooner to Port Elizabeth was his only refuge, until his ship was invaded by land lovers, his son and his challenging caregiver. Perhaps, Miss Jewell's vivacity and audacity are just what he needs to quell rebellion amongst his crew and his heart.

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The Bargain

by Vanessa Riley

Christian Regency Historical Fiction

ebook & print, 160 pages

August 24, 2015 by Gallium Optronics, LLC

A Port Elizabeth Regency Tale: Season One #3

In this Episode:

Precious Jewell has lived a life filled with disappointments, and it has caused her to wrestle with her beliefs. Port Elizabeth was meant to be a new beginning, not another chance to dance with death. With her eyes clouded in confusion, how can she protect young Jonas or even her new friend Mrs. Narvel? The guilt of kissing Eliza's husband and marveling at the black warriors who've attacked the colonists is gnawing at her, making her doubt her strength. What God is doing? Well, Precious is determined to figure things out and do what's best, even if it means forgetting her attraction to Lord Welling. Yet, will the man let her?

Gareth Conroy has exposed his young heir, a pregnant woman, and his late wife's feisty maid to the dangers of Port Elizabeth. He must make things right, but what is that: admitting defeat and returning to London, staying and committing to a loveless marriage of convenience, or negotiating with Xhosa, a people set on the colonist's destruction?

Whatever his path, there is one thing he's not ready to do. He's not letting the memory of Precious in his arms fade. 

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The Bargain
by Vanessa Riley
Christian Regency Historical Romance
ebook & print, 160 pages
November 22, 2015 by Gallium Optronics, LLC
A Port Elizabeth Regency Tale: Season One #4

In this episode:

Time is running out for Port Elizabeth. A missing chief and his daughter, tensions among frightened colonists, and the trembling of a difficult labor threaten to break the fragile bonds of its survival.

Precious Jewell will do what is right to protect those she cares for, even for the man she won't admit to needing.

For Gareth Conroy, death doesn't matter anymore. He purposes that his spilt blood will bring the salvation of the colony, but will he realize too late that no single man of flesh and blood can bring redemption?

Will the burgeoning hope of two stubborn, wounded souls fray or smolder in this exciting conclusion of The Bargain, Season I?

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About the Author

Vanessa Riley worked as an engineer before allowing her passion for historical romance to shine. A Regency era (early 1800s) and Jane Austen enthusiast, she brings the flavor of diverse peoples to her stories. Since she was seventeen, Vanessa has won awards for her writing and is currently working on two series. She lives in Atlanta with her military man hubby and precocious child. You can catch her writing from the comfort of her southern porch with a cup of Earl Grey tea.

You can find her at: www.VanessaRiley.com or www.facebook.com/ChristianRegency

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