Title: Grayson’s Vow
Author: Mia Sheridan
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: July 4, 2023
Format: eBook ARC (NetGalley)
Pages: 416
Read: Two Times
Grayson's Vow Review
I seem to have been in a Mia Sheridan phase back in 2017 and apparently, as per my Goodreads shelf, I’ve read Grayson’s Vow before and described it as:
Mia Sheridan’s books always bring out all sorts of emotions in me. First, it was Leo, then Archer’s voice, and now this. I’m totally in love with all the heroes of her books.
Does it still apply after re-reading this one?
Well, more on my thoughts about the hero below, but overall, Grayson’s Vow did bring out all those gut-wrenching, heart-aching emotions for both the hero and heroine. I couldn’t stop reading because I kept waiting for their Happily-Ever-After.
There are some of my favorite tropes in this book:
- Marriage of Convenience
- Enemies to lovers
- Grumpy Hero and Sunshine heroine
The story is full of angst and tinged with light-hearted moments. It has some fantasy-like elements – set in a beautiful vineyard with amazing secondary characters, a dragon of a hero, and a witchy heroine (that’s how the characters describe one another).
Written in dual POV, you follow the story of Kira and Grayson, their journey of emotional heartbreaks, pain, healing, and ultimately love and joy.
“I have a business arrangement to offer you.” I lifted one brow. “A business arrangement?” She nodded… “Yes, well, in actuality, Mr. Hawthorn, I’m here to propose marriage.”
Kira Dallaire is in a predicament. Estranged from her father, she has no access to money and nowhere to stay. However, her grandmother has left her an inheritance that she can get either when she turns 30 or by marriage.
When Kira sees Grayson at a bank getting rejected due to his reputation, she decides that it’s fate that has landed her there. He needs her – well her money, and she thinks he is the key to solving their problems.
Grayson’s dad left the vineyard to him after his death. Believing it to be a sign of his father’s love, he vows to restore it to its glory days. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have the money to run the business.
When Kira turns up with her proposition, she reminds him of his failure. Assuming she is a rich spoilt girl who doesn’t know what hard work is.
He looked like a prince, but if I were going to cast him in a fairy tale now, I'd cast him as The Dragon! A beastly, judgmental, fire-breathing dragon.
What should have been an easy feat, turns out quite the reverse. Kira and Grayson both have to overcome their past hurt. Both are antagonistic toward one another, just a means to an end.
However, they spend time together, eventually understanding that they had cast a misjudgment, and then there’s the air of tension and anticipation – they grow to care for and are sexually attracted to each other.
Grayson Hawthorn is not an easy hero. Damaged, betrayed by the family who was supposed to love him, he is broken, unwilling to think of anything positive. He distrusts any feeling of love or belongingness.
Although Kira does bring out the lightness in him, there are moments when you feel Grayson coming out of his shell, and they legit prick your heart. Some of those moments are just so innocent and heartwarming.
But of course, being conditioned to always expect the worst, things don’t go smoothly. One strike and you’re guilty, regardless of the truth with Grayson.
He looked like every hero in every fairy tale I'd ever dreamed come to life. And, God, I wanted to believe in heroes again. But sometimes, I supposed, a girl just had to be her own hero.
Kira is a heroine you’ll love to love. From the outside, you’ll probably judge her (as did Grayson) to be a rich spoilt brat who has lived a cushy life.
Things are not what it seems though. She has had a rough past as well, treated badly by the ones who should have supported her. Although, she stood strong despite all the darkness.
I loved her for being true to herself. She is wild at heart, finding moments of happiness. Her ideas are chaotic and fun. She is kind and generous, and even though Grayson is rough with her, she finds all the ways to redeem him in her mind.
She stands up for herself, and you see her developing into this strong heroine who will fight for what she wants.
Forget the price and princess. I always imagined the real story was between the witch and the dragon.
Kira and Grayson are complete opposites. He is a total grump and brood, whereas she is the sunshine, craving life and a little craziness.
When they are together, they are fire. As I said, Kira brings out that hidden sunshine in him. There are moments when you get caught up in their magic, which is beautiful. Their journey isn’t easy, but it’s a beautiful story.
Even the secondary characters had a life of their own, and I loved how they, too, were wholeheartedly a part of the story.
I loved how Mia’s captured those wide range of emotions in this book. Her writing style easily reels you in, and relate to all the characters.
If you’re a fan of groveling, this book has it, however, I felt like Kira forgave the hero too soon, and I personally didn’t think that Kira did anything that warranted how Grayson treats her in the latter part of the book. (Don’t worry, it’s nothing bad, just how a damaged hero would lash out at certain things…)
Overall, Grayson’s Vow is a wonderful read and I found it emotionally engaging. It will make you feel, and that’s how you know the author’s done a fantastic job. It’s like this blob of emotions is thrown at you while you’re reading, and you don’t want to stop reading till they reach the ending.
I do recommend this book.
Looking for more book recommendations? Check out the links below:
Grayson's Vow blurb:
Kira Dallaire is desperate. She must get married, and fast, to access the inheritance her late grandmother left her. Otherwise, she’ll find herself at the mercy of her wealthy, abusive father. With little money and even fewer options, she uses her quick wit and impulsive heart to come up with a plan.
Grayson Hawthorn is losing hope. A convicted felon with limited capital and dwindling resources, his vow to resurrect his family’s struggling vineyard seems destined to fail. That is, until a young woman enters his office with an outlandish proposal―a win-win business marriage he can’t refuse. But what begins as a temporary arrangement soon threatens to become more, as vibrant, spirited Kira challenges detached, arrogant Grayson to want more from life. To want more for himself.
As their wills clash and fiery passion ignites, the two realize that sometimes the past creates walls too difficult to climb, and lies and deception rarely precede a happily ever after.
A marriage-of-convenience spicy standalone romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Archer’s Voice.
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About Mia Sheridan
Mia Sheridan is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. Her passion is weaving true love stories about people destined to be together. Mia lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband. They have four children here on earth and one in heaven.
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