Forever and a Duke by Grace Burrowes-Review & Giveaway

Forever and a Duke by Grace Burrowes-Review & Giveaway


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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 26, 2019.

Wrexham, Duke of Elsmore, is overrun by family obligations. With three sisters to escort about Town, a legion of cousins to look after, and aunties who insist he dance with every eligible young woman, he barely has time to manage his dukedom. When he finally carves out a moment to evaluate his family’s finances, he learns that he―and his sisters―are on the verge of social catastrophe.

Eleanora Hatfield has an uncanny knack for numbers, but she knows from experience that dealing with the peerage can only lead to problems. Though she wants nothing to do with any titled gentleman, she reluctantly agrees to help when Rex seeks aid from her employer. What starts out as an unwanted assignment soon leads to forbidden kisses and impossible longings. But with scandal haunting Ellie’s past and looming in Rex’s future, how can true love lead to anything but heartbreak?

••••••••••

REVIEW: Forever and a Duke is a novel in the Rogues to Riches series. It can be read as a stand alone but is best read as part of the series for the full impact of the characters already created.

This is the story of Eleanora Hatfield and Wrexham “Rex”, Duke of Elsmore. If you are familiar with this series, many of the characters will be familiar. If you are new to this series, there is enough backstory to explain the circumstances. I don’t do spoilers. I really want people to enjoy the experiences for themselves. What I can do is tell you the setup for the story and why I enjoyed it.

The Duke of Elsmore is a recently titled man, raised apart from the previous Duke of Elsmore, he’s becoming familiar with his properties, which are extensive and spread widely location wise. He’s inundated with many aunties, uncles, cousins, and sisters and an extremely busy mother. He has learned much about being the Duke, but the enormity of his estate has made him dependent on relatives and others to see to the day-to-day activity and bookkeeping. However, as his sisters approach the season for marriage and it looks like they will find matches, he becomes aware that many of his books are not in order and indeed he is losing a great deal of money.

To prevent his bank from issues and his troubles from becoming public knowledge and collapsing the bank he’s so heavily invested in, he consults his friend Quinn Wentworth, Duke of Walden and owner of a competitive bank. Quinn has often mentioned an employee of his, Mrs. Eleanora Hatfield who is a marvel with figures and straightening out bookkeeping. Rex confides in his friend about his finding in the books of his households and bank and asks Quinn if he can temporarily employ Mrs. Hatfield to help him fix his situation.

Getting Eleanora to agree is a bit more difficult. She’s very set in her comfy and predictable world of keeping the books for Quinn and his interests. She’s reluctant to take this on. She doesn’t have a love for Dukes of any place, her exception of Quinn has much to do with his Duchess Jane.

Okay, that’s the setup! Now what I can tell you is that the way this all comes about is fascinating. Oh…I guess I do need to do one little spoiler…there is no Mr. Hatfield and Eleanora is not married. What she finds out about Rex upsets her vision of what most dukes are really like. She’s feisty and honest and he loves it. He’s humble and caring (for a Duke) and she loves it.

Grace Burrowes has done a terrific job of setting these two together. So close, yet so far apart. Meant for each other, but can or will they fight to be together despite all the issues? Grab a copy and find out! I loved reading this witty and sweet story.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
My One and Only Duke
When A Duchess Says I Do
Forever and a Duke

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Georgianna S

 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes’ bestsellers include The Heir, The Soldier, Lady Maggie’s Secret Scandal, Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish and Lady Eve’s Indiscretion. Her Regency romances have received extensive praise, including starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Grace is branching out into short stories and Scotland-set Victorian romance with Sourcebooks. She is a practicing family law attorney and lives in rural Maryland.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Forever Romance and Hachette Books are graciously offering a paper copy  set of the Rogues to Riches series: My One and Only Duke, When a Duchess Says I Do, and Forever and A Duke by Grace Burrowes to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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My One and Only Duke / Respect for Christmas by Grace Burrowes-Reviews and Giveaway

My One and Only Duke (Rogues to Riches #1) / Respect for Christmas by Grace Burrowes-Reviews and Giveaway

MY ONE AND ONLY DUKE
Rogues to Riches #1
by Grace Burrowes
Genre: adult, historical, romance
Release Date: November 6, 2018

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A funny thing happened on the way to the gallows…
One minute, London banker Quinn Wentworth is facing execution. The next, he’s declared the long-lost heir to a dukedom. Quinn has fought his way up from the vilest slums, and now he’s ready to use every dirty trick he knows to find the enemy who schemed against him.

There was just one tiny problem…
Jane Winston, the widowed, pregnant daughter of a meddlesome prison preacher, crosses paths with Quinn in jail. Believing his days are numbered, Quinn offers Jane marriage as a way to guarantee her independence and provide for her child. Neither thinks they’ll actually have a future together.

They were wrong.
He’s a wealthy gutter rat out for vengeance. She’s a minister’s daughter who must turn a marriage of desperation into a proper ducal union. Are they doomed from the start or destined for a happily-ever-after?

A funny thing happened on the way to the gallows…
One minute, London banker Quinn Wentworth is facing execution. The next, he’s declared the long-lost heir to a dukedom. Quinn has fought his way up from the vilest slums, and now he’s ready to use every dirty trick he knows to find the enemy who schemed against him.

There was just one tiny problem…
Jane Winston, the widowed, pregnant daughter of a meddlesome prison preacher, crosses paths with Quinn in jail. Believing his days are numbered, Quinn offers Jane marriage as a way to guarantee her independence and provide for her child. Neither thinks they’ll actually have a future together.

They were wrong.
He’s a wealthy gutter rat out for vengeance. She’s a minister’s daughter who must turn a marriage of desperation into a proper ducal union. Are they doomed from the start or destined for a happily-ever-after?

••••••••

REVIEW: My One and Only Duke is “A Rogue to Riches Novel”.

This wonderfully written, and the very interesting story has enough twists and changes to give you whiplash. It is set in the time of old King George and has plots within plots. I found it impossible to put down. I found it unique and thoroughly enjoyable.
I don’t do spoilers, I feel reading the book and experiencing the story for yourself is the most wonderful thing in the world. However, I can set up the gist of the story for you to show you what I loved about this book.

Quinn Wentworth in prison for a murder he didn’t commit and sentenced to be hanged. Quinn was raised a poor lad and made his fortune by learning and bettering himself beyond what most could accomplish. He has two sisters and a younger brother and has taken care of them his whole life. He and his partner are bankers with a thriving business and a fortune. Quinn is a generous man, but nobody’s fool. His execution has been delayed because the executioner has taken ill.

Jane Winston is the daughter of a minister who cares for the souls of the prisoners. She is taken into his cell (a comfortable area for a wealthy prisoner) to wait on her father to finish. Quinn objects, but treats her kindly as he found her pretty and interesting. She found him handsome and a little frightening (since he was a murderer).

They had an interesting conversation, each intrigued by the other. Jane had a hard time believing this man, so kind to those around him and well mannered, could have killed a man. He’s concerned about the boy that he’s come to know (Ned), and she says she’ll help him get out of prison and to Quinn’s family to be cared for. During a second visit, make arrangements for Ned, Quinn found out Jane is pregnant, and her husband is dead. He makes a generous offer to wed her before his death and make plans for her to have a house and money to live on. She surprised but having a way to live and raise her child makes her accept.

Behind the main characters, there is a sub-plot happening. It seams the Duke of Walden has died with no legitimate heirs. The Dukedom is in debt and Quinn is the only blood relative in line.

How all this comes about is remarkably well done with great development of the characters. Will they get to him in time? What sort of Duke will he be? Will Jane agree to remain his bride? Who did this to him? So many questions…treat yourself and find the answers by getting and reading a copy of this marvelous story!

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Georgianna S

_____________

RESPECT FOR CHRISTMAS
by Grace Burrowes
Genre: adult, historical, Christmas, romance
Release Date: November 20, 2018

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Previously published in Virtues of Christmas.

Henrietta Whitlow is leaving behind the life of a very successful courtesan in hopes of making peace with her family in the shires. Michael Brenner’s family all but ignore him, despite his shiny new baronial title, and his errand along the Oxford road isn’t half so benign as Henrietta’s. While trying to settle a debt of honor involving Henrietta, Michael instead loses his heart and comes to understand the true meaning of holiday spirit.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: Respect for Christmas is a lovely romantic Christmas story.

Lord Michael Brenner, Baron Angelford is a titled Irishman with a lot of common sense and kindness He has a debt of honor to one Lord Beltram. Lord Beltram is an extremely unscrupulous man who long ago seduced his housemaid Henrietta Whitlow into his bed, then when tired of her sent her into a ruined life as a courtesan. Now he wants Michael to steal a book of bad poetry and sketches he’d written and given to Henrietta about their time together. Lord Beltram is afraid she’ll publish it and ruin his chances of securing a decent wife. Michael reluctantly agrees to settle his debt of honor to Beltram.

Henrietta Whitlow is a recently retired courtesan, whose only wish is to reconcile with her estranged father and family. She’s a kind person who knows her reputation is ruined, but who only wants to go back to the quiet life she was forced to leave hears ago.

I don’t do spoilers…so that’s as much detail as I will give. Author Grace Burrowes has written a heartwarming story of love and redemption, forgiveness and second chances. Just in time for the Christmas season! It’s not only well written, it’s compelling and scrumptiously romantic. I came to love both the main characters as they learned about each other. A wonderful story of how things can go wrong, and people aren’t always what you thought.

Do yourself a huge solid and cuddle up with this wonderful story.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Georgianna S

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes’ bestsellers include The Heir, The Soldier, Lady Maggie’s Secret Scandal, Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish and Lady Eve’s Indiscretion. Her Regency romances have received extensive praise, including starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Grace is branching out into short stories and Scotland-set Victorian romance with Sourcebooks. She is a practicing family law attorney and lives in rural Maryland.

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Forever Romance and Hachette Books are graciously offering a paper copy of MY ONE AND ONLY by Grace Burrowes to TWO (2) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

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10. Giveaway runs from November 10-15, 2018

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No Other Duke Will Do (Windham Brides #3) by Grace Burrowes-a review

No Other Duke Will Do (Windham Brides #3) by Grace Burrowes-A Review

No Other Duke Will Do

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Julian St. David, Duke of Haverford, is barely keeping his head above water in a sea of inherited debts. Though he has a long-term plan to restore the family finances, his sister has a much faster solution: host a house party for London’s single young ladies and find Julian a wealthy bride.

Elizabeth Windham has no interest in marriage, but a recent scandal has forced her hand. As much as she’d rather be reading Shakespeare than husband-hunting, she has to admit she’s impressed by Julian’s protective instincts, broad shoulders, and, of course, his vast library.

As the two spend more time together, their attraction is overwhelming, unexpected… and absolutely impossible. With meddling siblings, the threat of financial ruin, and gossips lurking behind every potted palm, will they find true love or true disaster?

•••••••••••

REVIEW: 5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

WOOT WOOT! Grace Burrowes has a new release! My all time fave historical romance author once again delivered in the best way she knows how! She is like curling up with friends you have had for a long time and once again you are reacquainting with them .. catching up with them. BLISSFUL! 🙂

No Other Duke Will Do by Grace Burrowes is the third book of her “Windham Brides” series. A historical regency romance, you will be taken back to a time when ladies were proper and men were manly, living by codes of honor. Except, sometimes all of that is just fluff and a deeper story takes place.

Elizabeth Windham is the oldest sister and the one not yet married. Having just completed another season, Elizabeth is close to what is considered spinsterhood although that doesn’t really to bother her either. She is a dreamer of sorts having often escaped to her books for some passion and adventure but not to the point where she is ignorant of reality. Quite the opposite really. She has no interest in marrying and truthfully she doesn’t need to. Now that she has gotten her sister’s married off, it’s natural for her family to turn their attention towards getting her married off, and it’s the one last house party she must attend, that just may the mind changer.

Julian St David is the Duke of Haverford, and while he has the title he also has the responsibility that comes with it. It’s not an easy task seeing as he was left a mountain of debt, hardly any means to pay it off and many people dependant on him. The last thing he needs is a wife at this moment. But with the title of Duke comes the responsibility of producing an heir, so Julian’s sister invites many ladies to a house party in the hopes that Julian will find the one.

Seeing as both Elizabeth and Julian are book lovers and the library that Julian’s family owns is quite extensive (and a reason for some of the debt), it’s natural that this provides a platform for the two of them to commence a relationship. While both make it clear that the other is not interested in any romance, the friendship builds and the attraction connects them. Before they know it, they are ready to break the rules for some companionship, and perhaps once and for all decide that marriage may not be the worst thing either of them have ever faced. Of course there is a villain in the wings making it very hard for all!

Very simplistic in my description of the story here, but I believe Grace’s books are to be absorbed and experienced without anything spoiling them for the reader. You will find a mature story that has a slow burn. The passion is there but I found I sat back and sighed at the pleasure of two people really getting to know the other. They are so very well suited. What can I say, I am a sucker for a friendship to lovers kind of story! I also adore the bluntness that comes with these characters and as always, Grace offers secondary characters to fall in love with and hope for a future story.

Just so you know this is also a series branched off another of her series BUT it can be read as a stand alone. If you appreciate revisiting old friends in your books then by all means please pick up Grace’s previous books. The Windham family is like no other and you will find just about every character type possible in her books at one time or another.

Thank you for returning to me old friends Grace Burrowes, you never disappoint!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Trouble with Dukes
Too Scot to Handle
No Other Duke Will Do

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Rachel T.

About The Author Black and Red

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes’ bestsellers include The Heir, The Soldier, Lady Maggie’s Secret Scandal, Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish and Lady Eve’s Indiscretion. Her Regency romances have received extensive praise, including starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Grace is branching out into short stories and Scotland-set Victorian romance with Sourcebooks. She is a practicing family law attorney and lives in rural Maryland.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

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The Trouble with Dukes (Windham Brides #1) by Grace Burrowes-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

The Trouble With Dukes (Windham Brides #1) by Grace Burrowes-Review,Book Tour & Giveaway

The Trouble with Dukes Banner
The Trouble with Dukes

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 20, 2016

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2hsagl0

THEY CALL HIM THE DUKE OF MURDER…

The gossips whisper that the new Duke of Murdoch is a brute, a murderer, and even worse—a Scot. They say he should never be trusted alone with a woman. But Megan Windham sees in Hamish something different, someone different.

No one was fiercer at war than Hamish MacHugh, though now the soldier faces a whole new battlefield: a London Season. To make his sisters happy, he’ll take on any challenge—even letting their friend Miss Windham teach him to waltz. Megan isn’t the least bit intimidated by his dark reputation, but Hamish senses that she’s fighting battles of her own. For her, he’ll become the warrior once more, and for her, he might just lose his heart.

•••••••••••

REVIEW:

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

You know when you have been away from something you love for a while, and then you come back and get all warm and happy and satisfied and want to to bask in the afterglow of this??? YAH THAT! LOL

Oh Grace Burrowes! You reminded me once again why you are one of my absolute fave historical romance authors. You never disappoint me .. NEVER! 🙂

The Trouble With Dukes by Grace Burrowes, is the first book in her “Windham Brides” series. This series is a spin off of her historical romance series “Windham” and a small disclaimer here, I have not read the Windham series yet. I know, I know, so many books so little time! LOL The point is, I read this book pretty much as a stand alone and while I did feel like I was missing something, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story or understanding who was who. I will however be bumping that series up on my TBR list!

Hamish MacHugh is known as “The Duke of Murder”. He’s a war vet, socially awkward, could give two you know what’s about polite society, and is a man who most certainly loves his family. In order to give his sisters a chance to participate in the upcoming London season and find good matches, Hamish is willing to face all he hates. Little does he know that a match will indeed be happening .. “The Duke of Murder” is about to meet his own match.

Megan Windham is in trouble. She is being blackmailed by a real douchebag who she believed to have once been in love with. While Mr Douchebag was away at the war, Megan wrote some pretty smutty letters to him to keep his spirits up. Now Mr Douchebag is in dire need of money, and Megan comes with a pretty plump dowry, never mind that she wants nothing to do with him. When Megan meets Hamish however, a light just may appear at the end of the tunnel. Hamish over looks and admires quirky Megan with the thick spectacles. He also feel protective of her and before we know it, much more blooms.

Hamish .. oh sweet Hamish. Grace writes some pretty awesome leading males and this awesome man has moved into my “one of her best” list. He is truely a really wonderful man. He loves deeply and when he decides Megan is for him, nothing will stand in his way .. especially Mr Douchebag. Megan surprised me too. I thought she would of been a little more meek, but I should of known Grace doesn’t do meek … LOL Megan bloomed into a fierce woman, who was proactive in her own salvation as opposed to sitting there fainting in the parlor room. Together, OH MY, these two lit things up. So passionate and full of love, I cannot gush enough!

Another thing I love about Grace Burrowes and her books and I say this every time I write a review on her work, she has a style all of her own. A maturity unlike many other authors, flows through her storyline and characters. There is true friendship formed, which to me make a love story. So much respect and honour weaved into scandal and passion .. impressive in this genre in my opinion.

If you are looking for a great historical romance for the holidays, I cannot recommend this book more! Don’t stop there though, pick up any of her books and I promise you will not be disappointed .. now I am off the start the Windham series myself! 😉

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel T.

Copy supplied by the Netgalley

Guest post-White and Red

Grace Burrowes Top 5-favorite classic movies

The Adventures of Robinhood—The 1938 version with Errol Flynn and Oliva de Haviland. Little known fact: That handsome palomino Maid Marian is trotting around on? That’s Roy Roger’s Trigger.

Holiday Inn—Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. Cannot beat the classic musicals.

Forty-Second Street. Just typing the title gets the ear worms activated.

It’s a Wonderful Life. No explanation needed!

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964 animated television version). This is the longest running television special, and the Island of Misfit Toys makes me cry every year.

The Trouble with Dukes Teaser

excerpt

 

“I don’t want any damned dukedom, Mr. Anderson,” Hamish MacHugh said softly.
Colin MacHugh took to studying the door to Neville Anderson’s office, for when Hamish spoke that quietly, his siblings knew to locate the exits.
The solicitor’s establishment boasted deep Turkey carpets, oak furniture, and red velvet curtains. The standish and ink bottles on Anderson’s desk were silver, the blotter a thick morocco leather. Portraits of well-fed, well-powdered Englishmen adorned the walls.
Hamish felt as if he’d walked into an ambush, as if these old lords and knights were smirking down at the fool who’d blundered into their midst. Beyond the office walls, harnesses jingled to the tune of London happily about its business, while Hamish’s heart beat with a silent tattoo of dread.
“I am at your grace’s service,” Anderson murmured, from his side of the massive desk, “and eager to hear any explanations your grace cares to bestow.”
The solicitor, who’d been retained by Hamish’s late grandfather decades before Hamish’s birth, was like a midge. Swat at Anderson, curse him, wave him off, threaten flame and riot, and he still hovered nearby, relentlessly annoying.
The French infantry had had the same qualities.
“I am not a bloody your grace,” Hamish said. Thanks be to the clemency of the Almighty.
“I do beg your grace’s—your pardon,” Anderson replied, soft white hands folded on his blotter. “Your great-great aunt Minerva married the third son of the fifth Duke of Murdoch and Tingley, and while the English dukedom must, regrettably fall prey to escheat, the Scottish portion of the title, due to the more, er, liberal patents common to Scottish nobility, devolves to yourself.”
Devolving was one of those English undertakings that prettied up a load of shite.
Hamish rose, and for reasons known only to the English, Anderson popped to his feet as well.
“Devolve the peregrinating title to some other poor sod,” Hamish said.
Colin’s staring match with the lintel of Anderson’s door had acquired the quality of man trying to hold in a fart—or laughter.
“I am sorry, your—sir,” Anderson said, looking about as sorry as Hamish’s sisters on the way to the milliner’s, “but titles land where they please, and there they stay. The only way out from under a title is death, and then your brother here would become duke in your place.”
Colin’s smirk winked out like a candle in a gale. “What if I die?”
“I believe there are several younger siblings,” Anderson said, “should death befall you both.”
“But this title is Hamish’s as long as he’s alive, right?” Colin was not quite as large as Hamish. What little Colin lacked in height, he made up for in brawn and speed.
“That is correct,” Anderson said, beaming like headmaster when a dull scholar had finally grasped his first Latin conjugation. “In the normal course, a celebratory tot would be in order, gentlemen. The title does bring responsibilities, but your great-great aunt and her late daughter were excellent businesswomen. I’m delighted to tell you that the Murdoch holdings prosper.”
Worse and worse. The gleeful wiggle of Anderson’s eyebrows meant prosper translated into “made a stinking lot of money, much of which would find its way into a solicitor’s greedy English paws.”
“If my damned lands prosper, my bachelorhood is doomed,” Hamish muttered. Directly behind Anderson’s desk hung a picture of some duke, and the old fellow’s sour expression spoke eloquently to the disposition a title bestowed on its victim. “I’d sooner face old Boney’s guns again than be landed, titled, wealthy, and unwed at the beginning of London season. Colin, we’re for home by week’s end.”
“Fine notion,” Colin said. “Except Edana will kill you and Rhona will bury what’s left of you. Then the title will hang about my neck, and I’ll have to dig you up and kill you all over again.”
Siblings were God’s joke on a peace-loving man. Anderson had retreated behind his desk, as if a mere half ton of oak could protect a puny English solicitor from a pair of brawling MacHughs.
Clever solicitors might be, canny they were not.
“Then we simply tell no one about this title,” Hamish said. “We tend to Eddie and Ronnie’s dress shopping, and then we’re away home, nobody the wiser.”
Dress shopping, Edana had said, as if the only place in the world to procure fashionable clothing was London. She’d cried, she’d raged, she’d threatened to run off—until Colin had saddled her horse and stuffed the saddle bags with provisions.
Then she’d threatened to become an old maid, haunting her brothers’ households in turn, and Hamish, on pain of death from his younger brothers, had ordered the traveling coach into service.
“Eddie hasn’t found a man yet, and neither has Ronnie,” Colin observed. “They’ve been here less than two weeks. We can’t go home.”
“You can’t,” Hamish countered. “I’m the duke. I must see to my properties. I’ll be halfway to Yorkshire by tomorrow. I doubt Eddie and Ronnie will content themselves with Englishmen, but they’re welcome to torment a few in my absence. A bored woman is a dangerous creature.”
“You’d leave tomorrow?” Colin slugged Hamish on the arm, hard. Anderson flinched, while Hamish picked up his walking stick and headed for the door.
“Your pugilism needs work, little brother. I’ve neglected your education.”
“You can’t leave me alone here with Eddie and Ronnie.” Colin had switched to the Gaelic, a fine language for keeping family business from nosy solicitors. “I’m only one man, and there’s two of them. They’ll be making ropes of the bedsheets, selling your good cigars to other young ladies again, and investigating the charms of the damned Englishmen mincing about in the park. Who knows what other titles their indiscriminate choice of husband might inflict on your grandchildren.”
Hamish had not objected to the cigar selling scheme. He’d objected to his sisters stealing from him rather than sharing the proceeds with their own dear brother. He also objected to the notion of grandchildren when he’d yet to take a wife.
“I’ll blame you if we end up with English brothers-in-law, wee Colin.” Hamish smiled evilly, though he counted a particular few Englishmen among his friends.
A staring match ensued, with Colin trying to look fierce—he had the family red hair and blue eyes, after all—and mostly looking worried. Colin was soft-hearted where the ladies were concerned, and that fact was all that cheered Hamish on an otherwise daunting morning.
Hope rose, like the clarion call of the pipes through the smoke and noise the battlefield: While Eddie and Ronnie inspected the English peacocks strutting about Mayfair, Hamish might find a peahen willing to take advantage of Colin’s affectionate nature.
Given Colin’s lusty inclinations, the union would be productive inside a year, and the whole sorry business of a ducal succession would be taken care of.
Hamish’s fist connected with his brother’s shoulder, sending Colin staggering back a few steps, muttering in Gaelic about goats and testicles.
“I’ll bide here in the muck pit of civilization,” Hamish said, in English, “until Eddie and Ronnie have their fripperies, but Anderson, I’m warning you. Nobody is to learn of this dukedom business. Not a soul, or I’ll know which English solicitor needs to make St. Peter’s acquaintance posthaste. Ye ken?”
Anderson nodded, his gaze fixed on Hamish’s right hand. “You will receive correspondence, sir.”
Hamish’s hand hurt and his head was starting to throb. “Try being honest, man. I was in the army. I know all about correspondence. By correspondence, you mean a bloody snowstorm of paper, official documents, and sealed instruments.”
Hamish knew about death too, and about sorrow. The part of him hoping to marry Colin off in the next month—and Eddie and Ronnie too—grappled with the vast sorrow of homesickness, and the unease of remaining for even another day among the scented dandies and false smiles of polite society.
“Very good, your grace. Of course you’re right. A snowstorm, some of which will be from the College of Arms, some from your peers, some of condolence, all of which my office would be happy—”
Hamish waved Anderson to silence, and as if Hamish were one of those Hindoo snake pipers, the solicitor’s gaze followed the motion of his hand.
“The official documents can’t be helped,” Hamish said, “but letters of condolence needn’t concern anybody. You’re not to say a word,” he reminded Anderson. “Not a peep, not a yes-your-grace, not a hint of an insinuation is to pass your lips.”
Anderson was still nodding vigorously when Hamish shoved Colin through the door.
Though, of course, the news was all over Town by morning.


 

About The Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes’ bestsellers include The Heir, The Soldier, Lady Maggie’s Secret Scandal, Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish and Lady Eve’s Indiscretion. Her Regency romances have received extensive praise, including starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Grace is branching out into short stories and Scotland-set Victorian romance with Sourcebooks. She is a practicing family law attorney and lives in rural Maryland.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

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Will’s True Wish by Grace Burrowes-Review, Release Promotion & Giveaway

Will’s True Wish by Grace Burrowes – Review, Release Promotion and Giveaway

Will's True Wish

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 2, 2016

Willl Dorning, as the Earl of Casriel’s heir, and older brother to four rambunctious brothers, sees his life as one of duty and drudgery. He guards the earl’s back, and keeps a watchful eye on his siblings, though his only real companions are the dogs he’s treasured since boyhood; Lady Susannah Haddonfield has no patience with loud, smelly beasts of any species, but must learn to appear to like dogs so as not to offend her sister’s only marital prospect. Susannah turns to Will, an acquaintance from the most awkward years of her adolescence, to teach her how to get along with canines. Will instead teaches her how to get along with him, and with her siblings, until Susannah must choose between her favorite lone wolf and placid propriety.

••••••

REVIEW: 5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Will’s True Wish by Grace Burrowes is the third book in her True Gentlemen series and once again, as always Grace has written another classy sophisticated book.

Will Dorning is the spare Earl in his family, as well as the responsible one. He is trying to get the heir married off, always looking out for his brothers who seem to have a habit of finding mischief, and never really having any opportunity to live his own life. He is a dog whisperer of sorts and honestly, is just an all around really good guy.

Susannah Haddonfield is the book worm of the Haddonfield family. She would take country air, all the books in the world and peace and quiet over life in the ton any day. Now her sister is about to embark on her coming out, and Susannah must assist her sister in this venture. When she learns her sister’s prospective suitor is a dog lover, Susannah decides to call out to Will (who just so happens to be the same man that saved her from a nasty situation by some mean spirited ladies at her own coming out) to help her with canine training.

Both Will and Susannah may have had a chance to be together when they were younger, but fate and circumstance stood in the way so it never happened. Now however, both are older, wiser, know what they want out of life and that companionship they felt for each other back then, surfaces quick and bold. They soon realize it wasn’t just companionship they shared, but pure spark and love. Now other roadblocks seem to be in the way and they look an awful lot like well meaning family members. Both Will and Susannah must now stand up and decide if their love and friendship will once again pass them by or if they will take the chance on the “what if”!

Classy and sophisticated. Those are two new words that describe Grace Burrowes books to perfection. Mature, believable, dashes of humour, always a little action/mystery and of course her trademark ….love that blooms through friendship .. those are a few more words. It is blissful to curl up with a new Grace Burrowes book as I always know that there will be an easy flow to the story and vivid imagery to interpret. I cannot gush enough about how much I adore this authors writing!

So a wonderful regency historical romance, with a side of something for those dog lovers, I absolutely recommend that you read the first two books in this series first .. and while you are out it, make sure you check out the Lonely Lords series as well … characters from those books return in this series.

Always a pleasure Grace .. ALWAYS! 🙂

HAPPY READING! 🙂

 

•••••••••••••

In Grace Burrowes’ upcoming release, Will’s True Wish (February 2nd), aristocratic London is plagued by a series of dognappings.

 

To celebrate the upcoming release, Sourcebooks Casablanca would like to see your favorite four-legged friend with your favorite book by Grace Burrowes! Tell your pup to say cheese and they may be the lucky dog to win a gift basket full of treats they will love! More information below!

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Daniel’s True Desire (True Gentlemen #2) by Grace Burrowes-Review and Book Tour

Daniel’s True Desire (True Gentlemen #2) by Grace Burrowes-Review and Book Tour

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DANIEL’S TRUE DESIRE
True Gentlemen #2
by Grace Burrowes
Release Date: November 3, 2015
Genre: adult, historical romance

Daniel's True Desire

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 3, 2015

Daniel Banks is a man of the cloth whose vocation is the last comfort he has left–and even his churchman’s collar is beginning to feel like a noose. In an attempt to start his life over, Daniel accepts the post of vicar in Haddondale, a position supported by the Earl of Haddonfield. There Daniel meets Lady Kirsten Haddonfield, to whom life has also dealt multiple unkind blows. Daniel’s interest is piqued by Kirsten’s unsentimental attitude toward her misfortunes, and by the kind-heartedness the lady keeps well hidden. Kirsten is much taken with Mr. Banks and his genuine compassion for others, despite his own troubles. When Providence intervenes, and Daniel and Kirsten can become engaged, their happiness seems complete…. though every garden has at least one nasty, sly, determined serpent.

••••••••••••••

REVIEW:

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

I am really beginning to think there isn’t anything Grace will write that I won’t gush over. I adore her historical romance style, her true knowledge of the era she sets her novels in, the language used and the descriptions where I really feel like I have been transported in time.

Daniel’s True Desire is Grace Burrowes second book in her True Gentlemen series and I must admit I was interested in how this one would turn out. This book tells the story of Lady Kirsten Haddonfield (Nicholas’s spitfire of a sister) and Daniel Banks the new vicar of the town.

After many broken engagements, Kirsten has somewhat resolved herself to living life as a spinster. When a cold blustery morning introduces her to the new town vicar, she must admit she is somewhat smitten. Daniel is taken a back by Kirsten’s forwardness and quite frankly finds her rather refreshing .. if not beautiful. Feeling completely drawn to one another it’s only a matter of time when something more than friendship comes to surface. Only one problem … our handsome vicar is already married.

Daniel has a horrible wife, and one he is estranged from. After learning of her true disposition in a previous book (The Lonely Lords book David), he agrees to live apart from her. He also is nursing a broken heart where his nephew/son (read the book and you’ll understand how he is both) is concerned. Being a man of the cloth he certainly cannot break his marriage vows .. so what is he to do about his feelings towards Kirsten?

Kirsten knows he is hands off, and surely she can work with him on a major project without worry. SURELY??? What would happen however, if Daniel was no longer married?? What would happen if his wife perished?? What would happen if it was all an evil plan???

I had a bit of reservation where this novel was concerned. A man of the cloth?? HMMMM … how do you get passion and love from that? Well Daniel certainly is the right man for that task and Grace Burrowes sure did deliver. I adored Kirsten and her practical ways. If any obstacle was in her path, she just jumped right over it and/or found a way to work with it. These two were a perfect match, and their ease of friendship flourished long before their love did which just adds to the believability.

Another FANTASTIC read and I am lucky to already have a copy of the next book in this series. I will be eagerly diving in soon!

HAPPY READING!

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Rachel T

 

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“You Might Be A True Gentleman or Gentlewoman If…” by Grace Burrowes

How do you know if your Sig-O is a true gentleman/lady? Ask yourself a few questions…

First, do his or her best moves, smoothest lines, and cleverest flirtations only come out in public, or are the housework sessions equally likely to produce the verbal roses and melting glances from across the laundry pile?

The hallmark of a player is that their repertoire is best displayed when there’s an audience to play to. The true gentleman or lady isn’t playing, so the good stuff can come your way any old day or night of the week.

Second, does he or she deliver the fun and flirtation in you statements (“You look good in anything… and in nothing at all.”) Do they keep to the I-statements when the topic is difficult? (“I can come off irritated any time we talk about money because I’m afraid I’m not pulling my share of the load. I don’t mean to sound that way, and I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings.”)

The guy or gal who lapses into the you-always, and you-never accusations in the middle of a difficult conversation hasn’t learned to fight fair. Time to whip out a few remedial lessons from the relationship Code Duello, or find another waltzing partner.

Third, does he or she have the touch? Always respectful in public-even when respectfully affectionate-always cool with your respectful affections too?

The ladies and gents who treasure us the most know better than to cross that line, and we treasure them right back for their gallant attentions.

Fourth, do they listen to us? We’ve all had the experience of being on a date or in a discussion, and the person we’re with has checked out. They’re eying the door, the clock, their cool new app, or if there’s a mirror on hand (store window, shiny plate, mirror app), themselves. Um… that would be a no.

Fifth, are they honorable? Do they give you the sense that at all times, the person you’re with will be guided by kindness and honesty, even when neither is convenient for them? If that’s the consistent vibe-truth and compassion as their defining values-you are in the company of a true lady or a true gentleman.

Here’s the best part: True ladies and true gentlemen tend to be discerning people, for all they are also gracious, kind, honest, and excellent company. If you’ve found a true lady or gentleman for your very own, and they reciprocate your regard, chances are they have found a true lady or gentleman in you too!

Grace

About The Author beige

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes’ bestsellers include The Heir, The Soldier, Lady Maggie’s Secret Scandal, Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish and Lady Eve’s Indiscretion. Her Regency romances have received extensive praise, including starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Grace is branching out into short stories and Scotland-set Victorian romance with Sourcebooks. She is a practicing family law attorney and lives in rural Maryland.

Website: http://graceburrowes.com<http://graceburrowes.com/>
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Grace-Burrowes/115039058572197
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceBurrowes
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4152482.Grace_Burrowes

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The Duke’s Disaster / Tremaine’s True Love (True Gentlemen .5 & 1) by Grace Burrowes-Review, Interview and Book Tour

The Duke’s Disaster / Tremaine’s True Love (True Gentlemen .5 & 1) by Grace Burrowes-Reviews, Interview and Book Tour

Tremaine's True Love

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 4, 2015

Tremaine St. Michael is firmly in trade and seeks only to negotiate the sale of some fancy sheep with the Earl of Haddonfield. The earl’s sister, Lady Nita, is pragmatic, hard-working, and selfless, though Tremaine senses she’s also tired of her charitable obligations and envious of her siblings’ marital bliss. Tremaine, having been raised among shepherds, can spot another lonely soul, no matter how easily she fools her own family. Neither Tremaine nor Nita is looking for love, but love comes looking for them.

••••••••••••

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Two more outstanding novels by one of my fave historical romance authors Grace Burrowes. This review is on her first two books of her True Gentlemen series. If you remember (and fell in love with as I did) Nicholas and Ethan (with mentions of other yummy characters) from the Lonely Lords series then you will appreciate this spin off series as it revolves around their sisters finding their true loves.

REVIEW:

We have met Tremaine before in the Lonely Lord series and I loved meeting him once again. Tremaine is a trader by occupation and he is quite successful at it. Coming to see Nicholas to discover if a herd of sheep is a lucrative trade, he also meets Nicholas’s serious sister Nita. Nita is not a lady of her time. She has already classified herself as a spinster and routinely serves the common people (and those cast away by society’s standards) by providing comfort, aide and medical assistance. Tremaine happens to see this quality as a positive attribute seeing as his own life started out not so fortunate. Soon these two find common ground and bluntly allow excess relations to ensure that they “fit” when marriage is discussed. Tremaine believes that Nita will make a fine Duchess, and once her hands are full of Duchess responsibilities, she will be too busy to expose herself to all the dangerous elements that place her life in peril. However, Nita would not be Nita if she gave up what she believes in and what she is good at.

Another well matched couple. Both are very realistic people despite the advantages they both share in life. They deal with common people daily, share a love for what is right and have no time for anything fake. It was heart breaking when they realized that the other refused to give up their lifestyles to marry the other. I also loved that we got more of Nicholas and Leah who just so happened to be one of my fave couples.

Both books were a wonderful start to what I know will be a great spin off series. Grace always writes with a maturity that you do not find in many historical romances novels and this happens to be something I love to expect when I sit down with one her her stories. Her characters always have great depth, and she is wonderful at setting up and making us look forward to her next one.

HAPPY READING!

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Rachel T.

____________________

The Duke's DisasterThe Duke’s Disaster
True Gentlemen .5
by Grace Burrowes
Genre: historical, romance
Release Date: April 7, 2015

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Noah Winters, Earl of Anselm, spent months sorting and courting the year’s crop of debutantes in search of an ideal bride. When the sweet, biddable young thing he selected accepts another’s proposal, Noah decides to court her companion instead.

Thea Collins, though, is anything but biddable. She has learned the hard way that men are not to be trusted, especially the handsome ones. When she reluctantly accepts, Noah rushes Thea to the altar before she can reveal her deepest secret. Can she finally move on from her past, or will it come back to haunt her?

••••••••••••

Oh Thea .. my kind of heroine. Mature, set in her beliefs without being insanely stubborn, fair, kind, realistic and protective. She has been working beneath her status of birth due to circumstance and her idiot of a brother’s lifestyle. When she is approached by Noah and agrees to be his Duchess (reluctantly and as a means to an end of certain aspects of her life), she doesn’t realize her heart is about to be pried open and laid out. Noah rushes the nuptials and soon a massive secret is revealed which places mistrust in their path. Both agree to carry on and soon develop a friendship and love of sorts. Trust however goes both ways, and when more secrets surface, these two need to dig deep to discover if their marriage will be one in name only.

I absolutely loved this couple. They bantered back and forth and were truthfully so amazingly playful with the other. For their time, their secrets are rather large, so I found I was rooting for them to find their way through the mess they had made together. They were perfectly matched and it was the little gestures they shared that really endeared this relationship.

Reviewed by Rachel T

 

Interview

TRC: Hi Grace and welcome to The Reading Café.

We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Grace BurrowesFollow Grace: Goodreads/Website/Facebook/Twitter

Grace: I am the sixth out of seven children, which means I was born into a household full of chatter, with words all around me, used at many levels. Excellent luck for a writer! I didn’t t start writing until my Beloved Offspring left for college about ten years ago, and I haven’t stopped yet.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Grace: I am in debt to so many keeper authors. I’ve been reading romance for more than forty years, sometimes at the rate of a book a day. Judith Ivory, historical Judith McNaught, Mary Balogh, Loretta Chase, Julie Anne Long, Madeline Hunter, Eloisa James… We have an embarrassment of talent in the historical romance genre, and those books got me through many tough years.

TRC: Your bio states you have a law degree and a Masters in ‘Conflict Transformation.’ What is Conflict Transformation and have you ever had the opportunity to apply your knowledge to any of your storylines?

Grace: Conflict transformation is a way to talk about turning swords into plowshares, and using differences to build stronger relationships. This is an element of every romance novel, because much of what propels a character along his or her arc is resolving conflicts-between the present and the past, between conflicting demands of honor, between love and fear-and healing the wounds conflict can leave in its wake.

Tremaine's True LoveTRC: Would you please tell us something about your August 2015 release Tremaine’s True Love and your new True Gentlemen Series?

Grace: I met Tremaine St. Michael in an earlier book (Gabriel: Lord of Regrets), and he caught my eye. He’s not long on charm, he’s all business all the time, and he was blathering about marriage being a pragmatic merger of self-interest and expedience… and while he was spouting that tripe, he was searching high and low, tirelessly, for his deceased brother’s child. He had no other family, save an aging Scottish grandfather… Tremaine was a fellow in need of a happily ever after, though he’d be the last to admit it. He’s met his match in Lady Nita Haddonfield, who brings a LOT of family into the equation, no self-interest or expedience, and rather more charm than Tremaine can withstand. The bigger they talk…

The next two stories, Daniel’s True Desire, and Will’s True Wish, are also about gentlemen who think that romance is not for them, and love is for the naïve or the foolishly brave. Nita’s sisters, Lady Kirsten and Lady Susannah, get Daniel and Will, respectively, sorted out.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties (research, logistics, historical accuracy) did you encounter writing this particular story?

Grace: Tremaine’s mercantile success is based on raising sheep. How complicated can that be? Well… which breeds were grown in what regions of the United Kingdom 200 years ago? Were they comparable to their modern counterparts? How were they raised? When was lambing season? When were they shorn? I had some experience with sheep, and that helped, but I went down a long and wooly research trail learning more.

Lady Nita, by contrast, is medical practitioner educated at her mother’s knee, and through extensive reading and observation. The Regency period is when men began to push women out of the medical field entirely (except for the exhausting and dangerous business of nursing), even with regard to childbirth. We can see now, though, that the women of the day (in England) were often offering the more helpful and sanitary interventions.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

The Duke's DisasterGrace: Every author’s approach is different, but for me, the story is driven by the characters. Their defining traumas, their aspirations, their personalities are the fuel for the actions taken.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writers fail in this endeavor?

Grace: What a writer must do to pull the reader in… the list is ENDLESS, from word choices that are precise without being obscure, to descriptions that are accurate but not boring, to symbols both unobtrusive and compelling… It comes down to, the writer must make the reader care about the characters. In real life, we care when we see that somebody we have something in common with is suffering undeservedly. If that person is bearing up nobly, or with good humor, or as best they can, we care even more. The character’s wound is the sharp end of his or her hook into the reader’s heart.

In unpublished manuscripts and contest entries, I often see two characters whose gazes meet across a crowded room/deserted street/candlelit ballroom and boom, they must HAVE each other. Hormones perfume the air, and without even googling each other, the mating dance begins. Fail, fail, fail. A romantic attraction will at some point develop a physical aspect, but it starts with the sure conviction that these two people can see each other’s woundedness, and each other’s highest potential, no matter how diligently each character might be hiding or ignoring their own wounds.

TRC: What three things would you like to accomplish in the next ten years?

MatthewsGrace:
I’d like to earn an MFA in creative writing from a Scottish university,
I’d like to publish a writing craft book, I’d like to publish a whole
bunch more lovely romances.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Grace: I’m finishing up Matthew-The Jaded Gentlemen Book 2 (September 2015), and trying to wrestle into submission a quartet of reluctant earls who each has fallen in love with a cousin of the Windham family… and I do mean wrestle.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Cheese!

Favorite Dessert: Fresh berries

Favorite TV Show: I don’t own a TV.

Last Movie You Saw: The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Dark or Milk Chocolate: DARK

Secret Celebrity Crush: Huh?

Last Vacation Destination: A holiday cottage five miles from Aberfeldy,
Perthshire, Scotland

Do you have any pets? Cats, dogs, horses.

Last book you read: Sir Walter Scott, His Life and Works

Pet Peeve: Cyber-meanness

TRC: Thank you Grace for taking the time to answer our questions. We wish you all the best.

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Kiss Me Hello (Sweetest Kisses 3) by Grace Burrowes-Review and Book Tour

Kiss Me Hello (Sweetest Kisses 3) by Grace Burrowes-Review and Book Tour

Kiss Me Hello

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 3, 2015

Sidonie Lindstrom’s hands and heart are full—she’s been uprooted from the urban life she loves, she’s grieving for her brother while raising her foster son Luis, and she’s trying to find a job with meaning. But her burdens feel lighter when she meets rural lawyer Mackenzie Knightley. Their attraction is powerful and unexpected. Life is perfect… until Sid learns that Mack hasn’t been completely honest about his job.

When problems arise with Luis’ foster care situation, she must decide: can she trust Mack again, when she has so much more to lose?

•••••••••••••

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

GRACE BURROWES …. enough said .. THE END!

Just kidding …. LOL I am a huge fan of this author and if you have read any of my previous reviews on her books you know I am about to sing from the top of mountains for her writing.

Kiss Me Hello is her third and final book of her contemporary romance Sweet Kisses series. This trilogy is based off the Knightley brothers and Mackenzie Knightley is the brother I was most intrigued by. Grace, you sure did deliver here!

Sidonie, our leading lady is a whole lot of complicated and has some serious issues going on. She is the foster mother to her son Luis, is trying to keep her head above water both financially and mentally, and is desperately fighting to keep her foster son. Then … Mack enters! Mack has a whole lot of issues as well (thank goodness we find out what was going on with him .. totally teased in the past books) and hasn’t been with a woman in 10 years. Mack becomes a real pillar of strength to Sid throughout this book and this blossoming romance is a joy to read about. There is a deep friendship in this relationship and you pray that it is enough to keep them bonded when their damaged pasts are revealed to the other. Suddenly, there is a chance for family and happiness if these two can trust in the other … but trust can lead to heartache which neither will survive is broken.

I always say there is a maturity value to Grace Burrowes writing. She doesn’t write “ooey gooey” immature love. There is a friendship that develops out of mutual respect that leads to love. This kind of love includes all the dark and bitter as well as the bright and sweet .. it’s completely refreshing and believable. I love how her novels overlap and you always get reacquainted with past characters and see how they are doing presently.

I am all about the Grace Burrowes historical romance, but she is sold me on her contemporary writing as well … another great series completed and looking forward to more!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Rachel T
excerpt

 

 

“This is a nice spot,” Mac said. “The horses will loaf here in the hotter months because the trees make for good shade, but the canopy isn’t quite done leafing out yet, so we’ll be able to see the moon come over the ridge.” He spread the blanket on a patch of grass up the slope from the pond.Sid settled on the blanket, running her hand over what felt like soft flannel, while Mac lowered himself beside her.

“Give me your foot.” Mac didn’t wait for her to comply. He took Sid by the foot, and drew her running shoe off. “Other one.”

He peeled her socks down and tucked them into her shoes, then unlaced his boots and set them beside the blanket, stuffing a sock in each one.”Moonrise is always best appreciated barefoot.”

The sentiment was poetical; the words were not. “Is that a rule?”

“Suppose it is.” He took off his jacket, balled it up, and lay back to rest his head on it. “Come here and let me hold you, Sidonie. I haven’t watched the moon come up with a lovely woman in my arms for years.”

She settled against him, resting her head on the slope of his shoulder.”We’re going to talk about rules like this?” He thought she was lovely.

“We’ll come to some understandings.” His arm came around her shoulders,and his hand stroked over her hair. “I’ll undo this braid while we’re at it.”

“Don’t lose my elastic.”

His fingers were soon winnowing through her hair, drawing the length of it over her shoulder.

“How am I supposed to think about rules when you’re touching me like this,MacKenzie?”

“You don’t need to think. You just tell me what’s true for you.”

“True about what?”

He went quiet again, while Sid repositioned herself against him. She could hear his heart beat, feel the slow, steady thud of his life’s blood beneath her cheek.

“What do you want from me, Sidonie Lindstrom? What do you need?”

“Nobody has asked me that before.” She considered her answer, while Mac’s hand drifted through her hair, across her back, down her arm. “I want a friend, I guess. You’ve been a friend to me, and I wasn’t expecting to find that here.”

“Is that all you want? I can be a good friend. My brothers would vouch for me in that regard.”

She could not tell from his voice if he was disappointed with her answer,or pleased. “No, that isn’t all I want, but I’ll settle for it, and be grateful if that’s where you want to draw the line. A friend, a real friend, is nothing to scoff at.”

Another silence, while Mac got his hand on her nape and started massaging the tension there. His idea of friendship would soon leave Sid witless and boneless.

“I can’t expect you to put yourself out there without showing I’m willing to do likewise: I want you.” Mac’s voice was quiet in the gathering darkness. “I want you at least for a friend, an intimate friend, Sidonie,but I don’t share something that precious. If you allow me the privileges of a lover, then I will expect that for whatever time I enjoy that status,those privileges are exclusively mine. You will agree to this, or our friendship keeps its clothes on.”

Sid shivered, though the night wasn’t uncomfortably cool, and Mac gave off heat like a woodstove. He was so serious about this, when they could have shared a casual romp in the moonlight.

She would have settled for that-and settling would have been a mistake.

She traced his facial features. Beyond serious, he was solemn, as if these understandings he sought could be the foundation for something evengreater than friendship.

“If you agree to my terms,” he said, his hand slowing in her hair, “you agree because it’s what you want too, not because I need to hear the words and you have a private agenda that’s different from what you’ll say to me.”

He was asking for honesty, the most basic tenet of a real friendship. Friends were kind to each other, considerate, patient, reliable, but above all, a friend was somebody who told the truth.

“I don’t have much practice with relationships, MacKenzie.”

He rolled slowly, like the earth heaving up, until Sid was on her back with Mac blanketing her. “There’s more to say.” He rested his forehead against hers. “A lot more, but right now, Sidonie, I have to kiss you. Have to.”


 

 

About The Author

Grace BurrowesFollow Grace: Website / Blog Facebook / Twitter

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes’ bestsellers include The Heir, The Soldier, Lady Maggie’s Secret Scandal, Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish
and Lady Eve’s Indiscretion. The Heir was a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2010, The Soldier was a PW Best Spring Romance of 2011, Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish won Best Historical Romance of the Year in 2011 from RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards, Lady Louisa’s Christmas Knight was a Library Journal Best Book of 2012, and The Bridegroom Wore Plaid was a PW Best Book of 2012.

Her Regency romances have received extensive praise, including starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Grace is branching out into short stories and Scotland-set Victorian romance with Sourcebooks. She is a practicing family law attorney and lives in rural Maryland.

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