Tag Archives: Grace Burrowes

Lady Jenny’s Christmas Portrait by Grace Burrowes-a review

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Lady Jenny’s Christmas Portrait by Grace Burrowes-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: September 2013

A freshly wrapped Regency Christmas romance from New York Timesand USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes.

What Lady Jenny wants for Christmas…

For Christmas, soft-spoken Lady Jenny Windham craves the freedom to pursue her artistic ambitions, though it will mean scandalizing her ducal parents and abandoning all hope of a family of her own. She confides her plans to successful artist Elijah Harrison when he’s commissioned to paint a portrait of her small nephews, because assisting Elijah will bring Jenny that much closer to her heart’s desire—won’t it?

…Will break both their hearts.

Elijah Harrison finds in his unlikely assistant not only an inspiring muse and unappreciated talent, but also a lovely and passionate woman. If Elijah supports Jenny’s career, his own professional interests will suffer, but more significantly, he will lose Jenny forever. Both Jenny and Elijah must choose between true love and a lifelong dream.

REVIEW

4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Well Grace Burrowes does it again. Another beautiful historical romance (regency) and all set during the holiday season. Lady Jenny’s Christmas Portrait is another book of her popular Windham Series that centers around a family and their personal journeys to find their one true love. Again I found myself breaking my own rule of not reading a series in order, and this time I really felt it. There were so many characters. You can really feel the bonds among this family, and I sensed that those readers who have read this series in order, really got the feeling of a satisfying continuation of other love stories. I will most definitely will be starting at book one and likely will reread this book at a later date so I too can enjoy an aspect of this book that I feel I missed out on.

So Lady Jenny is the last sibling of this Windham family who is left unmatched. She can be shy and quiet, but seems to be coming into her own without apology and is driven to pursue a future as an artist (as opposed to a married baby making machine). When Elijah arrives at the family home by chance, and later hired to commission a painting of certain family members, the attraction between Jenny and Elijah is instant and a kinship of sorts begins. Both aspiring artists, they use this common ground to spend time together with Elijah often sharing trade secrets. When the romance becomes full bloom, all of a sudden they both feel they have to give up one love to enjoy the other. Elijah has given up a life of privilege to pursue his art and Jenny has stood up to her family and told them exactly what she wants to do with her life. It took guts to go that far, and they both do not want to throw that away for an affair. Well the affair turns to unexpected love and these two have to figure out what they need to do to get on the same page.

This is an honest to goodness love story set during a beautiful, festive, family oriented season. I happen to love all things art and I reveled in Grace Burrowes ability to paint her beautiful story in my mind using only words. Her descriptions of art pieces were stunning, the love explosive and the family as tight knit as they come. My only complaint is the repetitive conflict between Jenny and Elijah with regards to “I can only become an artist if I go to Paris”. I was so sick of hearing that by the end of the book. Honestly this book could of been a little shorter as I found it a little “laggy” (wait is that a word …lol) and again repetitive. However, this is Grace Burrowes I am writing about, and it’s hard for me to really pick apart much of what she writes.

If you want to curl up with a good book this holiday season and have had the pleasure of reading this series, then grab that mug of cocoa, get under that warm blanket, let the Christmas lights set the mood and enjoy!

HAPPY READING!

Reviewed by Rachel T.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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Casa For The Holidays Virtual Tour and Giveaway from Sourcebooks

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Casa For The Holidays Virtual Tour and Giveaway from Sourcebooks

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Sourcebooks is celebrating the upcoming holiday season with an early gift for one lucky reader at The Reading Cafe. Read about each of the author’s favorite Christmas Story and then tell us what is your favorite holiday read. ONE lucky commenter will win ALL 4 new release holiday books from Sourcebooks. Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.

Carolyn Brown Xmas

Carolyn Brown’s Favorite Christmas Books:

Holiday books are such fun and always put me in the spirit. My all-time favorite Christmas book has always been ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The pictures and the rhyme speak volumes to my imagination. I can feel the cold outside and hear the jingle of the bells. I can even see Rudolph’s red nose. In my Christmas romance novel, The Cowboy’s Christmas Baby, Henry loves to read to Baby Joshua. Maybe Henry is just using the excuse to reread them to the baby, like I do when I read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas to my grandchildren. One of Henry’s favorite Christmas books is Baby Jesus is Born and he is convinced that Joshua understands every single word.

My favorite Christmas book lately has been Grace Burrowes Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish but it could take a back seat to her newest one, Lady Jenny’s Christmas Portrait which I’ve promised to buy myself for the holidays.

A quick story here: I used to read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas to our children during the season so Husband wrote his version of the poem when they weren’t very old. It became a tradition for him to read it to the children and later to all the grandchildren on Christmas Eve at our house when they gathered to open presents. I won’t quote the whole thing but it starts out: ‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring except a flea and a louse.

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Grace Burrowes Xmas

Grace Burrowes’ Favorite Christmas Books:

I love O’Henry’s “Gift of the Magi,” a short story supposedly written in about two hours flat. The penniless young husband and wife long to give each other the best possible holiday gift, even in their straitened circumstances. The husband sells his heirloom watch to buy his wife decorative combs for her beautiful hair; the wife sells her hair to buy her husband a gold chain to go with his prized heirloom watch.

The punch line of the story is that, in the Christian tradition, love was the gift of significance on the first Christmas, and love remains the essence of the holiday when it’s properly celebrated.

Sigh.

I don’t find that message reflected in too many longer works of fiction, so I’ll have to wiggle away from the notion of Christmas books, and say instead that “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is one of my favorite stories. When Linus comes out on that empty stage, makes his little speech, and uses his beloved blankie to begin the transformation of the bedraggled Christmas tree, I just tear up.

Every. Time.

Because the other aspect of Christmas that should be part of its proper celebration is togetherness. Love wants sharing, whether it’s love in the form of voices raised in song, a shared batch of cookies, two friends watching “It’s A Wonderful Life,” or a skating party that will end with an empty bowl of wassail.

And I do love “It’s A Wonderful Life.” I may not watch it each year, but when I do catch that story, I’m always heartened by it. Same with “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Garfield’s Christmas,” and “Rudolph” (all together now: “Bumble’s bounce!!!”).

How fortunate we are, to have so many Christmas stories, all of them cheering, and all of them about the enduring power of love, and the pleasure of celebrating that power with friends, family, and the entire world.

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Terry Spear Xmas

Terry Spear’s Favorite Christmas Books:

Some of my favorite holiday books include The Snowman (watched the video with my married daughter last time I visited in the spring—it’s just special), The Polar Express, A Christmas Carol, Gift of the Magi, and The Elves and the Shoemaker… Notice they’re all Christmas stories suitable for children? I’m a kid at heart.

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Juliana Stone XmasJuliana Stone’s Favorite Christmas Books:


I have a confession to make to you all—I don’t read a lot of Christmas books. And Ever since I bawled for hours watching The Christmas Shoes, I don’t watch many Christmas movies either.

But, there are some books that always remind me of Christmas, Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I loved all the books and of course watched the television series ( I had a huge crush on Michael Landon) but that first one, where they spent the winter in the big woods and had Christmas is special.

Another is Little Women. Both of these books are timeless classics and speak of a simpler time. For me, that is the real spirit of Christmas and sadly, sometimes that spirit is lost. I think that’s why—for me—Christmas is my favorite holiday. I keep it simple. It’s about family and that’s not always about blood either—a lot of my friends are as close to me as if they were family, and I love spending time with them!

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giveaway

To enter to win a prize pack of all 4 of these Christmas authors’ novels, tell us in the comments the books you love to read during the holidays!! This contest is open internationally.

Sourcebooks Xmas Giveaway

1.  Please register using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins

2.  If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with the comment.

3.  Tell us in the comments, which book(s) you love to read during the holidays.

4.   Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY

5.  Giveaway runs from October 29 to December 10, 2013

blog tour schedule

FOLLOW ALONG WITH THE “CASA FOR THE HOLIDAYS” VIRTUAL TOUR!

October-December 2013

Fun Holiday-Themed Posts from Carolyn, Grace, Terry and Juliana,

And Chances to WIN Books at Each Stop!

 

October
Oct. 8 Booked and Loaded http://bookedandloaded.com/
Oct. 16 Ramblings From This Chick http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspot.com/
Oct. 23 Debbie’s Book Bag http://debsbookbag.blogspot.com/
Oct. 29 The Reading Café http://www.thereadingcafe.com/

November

Nov. 4 Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell http://books-forlife.blogspot.com/
Nov. 6 Smexy Books http://smexybooks.com/
Nov. 12 Cocktails and Books http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/
Nov. 14 The Bookish Babe http://thebookishbabes.blogspot.com/
Nov. 20 Night Owl Reviews http://www.nightowlreviews.com/V5/Blog
Nov. 22 Fresh Fiction http://freshfiction.com/pages.php?id=blog

December

Dec. 4 USA Today HEA http://www.usatoday.com/blog/happyeverafter/
Dec. 5 Under the Covers http://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/
Dec. 10 Romancing the Book http://romancing-the-book.com/
Dec. 11 Anna’s Book Blog http://annavivian.blogspot.com/
Dec. 16 What’s on the Bookshelf http://whatsonthebookshelf-jen.blogspot.com/
Dec. 17 That’s What I’m Talking About http://twimom227.com/

 

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The Lonely Lords Series: Beckman/Gabriel by Grace Burrowes-a review

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THE LONELY LORDS SERIES: Beckman/Gabriel by Grace Burrowes -a review

4.5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

The Lonely Lord series by award winning author (and one of my faves) Grace Burrowes once again did NOT disappoint. This review consists of books number 4 (Beckman) and 5 (Gabriel). These two were just as yummy as Darius, Nicholas and Ethan and totally swept me off my feet once again! If you love a solid historical romance (1800’s) where gentlemen were expected to be gentlemen, ladies were ladies and all the rules are thrown out the window then seriously check this series out!

Let’s get on with it shall we .. I have two more men for you to get to know! 😉

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

BeckmanBOOK 4 – BECKMAN Lord of Sins

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DESCRIPTION-Release Date July 2, 2013

Beckman Haddonfield is ready to live again…

Beckman finally emerges from the shadow of his wife’s death by agreeing to restore a family estate…and embarking on a dalliance with the quiet, mysterious housekeeper who resides there. But she is not who she seems…

Riveting and refreshing, Beckman is an unforgettable story about love’s power to overcome grief and guilt. Award-winning New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes’s gorgeous writing and lush Regency world will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

REVIEW

We have never really met Beckman, though he is mentioned several times in the previous books. Beckman is the younger legit brother of Nicholas and Ethan. He is also very complex, spare to the heir, underestimated and misunderstood. He is the baby of the family who is easily brushed aside, and left ignorant to some family matters (although he still caught on regardless of his families intentions).

Beck has lived a full life for a man his young age. He’s been married and widowed, been wild with the ladies and gambling, has fallen so far off the edge of a cliff in the opium house that it was amazing he was able to bounce back. He has also been sent away by his dying father (this is where I should mention that this book is written parallel to Nicholas book) to fix up an old family estate (Three Spring Estates) that belongs to his grandmother (his father doesn’t want Beck to see him die). Beck understands why he is sent away (he deeply loves his father and I would like to believe seeing him die would throw him back in his recovery) and decides to tackle the estate with vigor.

He meets Sara who is a housekeeper at this Three Spings along with her daughter Allie and sister Polly. The man working as the steward (Gabriel) is also there playing the role of grouch, let’s get this done, I have no time to waste (he gets his own story ..lol). Beckman finds himself immediately captivated by Sara and realizes that there is so much more to this woman than housecleaner extraordinaire. Sara has secrets, and Beck wants to figure them out but in the process cannot help but fall in love with this complex woman.

Sara is running from a past that if discovered, can effect her entire future. She just wants to live a simple life in the country, fix up the estate and be left alone. Well all was going well until she admits Beck into her bed. The passion between these two sparks up the pages as does the sensitivity to each other and the budding friendship.

As Sara’s past comes to the forefront we are taken on a ride of suspicion, action, intrigue and ultimately happily ever after (duh .. this is Grace Burrowes we’re talking about ..lol) Can Beckman live with what Sara is hiding? Can Beck make it through his father’s death unscathed? Will these two put aside their stubborn streaks to be each other’s forever?? You know the answer, but reading how they get there is the best part! LOL

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GabrielBOOK 5 – GABRIEL Lord of Regrets

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DESCRIPTION-Release Date September 3, 2013

Gabriel North has spent two years allowing his family to believe him dead, while he assumes the identity of a hardworking steward on the neglected Three Springs estate.

When Gabriel falls in love with Polonaise Hunt, cook at Three Springs, he realizes that until he solves the mystery of who tried repeatedly to kill him, he cannot ask any woman to share his life.

Gabriel resumes his proper identity as Marquis of Hesketh, only to find that Polonaise has also resumed her calling, that of talented portrait artist, and she’s been commissioned to paint Gabriel’s heir.

While Gabriel tries to untangle the mystery of his attempted murder, he finds Polonaise has been keeping secrets of her own. She can capture Gabriel’s likeness on canvas, but can he capture her heart?

REVIEW

I REALLY LOVED THIS BOOK! LOL

We first met Gabriel in Beckman’s book as the grouchy, no nonsense steward of the estate. It is there that you begin to understand that there is more than meets the eye to this man .. well this book it all comes out!

Gabriel is really a titled man. Actually he is the Marquis of Hesketh and has been in hiding, assumed dead for the past couple of years. You see someone attempted to kill Gabriel two years ago, and he suspected his brother (who currently is holding the Marquis title). As time has passed, Gabriel has kept his eye on his brother and has come to realize that perhaps he wasn’t involved in his attempted murder. He decides to come out of hiding.

Gabriel reclaims his title (kind of) and happens upon a certain artist that he left behind at Three Springs Estate but has never forgotten! POLLY! Polly has been commissioned to paint portraits of the Hesketh family members. Little does she realize that her beloved Gabriel is not the steward she fell in love with but in fact a titled man. Considering all, she takes it all in quite nicely. The flames still burn hot between these two and before they know it, they are giving into their desires for one another knowing that the future holds nothing for them. Why would a Marquis want a simple artist?

In the midst of all this romance, there are frequent abnormalities going on that sabotage the functioning of the Hesketh estate. Gabriel is in danger as someone is still trying to kill him. He wants Polly away from all the danger, but begins to realize that he cannot live without her. After he comes to terms with this, he needs to convince her.

We have a side romance going throughout this story as well! Gabriel’s brother and his wife begin to blossom as the pressure of being the Marquis and Marquess is lifted off their shoulders a tad, and answers to questions must be answered. I have to say I enjoyed their story as much as I did Gabriel’s.

Of course there is so much more than what I say in my reviews to these books. I hate spoilers and have to be careful on what I can or cannot reveal here! LOL I really wanted to give 5 out of 5, but I am seeing a repeated formula with this series that is predictable now. We have a powerful man who seems to be the most loving and understanding of men. We have the woman who is not innocent and agrees to the loving physical affair with our main man. We see them really become friends and not just lovers. Don’t get me wrong, this formula works for Grace Burrowes books, but I would love a little mix up in there! This is 5 books in now.

A WONDERFUL historical romance series and one that I am going to remain current with.

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copies supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Rachel T.

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Grace Burrowes-Scottish Victorian Book Tour and Giveaway

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Grace Burrowes-Scottish Victorian Book Tour and Giveaway

Grace Burrows Banner

 

The MacGregor Trilogy by Grace Burrowes

Series Spotlight pink

The MacGregor Trilogy

 

The Bridegroom Wore Plaid
The MacGregor Trilogy #1
by Grace Burrowes
Release Date: December 1, 2012

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The Bridegroom Wore PlaidJPG

Click HERE for our review of THE BRIDEGROOM WORE PLAID

 

HIS FAMILY OR HIS HEART–ONE OF THEM WILL BE BETRAYED…

Ian MacGregor is wooing a woman who’s wrong for him in every way. As the new Earl of Balfour, though, he must marry an English heiress to repair the family fortunes.

But in his intended’s penniless chaperone, Augusta, Ian is finding everything he’s ever wanted in a wife.
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Mary Fran and Matthew
The MacGregor Trilogy #1.5 (Novella)
by Grace Burrowes
Release Date: July 2, 2013

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Mary Fran and Matthew

 

Matthew Daniels is an English Colonel who has been sent home from the Crimea in disgrace. Mary Frances MacGregor is a Scottish widow who loathes everything about the English military, and yet both Mary Fran and Matthew know more than they want to about being lonely and isolated, even amid family. They yearn to understand each other too, but old secrets and divided family loyalties threaten to cost them their chance at shared happiness.

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Once Upon A Tartan
The MacGregor Trilogy #2
by Grace Burrowes
Release Date: August 6, 2013

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Once Upon A TartanJPG

Click HERE for our review of ONCE UPON A TARTAN

 

Hester MacDaniel is recovering from an engagement gone awry by summering at her brother’s holding in the Highlands, and looking after her brother’s young step-daughter, Fiona. Tiberius Flynn, heir to the English Marquis of Quinworth, appears on Hester’s doorstep claiming he’s Fee’s paternal uncle, and he’s been sent by her English relations to make the girl’s acquaintance. Tye believes his brother’s dying wishes compel him to take Fee south with him, but he doesn’t plan on Hester capturing his heart, even as she fights him tooth and nail for custody of Fiona.

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The MacGregor’s Lady
The MacGregor Trilogy #3
by Grace Burrowes
Expected Date of Release: February 4, 2014

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The MacGregor's Lady

Asher MacGregor has returned from years wandering the Canadian wilderness to assume an earldom he’s avoided, and to seek a bride he does not want. He’s saddled with an additional family obligation in the form of Boston heiress Hannah Cooper, whom he is to escort about the London ballrooms so she might find an English husband.

Hannah is no more interested in settling in Britain than Asher is in returning to the New World, and yet their sympathy for one another soon turns to passion. With Hannah anxious to return to the family she’s trying to protect in Boston, and Asher bound to his earldom in the Highlands, they must trust in love to span an ocean of differences and difficulties.

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About the Author pink

Follow Grace: Website / Blog Facebook / Twitter

Grace BurrowesNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes is the author of the acclaimed Windham Family Series, The MacGregor Trilogy and The Lonely Lords Series. Her debut novel, The Heir (2010), as well as The Bridegroom Wore Plaid (2012) were both included as Publishers Weekly Best Books of their respective years, in the romance category. A practicing attorney specializing in family law, Grace lives in rural Maryland, where she is working on the final book in the Windham series, Lady Jenny’s Christmas Portrait (October 2013) and third MacGregor story, The MacGregor’s Lady (February 2014), and many more books. Visit her website afor more information about all of her books, exclusive extras and her lively blog.

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Giveaway pink

Sourcebooks and Grace Burrowes are offering a giveaway at each tour stop including The Reading Cafe. One winner will receive a print copy of THE BRIDEGROOM WORE PLAID and ONCE UPON A TARTAN. That’s correct-ONE winner will receive both books

1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page along the side bar or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in please post your email address along with your comment.

3. Giveaway runs from August 21 to August 31, 2013

4. Giveaway is open to USA and CANADA only
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The Bridegroom Wore Plaid and Once Upon a Tartan by Grace Burrowes-a review

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The Bridegroom Wore Plaid and Once Upon a Tartan by Grace Burrowes -a review

5 out of 5 for this reader folks! I have to say, I REALLY REALLY love Grace Burrowes writing. She is quickly becoming on of my ABSOLUTE FAVE authors. I am currently on summer vacay and it is killing me that I have to put my book down as often as I am, because she writes page turning stories. These two books are the first two books of her MacGregor Trilogy (note .. there is a novella in between book 1 and 2 but I have yet to read it). Our genre is regency/historical/Victorian romance with a serious dash of yummy “trying to be proper, but serious are so much yummier when they aren’t” highlanders.

The stories revolve around the MacGregor family and the English folk that they seem to hate in one second and take a fancy to the next. These families all seem to link into one another and create hilarious, action packed, angsty, HEA stories full of lust, bad guys, traditions and LOTS OF WIT!

Let’s meet them shall we??

BOOK 1 – THE BRIDEGROOM WORE PLAID
The MacGregor Trilogy #1
by Grace Burrowes
Release Date: December 2012

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The Bridegroom Wore PlaidJPG

DESCRIPTION

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes keeps winning reader awards for her gorgeously imagined books. If you’re already a fan, you’ll devour her new characters and if you haven’t yet discovered the richly drawn worlds of Grace Burrowes, you’re in for a treat….

“Memorable heroes. Intelligent, sensual love stories. This author knows what romance readers adore.”-RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

His Family or His Heart – One of Them Will Be Betrayed…

Ian MacGregor is wooing a woman who’s wrong for him in every way. As the new Earl of Balfour, though, he must marry an English heiress to repair the family fortunes.

But in his intends penniless chaperone, Augusta, Ian is finding everything he’s ever wanted in a wife.

“Historical details enrich Burrowes’s intimate and erotic story, but the real stars are her vibrant characters and her masterful ear for dialogue. Burrowes is superb at creating connections that feel honest and real.”-Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

REVIEW

I swear this book should of been called “The Highland Hookup”! LOL While we do have a main love story, there are quite a few other love stories that are going on that keep it exciting. This is definitely a case of two families made for each other!

Our main character is Ian MacGregor. He is an assumed Earl as his oldest brother has gone MIA and thus declared deceased. With this comes the responsibility of being the head and provider of his family. He is also assuming responsibility of removing the MacGragor family from ruin by agreeing to marry an English heiress.

Enter the Daniels family. Eager to marry his daughter Genie to a titled man, Baron Atstax (AKA CREEPOID) moves his entire family in for a long visit with the MacGregor family. Part of this family is Augusta who is the Baron’s niece and chaperon to Genie. It is Augusta who Ian takes a shine too though. Don’t feel bad for Genie though, she has her eyes set on Ian’s brother Gill. Ian’s other brother is hooking up with another Daniels member as well, and Ian’s sister is falling in love with the Baron’s son. Have you processed all that?? LOL

A slow simmering relationship (which comes to a serious hot, steamy boil), between Augusta and Ian begins. These two are clearly made for each other. They embark in a physical and emotional relationship believing that they only have this short time to treasure before saying goodbye. In the midst of this budding relationship, the ugly Baron Alstax is plotting Augusta’s murder as he is a devious, selfish and harbouring a secret that could land him in some serious hot water. Ian begins to slowly put the pieces together and between his family members, some of the Daniels family and his smart, beautiful Augusta, weave together a terrific climax of this story.

The bad guys NEVER win in a Grace Burrowes novel, but she can seriously make you sweat! LOL

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BOOK 2 – ONCE UPON A TARTAN
The MacGregor Trilogy #2
by Grace Burrowes
Release Date: August 6, 2013

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Once Upon A TartanJPG

DESCRIPTION

Hester MacDaniel is recovering from an engagement gone awry by summering at her brother’s holding in the Highlands, and looking after her brother’s young step-daughter, Fiona. Tiberius Flynn, heir to the English Marquis of Quinworth, appears on Hester’s doorstep claiming he’s Fee’s paternal uncle, and he’s been sent by her English relations to make the girl’s acquaintance. Tye believes his brother’s dying wishes compel him to take Fee south with him, but he doesn’t plan on Hester capturing his heart, even as she fights him tooth and nail for custody of Fiona

 

REVIEW

This was a fantastic continuation of this trilogy. In the first book we met our heroine of this book. Hester Daniels in book one was a easy going, full of life young lady coming into her own. Between these books, Hester is involved in a scandalous affair that she has taken to heart and has come back to Scotland to take care of her niece and properly hide from society. My heart really broke for Hester in this book.

One day, in trots this English, arrogant, aristocratic, pompous man named Tiberius Flynn (Tye), Earl of Srathroy and future Marquis of Quinworth who is claiming to be a paternal uncle to Hester niece Fiona. Fiona just adores this man from the beginning while Tye is a little taken back by the little girl who one minute has impeccable manners and the next minute can be found singing in tree branches and mucking around horses. However, little Fiona is known to take her Uncles hearts and wrap them around her finger, and soon Uncle Tye is in this position.

Hester and Tye really dislike each other at first and go at it with their words, bantering back and forth. Soon enough though they begin a friendship which develops into a fierce lusty and loving affair. They are stuck between a rock and a hard place though as they stand across from each other on opposite sides of a dilemma. Tye is very much a mutli-layered character and I loved seeing some of these layers peeled back. He is put into a horrible position by his family, to claim custody of a niece the family took no interest in. He is also finding a much needed peace in this country and in Hester’s arms. Hester has issues she is working out and it’s wonderful to see her come back into the strong beautiful woman she is. She is extremely loyal to her niece and she was just overall an easy leading lady to adore.

Like all of Grace Burrowes stories, she develops situations that you know will work out, but shock you with the amount of thought and creativity it takes to get there. I was so happy with this book and while there are some similarities to the first book, there was so much more to be had here! Sorry .. no spoilers .. WINK! LOL

You can read these as stand alones but you would enjoy the second book so much more with the first book read. We see many of the characters return and get a continuation of their story. If you love the highland settings and a good regency romance, I highly recommend this series. Grace Burrowes always delivers a thorough well thought out stories with some depth to her characters. She writes the steamy classy but hot too! LOL

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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The Lonely Lords (Darius, Nicholas and Ethan) by Grace Burrowes-a combined review

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The Lonely Lords (Darius, Nicholas and Ethan) by Grace Burrowes-a combined review

The Lonely Lords
5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

WOW … just WOW! Does Grace Burrowes know how to write a beautiful story with intriguing chracters and storylines. Right from the get go I am completely captivated and drawn in. This review consists of the first three books of her new Historical Romance Lonley Lords Series, Darius, Nicholas and Ethan. Our setting is early 1800’s, England (be it city or country) and our story revolves around a gentleman who is lost is many ways and finds his lady (through the usual angst, drama, seduction and action). Each book is interconnected and you should to read them in order. As a matter of fact the first and second book run parallel to each other.

Okay on with the reviews! 🙂

•••••••••••••••••

1 – DARIUS Lord of Pleasures by GRACE BURROWES
Release Date: April 2, 2013

Darius

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DESCRIPTION
Desperate, penniless, and shunned by his wealthy father, Darius Lindsey begins offering himself secretly to jaded society ladies. He hangs onto his last shreds of honor, but he’s losing ground financially each month.

That is until the aging Lord William Longstreet makes Darius an offer he can’t refuse: get the Lord’s pretty young wife-of-convenience, Lady Vivian, pregnant discreetly, and he will earn enough money to never want again. But problems lie ahead when the stunning Vivian captures his heart, and his clients refuse to let him go. Can Darius untangle himself without scandal and offer himself to Vivian heart and soul?

REVIEW

Right from the start we are thrown into a very uncomfortable chat between the elderly Lord William Longstreet and our main man Darius. Lord William has asked Darius to entertain his young wife Vivian (our leading lady) in the country and get her “with child”.

Darius, who has been shunned and financially abandoned by his father who happens to be an Earl (and a real *&^&*), has had to consort to whoring himself to very wicked and horribly natured high society women (these woman are seriously messed up in the head). So this conversation, while surprising, is not so far fetched. Seeing as the coin earned from this month in the country can provide future financial stability for Darius and those he is responsible for, he reluctantly agrees.

Vivian, who was once Lord Williams beloved first wife’s companion, married William after his wife’s passing. William married her to protect her from her evil step-father, ill intended suitors and because they shared a bond through his first wife. They are great friends and both are content with a marriage of friendship. Lord William has had some bad luck though and over the years has lost his two sons (that he had with his first wife) and therefore his heirs. He requires another heir so that his title and funds are not claimed by the crown upon his death so that is when this deal with Darius is struck.

Vivian and Darius spend the month together and come to realize that they are not only very compatible, but they are beginning to fall in love with each other (body discovery between these two is quite juicy at times .. TeeHee). Their month together is also successful.

Rich RICH characters (and I am not talking about moula here), that are woven into a well balanced, and flowing story. A wonderful start to this series.

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2 – NICHOLAS Lord of Secrets by GRACE BURROWES
Release Date: May 7, 2013

Nicholas

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DESCRIPTION

Nicholas Haddonfield has something to hide…

After a wild youth, Nicholas Haddonfield, Viscount Reston, has promised his ailing father he’ll finally take a bride, though doing so will force Nick to make impossible choices and face old, painful wounds.

Leah Lindsey is glad to find refuge from her own desperate situation in a marriage of convenience with the gallant viscount. But soon convenience is not enough, and Leah can’t understand why Nick remains so distant. What is he hiding, and will he never allow her into his heart?

An extraordinary and passionate tale of courage tested and fears overcome. Once you enter the lush Regency world of award-winningNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes, you’ll never want to leave.

REVIEW

Nicholas is a naughty, slutty, dreamy, flirt, large LARGE built, hilarious Lord. He took me right in and by the 10th page I was IN LOVE! LOL Nicholas comes with many secrets, and many reserves which make him a complex and complicated man.

Leah and Nicolas meet in a quiet room as both are trying to esacpe their prospective futures while attending a ball. This meeting is brief, honest and ends with a kiss. They are both quite taken with each other.

Nicholas is about to inherite an earldom and and has promised his ailing father that he will marry. Leah is in a desperate situation of her own where her life literally is hanging in the balance. As the two build the foundation to a beautiful friendship (and falling in love) Nicholas feels protective and responsible for Leah. This leads to the proposal of marriage. HOWEVER .. this is to be a “white” marriage. Meaning, no consumation, no children (Nicholas harbors serious secrets and fears). While Leah agrees to these terms, she believes she can break him down.

These two are something else to read. They are most suited and I loved the bursts of shock and secrets that came out throughout the story. There was some serious heat between them as well and Nicholas charater in general just has so much appeal.

We are also introduced to Nicholas’s brother Ethan in this story and you can see the set up for book 3.

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3 – ETHAN Lord of Scandal by Grace Burrowes
Release Date: June 4, 2013

Ethan

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DESCRIPTION

Ethan Grey’s life was shattered…

Estranged from his family, widowed after an unhappy marriage, and weary from fighting his troubled past, Ethan Grey now has a chance for redemption. His son’s beautiful and remarkable governess might help him battle his ghosts, but it’s been a long time since he let himself get close to anyone.

Alice Portman has more in common with Ethan than she can comfortably admit. For now, she’s satisfied with helping him rebuild his life and family. But the dangerous past is about to catch up with them both.

An unforgettable Regency tale of two wounded people who get another chance at love. Award-winning New York Times and USA Todaybestselling author Grace Burrowes’s extraordinary writing will immerse you in a Regency world unlike any you’ve experienced.

REVIEW

MY FAVE so far! Ethan is so complex and multi layered, somewhat of a stick in the mud and his transformation throughout this story was so much fun to read!

Ethan (as revealed in book 2) is the bastard son of the recently deceased Earl and half brother to Nicholas. As young boys. these two were attached to hips. The old earl had far fetched reasons, but he sent Ethan away and this of course strained all relationships. Nicolas is desperate to be in his brother’s life. Ethan is a widower of a ill matched marriage, has two sons who have been raised by the estate staff and takes his pleasure in his ledgers and structured life.

Alice Portman is a governess is disguise. She is running from a past that is so horrid and scandalous she has even changed her name. She agrees to take on the governess position for Ethans two sons. She has terms however, and they include Ethan being more of a father to his children.

Bit by bit, these two develop the most honest friendship which turns to attraction. They steal kisses, but both of their scandalous pasts seem to hold them back from true love. Ethan transforms from a cold man to a loving father, wonderful friend, friendly neighbour. Man I rooted for him though this entire book.

As with all books of this genre, pasts never remain in the past and the scandals and secrets come to surface. The obstacles that need to avoided are great … but these two make it look effortless.

OVERALL .. WONDERFUL SERIES so far! I am looking forward to jumping into the next few! Is you love this genre, a beautiful love story you need to check this series out! Grace Burrowes delivers!

HAPPY READING!

Copies supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Rachel T.

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