Trenton/Worth/Hadrian-The Lonely Lords 10, 11, 12 by Grace Burrowes-a review

Trenton/Worth/Hadrian-The Lonely Lords 10, 11, 12 by Grace Burrowes-a review

The Lonely Lords 10 11 12

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

I know what a shocker right?? I love another set of Grace Burrowes books. LOL I enjoy this series so much that when I write a review for them I feel like I am on gush repeat … She writes my kind of happy, what can I say! WINK!

So this combined review consists of Grace Burrowes Lonely Lords books 10, 11 and 12 (Trenton, Worth and Hadrian). Once again I am drawn to the familiar and much admired formula that Grace creates in her historical romance novels. There is always a sense of maturity with regards to her characters. There are no TeeHee, game playing young ladies, flirting and carrying on in the pursuit of husband finding and scheme plotting and while there is a place for that kind of character, I love that I will not find them here. Her characters have “lived” quite a bit (be it heartache, loss, trauma etc.) and when they meet their soon to be significant other, you really admire the friendship that blooms in the midst of the romance. There is genuine love, kindness, and more importantly TRUTH. It’s truely heart warming and pleasurable to experience our main couple find their way not to just each other, but through their own personal despair.

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TrentonBOOK 10 – Trenton
Lord of Loss
Release Date: April 2014

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DESCRIPTION

After a short, troubled marriage, Trenton Lindsey, heir to the Wilton earldom, finds himself a widower with three small children. His year of mourning leaves him adrift, until his brother, Darius, forces him to take a repairing lease in Surrey. Social conventions require Trent to call on his recently widowed neighbour, Elegy Hampton, Lady Rammel, and as friendship develops, consolation of an intimate sort tempts them both. Just as Trent acknowledges the joy and pleasure to be shared with Ellie, an unseen enemy threatens him and Ellie, too. Can he reach for the love Ellie offers, when some one else is trying to take his life.

REVIEW

Trenton Lindsey is the brother of Darius (the first Lonely Lord of this series and one of my faves) and is taking over the much neglected estate of Surrey. After losing his wife and being left with 3 children, he hits the bottle hard to numb his troubled soul. While his marriage wasn’t necessarily a happy marriage, he did take his responsibilities seriously. When he returns to Surrey he comes across Lady Elegy who has recently been widowed herself. Elegy is carrying the child of her deceased husband and awaiting to find out if she is carrying an heir to her estate. Quickly Tenton and Elegy strike up a friendship soon turned to romance, helping the other heal in companionship. Elegy assists Trenton in fixing up his estate, and Trenton takes on the position of a doting, caring “husband”. This soon leads to deeper feelings and when Trenton bastard of a father makes another appearance, these two have to much to suffer before finding their way to forever.

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WorthBOOK 11 – WORTH
Lord of Reckoning
Release Date: May 2014

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DESCRIPTION

Consummate man of business and rake at large, Worth Kettering, repairs to his country estate to sort out his familial situation, trusting the ever efficient (though as yet unmet) housekeeper, Jacaranda Wyeth, will provide his family a pleasant summer retreat. To his surprise, his household is manage by a quick-witted, violet-eyed beauty who’s his match in many regards.

As Jacaranda and Worth become enamored, the family she’s kept hidden from him, the financial clients Worth feels singularly protective of, and the ragged state of affairs between Worth and his estranged older brother Hessian all conspire to keep Worth and Jacaranda apart. Worth must choose between love and profit, and Jacaranda must decide between loyalty to her family, and the love of a man who values her above all others.

REVIEW

Ah Worth .. the rake. He is a natural flirt that is easy to fall in love with. He has a somewhat bad boy reputation, but meets his match when he comes across Jacaranda a housekeeper on his estate. Jacaranda is bold and does not hesitate to put Worth in his place and call things like she sees it. Due to her spirited ways, Worth sees her a breath of welcomed fresh air. He also insists that she stays by his side to accompany him on his neglected duties as she is the “all knowing force” that makes his estate run smoothly. Little does Worth know that Jacaranda is hiding secrets about where she comes from and who her family really is. As their romance blooms, these truths come to light leaving Worth and Jacaranda to decide if love is stronger than duty. The banter these two share had me chuckling at times and there is nothing more satisfying that reading about a rake falling to his knees for a strong headed woman. Absolutely brilliantly matched! LOL

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HadrianBOOK 12 – Hadrian
Lord of Hope
Release Date: June 2014

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DESCRIPTION

Hadrian Bothwell was never an excellent fit with a religious calling, so when his brother asks to manage the family estate, Hadrian gives up vicaring and returns to his boyhood home.

He’s spent years thinking of Lady Avis Portmaine as the woman he should have fought for, but he finds Avis has become a recluse on the neighboring estate, socially shunned, and more unavailable than ever. If Hadrian wants to win the lady’s heart, he must first win her freedom from a past that will not leave her in peace.

REVIEW

With so many characters in Grace Burrowes Lonely Lords series it isn’t hard to have a fave. This has happened to me a few times. Well for some reason, Hadrian has really stuck out to me and I felt an instant connect with him. Compared to her others, he doesn’t stand out strongly, but I have to admit that after the first chapter, I knew he was special. Hadrian has been recalled to his family estate by his older brother to assume the responsibilities as the heir. Hadrian had lost his spouse years ago and decided to become a vicar (although he really wasn’t molded or any good as a religious man) and live his life in god’s words. When he returns to his estate he comes across a childhood friend who has suffered a terrible trauma in her younger years. Lady Avis is living behind walls, still suffering long terms effects from her past. When she comes across Hadrian, she is absolutely pleased. Quickly these two offer the other companionship that blooms into a romance that should of been years ago. In order for them to achieve their HEA however, they must face the past together and acknowledge truths that are painful to endure. One of my fave couples in this Lonely series for sure!

Again, a predicatable formula that really warms my heart when I pick up a Lonely Lord book. I know I am going to encounter complicated characters that have a past, form a friendship, become lovers and face tragedy to be each other’s forever. When I finish a Grace Burrowes novel I am always left utterly satisfied!

Reading Order-Click on highlighted title to read our review
Darius
Nicholas
Ethan
Beckman
Gabriel
Gareth
Andrew
Douglas
David
Trenton
Worth
Hadrian

HAPPY READING!

Reviewed by Rachel T

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

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! 😉

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

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! 🙂

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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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