2nd Opinion by Carole: Tremaine's true love

Author: Grace Burrowes

Narrator: James Langton

Title: Tremaine's True Love (True Gentlemen #1))

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: Audiobook

Published: August 4th 2015

Where I Got It: My shelf (Gift)

Wealthy wool magnate Tremaine St. Michael is half French, half Scottish, and all business. He prowls the world in search of more profits, rarely settling in one place for long. When he meets practical, reserved Lady Nita Haddonfield, he sees an opportunity to mix business with pleasure by making the lady his own.

Nita Haddonfield has a meaningful life tending to others, though nobody is dedicated to caring for Nita. She insists the limitations of marriage aren’t for her, then Tremaine St. Michael arrives—protective, passionate, and very, very determined to win Nita’s heart

One of the audios that Blodeuedd gave me for xmas. Yes, yes, finally diving into the audios!

This follows Tremaine who is all business. All sheep...all money....all seriousness. This also follows Nita who is all business too. But her's is more about helping the poor folks of the village with her medical gifts. She has dedicated her spinster life to helping those who need it. Things happen and the two fall in love. But Tremaine will have to convince her marriage is indeed for her. 

It was cute. I like this author a lot. I liked both of our lovebirds even Tremaine who was so obsessed with sheep. UGH. Sheep are cute but they are boring. lol. 

There was a hair of drama near the end there, but nothing too serious and I'm glad they were able to talk it out even though I was annoyed with Nita. I feel like she did use Tremaine there for a minute. Not nice missy. 

The old man doctor and Edward were nasty buggers. 

I'm glad everything worked out for everyone in the end. No spoiler there...it is a romance ;)

The narrator was decent. It took a bit for me to warm up to him. His girl's voice was hard to really like, however, I did warm to it eventually. 

Overall, I liked this. It was cute. I want to read/listen to more! The author was just okay. I did warm up to him. I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 

Audio Review: Jack - Grace Burrowes

Sir John Dewey Fanning (Jack to his familiars) is magistrate in a corner of Oxfordshire plagued by one incident of petty mischief after another. To add to his aggravation, his matchmaking mama is due for a prolonged visit, just when his domestic staff is at sixes and sevens. Jack turns to Miss Madeline Hennessey both to organize his household and to serve as his mother's temporary companion, despite the fact that he's long harbored feelings for the ever-competent (and lovely!) Miss Hennessey. Madeline reluctantly accepts the position, and proximity leads to investigations of an amorous nature. Can Jack stop the crime spree and steal Madeline's heart, too?

Audio CD, 10 h
Expected publication: December 5th 2017 by Tantor Audio (first published June 3rd 2016)
Jaded Gentlemen #4
Historical romance
For review

My thoughts:

I am obviously obsessed with Grace Burrowes books, if you had not noticed. But they are just so sweet and the couples talk, oh how they talk! I feel them fall in love.

Jack is the new magistrate. We met him in the previous book and was a set bachelor (to his mother's dismay). He is kind, considerate, a true gentleman, and one who had a rough time in India.

Madeleine was a servant turned ladies companion. She kept the household in check and I liked how she spoke her mind. In this book she must head over to Jack's household and help out since it is a mess.

And of course they will grow closer. There are lots of things to do. And there are poor aunties that need help. There is a thief running around the countryside. There is a meddling mother. And all during Christmastime.

Conclusion:

Enjoyable.

Oh, and I like that Jack is actually what was it, 40 or something. He has been there before.

Narrator James Langton

He is perfect for these. I would not have it any other way. I have also realised that her books work so great as audiobooks. Since people do talk a lot. They are fun to listening too. 

No other Duke will do - Grace Burrowes

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? 

Kindle Edition, 360 p
Expected publication: November 7th 2017 by Forever
Windham Brides #3
Historical romance
Netgalley

My thoughts:

I liked Grace Burrowes books because they are sweet and the couples talk, a lot. I like that. These couple actually seem to get to know each other. I can believe them falling in love.

Elizabeth is getting closer to spinsterhood, not that she cares. She loves her books and you can still steal a kiss or two without being married. Elizabeth! I am shocked.

Julian may be a Duke, but he is poor as dirt. The only thing he has is books, so many books, so many many books. Dang those books, they ruined his family.

Booklover meet Duke with books (Duke who hates books.) A lovely house party where he and his sister should find love (and a party they can not afford). 

There is also the villain, every story needs a villain, and I felt sorry for him the entire book. He was such an idiot and thought of ages old revenge. He needed someone to take him under his her wing and tell him how to behave. I also felt he needed to find love and a woman who can get him to see things. Cos he was not a bad guy, he was just without guidance.

Conclusion:
I enjoyed this story. I always do

Cover

ok

Audio Review: Axel - Grace Burrowes

Axel Belmont, though a wealthy and much-respected botanist, occasionally takes a turn serving as magistrate in his rural corner of Oxfordshire. When the owner of a neighboring estate is the victim of a homicide, Axel initially suspects the man's much younger wife, Abigail Stoneleigh, of committing the crime. But then Abby appears to be in harm's way, and Axel's investigation uncovers longstanding deceptions aimed at cheating her out of wealth and happiness. The solution to this deadly puzzle remains elusive, even as Axel captures Abby's heart and surrenders his own. Axel is a fine investigator, a devoted father, a brilliant scientist, (and an excellent kisser), but will he solve the mystery before the villain strikes again? 

Audio CD, 10 h
Expected publication: October 24th 2017 by Tantor Audio (first published January 1st 2015)
Jaded Gentlemen #3
I received this title for free in exchange for an unbiased review.

My thoughts:
When it comes to Burrowes books I do believe them when they fall in love. Because they fall slowly, and they fall for real. These are books where people talk, and hey, talk some more. No unnecessary silly drama either.

Axel is 40ish?, a widower, has 2 sons in school, loves his roses and his academic  pursuits.  He is also the magistrate. And really sweet too!

Abby is now a widow and well she blossoms during this book. I can not say more. I really grew to like her.

Her husband is murdered and Axel most solve the case. And it takes time. This is not a fast solving riddle. He puts in the legwork and grows to care for the young widow (and trust me you will be tooootally fine with this, damn that husband of hers.)

There is also a lot of food eaten, sandwiches, scones, teacakes, I got all hungry when reading.

Conclusion:
It really is a pleasant tale. That is the perfect word, a pleasant tale that I enjoyed.

Narrator James Langton

This is my 5th Burrowes book by him and I could not have it any other way. He does it so well. So proper. Not a beat missed and a pleasant voice listening too

Audio Review: Will's true wish - Grace Burrowes

Will Dorning, as an earl's spare, has accepted the thankless duty of managing his rambunctious younger siblings, though Will's only true companions are the dogs he's treasured since boyhood. When aristocratic London is plagued with a series of dognappings, Will's brothers are convinced that he's the only person who can save the stolen canines from an awful fate. Shy, bookish Lady Susannah Haddonfield has no patience with loud, smelly beasts of any species, but must appear to like dogs so as not to offend her sister's only marital prospect. Susannah turns to Will, an acquaintance from her most awkward adolescent years, to teach her how to impersonate a dog fancier. Will has long admired Susannah, though he lacks the means to offer for her, and yet as they work together to rescue the purloined pets, it's loyal, dashing Will who steals Susannah's heart. 

Audio CD, 9 hPublished September 12th 2017 by Tantor Audio (first published February 2nd 2016)True Gentlemen #3Historical romanceFor review

My thoughts:

I like her books because they are just so sweet. And the characters talk to each other, there are no misunderstandings, they talk, they get to know each other. And in audio that works really well, you know, them talking and all.

Susannah is on her way to spinsterhood and fine with it. Instead she is trying to launch her sister and find her a match. Susannah would rather be home reading.

Will trains dogs, or humans if you look at it like that, he does not have a lot to offer and wont.

And someone is stealing dogs! Evil is afoot.

So they meet, they talk, they flirt. We meet her sister, his brother. Everyone is fun and lovely. Well except the guy who wants to marry her sister, he is a fool.

Conclusion:

Sweet and I want heas for everyone in this book.

Narrator: Jame Langton

I have listened to quite a few by him now and he does Burrowes books so well. His proper voice is so excellent and my face betrays me every time something happens in this book. I do wonder how I look to those meeting me ;)

The only weird thing would be the very deep voices he has for some men to show they are all different, but at least it makes them all sound different then, so it works.

I do enjoy his narration. And I'd say her books works excellent to listen to.

Listen to a sample

Cover

Good

Audio Review: Daniel's true desire - Grace Burrowes

An Honorable Life 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. At the urging of family, Daniel attempts to start his life over as vicar in the sleepy Kentish town of Haddondale, family seat to the earls of Bellefonte. Challenged by Passion Resigned to spinsterhood, Lady Kirsten Haddonfield welcomes the new vicar to stay at her family's home while his is under renovation. Suddenly the handsome visitor has Kirsten rethinking her ideas about love and marriage, but a dreadful secret from Daniel's past may cast a shadow too long for either of them to overcome.

My thoughts:

At first I was scared most of the book would go by without anyone knowing he was married. Phew, it did not. The truth was out early on.

Have I ever read about a vicar? I really do not know. And yes I mostly thought about Mr Collins *shudders* I tried to imagine a hottie instead. A vicar is also a tricky hero cos you never know it he would be all God and all that. But he was not. He really loved his job, but that was all. Oh right, he also has separated from his horrible wife who is living with someone else. A real shrew. But if he divorces her he can not be a priest anymore.

Which brings is to Lady Kristen. Sweet, some failed love stories behind her and she is all about the new hottie vicar. Poor gal can not even control herself. Seriously, she really fancies the guy, and even though she realises he can never be free, she still fancies him (and he her). 

But obviously things are not that easy. He is married after all....so yes there will be some drama before everyone lives happily ever after.

Conclusion:
I enjoyed it. Burrowes writes these cute romances where people actually talk a lot.

Narrator James Langton

This is my third book by him and I like him. I like his accent when he read these. His female voices can be a bit, well he is a man after all. And his male voices can be a bit big. But they all blend together perfectly in the end. Honestly how could I ever listen to a Burrowes book if he did not read it. I had to google him, he is actually from England, so no wonder he does it splendidly.

Sample

Audio CD, 11 h
Expected publication: August 8th 2017 by Tantor Audio (first published November 3rd 2015)
True Gentlemen #2
Historical romance
For review

Too Scot to handle - Grace Burrowes

As a captain in the army, Colin MacHugh led men, fixed what was broken, and fought hard. Now that he's a titled gentleman, he's still fighting-this time to keep his bachelorhood safe from all the marriage-minded debutantes. Then he meets the intriguing Miss Anwen Windham, whose demure nature masks a bonfire waiting to roar to life. When she asks for his help to raise money for the local orphanage, he's happy to oblige.

Anwen is amazed at how quickly Lord Colin takes in hand a pack of rambunctious orphan boys. Amazed at how he actually listens to her ideas. Amazed at the thrill she gets from the rumble of his Scottish burr and the heat of his touch. But not everyone enjoys the success of an upstart. And Colin has enemies who will stop at nothing to ruin him and anybody he holds dear. 

My thoughts:

There are a lot of Windhams running around, and this series is about the Windham cousins. Sure people are mentioned but you do not need to have read about all those siblings finding love to enjoying this new series. Of course the more Windham the merrier and they are fun to read.

I liked Anwen. Not one thing wrong with her. A good head on her shoulder, sweet and she good with her orphans. 

Colin, well nothing wrong with Colin either. Two really nice people who fitted each other perfectly! And they knew it and they went for it.

Now I am not saying everything was trouble free. The orphanage that Anwen helps out with is in trouble. Money is needed and she wont leave them on the street.

But between that these two fall in love. There is some drama. There is this asshat. And then they live happily ever after.

Conclusion:
I enjoyed it, and the next one looks to be really good. I am a sucker for a Duke book.

Cover
nice

Kindle Edition, 385 pages
Expected publication: July 25th 2017 by Forever
Windham Brides #2
Historical romance
NetGalley

Audio Review: Matthew - Grace Burrowes

Theresa Jennings strayed from the path of propriety as a younger woman, though now she'll do anything to secure her child's eventual acceptance on the fringes of polite society. Theresa will even make peace with the titled brother who turned his back on her when she needed him most. Matthew Belmont is a widower who's been lonely too long. He sees Theresa as a woman paying far too high a price for mistakes long past, and as a lady given too little credit for turning her life around. Theresa is enthralled by Matthew's combination of honorable intentions and honest passion, but then trouble comes calling, and it's clear somebody wants to ruin any chance Theresa and Matthew have for a happily ever after. 

My thoughts:

Look at that, another audiobook with a narrator I have to listened to more than once now. I am getting there audiobook world :D

Theresa was kind and troubled, but not showing it. She does have a wild past. Her brother might be a Baron, but she has an illegitimate daughter and we all know what people think about that. I liked her calm ways and how she had just moved on.

Matthew was such a good guy. A true gentleman. Standing up with the wallflowers and driving widows to church. It is seldom you come across a gentleman like that (I read about too many rakes ;)

Together they just made sense. He saw past her past, it did not bother him because he enjoyed her company. But since she is sensible she does understand how her past might tarnish him. So therein lies some drama.

The book is truly about them getting to know each other. They have long talks. They get to know each other and I believe when they fall in love.

Conclusion:
A sweet romance.

Narrator:

James Langton

This is my second Langton book and he does a good job with Burrowes. His calm voice fits her style. The women does sound a bit too something at times, but I do not mind. Because if I am to listen to a book by her, it should be by him now.

Cover
meh

Audio CD, 10 h
Published June 27th 2017 by Tantor Audio (first published September 22nd 2015)
Jaded Gentlemen #2
Historical romance
For review

Audio Review: Tremaine's true love - Grace Burrowes

Wealthy wool magnate Tremaine St. Michael is half French, half Scottish, and all business. He prowls the world in search of more profits, rarely settling in one place for long. When he meets practical, reserved Lady Nita Haddonfield, he sees an opportunity to mix business with pleasure by making the lady his own. Nita Haddonfield has a meaningful life tending to others, though nobody is dedicated to caring for Nita. She insists the limitations of marriage aren't for her, then Tremaine St. Michael arrives-protective, passionate, and very, very determined to win Nita's heart. Contains mature themes.

My thoughts:
I like Burrowes books. They do not always need some crazy scheme to drive the book forward (a murder, spying etc, you know.) Instead we have a book where the couple get to know each other, without something crazy going on ;)

Nita believes she will never marry and is ok with that. She helps the people in the village and acts like a doctor for those who need it and who can not afford the real doc.

Tremaine is there to buy sheep. He is a good guy, not really looking for anything, except for sheep.

They talk, they get to know each other. They move around the village. She helps people. We get to know her family and yes here there is some drama. Not with them but with...someone else. Not a lot of drama, but there is something going on. A little plot that moves into their sphere too. 

I liked that they really got to know each other. That they had time to fall in love. It was a sweet story to listen too.

Narration

James Langton did a good job. I liked his accents. He worked well for these roles and this book. He had a voice that fitted the story. Enjoyable to listen to. it really was perfect for audiograce b

Cover
nice

Audio CD. 10h 23 min

Published June 6th 2017 by Tantor Audio (first published August 4th 2015)

True Gentlemen #1
Historical romance
For review

The trouble with Dukes - Grace Burrowes

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. 

My thoughts:

More Windhams! Oh there are a lot of them, but this time it's time for the cousins to find love.

Megan, well the different thing about her is that she wears glasses, and that does set her apart. But she has a suitor *coughs asshat*. But she is pushing him away, and we learn why *coughs he is an asshat*.

Hamish was a soldier, and one with a pretty rough reputation. Then he inherited a title, and he is still rough around the edges, and a Scot to boot.

They meet, they like each other. They talk they flirt, but wait, she is almost engaged to that other guy *asshat*. There lies the dilemma, oh and that Hamish is a fool who is all, but I am bad for you, I got a rep. Silly man *smacks him over the head* She loves ya.

Conclusion:
Cute. And it was fun to meet the family again.

Cover
Cute

Mass Market Paperback, 368 pages
Published December 20th 2016 by Forever
Windham Brides #1, Windham #9
Historical romance
Edelweiss

A kiss for luck - Grace Burrowes

Game designer Sadie Delacourt has moved to the peaceful, bucolic town of Damson Valley for a fresh start where she can keep an eye on a recently divorced sister and her small nephew. Sadie plans to focus on her business and her family, until handsome neighbor Gideon Granville turns his focus on Sadie. When Sadie learns where Gideon has been aiming his snooping skills, she’s ready to delete him from her plans entirely—though Gideon is all that stands between her and the trouble she thought she’d left behind her. 

My thoughts:

I have no idea what I just read, it was confusing at times, and romance should not feel confusing. I was all what? Also it was way too rushed. Sure some books can be novellas and short stories, but this was a Book crammed into a novella, and it did not work.'

It was about Sadie who was forgettable.

Gideon who, oh sometimes the book confused me who was talking, but srsl Gideon, check what you are doing.

They liked brownies, did it, lived happily ever after and I was all, what happened?

It did not work. Total failure

Kindle Edition, 148 pages
Published December 2nd 2014 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Sweetest Kisses 0.6
Contemporary romance
Own

Author Interview: Grace Burrowes

Today I have an interview with Grace Burrowes :)

Welcome!

1. Tell us something fun that happened last year in 2015? 

I took an intensive Gaelic course at Sabhal Mor Ostaig, a Gaelic University on the Isle of Skye. Part of the curriculum was an all-school singing, dancing party, at which each class had to perform something in Gaelic. If only college had been more like this! 

2. Tell us about your new book? 

I’ve described Will’s True Wish as the Regency dog whispers meets the Regency “101 Dalmatians,” except that the heroine who’s critical to solving the dog-napping scheme doesn’t really like dogs, however much she might like the hero. 

3. Since this is a book about dogs, do you have one of your own?

I have two. Sarge looks like a pitt bull/blood hound mix; and Murphy is a golden retriever. They’re big, friendly, and endlessly lovable…. Also fond of cheese.   

4. How about a  bit about our hero and heroine? 

Willow Dorning is an earl’s spare, and has spent his life being useful and unassuming. Early in life he turned to the companionship of dogs, and resigned himself to managing five younger brothers so the heir could focus on managing the earldom. Will’s lot of thankless, and yet, when dogs begin to go missing from aristocratic households, his brothers convince him he’s in the best position to solve the mystery. 

Lady Susanna Haddonfield has chosen the company of books to that of most women her age, having been subjected to ballroom bullying on the occasion of her come out. She recalls Will fondly, but where dogs are concerned… she’s not fond of them at all. Will turns to her to assist in finding the missing dogs, and Susannah instead loses her heart to Will.  

5. And last, what are you working on now?

 I’m much occupied with putting the finishing touches on a trip to Scotland I’m planning for a small group of avid readers and aspiring authors. We’ll spend the first ten days of September seeing the sights and talking books, books, and books, but a successful tour requires an enormous amount of planning, planning, and planning! 

And of course, I’m working on more stories, too! 

Author Bio & Buy Links

Bio: Grace Burrowes began writing romance as an antidote to empty nest, and soon found that writing is an antidote to most of what ails us. She’s the sixth out of seven children, has been reading romance for decades, and practices child welfare law in western Maryland. 

Amazon (print and Kindle): 

Barnes and Noble (print and NOOK) 

iBooks 

Romance Friday: Worth and You'll be the death of me

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 Amazon 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. 

My thoughts:

I am afraid I found myself bored, and nitpicking. So I will nitpick.

First the name Jacaranda, really? Who would name their kid that, and then? And then I saw what it meant. Really?

Also, Worth's brother Hessian, really?

She is mid 20s. She got the job as a housekeeper to a rich man, without ever having worked a day in her life. Even I could not get that job and I have worked. I also have a hard time believing her family would have let her go. The whole deal was so weird.

But hey, that did not matter. What mattered was the dullness. They talked, they talked and I grew bored. I still read it, cos I like her books, but this one was lacking. He wanted to marry her, she pulled away, and I never understood why. Sigh.

Conclusion

Not one of her best.

cover

meh

Kindle Edition, 332 pages
Published May 4th 2014 by Grace Burrowes Publishing
Lonely Lords #11
Historical romance
Own

Meddling landladies, fashion-tortured canines, psychotic best friends - is that what it takes to bring two love-jaded people together, or will they be killed with good intentions? Allison Leavitt is great at living in a make-believe world - she'd created one in her best-selling mystery novels, home of her fantasy man, a hard-nosed detective with a granite-encrusted heart. It's taken years for an artist to finally capture his image, the one she's lived with in her head for far too long. Imagine her shock when she discovers him standing in her living room! When the shock fades, one question remains: now that she's found him, what is she going to do about making fantasy reality? Displaced Los Angeles detective Jay Cantrall isn't happy with his Spokane, Washington assignment, and even more disgruntled with his whacked-out apartment house. The landlady runs around in muumuus whispering sweet nothings to her bizarre canine companion, who hates Jay but has romantic tendencies toward his leg. One tenant thinks nothing of staging mock murders, another is a man-shark, and his next-door neighbor, Allison, although incredibly delectable, seems to be incapable of little more than fish imitations. Besides, he learned his lesson where women are concerned: nothing can bring a man's downfall faster than a woman's lies. It seems that whenever Jay and Allison are near each other, disaster strikes. And when one of the disasters leaves Jay injured, guilt-ridden Allison decides to nurse the cranky cop back to health. But will her ministrations heal the wounds deep inside both of them, or will it end in yet another disaster? 

My thoughts:

You can read this one in a heartbeat.

Allison writes mystery novels. She has bad luck with men, (they just wanna mooch of her). She has never had an orgasm.

Jay is a cop with a chip on his shoulder. His brother is famous. Women want to be with Jay cos of his brother. He made a mess of his private life in LA.

They are now neighbors. He thinks is weird. She is all OMG, since he looks like how she imagined her main character.

There is a weird landlady. A neighbor plotting. A dog getting into trouble. Will they wont they. Insert Drama and then happily ever after.

Conclusion:

Short and cute. 

Cover

bad

Trade Paperback, 186 pages
Published September 1st 2006 by Samhain Publishing
Contemporary romance
Own

Historical Romance Friday x2 reviews

Douglas Allen, Viscount Amery, hates having arrived to his title without knowing how to manage his properties. Guinevere Hollister is a distant family connection raising her daughter in rural obscurity while stewarding the estate. Douglas reluctantly puts himself in Gwen's hands for lessons in land husbandry and discovers beneath her prickly exterior a woman of passion and honor. Yet despite the closeness they find, she will not marry him.

When the powerful Duke of Moreland arranges an engagement between Gwen and his heir, Douglas knows the marriage is not what Gwen wants. In Douglas's eyes, Gwen deserves to make her own choices, and he will take on family, the meddling duke, and Gwen's own lonely, stubborn heart to ensure his lady's happiness. 

My thoughts:

This book takes place before the Windhaven books, and now when you mention it, I do remember Gwen from that first book. I remembering wondering what her deal was.

But read this one before, afterwards, where ever. Cos I have not read a single book in the series to which this book belongs. Some Lords thing, oh well, it did not matter. It truly is a good stand alone book.

Douglas lost two brothers in a year, older brothers who made a mess of the family money. Now he wants to buy a new estate but needs advice. He was a nice man, he wanted to do the right thing. He loved deeply.

Gwen could have been broken, but was not. She stayed strong for her daughter. I did like that in her and her need to protect her child.

They fall in love. But oh no, the family of her daughter's father shows up. What do do? But do not worry, love always win in the end.

Conclusion:

Nice. 

Cover

Ugh, no

ebook, 384 pages
Published January 7th 2014 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Lonely Lords #8
Historical romance
Own

When Quentin Blackwell, Earl of Devlyn, discovered the woman he loved was carrying another man’s child, he refused to marry her. In retaliation, her father ruined Devlyn. When Sophie Hamilton, the man’s eldest daughter, comes to him with an unexpected offer, Devlyn seizes the chance for vengeance. What he doesn’t bargain on is how revenge could cost him the one thing he wants the most. Sophie’s love.

All her life, Sophie’s tried to earn her father’s love to no avail. Even her one chance for happiness was crushed beneath his tyrannical thumb, leaving her firmly on the shelf at forty-one. Sophie accepts her fate until she impulsively uses her father’s criminal activities to escape a life of servitude and right a wrong at the same time. She never really expected the Devil of Devlyn to actually accept her rash proposal, and she certainly hadn’t planned on falling in love with a younger man.

My thoughts:

The thing that was different in this one was her age, ok, brace yourselves...she was OLDER, and not just by a year, but by like, what was it, 9? I know, scandalous! 

Sophie hates her dad, her sister, her home.

Quentin hates her dad, and her sister.

Sophie comes to him and tells him that he can get revenge, and her.

He is all, hm, a trick? But I can do her, and I do want that revenge.

So tadaa, they marry. He introduces her to the pleasure that she wanted.

But oh no! Her sister does NOT like that he turned her down but married Sophie.

Her father is not happy.

Her brother is not happy.

I liked this one. Sophie wanted to live and to get away from her bitch of a sister and her effing dad.

Quentin was known as the devil. But he was a nice guy. Sophie's sister wounded him deeply but he still falls for Sophie and does some chasing.

Conclusion
There is a bit of drama (her bitch of a sister!), they get it on, they start to fall for each other and they live happily ever after.  Nice.

Cover

Something is off with the neck, but otherwise good

ebook, 244 pages
Published February 19th 2013 by Maroli SP Imprints
Historical romance
Own

The Captive - Grace Burrowes

He'll never be free...

Captured and tortured by the French, Christian Severn, Duke of Mercia, survives by vowing to take revenge on his tormentors. Before the duke can pursue his version of justice, Gillian, Countess of Greendale, reminds him that his small daughter has suffered much in his absence, and needs her papa desperately.

Until he surrenders his heart...

Gilly endured her difficult marriage by avoiding confrontation and keeping peace at any cost. Christian's devotion to his daughter and his kindness toward Gilly give her hope that she could enjoy a future with him, for surely he of all men shares her loathing for violence in any form. Little does Gilly know, the battle for Christian's heart is only beginning.

My thoughts:

Poor Christian. When you talk about heroes who has suffered, well Christian truly did. He spent months being a captive of the French. Being sadistically tortured and abused. This is a broken hero that comes back to England.

At first I did not think of it, it was first later on in the book that it hit me. Yes Christian is the obvious captive. But so was Gillian. She spent 8 years in a bad marriage. She was as much of a captive as he had been. Just abused in another way. The same goes for Lucy, Christian's daughter who has been silent since her mother died. Another captive of herself.

Gillian is perfect for Christian. Of course she wants to heal him, but mostly she just wants to be there. Be a friend, get him home so Lucy would be ok. She saw his scars and did not shy away. She was used to it all. I liked her for it. She was the calm he needed in the storm. And he also healed her.

Conclusion:

I do like Burrowes books so no wonder I enjoyed this one too. Two broken characters. Moving on in their own ways, facing their fears and falling in love.

Cover

ok

Mass Market Paperback, 439 pages
Published July 1st 2014 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Captive Hearts #1
Historical romance
For review

The MacGregor's Lady - Grace Burrowes

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.

My thoughts:

Oh these two *goes in and shakes them by the neck*. But I understood, I understood.

Asher is finally back in Scotland and settling down as an Earl. He wants to do the best he can. I really liked him, he was crush worthy.

Hannah has been sent to find a husband. She does not want to because she wants to be in Boston protecting her mother and brothers from their stepdad. Yes you can see where this is going.

First there is friendship where he takes her to a pub. Now that was funny. Then they start to fall, but they both know that she has to go back and he has to stay. I kept wondering how they would fix it, I had an idea first, but now, there would still be issues.

So that leaves us with passion, two lovers trying to find away and despairing. Meddling members of family. Morelands showing up. And quite the scandal brewing.

Conclusion:

Fun.

Cover

Nice

Mass Market Paperback, 416 pages
Published February 4th 2014 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
MacGregor Trilogy #3
Historical romance
 for review

Casa for the Holidays Blog Tour and Giveaway

November 4, 2013 Book Girl of Mur-Y-Castell Guest Blog: Sourcebooks Holiday Authors 

For today’s Casa for the Holidays blog post, our authors are chatting about their favorite holiday traditions! 

Juliana Stone, author of The Christmas He Loved Her: 

There are several holidays throughout the year that I absolutely love but for me, the one I look forward to the most is Christmas.  Thanksgiving is wonderful and ours falls in early to mid October, so that means all the fall fairs, apple cider, turkey, and pumpkin pie.  But Christmas is the one holiday that always takes me back to when I was a kid and still BELIEVED. 

Now, my kids are teens and they’re not up at the crack of dawn anymore, but that’s okay since Christmas Eve is where it’s at.  A couple of our friends always have open houses Christmas Eve and we drop in for some visiting, laughs and drinks. Once we get home, I always settle in with a bottle of wine and while I wrap the stocking stuffers (yes I’m a  mom who loves to wrap every single thing) I watch It’s A Wonderful Life with my mom (who comes with my dad and spends the night).  We relax, chat, and have a great night.

Every. Single. Christmas Eve.  And I hope it never changes.

Terry Spear, author of A SEAL Wolf Christmas: 

We always decorate the day after Thanksgiving so from that day until after New Year's, the house is cheery with sparkly lights and evergreen boughs, red bows, and decorations we've picked up over the years that meant something special. We also pass around our Christmas wish lists at Thanksgiving, and the night before Christmas, we open one gift. The next morning, someone passes out presents and while we're drinking eggnog or tea, we make a mess with gift wrappings everywhere. Every year, someone knows they bought a present that can't be located and we find it when the decorations are put away. We also love to share all the funnies of shopping for the gifts, because something always happens that we're dying to tell about but can't until we give out the gifts.

Carolyn Brown, author of The Cowboy’s Christmas Baby: 

These days since the family has grown so much Husband and I have Easter, complete with a huge Easter egg hunt in our back yard, and Thanksgiving, complete with Husband getting out the guitar and the whole family two-stepping all over the house or out on the yard if the weather is good. But on Christmas, the kids all stay at home so Santa can visit. Even the grandkids who are old enough to vote and buy their own beer know that Santa doesn’t come down the chimney unless they believe and everyone in our family believes.

 Husband and I call them all sometime on Christmas Day to say Merry Christmas from the beach in Florida where we go for a two week vacation every year. We dig our toes into the sand, feed the sea gulls cheese puffs, give a saucer of milk to the black and white cat that belongs to the motel and love being together on Christmas Day.

Grace Burrowes, author of Lady Jenny’s Christmas Portrait: 

Growing up, the best part of Christmas, from my perspective, was ten days home from school. Ten days to sleep in, play in the snow, read, bake cookies, take long walks in the winter-bare woods, make more cookies, wrap presents, decorate the house… ten days to NOT WORRY about this or that homework assignment, test, or quiz. 

It’s still my favorite aspect of the winter holidays. Because I was one of seven children, and the entire family could barely fit in one station wagon, we weren’t much for traveling in the winter. The occasional cousin might pass through before Christmas on the way to visit parents, grandparents sometimes popped in for a day or two, but mostly, we stayed put and had Christmas at home.

I loved that. I loved having time to myself at home, though Christmas break was by no means entirely consumed with hibernation. I have siblings thirteen years my senior, which meant from the time I was quite small, those siblings might grab a few of us “little guys” and head out for a skating expedition to Tait’s pond, a day of skiing at Oregon Hill, a winter hike up to the fire tower if it wasn’t too awfully cold. It didn’t hurt that our front yard was the best sledding hill in the neighborhood, either. 

Then too, I grew up in a college town, and that meant the university skating rink was a possible destination. If Mom really needed the house to herself for an afternoon, she might send a group of us off to the movies, and that was lovely—my grandmother’s candy store was right next door to the theatre, and Nana ALWAYS allowed us to sample the inventory. 

Christmas then, was about spending time at home and in the company of family. The big meals, the presents, the religious rituals for me were all secondary, and to this day, unstructured time in the place I call home is my greatest treasure. 

Giveaway

To enter to win a prize pack of all 4 of these Christmas authors’ novels, tell us about your own favorite holiday tradition in the comments! This contest is open internationally. 

1. Open internationally

2. Answer the question

3. Ends November 28th

To find out more about these authors, please visit their websites!

Carolyn Brown Website: http://carolynlbrown.com/

Grace Burrowes Website: http://graceburrowes.com/

Terry Spear Website: http://www.terryspear.com/

Juliana Stone Website: http://www.julianastone.com/

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/