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True Gentlemen #1
Tremaine's True Love
He’s had everything he could ever want…until now
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.
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.
395 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 4, 2015
About the author
Grace Burrowes
174 books2,770 followersGrace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at [email protected].
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at [email protected].
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 385 reviews
December 19, 2015
I think this was supposed to be a novel you sink into, wrapped in a blanket and sipping tea. I haven't read a lot of Burrowes' books, she publishes amazingly quickly, therefore, I'm not wildly familiar with all her characters, their families, and connections. I'm going to blame this for the main reason I couldn't sink into the story.
I liked our lead couple, a bit tepid but reserved in a way with their emotions that matches the times but what I'd call side characters, who are probably well known to avid Burrowes' readers, invaded the story way too much, along with the talk of sheep. I think it was supposed to be trifling funny and add credence to the overall story because, people's livelihood and all but besides the first baby lamb scene, I wanted to say baa-bye to them.
If I was editor, I would have slashed 70% of the story, I hate to say it but I was bored. I want to say nothing happens but I mean that in an action way, this is strictly a character driven and following along with relationships story. I usually like character driven stories but yeah, I still can't help saying nothing happens. Burrowes is a great writer and can turn a nice phrase but this book is probably better left to readers looking for a slower moving and wide circle of characters with varying stories, book.
I'm going to try the next in the series and hope it focuses on the main couple more.
I liked our lead couple, a bit tepid but reserved in a way with their emotions that matches the times but what I'd call side characters, who are probably well known to avid Burrowes' readers, invaded the story way too much, along with the talk of sheep. I think it was supposed to be trifling funny and add credence to the overall story because, people's livelihood and all but besides the first baby lamb scene, I wanted to say baa-bye to them.
If I was editor, I would have slashed 70% of the story, I hate to say it but I was bored. I want to say nothing happens but I mean that in an action way, this is strictly a character driven and following along with relationships story. I usually like character driven stories but yeah, I still can't help saying nothing happens. Burrowes is a great writer and can turn a nice phrase but this book is probably better left to readers looking for a slower moving and wide circle of characters with varying stories, book.
I'm going to try the next in the series and hope it focuses on the main couple more.
September 16, 2016
It’s no secret that I’m a big Grace Burrowes fan. I understand the criticisms that are sometimes levelled at her books; they can be repetitive, the heroes are too improbable, there are too many Americanisms etc., but for the most part I can forgive her those things because she writes stories that pull me in by virtue of the strength of her characterisations and the way in which she gets to the emotional heart of those characters and their stories. It’s the rare Grace Burrowes book that doesn’t quite work for me – but unfortunately, Tremaine’s True Love is one of those few.
That’s not to say it’s a bad read - far from it. It possesses the things I’ve come to expect from Ms Burrowes’ books; attractive, engaging protagonists with hidden vulnerabilities, well-written familial relationships, a gorgeous hero with a protective streak the size of the runway at Heathrow and a quirky, distinctive style of writing which I enjoy. But I found it very difficult to sympathise with the heroine in this story, which is principally why I wasn’t able to rate it more highly.
Lady Bernita (Nita) Haddonfield is the eldest sister of Nicholas, the Earl of Bellefonte. Since the death of their mother, Nita has run the household as well as taking on the role of carer and medic to those unable to afford the services of the local doctor previously performed by the late countess.
Following Nicholas’ marriage, Nita has surrendered control of the household to his wife, but even though she does not resent her sister-in-law, she nonetheless feels somewhat purposeless. She fills the gap by continuing to provide medical services to the poor of the estate and surrounding area, often putting herself at risk of illness and infection. Nicholas remonstrates with her time and time again, but Nita is adamant. If she doesn’t help these people, then who will? They can’t afford to pay anyone, and in any case, the local doctor is a quack who still believes that bleeding is the cure for everything, has no truck with hand-washing and thinks that most illnesses are inflicted as God’s punishment upon those who sin – especially if the patient is a woman.
Tremaine St. Michael appeared briefly in another of the author’s Lonely Lords series, Gabriel: Lord of Regrets. He is half-French and half-Scottish, a wealthy and extremely hard-working businessman who is actually a French Comte, although it’s a title he rarely uses. He is visiting the Bellefonte estate in order to negotiate the purchase of a valuable flock of merino sheep from Nicholas, but the discussions aren’t going as well as he had expected as one of the earl’s neighbours is also interested in the valuable livestock.
Tremaine is immediately drawn to Nita’s strength of character and sense of purpose, but soon comes to see beyond that, to the insecure and lonely woman that lurks behind the lady’s formidable exterior. He lives a somewhat nomadic existence as he travels between his various estates and business concerns, and can only allow a few days for his negotiations over the sheep – but days stretch into weeks, and over that time, Tremaine and Nita become closer, bonding over their instincts to care for others – human and ovine! – and sharing thoughts and desires with each other they’ve never shared before. Their romance is tender and sweet, and I very much enjoyed watching two people who had thought that marriage and family was off the table falling in love and finding their way through the differences that threaten them so that they can be together in the end. In fact, the idea of both characters having to find a way to balance work and family is one that is still a very relevant one; and it’s not easy, as Ms Burrowes shows very clearly in her story.
Anyone familiar with the Lonely Lords series will recall that Nicholas has a number of sisters, and we meet them all again here. There is a secondary plotline around Susannah, who is hoping for a proposal of marriage from their neighbour, Mr Edward Nash. It quickly becomes apparent that Mr Nash is not a suitable candidate for Susannah’s hand, but because Nita has gained that information through practicing her healing skills, she feels unable to tell anyone – even to save her sister from being mistreated at his hands. I found this a little difficult to swallow, as Nita is not a physician, has taken no oaths of confidentiality – and yet she is prepared to put her sister at risk.
And this goes back to what I said earlier, about finding it difficult to warm to Nita. She’s a well-rounded and well-written character and Ms Burrowes has done an excellent job of relaying her weaknesses as well as her strengths, but overall, I found her to be too inflexible and unwilling to consider other points of view. She sees Nicholas’ chastisements as his trying to assert authority over her and criticism of the fact that she is heedless of her reputation, whereas it’s obvious to anyone with half a brain that he is desperately concerned for her. And she makes the decision to reject Tremaine’s proposal when she thinks he will insist she stops her medical treatments in order to sit at home darning his socks and having babies, without really talking to him about it. She expects others to make allowances for her while not being prepared to make allowances for them until right at the very end.
With all that said, I did enjoy reading Tremaine’s True Love, even though it doesn’t rank among my favourite of Grace Burrowes’ books. The protagonists are well drawn, their romance is well developed and the friendship that gradually builds between Tremaine and Nicholas is fun to read. I shall certainly be reading the next book in this series, and will continue to snap up whatever Ms Burrowes comes up with after that.
July 26, 2019
I'm a little over halfway and I just don't want to continue. That may be a mood thing, but I'm not sure, so I don't think I'll give it a rating. The thing is, the book is well-enough written and I like the main couple. They fit well together and I like them and I want them to be together. But I've had enough.
Reasons contributing to the dnf:
* This is the biggest reason. The viewpoint hopping is awful. Besides Nita we have three of her sisters, her brother, her neighbor, her neighbor's dependent, her bisexual-but-mostly-gay brother, and, of course, Tremaine. Particularly jarring was the neighbor who is a petty tyrant and active jackwagon who likes lording it over his dependents and wields one dependent's child like a weapon against her.
* I hate when the first book in a series includes couples from previous books. In this case, Nita's brother is obviously living a happily-ever-after from Nicholas: Lord of Secrets (a handy review from someone else helped identify this for me).
* The characters have very modern ideas about relationships, the poor, single motherhood, disease, marriage, domestic affairs, sex, and education. A good author can support several of these with enough care. Maybe. But all of them? Burrowes isn't that good. I doubt anybody is.
* They're obviously in love, ready to marry, and having sex and it's just past the middle of the novel. I hate to speculate where the conflict for the rest of the story is going to come from, but I like none of the possibilities as they stand now (most likely the jackball neighbor and his domestic tyranny and, oh yeah, the stupid sheep).
Okay, seeing that all in a list changed my mind. Definitely a one-star story. As I say, Burrowes is good. The characters work as a couple and I care about them. But all that extra cruft around the story just breaks my engagement to pieces. I had thought that I might return at some future date. This review should see that I avoid that mistake.
Reasons contributing to the dnf:
* This is the biggest reason. The viewpoint hopping is awful. Besides Nita we have three of her sisters, her brother, her neighbor, her neighbor's dependent, her bisexual-but-mostly-gay brother, and, of course, Tremaine. Particularly jarring was the neighbor who is a petty tyrant and active jackwagon who likes lording it over his dependents and wields one dependent's child like a weapon against her.
* I hate when the first book in a series includes couples from previous books. In this case, Nita's brother is obviously living a happily-ever-after from Nicholas: Lord of Secrets (a handy review from someone else helped identify this for me).
* The characters have very modern ideas about relationships, the poor, single motherhood, disease, marriage, domestic affairs, sex, and education. A good author can support several of these with enough care. Maybe. But all of them? Burrowes isn't that good. I doubt anybody is.
* They're obviously in love, ready to marry, and having sex and it's just past the middle of the novel. I hate to speculate where the conflict for the rest of the story is going to come from, but I like none of the possibilities as they stand now (most likely the jackball neighbor and his domestic tyranny and, oh yeah, the stupid sheep).
Okay, seeing that all in a list changed my mind. Definitely a one-star story. As I say, Burrowes is good. The characters work as a couple and I care about them. But all that extra cruft around the story just breaks my engagement to pieces. I had thought that I might return at some future date. This review should see that I avoid that mistake.
July 22, 2015
Tremaine's True Love by Grace Burrowes is a 2015 Sourcebooks Casablanca publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I always get excited when a new book by Grace Burrowes is released. I was especially excited about this one because it's the first in the brand new “True Gentleman” series.
Tremaine St. Michael is certainly an interesting fellow. His heritage is French and Scottish, he is a well off tradesman, interested in obtaining a flock of Merino sheep. This puts him in direct contact with the Earl of Haddonfield who is looking to sell the sheep, which is how Tremaine meets Nita, the Earl's sister.
Tremaine and Nita connect almost instantaneously and the chemistry is palpable. But, the two were quite unprepared for this event and taken completely by surprise. Tremaine is focused on his sheep and his work, while Nita is working with the poor to help provide them with the best medical care possible, especially since the local doctor sits in judgment of the poor and refuses to treat them properly.
The romance is one of the sweetest I've read in long time. Deeply romantic and sensual, but not without conflict. Nita's family, especially her brother, Nicholas, is worried that Nita is putting her health at risk by working with the poor, which in turn puts the health of the entire family at stake. While Tremaine admires Nita for her sacrifice and hard work, her independence and down to earth spirit, he too believes her work is too risky. So, will Nita will have to make a choice between marriage and continuing with her work?
There are a couple of side stories that are very compelling, especially one which involves the woman and her children, who Nita has been trying to help, and the terrifying possibility that one of Nita's sisters may be about the wed the wrong man.
This story was fast paced and very absorbing. I absolutely loved Tremaine and Nita as a couple. They each had to learn to see the situation from the other person's perspective and figure out how to make compromises, and they ended up being an inspiration. Tremaine is just dreamy, and mean really romantic, and so, so sweet. I just loved him!
I also love a strong female character who defies convention and chooses to do what she feels is right, even if it comes at a great personal sacrifice. Nita was great character and I admired her dedication to principles.
Ms, Burrowes is one of my favorite authors and I love her writing style, but this one has a little added appeal, like a cherry of top of the cake. Very well done!
This was a great story all the way around and I am so excited about getting to know the earl's other sisters in future installments.
Hands down- 5 stars
I always get excited when a new book by Grace Burrowes is released. I was especially excited about this one because it's the first in the brand new “True Gentleman” series.
Tremaine St. Michael is certainly an interesting fellow. His heritage is French and Scottish, he is a well off tradesman, interested in obtaining a flock of Merino sheep. This puts him in direct contact with the Earl of Haddonfield who is looking to sell the sheep, which is how Tremaine meets Nita, the Earl's sister.
Tremaine and Nita connect almost instantaneously and the chemistry is palpable. But, the two were quite unprepared for this event and taken completely by surprise. Tremaine is focused on his sheep and his work, while Nita is working with the poor to help provide them with the best medical care possible, especially since the local doctor sits in judgment of the poor and refuses to treat them properly.
The romance is one of the sweetest I've read in long time. Deeply romantic and sensual, but not without conflict. Nita's family, especially her brother, Nicholas, is worried that Nita is putting her health at risk by working with the poor, which in turn puts the health of the entire family at stake. While Tremaine admires Nita for her sacrifice and hard work, her independence and down to earth spirit, he too believes her work is too risky. So, will Nita will have to make a choice between marriage and continuing with her work?
There are a couple of side stories that are very compelling, especially one which involves the woman and her children, who Nita has been trying to help, and the terrifying possibility that one of Nita's sisters may be about the wed the wrong man.
This story was fast paced and very absorbing. I absolutely loved Tremaine and Nita as a couple. They each had to learn to see the situation from the other person's perspective and figure out how to make compromises, and they ended up being an inspiration. Tremaine is just dreamy, and mean really romantic, and so, so sweet. I just loved him!
I also love a strong female character who defies convention and chooses to do what she feels is right, even if it comes at a great personal sacrifice. Nita was great character and I admired her dedication to principles.
Ms, Burrowes is one of my favorite authors and I love her writing style, but this one has a little added appeal, like a cherry of top of the cake. Very well done!
This was a great story all the way around and I am so excited about getting to know the earl's other sisters in future installments.
Hands down- 5 stars
August 22, 2019
I greatly disliked this, but somehow managed to power through to the end. I found it to be tremendously condescending and anti-woman.
Let me give a sum up:
Nita is a physician. She's not a man, so she can't officially be one, but that's the nature of the time period. She is, however, educated and trained, and much more respected than the old-fashioned doctor in her town... and so everyone seeks her help rather than the old doctor with his dirty instruments, unwashed hands and leeches. Literally everyone - her sister says she'd rather die than let Horton, the shitty actual doctor, lay hands on her.
And they all hate her for it.
She is continually berated, nagged, and condescended to over her choice to be a healer, to be compassionate and not turn away from people who need help. Her family shows their constant disgust... and they do it via amazingly privileged comments, like ... "why can't you just be a lady and stay home and read", or crap like that. They are horrible, all of them. I literally despised the entire cast of this book, except George and Nita. George isn't the hero btw. George is her sole non-douchebag sibling.
They all are hypocritical about it too - they all acknowledge that if something happened to them, they'd insist that she treats them. They just don't want her to -and refuse to respect her for - treating others.
The hero, Tremaine, does all of this too. Here's a great example:
... as if she is just some bored, vapid woman who entertains herself with medical stuff, because she's poor at embroidery or something. And even worse, he utterly deceives her about the life they will have together. He's a complete piece of shit.
I swear, I just could not fucking stand one more person - her family or supposed beloved - talking shit about her because she heals people. It was gross, and it made them all seem like the worst kind of rich, elitist assholes.
And then the kicker was the ending. I threw up in my mouth a little bit.
This is getting 2 stars, rather than zero, because I did like Nita, and I very much liked George. But honestly, it is shit. There are vast swaths that don't make any sense - the sheep, my god, the sheep.
Don't read it.
Let me give a sum up:
Nita is a physician. She's not a man, so she can't officially be one, but that's the nature of the time period. She is, however, educated and trained, and much more respected than the old-fashioned doctor in her town... and so everyone seeks her help rather than the old doctor with his dirty instruments, unwashed hands and leeches. Literally everyone - her sister says she'd rather die than let Horton, the shitty actual doctor, lay hands on her.
And they all hate her for it.
She is continually berated, nagged, and condescended to over her choice to be a healer, to be compassionate and not turn away from people who need help. Her family shows their constant disgust... and they do it via amazingly privileged comments, like ... "why can't you just be a lady and stay home and read", or crap like that. They are horrible, all of them. I literally despised the entire cast of this book, except George and Nita. George isn't the hero btw. George is her sole non-douchebag sibling.
They all are hypocritical about it too - they all acknowledge that if something happened to them, they'd insist that she treats them. They just don't want her to -and refuse to respect her for - treating others.
The hero, Tremaine, does all of this too. Here's a great example:
Nita Haddonfield was decent, a lady to the bone, and an innocent, despite her ill-advised medical adventuring.
... as if she is just some bored, vapid woman who entertains herself with medical stuff, because she's poor at embroidery or something. And even worse, he utterly deceives her about the life they will have together. He's a complete piece of shit.
I swear, I just could not fucking stand one more person - her family or supposed beloved - talking shit about her because she heals people. It was gross, and it made them all seem like the worst kind of rich, elitist assholes.
And then the kicker was the ending. I threw up in my mouth a little bit.
This is getting 2 stars, rather than zero, because I did like Nita, and I very much liked George. But honestly, it is shit. There are vast swaths that don't make any sense - the sheep, my god, the sheep.
Don't read it.
September 8, 2015
At the 9% point of this book the hero partially undresses in front of the heroine in order to put a new baby lamb against his bare stomach so that it has a greater chance of survival. Sooooo, long story short: I was sold. It carried on in that vein. Just absolutely wonderful. The hero, Tremaine (as shown by his lamb belly caring) is a gruff man of the land (with an aristo heritage because, hello, this is Grace Burrowes and there's always a title). He's interested in sheep and money and acquiring more sheep and money. Then he meets capable, clever, brusk, attractive Nita Haddonfield and realizes he'd quite like to acquire her too. Sometimes GB tells rather than shows with her heroines. It's almost as though she doesn't know what to do with her them. I think this is why so many of them are housekeepers in hiding or women who've assumed the role as head of the household. No telling here, the showing was on full display. Nita felt fully rounded with a full set of interests and difficulties acquired from always being the one to take care of everyone in a community with a sawbones local doctor and an unsympathetic vicar. I really, really liked her. So did Tremaine and I was completely invested in their romance and their affection. It was masterfully done. The difficulties that nearly tear them apart were completely believable. I wondered how Burrowes would patch them up at the end but actually it worked very well. Classic relationship compromise. If I had quibbles it would be that the ending is a bit too neat, perhaps there should have been more of a battle to get there, and I wanted a bit more of Tremaine's backstory. I'm being pedantic with those quibbles though because really this worked for me on every level. It felt like the most mature, rounded GB I've read to date. And, let's face it, I pretty much loved all the less well-rounded ones so I simply have to give this five stars.
October 6, 2017
Tremaine St. Michael has some to see the Earl of Haddonfield to talk about sheep. To most, this doesn’t seem like a very exciting subject, but Tremaine has amassed a lot of wealth from the wool of his sheep and seeks to improve his herd and Haddonfield has exactly what he needs. But, as well as a herd of sheep, it seems the Earl has a herd of unmarried sisters, one of which is the Lady Nita, practical, no-nonsense and lovely, she is also frustrating, headstrong and lonely. But Nita’s inclination towards selfless charity, putting herself in danger is separating her from her family as well as the man she is coming to fall in love with.
Tremaine���s True Love was our UTC book club read for May, and a book I was excited to be picking up as Grace Burrowes is an author I have often seen hanging around my book shelves, and yet, I have never picked up. This gave me the perfect excuse to finally give her a try, and try I did. And yet, even after a week after I have finished the book, I still can’t decide if I liked it or not. It’s provoked a mixture of feelings in me that made this a hard book for me to rate.
I’m going to break this down, so you can see the particular aspects of the book that I have struggled with:
Writing Style – This is my first Grace Burrowes book, so I don’t know if this is her usual style or not. It was quite wordy and the style was almost as if I was reading a book written within that century. Which, I alternatively found very authentic and charming, the language they used both in dialogue and their own thoughts made it seem very real. And yet, at times it also felt like a slog through the language so I could see what Burrowes was actually trying to say. This left my thoughts mixed on whether I liked it or not, but one thing you can definitely say with Tremaine’s True Love; it wasn’t a contemporary romance dressed up in Historical clothing.
Romance – This wasn’t a book about blazing passion. I was left in no doubt about the couples respect and friendship towards one another, this was very well illustrated, but their love was more understated with little heat. Once again, I was in two minds about this, I loved that Burrowes had created this sense of esteem between Tremaine and Nita, I was in no doubt that they liked each other immensely and that they would have a great marriage. It was that push from a deep like to an all consuming love and passion that I don’t think was quite there.
The Bloody Sheep – Sheep aren’t interesting. They just aren’t. And I hope Burrowes didn’t have to do too much research on them in order to write this book. Every time the subject of sheep came up I found my mind slipping away, which was unfortunate as Tremaine’s main interest, at first, is buying sheep. Not a particularly interesting subject to start this book off and I’m glad all the sheep talk gradually seem to tail off the more you got into the book. But still. Sheep. Blargh.
As you can see, I was conflicted with this book, which I why I rated 3 stars, bang in the middle. I admit, I am now a little wary of starting another Grace Burrowes book…and at the same time I would be interested to see how it compares to this book. Burrowes has left me in a tizzy of indecision! So, beware and start at your own peril.
January 25, 2018
LA RECENSIONE COMPLETA QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.it/2...
Tremaine si concentra sulle pecore e sul suo lavoro, mentre Nita si occupa dei poveri per fornire loro le migliori cure mediche. Entrambi devono riuscire a bilanciare i loro lavori e le loro famiglie e non è semplice, come mostra l'autrice con questa storia. Tremaine comprende Nita e il suo carattere ribelle, ma la conosce davvero? Nita crede di aver trovato l'uomo perfetto, ma è pronta ad adattarsi alla vita nomade di lui? Tremaine è un tipo differente di eroe romantico: di bell'aspetto, ricco, sì, ma attraverso il duro lavoro e l'ingegno. Anche Nita è diversa dalle eroine storiche a cui siamo abituate: è indipendente, schietta, ha interessi diversi dai vestiti e dai pettegolezzi, nella sua disinvoltura è attraente e sensuale e ammira molto Tremaine. Adoro quando il personaggio femminile sfide le convenzioni e sceglie di fare ciò che ritiene giusto, anche se si tratta di un sacrificio personale. Ho ammirato Nina per il suo carattere forte e gentile: è determinata e sempre pronta ad aiutare i poveri della sua contea, mettendo la sua stessa vita in pericolo. Ma nel complesso l'ho trovata un po' rigida e riluttante a considerare altri punti di vista: è incurante della sua reputazione e dei rischi che corre nell'aiutare i malati e delle raccomandazioni del fratello che è disperatamente preoccupato per lei. Ognuno deve imparare a immedesimarsi nell'altro, a vedere le situazioni dal punto di vista opposto e a fare compromessi. Entrambi i personaggi sono ben scritti, ma Tremaine è riuscito a farmi innamorare di più. Protagonisti attraenti e coinvolgenti con le loro vulnerabilità nascoste, relazioni familiari, una storia d'amore ben sviluppata - dall'amicizia che si instaura fino alla nascita dei sentimenti -, un eroe con una vena protettiva nei confronti degli animali e uno stile dell'autrice magistrale, brillante e distintivo: questi sono gli ingredienti di una storia meravigliosamente sensuale e accattivante. E' una storia che si basa sulle divertenti dinamiche familiari dell'irrefrenabile famiglia di Nita, della mentalità ristretta del tempo che vedeva la donna inadatta alla carriera lavorativa, delle ciarlatanerie mediche che prevalevano nelle campagne dell'epoca. Il vero gentiluomo è molto di più di una semplice storia d'amore: speranza e passione, regole infrante e visione della società più povera e svantaggiata.
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Tremaine si concentra sulle pecore e sul suo lavoro, mentre Nita si occupa dei poveri per fornire loro le migliori cure mediche. Entrambi devono riuscire a bilanciare i loro lavori e le loro famiglie e non è semplice, come mostra l'autrice con questa storia. Tremaine comprende Nita e il suo carattere ribelle, ma la conosce davvero? Nita crede di aver trovato l'uomo perfetto, ma è pronta ad adattarsi alla vita nomade di lui? Tremaine è un tipo differente di eroe romantico: di bell'aspetto, ricco, sì, ma attraverso il duro lavoro e l'ingegno. Anche Nita è diversa dalle eroine storiche a cui siamo abituate: è indipendente, schietta, ha interessi diversi dai vestiti e dai pettegolezzi, nella sua disinvoltura è attraente e sensuale e ammira molto Tremaine. Adoro quando il personaggio femminile sfide le convenzioni e sceglie di fare ciò che ritiene giusto, anche se si tratta di un sacrificio personale. Ho ammirato Nina per il suo carattere forte e gentile: è determinata e sempre pronta ad aiutare i poveri della sua contea, mettendo la sua stessa vita in pericolo. Ma nel complesso l'ho trovata un po' rigida e riluttante a considerare altri punti di vista: è incurante della sua reputazione e dei rischi che corre nell'aiutare i malati e delle raccomandazioni del fratello che è disperatamente preoccupato per lei. Ognuno deve imparare a immedesimarsi nell'altro, a vedere le situazioni dal punto di vista opposto e a fare compromessi. Entrambi i personaggi sono ben scritti, ma Tremaine è riuscito a farmi innamorare di più. Protagonisti attraenti e coinvolgenti con le loro vulnerabilità nascoste, relazioni familiari, una storia d'amore ben sviluppata - dall'amicizia che si instaura fino alla nascita dei sentimenti -, un eroe con una vena protettiva nei confronti degli animali e uno stile dell'autrice magistrale, brillante e distintivo: questi sono gli ingredienti di una storia meravigliosamente sensuale e accattivante. E' una storia che si basa sulle divertenti dinamiche familiari dell'irrefrenabile famiglia di Nita, della mentalità ristretta del tempo che vedeva la donna inadatta alla carriera lavorativa, delle ciarlatanerie mediche che prevalevano nelle campagne dell'epoca. Il vero gentiluomo è molto di più di una semplice storia d'amore: speranza e passione, regole infrante e visione della società più povera e svantaggiata.
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August 12, 2015
A recent convert to Ms.Burrowes’ novels, I had often found her complicated family trees a bit off-putting as regards the various and complex familial relationships that run through her various series, but I was persuaded to read Darius: Lord of Pleasure and the Captive Hearts series by two respected friends/reviewers and immediately loved her quirky, intelligent writing style. Tremaine St.Michael of mixed Scottish/French descent has a childhood past that has left him slightly bitter and unsure of his own worth, and although he is a gentleman, he is very firmly ensconced in trade and proud of the fact. He is a clever businessman, preferring to increase his already immense fortune by his wits and acumen and not to depend on his aristocratic background. He is quite at liberty to call himself Comte, a title inherited from his French Father, but prefers to be known as just plain Mister and comes over as a modest, unassuming man. He is quietly determined to achieve his goal, which is to purchase a large flock of impressive Merino sheep from Nicholas, the Earl of Bellefonte. Further traits that emerge slowly to Tremaine’s credit are his kindness and thoughtfulness, which are perhaps not immediately apparent, but in his unassuming manner he is a man who is quite delectable and very easy to like.
Lady Bernita Haddonfield, or Nita as she is known to her nearest and dearest, the eldest of the Earl’s unmarried sisters is a forthright, attractive blonde, who had been lady of the manor until her brother’s recent marriage. She cares for her large family in a more motherly than sisterly way, and after a brief, unsatisfactory brush with romance in her youth she has now eschewed marriage. Much to the consternation of her family, but especially Nicholas, she has all but become the local physician, following in her mother’s footsteps, but in a far more in-depth and dedicated manner. She is also very well read and practices some very controversial and state of the art medical methods which puts her at odds with the local physician and vicar. Nita is in great demand and refuses no one her time and skill. Even the notorious, local loose woman, who has had numerous children by as many different men – an outcast in society – who began life as the daughter of a respected local, minor gentry family – feels able to call on Nita without fear of condemnation or judgment and the story actually begins with Nita attending the birth of yet another addition to the family of this poor, downtrodden woman. Ms. Burrowes, realistically and emphatically describes the abject squalor and surroundings of this there-for-the-grace-of-God-go-I mother and her tribe of poorly clad, starving children.
Tremaine and Nita spend time together, and are witness, on a daily basis, to the caring side of each other. Although neither wants or seeks marriage, their admiration for each other starts to grow until they are more deeply attracted to each other than either would have wished for – the perfect combination – or so it seems.
The main conflict in the story comes from the fact that Nita is subjecting herself – and by association, her family – to all manner of contagious diseases. Immersing herself so thoroughly in her medical practices and visiting the unhygienic homes of the poor of society is not considered an acceptable pass-time for a lady of high rank. Nita does not consider the risk to herself and will not listen to her critics, although she is sensible enough to stay away from the nursery where the tiny heir to the earldom resides.
This is a delightful and unusual story that shows a very sympathetic side to Grace Burrowes’ writing. Homosexuality is mentioned, again in an extremely thoughtful and non judgemental way – I liked this addition and there is also a sweet secondary romance.
While not perhaps as spine-tinglingly romantic as Darius, or as deep and angsty as the Captive Hearts series, I really enjoyed Tremaine’s True Love, and I think Grace Burrowes has begun a series which will capture the interest of her followers and add a few more fans. My only reservation – and it is a real pet hate of mine – is to do with the modern terms peppered throughout which I would have thought that a writer of Ms. Burrowes calibre, with her evident extensive research (she must have read a lot to be able to write with such authority on sheep!) and eye for detail, would have conquered by now. Still, it’s a lovely read, with wonderful, well drawn characters I could not help admiring. I will definitely be reading this series as each book is released so it’s a definite thumbs up from me.
Lady Bernita Haddonfield, or Nita as she is known to her nearest and dearest, the eldest of the Earl’s unmarried sisters is a forthright, attractive blonde, who had been lady of the manor until her brother’s recent marriage. She cares for her large family in a more motherly than sisterly way, and after a brief, unsatisfactory brush with romance in her youth she has now eschewed marriage. Much to the consternation of her family, but especially Nicholas, she has all but become the local physician, following in her mother’s footsteps, but in a far more in-depth and dedicated manner. She is also very well read and practices some very controversial and state of the art medical methods which puts her at odds with the local physician and vicar. Nita is in great demand and refuses no one her time and skill. Even the notorious, local loose woman, who has had numerous children by as many different men – an outcast in society – who began life as the daughter of a respected local, minor gentry family – feels able to call on Nita without fear of condemnation or judgment and the story actually begins with Nita attending the birth of yet another addition to the family of this poor, downtrodden woman. Ms. Burrowes, realistically and emphatically describes the abject squalor and surroundings of this there-for-the-grace-of-God-go-I mother and her tribe of poorly clad, starving children.
Tremaine and Nita spend time together, and are witness, on a daily basis, to the caring side of each other. Although neither wants or seeks marriage, their admiration for each other starts to grow until they are more deeply attracted to each other than either would have wished for – the perfect combination – or so it seems.
The main conflict in the story comes from the fact that Nita is subjecting herself – and by association, her family – to all manner of contagious diseases. Immersing herself so thoroughly in her medical practices and visiting the unhygienic homes of the poor of society is not considered an acceptable pass-time for a lady of high rank. Nita does not consider the risk to herself and will not listen to her critics, although she is sensible enough to stay away from the nursery where the tiny heir to the earldom resides.
This is a delightful and unusual story that shows a very sympathetic side to Grace Burrowes’ writing. Homosexuality is mentioned, again in an extremely thoughtful and non judgemental way – I liked this addition and there is also a sweet secondary romance.
While not perhaps as spine-tinglingly romantic as Darius, or as deep and angsty as the Captive Hearts series, I really enjoyed Tremaine’s True Love, and I think Grace Burrowes has begun a series which will capture the interest of her followers and add a few more fans. My only reservation – and it is a real pet hate of mine – is to do with the modern terms peppered throughout which I would have thought that a writer of Ms. Burrowes calibre, with her evident extensive research (she must have read a lot to be able to write with such authority on sheep!) and eye for detail, would have conquered by now. Still, it’s a lovely read, with wonderful, well drawn characters I could not help admiring. I will definitely be reading this series as each book is released so it’s a definite thumbs up from me.
June 16, 2020
15/6/20 Needed a reread of something mid weight and fun. This was it for a 2nd enjoyable time
Challengingly heartwarming!
"The greatest plague to ever bedevil mortal man, the greatest threat to his peace, the most fiendish source of undeserved humility is his sister, and spinster sisters are the worst of a bad lot". With this opening salvo we are given a hint that Nicholas Haddonfield, Earl of Bellefonte, is stretched to the limit by actions of his sister, Nita Haddonfield. All this just as wealthy wool merchant Tremaine St. Michael, who has called to discuss sheep, strides into the Earl's parlour.
Before long we witness the dance between Tremaine, his desire for Haddonfield's sheep, the desirable Nita Haddonfield and Nicholas' loving endeavours to marry off Nita. The story line is peppered with truly delightful lines, such as when Nicholas persuades Tremaine to stay for a few days and then proceeds to remind Tremaine that he is 'an eligible bachelor, and therefore, a doomed man.'
When Nicholas declares that the 'Haddonfield womenfolk are like faeries. A man falls into their clutches and life ceases to have meaning.' Tremaine fleetingly recalls his Scottish grandfathers adage, 'avoid faeries as if your life depends on it.'
Fortunately for us Tremaine doesn't heed his grandfathers advice and we are treated to a searching, searing story of love's challenge alongside discovering self worth.
Nita is a determined woman with the gift of healing who cares for those under Nicholas' care. Nicholas wants more for her.
Tremaine meets all those requirements but what are Lady Nita's? Nita is determined to eschew marriage so that she can continue what she says as her life's work, the care of the sick and less fortunate. How can she do that and marry?
Of course there's an obligatory blackguard in the wings. His fate is both satisfying and a little surprising. Still one should never be surprised by the way Burrowes works her lyrical narrative magic.
One last mention. I was not disappointed. The 'foot' once again becomes an endearing romantic opportunity. When Tremaine helps Nita off with her woollen stockings, the tenderness of the action with its sensual overtones is a delight. Thank you Ms. Burrowes!
Tremaine and Nita's story is both consummately challenging and exquisitely satisfying. This entry into the new True Gentleman series leads the way with gusto, verve, passion and empathy.
A NetGalley ARC
Challengingly heartwarming!
"The greatest plague to ever bedevil mortal man, the greatest threat to his peace, the most fiendish source of undeserved humility is his sister, and spinster sisters are the worst of a bad lot". With this opening salvo we are given a hint that Nicholas Haddonfield, Earl of Bellefonte, is stretched to the limit by actions of his sister, Nita Haddonfield. All this just as wealthy wool merchant Tremaine St. Michael, who has called to discuss sheep, strides into the Earl's parlour.
Before long we witness the dance between Tremaine, his desire for Haddonfield's sheep, the desirable Nita Haddonfield and Nicholas' loving endeavours to marry off Nita. The story line is peppered with truly delightful lines, such as when Nicholas persuades Tremaine to stay for a few days and then proceeds to remind Tremaine that he is 'an eligible bachelor, and therefore, a doomed man.'
When Nicholas declares that the 'Haddonfield womenfolk are like faeries. A man falls into their clutches and life ceases to have meaning.' Tremaine fleetingly recalls his Scottish grandfathers adage, 'avoid faeries as if your life depends on it.'
Fortunately for us Tremaine doesn't heed his grandfathers advice and we are treated to a searching, searing story of love's challenge alongside discovering self worth.
Nita is a determined woman with the gift of healing who cares for those under Nicholas' care. Nicholas wants more for her.
Tremaine meets all those requirements but what are Lady Nita's? Nita is determined to eschew marriage so that she can continue what she says as her life's work, the care of the sick and less fortunate. How can she do that and marry?
Of course there's an obligatory blackguard in the wings. His fate is both satisfying and a little surprising. Still one should never be surprised by the way Burrowes works her lyrical narrative magic.
One last mention. I was not disappointed. The 'foot' once again becomes an endearing romantic opportunity. When Tremaine helps Nita off with her woollen stockings, the tenderness of the action with its sensual overtones is a delight. Thank you Ms. Burrowes!
Tremaine and Nita's story is both consummately challenging and exquisitely satisfying. This entry into the new True Gentleman series leads the way with gusto, verve, passion and empathy.
A NetGalley ARC
July 23, 2015
Review copy courtesy of the publisher.
Yikes, this was a long book. It felt long and at almost 400 pages, it WAS long. But I can't, for the life of me, figure out why that was an issue or how I would have changed anything.
I liked Nita well enough. She was an entirely likable character. She's a sister to an earl (I believe) and she spends her days caring for the sick in her community who are too poor to go to a "real" doctor. She's selfless and caring and kind. She's a wonderful person and there really wasn't anything to dislike about her. But I think that I found her a little boring. I don't really know why because her life is full of drama - from the disagreements with her beloved but exasperating brother to the illnesses of the poor she treats - but it just wasn't enough for me to love her. Maybe she was all work and no play and her work was hard and depressing. The bottom line is that I liked her but I didn't love her.
Tremaine was a bit of a... well, not uncivilized man but he didn't really give a damn about societal norms. He knew it wasn't proper to talk to Nita about trade or about the mating and birthing habits of sheep but he didn't really care. He felt she had a good head on her shoulders and was willing to work and he respected that. I think that's what I liked most about Tremaine - he respected Nita almost from the start. Finding respect, as a woman in Regency England, would be about as easy as finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. So when a man in a historical romance shows respect to a woman for her mind and/or her abilities, I take notice. Generally, I liked Tremaine and I enjoyed his practical approach to life.
The romance between Nita and Tremaine was super slow. Neither of them had any desire to be married or to fall in love. So they both fought the attraction between them for at least half the book. The Sexy Time was what I expected from a historical romance and nothing more. That isn't a bad thing, though. There was also a little romance here and there between some of the secondary characters and that added some welcome variety to the story, as well.
I liked this book - it was a perfectly decent book. But it didn't knock my socks off in any category. There wasn't a ton of action but plenty of drama. A little bit of humor as well. I think there was a lot going on in this novel: the main story between Nita and Tremaine, Nita's work with the sick, the relationship between the earl and his countess, the whatever-was-going-on between Nita's sister and the town jerk, and finally the story of Nita's brother and the widow. That's probably what added to the length and took away from my patience. I think this would be a great book for readers who are already fans of this author and for anyone who likes a book that is jam-packed with stories. It wasn't really for me, though.
Yikes, this was a long book. It felt long and at almost 400 pages, it WAS long. But I can't, for the life of me, figure out why that was an issue or how I would have changed anything.
I liked Nita well enough. She was an entirely likable character. She's a sister to an earl (I believe) and she spends her days caring for the sick in her community who are too poor to go to a "real" doctor. She's selfless and caring and kind. She's a wonderful person and there really wasn't anything to dislike about her. But I think that I found her a little boring. I don't really know why because her life is full of drama - from the disagreements with her beloved but exasperating brother to the illnesses of the poor she treats - but it just wasn't enough for me to love her. Maybe she was all work and no play and her work was hard and depressing. The bottom line is that I liked her but I didn't love her.
Tremaine was a bit of a... well, not uncivilized man but he didn't really give a damn about societal norms. He knew it wasn't proper to talk to Nita about trade or about the mating and birthing habits of sheep but he didn't really care. He felt she had a good head on her shoulders and was willing to work and he respected that. I think that's what I liked most about Tremaine - he respected Nita almost from the start. Finding respect, as a woman in Regency England, would be about as easy as finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. So when a man in a historical romance shows respect to a woman for her mind and/or her abilities, I take notice. Generally, I liked Tremaine and I enjoyed his practical approach to life.
The romance between Nita and Tremaine was super slow. Neither of them had any desire to be married or to fall in love. So they both fought the attraction between them for at least half the book. The Sexy Time was what I expected from a historical romance and nothing more. That isn't a bad thing, though. There was also a little romance here and there between some of the secondary characters and that added some welcome variety to the story, as well.
I liked this book - it was a perfectly decent book. But it didn't knock my socks off in any category. There wasn't a ton of action but plenty of drama. A little bit of humor as well. I think there was a lot going on in this novel: the main story between Nita and Tremaine, Nita's work with the sick, the relationship between the earl and his countess, the whatever-was-going-on between Nita's sister and the town jerk, and finally the story of Nita's brother and the widow. That's probably what added to the length and took away from my patience. I think this would be a great book for readers who are already fans of this author and for anyone who likes a book that is jam-packed with stories. It wasn't really for me, though.
July 23, 2015
They weren’t looking for love, but Cupid has other ideas in Grace Burrowes latest historical romance, Tremaine’s True Love. Gather around the sitting room, bring your lacey fans, because Ms. Burrowes has a steamy story of romance, love and the meeting of two lonely souls.
Everyone is learning the joys of marital bliss, except Nita, but she works hard with her charitable causes, her doctoring of the sick and needy and knows quite well that no man could tolerate her less than demure ways. Tremaine St. Michael is a businessman on a mission to buy prized sheep for the money they can bring in. When these two single-minded people meet, the connection is not exactly hearts and flowers at first glance, or even second, for that matter. But compromise, and being open to seeing things in a new light may be the push these two need to finally say what is in their hearts. They have no problem between the sheets, but actually committing to another, without it being a business arrangement as cover? So. Not. Romantic. Not a great cover either, as Tremaine and the hard-headed Nita play at a game that could cost them more than they will ever know.
Grace Burrowes deals in romance between two strong people, and this time out is no exception, but there is a bit of a twist, compromise. Both main characters are completely enjoyable, but Tremaine seemed almost more in touch with his feelings than Nita, who has learned the hard way, the value of women in her world. Another wonderful escape back in time where leather, lace and propriety are no match for love.
I received an ARC edition from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for my honest review.
Series: True Gentlemen - Book 1
Publication Date: August 4, 2015
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN-13: 9781492621034
Genre: Historical Romance
Print Length: 416 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For More Reviews, Promotions and all things Books visit: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Everyone is learning the joys of marital bliss, except Nita, but she works hard with her charitable causes, her doctoring of the sick and needy and knows quite well that no man could tolerate her less than demure ways. Tremaine St. Michael is a businessman on a mission to buy prized sheep for the money they can bring in. When these two single-minded people meet, the connection is not exactly hearts and flowers at first glance, or even second, for that matter. But compromise, and being open to seeing things in a new light may be the push these two need to finally say what is in their hearts. They have no problem between the sheets, but actually committing to another, without it being a business arrangement as cover? So. Not. Romantic. Not a great cover either, as Tremaine and the hard-headed Nita play at a game that could cost them more than they will ever know.
Grace Burrowes deals in romance between two strong people, and this time out is no exception, but there is a bit of a twist, compromise. Both main characters are completely enjoyable, but Tremaine seemed almost more in touch with his feelings than Nita, who has learned the hard way, the value of women in her world. Another wonderful escape back in time where leather, lace and propriety are no match for love.
I received an ARC edition from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for my honest review.
Series: True Gentlemen - Book 1
Publication Date: August 4, 2015
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN-13: 9781492621034
Genre: Historical Romance
Print Length: 416 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For More Reviews, Promotions and all things Books visit: http://tometender.blogspot.com
August 3, 2015
I can consider Tremaine's True Love a disappointment if I compare it to The duke's disaster which I loved. I wasn't able to fully connect to the characters this time. I also got a little confused about what Susannah (I think I got the right sister) did with her suitor. At first I think they just kissed and then she talks about the possibility of a baby. The greatest disappointment of all was the lack of satisfaction over reading a historical romance. Nita is not a virgin and there is no sense of property in this book. She comes and she goes as she wishes due to the nature of her activity (I wouldn't call it work since she doesn't get paid) and I wanted something forbidden.
After some consideration, I am changing my 4 star rating to 3 because I spend time reading a historical romance and I didn't a feeling of reading one. The drama in the end was unnecessary and the book could do without it. I will give the second book a chance, but if the heroine isn't a virgin or the book doesn't have a ballroom dance or something forbidden like a stolen kiss or sneaking in the gardens I won't read any other books from this author and I will think about reading the third book.
My problem is that I had high expressions of the book and it was quite difficult to meet them. Also Tremaine is part Scottish but he was speaking English like he was an Englishman and not a Scotsman. I love how Scottish people pronounce things and how they cut some words and I would have liked to see that happening with this book.
If I hadn't read The duke's disaster, I probably wouldn't have given the second book a chance. I still have hope for this author.
After some consideration, I am changing my 4 star rating to 3 because I spend time reading a historical romance and I didn't a feeling of reading one. The drama in the end was unnecessary and the book could do without it. I will give the second book a chance, but if the heroine isn't a virgin or the book doesn't have a ballroom dance or something forbidden like a stolen kiss or sneaking in the gardens I won't read any other books from this author and I will think about reading the third book.
My problem is that I had high expressions of the book and it was quite difficult to meet them. Also Tremaine is part Scottish but he was speaking English like he was an Englishman and not a Scotsman. I love how Scottish people pronounce things and how they cut some words and I would have liked to see that happening with this book.
If I hadn't read The duke's disaster, I probably wouldn't have given the second book a chance. I still have hope for this author.
August 7, 2015
Move over Lost Lords series and make some room for True Gentleman series.
Grace Burrowes starts her brand new series with Lord Tremaine and it is as awesome as all her other books.
Let me tell you why I love to read this author. She creates characters that are so real to me that I lose myself in them. She roots her stories in reality, yet their stories are magical.
Tremaine St. Michael is a tradesman who at the moment is visiting Earl of Haddonfield because he is looking to buy some high quality sheep for their wool.
Earl’s sister Lady Nita is one of those sisters all brothers dread. She is of strong character and even stronger opinions, and what she does in her “spare” time is something her brother strongly disapproves, so he is taken into his head that sooner she marries, the better it would be for them both.
I liked that both lead characters were complex and yet straight forward. Their romance was slow, real and utterly sweet.
I am beyond excited for this new series and cannot wait for the next one, Daniel’s True Desire ;)
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
Grace Burrowes starts her brand new series with Lord Tremaine and it is as awesome as all her other books.
Let me tell you why I love to read this author. She creates characters that are so real to me that I lose myself in them. She roots her stories in reality, yet their stories are magical.
Tremaine St. Michael is a tradesman who at the moment is visiting Earl of Haddonfield because he is looking to buy some high quality sheep for their wool.
Earl’s sister Lady Nita is one of those sisters all brothers dread. She is of strong character and even stronger opinions, and what she does in her “spare” time is something her brother strongly disapproves, so he is taken into his head that sooner she marries, the better it would be for them both.
I liked that both lead characters were complex and yet straight forward. Their romance was slow, real and utterly sweet.
I am beyond excited for this new series and cannot wait for the next one, Daniel’s True Desire ;)
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
July 23, 2017
Debating rating. 3.5 - 4 stars. Quite lovely in many ways, but a bit ... formal. Not sure how to describe it. More later!
August 14, 2015
Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS and Netgalley for providing a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 stars
Since reading my very first Grace Burrowes book last year, she has quickly become one of my favorite voices in historical romance. The Captive was on my ‘Best of’ list for 2014 reads, and for this reason, I wonder if my expectations may have been too high for Tremaine’s True Love. I loved Tremaine and Nita, the main characters, but as I was reading the book, I kept waiting for something to happen. It never really did. It was a slow story overall with no build up and no action.
Tremaine was a gentle and kind-hearted hero. He is a perfect example of why I love this author so much – in a genre that’s filled with high-handed alpha men, she manages to make hers fiercely caring without crossing the line into controlling. He had interests other than carousing, and I like how the fact that he fell in love with Nita took him by surprise, but he still stayed practical about things, as was his nature. Nita and the way everyone viewed her threw me for a loop. She was seen to be so selfless and caring, but she never gave a second thought to the fact that her family, and then Tremaine, were worried about her health and safety. I couldn’t help but like her character despite this, because she was such a champion for people who were looked down upon by society and may not have received treatment any other way.
I think one of the things that made it hard for me to get lost in the story was the fact that the secondary characters got a lot of page time in this one. I think they overshadowed Tremaine and Nita, and had we gotten less of them, it may have helped the pacing a bit.
While this book may not have been as good as some others I have read from this author, there were enjoyable and romantic moments in this one. If you’re a fan of Grace Burrowes, I think you’ll find things in the story to appreciate. I’ll be continuing with the series.
This review was originally posted at Badass Book Reviews.
2.5 stars
Since reading my very first Grace Burrowes book last year, she has quickly become one of my favorite voices in historical romance. The Captive was on my ‘Best of’ list for 2014 reads, and for this reason, I wonder if my expectations may have been too high for Tremaine’s True Love. I loved Tremaine and Nita, the main characters, but as I was reading the book, I kept waiting for something to happen. It never really did. It was a slow story overall with no build up and no action.
Tremaine was a gentle and kind-hearted hero. He is a perfect example of why I love this author so much – in a genre that’s filled with high-handed alpha men, she manages to make hers fiercely caring without crossing the line into controlling. He had interests other than carousing, and I like how the fact that he fell in love with Nita took him by surprise, but he still stayed practical about things, as was his nature. Nita and the way everyone viewed her threw me for a loop. She was seen to be so selfless and caring, but she never gave a second thought to the fact that her family, and then Tremaine, were worried about her health and safety. I couldn’t help but like her character despite this, because she was such a champion for people who were looked down upon by society and may not have received treatment any other way.
I think one of the things that made it hard for me to get lost in the story was the fact that the secondary characters got a lot of page time in this one. I think they overshadowed Tremaine and Nita, and had we gotten less of them, it may have helped the pacing a bit.
While this book may not have been as good as some others I have read from this author, there were enjoyable and romantic moments in this one. If you’re a fan of Grace Burrowes, I think you’ll find things in the story to appreciate. I’ll be continuing with the series.
This review was originally posted at Badass Book Reviews.
October 30, 2015
This is the story of Nicholas Haddonfield's oldest sister Nita (Nicholas is one of the Lonely Lords, an earlier series by Grace Burrowes) and Tremaine St. Michael. Tremaine is sort-of related to Nicholas' brother Beckman, another of the Lonely Lords - he's the brother of Beckman's wife's first husband. Anyway, Tremaine is a wealthy sheep herder/trader and wants to buy a flock of merino sheep from Nicholas. Nicholas wants to get his sisters (all four of them) married off, but doesn't really have adequate dowries for them, so he figures he can package one of his sisters in with the sheep as a deal. He's pretty much given up on Nita being married because she runs around the countryside healing poor sick people, midwifing to the local fallen woman and generally behaving in a way that is not acceptable for someone at her social level. However, Tremaine finds this rather appealing, while Nita finds Tremaine appealing for his care for animals and small children.
There is not a whole lot going on in this story besides everybody fretting about Nita's behaviour. There is a very small, strange subplot about George, another brother of Nicholas', who appears to be homosexual buts ends up marrying a widow that he feels sorry for and very quickly getting her pregnant. There is the usual busyness with food and tea and horses and hearty conversation that Burrowes likes to put in her stories, but this is starting to remind me more and more of the stage busyness that directors use to liven up boring stretches of a play ...
This was a pleasant enough read, but I've read better from Grace Burrowes.
There is not a whole lot going on in this story besides everybody fretting about Nita's behaviour. There is a very small, strange subplot about George, another brother of Nicholas', who appears to be homosexual buts ends up marrying a widow that he feels sorry for and very quickly getting her pregnant. There is the usual busyness with food and tea and horses and hearty conversation that Burrowes likes to put in her stories, but this is starting to remind me more and more of the stage busyness that directors use to liven up boring stretches of a play ...
This was a pleasant enough read, but I've read better from Grace Burrowes.
June 12, 2017
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.
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.
August 12, 2015
This book depressed me. The heroine spends her time riding over to the local fallen woman's house, where she has 5 kids, a brand new baby, not enough food, not enough wood to keep them warm, etc.
The hero teaches the kids that they can use the ash from the fireplace to practice their letters. You know, since they're too poor to have paper.
The heroine's neighbor likes to beat his brother's widowed wife. She goes around with black eyes.
The heroine's brother (one of them) is gay or bisexual. We spend some time in his head where he thinks sexual thoughts about the hero. And other encounters he's had with men.
The local doctor hates the heroine and tells her all her medical ideas are wrong, like not bleeding pregnant women.
This book was just depressing. I wanted to read a romance novel not about starving children with a mom who is addicted to gin and works as a prostitute.
The hero teaches the kids that they can use the ash from the fireplace to practice their letters. You know, since they're too poor to have paper.
The heroine's neighbor likes to beat his brother's widowed wife. She goes around with black eyes.
The heroine's brother (one of them) is gay or bisexual. We spend some time in his head where he thinks sexual thoughts about the hero. And other encounters he's had with men.
The local doctor hates the heroine and tells her all her medical ideas are wrong, like not bleeding pregnant women.
This book was just depressing. I wanted to read a romance novel not about starving children with a mom who is addicted to gin and works as a prostitute.
January 11, 2016
Maybe I wasn't in the right mood for this kind of romance, but I wasn't very much involved with this romance... mostly because of the heroine, but also of the hero...
Nita is too inflexible and unwilling to at least rty to understand other points of view. OK, she's capable and want to right all the wrongs, but she's also blind when her security is jeopardized.
Tremaine seems different at the beginning, but his alpha persona comes out too. He knows that Nita doesn't want to consider stopping her charities and her doctoring, so what he does? He goes behind her back and obviously, whan Nita discovers this their relationship is compromised.
Still, there were some very touching moments and the writing is excellent, so I rate it 4 stars.
Nita is too inflexible and unwilling to at least rty to understand other points of view. OK, she's capable and want to right all the wrongs, but she's also blind when her security is jeopardized.
Tremaine seems different at the beginning, but his alpha persona comes out too. He knows that Nita doesn't want to consider stopping her charities and her doctoring, so what he does? He goes behind her back and obviously, whan Nita discovers this their relationship is compromised.
Still, there were some very touching moments and the writing is excellent, so I rate it 4 stars.
July 3, 2015
This book never drew me in. I liked the leads but their story dragged.
August 4, 2015
Disclosure: I requested this ARC through Netgalley. Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and to Grace Burrowes for the opportunity. Yes, this is an honest review.
* * *
I thought it was very bold of Grace Burrowes to declare in her title that she was writing about one of her character's true love -- but, as I read through the novel, I realised that Tremaine does discover exactly that: his true love. But, how do Tremaine and Nita (and we) know that it is true love?
Tremaine is a man with a mind focused solely on business, and Nita is a woman with a heart focused solely on helping others. Tremaine, being half-French and half-Scottish at this very awkward point in history has very little family to speak of, and is estranged to the ones he knows of. Nita has family -- a very large, very meddlesome family that has extended to include well-meaning, yet, equally meddlesome spouses. It's two very different worlds struggling to become one.
And Grace Burrowes accomplishes this synthesis of opposing personalities and paradigms without raising a voice.
It's the first thing I noticed when I was reading: there is a deceptively light tone (and touch) to this story. It tackles a very dramatic theme, but the drama within the novel is very subdued and we get whispers instead of histrionics. A lot of this has to do with Nita, brave and noble Nita, who quietly pursues the work of tending to the health and welfare of her brother's tenants at the expense of her health and reputation. She is doing this at a time when women were NOT doctors, and were NOT supposed to pursue any sort of medical work outside of making poultices or creams. Nita is very, very good at what she does -- and, while she has earned the town's custom, she realises she has not truly earned their trust or their respect.
This is Nita's tragedy: she is doing heroic, unselfish work, but no one recognises her heroism or appreciates her skills. We've heard the expression "So-and-so will be the death of me ..." and we don't put much weight on it -- but Nita's brother's have said this of her, and, whether it's meant in exasperation or frustration or concern or humour, there is truth to it.
And this is the other side of Nita's altruism -- the very selfish aspect of her charity. During any of Nita's visits, she could contract any number of diseases, and then spread it to the rest of her family. With babies on the way, and with young Haddonfields running around, like the sword of Damocles, the possibility of illness (and death) loomed over their entire family.
Tremaine is a really wonderful character -- is quite a progressive thinker and is a man who is learning from the mistakes of the past. When he was a boy, his mother left (abandoned) them in Scotland at the mercy of their grandfather, so she could return to France and be with Tremaine's father. Both his parents died during the turmoils of the Napoleonic Wars, so he's seen how the passionate pursuit of something could destroy a person and his family. How, then, does Tremaine figure into Nita's well-structured, disciplined, very self-contained, yet tense life?
Initially, he did not want to be involved. He wanted to get the business of procuring sheep quickly, quietly and neatly concluded, so he could proceed to the his other businesses at hand -- but circumstances forced Tremaine to linger at the Belle Maison, the Haddolfield family seat. He hadn't wanted to interact with the Haddonfield ladies, and had no thought to consider any of them for marriage, but there was something about Nita that drew him to her.
The conflict of the story is life itself: when one's life's work and one's dream stands in the way of fulfilling a greater life's work and a greater dream. And this is where I know that what Tremaine feels for Nita isn't just a passing fancy:
1. It's not instantaneous. Tremaine and Nita's relationship grew very, very gradually -- much of the narrative tackled day-to-day life at Belle Maison, and our hero and heroine would meet each other through the course of the day. They were ordinary, yet meaningful interactions where they learned a little bit about each other, and discovered how they complement each other, and how they counter each other, because, honestly, two people cannot be perfectly perfect for each other.
2. It required sacrifice. Nita's life and work are in ..., and Tremaine is just passing through and already has plans for his next business trip. While Tremaine appreciates Nita's skills and abilities, and admires them -- Tremaine's views for married life is still very conventional. Tremaine intends to look after his family, while Nita plans to take care of the world. I love that Tremaine recognises the importance of Nita's work. I love that Nita understands Tremaine's concerns -- and what is required of our hero and heroine is a radical shift of ideas and intentions. It becomes a question, then, of whether what they will gain is worth what they are giving up. It's quite heartbreaking to see them weigh their options in the hopes of finding a way for everything to work.
Grace Burrowes tackles such weighty issues such as medicine, healthcare (and poor people's lack of access to proper ones), a woman's place in society, and family -- and is honest enough not to provide a be-all and end-all answer, but instead offers the means by which such issues could be tackled: through thoughtful and mindful conversations and negotiations.
* * *
I thought it was very bold of Grace Burrowes to declare in her title that she was writing about one of her character's true love -- but, as I read through the novel, I realised that Tremaine does discover exactly that: his true love. But, how do Tremaine and Nita (and we) know that it is true love?
Tremaine is a man with a mind focused solely on business, and Nita is a woman with a heart focused solely on helping others. Tremaine, being half-French and half-Scottish at this very awkward point in history has very little family to speak of, and is estranged to the ones he knows of. Nita has family -- a very large, very meddlesome family that has extended to include well-meaning, yet, equally meddlesome spouses. It's two very different worlds struggling to become one.
And Grace Burrowes accomplishes this synthesis of opposing personalities and paradigms without raising a voice.
It's the first thing I noticed when I was reading: there is a deceptively light tone (and touch) to this story. It tackles a very dramatic theme, but the drama within the novel is very subdued and we get whispers instead of histrionics. A lot of this has to do with Nita, brave and noble Nita, who quietly pursues the work of tending to the health and welfare of her brother's tenants at the expense of her health and reputation. She is doing this at a time when women were NOT doctors, and were NOT supposed to pursue any sort of medical work outside of making poultices or creams. Nita is very, very good at what she does -- and, while she has earned the town's custom, she realises she has not truly earned their trust or their respect.
"...Martyrs have many admirers but few friends, Lady Nita, and worst of all, they never have any fun."
- loc 642 to 655
This is Nita's tragedy: she is doing heroic, unselfish work, but no one recognises her heroism or appreciates her skills. We've heard the expression "So-and-so will be the death of me ..." and we don't put much weight on it -- but Nita's brother's have said this of her, and, whether it's meant in exasperation or frustration or concern or humour, there is truth to it.
And this is the other side of Nita's altruism -- the very selfish aspect of her charity. During any of Nita's visits, she could contract any number of diseases, and then spread it to the rest of her family. With babies on the way, and with young Haddonfields running around, like the sword of Damocles, the possibility of illness (and death) loomed over their entire family.
The medical calls were taking a toll on Nita, on the entire family, in fact. Nita had been plump as a younger woman, sturdy and rounded. She was nearly gaunt now, and her mouth was grim far more often than it was merry.
Addy Chalmers had an unfortunate fondness for gin. Had Nita acquired an unfortunate fondness for misery?
- loc 2309
Tremaine is a really wonderful character -- is quite a progressive thinker and is a man who is learning from the mistakes of the past. When he was a boy, his mother left (abandoned) them in Scotland at the mercy of their grandfather, so she could return to France and be with Tremaine's father. Both his parents died during the turmoils of the Napoleonic Wars, so he's seen how the passionate pursuit of something could destroy a person and his family. How, then, does Tremaine figure into Nita's well-structured, disciplined, very self-contained, yet tense life?
Initially, he did not want to be involved. He wanted to get the business of procuring sheep quickly, quietly and neatly concluded, so he could proceed to the his other businesses at hand -- but circumstances forced Tremaine to linger at the Belle Maison, the Haddolfield family seat. He hadn't wanted to interact with the Haddonfield ladies, and had no thought to consider any of them for marriage, but there was something about Nita that drew him to her.
Though the Haddonfields were not at peace with each other, or at least not with Lady Nita. All families endured such tensions, which was part of the reason Tremaine remained largely outside the ambit of what family he had.
He took another bite of cold eggs and vowed to pin Bellefonte down regarding the herd of merino sheep before the sun had set. The sooner Tremaine transacted his business with Bellefonte and was on his way, the better.
- loc 238
The conflict of the story is life itself: when one's life's work and one's dream stands in the way of fulfilling a greater life's work and a greater dream. And this is where I know that what Tremaine feels for Nita isn't just a passing fancy:
"I cannot and will not let children die when I can help, Tremaine. I cannot allow women to suffer a complaint of the privy parts because they're too ashamed to seek Horton's dubious counsel. Where is your Christianity?"
Tremaine jerked on his breeches. "Where is your sense? ... I don't fault your kindness, my lady, but I cannot abide the notion that you repeatedly put yourself and your loved ones at risk merely for the asking. You risk your life, Nita, for anybody who asks it of you. I offer you happiness and a husband's rightful protection, and you disdain my suit."
- loc 3401
1. It's not instantaneous. Tremaine and Nita's relationship grew very, very gradually -- much of the narrative tackled day-to-day life at Belle Maison, and our hero and heroine would meet each other through the course of the day. They were ordinary, yet meaningful interactions where they learned a little bit about each other, and discovered how they complement each other, and how they counter each other, because, honestly, two people cannot be perfectly perfect for each other.
2. It required sacrifice. Nita's life and work are in ..., and Tremaine is just passing through and already has plans for his next business trip. While Tremaine appreciates Nita's skills and abilities, and admires them -- Tremaine's views for married life is still very conventional. Tremaine intends to look after his family, while Nita plans to take care of the world. I love that Tremaine recognises the importance of Nita's work. I love that Nita understands Tremaine's concerns -- and what is required of our hero and heroine is a radical shift of ideas and intentions. It becomes a question, then, of whether what they will gain is worth what they are giving up. It's quite heartbreaking to see them weigh their options in the hopes of finding a way for everything to work.
"Are you rejecting my offer of marriage, Nita Haddonfield?"
"Are you rejecting my calling as a healer, Tremaine St. Michael?"
- loc 3413
Grace Burrowes tackles such weighty issues such as medicine, healthcare (and poor people's lack of access to proper ones), a woman's place in society, and family -- and is honest enough not to provide a be-all and end-all answer, but instead offers the means by which such issues could be tackled: through thoughtful and mindful conversations and negotiations.
June 13, 2018
I just couldn't get into this book unfortunately. I can't really pinpoint what it was lacking. It was...boring. The heroine seemed like a stick-in-the-mud, her older brother came across as a ding-dong, there was a lot of talking about sheep..... Too slow and uninteresting characters :(
August 10, 2015
Vikki’s Musings
I have been a fan of Grace Burrowes since I discovered The Heir several years ago. When I received an invitation from the publisher to read and review Tremaine’s True Love via Net-Galley in exchange for an honest review, I gladly accepted. This book is a great start on a new series. Of course, this series includes characters from another series by Grace Burrowes, as it is set in Nicholas, the Earl of Bellefonte’s home. Nicholas has his own story in the Lonely Lords series.
Tremaine St. Michael is on a mission. He wants to purchase Merino sheep from Bellefonte. What he didn’t count on was falling in love with the earl’s charming, yet eccentric sister, Lady Nita. He immediately becomes involved in one of Nita’s healing expeditions.
Lady Nita is a confirmed spinster and values her freedom above all else. She is a gifted healer and is selfless in her devotion to anyone who is ill, regardless of the danger to her personal health. When she meets Tremaine, she is drawn to him right away, but is not interested in forming a permanent connection with him.
Will Tremaine overcome her disdain for the institution of marriage and win the heart of this fascinating, yet stubborn young woman, or will her dedication to treating anyone who needs her drive them apart?
Family is an integral part of all of Ms. Burrowes books and Tremaine’s True Love is indicative of that trend. The reader gets a glimpse of the Haddenfields, a family who is the central focal point of the Lonely Lords series. I enjoyed reading about Nicholas and his family again. Ms. Burrowes has a great talent for writing stories with caring male leads and Tremaine St. Michael definitely fits.
The romance between Tremaine and Nita is a slowly blossoming flower and quite enjoyable. There is never any doubt of the affection the couple have for each other, and I rooted for them from the start to the finish.
Lady Nita is a bit too nice for my tastes. While I appreciated her dedication to helping the sick, she came across as too much of a martyr. At times, she is quite heedless of her family’s concerns for her safety. Although, I did find a certain charm about her character.
Tremaine’s character is a fairly uncomplicated man. He wants those sheep and is willing to bargain for them until it becomes clear that by acquiring them, he could alienate Lady Nita. I truly enjoyed his character a great deal throughout the book.
As always with one of Ms. Burrowes stories I became enmeshed with her characters. If you enjoy a book that showcases family love with a delightful romance woven in, then you will enjoy Tremaine’s True Love. Happy reading!
I have been a fan of Grace Burrowes since I discovered The Heir several years ago. When I received an invitation from the publisher to read and review Tremaine’s True Love via Net-Galley in exchange for an honest review, I gladly accepted. This book is a great start on a new series. Of course, this series includes characters from another series by Grace Burrowes, as it is set in Nicholas, the Earl of Bellefonte’s home. Nicholas has his own story in the Lonely Lords series.
Tremaine St. Michael is on a mission. He wants to purchase Merino sheep from Bellefonte. What he didn’t count on was falling in love with the earl’s charming, yet eccentric sister, Lady Nita. He immediately becomes involved in one of Nita’s healing expeditions.
Lady Nita is a confirmed spinster and values her freedom above all else. She is a gifted healer and is selfless in her devotion to anyone who is ill, regardless of the danger to her personal health. When she meets Tremaine, she is drawn to him right away, but is not interested in forming a permanent connection with him.
Will Tremaine overcome her disdain for the institution of marriage and win the heart of this fascinating, yet stubborn young woman, or will her dedication to treating anyone who needs her drive them apart?
Family is an integral part of all of Ms. Burrowes books and Tremaine’s True Love is indicative of that trend. The reader gets a glimpse of the Haddenfields, a family who is the central focal point of the Lonely Lords series. I enjoyed reading about Nicholas and his family again. Ms. Burrowes has a great talent for writing stories with caring male leads and Tremaine St. Michael definitely fits.
The romance between Tremaine and Nita is a slowly blossoming flower and quite enjoyable. There is never any doubt of the affection the couple have for each other, and I rooted for them from the start to the finish.
Lady Nita is a bit too nice for my tastes. While I appreciated her dedication to helping the sick, she came across as too much of a martyr. At times, she is quite heedless of her family’s concerns for her safety. Although, I did find a certain charm about her character.
Tremaine’s character is a fairly uncomplicated man. He wants those sheep and is willing to bargain for them until it becomes clear that by acquiring them, he could alienate Lady Nita. I truly enjoyed his character a great deal throughout the book.
As always with one of Ms. Burrowes stories I became enmeshed with her characters. If you enjoy a book that showcases family love with a delightful romance woven in, then you will enjoy Tremaine’s True Love. Happy reading!
August 4, 2015
Happy Release Day!
There's a giveaway at the blog today, too:
www.firstpagetothelast.com
I love a story where neither of our main characters are looking for love...and then it finds them. Tremaine just wants those sheep. Nita just wants to look after the people around the village. She tries not to be envious of her family in their marital bliss, but she thinks she firmly on the shelf, mainly because she does go out of her way to help those hurting around her. The doctor, such as he is, is horrible to his patients. They need her.
Tremaine is charming and adorable. He has some interactions with children and he just wormed his way into my heart. He had some wrong ideas about what his wife should do and how she should act. I was pleased to see that he could LEARN, which is always a plus in my heroes.
Nita was a bit hard headed about her goals in life. But she learns, too...and compromise can be a blessing.
There is a bad guy here...and I kept worrying that he would win the day because people weren't forthcoming to those that could help one of the sisters. It does work out, but I was worried, just a bit!
Some of the lines in this one tickled me, a lot, like this one where Nita is watching Tremaine:
“We didn’t bank the fire,” Nita said, gaze glued to the middle of his chest. Sternum, rectus abdominis. Donotlookdownimus. Wearing nothing but a smile the likes of which would set every female heart in the shire pounding, Mr. St. Michael crossed the room and took up the poker. Trapezius, latissimus dorsi, gluteus… Gluteus God helpmeus. A giggle threatened, a very pleased giggle as Mr. St. Michael returned to the bed.
Once again, I just sat and read for more than a day. I love the characters Ms. Burrowes creates for us. And, again, it was a joy to see people for her other books wander through.
I highly recommend this book for those that love historical romance with charming characters.
*Thank you, Sourcebooks ~ Casablanca and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this book.
There's a giveaway at the blog today, too:
www.firstpagetothelast.com
I love a story where neither of our main characters are looking for love...and then it finds them. Tremaine just wants those sheep. Nita just wants to look after the people around the village. She tries not to be envious of her family in their marital bliss, but she thinks she firmly on the shelf, mainly because she does go out of her way to help those hurting around her. The doctor, such as he is, is horrible to his patients. They need her.
Tremaine is charming and adorable. He has some interactions with children and he just wormed his way into my heart. He had some wrong ideas about what his wife should do and how she should act. I was pleased to see that he could LEARN, which is always a plus in my heroes.
Nita was a bit hard headed about her goals in life. But she learns, too...and compromise can be a blessing.
There is a bad guy here...and I kept worrying that he would win the day because people weren't forthcoming to those that could help one of the sisters. It does work out, but I was worried, just a bit!
Some of the lines in this one tickled me, a lot, like this one where Nita is watching Tremaine:
“We didn’t bank the fire,” Nita said, gaze glued to the middle of his chest. Sternum, rectus abdominis. Donotlookdownimus. Wearing nothing but a smile the likes of which would set every female heart in the shire pounding, Mr. St. Michael crossed the room and took up the poker. Trapezius, latissimus dorsi, gluteus… Gluteus God helpmeus. A giggle threatened, a very pleased giggle as Mr. St. Michael returned to the bed.
Once again, I just sat and read for more than a day. I love the characters Ms. Burrowes creates for us. And, again, it was a joy to see people for her other books wander through.
I highly recommend this book for those that love historical romance with charming characters.
*Thank you, Sourcebooks ~ Casablanca and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this book.
December 12, 2015
This is book one in "True Gentlemen" series. Note there is a book before this one: The Duke's Disaster (True Gentlemen #.5). I did feel that it would have been helpful to read that one first but I did not think it stopped me from enjoying the book. So I would say this is a stand alone book if you are reading this one without the other one. Our heroine, Lady Nita Haddonfield is somewhat different for me in what heroines usually are. Nita is very independent, not a virgin, and seems to be the one taking care of most of the housing and tenets health care. Now that her brother is married she has only her "doctoring" to do on the tenets and helping people that way. Our hero is Tremaine St. Michael, who is staying a few days at her (and her sisters) and her brothers house to look over some sheep that he is selling. For me I didn't see the possessiveness, or the fast want of the heroine as in some books. It seem to me to be a slow build up and more of a friendship/understanding. Which isn't a bad thing it just I like the real manly type hero's that can't seem to be without the heroine. Overall I liked the book and was glad to have read it. I hope that you enjoy the book too!
October 10, 2015
I love Grace Burrowes books. It is like she has created her own community of characters -- and they pop up in each others books all the time. I love it. It makes you feel at home and as if you are visiting with old friends.
Tremaine is a very, very rich man of commerce (and a half-French Comte) though he doesn't use nor make any big deal out of being a comte.
He shows up at Nick Haddonfield's home in order to purchase a rare flock of sheep. We met Nick in some earlier books -- I know one of them was The Virtuoso -- Valentine Windom's book.
Nick's sister Nita is a healer for their community. The local doctor is a quack who doesn't believe in clean instruments (or hands) and thinks that a person's ills has to do with being out of sync with God.
Nita and Tremaine learn to love each other but can't deal with Nita's going into homes with contagion. Nita can't stop because she feels it is her duty because she has the skill -- and Tremaine can't stop worrying over her catching something life threatening to her.
Read the book to see how/if they work through their problems to have their HeA.
Tremaine is a very, very rich man of commerce (and a half-French Comte) though he doesn't use nor make any big deal out of being a comte.
He shows up at Nick Haddonfield's home in order to purchase a rare flock of sheep. We met Nick in some earlier books -- I know one of them was The Virtuoso -- Valentine Windom's book.
Nick's sister Nita is a healer for their community. The local doctor is a quack who doesn't believe in clean instruments (or hands) and thinks that a person's ills has to do with being out of sync with God.
Nita and Tremaine learn to love each other but can't deal with Nita's going into homes with contagion. Nita can't stop because she feels it is her duty because she has the skill -- and Tremaine can't stop worrying over her catching something life threatening to her.
Read the book to see how/if they work through their problems to have their HeA.
June 17, 2015
Reviewed for NetGalley:
I love Grace Burrowes books. Love them. You might be wondering if I love her books why this one is only getting 4 out of 5 stars. Well, one reason is that even though this is the first in a new series, True Gentlemen #1, I feel that it's so intertwined in the world she has created that it might be confusing for people who are new to her books. Actually, this is a critique I often have for her books, even the first few that were published. It's like you start in medias res. But other than that one minor quibble, I really enjoyed this book. I liked the main characters, I liked the sisters, I wish that Lady Nita had just told her older brother why he needed to discourage the younger sister away from the horrible neighbor, but I also see why she thought it would be considered privileged information. So, I really enjoyed it. I love how her characters are often so sweet to each other. So, that was nice as well. Solid book. People should be reading her novels.
I love Grace Burrowes books. Love them. You might be wondering if I love her books why this one is only getting 4 out of 5 stars. Well, one reason is that even though this is the first in a new series, True Gentlemen #1, I feel that it's so intertwined in the world she has created that it might be confusing for people who are new to her books. Actually, this is a critique I often have for her books, even the first few that were published. It's like you start in medias res. But other than that one minor quibble, I really enjoyed this book. I liked the main characters, I liked the sisters, I wish that Lady Nita had just told her older brother why he needed to discourage the younger sister away from the horrible neighbor, but I also see why she thought it would be considered privileged information. So, I really enjoyed it. I love how her characters are often so sweet to each other. So, that was nice as well. Solid book. People should be reading her novels.
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February 7, 2016I really tried. I read 30% of the book and finally decided even at less than €2, this book was too expensive for the reading experience. I finally see Burrows' beautiful writing. I love how sophisticated her writing is. But her books are always so stuffy for me. I felt suffocated reading her stories. It's her heroines, I think. I could never see them as women. They are always so.....un-feminine.
If anyone could recommend a book by Burrows which has a more "feminine", I would greatly appreciate it. It's a shame to give up in this writer, for she does write beautifully.
No rating because I only read 30% of the book.
If anyone could recommend a book by Burrows which has a more "feminine", I would greatly appreciate it. It's a shame to give up in this writer, for she does write beautifully.
No rating because I only read 30% of the book.
September 15, 2015
Highly enjoyable. Well developed main and secondary characters. The story was paced well. I can't want for the next one in the series.
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