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MacGregors #1
The Bridegroom Wore Plaid
His Family or His Heart ― One of Them Will Be Betrayed...
Ian MacGregor is wooing a woman who's wrong for him in every way. As the new Earl of Balfour, though, he must marry an English heiress to repair the family fortunes.
But in his intended's penniless chaperone, Augusta, Ian is finding everything he's ever wanted in a wife.
Ian MacGregor is wooing a woman who's wrong for him in every way. As the new Earl of Balfour, though, he must marry an English heiress to repair the family fortunes.
But in his intended's penniless chaperone, Augusta, Ian is finding everything he's ever wanted in a wife.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 4, 2012
515 people are currently reading
2305 people want to read
About the author
Grace Burrowes
190 books2,913 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 graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
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 graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 381 reviews
February 9, 2019
Grace Burrowes’ novels cause me to shake my head and roll my eyes. In my review of Windham series, I poke fun at her. And yet . . . .
And yet, I continue to read and enjoy them. Ten of them so far. Why is that? I’m not sure I can explain, but essentially she writes wonderful, multifaceted characters that you come to care about. Her plots are satisfyingly complex (albeit too repetitive in some cases). Her dialogue is engaging (albeit a little too modern in some cases). She is simply a very good, well-rounded storyteller, which is what we seek most in a novelist.
On to The Bridegroom Wore Plaid. Ian MacGregor is a Scottish earl, with a large estate and little income. Ian and his two brothers, Gil and Connor, along with their sister Mary Frances, are reduced to hosting “paid guests” every summer just to make ends meet. It’s the early 1850s, and all things Scottish have become fashionable due to the Queen’s favor, and Balmoral Castle is just next door to Ian’s Balfour House.
Ian must marry for money, and the wealthy English Baron Altsax has a daughter, Genie, of marriageable age. Altsax, eager to have a title in the family and caring nothing for his daughter’s happiness, has arranged for Ian to marry her. The whole family (minus the mother, whose absence seems strange under the circumstances) pays a visit to Scotland. The “whole family” includes, Altsax, Genie, Hester (the younger daughter), and Matthew (the Baron’s Army officer son), along with the widowed Aunt Julia and the spinster Cousin Gussie to act as chaperones.
As soon as they alight from the train, we get the picture. Altsax is uncouth, pompous, and dismissive of the uncivilized Scots. Genie is a fragile English rose and not at all happy to be in Scotland. Hester is young and enthusiastic. Matthew is reticent and courteous. Aunt Julia is lovely, but a little sad, and quite rich. Cousin Gussie is drab and awkward but has beautiful eyes.
Ian finds it impossible to connect with Genie; she is uninterested in getting to know him but prepared to marry him to satisfy her father. After a few days in Scotland, she seems more comfortable in the company of Ian’s younger brother Con (or was it Gil? I could never tell them apart).
Ian find himself becoming friends with Cousin Gussie, who asks him to call her Augusta because none of her family ever uses her full given name. Right there all the indignities heaped upon a poor relation are summed up. Nice touch.
Of course, Ian and Augusta are more and more drawn to one another, even though they both know that their fates lie elsewhere. The relationship grow slowly, and it’s wonderful to go along for the ride. At the same time, Augusta gradually stops being a mouse and becomes more confident. Confident enough to have steamy sexytimes with Ian, and confident enough to thwart her uncle’s schemes.
While all this is going on, Aunt Julia is fooling around with Gil/Con; Genie is becoming closer to Con/Gil; and Matthew is falling for Ian’s sister Mary Frances. There’s a lot of romance under the beautiful Scottish summer sky, to the point that the ending plays out like an episode of the Love Boat. By the end of the cruise, everyone is paired up. I could almost hear Jack Jones singing.
Meanwhile, Snidely Whiplash, uh, oh -- Baron Altsax is plotting to do away with Augusta, thereby ensuring that his embezzlement from her estate is never discovered. Actually, it turns out that he has stolen more than just money. At the dramatic climax, when Altsax has a gun pointed at Augusta, Ian emerges from the shrubbery like the Lone Ranger and says, “Not so fast, Baron.” It was a laugh out loud moment for me.
And yet I read on. And here’s why. There’s a scene where Ian and Augusta are discussing the various hardships each of them faces.
It’s scenes like that that keep me reading Grace Burrowes. Even though she throws in Americanisms like “scoot over.” Even though she totally does not understand that neither younger sons of earls nor brothers of the earl’s heir have titles. (Pay no attention. Screwing up British titles is just one of my pet peeves with American authors.) Even though every hero in her books loves to brush and braid a woman’s hair. Every. Single. One. Even though every time two characters sit down to talk a beautifully filled tea tray magically appears. (They seem to eat and drink all day long. Hope there's indoor plumbing.)
Yes, I keep reading, and it looks like I’ll have the chance, as this book is just the first in a trilogy. I’m willing to bet that Ian’s older brother, Asher, the true heir to the Balfour earldom who’s been missing in Canada for seven years, will make an appearance. There’s a subtle hint on page 246 -- “Three letters they’d had from Asher over the course of several years— only two Ian could tell his family about— then nothing.”
Yes, I’ll be reading. Once Upon a Tartan is only a couple of months away.
And yet, I continue to read and enjoy them. Ten of them so far. Why is that? I’m not sure I can explain, but essentially she writes wonderful, multifaceted characters that you come to care about. Her plots are satisfyingly complex (albeit too repetitive in some cases). Her dialogue is engaging (albeit a little too modern in some cases). She is simply a very good, well-rounded storyteller, which is what we seek most in a novelist.
On to The Bridegroom Wore Plaid. Ian MacGregor is a Scottish earl, with a large estate and little income. Ian and his two brothers, Gil and Connor, along with their sister Mary Frances, are reduced to hosting “paid guests” every summer just to make ends meet. It’s the early 1850s, and all things Scottish have become fashionable due to the Queen’s favor, and Balmoral Castle is just next door to Ian’s Balfour House.
Ian must marry for money, and the wealthy English Baron Altsax has a daughter, Genie, of marriageable age. Altsax, eager to have a title in the family and caring nothing for his daughter’s happiness, has arranged for Ian to marry her. The whole family (minus the mother, whose absence seems strange under the circumstances) pays a visit to Scotland. The “whole family” includes, Altsax, Genie, Hester (the younger daughter), and Matthew (the Baron’s Army officer son), along with the widowed Aunt Julia and the spinster Cousin Gussie to act as chaperones.
As soon as they alight from the train, we get the picture. Altsax is uncouth, pompous, and dismissive of the uncivilized Scots. Genie is a fragile English rose and not at all happy to be in Scotland. Hester is young and enthusiastic. Matthew is reticent and courteous. Aunt Julia is lovely, but a little sad, and quite rich. Cousin Gussie is drab and awkward but has beautiful eyes.
Ian finds it impossible to connect with Genie; she is uninterested in getting to know him but prepared to marry him to satisfy her father. After a few days in Scotland, she seems more comfortable in the company of Ian’s younger brother Con (or was it Gil? I could never tell them apart).
Ian find himself becoming friends with Cousin Gussie, who asks him to call her Augusta because none of her family ever uses her full given name. Right there all the indignities heaped upon a poor relation are summed up. Nice touch.
Of course, Ian and Augusta are more and more drawn to one another, even though they both know that their fates lie elsewhere. The relationship grow slowly, and it’s wonderful to go along for the ride. At the same time, Augusta gradually stops being a mouse and becomes more confident. Confident enough to have steamy sexytimes with Ian, and confident enough to thwart her uncle’s schemes.
While all this is going on, Aunt Julia is fooling around with Gil/Con; Genie is becoming closer to Con/Gil; and Matthew is falling for Ian’s sister Mary Frances. There’s a lot of romance under the beautiful Scottish summer sky, to the point that the ending plays out like an episode of the Love Boat. By the end of the cruise, everyone is paired up. I could almost hear Jack Jones singing.
Meanwhile, Snidely Whiplash, uh, oh -- Baron Altsax is plotting to do away with Augusta, thereby ensuring that his embezzlement from her estate is never discovered. Actually, it turns out that he has stolen more than just money. At the dramatic climax, when Altsax has a gun pointed at Augusta, Ian emerges from the shrubbery like the Lone Ranger and says, “Not so fast, Baron.” It was a laugh out loud moment for me.
And yet I read on. And here’s why. There’s a scene where Ian and Augusta are discussing the various hardships each of them faces.
“It’s hard being the one to keep hope alive for the others. Hope that those who’ve emigrated are faring well in foreign lands, hope that this year’s crop will be better than last, this year’s prices at the yearling sale, this year’s receipts. We live very much in the future, and yet we dwell in the past too. That’s difficult as hell when you’ve a past like ours. . . .”
“I hate it, the hoping.” He scrubbed a hand over his face. “When things go well, I hate it even more, because it’s all going to come crashing down around us— it always does. . . . We’re getting on our feet again, barely, and I dread finding out what hardship the Almighty has in store for us next.”
“Because it’s increasingly difficult to rise to the challenge.” She finished the thought for him, her tone neither judgmental nor bleak, merely stating a fact.
It’s scenes like that that keep me reading Grace Burrowes. Even though she throws in Americanisms like “scoot over.” Even though she totally does not understand that neither younger sons of earls nor brothers of the earl’s heir have titles. (Pay no attention. Screwing up British titles is just one of my pet peeves with American authors.) Even though every hero in her books loves to brush and braid a woman’s hair. Every. Single. One. Even though every time two characters sit down to talk a beautifully filled tea tray magically appears. (They seem to eat and drink all day long. Hope there's indoor plumbing.)
Yes, I keep reading, and it looks like I’ll have the chance, as this book is just the first in a trilogy. I’m willing to bet that Ian’s older brother, Asher, the true heir to the Balfour earldom who’s been missing in Canada for seven years, will make an appearance. There’s a subtle hint on page 246 -- “Three letters they’d had from Asher over the course of several years— only two Ian could tell his family about— then nothing.”
Yes, I’ll be reading. Once Upon a Tartan is only a couple of months away.
July 7, 2017
This one was pretty lame :( I read and enjoyed the Windham series, so thought I'd try another Burrowes HR series. And who doesn't love a man in a kilt, right? But.....
There seemed to be way too many characters in this book, and too much was happening. Who were all these people, and how were they connected, and what were their pasts? I really struggled to work out who was connected to whom, and how. It was hard to keep the names and relationships in my head. (I kept thinking, who's she again?)
And the plot seemed rather murky (as in, unclear). Yeah, sure, it's fine to keep the reader in a little suspense about the plot, but in this case I just started to not care. There were hints about the evil Baron and his nasty hold over the innocent Augusta. But I needed a bit more info in this case to make it clear enough as to what was really happening. And Augusta was depicted as quite clever, so why was she so dumb about the Baron and her inheritance? I didn't feel convinced.
I also felt uncomfortable about Ian's two-timing. He's clearly falling for Augusta. Fine. But I disliked the way he still kept on pursuing Genie (who doesn't really like him back) just because he needed her MONEY, even when he and Augusta are *ahem* doing the deed. Nup. Not a plotline I like.
The secondary romances that seemed to be sprinkled through the book also just complicated things unnecessarily for me, and added to my feeling of 'who's that again?'
So overall, this one was a bit of a dud for me, and I don't feel any desire to continue with the series. I haven't given up in Grace Burrowes however, and I will try some of her other series.
There seemed to be way too many characters in this book, and too much was happening. Who were all these people, and how were they connected, and what were their pasts? I really struggled to work out who was connected to whom, and how. It was hard to keep the names and relationships in my head. (I kept thinking, who's she again?)
And the plot seemed rather murky (as in, unclear). Yeah, sure, it's fine to keep the reader in a little suspense about the plot, but in this case I just started to not care. There were hints about the evil Baron and his nasty hold over the innocent Augusta. But I needed a bit more info in this case to make it clear enough as to what was really happening. And Augusta was depicted as quite clever, so why was she so dumb about the Baron and her inheritance? I didn't feel convinced.
I also felt uncomfortable about Ian's two-timing. He's clearly falling for Augusta. Fine. But I disliked the way he still kept on pursuing Genie (who doesn't really like him back) just because he needed her MONEY, even when he and Augusta are *ahem* doing the deed. Nup. Not a plotline I like.
The secondary romances that seemed to be sprinkled through the book also just complicated things unnecessarily for me, and added to my feeling of 'who's that again?'
So overall, this one was a bit of a dud for me, and I don't feel any desire to continue with the series. I haven't given up in Grace Burrowes however, and I will try some of her other series.
February 7, 2018
Eeny meeny miny moe...
****3.5 Stars****
I liked The Bridegroom Wore Plaid and found the narrator very easy to listen to. I am a sucker for a Scottish accent but sometimes find it hard to understand. I'm not sure why, but in this case, I had no problems at all.
What did you call a key party (swingers party) back in the olden days? Ok, it wasn't really a swingers party it was more a party where you were allocated an intended and decided to swap her out for a better option. Ok, Ok, it wasn't that bad and it sounds worse than what it really was but it wasn't that far off. The MacGregor boys were given a bunch of ladies to entertain and it was a bit of eeny meeny miny moe, lift their skirts and find a...toe???
Financial worries for the MacGregors and family obligations for the women leads bring these two families together. With a despicable family member controlling them, they must outsmart him in his horrible games. Hopefully, love will win and evil will come to light.
If I was to complain about one thing, it was the delay in Ian and Augusta finding their HEA. Sure, it didn't stop them from amusing themselves but I hate that duty came before love. I know, it's more realistic and historically accurate, but I'm a sucker for love. Bugger duty.
Another story from my extensive Want To Read pile crossed off thanks to the Romance Package. I will have it whittled down to nothing...soon...ish.
****3.5 Stars****
I liked The Bridegroom Wore Plaid and found the narrator very easy to listen to. I am a sucker for a Scottish accent but sometimes find it hard to understand. I'm not sure why, but in this case, I had no problems at all.
What did you call a key party (swingers party) back in the olden days? Ok, it wasn't really a swingers party it was more a party where you were allocated an intended and decided to swap her out for a better option. Ok, Ok, it wasn't that bad and it sounds worse than what it really was but it wasn't that far off. The MacGregor boys were given a bunch of ladies to entertain and it was a bit of eeny meeny miny moe, lift their skirts and find a...toe???
Financial worries for the MacGregors and family obligations for the women leads bring these two families together. With a despicable family member controlling them, they must outsmart him in his horrible games. Hopefully, love will win and evil will come to light.
If I was to complain about one thing, it was the delay in Ian and Augusta finding their HEA. Sure, it didn't stop them from amusing themselves but I hate that duty came before love. I know, it's more realistic and historically accurate, but I'm a sucker for love. Bugger duty.
Another story from my extensive Want To Read pile crossed off thanks to the Romance Package. I will have it whittled down to nothing...soon...ish.
February 26, 2025
It was fun to read a 2012 book by Burrowes shortly after reading a more recent one. Stylistically the prose was looser, less formal, though there were little touches here and there that said Grace Burrowes was here.
As the book opens, Ian MacGregor, Earl of Balfour, and his two brothers are on hand to greet the family of a woman he had made up his mind to marry, sight unseen, for money. Eugenia, known as Genie, has been put on the chopping block by her ambitious father: her father wants the title, Ian wants the money, and Genie wants no part of either one of them. Ian is gracious and charming. Genie is fearful, silent, and cold. Ian tries and tries, but keeps running into a stone wall. The one person he doesn’t have to try with, the person who seems warm and genuine and interested in him, is Genie’s dowdy cousin Augusta, a poor relation serving as one of her chaperones. Ian thinks Augusta can help him win Genie, but he ends up helping himself to Augusta.
I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to punch the hero of a romance novel in his junk as much as I wanted to punch Ian. In between bouts of wooing Genie, he kissed, touched, walked with, conversed with, laughed with, fondled, and eventually had sex with Augusta. Was Augusta willing? Yes. Eager, even? Yes. She wanted memories to cherish as she lived out her impoverished and solitary life in the country tending her chickens. This is a woman no man of honor should ever mess with, and Ian did anyway, while he was adamantly determined to marry Genie. I haven’t wanted to cut the balls off a Burrowes hero this much since Gayle Windham, and Ian makes Gayle look like a choirboy.
And the worst part? He and his estate and his dependents were doing okay. He was breaking Augusta’s heart and forcing Genie into a marriage she didn’t want for financial safety, not survival. He wanted a cushion in case of a failed crop or roof leak, the jerk.
Apart from my personal hatred of the hero, the book was too muddled. There were actually four romances happening, none of them given enough time to make any emotional impact. Really, the best thing this book had going for it was a perfectly awful villain.
As the book opens, Ian MacGregor, Earl of Balfour, and his two brothers are on hand to greet the family of a woman he had made up his mind to marry, sight unseen, for money. Eugenia, known as Genie, has been put on the chopping block by her ambitious father: her father wants the title, Ian wants the money, and Genie wants no part of either one of them. Ian is gracious and charming. Genie is fearful, silent, and cold. Ian tries and tries, but keeps running into a stone wall. The one person he doesn’t have to try with, the person who seems warm and genuine and interested in him, is Genie’s dowdy cousin Augusta, a poor relation serving as one of her chaperones. Ian thinks Augusta can help him win Genie, but he ends up helping himself to Augusta.
I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to punch the hero of a romance novel in his junk as much as I wanted to punch Ian. In between bouts of wooing Genie, he kissed, touched, walked with, conversed with, laughed with, fondled, and eventually had sex with Augusta. Was Augusta willing? Yes. Eager, even? Yes. She wanted memories to cherish as she lived out her impoverished and solitary life in the country tending her chickens. This is a woman no man of honor should ever mess with, and Ian did anyway, while he was adamantly determined to marry Genie. I haven’t wanted to cut the balls off a Burrowes hero this much since Gayle Windham, and Ian makes Gayle look like a choirboy.
And the worst part? He and his estate and his dependents were doing okay. He was breaking Augusta’s heart and forcing Genie into a marriage she didn’t want for financial safety, not survival. He wanted a cushion in case of a failed crop or roof leak, the jerk.
Apart from my personal hatred of the hero, the book was too muddled. There were actually four romances happening, none of them given enough time to make any emotional impact. Really, the best thing this book had going for it was a perfectly awful villain.
no-way-jose
February 26, 2025Update 2025:
Note to self: Per Gloria’s wonderful review, this trope is not my fav. The Earl insists to wed a cold, uninterested wealthy lady, but accidentally falls in love with her chaperoning cousin instead. Doesn’t even need to be marrying for money in the first place, and causes unnecessary heartbreak for the cousin.
Original 2019 review:
I am not impressed at all. This story started out so very confusing. There were just too many people with titles, nicknames, and their first names all being used at once. The author would refer to a character as their title, and then just a first name and then a nickname and with six characters in the beginning scenes of the book, I had to keep stopping to try to straighten it out in my head who was who, who was talking to who, etc. Not worth the confusion...
Note to self: Per Gloria’s wonderful review, this trope is not my fav. The Earl insists to wed a cold, uninterested wealthy lady, but accidentally falls in love with her chaperoning cousin instead. Doesn’t even need to be marrying for money in the first place, and causes unnecessary heartbreak for the cousin.
Original 2019 review:
I am not impressed at all. This story started out so very confusing. There were just too many people with titles, nicknames, and their first names all being used at once. The author would refer to a character as their title, and then just a first name and then a nickname and with six characters in the beginning scenes of the book, I had to keep stopping to try to straighten it out in my head who was who, who was talking to who, etc. Not worth the confusion...
May 26, 2018
This is the second book by Grace Burrowes that I have read and thoroughly enjoyed. In it, we meet Ian MacGregor, Earl Balfour and his family – his brothers Gil and Connor, his widowed sister Mary Frances and her daughter, Flora. Ian might be an earl, but the family is poor and needs to open their estate to guests every summer in order to make enough money to see them through the year. Ian needs to marry money, and the story begins with him meeting his prospective bride and her family from the train as they are to be summer guests.
It quickly becomes apparent, both to Ian and to the reader, that the lady in question is very reluctant to marry him; not only that, she is resistant to getting to know him, despite his attempts to draw her out and his reassurances that he will be a kind and loyal husband.
While he is attempting to court Eugenia (known as Genie), Ian forms a friendship with Augusta Merrick, Genie’s cousin who has been brought along to act as a second chaperone, along with their aunt. Augusta is the classic “poor relation”, living in a run-down house with her cat, keeping chickens and tending to her garden.
This friendship quickly develops into something more – even though both Ian and Augusta know that there is no hope for anything lasting between them as Ian needs to marry for money and Augusta is poor.
The thing I absolutely loved about this book was the way in which the relationship unfolded gradually and with such tenderness.
Ian is decent and honourable, determined to do his best for his family, and yet he cannot help his growing attraction to Augusta. And Augusta understands what drives him – she recognises that he needs to be loved for himself and not for the title Genie’s father is determined to buy. She is also practical – she knows Ian cannot marry her, but is prepared to take – and to give – the little comfort she can without regrets.
The focus of the story was watching these two people fall so desperately in love while knowing it’s doomed – but yet know that regardless of the impending heartbreak, they are better for having known each other.
The title, I realised about half-way through, doesn’t just refer to Ian, as both Gil and Connor find love, too; I really liked the way that the familial relationships were written.
There is another element to the story, which is the plot by Genie’s father to do away with Augusta because he had cheated her out of her inheritance. I’m not a huge fan of this sort of sensationalist storyline, but it works well here, principally, in my opinion, because it’s subtly woven through the background of the story and doesn’t really come to the fore until the last couple of chapters when we finally learn the truth and all is resolved.
I did have some niggles about the use of Americanisms in the book (we don’t have fall and we wouldn’t fix a plate for someone), and at the risk of sounding pedantic, things like that DO take me out of the story for a second or two and I find it annoying.
Overall though, this was a superb and charming romance, full of warmth and tenderness. I found it emotionally draining at times – but I mean that as a compliment! – and I thought that the characterisation was excellent. I’m certainly looking forward to the next in this series.
With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.
It quickly becomes apparent, both to Ian and to the reader, that the lady in question is very reluctant to marry him; not only that, she is resistant to getting to know him, despite his attempts to draw her out and his reassurances that he will be a kind and loyal husband.
While he is attempting to court Eugenia (known as Genie), Ian forms a friendship with Augusta Merrick, Genie’s cousin who has been brought along to act as a second chaperone, along with their aunt. Augusta is the classic “poor relation”, living in a run-down house with her cat, keeping chickens and tending to her garden.
This friendship quickly develops into something more – even though both Ian and Augusta know that there is no hope for anything lasting between them as Ian needs to marry for money and Augusta is poor.
The thing I absolutely loved about this book was the way in which the relationship unfolded gradually and with such tenderness.
Ian is decent and honourable, determined to do his best for his family, and yet he cannot help his growing attraction to Augusta. And Augusta understands what drives him – she recognises that he needs to be loved for himself and not for the title Genie’s father is determined to buy. She is also practical – she knows Ian cannot marry her, but is prepared to take – and to give – the little comfort she can without regrets.
The focus of the story was watching these two people fall so desperately in love while knowing it’s doomed – but yet know that regardless of the impending heartbreak, they are better for having known each other.
The title, I realised about half-way through, doesn’t just refer to Ian, as both Gil and Connor find love, too; I really liked the way that the familial relationships were written.
There is another element to the story, which is the plot by Genie’s father to do away with Augusta because he had cheated her out of her inheritance. I’m not a huge fan of this sort of sensationalist storyline, but it works well here, principally, in my opinion, because it’s subtly woven through the background of the story and doesn’t really come to the fore until the last couple of chapters when we finally learn the truth and all is resolved.
I did have some niggles about the use of Americanisms in the book (we don’t have fall and we wouldn’t fix a plate for someone), and at the risk of sounding pedantic, things like that DO take me out of the story for a second or two and I find it annoying.
Overall though, this was a superb and charming romance, full of warmth and tenderness. I found it emotionally draining at times – but I mean that as a compliment! – and I thought that the characterisation was excellent. I’m certainly looking forward to the next in this series.
With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.
October 18, 2017
This book just annoyed me. The writing was good enough but the plot just got on my nerves. Ian has to marry a rich wife but he begins an affair with Augusta, the cousin of his intended Genie. He stubbornly (until the very end) insists on marrying Genie even though he doesn't love her and she doesn't want to marry him. I kept thinking how crappy they both were being to Genie and how she would feel to one day learn of their affair. About 50% in I started getting bored and the book was so long and I just wanted it to be over. The skimming began. But the end really killed me.
I did LOVE the second book in this series and highly recommend it. But skip this one. I deleted it from my kindle.
I did LOVE the second book in this series and highly recommend it. But skip this one. I deleted it from my kindle.
January 28, 2021
I had an itch for a good historical romance after reading a really bad one and I found this. Perfect. It was a good story liked that the main character had family members to care and think about too and I enjoyed all the characters in this. The romance where good too.
March 12, 2013
Great book! I loved this one, absolutely loved it! I was emotionally drawn to these charactters, and I rode it out with them. I felt the sorrow and the joy and the fear they felt.
Ian MacGregor need to marry for money, his clan is living on the edge the next tragedy, famine, bad crops,failed herd could destroy them. Determined to do just that he agrees to woo a young English girl Gennie Daniels, the Baron Altsax!s daughter. The baron has many secrets and not the least among the shady business concerning his niece Augusta and her inheritance. However Ian starts having feelings for Augusta instead of Gennie which just makes the crazy baron more determined and dangerous!
Can not recommend enough !
Ian MacGregor need to marry for money, his clan is living on the edge the next tragedy, famine, bad crops,failed herd could destroy them. Determined to do just that he agrees to woo a young English girl Gennie Daniels, the Baron Altsax!s daughter. The baron has many secrets and not the least among the shady business concerning his niece Augusta and her inheritance. However Ian starts having feelings for Augusta instead of Gennie which just makes the crazy baron more determined and dangerous!
Can not recommend enough !
January 29, 2016
There were just too many people with titles, nicknames, and their regular names... It got very confusing in the beginning trying to sort them all out. Slow going at first, and the conclusion wasn't as action-packed as I expected it to be, but the resolution was neat, and the development of the relationship led very naturally to the happily ever after.
A good premise, but frustrating execution. Enjoyable but ultimately forgettable. I do intend to read the next one, though!
A good premise, but frustrating execution. Enjoyable but ultimately forgettable. I do intend to read the next one, though!
December 4, 2021
Overdose of angst, evil and all things Scottish. I enjoyed it all. The brave H has accepted the only way to save his family is for him to marry for money. The brave h has accepted she will never marry along with too many other losses. Lots of steamy scenes and too many very convenient relationships happen including the HEA. I enjoyed the addition of Prince Albert in the complex plot.
March 21, 2018
3.5 stars
July 16, 2014
I liked the characters a great deal but found them to behave inconsistently and found just about everything else to be ridiculous. The writing was too modern, both in style and attitude. Why did Ian have to marry Genie? There were so few other prospects that he felt he had no choice but to make everyone so miserable? The bad dude was laughably one-dimensional and over the top. Were not 1, not 2, but 3(!) romantic pairings necessary? Nope, especially since Mary Fran and Matthew get their own novella.
I could forgive the anachronisms, since the story is for a modern audience, but just couldn't get past all the other inaccuracies. I have another novel by Burrowes that I paid zero dollars for, so I'll give her another chance, but I have a feeling that this is a relationship that won't work out.
I could forgive the anachronisms, since the story is for a modern audience, but just couldn't get past all the other inaccuracies. I have another novel by Burrowes that I paid zero dollars for, so I'll give her another chance, but I have a feeling that this is a relationship that won't work out.
April 8, 2023
This one really surprised me! I was iffy on it from the first chapter but I ended up enjoying it! The only thing keeping it from being five stars is the excessive subplots. The main romance was way more compelling than anything that either of the side romances had to offer.
I specifically enjoyed how Ian and Augusta have a sweet connection from the start. I really get tired of standard enemies-to lovers setups. It's refreshing to read a story where the characters form a bond by forming a warm friendship instead of bickering. Since Ian and Augusta have external conflicts, the author lets them fall in love both rapidly and naturally.
I'll definitely read more books by this author!
I specifically enjoyed how Ian and Augusta have a sweet connection from the start. I really get tired of standard enemies-to lovers setups. It's refreshing to read a story where the characters form a bond by forming a warm friendship instead of bickering. Since Ian and Augusta have external conflicts, the author lets them fall in love both rapidly and naturally.
I'll definitely read more books by this author!
October 27, 2023
Plutôt 3,5/5 malgré que j'ai beaucoup apprécié la lecture, car tout du long du livre, le héros cherche une héritière pour éviter la banqueroute à sa famille (même s'il le dit lui même, ils s'en sortent tant qu'il n'y a pas de catastrophe), tout en tombant amoureux de l'héroïne. J'aurai aimé qu'il envoie tout valser pour lui demander de rester, mais limite ça ne lui traverse pas la tête. Même une fois ses frères installés confortablement financièrement, en tant qu'ainé il reste borné à sa situation financière. La situation n'évolue qu'au dernier chapitre...
Dommage, une bonne occasion de dévier un peu des clichés vus et revus???
Dommage, une bonne occasion de dévier un peu des clichés vus et revus???
November 29, 2013
Sweet romantic story that takes place in Scotland in the mid 1800's. Ian MacGregor is a Scottish earl in need of a wealthy bride to support his estate. His mind is set on Genie, daughter of an English baron. Genie and some of her family members show up at Ian's home as paying guests. When Ian meets Genie's spinster cousin, Augusta, his plans to marry for money are put to the test. As he falls in love with Augusta, he is caught between doing his duty and following his heart.
The book also narrates the romances between Ian's brother Gil & Genie, Ian's brother Con & Julia (Genie's aunt), and Ian's sister Mary & Matthew (Genie's brother). Yes, there is a lot of love going around and no one can keep their hands to themselves.
The plot is a bit weak in some instances. We get a very evil baron villain, an honest and charming earl, the handsome brothers, and a feisty Cinderalla-like heroine. The writing itself is flawless and sounds poetic at times. The descriptions of the time period and settings were entertaining. Augusta is a blend of mature and naive, and her actions and thoughts were those of a modern woman rather than a maid from Victorian times. Ian is a beautiful hero, both inside and out, and even though his affair with his intended's cousin is morally incorrect, I found myself overlooking this fault and yearning for him to find the path to true love with Augusta.
Overall a charming, low-angst romance with sassy heroines and manly Scottish heroes with charming burrs, sexy kilts, and warm hearts.
Thank you Jill Lassie for travelling to the Highlands with me!
The book also narrates the romances between Ian's brother Gil & Genie, Ian's brother Con & Julia (Genie's aunt), and Ian's sister Mary & Matthew (Genie's brother). Yes, there is a lot of love going around and no one can keep their hands to themselves.
The plot is a bit weak in some instances. We get a very evil baron villain, an honest and charming earl, the handsome brothers, and a feisty Cinderalla-like heroine. The writing itself is flawless and sounds poetic at times. The descriptions of the time period and settings were entertaining. Augusta is a blend of mature and naive, and her actions and thoughts were those of a modern woman rather than a maid from Victorian times. Ian is a beautiful hero, both inside and out, and even though his affair with his intended's cousin is morally incorrect, I found myself overlooking this fault and yearning for him to find the path to true love with Augusta.
Overall a charming, low-angst romance with sassy heroines and manly Scottish heroes with charming burrs, sexy kilts, and warm hearts.
Thank you Jill Lassie for travelling to the Highlands with me!
January 8, 2013
4.5 Stars
This author's Windhams series is one of my favorite historical romance series, and this is the first book in a new series, so I wasn't quite sure I would love it. I was afraid that I would miss my favorite characters. While I may not have loved the characters as much as I loved the Windhams, I really enjoyed this book as well. It proves just what a great author Burrowes is.
I didn't realize this was part of a series while I was reading it, because there is not only one romance in this book, but four! Of course, Ian and Augusta's story is the most prominent, but we do get a taste of Ian's brothers and sister's romances too! There is a lot of matchmaking and falling in love happening at this house party! It really is so much fun to read about, with all of the interwoven stories, and love turning up in unexpected places.
I wanted to read more about Connor's romance, he was quite interesting as the brooding younger brother of the MacGregor clan. Ian's brother, Gil, was another sweet guy that I would have loved to have known more about. Still, the book was well-balanced with Ian as the leading man, and his brothers playing supporting roles. Sometimes, it's just frustrating when it seems like the more dynamic characters are in the background.
Overall, a wonderful, fun read, with a few romances woven together, which makes for a lot of family drama!
ARC sent by publisher in exchange for an honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
August 30, 2013
There were two main problems with this book:
1) Too many characters were introduced too quickly, and too much time was spent head hopping between them.
2) With four couples getting together by the end of the book, we have too little time to get to know any of them.
It took me forever to finish this book...I just found myself not caring for any of the characters since I didn't really get to know any of them.
The plot was also extremely predictable, but I could handle that. At least until the hero had zero reasons to not be with the heroine, yet he still refused to claim her.
I'm not sure if I'll read the next book in this series or not. I liked the Windham books, so I might stick to those.
1) Too many characters were introduced too quickly, and too much time was spent head hopping between them.
2) With four couples getting together by the end of the book, we have too little time to get to know any of them.
It took me forever to finish this book...I just found myself not caring for any of the characters since I didn't really get to know any of them.
The plot was also extremely predictable, but I could handle that. At least until the hero had zero reasons to not be with the heroine, yet he still refused to claim her.
I'm not sure if I'll read the next book in this series or not. I liked the Windham books, so I might stick to those.
February 23, 2015
This was a very trying book. I really wanted to like it. So many publications and people recommended it. However, I found that it went on too long. The characters are clichéd and one-dimensional. Most of the plot points went something like this:
She: "Something's amiss!"
He: "You may be right. Alas, I cannae stop myself from snogging you in public, potentially ruining your reputation, to investigate."
She: "Oh well."
Villain: (twirling mustache) "Nyah-ah-ah!"
She: "Something's amiss!"
He: "You may be right. Alas, I cannae stop myself from snogging you in public, potentially ruining your reputation, to investigate."
She: "Oh well."
Villain: (twirling mustache) "Nyah-ah-ah!"
April 16, 2024
A- for content: B- for narration Review from 2013
The Bridegroom Wore Plaid was one of my favourite books of last year, so I was delighted when I discovered there were plans to release it in audio format. I’m a big fan of Grace Burrowes’ writing in general; I’ve enjoyed all her books I’ve read so far and stand in awe of the way she can make the emotion just leap off the page. She’s become one of my go-to authors for when I want a romance with a good dollop of angst on the way to the HEA.
Roger Hampton isn’t a narrator with whom I’m familiar, but a quick look through Audible reveals he’s narrated a number of titles with the word “Highland” in the title – which immediately told me that there was a good chance he’d be a dab hand with a Scottish accent. ;-)
The story centres around the MacGregor family, and their struggles to make ends meet on their highland estate. Ian MacGregor is the eldest, and due to the disappearance of his older brother some seven years earlier, is about to be declared the Earl of Balfour – a title he doesn’t really want. But he’s not a man to sidestep his responsibilities and prepares to accept the inevitable. His family consists of his brothers Gil and Connor, his widowed sister Mary Frances, and her daughter Flora. Ian might be an earl-to-be, but the family is poor and needs to open the estate to guests every year in order to make enough money to see them through the year. Queen Victoria’s love of all things Scottish and the fact that her estate at Balmoral borders MacGregor lands means that they have no trouble attracting wealthy clients during the summer months, but this year’s visitors are different. Ian needs to marry money, and his guests are to include his prospective bride Eugenia (known as Genie) Daniels. The novel opens with Ian and his brothers meeting Genie and her party from the train and escorting them home.
Genie knows why she is there, and she doesn’t like it at all while at the same time accepting that the marriage will come to pass because her father desires it. But Ian is not stupid. He quickly realizes that that the lady in question is not only very reluctant to marry him but also is resistant to getting to know him, despite his attempts to draw her out and his reassurances that he will be a kind and loyal husband.
While he is attempting to court Genie, Ian forms a friendship with Augusta Merrick, Genie’s cousin who has been brought along to act as a second chaperone, along with their aunt Julia. Augusta is the classic poor relation. Orphaned as a child, she grew up in the Daniels household but was never truly a part of it, and now lives with her cat in a small cottage in Oxfordshire keeping chickens and tending to her garden. As the story progresses however, Ian becomes curious about some of the things she tells him about her family and her past that just don’t add up and he begins to make discreet inquiries as to the truth of her circumstances.
Their friendship quickly develops into something more, even though both Ian and Augusta know that there is no hope for anything lasting between them as Ian needs to marry for money and Augusta has none. It’s clear that these are two people who deserve the label “soul-mates” if ever anyone deserves it, and it’s agonizing to witness their growing despair as they prepare to do the things they know they must do for the sake of others.
Ian is decent and honorable, determined to do his best for his family, and yet he cannot help his growing attraction to Augusta. Marriage to Genie will mean he will never have the companionship of a woman who loves and understands him, yet he is fully prepared to sacrifice his own happiness to ensure the well-being and financial security of his family and other dependants. Augusta recognizes and accepts this, knowing he needs to be loved for himself and not for the title Genie’s father is determined to buy. She is also supremely practical – she knows Ian cannot marry her, but is prepared to take – and to give – the little comfort she can without regrets.
Mr. Hampton did indeed prove to be a dab hand with the Scottish accents, although they slipped very occasionally. He chose very different registers for Ian and his two brothers so that it was easy to work out which of them was speaking at any one time. His speaking voice is what I’d call a light tenor, which is where he pitched Gil, the middle brother. Ian was more of a baritone, with Connor, the youngest, bringing up the bass with a very growly tone that I admit, took me a while to get used to.
He also did an excellent job with the voice he used for Baron Altsax, Genie’s father, who turns out to be the villain of the piece. It’s suitably upper crust with a hint of smarminess and cruelty, which I thought, fit the character perfectly.
Altsax is not only determined to buy his daughter a title, he is none too fastidious about the way he goes about it. Ian’s inquiries on Augusta’s behalf have shed an interesting light on her financial situation and it becomes apparent that the number of “accidents” that have happened to her were not accidents at all, but part of a wider plot by Altsax to secure the fortune that should have been hers on the death of her parents.
I’m always apprehensive when listening to a new (to me) narrator as to how well they will handle the voices of characters of the opposite sex, and I have to admit that in these, Mr. Hampton’s narration was less effective. He was best when voicing Augusta, using a softened, slightly higher pitched version of his own voice; and after that, with Mary Frances, Ian’s sister. But when I heard Julia Redmond speak for the first time, it was a shock as he adopted a falsetto tone that bordered on the comic.
Voicing children is something that can be difficult, and I’m afraid his interpretation of Fiona didn’t work for me. Her voice was too high-pitched, and squeaky, even for an eight-year-old.
Mr. Hampton has a pleasing, nicely modulated voice, and I thought that his narration was generally well paced and pleasantly nuanced. However, there were one or two of his vocal inflections that I disliked and which, of course, once I noticed them (and the more I heard them), were impossible to miss.
Unfortunately the narration in one key scene is so detracting that it’s almost impossible to listen at some points. Towards the end, when Ian and Augusta realize they can be together, they at last voice their feelings and make some truly heartfelt declarations. It’s an impassioned scene but I felt that in audio, the heightened emotionality of the language came over as rather too over the top. I think that’s partly due to the voicing of Augusta who sounds whiny and too high-pitched.
Still, I enjoyed listening to The Bridegroom Wore Plaid and I’m sure I’ll listen to it again at some point. I love Grace Burrowes’ writing for the depth of emotion she brings to her stories. I recall the lump in my throat when I was reading the print version as Ian and Augusta struggled with their growing feelings. But I can’t deny that the performance was a little disappointing at times.
The Bridegroom Wore Plaid was one of my favourite books of last year, so I was delighted when I discovered there were plans to release it in audio format. I’m a big fan of Grace Burrowes’ writing in general; I’ve enjoyed all her books I’ve read so far and stand in awe of the way she can make the emotion just leap off the page. She’s become one of my go-to authors for when I want a romance with a good dollop of angst on the way to the HEA.
Roger Hampton isn’t a narrator with whom I’m familiar, but a quick look through Audible reveals he’s narrated a number of titles with the word “Highland” in the title – which immediately told me that there was a good chance he’d be a dab hand with a Scottish accent. ;-)
The story centres around the MacGregor family, and their struggles to make ends meet on their highland estate. Ian MacGregor is the eldest, and due to the disappearance of his older brother some seven years earlier, is about to be declared the Earl of Balfour – a title he doesn’t really want. But he’s not a man to sidestep his responsibilities and prepares to accept the inevitable. His family consists of his brothers Gil and Connor, his widowed sister Mary Frances, and her daughter Flora. Ian might be an earl-to-be, but the family is poor and needs to open the estate to guests every year in order to make enough money to see them through the year. Queen Victoria’s love of all things Scottish and the fact that her estate at Balmoral borders MacGregor lands means that they have no trouble attracting wealthy clients during the summer months, but this year’s visitors are different. Ian needs to marry money, and his guests are to include his prospective bride Eugenia (known as Genie) Daniels. The novel opens with Ian and his brothers meeting Genie and her party from the train and escorting them home.
Genie knows why she is there, and she doesn’t like it at all while at the same time accepting that the marriage will come to pass because her father desires it. But Ian is not stupid. He quickly realizes that that the lady in question is not only very reluctant to marry him but also is resistant to getting to know him, despite his attempts to draw her out and his reassurances that he will be a kind and loyal husband.
While he is attempting to court Genie, Ian forms a friendship with Augusta Merrick, Genie’s cousin who has been brought along to act as a second chaperone, along with their aunt Julia. Augusta is the classic poor relation. Orphaned as a child, she grew up in the Daniels household but was never truly a part of it, and now lives with her cat in a small cottage in Oxfordshire keeping chickens and tending to her garden. As the story progresses however, Ian becomes curious about some of the things she tells him about her family and her past that just don’t add up and he begins to make discreet inquiries as to the truth of her circumstances.
Their friendship quickly develops into something more, even though both Ian and Augusta know that there is no hope for anything lasting between them as Ian needs to marry for money and Augusta has none. It’s clear that these are two people who deserve the label “soul-mates” if ever anyone deserves it, and it’s agonizing to witness their growing despair as they prepare to do the things they know they must do for the sake of others.
Ian is decent and honorable, determined to do his best for his family, and yet he cannot help his growing attraction to Augusta. Marriage to Genie will mean he will never have the companionship of a woman who loves and understands him, yet he is fully prepared to sacrifice his own happiness to ensure the well-being and financial security of his family and other dependants. Augusta recognizes and accepts this, knowing he needs to be loved for himself and not for the title Genie’s father is determined to buy. She is also supremely practical – she knows Ian cannot marry her, but is prepared to take – and to give – the little comfort she can without regrets.
Mr. Hampton did indeed prove to be a dab hand with the Scottish accents, although they slipped very occasionally. He chose very different registers for Ian and his two brothers so that it was easy to work out which of them was speaking at any one time. His speaking voice is what I’d call a light tenor, which is where he pitched Gil, the middle brother. Ian was more of a baritone, with Connor, the youngest, bringing up the bass with a very growly tone that I admit, took me a while to get used to.
He also did an excellent job with the voice he used for Baron Altsax, Genie’s father, who turns out to be the villain of the piece. It’s suitably upper crust with a hint of smarminess and cruelty, which I thought, fit the character perfectly.
Altsax is not only determined to buy his daughter a title, he is none too fastidious about the way he goes about it. Ian’s inquiries on Augusta’s behalf have shed an interesting light on her financial situation and it becomes apparent that the number of “accidents” that have happened to her were not accidents at all, but part of a wider plot by Altsax to secure the fortune that should have been hers on the death of her parents.
I’m always apprehensive when listening to a new (to me) narrator as to how well they will handle the voices of characters of the opposite sex, and I have to admit that in these, Mr. Hampton’s narration was less effective. He was best when voicing Augusta, using a softened, slightly higher pitched version of his own voice; and after that, with Mary Frances, Ian’s sister. But when I heard Julia Redmond speak for the first time, it was a shock as he adopted a falsetto tone that bordered on the comic.
Voicing children is something that can be difficult, and I’m afraid his interpretation of Fiona didn’t work for me. Her voice was too high-pitched, and squeaky, even for an eight-year-old.
Mr. Hampton has a pleasing, nicely modulated voice, and I thought that his narration was generally well paced and pleasantly nuanced. However, there were one or two of his vocal inflections that I disliked and which, of course, once I noticed them (and the more I heard them), were impossible to miss.
Unfortunately the narration in one key scene is so detracting that it’s almost impossible to listen at some points. Towards the end, when Ian and Augusta realize they can be together, they at last voice their feelings and make some truly heartfelt declarations. It’s an impassioned scene but I felt that in audio, the heightened emotionality of the language came over as rather too over the top. I think that’s partly due to the voicing of Augusta who sounds whiny and too high-pitched.
Still, I enjoyed listening to The Bridegroom Wore Plaid and I’m sure I’ll listen to it again at some point. I love Grace Burrowes’ writing for the depth of emotion she brings to her stories. I recall the lump in my throat when I was reading the print version as Ian and Augusta struggled with their growing feelings. But I can’t deny that the performance was a little disappointing at times.
January 31, 2019
4.5 stars
June 12, 2021
Another great read by Grace Burrowes. Always enjoy her writing, wonderful characters and terrific storylines.
May 19, 2017
I wasn't expecting four love stories when I started this book, but that's exactly what I got here. I normally don't like side stories in a book, but Grace Burrowes does it masterfully. I just flew through this one and enjoyed it immensely. Can't wait to start on the next one....if only it would start to download!
November 15, 2019
Very Burrowes ish with the earnest, overly self-sacrifical woman, the too-good-to-be-true gentlemanly hero. Glad I borrowed, but don't own this one.
September 12, 2012
A great start for this new series ( The MacGregor Trilogy) . I loved this enchanting tale of love in Scotland. The author put a new twist on an old story line. Her eloquent dialogue kept this story flowing like fine wine.
Ian MacGregor is an impoverished Earl in dire need of a wealthy bride. However, he is more than a little attracted to his intendeds spinster cousin. Instead of wooing his reluctant bride Ian finds it hard to keep his hands ( & lips) from the lovely Augusta. As much as I was intrigued by her character I was still frustrated by Augusta's naivete. Seriously... the girl allowed her greedy uncle to rob her blind by not once questioning her financial circumstances. Apart from that small peeve I found this to be a charming tale. The romance between Ian & Augusta built at a slow simmer despite their fierce desire. The secondary romances between Ian's siblings & Augusta's relations kept the story titallating . I can't say that the plot involving the devious uncle came as any surprise. This reader caught those subtle nuances from the start.
Above all this was a tale of sweet romance. Several of them! How wonderful that the author gave all of these endearing characters their very own hea's. Although, seeing as how this is the first story in a trilogy I am at a loss as to who is left to feature in the other two books. The missing brother, Archer ? Most assuredly. Hmm... who else? This reader is left in suspence. Needless to say that I will be following this series closely. Did I mention that I loved this story? A fast read & an easy review.
Thanks to Netgalley & Sourcebooks for allowing me to review this book.
Ian MacGregor is an impoverished Earl in dire need of a wealthy bride. However, he is more than a little attracted to his intendeds spinster cousin. Instead of wooing his reluctant bride Ian finds it hard to keep his hands ( & lips) from the lovely Augusta. As much as I was intrigued by her character I was still frustrated by Augusta's naivete. Seriously... the girl allowed her greedy uncle to rob her blind by not once questioning her financial circumstances. Apart from that small peeve I found this to be a charming tale. The romance between Ian & Augusta built at a slow simmer despite their fierce desire. The secondary romances between Ian's siblings & Augusta's relations kept the story titallating . I can't say that the plot involving the devious uncle came as any surprise. This reader caught those subtle nuances from the start.
Above all this was a tale of sweet romance. Several of them! How wonderful that the author gave all of these endearing characters their very own hea's. Although, seeing as how this is the first story in a trilogy I am at a loss as to who is left to feature in the other two books. The missing brother, Archer ? Most assuredly. Hmm... who else? This reader is left in suspence. Needless to say that I will be following this series closely. Did I mention that I loved this story? A fast read & an easy review.
Thanks to Netgalley & Sourcebooks for allowing me to review this book.
February 3, 2014
This is my third Burrowes book and, sad to say, it will be my last. I gave it until page 100, which is my limit for a DNF, and it was driving me crazy why I couldn't get into it and why it was bugging the heck out of me. Usually the impoverished/bookish older spinster + sexy well-born hero trope is like catnip to me. Then, coincidentally, I was catching up on an old "Dear Bitches/Smart Authors" podcast where Jane Litte from the "Dear Reader" blog was talking about Burrowes, and specifically The Virtuoso, and she nailed it.
She was talking about all of the many historical inaccuracies in Burrowes books (yes) and how the only thing that was really "historical" about the writing was that the books happened to have historical labels (YES), but that she thinks Burrowes' books would make great small-town contemporaries. Change the hero from the son of an earl to the son of a CEO, and, voila! I agree wholeheartedly.
Also, I understand that the first book in a series has to at least introduce characters and set up a few relationships to be explored later, but there were wayyyyy too many characters thrown at the reader from page one. Added to that, some of them also had nicknames and titles, which added to the mess, and many of them were also related to each other. And why read the rest of the series when all of the characters and their love interests are given practically equal time in the first book? I like series that set up "communities," but this was just too much at once.
She was talking about all of the many historical inaccuracies in Burrowes books (yes) and how the only thing that was really "historical" about the writing was that the books happened to have historical labels (YES), but that she thinks Burrowes' books would make great small-town contemporaries. Change the hero from the son of an earl to the son of a CEO, and, voila! I agree wholeheartedly.
Also, I understand that the first book in a series has to at least introduce characters and set up a few relationships to be explored later, but there were wayyyyy too many characters thrown at the reader from page one. Added to that, some of them also had nicknames and titles, which added to the mess, and many of them were also related to each other. And why read the rest of the series when all of the characters and their love interests are given practically equal time in the first book? I like series that set up "communities," but this was just too much at once.
July 22, 2014
This is not my genre. This book was foisted upon me by a romance-obsessed bookclubber-sorry Jess! ;) None-the-less it was an enjoyable read even if it was really very predictable. And once you get past half way it's pretty much all sex. I did really like some of the historical references and Prince Albert just popping up towards the end. And the baron is pretty much pure evil in a cartoon villain type of way. So pretty good and you'd probably enjoy it more if you're into romance novels as well.
October 13, 2017
I think I would have liked this book a lot more if I read a physical copy instead of listening to the audio. I really did not like the narrator. And even with out the narrator I might have bumped it up a single star. This one was just a miss for me. I feel like Grace Burrowes books are always just ok.. I have read a few of them and I haven't really loved any of them. It makes me hesitant to read any more but there are just so many of them!
January 10, 2015
This book was AMAZING. The characters are funny, interesting and loveable. Once I began reading, I could barely put the book down to eat, read, sleep or...go to work!! I believe it's my favorite Grace Burrowes book, which is saying something, as she is on my auto-buy list. I highly recommend this novel.
December 10, 2012
Grace Burrowes had done it again. I don’t normally read Victorians, but I enjoy her Regencies so much I couldn’t resist. This is a lovely romp where everyone who should falls in love and they all do it with someone there not supposed to.
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