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Lonely Lords #6
Gareth: Lord of Rakes
She's caught between a rake and certain ruin…
Felicity Worthington's only hope of avoiding poverty—or worse—is to accept her distant cousin's dubious bequest…a thriving, high-class brothel. Felicity has 90 days to convince her cousin's solicitors that Gareth Alexander has taught her the art of pleasing a man, though she's more interested in the gentleman she glimpses beneath Gareth's debauched airs, than in the rake he's become.
In the business of love…How much should he teach her?
Gareth Alexander, Marquis of Heathgate, has little incentive to help a spinster learn to manage a brothel—except that the alternatives for the prim, pretty Miss Worthington are even worse. His resistance to teaching Felicity how to be a madam leaves Gareth wondering if the honor he'd thought long dead still survives, and if that honor allows him to yield to the lady's ruinous scheme…and to their shared desires.
Felicity Worthington's only hope of avoiding poverty—or worse—is to accept her distant cousin's dubious bequest…a thriving, high-class brothel. Felicity has 90 days to convince her cousin's solicitors that Gareth Alexander has taught her the art of pleasing a man, though she's more interested in the gentleman she glimpses beneath Gareth's debauched airs, than in the rake he's become.
In the business of love…How much should he teach her?
Gareth Alexander, Marquis of Heathgate, has little incentive to help a spinster learn to manage a brothel—except that the alternatives for the prim, pretty Miss Worthington are even worse. His resistance to teaching Felicity how to be a madam leaves Gareth wondering if the honor he'd thought long dead still survives, and if that honor allows him to yield to the lady's ruinous scheme…and to their shared desires.
384 pages, Paperback
First published November 5, 2013
About the author
Grace Burrowes
205 books2,973 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 145 reviews
January 8, 2018
1.5 stars. (Because the writing was good, despite occasional Americanisms)
I did not enjoy this rather ridiculous story. The whole premise was weak and unbelievable- I am not going to go into all the inconsistencies and plot-holes, the main one being
The whole smutty, teach her how to be a whore with a graduated "lesson plan" culminating in the loss of her virginity was just laughable. Never in a month of Sundays would that be a Regency event. Tame erotica, masquerading as HR, IMHO.
He said some things to her that were so denigrating and insulting, he deserved a massive kick up the arse. She "forgave" him and let go of her "hurt." He would visualise kicking puppies and kittens whilst saying these things, because even HE felt bad about saying them. Yet he said them anyway. To what purpose? So she wouldn't become emotionally attached? Couldn't he just have warned her not to, and then left it up to her to deal? Was humiliation the only option?
Then the big deal about her virginity. What a load of BS. They'd done everything except anal (maybe they had done that too?) and this was going to "change everything"? Because she was no longer a virgin? A future husband would not have spotted the experienced courtesan in his bed BEFORE they did the deed? While she was giving him a blow-job? Masturbating herself? Suggesting doggy-style? 69? Yup, I am being crude, but just taking a leaf out of hero's book in this "romance".
I have now read a couple of books by GB, and she writes well, no question. But her stories are very hero-centric. I find her characterisation of the women two-dimensional and clichéd, and they are borderline doormat material. Instead of demanding what they need or want, they mutely submit to any nastiness visited upon them by the grumpy, "traumatised" (read: poor darling, he has had a hard life, let's indulge his every fucking whim) putative hero (I use the term loosely here) and are pathetically grateful when they finally are chosen by their man.
I am always prepared to give an author a fair go. I am reading Andrew: Lord of Despair atm and will read the next one Douglas: Lord of Heartache, as these are part of the same series. I am praying for heroines with dignity and self-respect. I am hoping for heroes who actually care more about her than about themselves and their poor, sad, hard-done-by ego. Perhaps they will sit better for me than this effort. I know there are so many fans of GB out there, and I absolutely support your viewpoint. I have a feeling she just isn't for me.
Now I am going to have a shower. I feel besmirched.
I did not enjoy this rather ridiculous story. The whole premise was weak and unbelievable- I am not going to go into all the inconsistencies and plot-holes, the main one being
The whole smutty, teach her how to be a whore with a graduated "lesson plan" culminating in the loss of her virginity was just laughable. Never in a month of Sundays would that be a Regency event. Tame erotica, masquerading as HR, IMHO.
He said some things to her that were so denigrating and insulting, he deserved a massive kick up the arse. She "forgave" him and let go of her "hurt." He would visualise kicking puppies and kittens whilst saying these things, because even HE felt bad about saying them. Yet he said them anyway. To what purpose? So she wouldn't become emotionally attached? Couldn't he just have warned her not to, and then left it up to her to deal? Was humiliation the only option?
Then the big deal about her virginity. What a load of BS. They'd done everything except anal (maybe they had done that too?) and this was going to "change everything"? Because she was no longer a virgin? A future husband would not have spotted the experienced courtesan in his bed BEFORE they did the deed? While she was giving him a blow-job? Masturbating herself? Suggesting doggy-style? 69? Yup, I am being crude, but just taking a leaf out of hero's book in this "romance".
I have now read a couple of books by GB, and she writes well, no question. But her stories are very hero-centric. I find her characterisation of the women two-dimensional and clichéd, and they are borderline doormat material. Instead of demanding what they need or want, they mutely submit to any nastiness visited upon them by the grumpy, "traumatised" (read: poor darling, he has had a hard life, let's indulge his every fucking whim) putative hero (I use the term loosely here) and are pathetically grateful when they finally are chosen by their man.
I am always prepared to give an author a fair go. I am reading Andrew: Lord of Despair atm and will read the next one Douglas: Lord of Heartache, as these are part of the same series. I am praying for heroines with dignity and self-respect. I am hoping for heroes who actually care more about her than about themselves and their poor, sad, hard-done-by ego. Perhaps they will sit better for me than this effort. I know there are so many fans of GB out there, and I absolutely support your viewpoint. I have a feeling she just isn't for me.
Now I am going to have a shower. I feel besmirched.
March 21, 2013
I will admit, much as I adore Grace Burrowes’ writing, that I rolled my eyes when I saw the premise of this book. A rakish marquess is tasked with the ruin of a proper and well-bred young woman when she inherits –of all things – a brothel from a distant relative.
But this IS Grace Burrowes – and while I didn’t love the last book in this series (Gabriel: Lord of Regrets), I’ve a high opinion of her storytelling abilities and have really enjoyed practically everything of hers I’ve ever read, so I decided it was time to take a leap of faith.
I’m glad I did. In the hands of a lesser author, this premise could have easily turned out to be an excuse for a bonk-fest in which the protagonists got down and dirty straight away and often thereafter and discovered at the end – ta-dah! – that they were in lurve. But Ms B isn’t a lesser author, and what she’s given us is another tender and sensual love story in which a man who has walled himself off emotionally is essentially redeemed and brought back to life by a determined young woman whose quiet dignity alternately amazes and annoys him.
It’s true that there are probably more sex scenes in this book than in most (all?) of Ms Burrowes’ other books, but they didn’t feel superfluous to requirements or as though the author had thought “time for another sex scene” every ten pages. They certainly add spice to the story, although they’re not always entirely comfortable (not because they're in any way nasty - but because of the reasons they take place) and more importantly, they add to the character development of the protagonists in subtle but essential ways.
Gareth Alexander, Marquess of Heathgate was in his early twenties when he lost almost his entire family in a boating accident. He had been plain “Mister” Alexander back then, the fifth in line to the title and thus never expecting to inherit a marquisate. But the family tragedy, which only his mother and younger brother, Andrew, survived, suddenly thrust him into a limelight for which he was completely unprepared. Not only that, but the fact that he had been the only family member to abstain from taking the boat trip in the first place left him open to the unpleasant rumour that he had engineered the accident in order to dispose of his inconveniently placed male relatives so that he could inherit the title.
While still grieving, Gareth had to learn quickly to administer several large estates as well as to face down those rumours branding him a multiple-murderer. In the years following the accident, he worked hard – and played hard – increasing his family’s wealth to vast proportions while building impenetrable walls around those parts of him that cared for anybody and for society’s good opinion. He eschews drink and gambling, but not sex – and has become a womaniser of the first order, the kind of man who doesn’t frequent good society or associate with the sort of respectable females a man of his status will one day be expected to marry.
Felicity Worthington may be the daughter of a viscount, but she and her sister are nonetheless living in what can only be described as “genteel poverty”. Their father, Viscount Fairly, was a noted wastrel and gambler who neglected to provide for them in the event of his demise, and because he has died without leaving a male heir, his lands and titles are now subject to escheat (the transfer of all property to the Crown). Due to a bequest from a distant cousin (Callista), the sisters are now faced with better prospects – although for Felicity, the legacy is an onerous one. Their relation was a noted madam, and the property she has left them is a high-class brothel. Under the terms of the will, the brothel cannot be sold until a year has passed, and during that time, Felicity must run the place. Not only will this association with a house of ill-repute damage her reputation irretrievably, but the will also stipulates that she must learn ALL of the arts of being a madam – including the sexual ones. Furthermore, Felicity is given two choices as to her method of “tuition” – she can seek out Heathgate, or Viscount Riverton, a middle-aged, depraved roué. Having a very vague acquaintance with Riverton – who was one of her father’s cronies – she knows she could never bear for him to touch her, let alone teach her, so Gareth is her only choice.
When Gareth learns of Felicity’s situation he is stunned. He knew Callista and finds it difficult to believe that she would impose such conditions on a well-bred young lady. But Felicity insists the will is watertight, and if she is to inherit, she has three months in which to meet all the conditions of the bequest.
This presents Gareth with an extraordinary dilemma. A “lord of rakes” he may be, but he draws the line at ruining an innocent young woman, regardless of the fact that Felicity has accepted the necessity. Even as he agrees to teach her about the business side of running a “house of pleasure” and to educate her about clothes, food, wine, gambling and all the other things a good madam needs to know, he is trying to think of ways he can avoid taking that final step. It’s not that he doesn’t desire her – he does, very much, and more than that, he comes to like, admire and respect her. It’s that his - perhaps rusty – sense of honour baulks at the prospect of taking her virtue and making her an outcast from good society.
This is a romance, so it’s no spoiler to say that as the story progresses, Gareth and Felicty fall for each other. The relationship is very well developed, with both characters falling by increments as they learn more about each other. Felicity is very shrewd and her complete acceptance of her situation shows her strength and determination, as well as flummoxing Gareth from time to time. And his façade begins to crack the more time he spends with her, so he tries to push her away at every turn, knowing their time together is finite. Especially enjoyable is the way Felicity is able to get under Gareth’s skin and see the truth of the considerate, honourable man beneath the cold, sometimes hurtful exterior.
The romance is lovely, the sex scenes are sensual, and the characterisations of both the principals and the main secondary characters are very well-developed. Ms Burrowes has impressed me in particular with the way she writes male friendships and familial relationships in all her books, and this is no exception. The relationship between Gareth and Andrew is a delight to read and one of the book’s high points.
Where the book falls down, though, is in the fact that Gareth, a man with a mind like a steel trap, who is renowned for his business acumen, doesn’t think to read the actual will until near the very end of the book. Of course, had he done so, this would have been a very short book, if it had existed at all! Even though Ms Burrowes does a pretty good job of tying up loose ends and explaining everything, at the end, it’s still an oversight that is impossible to overlook. That’s not to say it’s impossible to ignore, because it isn’t. I was so caught up in the developing romance and captivated by Gareth, who is a wonderfully complex character, that I allowed myself to accept the flawed premise and enjoy the story. There is a secondary plotline featuring the mysterious David Holbrook (who is not-so-mysterious if you’ve read the early Windham books), and a dastardly plan engineered by someone with a grudge against Gareth to be resolved, too, which all comes racing to a satisfactory conclusion towards the end.
As always with books by this author, I came away from Gareth feeling as though I’d been put through the emotional mangle. While the story certainly has its flaws, I can’t fault Ms Burrowes’ writing or her talent for creating deep, emotional connections between her characters, and between them and the reader. Gareth may not be my favourite book in this series, but it’s certainly well worth reading and is a book I’d recommend to anyone who likes an angsty, yet emotionally satisfying and sensual romance.
But this IS Grace Burrowes – and while I didn’t love the last book in this series (Gabriel: Lord of Regrets), I’ve a high opinion of her storytelling abilities and have really enjoyed practically everything of hers I’ve ever read, so I decided it was time to take a leap of faith.
I’m glad I did. In the hands of a lesser author, this premise could have easily turned out to be an excuse for a bonk-fest in which the protagonists got down and dirty straight away and often thereafter and discovered at the end – ta-dah! – that they were in lurve. But Ms B isn’t a lesser author, and what she’s given us is another tender and sensual love story in which a man who has walled himself off emotionally is essentially redeemed and brought back to life by a determined young woman whose quiet dignity alternately amazes and annoys him.
It’s true that there are probably more sex scenes in this book than in most (all?) of Ms Burrowes’ other books, but they didn’t feel superfluous to requirements or as though the author had thought “time for another sex scene” every ten pages. They certainly add spice to the story, although they’re not always entirely comfortable (not because they're in any way nasty - but because of the reasons they take place) and more importantly, they add to the character development of the protagonists in subtle but essential ways.
Gareth Alexander, Marquess of Heathgate was in his early twenties when he lost almost his entire family in a boating accident. He had been plain “Mister” Alexander back then, the fifth in line to the title and thus never expecting to inherit a marquisate. But the family tragedy, which only his mother and younger brother, Andrew, survived, suddenly thrust him into a limelight for which he was completely unprepared. Not only that, but the fact that he had been the only family member to abstain from taking the boat trip in the first place left him open to the unpleasant rumour that he had engineered the accident in order to dispose of his inconveniently placed male relatives so that he could inherit the title.
While still grieving, Gareth had to learn quickly to administer several large estates as well as to face down those rumours branding him a multiple-murderer. In the years following the accident, he worked hard – and played hard – increasing his family’s wealth to vast proportions while building impenetrable walls around those parts of him that cared for anybody and for society’s good opinion. He eschews drink and gambling, but not sex – and has become a womaniser of the first order, the kind of man who doesn’t frequent good society or associate with the sort of respectable females a man of his status will one day be expected to marry.
Felicity Worthington may be the daughter of a viscount, but she and her sister are nonetheless living in what can only be described as “genteel poverty”. Their father, Viscount Fairly, was a noted wastrel and gambler who neglected to provide for them in the event of his demise, and because he has died without leaving a male heir, his lands and titles are now subject to escheat (the transfer of all property to the Crown). Due to a bequest from a distant cousin (Callista), the sisters are now faced with better prospects – although for Felicity, the legacy is an onerous one. Their relation was a noted madam, and the property she has left them is a high-class brothel. Under the terms of the will, the brothel cannot be sold until a year has passed, and during that time, Felicity must run the place. Not only will this association with a house of ill-repute damage her reputation irretrievably, but the will also stipulates that she must learn ALL of the arts of being a madam – including the sexual ones. Furthermore, Felicity is given two choices as to her method of “tuition” – she can seek out Heathgate, or Viscount Riverton, a middle-aged, depraved roué. Having a very vague acquaintance with Riverton – who was one of her father’s cronies – she knows she could never bear for him to touch her, let alone teach her, so Gareth is her only choice.
When Gareth learns of Felicity’s situation he is stunned. He knew Callista and finds it difficult to believe that she would impose such conditions on a well-bred young lady. But Felicity insists the will is watertight, and if she is to inherit, she has three months in which to meet all the conditions of the bequest.
This presents Gareth with an extraordinary dilemma. A “lord of rakes” he may be, but he draws the line at ruining an innocent young woman, regardless of the fact that Felicity has accepted the necessity. Even as he agrees to teach her about the business side of running a “house of pleasure” and to educate her about clothes, food, wine, gambling and all the other things a good madam needs to know, he is trying to think of ways he can avoid taking that final step. It’s not that he doesn’t desire her – he does, very much, and more than that, he comes to like, admire and respect her. It’s that his - perhaps rusty – sense of honour baulks at the prospect of taking her virtue and making her an outcast from good society.
This is a romance, so it’s no spoiler to say that as the story progresses, Gareth and Felicty fall for each other. The relationship is very well developed, with both characters falling by increments as they learn more about each other. Felicity is very shrewd and her complete acceptance of her situation shows her strength and determination, as well as flummoxing Gareth from time to time. And his façade begins to crack the more time he spends with her, so he tries to push her away at every turn, knowing their time together is finite. Especially enjoyable is the way Felicity is able to get under Gareth’s skin and see the truth of the considerate, honourable man beneath the cold, sometimes hurtful exterior.
The romance is lovely, the sex scenes are sensual, and the characterisations of both the principals and the main secondary characters are very well-developed. Ms Burrowes has impressed me in particular with the way she writes male friendships and familial relationships in all her books, and this is no exception. The relationship between Gareth and Andrew is a delight to read and one of the book’s high points.
Where the book falls down, though, is in the fact that Gareth, a man with a mind like a steel trap, who is renowned for his business acumen, doesn’t think to read the actual will until near the very end of the book. Of course, had he done so, this would have been a very short book, if it had existed at all! Even though Ms Burrowes does a pretty good job of tying up loose ends and explaining everything, at the end, it’s still an oversight that is impossible to overlook. That’s not to say it’s impossible to ignore, because it isn’t. I was so caught up in the developing romance and captivated by Gareth, who is a wonderfully complex character, that I allowed myself to accept the flawed premise and enjoy the story. There is a secondary plotline featuring the mysterious David Holbrook (who is not-so-mysterious if you’ve read the early Windham books), and a dastardly plan engineered by someone with a grudge against Gareth to be resolved, too, which all comes racing to a satisfactory conclusion towards the end.
As always with books by this author, I came away from Gareth feeling as though I’d been put through the emotional mangle. While the story certainly has its flaws, I can’t fault Ms Burrowes’ writing or her talent for creating deep, emotional connections between her characters, and between them and the reader. Gareth may not be my favourite book in this series, but it’s certainly well worth reading and is a book I’d recommend to anyone who likes an angsty, yet emotionally satisfying and sensual romance.
August 25, 2019
I liked Gareth, but Felicity was pretty boring...I'm really enjoying Burrowes's writing but waiting for the breakout book.
July 6, 2013
Once again, Grace Burrowes gives us a lonely lord who has everything and nothing. Gareth Alexander became Marquess of Heathgate unexpectedly when practically all of his family was killed in a boating accident. Only his mother and younger brother Andrew survived. He has dedicated himself to his job, increasing the family's wealth while cutting a wide swath through the demi-monde and avoiding polite society.
As described in the blurb, Felicity Worthington comes to him one day to ask for his help. A less than respectable cousin has died and left Felicity a thriving brothel, with the requirement that Felicity learn everything about being a madam. As the penniless spinster daughter of a deceased viscount, with a younger sister to look after, Felicity feels that she has little choice but to accept the bequest, and Gareth is the man named as trustee in the will. Gareth is none too pleased, but the alternate trustee is a vile man, so Gareth decides that he's saving Felicity from an unpleasant fate.
Felicity has a lot to learn, and the reader is privy to Gareth's lessons -- in great detail. This must be the most sex-filled book that Grace Burrowes has written! Not that I'm objecting exactly, but I did find that the first half of the book was a bit slow, albeit sexy. Things pick up as more characters come to the fore -- Gareth's brother, Felicity's handful of a sister Astrid, and a mysterious stranger named David Holbrook. (If you've read The Heir (Duke's Obsession, #1), you got a glimpse of him and that glimpse is actually a bit of a spoiler.)
Of course, Felicity and Gareth fall in love, but they both realize that marriage is out of the question. I won't try to explain why that is, but the situation is fairly understandable. What is not understandable, however, is the ridiculous will, but Burrowes does a good job of explaining that whole situation by the end. There is a bit of mystery as well -- who is David Holbrook and does he have anything to do with someone's attempts to harm the Worthington sisters?
As she did in some of the Windham series, and particularly in Nicholas: Lord of Secrets and Ethan: Lord of Scandals, Burrowes excels in writing about the sometimes fraught, but always loving, relationship between brothers. Gareth's brother Andrew is the hero of her next book, with Felicity's sister Astrid as the heroine. I can't wait.
As described in the blurb, Felicity Worthington comes to him one day to ask for his help. A less than respectable cousin has died and left Felicity a thriving brothel, with the requirement that Felicity learn everything about being a madam. As the penniless spinster daughter of a deceased viscount, with a younger sister to look after, Felicity feels that she has little choice but to accept the bequest, and Gareth is the man named as trustee in the will. Gareth is none too pleased, but the alternate trustee is a vile man, so Gareth decides that he's saving Felicity from an unpleasant fate.
Felicity has a lot to learn, and the reader is privy to Gareth's lessons -- in great detail. This must be the most sex-filled book that Grace Burrowes has written! Not that I'm objecting exactly, but I did find that the first half of the book was a bit slow, albeit sexy. Things pick up as more characters come to the fore -- Gareth's brother, Felicity's handful of a sister Astrid, and a mysterious stranger named David Holbrook. (If you've read The Heir (Duke's Obsession, #1), you got a glimpse of him and that glimpse is actually a bit of a spoiler.)
Of course, Felicity and Gareth fall in love, but they both realize that marriage is out of the question. I won't try to explain why that is, but the situation is fairly understandable. What is not understandable, however, is the ridiculous will, but Burrowes does a good job of explaining that whole situation by the end. There is a bit of mystery as well -- who is David Holbrook and does he have anything to do with someone's attempts to harm the Worthington sisters?
As she did in some of the Windham series, and particularly in Nicholas: Lord of Secrets and Ethan: Lord of Scandals, Burrowes excels in writing about the sometimes fraught, but always loving, relationship between brothers. Gareth's brother Andrew is the hero of her next book, with Felicity's sister Astrid as the heroine. I can't wait.
August 29, 2013
HAPPY RELEASE DAY, GARETH!!!!!
Another Lonely Lord! I was surprised that this one didn't have any of the other lords in it, but that didn't dim my enjoyment at all.
Gareth is the Lord of Rakes. He became the Viscount after a boating accident killed the five people between him and the title. He never expected to inherit at all. While he was shocked, and grieving, he took on the responsibility and made a success of it. To cover his grief, he certainly deserved the title "Lord of Rakes."
Enter Felicity. She's just inherited a brothel. She's a well-bred young woman. The solicitors have specified that she must take over the roll of Madame, and all that entails, to get the inheritance. They direct that she must learn all there is to know from Gareth. And she better not be a virgin when the time frame is up.
Lissy hates to do this. She's a lady! But she has a younger sister to care for and they are about to lose their home. They need the blunt to survive and while she may be able to make it in service, her sister won't.
Have to laugh, Astrid is a handful, that's for sure. She IS a 17 year old girl. Not mature at all, and her mouth tends to run ahead of her thoughts. Many Regency era books have 17 year olds all mature and ready to run a household. Not Astrid! She's going to be our main character in the next book, Andrew: Lord of Despair (Lonely Lords #7), and Andrew is Gareth's brother. She's going to run him ragged, that's for sure.
Gareth and Felicity are thrust into each other's company and she has to learn the ways of eroticism. Running the brothel itself is a cake walk. She's been running her father's house for years. But this other? Yes, eye opening. She comes to hate Gareth's analytical tone.
As always, there are supporting characters that one worries about. Are they good people? Or are they the ones out to harm the main characters. Ms. Burrowes keeps us guessing.
I did find myself a bit frustrated at times. There is a mystery here and I kept thinking: JUST TELL THEM! TELL US, the readers!
In the end, the mystery was a twist that I didn't expect and the frustration was actually worth it. It makes sense in hindsight. Well done!
While each of these books stand on their own, this one, like the others, left me wanting more. And I'm happy to know that there are more coming!
If you are looking for a series of tormented men and the women who torment them a bit more, before bringing them the joy they deserve, these are the books for you. Especially Gareth. Yes, another Lonely Lord to love!
Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks, for the opportunity to read Gareth!
Another Lonely Lord! I was surprised that this one didn't have any of the other lords in it, but that didn't dim my enjoyment at all.
Gareth is the Lord of Rakes. He became the Viscount after a boating accident killed the five people between him and the title. He never expected to inherit at all. While he was shocked, and grieving, he took on the responsibility and made a success of it. To cover his grief, he certainly deserved the title "Lord of Rakes."
Enter Felicity. She's just inherited a brothel. She's a well-bred young woman. The solicitors have specified that she must take over the roll of Madame, and all that entails, to get the inheritance. They direct that she must learn all there is to know from Gareth. And she better not be a virgin when the time frame is up.
Lissy hates to do this. She's a lady! But she has a younger sister to care for and they are about to lose their home. They need the blunt to survive and while she may be able to make it in service, her sister won't.
Have to laugh, Astrid is a handful, that's for sure. She IS a 17 year old girl. Not mature at all, and her mouth tends to run ahead of her thoughts. Many Regency era books have 17 year olds all mature and ready to run a household. Not Astrid! She's going to be our main character in the next book, Andrew: Lord of Despair (Lonely Lords #7), and Andrew is Gareth's brother. She's going to run him ragged, that's for sure.
Gareth and Felicity are thrust into each other's company and she has to learn the ways of eroticism. Running the brothel itself is a cake walk. She's been running her father's house for years. But this other? Yes, eye opening. She comes to hate Gareth's analytical tone.
As always, there are supporting characters that one worries about. Are they good people? Or are they the ones out to harm the main characters. Ms. Burrowes keeps us guessing.
I did find myself a bit frustrated at times. There is a mystery here and I kept thinking: JUST TELL THEM! TELL US, the readers!
In the end, the mystery was a twist that I didn't expect and the frustration was actually worth it. It makes sense in hindsight. Well done!
While each of these books stand on their own, this one, like the others, left me wanting more. And I'm happy to know that there are more coming!
If you are looking for a series of tormented men and the women who torment them a bit more, before bringing them the joy they deserve, these are the books for you. Especially Gareth. Yes, another Lonely Lord to love!
Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks, for the opportunity to read Gareth!
September 19, 2013
Absolutely lovely! This is definitely my new favorite Grace Burrowes book. Gareth: Lord of Rakes was a brilliant historical romance. It had steamy romance, shocking secrets, and a scandalous family secret that totally blew me away. I LOVED this book!
I loved the idea for this book. A heroine forced to become a madame and made to learn how to do it from a notorious rake. It's definitely something I haven't seen before and I really liked that about this book. I thought it made the book even better.
Felicity was a heroine is a bad situation. She's destitute because of her father's lack of preparation and the only money she can get is from a brothel. And the only way she was get the money from the brothel is by learning the how to be a madame, from the business side, to the knowledge of...shall we say "the arts of love." And the only person she is allowed to learn from, by way of an airtight will, is Gareth, a notorious rake. It puts her in a difficult situation. I really liked her. She was a very strong character. Even though she had every right to throw a pity party, she sucked it up and did what she had to do. She was intensely loyal to her sister and determined to take care of her, one way or another. She was tough, clever, and very likable. I thought she was a great heroine.
Gareth was also lovely. I completely adored him. Despite his reputation as a rogue, he was so sweet. I loved how, even as he was committed to helping Felicity fulfill the terms of the will, he was even more determined to help her find a way out of it, so that she could get the money and still save her reputation. I adored him. He was just wonderful.
The romance was both super sweet and steamy. Felicity and Gareth were so cute together. They were just such a perfect couple and it showed with their every interaction. And, let's not forget the chemistry between them. It was super hot and, when they finally got together, on fire. A few times, I just wanted to shove them in a room and refuse to let them out until they admitted their feelings for each other. Neither of them were in denial to themselves. They just couldn't admit it to each other. And, they were so close to letting a good thing get away. But, though that would usually annoy me, I think it worked in this book because it fit the characters, complete with their fears and insecurities. I really liked them together. I thought they were a lovely couple.
The plot was fast paced. I was hooked the entire way through. The mystery of who was really behind the will kept me riveted and the reveal of who was really behind it too me by surprise. Not to mention the secret involving Felicity, her sister, and Holbrook (another character, who I really liked). It was jaw-dropping. Talk about family secrets. It was definitely a surprise. And, now, knowing Holbrook's past, I can't wait to read his story, which I believe is coming up in the next few books. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was wonderful.
Gareth, Lord of Rakes was a fantastic historical romance. I adored this book! It had secrets, surprises, thrills, and romance. It was brilliant. Lovers of romance, this is a book you don't want to miss.
*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Quotes:
"You have made me a better man than I ever thought I could be. You have restored to me the man I should have been, and I would not survive the loss of you again. I simply could not." -Gareth
(Isn't he so sweet?)
I loved the idea for this book. A heroine forced to become a madame and made to learn how to do it from a notorious rake. It's definitely something I haven't seen before and I really liked that about this book. I thought it made the book even better.
Felicity was a heroine is a bad situation. She's destitute because of her father's lack of preparation and the only money she can get is from a brothel. And the only way she was get the money from the brothel is by learning the how to be a madame, from the business side, to the knowledge of...shall we say "the arts of love." And the only person she is allowed to learn from, by way of an airtight will, is Gareth, a notorious rake. It puts her in a difficult situation. I really liked her. She was a very strong character. Even though she had every right to throw a pity party, she sucked it up and did what she had to do. She was intensely loyal to her sister and determined to take care of her, one way or another. She was tough, clever, and very likable. I thought she was a great heroine.
Gareth was also lovely. I completely adored him. Despite his reputation as a rogue, he was so sweet. I loved how, even as he was committed to helping Felicity fulfill the terms of the will, he was even more determined to help her find a way out of it, so that she could get the money and still save her reputation. I adored him. He was just wonderful.
The romance was both super sweet and steamy. Felicity and Gareth were so cute together. They were just such a perfect couple and it showed with their every interaction. And, let's not forget the chemistry between them. It was super hot and, when they finally got together, on fire. A few times, I just wanted to shove them in a room and refuse to let them out until they admitted their feelings for each other. Neither of them were in denial to themselves. They just couldn't admit it to each other. And, they were so close to letting a good thing get away. But, though that would usually annoy me, I think it worked in this book because it fit the characters, complete with their fears and insecurities. I really liked them together. I thought they were a lovely couple.
The plot was fast paced. I was hooked the entire way through. The mystery of who was really behind the will kept me riveted and the reveal of who was really behind it too me by surprise. Not to mention the secret involving Felicity, her sister, and Holbrook (another character, who I really liked). It was jaw-dropping. Talk about family secrets. It was definitely a surprise. And, now, knowing Holbrook's past, I can't wait to read his story, which I believe is coming up in the next few books. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was wonderful.
Gareth, Lord of Rakes was a fantastic historical romance. I adored this book! It had secrets, surprises, thrills, and romance. It was brilliant. Lovers of romance, this is a book you don't want to miss.
*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Quotes:
"You have made me a better man than I ever thought I could be. You have restored to me the man I should have been, and I would not survive the loss of you again. I simply could not." -Gareth
(Isn't he so sweet?)
May 23, 2015
This is a reread, because I needed to write a review, because I didn't remember this book sufficiently (I first read in May 2015) to cobble something together.
I had given it four stars, but I'm revising it down to 3 stars, maybe 3.5. Perhaps because I've had a long week and a non-restful weekend and I'm feeling bitchy.
Still love Burrowes's style. Unique, immersive and historically appropriate.
GB often requires a fair amount of belief suspension in her plotting - which is a grand word for what she does, more accurately 'the way she brings her H/H together' - but this one rather takes it to a new level. Our heroine, inherits a brothel (!) on the condition she learns the plying of the trade (!) in every conceivable way (!) from one of two men (!), one of whom is our hero (!) (the other is evil and so, of course, our hero cannot possibly leave her to him). GB is at pains to point out that this wouldn't hold up in Chancery [side note: I do adore the littering of random and always slightly misused English legal concepts in her novels] but for reasons not clear to me we push ahead with the plan any way. S'all a bit thin, but it puts sex front and centre which is fairly unusual for GB and that aspect of the novel kept me reading.
I liked Gareth. A rake and a bit caustic with it. But still ultimately a beta hero. Felicity I found a touch insipid and naive. I enjoyed reading about their journey but actually, when I reached the end, I couldn't figure out why they were in love, aside from their massive and immediate sexual compatibility.
This novel passed the time. It was enjoyable, but nothing special.
I had given it four stars, but I'm revising it down to 3 stars, maybe 3.5. Perhaps because I've had a long week and a non-restful weekend and I'm feeling bitchy.
Still love Burrowes's style. Unique, immersive and historically appropriate.
GB often requires a fair amount of belief suspension in her plotting - which is a grand word for what she does, more accurately 'the way she brings her H/H together' - but this one rather takes it to a new level. Our heroine, inherits a brothel (!) on the condition she learns the plying of the trade (!) in every conceivable way (!) from one of two men (!), one of whom is our hero (!) (the other is evil and so, of course, our hero cannot possibly leave her to him). GB is at pains to point out that this wouldn't hold up in Chancery [side note: I do adore the littering of random and always slightly misused English legal concepts in her novels] but for reasons not clear to me we push ahead with the plan any way. S'all a bit thin, but it puts sex front and centre which is fairly unusual for GB and that aspect of the novel kept me reading.
I liked Gareth. A rake and a bit caustic with it. But still ultimately a beta hero. Felicity I found a touch insipid and naive. I enjoyed reading about their journey but actually, when I reached the end, I couldn't figure out why they were in love, aside from their massive and immediate sexual compatibility.
This novel passed the time. It was enjoyable, but nothing special.
March 17, 2016
Oh my god, the premise. How can I not?
August 30, 2013
Kind of a wild premise (but that was explained towards the end of the book), but still quite enjoyable, despite the author's apparent deep and abiding love for thesaurus.com and the somewhat cliche events that happen towards the end.
4-4.5/5 Stars, full review to follow.
4-4.5/5 Stars, full review to follow.
May 21, 2015
The book is lacklustre at best. It had a promising premise, but sadly, it fell short in its execution. I found myself skipping a few pages because the scenes were too draggy--as if the author was intentionally prolonging the scenes just to lengthen the book. And while the writing was okay, it was rather bland and did not absorb me--a common fault of Ms. Burrowes' books.
I guess I would have given this a more generous rating--say, 3 stars--had I not read Lisa Kleypas' Devil in Winter. This book pales in comparison to that.
I guess I would have given this a more generous rating--say, 3 stars--had I not read Lisa Kleypas' Devil in Winter. This book pales in comparison to that.
August 30, 2025
Grace Burrows has mastered the art of writing Regency romance. I’ve read all the past books in this series and enjoyed them immensely. Gareth is no exception.
I find all of Ms. Burrows main characters to be fully developed and likable. Her villains are likewise quite repulsive and easy to despise. Gareth and Felicity are alike in their disdain for “society” and its trappings. I found their slow burn romance to be touching. I looked forward to them finding a way past the obstacles in their path to true love.
I look forward to the next book of the Lonely Lords.
I find all of Ms. Burrows main characters to be fully developed and likable. Her villains are likewise quite repulsive and easy to despise. Gareth and Felicity are alike in their disdain for “society” and its trappings. I found their slow burn romance to be touching. I looked forward to them finding a way past the obstacles in their path to true love.
I look forward to the next book of the Lonely Lords.
October 25, 2022
The plot and characters were overly dramatic but it was still a good read. The H was determined to be alone forever and ever, so there! But he was so in love with the h, as he helped her with a a ridiculous situation. She's mature and loved him enough to give what he wanted. To be away from her, sadly. Eventually they found a way to get an overwrought HEA.
January 29, 2014
(First reading review Feb. 2014) Not a keeper, unfortunately. The plot is really weak, although the writing is lovely, as always in Grace Burrowes' books.
The premise of the story is that Felicity, the heroine and an impoverished but well-born on-the-shelf spinster, has inherited a brothel from a distant female cousin. The cousin's will also apparently stipulates that Felicity learn the brothel business in *all* of its aspects and prove that she knows it with an exam and a midwife's inspection to prove that she has lost her virginity, within a three-month deadline. The executor of this "will" is Gareth, the hero, and he is the one who is supposed to teach Felicity about how to be a prostitute and brothel manager. (Gareth is a former steady customer of the brothel.) Believe it or not, Felilcity is willing to go along with this because she wants her younger sister to have "a season" and find somebody rich to marry, and she figures the funds from the brothel will help her do this, as long as she can keep her connection with the brothel and her disgrace completely secret.
Well, I didn't like the sordid aspect of the heroine losing her virginity involuntarily and then having to prove that she has lost it, to begin with, and the "we have to keep this completely secret so Felicity and her sister aren't ruined" aspect of the story was very weak - obviously this was not going to stay a secret, especially with Felicity and Gareth visiting the brothel pretty regularly - but there is one even bigger flaw in this whole setup: Gareth, who is supposed to execute this "will", never reads the will's actual text or checks out its requirements until the three-month deadline is just about up. And (spoiler warning) the will actually turns out to be something quite a bit different from what Felicity was told and what she believes from the precis of the will that was given to her by the lawyers - she didn't read the actual will either, but the implication is that she was too afraid to ask (end of spoiler). So both of the two main characters end up looking weak and stupid, and that just about killed the story for me.
There are other flaws and holes in the plot, and the resolution of the story has some really dubious legal maneuverings which reduce its credibility even more.
(Second reading review, Jan. 13 2018) I was interested in the character of Gareth after re-reading the other books in the "Worthington series" (Andrew, Douglas, David) because he and Felicity are inportant secondary characters in those books. So I re-read this one too, and actually enjoyed it a lot. The problems with the story (and there are many, including the fact that the Worthington sisters are just about reduced to penury even though they have a secret, very wealthy half-brother who is supposed to be looking after them) are still there, but the two main characters were somehow more compelling and complete this time around. So I raised the rating to 4 stars.
The premise of the story is that Felicity, the heroine and an impoverished but well-born on-the-shelf spinster, has inherited a brothel from a distant female cousin. The cousin's will also apparently stipulates that Felicity learn the brothel business in *all* of its aspects and prove that she knows it with an exam and a midwife's inspection to prove that she has lost her virginity, within a three-month deadline. The executor of this "will" is Gareth, the hero, and he is the one who is supposed to teach Felicity about how to be a prostitute and brothel manager. (Gareth is a former steady customer of the brothel.) Believe it or not, Felilcity is willing to go along with this because she wants her younger sister to have "a season" and find somebody rich to marry, and she figures the funds from the brothel will help her do this, as long as she can keep her connection with the brothel and her disgrace completely secret.
Well, I didn't like the sordid aspect of the heroine losing her virginity involuntarily and then having to prove that she has lost it, to begin with, and the "we have to keep this completely secret so Felicity and her sister aren't ruined" aspect of the story was very weak - obviously this was not going to stay a secret, especially with Felicity and Gareth visiting the brothel pretty regularly - but there is one even bigger flaw in this whole setup: Gareth, who is supposed to execute this "will", never reads the will's actual text or checks out its requirements until the three-month deadline is just about up. And (spoiler warning) the will actually turns out to be something quite a bit different from what Felicity was told and what she believes from the precis of the will that was given to her by the lawyers - she didn't read the actual will either, but the implication is that she was too afraid to ask (end of spoiler). So both of the two main characters end up looking weak and stupid, and that just about killed the story for me.
There are other flaws and holes in the plot, and the resolution of the story has some really dubious legal maneuverings which reduce its credibility even more.
(Second reading review, Jan. 13 2018) I was interested in the character of Gareth after re-reading the other books in the "Worthington series" (Andrew, Douglas, David) because he and Felicity are inportant secondary characters in those books. So I re-read this one too, and actually enjoyed it a lot. The problems with the story (and there are many, including the fact that the Worthington sisters are just about reduced to penury even though they have a secret, very wealthy half-brother who is supposed to be looking after them) are still there, but the two main characters were somehow more compelling and complete this time around. So I raised the rating to 4 stars.
August 20, 2013
Gareth: Lord of Rakes (Lonely Lords #6) by Grace Burrowes Author: Grace Burrowes Title: Gareth Series: Lonely Lords Cover Rating: Book Rating: Buy This Book:
She's caught between a rake and certain ruin...
Felicity Worthington's only hope of avoiding poverty—or worse—is to accept her distant cousin's dubious bequest... a thriving, high-class brothel. Felicity has 90 days to convince her cousin's solicitors that Gareth Alexander has taught her the art of pleasing a man, though she's more interested in the gentleman she glimpses beneath Gareth's debauched airs, than in the rake he's become.
In the business of love...How much should he teach her?
Gareth Alexander, Marquis of Heathgate, has little incentive to help a spinster learn to manage a brothel—except that the alternatives for the prim, pretty Miss Worthington are even worse. His resistance to teaching Felicity how to be a madam leaves Gareth wondering if the honor he'd thought long dead still survives, and if that honor allows him to yield to the lady's ruinous scheme... and to their shared desires.
If you want to know more you can find the Lonely Lords Family Tree Here
I have found that many times when an author approaches historical novels that the story or the characters start to become very cliche. But Grace Burrowes has done a great job in keeping both her world and her characters honest. Gareth is book 7 of her Lonely Lords series but it can be read individually without having to read the previous books to understand it, although I will be adding the others to my TBR pile because I enjoyed reading Gareth's book so much. Felicity and Gareth are put in each others path due to a request that's made in a will that puts the both of them in a position where they both begin to question their feelings for each other. Gareth has to teach Felicity to run a brothel and Felicity begins to make Gareth question his own hardened heart. I gave the heat rating 5 stars because the heat goes beyond just the love scenes, the heat sizzles even when there aren't love scenes. Grace has a talent for wording her love scenes so well that I couldn't not give her 5 stars for it. Gareth was such a beautiful read that I look forward to reading more in the very near future!
Until next time book lovers...
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like my post or leave a comment to let me know what you think. I love hearing from you!
Thank you so much for stopping by!
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews has a QR code for your phone!
She's caught between a rake and certain ruin...
Felicity Worthington's only hope of avoiding poverty—or worse—is to accept her distant cousin's dubious bequest... a thriving, high-class brothel. Felicity has 90 days to convince her cousin's solicitors that Gareth Alexander has taught her the art of pleasing a man, though she's more interested in the gentleman she glimpses beneath Gareth's debauched airs, than in the rake he's become.
In the business of love...How much should he teach her?
Gareth Alexander, Marquis of Heathgate, has little incentive to help a spinster learn to manage a brothel—except that the alternatives for the prim, pretty Miss Worthington are even worse. His resistance to teaching Felicity how to be a madam leaves Gareth wondering if the honor he'd thought long dead still survives, and if that honor allows him to yield to the lady's ruinous scheme... and to their shared desires.
If you want to know more you can find the Lonely Lords Family Tree Here
I have found that many times when an author approaches historical novels that the story or the characters start to become very cliche. But Grace Burrowes has done a great job in keeping both her world and her characters honest. Gareth is book 7 of her Lonely Lords series but it can be read individually without having to read the previous books to understand it, although I will be adding the others to my TBR pile because I enjoyed reading Gareth's book so much. Felicity and Gareth are put in each others path due to a request that's made in a will that puts the both of them in a position where they both begin to question their feelings for each other. Gareth has to teach Felicity to run a brothel and Felicity begins to make Gareth question his own hardened heart. I gave the heat rating 5 stars because the heat goes beyond just the love scenes, the heat sizzles even when there aren't love scenes. Grace has a talent for wording her love scenes so well that I couldn't not give her 5 stars for it. Gareth was such a beautiful read that I look forward to reading more in the very near future!
Until next time book lovers...
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like my post or leave a comment to let me know what you think. I love hearing from you!
Thank you so much for stopping by!
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews has a QR code for your phone!
October 7, 2013
Genteel poverty is difficult but before long whatever funds remained would be gone and Felicity Worthington, is in the unenviable position of being forced to accept a distant cousin’s very questionable bequest. Felicity could inherit a thriving, high-class brothel and convince her cousin’s solicitors that Gareth Alexander, Marquis of Heathgate had tutored her in the business end as well as the art of pleasing a man.
Gareth was aghast at the terms of his friends will that put the very prim but lovely spinster in such a situation. However when Gareth discovered who the alternative tutor was that Felicity would have to turn to if he didn’t accept, his decision was made. To be honest, the fact that Felicity was quite lovely was also a factor, but he really felt he could do this with enough discretion that Felicity would not be completely ruined in the process.
*** My goodness, after reading several novels by this new star of the the Historical Romance genre, I am still amazed at the creative genius that continues to come up with these original new plots. This one of course was truly unusual, with numerous questionable characters who in the end all played significant parts in the telling.
Felicity and her sister were about to go under when this double edged bequest was revealed to Felicity. It could have been a dream come true if not for the conditions that had to be met. However, repugnant to Felicity’s spinsterish state of mind, the thought of being on the street alone with her younger sister with no where to go led her to meet and negotiate with Gareth.
Strong in mind and spirit, Felicity was ready to sacrifice herself as long as her sister would never realize what she was about, which were part of the conditions she extracted from Gareth for complete discretion. Gareth was in complete agreement with this for his long lost honor had ultimately burst forth in distaste of what lay ahead for Felicity should the ton ever discover what was going on.
The lessons Gareth put Felicity through especially as she learned a whole new language of bodily parts, and acts of a sexual nature, were at times quite humorous. When these same terms were used in the context of show and tell as Gareth attempted to tutor Felicity in how to please a man, it was both sensual and imaginative.
Naturally, there were undercurrents of betrayal, jealousy, sensualness and revenge which were also woven into the fabric of the story which gave the reader a complete feel of both enjoyment and enormous entertainment. Put it all together and the reader will discover GARETH is one impressive and fabulous read!
Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com
Gareth was aghast at the terms of his friends will that put the very prim but lovely spinster in such a situation. However when Gareth discovered who the alternative tutor was that Felicity would have to turn to if he didn’t accept, his decision was made. To be honest, the fact that Felicity was quite lovely was also a factor, but he really felt he could do this with enough discretion that Felicity would not be completely ruined in the process.
*** My goodness, after reading several novels by this new star of the the Historical Romance genre, I am still amazed at the creative genius that continues to come up with these original new plots. This one of course was truly unusual, with numerous questionable characters who in the end all played significant parts in the telling.
Felicity and her sister were about to go under when this double edged bequest was revealed to Felicity. It could have been a dream come true if not for the conditions that had to be met. However, repugnant to Felicity’s spinsterish state of mind, the thought of being on the street alone with her younger sister with no where to go led her to meet and negotiate with Gareth.
Strong in mind and spirit, Felicity was ready to sacrifice herself as long as her sister would never realize what she was about, which were part of the conditions she extracted from Gareth for complete discretion. Gareth was in complete agreement with this for his long lost honor had ultimately burst forth in distaste of what lay ahead for Felicity should the ton ever discover what was going on.
The lessons Gareth put Felicity through especially as she learned a whole new language of bodily parts, and acts of a sexual nature, were at times quite humorous. When these same terms were used in the context of show and tell as Gareth attempted to tutor Felicity in how to please a man, it was both sensual and imaginative.
Naturally, there were undercurrents of betrayal, jealousy, sensualness and revenge which were also woven into the fabric of the story which gave the reader a complete feel of both enjoyment and enormous entertainment. Put it all together and the reader will discover GARETH is one impressive and fabulous read!
Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com
September 26, 2013
Highly improbable, highly improper situation
...'scandalous, shameful, scounderlous bad man!'
so Felicity Hemmings Worthington at one stage describes Gareth Alexander, Marquess of Heathgate.
I must admit initially I had reservations about the plot. I really liked the main characters but, Yikes! the whole premise left me aghast and agape.
Really I was halfway convinced that Burrowes had run amok and this novel was nothing more than a bodice ripper --albeit 'of the first water.'
My perceptions were turned on their head. Gareth (the novel) emerged as an enthralling, deviously plotted Regency romance embedded in the idea of women and inheritance laws, reverting of land and titles to the crown where no male heir is found, ownership, brothels and prostitutes, and the legalities of this profession in these times. In an interesting appendage Burrowes discusses these factors.
In this Lonely Lords episode a penniless spinster, made penniless by the law of Escheat, (where the title and lands, in this case the title of Viscount belonging to her father, reverts to the crown if no male inheritor can be found), inherits a gaming house/brothel. Conditions of the inheritance are Machiavellian to say the least, including eventual loss of virtue. To save her younger sister from a life of drudgery and pernicury the spinster attempts to fulfill the inheritance.
Added to this the sexual encounters although tender yet passionate are again constructs of the premise. A lot of disbelief initially needs to be suspended.
But then this is perhaps a Beauty and the Beast story in a different guise:
*Dowdy looking Beauty (very proper spinster) in predicament
*Approaches Beast (disenchanted marquess) for distasteful help
*Beast agrees reluctantly
*Beast acts beastly to try to scare Beauty off
*Beast finds himself falling in love
*Beauty finds that beast is all she could wish for
*Beast acts in Beauty's best interests
*Beast rescues Beauty from threats
*Beauty is victim no more
*Alls well that ends well--with surprises--but ah! The agony off getting there!
... and a villain of course lurks in the proverbial shrubbery
There are moments that I really enjoyed in this misplaced unintended relationship.
More than once I was struck by Felicity's introspective musings about their relationship. 'Did a gallant knight ever bring his lady anything more precious than hope?'
Frisson aplenty, steamy romance and more.
Good reading!
A NetGalley ARC
...'scandalous, shameful, scounderlous bad man!'
so Felicity Hemmings Worthington at one stage describes Gareth Alexander, Marquess of Heathgate.
I must admit initially I had reservations about the plot. I really liked the main characters but, Yikes! the whole premise left me aghast and agape.
Really I was halfway convinced that Burrowes had run amok and this novel was nothing more than a bodice ripper --albeit 'of the first water.'
My perceptions were turned on their head. Gareth (the novel) emerged as an enthralling, deviously plotted Regency romance embedded in the idea of women and inheritance laws, reverting of land and titles to the crown where no male heir is found, ownership, brothels and prostitutes, and the legalities of this profession in these times. In an interesting appendage Burrowes discusses these factors.
In this Lonely Lords episode a penniless spinster, made penniless by the law of Escheat, (where the title and lands, in this case the title of Viscount belonging to her father, reverts to the crown if no male inheritor can be found), inherits a gaming house/brothel. Conditions of the inheritance are Machiavellian to say the least, including eventual loss of virtue. To save her younger sister from a life of drudgery and pernicury the spinster attempts to fulfill the inheritance.
Added to this the sexual encounters although tender yet passionate are again constructs of the premise. A lot of disbelief initially needs to be suspended.
But then this is perhaps a Beauty and the Beast story in a different guise:
*Dowdy looking Beauty (very proper spinster) in predicament
*Approaches Beast (disenchanted marquess) for distasteful help
*Beast agrees reluctantly
*Beast acts beastly to try to scare Beauty off
*Beast finds himself falling in love
*Beauty finds that beast is all she could wish for
*Beast acts in Beauty's best interests
*Beast rescues Beauty from threats
*Beauty is victim no more
*Alls well that ends well--with surprises--but ah! The agony off getting there!
... and a villain of course lurks in the proverbial shrubbery
There are moments that I really enjoyed in this misplaced unintended relationship.
More than once I was struck by Felicity's introspective musings about their relationship. 'Did a gallant knight ever bring his lady anything more precious than hope?'
Frisson aplenty, steamy romance and more.
Good reading!
A NetGalley ARC
September 16, 2013
Probably my least favorite Grace Burrowes book. The premise of the story had parts that were preposterous. The H and h were both stiff (that was OK), but I never felt like I really knew them (especially her). The romantic tension was so drawn out that after a while I barely cared. I love her other books, but this one was just not up to her usual quality.
December 10, 2023
I didn’t completely understand why Gareth didn’t think he could be with Felicity, but other than that, it had a strong plot, regardless of how ridiculous it sounded in the description. It actually didn’t leave me rolling my eyes the way that Ethan and Nick’s books did.
November 10, 2013
4.5 Stars
Gareth Alexander, is the unwilling Marquess of Heathgate, due to a tragic accident years ago that took the lives of the current Marquess, his father, older brother, uncle, and cousin, who were all in line to inherit the title before he was. Although the boating incident was ruled an accident, people of the ton speculated that he had a hand in it, in order to inherit. While dealing with his grief, he also had to suffer people suspecting him of murder. So, his defense was building a wall around himself and not caring. He threw himself into making his lands profitable, and becoming a rake. He had no intentions of marrying, and didn't associate with "decent" women.
Felicity Worthington is the daughter of a Viscount, who died without providing for her or her sister. They are living a meager existence, when Felicity receives word of a surprise inheritance from a distant cousin - a brothel! In order to inherit, Felicity must prove to the solicitors that she has learned how to run the brothel, including pleasing the customers. The cousin named Gareth as the person to teach her. If she refuses Gareth, she may choose Riverton, who is a slimeball of the worst sort. If she doesn't accept these terms, she doesn't get the inheritance.
Felicity decides to accept, hoping that the scheme can remain secret, and she'll have the funds to launch her younger sister in society. She approaches Gareth, who is stunned at the news. He knew the cousin (Callista) and can't believe that she would concoct such a scheme, because it will surely ruin Felicity. Gareth refuses until Felicity tells him that her other option is Riverton. Gareth reluctantly accepts, but with the thought of finding a way to get around actually taking Felicity's innocence.
They start meeting, and Gareth begins to teach Felicity the way of the world. He accepts that he'll have to ruin her, and, in truth, he desires her. Felicity is beginning to care for him, and realizing this, Gareth tells her,
"If you want protestations of profound emotion from me, you are doomed to disappointment. I'll give you pleasure and teach you how to please a lover. When I have discharged that obligation, I will wish you luck and be on my way."
When they finally get to the point of having sex, Felicity insists that she will never be intimate with another man after this, Gareth determines to make this time tender and memorable for her. He uses his considerable skill, and in the process realizes he has fallen in love. He also realizes that he is not husband material and could never be faithful. When their night is over, he decides to be cruel to be kind (so he thinks) and tells her,
"You have means now....distract yourself from this dalliance you've had with me, and forget what you think you feel for me. Our business is concluded, and I certainly intend to move along to other pleasurable pursuits."
Felicity, although far less experienced, realizes that Gareth cares for her. She also realizes that he is determined to end their relationship. Holding her tears back, as she leaves, she tells him,
"I will never forget you, or that you are the man who came to be both lover and friend to me. You will continue to dwell in my mind and heart as a friend at least, as I would be to you. And I will miss you, Gareth. I will miss you until my dying day."
Gareth is a complex character. Although from the beginning we know he's innocent of any wrongdoing in the deaths of his family, and therefore has a reason to have built his walls, I struggled with him. His courteous cruelty to Felicity made me wonder if he was redeemable. But seeing him after they part, with his walls crumbling down, I was won over, and my heart broke for him.
This is another touching and emotional story by Grace Burrowes, who has rapidly become one of my favorite authors. There is a mystery here, as well, but the focus is on the love story of a hardened (yet redeemed) rake and the innocent lady who brought him back to life. Both aspects have a satisfying ending, and I highly recommend this book.
Review appeared 11/20/13 at Seductive Musings
http://seductivemusings.blogspot.com/
Gareth Alexander, is the unwilling Marquess of Heathgate, due to a tragic accident years ago that took the lives of the current Marquess, his father, older brother, uncle, and cousin, who were all in line to inherit the title before he was. Although the boating incident was ruled an accident, people of the ton speculated that he had a hand in it, in order to inherit. While dealing with his grief, he also had to suffer people suspecting him of murder. So, his defense was building a wall around himself and not caring. He threw himself into making his lands profitable, and becoming a rake. He had no intentions of marrying, and didn't associate with "decent" women.
Felicity Worthington is the daughter of a Viscount, who died without providing for her or her sister. They are living a meager existence, when Felicity receives word of a surprise inheritance from a distant cousin - a brothel! In order to inherit, Felicity must prove to the solicitors that she has learned how to run the brothel, including pleasing the customers. The cousin named Gareth as the person to teach her. If she refuses Gareth, she may choose Riverton, who is a slimeball of the worst sort. If she doesn't accept these terms, she doesn't get the inheritance.
Felicity decides to accept, hoping that the scheme can remain secret, and she'll have the funds to launch her younger sister in society. She approaches Gareth, who is stunned at the news. He knew the cousin (Callista) and can't believe that she would concoct such a scheme, because it will surely ruin Felicity. Gareth refuses until Felicity tells him that her other option is Riverton. Gareth reluctantly accepts, but with the thought of finding a way to get around actually taking Felicity's innocence.
They start meeting, and Gareth begins to teach Felicity the way of the world. He accepts that he'll have to ruin her, and, in truth, he desires her. Felicity is beginning to care for him, and realizing this, Gareth tells her,
"If you want protestations of profound emotion from me, you are doomed to disappointment. I'll give you pleasure and teach you how to please a lover. When I have discharged that obligation, I will wish you luck and be on my way."
When they finally get to the point of having sex, Felicity insists that she will never be intimate with another man after this, Gareth determines to make this time tender and memorable for her. He uses his considerable skill, and in the process realizes he has fallen in love. He also realizes that he is not husband material and could never be faithful. When their night is over, he decides to be cruel to be kind (so he thinks) and tells her,
"You have means now....distract yourself from this dalliance you've had with me, and forget what you think you feel for me. Our business is concluded, and I certainly intend to move along to other pleasurable pursuits."
Felicity, although far less experienced, realizes that Gareth cares for her. She also realizes that he is determined to end their relationship. Holding her tears back, as she leaves, she tells him,
"I will never forget you, or that you are the man who came to be both lover and friend to me. You will continue to dwell in my mind and heart as a friend at least, as I would be to you. And I will miss you, Gareth. I will miss you until my dying day."
Gareth is a complex character. Although from the beginning we know he's innocent of any wrongdoing in the deaths of his family, and therefore has a reason to have built his walls, I struggled with him. His courteous cruelty to Felicity made me wonder if he was redeemable. But seeing him after they part, with his walls crumbling down, I was won over, and my heart broke for him.
This is another touching and emotional story by Grace Burrowes, who has rapidly become one of my favorite authors. There is a mystery here, as well, but the focus is on the love story of a hardened (yet redeemed) rake and the innocent lady who brought him back to life. Both aspects have a satisfying ending, and I highly recommend this book.
Review appeared 11/20/13 at Seductive Musings
http://seductivemusings.blogspot.com/
October 23, 2013
Felicity's distant cousin was the owner of a very high class brothel, thriving and making quite a profit. Upon her death, Felicity is left the Brothel by her cousin. In order to avoid poverty, or worse, and provide her younger sister with the best chance in life, Felicity has 90 days to comply to the terms and convince the solicitors she's done as instructed in the will.
That being that Gareth Alexander has taught her how to run the brothel, as well as please a man. Felicity can't deny she's interested in the gentleman lurking beneath the outward facade of the Rake, but can she stop herself from becoming too attached?
Gareth has very little incentive to help Felicity, a spinster, learn the ways of a brothel, except the alternative is far worse than him. His resistance to teaching her and ruining her, make him wonder if he still possesses some shred of his honor. But he soon finds himself harboring feelings he never thought he would ever have for a woman.
The premise of the book is something I've never come across and Felicity is a worthy heroin throughout. Felicity and Gareth, along with all of the other characters, jump off the page, with many depths and dimensions to them. Gareth was just wonderful, how he slowly found himself caring for her and getting jealous, but refusing to ruin her and helping her all the time.
The story raced along very quickly, with no boring parts thrown in for the sake of background or just as a filler between the main plot points. It flowed smoothly, and was hard to put down.
Now on to the part you ladies will be most interested in....the Romance. The romance was incredibly sweet, but also very steamy, and there where plenty of...let's say "steamy" *wink wink* scenes scattered throughout the book. The chemistry between Gareth and Felicity was so hot i'm surprised it didn't burn the pages. It reaches a point where you're exasperated with the both of them being unable to admit their feelings to each other, and want to smack them both.
There was an added mystery in the form of the person behind the will and the threats to Felicity's safety, Burrowes had me damn near convinced it was one person, before a slight clue made me realize it wasn't and I should really brush up on my detective skills...Sherlock Holmes I am not. I never saw the family secret coming, that pops up at the end, either.
Gareth was a fantastic historical romance, full of passion, mystery and intrigue, with sparks fairly flying off the page!
That being that Gareth Alexander has taught her how to run the brothel, as well as please a man. Felicity can't deny she's interested in the gentleman lurking beneath the outward facade of the Rake, but can she stop herself from becoming too attached?
Gareth has very little incentive to help Felicity, a spinster, learn the ways of a brothel, except the alternative is far worse than him. His resistance to teaching her and ruining her, make him wonder if he still possesses some shred of his honor. But he soon finds himself harboring feelings he never thought he would ever have for a woman.
The premise of the book is something I've never come across and Felicity is a worthy heroin throughout. Felicity and Gareth, along with all of the other characters, jump off the page, with many depths and dimensions to them. Gareth was just wonderful, how he slowly found himself caring for her and getting jealous, but refusing to ruin her and helping her all the time.
The story raced along very quickly, with no boring parts thrown in for the sake of background or just as a filler between the main plot points. It flowed smoothly, and was hard to put down.
Now on to the part you ladies will be most interested in....the Romance. The romance was incredibly sweet, but also very steamy, and there where plenty of...let's say "steamy" *wink wink* scenes scattered throughout the book. The chemistry between Gareth and Felicity was so hot i'm surprised it didn't burn the pages. It reaches a point where you're exasperated with the both of them being unable to admit their feelings to each other, and want to smack them both.
There was an added mystery in the form of the person behind the will and the threats to Felicity's safety, Burrowes had me damn near convinced it was one person, before a slight clue made me realize it wasn't and I should really brush up on my detective skills...Sherlock Holmes I am not. I never saw the family secret coming, that pops up at the end, either.
Gareth was a fantastic historical romance, full of passion, mystery and intrigue, with sparks fairly flying off the page!
June 14, 2021
I gave this book two stars because the author writes a tragic hero very well. And after completing the book, the author's note mentioned this was the first book she plotted in this series. It shows but other books in the series are so much better, I'll grant two stars.
Have you ever gone to a cheesy horror movie and wondered why the hero and his girlfriend went into the storm cellar when they had been warned not to? How could they be so dim witted, so oblivious, so sure they'd be fine when all their friends disappeared..? This book is the equivalent of that movie.
The hero is a reluctant lord, doing just the minimum required of him. He has good reason and it makes him somewhat sympathetic.
The heroine is a viscount's daughter but has been left in virtual penury on her father's death.
She is incredibly naive and far too proud.
When she is bequeathed a brothel with the stipulation that either the hero, a former client of the madam, teach her the ropes of being the new madam or a disreputable rake teach her, the hero agrees.
All through the book, from the initial meeting of the H/H, they both think there is something "hinky" about the will. He liked the madam and can't imagine she'd drag her distant cousin, a chaste lady, through this potentially scandalous situation. He keeps thinking he should read the will. or talk to his man of business, a lawyer. But, no, he still goes through with ruining a young woman.
She is offered alternatives, but thinks she can own a brothel for the one year required by the will, protect her reputation by keeping the terms the the will quiet and afford her younger sister a successful season. Proud, much? And let's not even mention how spoiled and indiscreet her sibling is.
Both think, "Oh, all our friends have disappeared, but surely there can't be a madman with an axe in the basement," but they go down there anyway.
Seriously, just do yourself a favor and skip this one.
Have you ever gone to a cheesy horror movie and wondered why the hero and his girlfriend went into the storm cellar when they had been warned not to? How could they be so dim witted, so oblivious, so sure they'd be fine when all their friends disappeared..? This book is the equivalent of that movie.
The hero is a reluctant lord, doing just the minimum required of him. He has good reason and it makes him somewhat sympathetic.
The heroine is a viscount's daughter but has been left in virtual penury on her father's death.
She is incredibly naive and far too proud.
When she is bequeathed a brothel with the stipulation that either the hero, a former client of the madam, teach her the ropes of being the new madam or a disreputable rake teach her, the hero agrees.
All through the book, from the initial meeting of the H/H, they both think there is something "hinky" about the will. He liked the madam and can't imagine she'd drag her distant cousin, a chaste lady, through this potentially scandalous situation. He keeps thinking he should read the will. or talk to his man of business, a lawyer. But, no, he still goes through with ruining a young woman.
She is offered alternatives, but thinks she can own a brothel for the one year required by the will, protect her reputation by keeping the terms the the will quiet and afford her younger sister a successful season. Proud, much? And let's not even mention how spoiled and indiscreet her sibling is.
Both think, "Oh, all our friends have disappeared, but surely there can't be a madman with an axe in the basement," but they go down there anyway.
Seriously, just do yourself a favor and skip this one.
November 11, 2013
If I had to pick a favorite of Grace Burrowes books to be stranded on a desert island with and I can't have an omnibus of them all this is the one I would choose. I honestly didn't think I would enjoy it as much because the topic of brothels is not something I just reach for, but since I have to read everything this author writes as soon as it's published I took a chance.
Felicity has inherited a brothel from her only living relative besides her younger sister. The terms, according the smarmy lawyers are that Gareth, Marquess of Heathgate, must teach her what she needs to know actually run a brothel. EVERYTHING. And a midwife might be called upon to prove it. That is suppose to you sick. If Gareth doesn't agree a vile alternative will have to teach Felicity. Gareth can't let that happen so he agrees. He is not unwilling to bed this woman, she's beautiful both inside and out, but the fact that it's not her choice turns him off. She is very nervous. She is a confirmed spinster but has her younger sister to think about. The brothel cannot be sold until one year from her cousin's death. And they need the money so she raises her chin to do what needs to be done.
What happens throughout the book is a slow build to romance and true love. They talk. They hold each other. They support each other. It is a beautiful romance and a book I will probably return to someday.
My ONLY complaint is that this book was obviously written before the Windham series as a character in that series appears in this book but not as he appears in the other series (he is a viscount in that series but not yet this one). I wish the books could have been released in order of being written.
Felicity has inherited a brothel from her only living relative besides her younger sister. The terms, according the smarmy lawyers are that Gareth, Marquess of Heathgate, must teach her what she needs to know actually run a brothel. EVERYTHING. And a midwife might be called upon to prove it. That is suppose to you sick. If Gareth doesn't agree a vile alternative will have to teach Felicity. Gareth can't let that happen so he agrees. He is not unwilling to bed this woman, she's beautiful both inside and out, but the fact that it's not her choice turns him off. She is very nervous. She is a confirmed spinster but has her younger sister to think about. The brothel cannot be sold until one year from her cousin's death. And they need the money so she raises her chin to do what needs to be done.
What happens throughout the book is a slow build to romance and true love. They talk. They hold each other. They support each other. It is a beautiful romance and a book I will probably return to someday.
My ONLY complaint is that this book was obviously written before the Windham series as a character in that series appears in this book but not as he appears in the other series (he is a viscount in that series but not yet this one). I wish the books could have been released in order of being written.
July 12, 2024
Pure silliness. Obviously the premise is yikes, but mostly everyone's actions and reactions are so head-scratching. The characters side-step glaring moral questions with a dismissive sentence (this brothel doesn't support 'sick' fantasies so it's fine). But then prose on for pages about the loss of Felicity's virginity and how horrible and life-ruining it will be. Thank heavens for the sexual revolution, I can't with these people. Obviously a woman's virginity is central to any story set in regency England, but the fact that Felicity cared more about what losing her virginity would cost her than about the safety and well-being of the women she was now profiting from was icky to me.
But MOST OF ALL, the absolute NONSENSE of Gareth not reading (or have his secretary or lawyers read) the will the DAY Felicity approached him, and instead just taking everything she said as fact makes me want to smash things. Especially because it was clear from the beginning there was something off in her interview with the lawyers and they had treated her badly and obviously tried to intimidate her. For Gareth to be so resistant to follow through deflowering Felicity but not even THINK of making sure the will says he has to was too much for me. That all the drama was rendered unnecessary in the end is classic Burrowes, and occasionally it works but in this case it did not.
To sum up; the gymnastics this plot had to perform to create the conditions of a gentleman being forced to bed a gently bred lady were eye-rolling. And anytime I thought "at last, something reasonable is going to happen!" It didn't.
But MOST OF ALL, the absolute NONSENSE of Gareth not reading (or have his secretary or lawyers read) the will the DAY Felicity approached him, and instead just taking everything she said as fact makes me want to smash things. Especially because it was clear from the beginning there was something off in her interview with the lawyers and they had treated her badly and obviously tried to intimidate her. For Gareth to be so resistant to follow through deflowering Felicity but not even THINK of making sure the will says he has to was too much for me. That all the drama was rendered unnecessary in the end is classic Burrowes, and occasionally it works but in this case it did not.
To sum up; the gymnastics this plot had to perform to create the conditions of a gentleman being forced to bed a gently bred lady were eye-rolling. And anytime I thought "at last, something reasonable is going to happen!" It didn't.
September 8, 2013
You have to admit, as a plot device goes, bequeathing a brothel to a blameless spinster and the education of the brothel-keeper to a notorious rake is going to need some explaining at some point. I was dreading the worst and most hackneyed of romantic fiction explanations at the end but Burrowes was rather cleverer than the average romance writer in setting up the key part of the plot. That bit works at the end. What didn't really make sense was why no-one appeared too bothered about reading the will until near the end of the book. Too much sex ed was proving distracting no doubt :-)
On the whole I bought the relationship between Felicity and Gareth. I didn't find them too dull, or particularly emotionally stilted or any of the other faults other reviewers have noted. I enjoyed the slow unravelling of their respective hang-ups on the way to the HEA and felt I had the time and the patience to just follow the development of the relationship without wanting to rush to the end. But it is a book that does require patience, and some willing suspension of disbelief around the bequest thing. I think Burrowes has written more credible barriers to happiness (e.g. The Bridegroom Wore Plaid) that are capable of fooling the reader into thinking that just this once it might not be possible for the barriers to be overcome. This wasn't in that league and it really was just a bit of inner monologue adjustment needed on the part of our hero to do the obvious thing, but it was still a decent read and a good way to spend some time somewhere else in your head ...
On the whole I bought the relationship between Felicity and Gareth. I didn't find them too dull, or particularly emotionally stilted or any of the other faults other reviewers have noted. I enjoyed the slow unravelling of their respective hang-ups on the way to the HEA and felt I had the time and the patience to just follow the development of the relationship without wanting to rush to the end. But it is a book that does require patience, and some willing suspension of disbelief around the bequest thing. I think Burrowes has written more credible barriers to happiness (e.g. The Bridegroom Wore Plaid) that are capable of fooling the reader into thinking that just this once it might not be possible for the barriers to be overcome. This wasn't in that league and it really was just a bit of inner monologue adjustment needed on the part of our hero to do the obvious thing, but it was still a decent read and a good way to spend some time somewhere else in your head ...
July 28, 2022
This wasn’t just a stumble from one of my favorite historical romance authors; it was a fall down a steep flight of stairs. Why did I dislike this so much? Perhaps because of the basic premise outlined in Chapter 1, which I found distasteful, preposterous, and degrading. There was absolutely no way that the provisions of Callista’s will were enforceable. It took most of the book to find out that whoa! They weren’t. Perhaps it was because Gareth was awful: cruel, manipulative, and uncaring, for the whole cotton-picking book. Felicity was a little too ready to go along with the whole stupid scheme and Gareth’s overbearing “instruction.” Perhaps it was because the narrative was garbled and inconsistent, and the characters’ motivations were incomprehensible. Why wait until the very last minute to fulfill the shameful terms of the will, not once, but twice? Why did no one ever read the will? Perhaps it was because there was SO MUCH melodramatic angst over two characters who could never be together because…well, because…well, there was no good reason why they couldn’t be together. He wasn’t going off to war, she didn’t have a terminal illness, but oh! The agony! They must part forever! They simply must! She simply must fulfill her dream of being a lonely spinster! He simply must give her up because he’d be a poor husband if he didn’t!
It was all an uncomfortable, steamy pile of overblown horse manure, filled with thousands of missing or misplaced words and typos begging for a proofreader.
It was all an uncomfortable, steamy pile of overblown horse manure, filled with thousands of missing or misplaced words and typos begging for a proofreader.
December 3, 2014
I love Gareth! Gareth should never have been the Marquess of Heathgate, but a tragic boating accident killed his family except his mother and younger brother Andrew. He has survivor's guilt and feels unworthy.
Felicity Worthington's father, a viscount, left her and her younger sister Astrid without much to live on. A cousin's will left her brothel to the eldest heir with Heathgate to help with the business side. As he discreetly teaches her the business side and eventually more, she falls in love with him.
But is she the eldest heir? Can Gareth love her? Read this wonderful book for the answers. The secondary characters are very interesting also. I highly recommend this book.
Felicity Worthington's father, a viscount, left her and her younger sister Astrid without much to live on. A cousin's will left her brothel to the eldest heir with Heathgate to help with the business side. As he discreetly teaches her the business side and eventually more, she falls in love with him.
But is she the eldest heir? Can Gareth love her? Read this wonderful book for the answers. The secondary characters are very interesting also. I highly recommend this book.
September 26, 2013
The troubling but exciting aspect of this novel is wondering who the good- and bad-guys are. Wondergully entertaining, this regency romance keeps you wondering with the constant surprises at every end. Gareth is also perhaps one of my favorite of Barrowes' characters- tourturing himself for suddenly beging a marquess after being the 5th in line. Though he's a soundrel, he's one that cannot endure to see a woman destitute. And though his intentions may not be honorable, the respect he bestows on his women is. You'll fall in love with him and be swept away in the romance no one wanted.
September 16, 2013
4.5 Stars. Loved this gem of a read. GB is a talented author and I can't read her Lost Lords fast enough!
August 28, 2023
Substandard for Burrowes. Seriously, why did her editor not stop her?
The premise is too ridiculous to even contemplate. Who ever would believe such a will? That it had been written at all, for one, and that it might be even remotely legal? If I were confronted with that, I'd be reading it very carefully and immediately consult a separate set of lawyers. Ok, so Felicity is made to be too dumb for that, but Gareth shouldn't be. And that Felicity would actually go along with it? This would be acceptable for erotica (which often has ridiculous plots just to get to the action, and we might forgive it because, well we also want to get to the action), and the book sort of tries to go for that at the start, but it's by far not hot enough for it, and starts petering out (ha) fairly quickly even on that note.
Nothing here makes sense. Brothel owners weren't generally prostitutes themselves (certainly the men were not -- was Callista?). So why should Felicity sacrifice her virginity? Preposterous. Felicity rationalizes embarking on prostitute training because the income from running and selling the brothel supposedly will give her sister Astrid a chance at a good marriage. But the risks are way too high for that -- if Felicity were to be found out (and the rumours are already out there), Astrid would be ruined right along with her.
Of course the prostitute training is just there so Felicity and Gareth are thrown headlong into intimacy, :rolls eyes:. And here's where Felicity doesn't feel like a Regency heroine -- she's way too bold, and takes to sex like a fish to water.
And then everything becomes tortured. Why exactly can't these two be together? I don't get it.
1.5 stars because I actually like Felicity, and when I could turn off the moronic premise and the notion that this was supposed to be a Regency romance I had fun with her snappy conversation -- her stupidities can be laid at the feet of dumb authorial choices; when she operates outside those limits, she's pretty with it. Gareth, on the other hand, meh. I get the tortured part, but he should be more mature than to take it out on Felicity.
I was rather more interested in David who fortunately has his own book. Not so interested in Andrew since he's clearly into Astrid who, I'm sure, I was supposed to love for her indomitable teenage spunkiness, but her indiscretions were outright stupid and dangerous, and I didn't have a good impression, so unless she grows up a lot, and Andrew gets over his survivor guilt (I have the feeling that Burrowes will instead milk that for all it is worth and then some), I'm not exactly looking forward to that book.
Also, family trees are nice, but don't put them at the start if they spoil large aspects of the plot. Or at least warn people. If you want to be surprised, don't look at it!
The premise is too ridiculous to even contemplate. Who ever would believe such a will? That it had been written at all, for one, and that it might be even remotely legal? If I were confronted with that, I'd be reading it very carefully and immediately consult a separate set of lawyers. Ok, so Felicity is made to be too dumb for that, but Gareth shouldn't be. And that Felicity would actually go along with it? This would be acceptable for erotica (which often has ridiculous plots just to get to the action, and we might forgive it because, well we also want to get to the action), and the book sort of tries to go for that at the start, but it's by far not hot enough for it, and starts petering out (ha) fairly quickly even on that note.
Nothing here makes sense. Brothel owners weren't generally prostitutes themselves (certainly the men were not -- was Callista?). So why should Felicity sacrifice her virginity? Preposterous. Felicity rationalizes embarking on prostitute training because the income from running and selling the brothel supposedly will give her sister Astrid a chance at a good marriage. But the risks are way too high for that -- if Felicity were to be found out (and the rumours are already out there), Astrid would be ruined right along with her.
Of course the prostitute training is just there so Felicity and Gareth are thrown headlong into intimacy, :rolls eyes:. And here's where Felicity doesn't feel like a Regency heroine -- she's way too bold, and takes to sex like a fish to water.
And then everything becomes tortured. Why exactly can't these two be together? I don't get it.
1.5 stars because I actually like Felicity, and when I could turn off the moronic premise and the notion that this was supposed to be a Regency romance I had fun with her snappy conversation -- her stupidities can be laid at the feet of dumb authorial choices; when she operates outside those limits, she's pretty with it. Gareth, on the other hand, meh. I get the tortured part, but he should be more mature than to take it out on Felicity.
I was rather more interested in David who fortunately has his own book. Not so interested in Andrew since he's clearly into Astrid who, I'm sure, I was supposed to love for her indomitable teenage spunkiness, but her indiscretions were outright stupid and dangerous, and I didn't have a good impression, so unless she grows up a lot, and Andrew gets over his survivor guilt (I have the feeling that Burrowes will instead milk that for all it is worth and then some), I'm not exactly looking forward to that book.
Also, family trees are nice, but don't put them at the start if they spoil large aspects of the plot. Or at least warn people. If you want to be surprised, don't look at it!
April 8, 2026
I struggled to finish this. I have enjoyed every other Burrowes novel I've read, and they've been many. But this one had some problems. I liked both characters and their personal story arcs were believable-enough. The overall plot was not. That the female protagonist was to inherit a brothel on the stipulation that she learn to become a madam seemed like the thinnest excuse for a lot of tawdry sex scenes. Maybe I'm getting too old for the steamy stuff, but I skipped them all...because I did NOT like to "see" either character stoop to what would have been complete debauchery in the day and age during which the story supposedly took place. Regency London wasn't 1960s Haight-Ashbury! Also, The plot made no sense. I was quite tempted to not finish, but I struggled through to the end. If you are interested in a lot of tawdry sex that was *supposedly* couched in *valor* (definitely not believable for the times), go for it. Otherwise, I'd try virtually anything else by Burrowes.
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