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Lonely Lords #9
David: Lord of Honor
David Worthington, Viscount Fairly, has inherited a brothel he does not want, but hesitates to sell for fear his employees will not be treated well by the establishment’s next owner. He hits upon the idea of hiring Letty Banks, a courtesan currently without protector, to serve as madam, but soon finds himself attracted to her on more than just a physical level.
When serious harm befalls Letty as a function of her role at David’s brothel, he realizes he cannot continue to exploit a woman he cares for. He arranges a way for Letty to return to obscure respectability, and prepares to walk out of her life, only to find he cannot leave her undefended against the trouble bearing down from her past.
When serious harm befalls Letty as a function of her role at David’s brothel, he realizes he cannot continue to exploit a woman he cares for. He arranges a way for Letty to return to obscure respectability, and prepares to walk out of her life, only to find he cannot leave her undefended against the trouble bearing down from her past.
385 pages, ebook
First published March 25, 2014
277 people are currently reading
1244 people want to read
About the author
Grace Burrowes
190 books2,913 followersGrace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
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February 17, 2016
This is my choice for the February TBR Challenge prompt - Series Catch-Up.
It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Grace Burrowes’ writing, and although I’ve read the majority of her books, there are still a few I haven’t got around to, as she writes them faster than I can read them! When I read Daniel's True Desire at the end of last year, I realised that I had somehow missed out on reading David, the ninth book in her Lonely Lords series ; David Worthington, Viscount Fairly, plays an important secondary role in Daniel’s book, which is what jogged my memory. This is not uncommon among Ms Burrowes’ books; in fact, the majority of them are connected in some way, the familial relationships and strong friendships weaving throughout all the stories in each series, and even between series. Personally, this is something I enjoy, although I can understand that it can be somewhat bewildering to the newcomer to her writing. To the newbies, I’ll say now that this is probably not the best place to start – I’d point you to her Captive Hearts trilogy instead– but anyone who has read at least some of the other Lonely Lords or early Windham books should be able to get stuck right in.
Through unusual circumstances (explained in Gareth: Lord of Rakes, book six in the series) David has inherited a high-class brothel named the Pleasure Palace. He doesn’t quite know what to do with it, and thinks he’ll sell it eventually, but doesn’t relish the prospect of turning the working ladies out onto the streets without being able to offer alternative employment. So he’s stuck with it for the immediate future while he decides what to do. One thing he does know, however, is that he needs someone – a madam – to run the place on a day to day basis.
While pondering these problems, his man of business, Thomas Jennings, asks David to look in on Mrs Letty Banks, the former mistress of David’s younger sister’s late husband (this is what I meant about this not being the best place to start with this series!). David is surprised by the request, but on encountering the lady by chance, can see why Jennings was so concerned. Mrs Banks is pale, too thin and obviously not taking care of herself, despite the settlement she received from her former protector.
Letty, a vicar’s daughter, was forced by circumstances into becoming a courtesan. She is struggling to make ends meet, not because she is a spendthrift, but for other reasons that become clear as the story progresses. She is reticent and wary of men - a very unlikely courtesan in fact, something which intrigues David even as he acknowledges that he is attracted to her.
Realising that Letty is living in straightened circumstances, David sees an opportunity to help both of them at the same time and offers her the position of madam at the brothel. Letty is suspicious at first, fearing he has an ulterior motive; but when he quickly makes it clear that his offer of employment is not contingent on her sharing his bed, Letty accepts. Beggars can’t be choosers, after all, and she needs to eat, keep warm and earn money.
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between these two cautious, emotionally bruised people. On the surface, David has everything – golden good-looks, pots of money, a title and a group of friends who care for him deeply. But not everything in his life has been easy. Readers of earlier books will know why this is; he lived with the stigma of illegitimacy for most of his life, and stopped practicing medicine following a personal tragedy that continues to haunt him. He makes no bones about the fact that he has been promiscuous in the past, but still manages to be a compassionate, sympathetic hero. Letty comes across as rather cold to start with, but as we learn more about her life, that is completely understandable. She is living daily with the heart-breaking consequences of a youthful indiscretion, deeply ashamed of the way she has had to support herself, and is constantly looking over her shoulder waiting for the secret she has carried for years to be exposed.
One of the things I love about Grace Burrowes’ romances is how she has the heroes show their ladies care and consideration through the little things they do for them, rather than by lots of grand gestures. David’s attention to those little things – ordering Letty’s favourite tea-cakes or rubbing her feet at the end of a long day – are terribly sweet and impossible to resist. David asks Letty to become his mistress but she likes him too much to enter into the sort of agreement which would see her receiving financial compensation for what happens between them. But she can’t deny the attraction between them or her desire for him and instead agrees to an affair, something they will continue for as long as they both wish it. But she knows that at some point, David must marry and produce an heir, and also knows that she is not a suitable prospect for him – and not just because he’s a viscount and she’s a mere vicar’s daughter.
The author drops the odd clue about Letty’s past in the first part of the book, but it’s not until the second half that this side of the story really gets going and we learn exactly what is going on. This is where we meet Letty’s brother, Daniel, and discover why she has been struggling financially for so long. I’m not going to spoil it (although anyone who has read Daniel’s True Desire will already know) but it’s an intriguing and well-thought-out twist that tugs at the heartstrings in the way that fans of this author will no doubt recognise. This also sets the stage for the very genuine and well-written friendship between David and Daniel that carries over into Daniel’s book and is a great example of yet another of the things I so enjoy in Ms Burrowes’ books; the way she writes friendships between her male characters. Douglas, Viscount Amery and Lord Valentine Windham (The Virtuoso) play important secondary roles in this book, and it’s clear that these men share a strong bond of affection. In fact, the familial relationships and friendships in Ms Burrowes’ stories are often as important and enjoyable to read as the central romance, and I always look forward to reading them.
David: Lord of Honour is a terrific character-driven romance, and a great addition to this long-running series (there are now twelve books in total). The only reason I’m not recommending it to all and sundry is that potential readers do need to have read at least some of the earlier books in order to be able to place all the secondary characters; but if, like me, you’ve done that, then I’d say go for it, sit back and enjoy.
It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Grace Burrowes’ writing, and although I’ve read the majority of her books, there are still a few I haven’t got around to, as she writes them faster than I can read them! When I read Daniel's True Desire at the end of last year, I realised that I had somehow missed out on reading David, the ninth book in her Lonely Lords series ; David Worthington, Viscount Fairly, plays an important secondary role in Daniel’s book, which is what jogged my memory. This is not uncommon among Ms Burrowes’ books; in fact, the majority of them are connected in some way, the familial relationships and strong friendships weaving throughout all the stories in each series, and even between series. Personally, this is something I enjoy, although I can understand that it can be somewhat bewildering to the newcomer to her writing. To the newbies, I’ll say now that this is probably not the best place to start – I’d point you to her Captive Hearts trilogy instead– but anyone who has read at least some of the other Lonely Lords or early Windham books should be able to get stuck right in.
Through unusual circumstances (explained in Gareth: Lord of Rakes, book six in the series) David has inherited a high-class brothel named the Pleasure Palace. He doesn’t quite know what to do with it, and thinks he’ll sell it eventually, but doesn’t relish the prospect of turning the working ladies out onto the streets without being able to offer alternative employment. So he’s stuck with it for the immediate future while he decides what to do. One thing he does know, however, is that he needs someone – a madam – to run the place on a day to day basis.
While pondering these problems, his man of business, Thomas Jennings, asks David to look in on Mrs Letty Banks, the former mistress of David’s younger sister’s late husband (this is what I meant about this not being the best place to start with this series!). David is surprised by the request, but on encountering the lady by chance, can see why Jennings was so concerned. Mrs Banks is pale, too thin and obviously not taking care of herself, despite the settlement she received from her former protector.
Letty, a vicar’s daughter, was forced by circumstances into becoming a courtesan. She is struggling to make ends meet, not because she is a spendthrift, but for other reasons that become clear as the story progresses. She is reticent and wary of men - a very unlikely courtesan in fact, something which intrigues David even as he acknowledges that he is attracted to her.
Realising that Letty is living in straightened circumstances, David sees an opportunity to help both of them at the same time and offers her the position of madam at the brothel. Letty is suspicious at first, fearing he has an ulterior motive; but when he quickly makes it clear that his offer of employment is not contingent on her sharing his bed, Letty accepts. Beggars can’t be choosers, after all, and she needs to eat, keep warm and earn money.
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between these two cautious, emotionally bruised people. On the surface, David has everything – golden good-looks, pots of money, a title and a group of friends who care for him deeply. But not everything in his life has been easy. Readers of earlier books will know why this is; he lived with the stigma of illegitimacy for most of his life, and stopped practicing medicine following a personal tragedy that continues to haunt him. He makes no bones about the fact that he has been promiscuous in the past, but still manages to be a compassionate, sympathetic hero. Letty comes across as rather cold to start with, but as we learn more about her life, that is completely understandable. She is living daily with the heart-breaking consequences of a youthful indiscretion, deeply ashamed of the way she has had to support herself, and is constantly looking over her shoulder waiting for the secret she has carried for years to be exposed.
One of the things I love about Grace Burrowes’ romances is how she has the heroes show their ladies care and consideration through the little things they do for them, rather than by lots of grand gestures. David’s attention to those little things – ordering Letty’s favourite tea-cakes or rubbing her feet at the end of a long day – are terribly sweet and impossible to resist. David asks Letty to become his mistress but she likes him too much to enter into the sort of agreement which would see her receiving financial compensation for what happens between them. But she can’t deny the attraction between them or her desire for him and instead agrees to an affair, something they will continue for as long as they both wish it. But she knows that at some point, David must marry and produce an heir, and also knows that she is not a suitable prospect for him – and not just because he’s a viscount and she’s a mere vicar’s daughter.
The author drops the odd clue about Letty’s past in the first part of the book, but it’s not until the second half that this side of the story really gets going and we learn exactly what is going on. This is where we meet Letty’s brother, Daniel, and discover why she has been struggling financially for so long. I’m not going to spoil it (although anyone who has read Daniel’s True Desire will already know) but it’s an intriguing and well-thought-out twist that tugs at the heartstrings in the way that fans of this author will no doubt recognise. This also sets the stage for the very genuine and well-written friendship between David and Daniel that carries over into Daniel’s book and is a great example of yet another of the things I so enjoy in Ms Burrowes’ books; the way she writes friendships between her male characters. Douglas, Viscount Amery and Lord Valentine Windham (The Virtuoso) play important secondary roles in this book, and it’s clear that these men share a strong bond of affection. In fact, the familial relationships and friendships in Ms Burrowes’ stories are often as important and enjoyable to read as the central romance, and I always look forward to reading them.
David: Lord of Honour is a terrific character-driven romance, and a great addition to this long-running series (there are now twelve books in total). The only reason I’m not recommending it to all and sundry is that potential readers do need to have read at least some of the earlier books in order to be able to place all the secondary characters; but if, like me, you’ve done that, then I’d say go for it, sit back and enjoy.
November 19, 2015
The consistency with which I enjoy GB books is, frankly, staggering, particularly given that her themes and turns of phrase and even characters are repeated (somewhat unsurprisingly given her remarkable output of work). Although they are entirely unique to her - no one else writes like GB. The quote about a foursome being like rowing crew will stay with me forever, there's always a gem or two like that. The bottom line is I've enjoyed all of her books, some are more my favourites than others but on some level they're all great. When I'm feeling low or anxious or stressed she's the first author I turn to and I'm so glad that in discovering romance I also discovered GB. So, enough fangurling, what about this book specifically? I really liked it. Letty was a more unusual heroine than most, former mistress and now the madam for the hero's brothel. GB doesn't commit as much as I'd have liked to the brothel thing, you don't really get to the nitty gritty of it. Letty is one of my favorite heroines in quite some time, fragile and a little sad but determined. The romance took a while to grip me, felt a bit instalove/instalust at the start but by the end, it had me. It was a great climax and I didn't see the twist coming. Quite a bit more sex than usual with GB, dubious consent in some scenes (sleep sex). But, I've decided, as with Not Quite A Husband, not to care. We meet Daniel here and get some detailed background which will no doubt prove useful when I read his book, which is next up on my GB list. We also catch up with Gwen and Douglas as well as various other characters popping up. As ever, charming, lovely, romantic and well written.
life-is-too-short
February 28, 2020Just not engaged in this one. I think it had the makings of an unusual romances a but I couldn't get into it
March 4, 2014
HAPPY RELEASE DAY, DAVID!!!!!
I have loved each and every Lonely Lord that Ms. Burrowes has written for us. Darius used to be my favorite. But now he's been taken down one little notch and David has stolen my heart.
David has a blue eye and a green one. He's a viscount and a physician by training. But he doesn't practice anymore after a very sad turn of events. He owns a brothel and he needs someone to run it, a madam, in fact. The women at the establishment are making him crazy.
His man of business, Jennings, asks him to look in on Letty Banks. She was the mistress of Douglas, Viscount Amery's brother. Things are not looking well for the courtesan and David's protective instincts rise to the occasion. It doesn't hurt that Ms. Banks is a tempting, shy young woman. Somehow the shyness and title "courtesan" intrigue him. He must get to know her better, and since she needs income, why not let her run the brothel?
Why not, indeed.
Once again, this lonely lord is damaged, just a bit. And Letty, too. This is a theme that is reoccurring in Ms. Burrowes books. But aren't we all just a tad bit damaged? What makes this work is seeing how they tend to each other. How they help each other heal. And there I go again, falling in love with this gorgeous, sensitive man with the beautiful eyes.
There is a scene so full of angst that I just had tears streaming down my face. Only way I can read that sort of thing is that I know that Ms. Burrowes is going to make things right with her characters. And she does. David put his analytical mind to work, with some pushing from Lord Valentine (I love him, too!) and he figured things out. Thank goodness!
Several of the Lords and their Ladies from the earlier books make their appearance here. It's always so nice to see them again.
I have a small heartache, the author's notes at the end state that this is the last Lonely Lords book! I did mention to her that it hurts to hear such a thing. Ms. Burrowes assures me that there will be more of her tortured heroes to come. Maybe even Daniel and Mr. Jennings! Something to look forward to, for sure. ***Editing to add*** Ms. Burrowes says that there WILL be a few more Lonely Lords!!! Let the DANCING and REJOICING begin!!!
So, once again I've fallen in love with a Lonely Lord.
Maybe you will, too.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an eARC of David: Lord of Honor
Please add it to your Goodreads' shelves if this appeals to you.
I have loved each and every Lonely Lord that Ms. Burrowes has written for us. Darius used to be my favorite. But now he's been taken down one little notch and David has stolen my heart.
David has a blue eye and a green one. He's a viscount and a physician by training. But he doesn't practice anymore after a very sad turn of events. He owns a brothel and he needs someone to run it, a madam, in fact. The women at the establishment are making him crazy.
His man of business, Jennings, asks him to look in on Letty Banks. She was the mistress of Douglas, Viscount Amery's brother. Things are not looking well for the courtesan and David's protective instincts rise to the occasion. It doesn't hurt that Ms. Banks is a tempting, shy young woman. Somehow the shyness and title "courtesan" intrigue him. He must get to know her better, and since she needs income, why not let her run the brothel?
Why not, indeed.
Once again, this lonely lord is damaged, just a bit. And Letty, too. This is a theme that is reoccurring in Ms. Burrowes books. But aren't we all just a tad bit damaged? What makes this work is seeing how they tend to each other. How they help each other heal. And there I go again, falling in love with this gorgeous, sensitive man with the beautiful eyes.
There is a scene so full of angst that I just had tears streaming down my face. Only way I can read that sort of thing is that I know that Ms. Burrowes is going to make things right with her characters. And she does. David put his analytical mind to work, with some pushing from Lord Valentine (I love him, too!) and he figured things out. Thank goodness!
Several of the Lords and their Ladies from the earlier books make their appearance here. It's always so nice to see them again.
I have a small heartache, the author's notes at the end state that this is the last Lonely Lords book! I did mention to her that it hurts to hear such a thing. Ms. Burrowes assures me that there will be more of her tortured heroes to come. Maybe even Daniel and Mr. Jennings! Something to look forward to, for sure. ***Editing to add*** Ms. Burrowes says that there WILL be a few more Lonely Lords!!! Let the DANCING and REJOICING begin!!!
So, once again I've fallen in love with a Lonely Lord.
Maybe you will, too.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an eARC of David: Lord of Honor
Please add it to your Goodreads' shelves if this appeals to you.
June 15, 2014
When I read the premise of David: Lord of Honor, I was utterly bemused. Fans of the Lonely Lords series will know why. The prospect of the refined, sensitive, talented Viscount Fairly owning a brothel, even an elegant one, is hilarious. He's the one everyone turns to in times of dire illness in the previous books and persists in being steadfast and circumspect in every regard. But this book seems to take place before most of those other marriages occur and it's interesting to watch how his character evolves over the course of the book.
Letty Banks is the former mistress of the late Viscount Amery, of course becoming a courtesan through no fault of her own. She and David had met in a previous book and then are thrown back together when her dire financial straits become known to his man of business. This eventually leads to David offering her a position as madam in his brothel.
The universe of this book is held in loose orbit around the Duke and Duchess of Moreland and their children. It does help to have read some of the previous books, but then, the Lonely Lords books are all like that so I'm not sure it really matters where you start. There are cameos by younger Moreland son Valentine and one of my favorite characters in this universe, the Earl of Westhaven, Moreland's heir. This book takes place before the marriage of either and watching their protectiveness of Letty was a fun reverse-foreshadowing (is that a thing?) of their relationships with the women who will eventually become their own wives, one of whom even appears here.
I found this book a bit more melancholy than previous books in this series. David and Letty are both rather isolated, but both come to realize they have more friends and even family than they've given themselves credit for, cementing both their relationship as a couple and bringing them back into the fold of society.
As usual, this Lonely Lords book ends with . This may irritate some readers, but I found it utterly charming, a fitting capstone to what I found a delightful series. Historically, these books aren't perfect, but I tended not to quibble because the characters are so carefully drawn and painstakingly developed. Not only are they wonderful love stories, they paint a picture of a charming community of friendship and support that it's easy to long for in a relatively disconnected age.
Letty Banks is the former mistress of the late Viscount Amery, of course becoming a courtesan through no fault of her own. She and David had met in a previous book and then are thrown back together when her dire financial straits become known to his man of business. This eventually leads to David offering her a position as madam in his brothel.
The universe of this book is held in loose orbit around the Duke and Duchess of Moreland and their children. It does help to have read some of the previous books, but then, the Lonely Lords books are all like that so I'm not sure it really matters where you start. There are cameos by younger Moreland son Valentine and one of my favorite characters in this universe, the Earl of Westhaven, Moreland's heir. This book takes place before the marriage of either and watching their protectiveness of Letty was a fun reverse-foreshadowing (is that a thing?) of their relationships with the women who will eventually become their own wives, one of whom even appears here.
I found this book a bit more melancholy than previous books in this series. David and Letty are both rather isolated, but both come to realize they have more friends and even family than they've given themselves credit for, cementing both their relationship as a couple and bringing them back into the fold of society.
As usual, this Lonely Lords book ends with . This may irritate some readers, but I found it utterly charming, a fitting capstone to what I found a delightful series. Historically, these books aren't perfect, but I tended not to quibble because the characters are so carefully drawn and painstakingly developed. Not only are they wonderful love stories, they paint a picture of a charming community of friendship and support that it's easy to long for in a relatively disconnected age.
October 26, 2022
H owns a brothel, world traveller and is a doctor. The h is a fallen woman, who lives with honour despite being mistreated. They fall passionately in love, but she can't marry him. Loved this angsty couple, the depth of their feelings and how they worked for their HEA. I would have liked to know more about the evil OW and what happened to her. Loved it.
February 27, 2014
David Worthington, Viscount Fairly had inherited a brothel. Wealthy in his own right, a brothel was not something David ever wanted but the fear of what might happen to the women should he ever sell was something David didn’t want to chance. With that in mind David needed someone who could run it for him and Letty Banks, a courtesan currently without a protector just might be able to serve in the capacity as Madame of the Pleasure Palace.
Keeping a terrible secret that had led Letty Banks, a vicar’s daughter, to a life of vice she was reluctant to take the job. But with winter howling outside your door and no food in the pantry, one must swallow what little pride is left. Unfortunately, for Letty, David was too handsome, honorable and just too nice where she was truly torn over her determination to not get physically or emotionally involved. Letty keeping her distance from David was getting to be as hard as David keeping his hands off of Letty.
*** As always, within moments of opening Ms. Burrowes newest tome in the Lonely Lords Series, I was immediately captured or should I say enraptured by this newer and prolific writer I discovered a couple of years ago! With a deft hand at writing intelligent and soulfully emotional stories I have come to expect only the best from Ms. Burrowes and following diligently with every novel she has written to date, I can only say Burrowes is aging as beautifully as the finest of good wines. Her stories have captured my imagination every time I open one of her books and it would be equally hard to say which one I love best! They are all superb!
David came into the picture some time ago as the long lost brother of two of Burrowes’ earlier novels, and I had actually forgotten about him until I started DAVID. I realized shortly thereafter especially with the high-class brothel, where he fit into the connected families and was pleased as punch to find out how his sisters’ and brother-in-laws fared. [I absolutely love connected series like these]
David I knew was a totally honorable fellow and I soon remembered why I had so admired him in the previous books. Letty, of course, was new to me in this story and at first a bit stand-offish. However once one fathomed the reasons, guilt, and bitterness she held while trying to do the best she could with her lot in life and enforced obligations it was perfectly understandable. Letty’s guilt and love towards her brother, nephew, and David was a beautiful and emotional tale that often brought tears to my eyes.
Bottom Line: I love this author and the books she writes! I wish she would continue to keep churning out these fabulous stories that consist of real people with real problems and happy endings! Just love her writing and creativeness!
Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com
Keeping a terrible secret that had led Letty Banks, a vicar’s daughter, to a life of vice she was reluctant to take the job. But with winter howling outside your door and no food in the pantry, one must swallow what little pride is left. Unfortunately, for Letty, David was too handsome, honorable and just too nice where she was truly torn over her determination to not get physically or emotionally involved. Letty keeping her distance from David was getting to be as hard as David keeping his hands off of Letty.
*** As always, within moments of opening Ms. Burrowes newest tome in the Lonely Lords Series, I was immediately captured or should I say enraptured by this newer and prolific writer I discovered a couple of years ago! With a deft hand at writing intelligent and soulfully emotional stories I have come to expect only the best from Ms. Burrowes and following diligently with every novel she has written to date, I can only say Burrowes is aging as beautifully as the finest of good wines. Her stories have captured my imagination every time I open one of her books and it would be equally hard to say which one I love best! They are all superb!
David came into the picture some time ago as the long lost brother of two of Burrowes’ earlier novels, and I had actually forgotten about him until I started DAVID. I realized shortly thereafter especially with the high-class brothel, where he fit into the connected families and was pleased as punch to find out how his sisters’ and brother-in-laws fared. [I absolutely love connected series like these]
David I knew was a totally honorable fellow and I soon remembered why I had so admired him in the previous books. Letty, of course, was new to me in this story and at first a bit stand-offish. However once one fathomed the reasons, guilt, and bitterness she held while trying to do the best she could with her lot in life and enforced obligations it was perfectly understandable. Letty’s guilt and love towards her brother, nephew, and David was a beautiful and emotional tale that often brought tears to my eyes.
Bottom Line: I love this author and the books she writes! I wish she would continue to keep churning out these fabulous stories that consist of real people with real problems and happy endings! Just love her writing and creativeness!
Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com
February 18, 2014
review also at booknerdloletodo.blogspot.com
*ARC received from publisher for an honest opinion
I know that Grace Burrowes is a very accomplished author and has many best sellers but this book did not work for me. I found the hero to be very irritating and the heroine flat. David Worthington, Viscount Fairly is a physician but has inherited a brothel. Letty Banks is a courtesan and currently without a protector. One day David’s financial advisor expresses his concern for Letty (why it is never clear). So David goes to find her and basically keeps encouraging her to find another protector. I seriously wanted to slap David and his laissez faire attitude. I get that he is a Lord but really? Please. After trying to convince her to find another protector and adamantly denying that he wants to fill the role he offers her a job at his brothel. Because of course where else should she work? Besides the fact that I did not care for the hero I thought Letty was so flat. She lacked any emotion or personality. Of course they start to develop feelings for each other but I found the whole plot forced and their conversations awkward. I’m sure others will feel differently and enjoy this story but for me it did not work. The whole story felt flat.
*ARC received from publisher for an honest opinion
I know that Grace Burrowes is a very accomplished author and has many best sellers but this book did not work for me. I found the hero to be very irritating and the heroine flat. David Worthington, Viscount Fairly is a physician but has inherited a brothel. Letty Banks is a courtesan and currently without a protector. One day David’s financial advisor expresses his concern for Letty (why it is never clear). So David goes to find her and basically keeps encouraging her to find another protector. I seriously wanted to slap David and his laissez faire attitude. I get that he is a Lord but really? Please. After trying to convince her to find another protector and adamantly denying that he wants to fill the role he offers her a job at his brothel. Because of course where else should she work? Besides the fact that I did not care for the hero I thought Letty was so flat. She lacked any emotion or personality. Of course they start to develop feelings for each other but I found the whole plot forced and their conversations awkward. I’m sure others will feel differently and enjoy this story but for me it did not work. The whole story felt flat.
October 20, 2017
This is one of my favorite series ever! I was intrigued by David (he of the different colored eyes) in the other books, so I was thrilled to jump into this one. I was NOT disappointed! I had forgotten that Letty made a brief appearance in an earlier book. I absolutely adored the relationship of David and Letty. I figured out rather early what Letty's secret was, but that in no way dampened my enjoyment of the story. Grace Burrowes is an expert in ripping out your guts with heartache, then mending you together with love and hope.
January 11, 2020
Peut-être 3,75/5 pour chipoter.
J'ai finalement été peu touchée par les personnages, mais l'histoire fonctionne bien.
J'ai finalement été peu touchée par les personnages, mais l'histoire fonctionne bien.
November 22, 2015
David...a masterful Lonely Lords addition!
The opening has us sympathizing with David over his having inherited an elegant, expensive brothel. As we are told this should be every young gentleman's unbridled fantasy. David Worthington, fourth Viscount Fairly, bemoans the fact. Owning a brothel brings a myriad of problems.
David's interest in Mrs Letticia Banks is due to her having been the mistress of his deceased brother-in-law, Lord Amery.
David needs a Madame, Letticia needs employment. Certainly this looks like a way forward for both of them.
Of course, nothing is that simple. As David and Letty are thrown together the attraction between them surfaces. And of course Letty's road to her current state has a sympathetic back story.
Oh and yes, 'feet' feature once more in this masterful Lonely Lords addition. As David and Letty embark on a fuller relationship David reflects, 'he'd touched her feet before, and it seemed a safe--and biblically humble--place to start.' I love the imagery of this line.
Douglas Allen, the Viscount of Amery becomes one of my hero's in his discussion about women with David. No wonder he and David are friends. Two compassionate men, yet both so very different. I have enjoyed them both right from the first moment of meeting them.
His confidences to David about Letty reveal the thoughtful depths of the man. Douglas, adorable man, shocks David by suggesting that rather than bed Letty, he David, should marry her. Well that rather takes David aback!
I loved it when Douglas describes David as 'an odd duck...a saint by some standards, a lunatic by others.' This is such an apt comment about David.
Once more David's medical know come to the fore in relation to Douglas's wife Rose, her pregnancy and the impending birth. We learn more about David's previous life and marriage.
What a wonderful person he is and Letty matches him.
The emotions, the sensitivity of David, the sympatico of Letty make for some singularly sweet love scenes, that hum with the very essence of tender love, desire, understanding and appreciation.
So why does Letticia want to leave him? Therein is the mystery! A mystery right to the end.
I do so love this family, all are as mismatched and charismatic as David's eyes, and I love that they rally in support of each other and stand shoulder to shoulder!
A NetGalley ARC
The opening has us sympathizing with David over his having inherited an elegant, expensive brothel. As we are told this should be every young gentleman's unbridled fantasy. David Worthington, fourth Viscount Fairly, bemoans the fact. Owning a brothel brings a myriad of problems.
David's interest in Mrs Letticia Banks is due to her having been the mistress of his deceased brother-in-law, Lord Amery.
David needs a Madame, Letticia needs employment. Certainly this looks like a way forward for both of them.
Of course, nothing is that simple. As David and Letty are thrown together the attraction between them surfaces. And of course Letty's road to her current state has a sympathetic back story.
Oh and yes, 'feet' feature once more in this masterful Lonely Lords addition. As David and Letty embark on a fuller relationship David reflects, 'he'd touched her feet before, and it seemed a safe--and biblically humble--place to start.' I love the imagery of this line.
Douglas Allen, the Viscount of Amery becomes one of my hero's in his discussion about women with David. No wonder he and David are friends. Two compassionate men, yet both so very different. I have enjoyed them both right from the first moment of meeting them.
His confidences to David about Letty reveal the thoughtful depths of the man. Douglas, adorable man, shocks David by suggesting that rather than bed Letty, he David, should marry her. Well that rather takes David aback!
I loved it when Douglas describes David as 'an odd duck...a saint by some standards, a lunatic by others.' This is such an apt comment about David.
Once more David's medical know come to the fore in relation to Douglas's wife Rose, her pregnancy and the impending birth. We learn more about David's previous life and marriage.
What a wonderful person he is and Letty matches him.
The emotions, the sensitivity of David, the sympatico of Letty make for some singularly sweet love scenes, that hum with the very essence of tender love, desire, understanding and appreciation.
So why does Letticia want to leave him? Therein is the mystery! A mystery right to the end.
I do so love this family, all are as mismatched and charismatic as David's eyes, and I love that they rally in support of each other and stand shoulder to shoulder!
A NetGalley ARC
November 11, 2015
I picked this up free on Amazon the other day, and I tell you, I couldn't put it down. So much so that my kindle actually died while I was reading it, because I was so absorbed in the story that I didn't notice the battery warning.
That said, there are a few of my pet peeves -- the hero sees the heroine naked by "accident" (blech), and the turmoil for the sake of turmoil... not so much a Big Misunderstanding, but rather a very painful estrangement that no one (especially this reader) really wanted. In fact, what I WANTED, was to shake both of our protagonists until they stopped being so damned NOBLE and simply TALKED.
And yet...
And yet I still thoroughly enjoyed it. I look forward to reading more from this series, though I don't think I'll go backwards, and will instead read the books that came after this one.
Overall, a very enjoyable (if a bit too emotionally overwrought) way to spend a day reading.
4/5 Stars
That said, there are a few of my pet peeves -- the hero sees the heroine naked by "accident" (blech), and the turmoil for the sake of turmoil... not so much a Big Misunderstanding, but rather a very painful estrangement that no one (especially this reader) really wanted. In fact, what I WANTED, was to shake both of our protagonists until they stopped being so damned NOBLE and simply TALKED.
And yet...
And yet I still thoroughly enjoyed it. I look forward to reading more from this series, though I don't think I'll go backwards, and will instead read the books that came after this one.
Overall, a very enjoyable (if a bit too emotionally overwrought) way to spend a day reading.
4/5 Stars
October 9, 2021
Heroine: Letitia Banks, age unknown. Nickname: Letty. Birth name: Elizabeth Temperance Banks. Courtesan without a current protector (was the mistress of Herbert Allen, Astrid Worthington’s late husband (from the book Andrew), Astrid being David’s sister).
Hero: David Worthington, age unknown. Viscount Fairly. A physician by training. Owns a brothel he inherited from a cousin.
Date: unknown
How they meet: They met after the death of Herbert Allen when David was helping to get his sister Astrid’s affairs in order (off page). He provided Letty with some funds at that time. They meet again (on page) when one of David’s employees expresses concern over Letty’s welfare.
What happens: David learns that Letty’s financial situation is tenuous and that she does not look healthy compared to when he last saw her. She does not want another “protector” as her experience as a courtesan was not good and she never wanted to be one in the first place. David offers her a couple of employment options with him and she opts to be the madam at the brothel he inherited.
Verdict: David is a well-respected secondary character in a number of other novels, so I was eager for this book. Unfortunately it was a disappointment. I felt that David took advantage of Letty’s financial and emotional vulnerabilities and manipulated her into an intimate arrangement. Letty seemed depressed to me and I don’t think she had the mental fortitude to deal with him and his advances. She had been ill-used by her previous “protector” and David promised to teach her about true pleasure/desire, but the bedroom scenes seemed to be more about what he needed, especially . He doesn’t seem all that devoted to her, he just seems lonely. Letty was never given any agency, not even at the end when David and her brother decide behind her back what is best for her. We do learn that David, too, is damaged, but that still is no excuse for how he takes advantage of her. It seems that he gained a lot from the relationship, but I didn’t see any personal growth for Letty, just financial security and .
Steam-level: Somewhat steamy and mildly explicit
Rating: 2 stars
Supporting characters appearing in this book: Valentine Windham, Gareth Alexander (Marquess of Heathgate), Douglas Allen, Daniel Banks (vicar), Olivia Banks, Danny Banks, Ellen FitzEngle
Hero: David Worthington, age unknown. Viscount Fairly. A physician by training. Owns a brothel he inherited from a cousin.
Date: unknown
How they meet: They met after the death of Herbert Allen when David was helping to get his sister Astrid’s affairs in order (off page). He provided Letty with some funds at that time. They meet again (on page) when one of David’s employees expresses concern over Letty’s welfare.
What happens: David learns that Letty’s financial situation is tenuous and that she does not look healthy compared to when he last saw her. She does not want another “protector” as her experience as a courtesan was not good and she never wanted to be one in the first place. David offers her a couple of employment options with him and she opts to be the madam at the brothel he inherited.
Verdict: David is a well-respected secondary character in a number of other novels, so I was eager for this book. Unfortunately it was a disappointment. I felt that David took advantage of Letty’s financial and emotional vulnerabilities and manipulated her into an intimate arrangement. Letty seemed depressed to me and I don’t think she had the mental fortitude to deal with him and his advances. She had been ill-used by her previous “protector” and David promised to teach her about true pleasure/desire, but the bedroom scenes seemed to be more about what he needed, especially . He doesn’t seem all that devoted to her, he just seems lonely. Letty was never given any agency, not even at the end when David and her brother decide behind her back what is best for her. We do learn that David, too, is damaged, but that still is no excuse for how he takes advantage of her. It seems that he gained a lot from the relationship, but I didn’t see any personal growth for Letty, just financial security and .
Steam-level: Somewhat steamy and mildly explicit
Rating: 2 stars
Supporting characters appearing in this book: Valentine Windham, Gareth Alexander (Marquess of Heathgate), Douglas Allen, Daniel Banks (vicar), Olivia Banks, Danny Banks, Ellen FitzEngle
March 27, 2023
I liked this story, but it took an awfully long time to reach that point. In fact, I was about ready to give up on it at the 43 percent point or thereabouts. I didn't much like the hero or his attitude. Nor did I have clue how he happened to own a brothel and the author didn't tell me! Apparently she put that information in some earlier book, which I'm sure I read, but weeks or months or Years ago (!) so I shouldn't be expected to remember that. Yes, authors are warned against putting in too much backstory, but none whatsoever is a little extreme. (A quick throwaway line late in the story that he inherited the place was too little, far too late.) This made a lot of his behavior seem pretty ugly. I also didn't like the heavy focus on sex in the first half of the book as the means of the hero and heroine to fall in love. I guess I'm getting old, or something, because I have used that plotline myself in the past, but in this book it seemed very calculated to me.
But, once I got past the midpoint and into some actual plot, once the author finally started turning loose of some of those tightly held secrets, I got to really liking it. It was just hard slogging to get through the first part. I wouldn't have thrown it across the room (figuratively speaking--I read the ebook and I love my tablet.), but I was on the verge of turning it back to the library. So. There may be lots of people who would love the things I didn't particularly care for. These are the things that bothered me about it. I liked the last half very much. The first? Not so much.
But, once I got past the midpoint and into some actual plot, once the author finally started turning loose of some of those tightly held secrets, I got to really liking it. It was just hard slogging to get through the first part. I wouldn't have thrown it across the room (figuratively speaking--I read the ebook and I love my tablet.), but I was on the verge of turning it back to the library. So. There may be lots of people who would love the things I didn't particularly care for. These are the things that bothered me about it. I liked the last half very much. The first? Not so much.
October 12, 2015
Second chances story about two very damaged people finding love in Historical London society.
Lord David, Viscount Fairly has lived about three different lives, as a harassed maybe bastard in a rich family, as a traveling doctor who loses his wife and child to disease and then as a high-class brothel owner in London. Although it is very clear from the beginning that David does not want to keep that business, but does so to ensure the ladies' health and well being. So to keep his sanity, he hires the reluctant courtesan, Mrs. Letty Banks to become the new madam of Viscount Fairly's high-class brothel. She does the job to keep paying her blackmail payments while falling in love with Lord David.
Lots of not so secret twists and an evil sister-in-law, but lots of dood friends and family to save the day. David is too good at times when he should be a little more selfish and then this story would have been about a hundred pages shorter.
Cute story and I like Grace Burrowes's historical romance style, but not nearly as good as The Heir (Duke's Obsession, #1) but we get lots of cameo character visits in this story.
385 pages and kindle freebie
Lord David, Viscount Fairly has lived about three different lives, as a harassed maybe bastard in a rich family, as a traveling doctor who loses his wife and child to disease and then as a high-class brothel owner in London. Although it is very clear from the beginning that David does not want to keep that business, but does so to ensure the ladies' health and well being. So to keep his sanity, he hires the reluctant courtesan, Mrs. Letty Banks to become the new madam of Viscount Fairly's high-class brothel. She does the job to keep paying her blackmail payments while falling in love with Lord David.
Lots of not so secret twists and an evil sister-in-law, but lots of dood friends and family to save the day. David is too good at times when he should be a little more selfish and then this story would have been about a hundred pages shorter.
Cute story and I like Grace Burrowes's historical romance style, but not nearly as good as The Heir (Duke's Obsession, #1) but we get lots of cameo character visits in this story.
385 pages and kindle freebie
October 17, 2015
Well I came to the party a little late! This is book #9 in this series and it's the first one I've read, but it was great as a stand alone book.
The story was full of the rich love of two adults willingly engaging in a torrid affair as well as the despair when they realize it cannot last forever. Or can it?
What I loved most about this book was the fact that 70% of the time our hero, David, and our heroine, Letty, were in love and enjoying each others company despite the lingering doubts of how long their affair could last. This was not about a man and his mistress, but rather, it was the joining of two wonderful people with good hearts and beautiful intentions.
I cried. And I was angry and depressed that Letty would not confide her problems to David - nor to the reader. At first I was really mad that the author wouldn't let us in on Letty's dilemma. I kept thinking that if I knew why she refused to stay with David, then I might have empathy for her. But in hind sight, I think it was a brilliant choice by the author, because I felt the same frustration and depression that our hero, David, must have felt (at least to some degree). That made the black moment all the more devastating and heartfelt.
This story has a very satisfying ending and I was intrigued by the characters because they aren't your every day Viscount and Madam.
Great read!
The story was full of the rich love of two adults willingly engaging in a torrid affair as well as the despair when they realize it cannot last forever. Or can it?
What I loved most about this book was the fact that 70% of the time our hero, David, and our heroine, Letty, were in love and enjoying each others company despite the lingering doubts of how long their affair could last. This was not about a man and his mistress, but rather, it was the joining of two wonderful people with good hearts and beautiful intentions.
I cried. And I was angry and depressed that Letty would not confide her problems to David - nor to the reader. At first I was really mad that the author wouldn't let us in on Letty's dilemma. I kept thinking that if I knew why she refused to stay with David, then I might have empathy for her. But in hind sight, I think it was a brilliant choice by the author, because I felt the same frustration and depression that our hero, David, must have felt (at least to some degree). That made the black moment all the more devastating and heartfelt.
This story has a very satisfying ending and I was intrigued by the characters because they aren't your every day Viscount and Madam.
Great read!
August 10, 2016
I enjoy Grace Burrowes' writing, and I've read most of the previous books in this series, so I was excited to read David. I don't understand why exactly, but this book left me a bit cold; somehow even the greatest emotional upheavals in this novel didn't move me the way I felt they ought to have done.
I didn't get the sense that I understood Letty very well. I think that although the clues about her past are spread throughout the book and are there for anyone to see, the behind the curtain revelations happened too late. Also, wanting to believe the best of others is one thing, but it felt that a good deal of willful ignorance (not to mention a baffling refusal to converse) was necessary for the situation that Letty found herself in to have come about. Some of the conversations that did take place rang false, as people without reason to do so left out extremely relevant information. It felt as though too much manipulation had to take place for events to unfold as they did.
If you've read the previous books in this series, I can see how you would want to know what happens here, but I can't imagine that reading this book would convince too many of the uninitiated to check out past titles.
I didn't get the sense that I understood Letty very well. I think that although the clues about her past are spread throughout the book and are there for anyone to see, the behind the curtain revelations happened too late. Also, wanting to believe the best of others is one thing, but it felt that a good deal of willful ignorance (not to mention a baffling refusal to converse) was necessary for the situation that Letty found herself in to have come about. Some of the conversations that did take place rang false, as people without reason to do so left out extremely relevant information. It felt as though too much manipulation had to take place for events to unfold as they did.
If you've read the previous books in this series, I can see how you would want to know what happens here, but I can't imagine that reading this book would convince too many of the uninitiated to check out past titles.
June 28, 2016
I truly love a Grace Burrowes historical romance. They are filled with passion, romance, intrigue, strong characters, great conflict and wonderful plot lines. This one didn't disappoint. David, who we met in Gareth, is the owner of a brothel and is tired of running it. He meets Letty, the ex-mistress of the deceased Amery (who we met, sort of, in Andrew. He offers her a job as Madame and their relationship is off and running. He is drawn to her mix of innocence, quiet strength, and courage. She is drawn to his calm and mannered way of dealing with her. He isn't rude or pushy or vulgar. They are attracted to each other, but he lets her make the first move after laying down his cards that he did desire her and did want to sleep with her. As their relationship progresses, he comes to realize that she has secrets and they both confess their love for each other, but she turns him down twice when he proposes to her. The inevitable happens and they emotionally part ways; she to protect him, he because he wants her to have her independence from the life of a mistress. The truth comes out and they come back together to solve the drama and have their happy ending. I loved it and I loved his character a lot.
May 14, 2014
Ohmigoodness. I am not normally prone to forming crushes on men in books but I am making an exception for David. As I was reading the book I was reminded of all the things I love about my husband. (Although he is in nothing like David in terms of profession, description, fictionally embodied form or brothel owning. And is in fact a difficult, opinionated, DIY hopeless, technology obsessed, bacon eating normal chap). It was just some of the quiet noticing, the foot rubs and the tucking of my head under his chin when offering silent knowing comfort for some hurt he knows I have suffered almost before I do. These are precious, respectful and unobtrusive ways of loving. It is a very fine thing indeed to see that great depth of masculine giving in a relationship captured (and quietly celebrated) in a romance novel rather than assuming it is all about the wham bam sexual gymnastics and aggressive possessiveness. I was genuinely moved and more than a little bit sad when I finished the book. Hurrah for men like David. And Douglas.
October 16, 2015
Overall I liked it. The drama doesn't really get really heated until about 80%. There is a good bit of wonderful love/sex scenes throughout but not overly done.
I love how the author really delves into the psyche of the two main characters. She really made their actions and decisions believable due to the depth of their history and experiences. I thought the plot was interesting and the story unique. I do wish there was more external conflicts, but the internal conflicts did very well in place of them.
I generally do not care for rakes in my romances but I found the authour did well with David. I think this is due to the fact that his past experiences, although vast and creative, were not explained in great detail, or with arrogance. I also like that Letty was not an innocent. I have to say I get a bit peeved at the constant reading of the experienced male and innocent woman. This was refreshing.
I will certainly read more of this author.
I love how the author really delves into the psyche of the two main characters. She really made their actions and decisions believable due to the depth of their history and experiences. I thought the plot was interesting and the story unique. I do wish there was more external conflicts, but the internal conflicts did very well in place of them.
I generally do not care for rakes in my romances but I found the authour did well with David. I think this is due to the fact that his past experiences, although vast and creative, were not explained in great detail, or with arrogance. I also like that Letty was not an innocent. I have to say I get a bit peeved at the constant reading of the experienced male and innocent woman. This was refreshing.
I will certainly read more of this author.
June 25, 2019
Overall
After three books of David Worthington weaving in and out of the lives of our heroes and heroines, it’s time for his story though, to be honest, we don’t really learn anything more about him than we’ve already learned in Gareth, Andrew, and Douglas. He grew up with modest means with an aunt, not with his mother. He was the legitimate heir to his father’s title and estate, but kept mum to protect his father’s second marriage and the daughters of that union, Felicity and Astrid. We also already knew he’d had medical training and had been married before.
In David, we learn his marriage was unhappy (nearly all first marriages in a romance novel are) and that he loved his daughter, who died shortly after birth. He took over the brothel that Felicity inherited in Gareth and has been running it since. His man of business, Thomas Jennings, tells him that his brother-in-law’s former mistress, Letty Banks, seems to be unwell, and encourages David to check in on her. He discovers that, despite money left to her by Herbert Allen, she’s living in a nearly impoverished state. He asks her to come work at the brothel as a madam.
I quite like Letty, but I’m not entirely sure about David. He carries himself as someone who respects women but he’s one of those guys who just carries around his male privilege without being aware with it. Letty has to call him out on being a dick several times and I’m not sure that David ever really gets it. But he’s not perfect, and there’s something to be said for that.
There’s the usual cast of supporting characters, including a lot of Douglas from the previous book. One of my pet peeves in reading series that, occasionally, an author shoves in previous characters without much narrative purpose (see: Jennifer Ashley & the Mackenzie series) but Burrowes does a really good job of showing us the friendship between these characters. David has built a family that he relies on heavily and having read Douglas, I buy the deep affection he and Douglas have for one another.
There’s also a lot of the Windhams here — Valentine plays a large supporting role that I’m not entirely sure is earned. He and Letty appear to be friendly (to the point Valentine seems a bit in love with her) but a lot of it happens off page so it makes some of the confidences Letty and David share with Val later seem a bit unrealistic. We’re also introduced to Daniel, Letty’s brother, and to Ellen FitzEngle, who will be appearing later. I’d quite forgotten that Val’s book had a back story that began here, so it’s going to be a lot of fun to revisit Little Weldon in The Virtuoso.
It’s a good book but I think it suffers just a bit from being overstuffed with extra characters and little plot. David and Letty only have one obstacle — she refuses to marry him and honestly, we’re kept out of her reasoning for far too long. But it’s not a bad read.
Spoilers
So specifically, my big problem with David is that he never seems to know how to deal with Letty. He assumes she’s a practiced courtesan based on the fact she had a relationship with his sister’s husband, Herbert. But Letty reveals pretty early that her memories of Herbert are not pleasant and that she’s not looking for a new protector. She’s already turned down two offers, from Douglas and from Val. In fact, she refuses David’s initial inquiry into the subject. She won’t “whore” for him.
I’m not mad that David seeks Letty out initially as a mistress, not really. That’s the world they lived in, and he realizes pretty soon he’d rather marry her (though Douglas encourages it early on in a conversation that doesn’t entirely work for me). I’m mad that David knows pretty much from the start that Letty is quiet, shy, and this is not the life she wants, and ignores that.
There’s a weird scene partway through the book where Letty is remembering the adventurous sex David has encouraged, and there are little lines where Letty says — this is not my thing, but David pushes her. She wakes up one time and he’s having sex with her — using a jade phallus. And when Letty protest, he doesn’t get it. He ties her up, and Letty eventually stops resisting. It’s just two pages out of an entire book, but it’s just…weird. And I’m not sure why it ends up in the book because it doesn’t really tell us anything except that David wants what he wants and would rather just force Letty into accepting it than get prior consent. That's not great.
I did like that David knew, at some point, that Letty had had a child and just never brought it up to her. He’d hoped she’d tell him herself and didn’t want to pry into her pain. And David eventually stops treating the women at the brothel like silly little girls (though Letty has to tell him to stop calling them girls). But he’s just…I don’t know. His family adores him and Letty loves him, but I’m never sure how much I’m convinced how good a guy he is.
After three books of David Worthington weaving in and out of the lives of our heroes and heroines, it’s time for his story though, to be honest, we don’t really learn anything more about him than we’ve already learned in Gareth, Andrew, and Douglas. He grew up with modest means with an aunt, not with his mother. He was the legitimate heir to his father’s title and estate, but kept mum to protect his father’s second marriage and the daughters of that union, Felicity and Astrid. We also already knew he’d had medical training and had been married before.
In David, we learn his marriage was unhappy (nearly all first marriages in a romance novel are) and that he loved his daughter, who died shortly after birth. He took over the brothel that Felicity inherited in Gareth and has been running it since. His man of business, Thomas Jennings, tells him that his brother-in-law’s former mistress, Letty Banks, seems to be unwell, and encourages David to check in on her. He discovers that, despite money left to her by Herbert Allen, she’s living in a nearly impoverished state. He asks her to come work at the brothel as a madam.
I quite like Letty, but I’m not entirely sure about David. He carries himself as someone who respects women but he’s one of those guys who just carries around his male privilege without being aware with it. Letty has to call him out on being a dick several times and I’m not sure that David ever really gets it. But he’s not perfect, and there’s something to be said for that.
There’s the usual cast of supporting characters, including a lot of Douglas from the previous book. One of my pet peeves in reading series that, occasionally, an author shoves in previous characters without much narrative purpose (see: Jennifer Ashley & the Mackenzie series) but Burrowes does a really good job of showing us the friendship between these characters. David has built a family that he relies on heavily and having read Douglas, I buy the deep affection he and Douglas have for one another.
There’s also a lot of the Windhams here — Valentine plays a large supporting role that I’m not entirely sure is earned. He and Letty appear to be friendly (to the point Valentine seems a bit in love with her) but a lot of it happens off page so it makes some of the confidences Letty and David share with Val later seem a bit unrealistic. We’re also introduced to Daniel, Letty’s brother, and to Ellen FitzEngle, who will be appearing later. I’d quite forgotten that Val’s book had a back story that began here, so it’s going to be a lot of fun to revisit Little Weldon in The Virtuoso.
It’s a good book but I think it suffers just a bit from being overstuffed with extra characters and little plot. David and Letty only have one obstacle — she refuses to marry him and honestly, we’re kept out of her reasoning for far too long. But it’s not a bad read.
Spoilers
So specifically, my big problem with David is that he never seems to know how to deal with Letty. He assumes she’s a practiced courtesan based on the fact she had a relationship with his sister’s husband, Herbert. But Letty reveals pretty early that her memories of Herbert are not pleasant and that she’s not looking for a new protector. She’s already turned down two offers, from Douglas and from Val. In fact, she refuses David’s initial inquiry into the subject. She won’t “whore” for him.
I’m not mad that David seeks Letty out initially as a mistress, not really. That’s the world they lived in, and he realizes pretty soon he’d rather marry her (though Douglas encourages it early on in a conversation that doesn’t entirely work for me). I’m mad that David knows pretty much from the start that Letty is quiet, shy, and this is not the life she wants, and ignores that.
There’s a weird scene partway through the book where Letty is remembering the adventurous sex David has encouraged, and there are little lines where Letty says — this is not my thing, but David pushes her. She wakes up one time and he’s having sex with her — using a jade phallus. And when Letty protest, he doesn’t get it. He ties her up, and Letty eventually stops resisting. It’s just two pages out of an entire book, but it’s just…weird. And I’m not sure why it ends up in the book because it doesn’t really tell us anything except that David wants what he wants and would rather just force Letty into accepting it than get prior consent. That's not great.
I did like that David knew, at some point, that Letty had had a child and just never brought it up to her. He’d hoped she’d tell him herself and didn’t want to pry into her pain. And David eventually stops treating the women at the brothel like silly little girls (though Letty has to tell him to stop calling them girls). But he’s just…I don’t know. His family adores him and Letty loves him, but I’m never sure how much I’m convinced how good a guy he is.
August 13, 2017
A very nice conclusion to the Lonely Lords series (except that there is a related series coming soon). This was a lovely story with a twist that I couldn't completely figure out until it was revealed. The conclusion was very satisfying. Nice book.
March 5, 2014
My review will be posted on Night Owl review shortly.
August 18, 2020
I wanted to find out more about the mysterious Lord Fairly who is a doctor and owner of a brothel. One thing to note is that this series does not occur chronologically. The stories are out of order like David's book is book #9 but it occurs before the Windhams Trilogy and Darius (book #1). Darius is the first book but in the timeline, it happens after Valentine's book, Virtuoso.
I would say that this read easier than the first two book in the Windhams trilogy. Though there was plenty to be annoyed by because again the author used the same template for multiple books. The rich guy and the mysterious woman with a secret.
Letty has a secret and even though David loves her and does not care what it is. She indulges in a sexual relationship with him knowing they would part. I felt like the sex was too much. At one point, she was supposed to discuss how she discovers something wrong with his finances in the books but they get distracted by sex. Wow. That did not make sense.
It was annoying because the author drags out Letty's reluctance to cut herself off from David. Even that last scene where they part was so drawn out. I was like "Argh...Please decided if you want to stay together or just leave!".
Here, we have a man who is traumatised by the death of his daughter but starts to care for Letty even as she puts walls up. I would say he was reasonable in his behaviour. It was Letty who was unreasonable. She told him she could not marry him because she has a past and does not want to taint him. But she regrets it. That back and forth got tiring. Then, they have long conversation on what happens if she is pregnant with his child and he details legally how he will take care of her and acknowledge the child. Okay we great it.
I wished the author had showed more interaction between the women at the Pleasure House and Letty. She was after all their madam. The secret was done better than some of the other books. Even though these books are not the best, I find that the characters are worth knowing.
I would say that this read easier than the first two book in the Windhams trilogy. Though there was plenty to be annoyed by because again the author used the same template for multiple books. The rich guy and the mysterious woman with a secret.
Letty has a secret and even though David loves her and does not care what it is. She indulges in a sexual relationship with him knowing they would part. I felt like the sex was too much. At one point, she was supposed to discuss how she discovers something wrong with his finances in the books but they get distracted by sex. Wow. That did not make sense.
It was annoying because the author drags out Letty's reluctance to cut herself off from David. Even that last scene where they part was so drawn out. I was like "Argh...Please decided if you want to stay together or just leave!".
Here, we have a man who is traumatised by the death of his daughter but starts to care for Letty even as she puts walls up. I would say he was reasonable in his behaviour. It was Letty who was unreasonable. She told him she could not marry him because she has a past and does not want to taint him. But she regrets it. That back and forth got tiring. Then, they have long conversation on what happens if she is pregnant with his child and he details legally how he will take care of her and acknowledge the child. Okay we great it.
I wished the author had showed more interaction between the women at the Pleasure House and Letty. She was after all their madam. The secret was done better than some of the other books. Even though these books are not the best, I find that the characters are worth knowing.
December 1, 2017
I'm not a stranger to the Regency Romance genre, but I haven't read Grace Burrowes until now. When David: Lord of Honor came into our inventory, I picked it up, because of the unusual circumstances that bring the Hero and Heroine into each other's lives (plus, attractive cover!).
Most romances, especially Regencies, are quick reads for me. I get lost in the story line at 1 in the afternoon, and it's dinner time before I realize that the afternoon has passed and I'm just closing the cover of the book for the last time.
David: Lord of Honor was not such a book. I took my time through the first half of the book. It's not that the plot is slow, because it is well-paced. I wasn't bored (I don't bother finishing a book if I cannot truly immerse myself in it by page 60). I was, rather, simply not compelled to sit and read the book in one sitting.
However, as the plot began to reach its climax, I had been drawn into the characters and their journeys. I couldn't put the book down for more than a few minutes, because I needed to keep going.
Their emotional journeys alone are compelling (it's difficult at this point to not give away spoilers!), and you don't want to stop reading, because you want them to get over themselves and get to their Happily-Ever-After (also known as the HEA).
I rarely cry while reading a romance anymore. Something about writing my own romance stories and knowing that at some point, this couple is going to part ways before they get to their HEA takes the sting out of that dark moment for me. But when David and Letty reach theirs, it hit me hard and I spent at least two chapters in tears.
Whether you're a hard-core Regency fan or you just enjoy an engrossing romance, David: Lord of Honor is definitely worth a read. It is perfect for rainy days (something we have plenty of here on the Washington Coast) or quiet evenings. Make a pot of tea and enjoy the ups and downs of a brothel owner and his madam (and have the Puffs on hand!).
Most romances, especially Regencies, are quick reads for me. I get lost in the story line at 1 in the afternoon, and it's dinner time before I realize that the afternoon has passed and I'm just closing the cover of the book for the last time.
David: Lord of Honor was not such a book. I took my time through the first half of the book. It's not that the plot is slow, because it is well-paced. I wasn't bored (I don't bother finishing a book if I cannot truly immerse myself in it by page 60). I was, rather, simply not compelled to sit and read the book in one sitting.
However, as the plot began to reach its climax, I had been drawn into the characters and their journeys. I couldn't put the book down for more than a few minutes, because I needed to keep going.
Their emotional journeys alone are compelling (it's difficult at this point to not give away spoilers!), and you don't want to stop reading, because you want them to get over themselves and get to their Happily-Ever-After (also known as the HEA).
I rarely cry while reading a romance anymore. Something about writing my own romance stories and knowing that at some point, this couple is going to part ways before they get to their HEA takes the sting out of that dark moment for me. But when David and Letty reach theirs, it hit me hard and I spent at least two chapters in tears.
Whether you're a hard-core Regency fan or you just enjoy an engrossing romance, David: Lord of Honor is definitely worth a read. It is perfect for rainy days (something we have plenty of here on the Washington Coast) or quiet evenings. Make a pot of tea and enjoy the ups and downs of a brothel owner and his madam (and have the Puffs on hand!).
March 18, 2024
I'm not sure whether this series was written before or after the main Windham series. It was published after those books but features stories that take place in the same world several years prior. As such, I'm starting with the books featuring secondary characters I already know and like. Hopefully that doesn't come back to bite me in the butt as it means I'm voluntarily reading out of order. :-)
This one gets 3.5 stars. The back of the book is a bit misleading. Sure, Letty won't be David's mistress - but their relationship quickly progresses to an affair; she just doesn't want to be paid for sleeping with him. The real conflict is that she won't marry him. Not because she doesn't love him or he doesn't love her but because she has a secret in her past so she worries that marrying her would ruin him in society's eyes. But she won't tell him what that secret is, so it's one of those "could you please just have a conversation already?" books.
As noted in the first paragraph, I was predisposed to liking David, and I also appreciated the secondary plot in which he slowly finds himself having to use his medical training and setting him up for a return to practicing medicine (which he had given up after a traumatic event in his past - but that one's not a deep dark secret). He doesn't actually get as far as becoming a full-time doctor in this book, but that's how we met him in the Windham series so we know he gets there. And he and Letty really are a perfect match personality-wise.
This one gets 3.5 stars. The back of the book is a bit misleading. Sure, Letty won't be David's mistress - but their relationship quickly progresses to an affair; she just doesn't want to be paid for sleeping with him. The real conflict is that she won't marry him. Not because she doesn't love him or he doesn't love her but because she has a secret in her past so she worries that marrying her would ruin him in society's eyes. But she won't tell him what that secret is, so it's one of those "could you please just have a conversation already?" books.
As noted in the first paragraph, I was predisposed to liking David, and I also appreciated the secondary plot in which he slowly finds himself having to use his medical training and setting him up for a return to practicing medicine (which he had given up after a traumatic event in his past - but that one's not a deep dark secret). He doesn't actually get as far as becoming a full-time doctor in this book, but that's how we met him in the Windham series so we know he gets there. And he and Letty really are a perfect match personality-wise.
February 24, 2019
David: Lord of Honor by Grace Burrowes is a slow burning read. The characters get themselves into a lot of mischief. Like all Lords during this time period, Lord David is no exception when it comes to impropriety. He lusts after a woman who doesn't throw herself at him. But small heated kisses soon lead to hot moments alone in bed. David does mean well. He wants Lady Letty to be treated with respect, care, and love. At first he also does not want to be her protector. That direct role lands itself upon him the more he knows and the more time he spends with Letty.
Lady Letty was once a woman of title, but now reduced to a woman struggling to survive. She only blames herself. Letty doesn't want to set herself up for heartbreak. With a man and Lord like David, that possibility grows larger with each day. He is tender, all knowing, and all male. Letty feels her heart slipping away slowly to the man she can't have.
Secrets, scandals, lust, and love are met in this novel. A historical journey that took me back in time. I understood the way Letty felt about herself. Her mistakes have landed her where she is at. And David seems to put himself in charge of taking care of her. Or else no one will. A damsel in distress and a man smitten with a woman who denies herself pleasures of the world. Overall, it was entertaining read. Steady paced with a dash of humor, Grace Burrowes has once again hooked me.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
Lady Letty was once a woman of title, but now reduced to a woman struggling to survive. She only blames herself. Letty doesn't want to set herself up for heartbreak. With a man and Lord like David, that possibility grows larger with each day. He is tender, all knowing, and all male. Letty feels her heart slipping away slowly to the man she can't have.
Secrets, scandals, lust, and love are met in this novel. A historical journey that took me back in time. I understood the way Letty felt about herself. Her mistakes have landed her where she is at. And David seems to put himself in charge of taking care of her. Or else no one will. A damsel in distress and a man smitten with a woman who denies herself pleasures of the world. Overall, it was entertaining read. Steady paced with a dash of humor, Grace Burrowes has once again hooked me.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
August 5, 2025
Grace Burrowes is always a hit or miss for me, and this one was surprisingly a hit.
What I liked: David is a get-it-done kinda guy who doesn't give a crap about 'society'. His interactions with Letty were very sweet and he truly understood and accepted her position on things which is so dang refreshing. He was also genuinely for women, really drinking his respect women juice every morning. I also just like the writing of this book. Sometimes Burrowes' style of backwards narrating can be so overdone it's impossible to enjoy. But in this one it was restrained enough to be okay.
What I didn't like: he owns a brothel?? completely just a plot device, David would never. It's completely inconsistent with his character to in any way profit from women's sexual labor. It's only there so the situation/plot can happen. He would have done what he does in the end (make sure every woman has an acceptable place to work/live and sell the building) as soon as he learned someone gave him a brothel. And idk why but owning a brothel is kind of a consistent thing in Burrowes books? which is a little... yikes? Why is that a desirable thing for characters to have?
The other thing I didn't like is the predictably easy-to-fix third act problem. It's so annoying to me when characters rip their hearts out rather than talk to each other and work out solutions together.
What I liked: David is a get-it-done kinda guy who doesn't give a crap about 'society'. His interactions with Letty were very sweet and he truly understood and accepted her position on things which is so dang refreshing. He was also genuinely for women, really drinking his respect women juice every morning. I also just like the writing of this book. Sometimes Burrowes' style of backwards narrating can be so overdone it's impossible to enjoy. But in this one it was restrained enough to be okay.
What I didn't like: he owns a brothel?? completely just a plot device, David would never. It's completely inconsistent with his character to in any way profit from women's sexual labor. It's only there so the situation/plot can happen. He would have done what he does in the end (make sure every woman has an acceptable place to work/live and sell the building) as soon as he learned someone gave him a brothel. And idk why but owning a brothel is kind of a consistent thing in Burrowes books? which is a little... yikes? Why is that a desirable thing for characters to have?
The other thing I didn't like is the predictably easy-to-fix third act problem. It's so annoying to me when characters rip their hearts out rather than talk to each other and work out solutions together.
August 12, 2022
This is well-written, fascinating, and absorbing, so I feel compelled to give it five stars. I also feel compelled to ask, however, exactly WHY couldn’t Letty give David a reason for her refusal of marriage? Yes, there was definitely a sticky situation—several, in fact—that posed barriers to their union, but in retrospect I can’t come up with a single reason why she couldn’t have TOLD him about those situations instead of visiting anguish upon them both by an unexplained parting. That’s the sort of thing that irritates me. It doesn’t irritate me enough to dislike a book, but it does make me gnash my teeth. Not one single circumstance changed between a romance being totally impossible and a happily-ever-after except an explanation that could have been offered far earlier in the book, and I am frustrated with this very talented author trying to obscure that fact with gobbledygook at the big reveal at the end of the book. This whole series relies on this device and it makes me want to throw my Kindle at a wall.
August 25, 2020
This was by far the hottest book in this series, but then David reverted to being a gentleman and sent Letty back home.
Also, I was really frustrated with Letty for not telling David why she couldn���t marry him. David & his family could have come up with a plan to get around the obstacles much sooner in the story.
It was also confusing why they held a betrothal ball after David & Letty were married.
The solution for Daniel’s marriage & career disasters were never concluded, so with the series ending, there will never be answers to what became of him. It would be hoped that David would take him under his wing in business and keep him close at hand so Danny wouldn’t feel like he’d been abandoned by the man who had raised & loved him.
Overall I thought they should have cut much of the dithering and expanded other areas to have a more satisfying conclusion to this story and the series.
Also, I was really frustrated with Letty for not telling David why she couldn���t marry him. David & his family could have come up with a plan to get around the obstacles much sooner in the story.
It was also confusing why they held a betrothal ball after David & Letty were married.
The solution for Daniel’s marriage & career disasters were never concluded, so with the series ending, there will never be answers to what became of him. It would be hoped that David would take him under his wing in business and keep him close at hand so Danny wouldn’t feel like he’d been abandoned by the man who had raised & loved him.
Overall I thought they should have cut much of the dithering and expanded other areas to have a more satisfying conclusion to this story and the series.
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