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The Hornsby Brothers #2

The Vicar's Frozen Heart

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His heart begins to heal…
 
He gave her shelter from the storm, nursed her back to health, just as any good man might do for a damsel in distress. But Tremain Colson is more than just a small town vicar performing a gallant duty. He’s an ex-soldier whose spirit has been ravaged by war, a nobleman hiding his aristocratic heritage. Yet despite his secrets, he cannot help but feel drawn to the fallen beauty and soon asks her to stay and care for the orphan in his charge…
 
And hers is lost…
 
Disgrace sent Eliza Winston out into the world, a governess in ruin. But once she finds herself in Tremain’s home—and in his bed—she realizes her handsome rescuer is the one in need of healing. No sooner does Eliza thaw the vicar’s heart than she realizes her own is in danger. For Tremain is not only the man she dreams of marrying, but a blueblood whose noble birth makes him an impossible match…

70 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2016

46 people are currently reading
134 people want to read

About the author

Karyn Gerrard

51 books598 followers

I no longer come to Goodreads, so there will be no updates by me on this profile.

For further information on my books, check out my site here: http://karyngerrard.com/


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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
95 reviews
March 7, 2016
I don't believe I've spent two hours reading this pile of horse manure! It is about two cartoons stepping up to the 'relatiooonshiiips' soap box and reading their lines from an autocue. Although that may still be granting them some rudimentary animation they totally lack. Reading about two cardboard, flat-pack and utterly boring lovers (posing as 'passionate' and 'forbidden') was like being trapped in a school theatre while the first rehearsal of a bad play was taking place. You know the feeling, a play where triteness is blown up to cosmic proportions and then delivered in the most pompous and talent devoid manner possible.
As for the rest, everything that is wrong with this kind of writing is present in its full glory and with flashing neon lights around it: the most woefully unconvincing picture of Victorian village life, the most ridiculous take on family relationships among the Victorian aristocracy (one son of a duke marries a bordello madam? No problem, as long as the boy is happy; the other son marries a governess? What a relief! At least she is not the madam of a chain of bordellos). Completely falsified class relations? Check. Not a whiff of Victorian gender relations? Check, check. And of course, my favourite of all in the endless list of silly and wholly unnecessary anachronisms:the adoption procedure. Never mind there was no formal adoption in England before the 1920s, all these Regency/Victorian toffs will forever be falling over themselves to adopt the village orphan/illegitimate son/illegitimate gypsy son. Someone to call them 'papa'.
Would we be able ever to read a Victorian romance that remotely recalls the 19th c. from now on? Or are we to be constantly bombarded with trite and bloody awful contemporary romances in costume marketed as 'historical'? And without the prurient value of the BRs of yore.
Profile Image for (Nat) Reading Romances.
339 reviews421 followers
March 25, 2016


This is the second book in the Hornsby Brothers series, but The Vicar's Frozen Heart can be read as a standalone. This one may be a sensitive subject to a few, since it involves a vicar having (lots of) sex.

Eliza is very modern for those days, in spite the fact she’s not married she’s sexually active and has no shame about it, nor does the hero judge her. While Tremain wanted her physically, he didn’t think he could get involved emotionally. I feel this storyline could’ve been shorter, as it dragged at times.

Let me tell you, this book is filled with touching moments of sadness. I enjoyed the first part of the book much more than the other half. The last part lacked surprises. The vicar’s secret was very clear to me from the start.

I Received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
March 28, 2016
This is book two in the "The Hornsby Brothers " series. This was a short, sweet emotional read!
Tremain Colson is a small town vicar but in addition he was an ex-soldier who has been dealing with handling that war and it memories.
Eliza Winston who is a governess in ruin meets Tremain when he rescues her. Eliza soon realizes that Tremain may need help too. I was glad to have the chance to read this book and hope that you will too!
Profile Image for ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...].
874 reviews225 followers
February 27, 2016
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book... for more, visit Punya Reviews...

The Vicar's Frozen Heartis the short and steamy second installment of Karyn Garrard’s The Hornsby Brothers series. It had a good storyline, and was fast paced. I largely enjoyed it. This is the story of the second brother, Tremain.

The Hornsby Brothers series is obviously based of the 3 brothers— The Duke’s heir and a viscount on his own right, Harrison, Tremain, the second son and the third, Spencer. From what I’ve gathered, Harrison seems to be the most outgoing of the lot, most popular and a bit of a womanizer too. We’re yet to see his story unfold in this series. Spencer, who had the first book, Bold Seduction, is the most reclusive one. He has a brilliant mind and a scholar to boot. He has been a recluse most of his life and due to his slightly autistic edges the society made a joke out of him, calling him various names. But both his elder brothers and his parents have always been very protective of Spencer. How he came to know the Madame of a brothel, Philomena, when he was a virgin and was cloistered away in some faraway castle (of sort), is a story you’ll just have to find out by reading book 1. ;)

I enjoyed Bold Seduction and was waiting to read The Vicar's Frozen Heart. Neither Tremain nor Harrison were seen in the first installment, but only by mention so I wanted to know more about them. I thought Tremain was more like Harrison than Spencer. However, he surprised me by being quite different than any of his brothers. Tremain seemed to be cool and distant; a man with few words, who always wore a glare. However, learning of his war injury shed some light on this vast change in his persona.

Tremain went to military, then weathered a bloody Anglo-Zulu war in faraway South Africa that changed the course of his life. Much like Spencer, he’s also been cloistered away in a small village that is close to his own estate. Previously Tremain held no title, but after his services and the injury that crippled him, he was given an honorary title by the Great Queen Victoria. Tremain didn’t want or need that, but what can he do when the Queen favors him with something? So he simply accepted the title and the many obligations, such as the village he is now living in, that came with it.

The injury and the PTSD from that war have made a recluse out of Tremain as well. His family respected his wishes to be left alone. Tremain has hidden his identity to serve this village as a vicar, which he became by choice rather than by necessity. Tremain is no fake vicar, he has indeed finished the necessary studies before taking up on this responsibility. He thought it’d be a way of healing his internal wound and make him feel at peace. I could see he needed time and space to heal, though being lonely and celibate wasn’t helping his cause very much. One night, when it’s heavily snowing outside, the pain in his leg wakes Temain up... then he hears something that would lead him to investigate outside, only to find a young woman left beaten and penniless on his property. What could he do but to bring her in even with the horrid pain that plagues him every minute of the day?

But that’s not how Eliza wanted her life to turn out either. She was the governess of the family of a peer, was compensated well for her services. Though an orphan grown up in an orphanage, Eliza was given a good education and through that, she was able to live quite a privileged life in that household. But the loneliness of not being able to fit in anywhere drove her to do something unwise that ultimately costs her her job. The mistress of the house almost threw her out without a single penny or a letter of recommendation. Eliza’s meager savings and everything else were robbed off too while she was traveling through the night, not thanks to the woman who won’t even let her wait until the morning.

Now Eliza owes her life to this grumpy vicar of a village unknown to her. No matter how handsome he is, Eliza must keep her head straight and not do the same mistake all over again. In a few days as she continue to recuperate, it becomes obvious that the attraction is mutual, though Mr. Colson won’t let her near him. This moment he’s on fire, the next he pushes her away as fast as possible! It does create some friction because Tremain could be quite cutting if he was not in a good mood. You can also blame it on his injury, the pain of which continues to plague him day and night. But mostly it was because he knew that a lusty liaison with Eliza would only end in disaster. She didn’t need another one in her life at that point.

After a while, when it became obvious that they won’t be able to deny this attraction, new worries begin to arise. Eliza was often quite worried that her own past would always color Tremain’s view of her. Being a vicar’s wife won’t be so easy and though she’s willing to weather anything, what of Tremain? But for Tremain himself, it was for an entirely different reason. So far, no one in this village, let alone Eliza, knew that the revered Viscount Hawkestone or ‘Hawk’ as they call him, is none other than Tremain himself! When the truth emerged, the kind of mess it was going to cause was anybody’s guess. And because Tremain knew of Eliza’s past, he knew she was going to be upset that she was kept in the dark about it all. Their budding relationship may even be over before it had a chance of blossoming. Can Tremain take that risk for love?

Let me tell you that, though it took some times but the vicar’s frozen heart was already thawing for good! :D

I liked the intimate scenes between Eliza and Tremain quite a lot. Their relationship didn’t seem too rushed, however I would’ve loved if we could read a few more chapters. Tremain was a changed man, but he did everything in his power to divert it towards meaningful causes which I loved. I also really loved the ending. My only issue with the story was the writing, especially the dialogue between the characters, which felt rather stilted. I don’t know if it was because I read the ARC but I couldn’t shake this off till the end. The Vicar's Frozen Heart is a well enough standalone, because much like book 1 it’s focal point is the relationship between Tremain and Eliza. 3.5 stars, will be eagerly awaiting Harrison’s story.

I received this ARC, courtesy of Lyrical Press (Kensignton) via netgalley which didn’t influence my review and rating in any way. thankyou
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ems Loves to Read.
1,123 reviews46 followers
February 9, 2016
Unfortunately, I cannot get that hour of my life back. Dreadful about sums it up. If you want awkward and stilted dialogue, along with a great deal of crudeness, this will suffice. As for me, I'm off to purge the bad taste in my mouth with some Jane Austen.

**I received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Profile Image for AnnMarie.
1,304 reviews34 followers
February 18, 2016
The Vicar's Frozen Heart by Karyn Gerrard is the second book in the Hornsby Brothers series. I haven't read the first book, but this one can easily be read as a stand alone one.

The story is about Eliza Winston. She is a governess who is cast out from her place of employment in disgrace because she slept with her employers son, not the one she was governess too of course! She was given £30, a basic reference, and was put into a carriage to be taken to Dover. From there, her employers didn't care what she did as long as she stayed far away. Unfortunately before reaching Dover, the men employed to take her ended up stealing her money, one of them tried to rape her, and in the end they threw her out of the carriage into the snow and left her there pretty much to die.

Fortunately Tremain Colson heard the thud of the trunk the men through after her, and he went to investigate what the noise was. He discovers Eliza and despite being in terrible pain from a war wound, he helps her back to his small home and looks after her.

Tremain was in the war fighting the Zulus and suffered his injury there. In order to recover from the ordeal physically, and less hopefully, mentally, he has turned to religion and being a Vicar in his own county. Nobody knows him so he doesn't let on that he is actually a Lord, and is content living a quiet life as a vicar, and helping his parishioners whenever he can. He feels he needs to atone for the killing he did when he was at war, and being a vicar helps him achieve that goal.

The story goes on to tell of the relationship forming between Tremain and Eliza. He is adamant that nothing happens between them, although he desperately wants it to. Eliza desperately wants him too, but can she push past the barriers he has put up? If she can, will anything come of it because after all, she's just a governess, and he is a vicar. Worse still, he is a Lord, and will definitely be way above her station once she finds out the truth. What possible future could they have!?

My favourite character is actually a young boy called Drew. I won't give spoilers, but suffice to say that you will end up loving him by the time you finish the book. Of course Eliza and Tremain are wonderful characters, but Drew is just something special, bless him!

I loved this story, it was full of feel good moments that make you just want to sigh. Then there were the emotional moments that brought tears to my eyes, Drew being a part of some of those moments. There were also moments that had me thinking about The Thorn Birds. Although not a Catholic priest, Tremain still fought his lustful urges towards Eliza, and anytime they gave in to some passion, it was a definite hot moment or two! If you like your romances sweet, that is, with just a kiss or two, then this book won't be for you. There are some very passionate scenes in this book that will leave you hot under the collar!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Elaine.
463 reviews2 followers
February 10, 2016
What a disappointment. Was expecting a story of where the vicar rescues the heroine and they get to know each other then fall in love. Not.
As the book starts out the heroine is being dismissed from her governess job because she had sex with one of the titled sons of the house. She is sent away with a reference and some money. Two men are taking her far from the estate where she worked. Well, they stole her money and pushed her out of the carriage into the cold, cold night. There she is found by the vicar.
He takes her in and nurses her back to health, though he can barely get around because of war injuries. He has taken the job of a vicar as a way to atone for what he did in the war. He is actually a lord and is wealthy, but she doesn't know this.
Instead of instant love this book went straight to the instant sex. Not much of a story line and I detested the heroine. She was all after, and all over the vicar. She was almost a stalker. The vicar wasn't much better. His first thoughts after he rescued her and got her back to his house were sexual in nature.
There were a few misspelled words and some cases where the wrong synonym was used.
I received this book from Net Galley and the publisher for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bonnie.
Author 69 books178 followers
January 5, 2017
Another enjoyable read from Ms. Gerrard! With broken hero, an adventurous (sexually and otherwise) heroine, I'd recommend this book for light reading and escapism.

Not for under 18.
1,353 reviews38 followers
February 27, 2016
Eliza Winston has just been dismissed from her post as a governess, and her former employers send her away to Dover with some money, her trunk and a not-so-glowing letter of reference: she was dallying with the family’s older son. On her way, she is brutally attacked and injured, the villains steal her money and her reticule along with her letter of reference, and throw her trunk on the road where they left her. Tremain Colson, Trey, the vicar, is a light sleeper, hears the commotion and carries her home where he will tend to her injuries. However, Trey is quite the lusty vicar and he has many secrets…

THE VICAR’S FROZEN HEART was not quite what I expected. I thought it would be a rather “sweet” story, regardless of the cause for Eliza’s dismissal. Trey did not become a man of the cloth for religious reasons, and I thought his motivations were lame, selfish, and somewhat hypocritical. At heart, he more or less remained the rogue that he was, and I’m afraid to say that it irked me. He’s not a bad man, far from it, but for a Reverend, it’s a tad too obsessed with thoughts about sex; I know a vicar is a man, but still. I did like Eliza a lot though. To me, it didn’t feel like the story took place in Victorian times, but maybe I have misconceptions about that era. There was also a character I think I was supposed to despise, and I couldn’t because she was right about a few things. This said, THE VICAR’S FROZEN HEART is nicely written and a quick read; if you like your Victorian romance with quite a bit of steamy sex, this is for you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Krys.
1,355 reviews32 followers
February 18, 2016
WARNING: This book is recommended for mature audiences only due to sexual content (that happens outside of marriage). If this is not your cup of tea, then this book may not be for you. However, you can just as easily skip those scenes and not miss any of the overall plot.

This was the perfect blend between short story and novel. There was character development, there was deception and most importantly there was a romance that didn't happen overnight. This is also a stand-alone novel meaning even though it is book two in a series, you do not need to have read the prior novel in order to understand this one, nor is there a cliff-hanger.

I thoroughly enjoyed these two characters for the most part as well as their unlikely romance. There were times when it almost seemed as though Eliza was a bit too loose with her affections. She came to be in the Vicar's home after being caught having a dalliance with the son of her employer, but no sooner does she meet Tremain, but she starts having a strong physical response to him as well. At first that turned me off to her, but as you read on you see that deep down she does have a strong character. Tremain
also takes a bit to warm up to considering he has a tendency to change moods rather quickly. However, once I began reading their story, I found myself unable to but it down until I had finished.

Overall, I would certainly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good historical romance.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Profile Image for Toula.
2,504 reviews
March 1, 2016
Victorian set . Book 2 in a series . Hero is Tremain . Heroinine is Eliza
We have a governess that had $ex with an Earls son and was found out . She was dismissed . Tremain is playing a Vicar Tremain is a Dukes second son actually.
Eliza was robbed and almost Raped by some men in a coach once she was dismissed. She was thrown out of the carriage with her luggage . She rolled down the hill and hit her head .
Tremain came back from a war in Africa . He is a broken man with a leg that is hurt that he needs to walk with a cane He wanted to escape from being a Viscount . His nickname is Hawke . He wanted to save his soul . Tremain also wanted to make up to humanity the terrible things he thought he did in the war . Tremain had nightmares and couldn't sleep ... Thing is something was nagging him . He goes outside and sees a bundle and sure enough it is Eliza . He takes her in and cleans her up . . Their bodies react to each other .
Tremain is fighting it . Eliza is tempting him to give in . A little boy that is Orphaned his name is Drew that tries very hard to unfreeze Tremain stone heart . This is a great story with lots of twists and turns. Grab it and see what happens to Tremain ( Hawke ) who actually throws him for a loop . How does Eliza find out .
Profile Image for Seanna Yeager.
596 reviews
March 1, 2016
A passionate, unlikely love story between two people whose past decisions haunt their futures.

Tremain Colson is a former solider who is trying to redeem himself by serving others in an unlikely way, by becoming a vicar. After his time in the Army, he feels like he can never fall in love, because of his horrible night terrors. He tries to hide himself away from who he truly is, a passionate man.

Eliza Winston, is an orphan who squander her position as a governess by giving into temptation, when she felt unloved her whole life. She is rescued by the mysterious Vicar Tremain, when she is left for dead.

They both try to fight their love for one another, but nothing can hold them back from their attraction. They finally find the roles they were meant to live, despite what society dictates.

This is not an inspirational romance, repeat this is not an inspirational romance. This is another smouldering tale from Karyn Gerrard The Hornsby Brothers series. So don't get upset that there is sex in it!



Thanks Netgalley for the free review copy.
Profile Image for Christine Woinich.
2,793 reviews26 followers
February 29, 2016
Eliza is a determined survivor. She loses her position as a governess, is robbed, and left stranded in a snow storm. Tremain is a man with a secret and is damaged body and soul. He rescues Eliza, and the two spark off each other. Their feelings grow but Tremain's secret threatens to tear them apart. I loved Eliza's determination to follow her desire and heart no matter what. She helps Tremain heal even though she does not know everything. When the secret comes to light, hurt feelings abound. Friends help her realize that the governess and the aristocrat can have a future together. I look forward to reading more of this series and recommend this story.

I had a chance to read this story through Netgalley.
Profile Image for Melanie.
921 reviews40 followers
March 2, 2016
This is the second book in the Hornsby Brothers series, but if you haven't had a chance to read the first one, have no fear, it can easily standalone.

Now, let me tell you why you'll love this story.

If you're looking for a story that has two really strong and complex leads, this is the book for you.

If you're ready for a romance of two people that are encumbered with a lot of baggage, you can't miss this story.

If you're looking to exit Regency society and enter Victorian, by all means get this book.

And if you're itching to read a story with a lot of "feels" that will have you tear up, then just go get it! I promise you'll love it!

Melanie for b2b

Complimentary copy provided by the author
Profile Image for Sally Hannoush.
1,883 reviews27 followers
January 30, 2016
I liked this story overall. Leading a dual life in order to heal from the war is a fight itself and I was wondering if the main character was going to win it or not. From the start of the book to the end, I was wondering how things were going to work themselves out. People who need each other and don't know it come together and help each other when they need it most. A very deserving happy ever after.
Profile Image for Kimi Court.
163 reviews9 followers
February 3, 2016
Well done and completely fun. I just loved this book. This is a new to me author and I am glad I got to read this book. So much fun, banter, redemption, love, and inner demons. She takes pride in her characters, all of them. I can feel the book as I read it. Each chapter brought something new and fun or exciting. I (Almost) cried, laughed. Just love watching these two go from two opposite sides, to being in love. I will be reading more from this lady.
Profile Image for Lyn .
329 reviews15 followers
February 6, 2016
An unusual plot with well-developed characters. There were a few surprises and, at times, an unnecessary amount of crudeness. Perhaps because a Vicar was involved? A good read that is an enjoyable way to spend a rainy afternoon. Enjoy! NetGalley and Kensington Books provided an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Dawn.
465 reviews
March 1, 2016
Eliza and Tremain meet when both wounded in both body and spirit. They journey together toward healing and redemption. Well written. Enjoyed Drew.
received ebook from netgalley.
Profile Image for Natasha.
Author 11 books39 followers
May 21, 2017
Just in case you forget the vicar has a "frozen" heart, the author uses words like icy, coldest, icicle, frosty, and chilly to describe his demeanor.

Eliza Winston is in a pickle. She has just been fired from her job as a governess for having sex with the son of her employer. After being sent away with 30 pounds and a trunk of her belongings, she is beaten, robbed, and left for dead on the side of the road by the two men hired to take her to her new life.

Tremain Colson is a viscount in disguise. No one except his staff knows he's Viscount Hawkestone. To everyone else in the small village, he is simply the local vicar. Tremain {called "Trey" at times which didn't sound very historically accurate, but ok} rescues Eliza from certain death and nurses her back to heath. Things seem to work out rather conveniently for Eliza. Tremain takes in a young orphan and hires her to be the boy's governess.

The hero and heroine flirted shamelessly. I was actually not pleased with either character. The governess was a loosey-goosey {brought a tin of sheaths with her} and far too shameless for someone who'd only had 'quick sex' three times. She was way too eager to have oral sex with the vicar, and he was way too eager to ask her to do it after pushing her away so many times. It seemed these two just kept taking two steps forward and one step back. Just when you thought he was gonna let her in, he'd come up with a reason to push her away. I never really got the sense that they fell in love. Without a doubt, they had the hots for each other. His whole reason for being standoffish didn't ring of truth. I felt there was still something more going on with him. He seemed to get over his angst a little too quickly after speaking with his friend Jon near the end of the novel.
Profile Image for Heather.
160 reviews5 followers
October 14, 2019
I enjoyed this book just as much as the first. Again, my only complaint is that the story is to rushed. The characters and storyline is great but not fleshed out enough for me. I think Gerrard should have had more time spent with Tremaines family including his youngest brother Spencer and Philomena. One last thing....I hate that it did not have an epilogue.
814 reviews7 followers
February 6, 2018
After reading Bold Seduction I did not wait long before buying and reading this. Solid writing. The storyline kept my attention throughout, although there are some things which may bit unlikely, e.g. her former employer hires two men to take her - alone - as far away as possible. I still enjoyed this and will read more of Karyn Gerrard's work.
Profile Image for Eleni.
833 reviews5 followers
March 5, 2021
An entertaining read

An entertaining romance with good characters and a neat plot as well as some steamy scenes. Recommended for fans of the genre and the series.
Profile Image for Rose Blue.
644 reviews27 followers
March 22, 2016
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: http://wp.me/p3QRh4-lR

Eliza Winston has a secure job as a governess with a good family. There has even been talk of keeping her employed there until her charge makes her debut. Yet, Eliza decides to accept the proposition of one of the young lords in the household, and begins an affair, which is discovered almost immediately. Eliza is dismissed, given a lukewarm reference and some cash, and put in a coach to be removed far away from the house. As she is travelling away, she reflects on how foolishly she acted, and how she threw away a good home and security for fleeting physical pleasure. Her troubles are not over, as the men hired to drive her away beat her, take all her cash, and toss her out of the coach.

Vicar Tremain Colson discovers the unconscious Eliza, and manages to bring her back to his home - no easy feat, as he has a severely injured leg. Tremain is of noble birth, but is living quietly as a Vicar as he attempts to heal his body and spirit, and perhaps atone for some of the atrocities he committed while serving as a soldier. Before his injuries, Tremain enjoyed many affairs, but now it's been years since he's been with a woman. Beautiful Eliza awakens the desire in him that had been lost. Still, an affair is not in his plans, so he needs to move Eliza out of his home as soon as possible.

Eliza stays in town, as she really has no other resources, and accepts a job as a barmaid, quite a comedown from a governess. With each meeting, she becomes more attracted to Tremain, and she can see that he's attracted to her. Eliza starts to dream about being a vicar's wife, and doesn't hide her feelings from Tremain. He, however, resists because of his physical and emotional problems. He will draw her a little bit near, then push her away.

I admit to having my doubts about Eliza, and her choices. In that day and time, the consequences of her actions were very severe. She appears to not have learned from her mistake, as she begins almost immediately to pursue the vicar, even when he clearly refuses. Eventually, Tremain realizes that he has been hiding in the guise of vicar, though his intentions were honorable, and he needs to assume his rightful place and responsibilities. But can a disgraced governess and a battle scarred nobleman find a happy ever after? You'll have to read this passionate story to find the answer.
Profile Image for Connie.
2,504 reviews62 followers
March 1, 2016
Yorkshire - 1882

Eliza Winston is a young woman who has just lost her position as a governess when her brief relationship with a son of the house was discovered. Having been brought up in an orphanage, she has no family to turn to. When the family puts her in a coach to send her off to another town, a man on the coach beats, robs, and throws her off into the snow abandoning her.

Tremain (Trey) Colson suffered many injuries in the war. He now earns his livelihood as a vicar and prefers his single, quiet life. One night, he hears a noise outside and discovers a young woman lying in the snow unconscious. Even with his weak and painful leg, he manages to carry her inside the vicarage and tends to her injuries.

When Eliza regains consciousness, she is surprised at the handsome and young vicar who has been caring for her. They are both attracted to one another and Trey realizes he must get her out of his home as soon as possible before gossip starts. Thus, he gets her a job as a bar maid working in a pub. A bit of a comedown from her job as a governess, at least her employers are very kind.

Eliza is very curious about Trey. It appears that he assists in handling the affairs of the mysterious Viscount Hawkestone, son of a wealthy duke. Trey is perceived as a cold man but he can be warm and kind. He is plagued with pain from his leg injury and his terrible memories and nightmares of the war. He finds himself drawn to Eliza.

When a young boy in the area is orphaned, Trey moves him into Hawkestone Estate and hires Eliza to be his governess. As we have guessed by now, Trey is Viscount Hawkestone and has chosen his subterfuge as a penance for the vile things he was forced to do during the war to stay alive.

Will there be a future for Trey and Eliza? Will Trey be able to open up and tell the truth about his real background?

This is a nice romance but I felt the sex scenes were a bit over the top. However, I’m sure there are readers who will really like that.

Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley
Profile Image for Armenia.
908 reviews17 followers
March 2, 2016
Sweet and Sensual

Eliza Winston is turned out from her current position of governess. When it’s discovered she’s had relations with the son of the house, she is hastily shoved into a hired carriage with her possessions to be driven far enough away. In hindsight, she would regret the discovery, but not the warmth and human contact she so desperately craved. There was not much affection and love shown her while she was an orphan growing up. Unfortunately, the despicable drivers rob her and toss her out on the road where the town vicar discovers her injured and unconscious.

Tremain Colson has hidden himself from his family and duty for the past three years. Ever since he’s survived the horrific battle of Anglo-Zulu war in South Africa, he keeps to himself, living quietly in a village adjoined to the estate of Viscount Hawkestone. Returned home with broken body and broken soul, he becomes a clergyman as he only wishes to find forgiveness and solace. Finding Eliza and helping her heal presents a challenge for Tremain. Her warmth and kindness starts to slowly melt the walls caging his heart. Both Tremain and Eliza deserve affection and happiness, but Tremain is hiding his true identity.

The Vicar’s Frozen Heart is a lovely historical story. Ms. Gerrard writes emotionally damaged souls that find healing through love. I loved the sensuality and intimacy weaved into the story. I admired Eliza for not giving up on Tremain, seeing the pain and isolation he’s endured, and when the secret was revealed. Very nicely drawn characters and fluid writing. Nicely done, Ms. Gerrard.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

My rating:4
Profile Image for JoRead.
365 reviews39 followers
March 1, 2016
Although it is the second installment in the Hornsby Brother series, The Vicar’s Frozen Heart can definitely be read as a standalone.
From the moment we meet the heroine, we get a good glimpse of her passionate nature. She was no innocent bluestocking in spite of being raised as much a lady an orphan could be and then getting a job as a governess. Given the times the story is set, there were moments she seemed a bit too frank or overzealous but this is a work of fiction after all so I’m willing to overlook that fact for the sake of a well-thought-out plot.

Now, I did read the first book in the series, Bold Seduction, and Tremain, the hero in this story, is completely different to what I was expecting. I don’t want to spoil either story but here he is a damaged soul trying to make amends with the world and trying to make up for past mistakes. I think I got a much broodier version than what I had pictured in my mind of him. As a matter of fact -and although I’d already pointed out this story can be read as a standalone so it wouldn’t matter which one is read first- I found this installment much more nostalgic than the first one. It also felt a bit slow compared to other works by the author given the amount of pages but that may just be me. 3 stars.

NOTE: Adult read. May not be suitable for some readers.

** I received a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review **
Profile Image for Joann Maggio.
101 reviews4 followers
April 21, 2016

The Vicar's Frozen Heart ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Written by Karyn Gerrard

Eliza Winston looses her position as a governess in Lady Bowater's home because of her dalliance with Lady Bowarter's son William. She is discharged packed up and sent off to Dover. Eliza is given her belongings and her wages and whisked away. While on her way home to Dover she is robbed and nearly raped. She suffers a beating and is thrown from the carriage with her trunk into the snow in the middle of a blizzard.

She is, however, discovered by the local vicar Tremaine Colson. Tremaine is a very solitude man quite frosty and very hard to read. He has suffered a devastating war injury to his leg and walks with a cane. Truly, he is a victim of PTS disorder but at that time who knew if such a condition.

Eliza manages to warm his icy heart and arouse him sexually. She, too, is quite smitten with the deep dark vicar. A very hot romance begins and the vicar reveals his inner self to Eliza leaving out one very important fact. Eliza falls in love with this flawed man.

To say more in this review about this novel would be a spoiler. I felt the complexity of these two characters made this story so genuine. Their thoughts jumped off the pages and you enjoyed every moments. Ms Gerrard can really weave a remarkable tale not to be missed. I did not read book 1 but this was a stand alone novel and I would recommend it without hesitation.



Profile Image for Joann Maggio.
331 reviews6 followers
May 18, 2016
The Vicar's Frozen Heart ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Written by Karyn Gerrard

Eliza Winston looses her position as a governess in Lady Bowater's home because of her dalliance with Lady Bowarter's son William. She is discharged packed up and sent off to Dover. Eliza is given her belongings and her wages and whisked away. While on her way home to Dover she is robbed and nearly raped. She suffers a beating and is thrown from the carriage with her trunk into the snow in the middle of a blizzard.

She is, however, discovered by the local vicar Tremaine Colson. Tremaine is a very solitude man quite frosty and very hard to read. He has suffered a devastating war injury to his leg and walks with a cane. Truly, he is a victim of PTS disorder but at that time who knew if such a condition.

Eliza manages to warm his icy heart and arouse him sexually. She, too, is quite smitten with the deep dark vicar. A very hot romance begins and the vicar reveals his inner self to Eliza leaving out one very important fact. Eliza falls in love with this flawed man.

To say more in this review about this novel would be a spoiler. I felt the complexity of these two characters made this story so genuine. Their thoughts jumped off the pages and you enjoyed every moments. Ms Gerrard can really weave a remarkable tale not to be missed. I did not read book 1 but this was a stand alone novel and I would recommend it without hesitation.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
March 2, 2016
Autry's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

3.5 stars

The Vicars Frozen heart is a quick read with a darker underlying story. Trey is nursing his wounds after returning from war, never did he intend to be nursing a female back to health and taking over his estate. Eliza started out in a world of trouble tossed out in a storm after being dismissed from her position. This was a very quick read so Ms. Gerrard did not waste any time heating up the romance and keeping it flowing at a steady pace. The couples is good together, but were awkward at other times. The way they would talk to each other while being intimate just didn’t seem to fit the historical genre; maybe more so leaning towards a contemporary romance. That feeling however did not last long; it was a couple of fleeting moments before being hurled back into a historical setting. There is a good list of secondary characters that enhanced the story, but never became too much. The Vicars Frozen Heart has left me wondering what else could the Hornsby brothers be up to. If you enjoy a quick read, with a loving cast of characters you may enjoy The Vicars Frozen Heart.

Review copy provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Vicki.
359 reviews
March 27, 2016
Karyn Gerrard is a new-to-me author, I was not disappointed!! I have not read the first book of this series, but was able to read The Vicar's Frozen Heart as a stand alone, with no problems.

Eliza finds herself in some trouble to start off this book and is left in the elements for death, until an unknown person rescues her. She is trying to start her life over with little money, reputation or references. Determined not to allow what happened to ruin her life, she sets out to make the best out of what seems to be an impossible mission.

Tremain is the village vicar, who has been left broken both emotionally and physically from war. He is determined to keep parts of past hidden from almost everyone, until a beautiful woman is found outside his door.

This book was very well written! I loved all of the characters and what they each brought to the story. I felt as if I was truly apart of the book and the characters. The emotions and chemistry between the two main characters was beautiful, romantic and sexy! I laughed and cried along with both of them and felt their heartache as if it were my own.

I am really looking forward to reading more work from Ms Gerrard, thank you for such a great book!
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