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Axel Belmont, though a wealthy and much-respected botanist, occasionally takes a turn serving as magistrate in his rural corner of Oxfordshire. When the owner of a neighboring estate is the victim of a homicide, Axel initially suspects the man’s much younger wife, Abigail Stoneleigh, of committing the crime.
But then Abby appears to be in harm’s way, and Axel’s investigation uncovers longstanding deceptions aimed at cheating her out of wealth and happiness. The solution to this deadly puzzle remains elusive, even as Axel captures Abby’s heart and surrenders his own. Axel is a fine investigator, a devoted father, a brilliant scientist, (and an excellent kisser), but will he solve the mystery before the villain strikes again?
But then Abby appears to be in harm’s way, and Axel’s investigation uncovers longstanding deceptions aimed at cheating her out of wealth and happiness. The solution to this deadly puzzle remains elusive, even as Axel captures Abby’s heart and surrenders his own. Axel is a fine investigator, a devoted father, a brilliant scientist, (and an excellent kisser), but will he solve the mystery before the villain strikes again?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
152 people are currently reading
505 people want to read
About the author
Grace Burrowes
190 books2,917 followersGrace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
June 27, 2016
3.5 stars
To blazing hell with what ladies did and did not do. With Axel Belmont, at least, Abby need not be a lady. She need only, finally, be herself.
This was a babbling brook read, the term I use to describe a slower moving or paced story with trying to leave out any negative connotations associated with "slow". Since I more often than not like to write up little reviews for books I read, I find it better to read one book at a time so I don't mix up characters or plots. I think this book would work better in a stop and revisit capacity, instead of the storm through method I have. Burrowes excels in emotions, subtle, blatant, fast, and slow, her words and phrases are able to reach my feels in ways other authors often try and fail at. The emotion between our hero Axel and heroine Abigail, feels so incredibly real; I was swept away into their lives and relationship. One way Burrowes accomplishes this is her talent for writing the minutiae of everyday life, it brings a legitimacy and palpable feel to her characters and stories but it also creates that slow or babbling brook feel. It was hard for me to stay with the pace if I read too many chapters in a row but taking longer breaks or reading a different story in-between I think would have helped with this.
I would almost call this a mixture of a cozy mystery and romance, Axel and Abigail are investigating characters and her late husband's life in hopes of discovering who killed him. The villain was not blatantly clear and Abigail's husband's life became quite the onion for them to peel. It was just a good solid story, characters and plot points made sense and were believable.
Burrowes books can get very over populated for me, but here, the focus is firmly on Axel and Abigail. Secondary characters from the previous books in the series and other series by Burrowes make appearances but they knew their role and only improved the story instead of overwhelming it; Burrowes amazing emotional writing was able to take center stage. Not to pigeon hole ages but I can see older, more mature readers really liking this, as it deals with two widowers and trials of life that only comes with experience. I can see the scenes and dialogue about when, how, and trying to move on in life after losing a significant other, really reaching some.
If you're looking for a story to really sink into with cozy mystery elements and deep emotions, then this would be a great pick. Axel and Abigail's relationship from budding to longing to inseparable will warm the coldest hearts.
To blazing hell with what ladies did and did not do. With Axel Belmont, at least, Abby need not be a lady. She need only, finally, be herself.
This was a babbling brook read, the term I use to describe a slower moving or paced story with trying to leave out any negative connotations associated with "slow". Since I more often than not like to write up little reviews for books I read, I find it better to read one book at a time so I don't mix up characters or plots. I think this book would work better in a stop and revisit capacity, instead of the storm through method I have. Burrowes excels in emotions, subtle, blatant, fast, and slow, her words and phrases are able to reach my feels in ways other authors often try and fail at. The emotion between our hero Axel and heroine Abigail, feels so incredibly real; I was swept away into their lives and relationship. One way Burrowes accomplishes this is her talent for writing the minutiae of everyday life, it brings a legitimacy and palpable feel to her characters and stories but it also creates that slow or babbling brook feel. It was hard for me to stay with the pace if I read too many chapters in a row but taking longer breaks or reading a different story in-between I think would have helped with this.
I would almost call this a mixture of a cozy mystery and romance, Axel and Abigail are investigating characters and her late husband's life in hopes of discovering who killed him. The villain was not blatantly clear and Abigail's husband's life became quite the onion for them to peel. It was just a good solid story, characters and plot points made sense and were believable.
Burrowes books can get very over populated for me, but here, the focus is firmly on Axel and Abigail. Secondary characters from the previous books in the series and other series by Burrowes make appearances but they knew their role and only improved the story instead of overwhelming it; Burrowes amazing emotional writing was able to take center stage. Not to pigeon hole ages but I can see older, more mature readers really liking this, as it deals with two widowers and trials of life that only comes with experience. I can see the scenes and dialogue about when, how, and trying to move on in life after losing a significant other, really reaching some.
If you're looking for a story to really sink into with cozy mystery elements and deep emotions, then this would be a great pick. Axel and Abigail's relationship from budding to longing to inseparable will warm the coldest hearts.
December 31, 2024
The story is a steady progression from strangers who don't even really like each other, to a dawning appreciation to love. All while trying to solve the murder of her husband.
Abigail is a crushed woman. Remorselessly ground under the boot of her a-hole husband for 8 long years. Now that she is free, she is falling to pieces. In steps Axel to keep her from harm. He is her neighbour, the magistrate and a widower.
Abigail's story of woe isn't at first apparent. A marriage of convenience to a much older man. Not so uncommon back then. But why did she marry him. And more importantly, why did he marry her?
The story starts with Axel arriving at her house after she sends for his help after she finds her husband dead. He is the temporary magistrate and so must investigate his death. As he investigates he comes to realize more about her situation and what her life as been like.
They talk. They talk a lot and they talk frankly. About sex, about love, about their dead spouses, about life.
The mystery is good and the romance was a lovely slow burn.
I got a little frustrated with Axel not pulling his head out of his arse sooner, but it wasn't a big deal.
I loved their frank conversations.
I do wonder how his kids will take to his remarrying Abby. They are away with at his brother's through the whole story that covers several weeks.
Safety is good.
Abigail is a crushed woman. Remorselessly ground under the boot of her a-hole husband for 8 long years. Now that she is free, she is falling to pieces. In steps Axel to keep her from harm. He is her neighbour, the magistrate and a widower.
Abigail's story of woe isn't at first apparent. A marriage of convenience to a much older man. Not so uncommon back then. But why did she marry him. And more importantly, why did he marry her?
The story starts with Axel arriving at her house after she sends for his help after she finds her husband dead. He is the temporary magistrate and so must investigate his death. As he investigates he comes to realize more about her situation and what her life as been like.
They talk. They talk a lot and they talk frankly. About sex, about love, about their dead spouses, about life.
The mystery is good and the romance was a lovely slow burn.
I got a little frustrated with Axel not pulling his head out of his arse sooner, but it wasn't a big deal.
I loved their frank conversations.
I do wonder how his kids will take to his remarrying Abby. They are away with at his brother's through the whole story that covers several weeks.
Safety is good.
April 22, 2021
Ha, I snuck that up on you!! You didn't even know I was reading this. Why? I'm shallow & I do not care for the cover. My copy at home literally has post-it notes covering the model. I could have done with some formal attire.
I should probably discuss the book, which was weirdly relaxing despite murderous subplots.
The leads are very warm. The relationship is very warm. I found it slow, but comforting. They were just so nice and considerate. 3.5 rounded up. It is a good book for crappy spring weather and blizzards.
I should probably discuss the book, which was weirdly relaxing despite murderous subplots.
The leads are very warm. The relationship is very warm. I found it slow, but comforting. They were just so nice and considerate. 3.5 rounded up. It is a good book for crappy spring weather and blizzards.
October 22, 2017
When it comes to Burrowes books I do believe them when they fall in love. Because they fall slowly, and they fall for real. These are books where people talk, and hey, talk some more. No unnecessary silly drama either.
Axel is 40ish?, a widower, has 2 sons in school, loves his roses and his academic pursuits. He is also the magistrate. And really sweet too!
Abby is now a widow and well she blossoms during this book. I can not say more. I really grew to like her.
Her husband is murdered and Axel most solve the case. And it takes time. This is not a fast solving riddle. He puts in the legwork and grows to care for the young widow (and trust me you will be tooootally fine with this, damn that husband of hers.)
There is also a lot of food eaten, sandwiches, scones, teacakes, I got all hungry when reading.
It really is a pleasant tale. That is the perfect word, a pleasant tale that I enjoyed.
Axel is 40ish?, a widower, has 2 sons in school, loves his roses and his academic pursuits. He is also the magistrate. And really sweet too!
Abby is now a widow and well she blossoms during this book. I can not say more. I really grew to like her.
Her husband is murdered and Axel most solve the case. And it takes time. This is not a fast solving riddle. He puts in the legwork and grows to care for the young widow (and trust me you will be tooootally fine with this, damn that husband of hers.)
There is also a lot of food eaten, sandwiches, scones, teacakes, I got all hungry when reading.
It really is a pleasant tale. That is the perfect word, a pleasant tale that I enjoyed.
January 3, 2016
An interesting change in direction for Burrowes.
I'm a long time fan Burrowes fan, but "Axel" was a little different from her usual...in a good way.
Widower Axel Belmont is content with his life -- he has his botanical studies and his sons, and his duties as magistrate aren't a hardship. Until Gregory Stoneleigh, the owner of a neighboring estate, is shot dead in his study...and it falls to Axel to try and identify the murderer. There are a few suspects, among them Abby, Gregory's widow. As Axel learns more about the dead man's unsavory behavior, he wonders if his instincts are correct; and as he and Abby grow closer, he's convinced that Abby's innocent. But if she didn't kill Gregory...then who did? As Axel attempts to unravel the mystery, he must also confront some unresolved feelings of his own. He loved his wife, but as his relationship with Abby deepens, Axel's ambivalence about his first marriage makes him reluctant to embrace his increasingly serious feelings for Abby.
It's really a nice mystery, along with a very sweet romance. It's the first time that Burrowes has done a real 'who done it' and it turns out very well. She keeps you guessing about the villain until the very end....and while the Big Reveal is a surprise, it's very much in keeping with the story, and doesn't disappoint.
So 4 stars for a nice love story that's seamlessly woven around a good old-fashioned mystery.
I'm a long time fan Burrowes fan, but "Axel" was a little different from her usual...in a good way.
Widower Axel Belmont is content with his life -- he has his botanical studies and his sons, and his duties as magistrate aren't a hardship. Until Gregory Stoneleigh, the owner of a neighboring estate, is shot dead in his study...and it falls to Axel to try and identify the murderer. There are a few suspects, among them Abby, Gregory's widow. As Axel learns more about the dead man's unsavory behavior, he wonders if his instincts are correct; and as he and Abby grow closer, he's convinced that Abby's innocent. But if she didn't kill Gregory...then who did? As Axel attempts to unravel the mystery, he must also confront some unresolved feelings of his own. He loved his wife, but as his relationship with Abby deepens, Axel's ambivalence about his first marriage makes him reluctant to embrace his increasingly serious feelings for Abby.
It's really a nice mystery, along with a very sweet romance. It's the first time that Burrowes has done a real 'who done it' and it turns out very well. She keeps you guessing about the villain until the very end....and while the Big Reveal is a surprise, it's very much in keeping with the story, and doesn't disappoint.
So 4 stars for a nice love story that's seamlessly woven around a good old-fashioned mystery.
October 5, 2016
Read this ages ago, forgot to review it. The end of the year is getting frighteningly close and I promised myself I would review everything and yet there's a bunch of stuff I haven't. So I'll start here.
This felt a bit Burrowes by numbers, which is perhaps why I didn't put my thoughts on paper straight away. All the classic GB markers are here. Great language. Fantastic sense of time and place. Reluctant heroine. Too good to be true hero. Lovely, warm, pleasant romance. It was all a bit too easy for the two to overcome their animosity and fall for one another. It was sudden and as a consequence I wasn't as invested.
GB's focus in this book was more on the mystery element. It wasn't badly done, it just wasn't for me. I will chose the romance over that dramaz flim-flam any day of the week. I thought in this book, the former had been sacrificed a bit for the latter in terms of the artifice that went into them.
Still, Burrowes by numbers is still better than a lot of what's out there and this is 3.5 stars all day long.
This felt a bit Burrowes by numbers, which is perhaps why I didn't put my thoughts on paper straight away. All the classic GB markers are here. Great language. Fantastic sense of time and place. Reluctant heroine. Too good to be true hero. Lovely, warm, pleasant romance. It was all a bit too easy for the two to overcome their animosity and fall for one another. It was sudden and as a consequence I wasn't as invested.
GB's focus in this book was more on the mystery element. It wasn't badly done, it just wasn't for me. I will chose the romance over that dramaz flim-flam any day of the week. I thought in this book, the former had been sacrificed a bit for the latter in terms of the artifice that went into them.
Still, Burrowes by numbers is still better than a lot of what's out there and this is 3.5 stars all day long.
January 26, 2016
The first chapter of Axel outlines the story and provides insight into the main characters of Axel Beaumont and Abigail Stoneleigh. Grace Burrowes does a fabulous job of weaving murder, mystery and romance in this novel. There are several concurrent minor plot threads in the novel which are effortlessly intertwined with the main characters actions. Axel has a different feel than the other books in the Jaded Gentlemen series because the element of suspense is felt throughout the entire book. As a reader, I needed to focus on each word in each scene so I would not miss a nuance or clue. Axel approached solving the murder using his observation skills and scientific knowledge. His expertise helped Axel sort out which clues would lead to the identity of Sir Gregory’s murderer.
There are several villains in this suspenseful drama. Sir Gregory’s true nature is disclosed as Axel investigates his murder. The author does a fabulous job revealing Sir Gregory’s character and motivation as the investigation unfolds. Enjoyed the conversations between Nicholas, Matthew, Abigail and Axel which take place at the breakfast table and in the study. Matthew provides Axel with advice on how to approach interviewing the Stoneleigh servants. The discussions between Matthew and Axel provide the reader with insight into Axel’s first marriage, the importance of Axel’s work in his greenhouse and Axel’s desire for the Oxford fellowship. Nicholas (my favorite Grace Burrowes hero) flirts with Abigail. The banter between the two motivate Axel to come to terms with his feelings towards Abigail and allows the author to add the element of romance to the story.
The romance between the characters evolves as the murder investigation continues. Axel is one of the author’s longer novels. The length of the novel enabled the author to provide a novel which perfectly blends the elements of romance, mystery and suspense. I enjoyed this book very much and am hoping the author will write another romantic suspense novel very soon!
There are several villains in this suspenseful drama. Sir Gregory’s true nature is disclosed as Axel investigates his murder. The author does a fabulous job revealing Sir Gregory’s character and motivation as the investigation unfolds. Enjoyed the conversations between Nicholas, Matthew, Abigail and Axel which take place at the breakfast table and in the study. Matthew provides Axel with advice on how to approach interviewing the Stoneleigh servants. The discussions between Matthew and Axel provide the reader with insight into Axel’s first marriage, the importance of Axel’s work in his greenhouse and Axel’s desire for the Oxford fellowship. Nicholas (my favorite Grace Burrowes hero) flirts with Abigail. The banter between the two motivate Axel to come to terms with his feelings towards Abigail and allows the author to add the element of romance to the story.
The romance between the characters evolves as the murder investigation continues. Axel is one of the author’s longer novels. The length of the novel enabled the author to provide a novel which perfectly blends the elements of romance, mystery and suspense. I enjoyed this book very much and am hoping the author will write another romantic suspense novel very soon!
November 4, 2017
Review to follow.
March 6, 2020
Book 3 is about Matthew’s widowed, botanist brother who has written several treatises on medicinal uses of plants, hopes to develop a thornless rose, and whose overriding ambition is to be an Oxford fellow. He has also assumed the position as local magistrate after Matthew gave it up after marrying Theresa.
So the story kicks off when he is called out in the early morning hours; a neighbor, Mrs. Abigail Stoneleigh, heard a gunshot in her home and discovered her husband dead from that gunshot. Abby assumes it was self inflicted, but it is almost immediately apparent to Axel that the killer had been standing some distance away from the dead man.
As he continues the investigation, Axel notices the widow appears very ill. Part of it can be attributed to her fear that her life may be in continued danger, so Axel takes her to his home and turns her care over to his staff. Of course since this is a romance novel, the inevitable happens - Axel and Abby become lovers, fall in love and eventually marry and live HEA. But the journey to that HEA is quite interesting; I’ve always been fond of mysteries and quite enjoy a helping of detection with my romance.
I really want to read Nick’s book!
So the story kicks off when he is called out in the early morning hours; a neighbor, Mrs. Abigail Stoneleigh, heard a gunshot in her home and discovered her husband dead from that gunshot. Abby assumes it was self inflicted, but it is almost immediately apparent to Axel that the killer had been standing some distance away from the dead man.
As he continues the investigation, Axel notices the widow appears very ill. Part of it can be attributed to her fear that her life may be in continued danger, so Axel takes her to his home and turns her care over to his staff. Of course since this is a romance novel, the inevitable happens - Axel and Abby become lovers, fall in love and eventually marry and live HEA. But the journey to that HEA is quite interesting; I’ve always been fond of mysteries and quite enjoy a helping of detection with my romance.
I really want to read Nick’s book!
December 22, 2015
Yessssssssssss. Another winner by Grace Burrowes. I love her writing. I don't know how to describe her voice, except that I'm sure I'd recognize it if I read one hundred 'anonymous' books! It's unique and original and -well, one of a kind. Did I just repeat myself? Yep, but that's how much I adore her work.
Now, to wait for the next book in the series....sigh.
P.S. And I love the nod to Nick Haddonfield with Neils Haddonfield's appearance in 'Kiss Me Hello', her contemporary romance set in Maryland.
Now, to wait for the next book in the series....sigh.
P.S. And I love the nod to Nick Haddonfield with Neils Haddonfield's appearance in 'Kiss Me Hello', her contemporary romance set in Maryland.
September 23, 2024
i’d say it’s the most boring period romance book i’ve ever read but i read one period romance book that was more boring than this, so i guess it’s the second most boring period romance book i’ve ever read
July 24, 2020
June 2016:
Another great hero and this one grows roses! I loved every word. The timing was right, the romance was right, the emotions were right. Sigh.
September 2016: I'm reading all of Grace Burrowes in chronological order so have read this one twice this year.
August 2018: A little tough going while Abigail works through where she stands after she realizes her dead spouse bullied her and took options, friends and family away.
July 2020: I semi-recently read Virtuoso in which Axel and family play a supporting role. I think I should read it again while Axel and Abby are fresh in my mind.
Another great hero and this one grows roses! I loved every word. The timing was right, the romance was right, the emotions were right. Sigh.
September 2016: I'm reading all of Grace Burrowes in chronological order so have read this one twice this year.
August 2018: A little tough going while Abigail works through where she stands after she realizes her dead spouse bullied her and took options, friends and family away.
July 2020: I semi-recently read Virtuoso in which Axel and family play a supporting role. I think I should read it again while Axel and Abby are fresh in my mind.
May 29, 2018
I really dislike the slap dash way Grace Burrowes puts together her series. I read this because I enjoyed Mr. Belmont and his boys in an earlier book, Virtuoso. The romance in #3 was lovely, but I hated the murder mystery. It was a nasty journey that almost ruined my pleasure reading Abigail and Axel's love story. I also missed the boys and god I'm tired of Wee Nick. Also what is it about American authors who use the name Abigail for their heroine? English Georgian and Regency era used that term for a ladies maid and would not have named a daughter Abigail. Drives me crazy, but they all do it.
December 22, 2015
This was Grace's first attempt to make the mystery the focus of the story versus the romance. Overall she did a good job, although I did figure out who done it before the reveal. :-) The romance was also good and I just don't think Grace can write a bad book. Although don't try and figure out the timeline of her mens...you will get a headache. ;-)
June 19, 2019
not great... kind of boring but it was entertaining and I liked Axel... so 3 stars.
September 17, 2024
I had high hopes, but unfortunately, I didn't love the intimacy scenes lmao. It's very much an old-school romance novel and I was surprised how recently it was written.
January 11, 2018
A Rose by Any Other Name: Axel by Grace Burrowes
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
It’s weird how some books can bug me and others delight and satisfy these past few weeks I had one that really bugged me and one I loved: AXEL, by Grace Burrowes, was marvelous. I kept thinking I was listening to a book by Georgette Heyer whose work I really love. While this has the feel of Heyer in many respects it is somewhat steamier. Burrowes writes some explicit sex scenes but they aren’t vulgar at all. At no point did I feel I would be embarrassed if someone else saw what I was reading.
James Langton’s narration certainly added to the pleasure of reading the story, it’s a nice speaking voice and very genteel. I have heard his work several times and get a distinct feeling for each character. For a secondary character, I have an idea of Axel’s friend, Nick, I have a definite image in my head of a lassitudinous actor from my younger days: devastastingly handsome, and leonine wearing a Byronesque shirt and long flowing hair, not Fabio, If only I could remember who.
I enjoyed the mystery too, and I was only a little ahead of the sleuths in discovering “who” killed the victim, but not at all for the “why.” The real mystery was that no one had killed the creepy criminal sooner.
Even with the mystery there’s a real romance here, with real “swoon-worthy” actions that would make it almost impossible for anyone to not feel all “the feels.” The characters come together nicely and seemingly over time. The timeline develops a fluid nature here as the weeks mentioned by the writer in discussing the couple seem like months. Axel’s career as a botanist working to create a thorn free rose that smells and looks good is a metaphor for seeking romance all on its own. He brings Abigail roses all the time. See? Swoony!
While the research seems good, I found Axel’s liberality in allowing Abigail latitude to find herself a trifle too modern. Of course, we only hear, usually, about the restrictions on women, but we know that is a generalization and there must have been some men with more enlightened minds.
My point is that it is a rare book that sets me up with such a clear image of the characters, good relationship development, and with a plot and narrator I enjoy. I you’re a fan of Heyer, or just want a splendid Regency Romance AXEL is the one at the top of my recommended list.
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
It’s weird how some books can bug me and others delight and satisfy these past few weeks I had one that really bugged me and one I loved: AXEL, by Grace Burrowes, was marvelous. I kept thinking I was listening to a book by Georgette Heyer whose work I really love. While this has the feel of Heyer in many respects it is somewhat steamier. Burrowes writes some explicit sex scenes but they aren’t vulgar at all. At no point did I feel I would be embarrassed if someone else saw what I was reading.
James Langton’s narration certainly added to the pleasure of reading the story, it’s a nice speaking voice and very genteel. I have heard his work several times and get a distinct feeling for each character. For a secondary character, I have an idea of Axel’s friend, Nick, I have a definite image in my head of a lassitudinous actor from my younger days: devastastingly handsome, and leonine wearing a Byronesque shirt and long flowing hair, not Fabio, If only I could remember who.
I enjoyed the mystery too, and I was only a little ahead of the sleuths in discovering “who” killed the victim, but not at all for the “why.” The real mystery was that no one had killed the creepy criminal sooner.
Even with the mystery there’s a real romance here, with real “swoon-worthy” actions that would make it almost impossible for anyone to not feel all “the feels.” The characters come together nicely and seemingly over time. The timeline develops a fluid nature here as the weeks mentioned by the writer in discussing the couple seem like months. Axel’s career as a botanist working to create a thorn free rose that smells and looks good is a metaphor for seeking romance all on its own. He brings Abigail roses all the time. See? Swoony!
While the research seems good, I found Axel’s liberality in allowing Abigail latitude to find herself a trifle too modern. Of course, we only hear, usually, about the restrictions on women, but we know that is a generalization and there must have been some men with more enlightened minds.
My point is that it is a rare book that sets me up with such a clear image of the characters, good relationship development, and with a plot and narrator I enjoy. I you’re a fan of Heyer, or just want a splendid Regency Romance AXEL is the one at the top of my recommended list.
February 18, 2018
Normally I would find roses, glass houses and botanists boring, but not in the hands of Grace Burrowes. I was thrilled to have Matthew and Wee Nick make an appearance in this book, too. Axel and Abigail both deserved a second chance at love (especially since Abigail never had a first chance!). They were neighbors before the murder of Abigail's husband but didn't really know each other. Axel's job as magistrate brought them together. It was lovely seeing Abigail come into her own after her disastrous first marriage. As with Matthew's story, the "whodunit" of Axel's story was a surprise to me. This book was a lovely blend of romance and mystery.
November 18, 2017
3,5 stars rounded to 4.
I've enjoyed this book very much, but I felt the end dragged on a little bit (or a lot).
I like Grace Burrowes , and I enjoyed to learn more about Matthew's brother Axel and his academic aspirations. Abigail was also an interesting heroine, betrayed and exploited by her older husband in a most dishonorable fashion.
Good story, could be a few pages shorter though 😉.
I've enjoyed this book very much, but I felt the end dragged on a little bit (or a lot).
I like Grace Burrowes , and I enjoyed to learn more about Matthew's brother Axel and his academic aspirations. Abigail was also an interesting heroine, betrayed and exploited by her older husband in a most dishonorable fashion.
Good story, could be a few pages shorter though 😉.
September 29, 2025
I am sure that if she had left out all of the eating scenes the book would not only have been better but shorter.
I just reread and loved it.
I just reread and loved it.
November 4, 2024
Zawsze powtarzam, że mój system oceniania opiera się na ważnych dla mnie cechach danego gatunku. W przypadku romansu historycznego oczekuję dosłownie - romansu i w miarę sensownego tła historycznego, które nie musi być podręcznikiem do historii, ale powinno budować klimat. W tym konkretnym przypadku, opis zapewniał mnie o wątku kryminalnym, więc wobec niego również miałam nadzieję. Wobec tych kryteriów, w mojej opinii ta książka jest stratą czasu.
Po kolei: romans nie istnieje. Nie ma żadnej chemii między bohaterami, a interakcje pomiędzy nimi nie mają nic wspólnego z jakimkolwiek uczuciem. Sceny zbliżeń są tak źle napisane, że w połowie orientowałam się, że taka scena w ogóle ma miejsce. Do tego nie miałam pojęcia co się działo w ich trakcie, a jednak wydaję mi się, że mam pojęcie czy dwa o ludzkiej biologii.
Być może to dlatego, że ciężko nazwać te postaci - bohaterami. Nie wiemy jak wyglądają, definiuje ich jedna cecha osobowości, niezależenie od tego czy są pierwszo- czy drugoplanowi. Z drugiej strony winę mogą ponosić dialogi. Najbardziej niezgrabne, nieprzypominające ludzkiej rozmowy dialogi, jakie widziałam. Urywane w dziwnych miejscach, pełne zmian tematów, powtarzające się co najmniej kilku-, o ile nie kilkunastokrotnie, w żaden sposób niezwiązane z konwenansem.
Co prowadzi nas do tematu historii. Nie miałabym pojęcia, że to romans historyczny, gdyby nie nazwa serii na okładce. Otoczenie, tak jak i stroje postaci nie są w żaden sposób - wskazujący na jakąkolwiek epokę - opisane. Konwenanse, zwyczaje, tradycje - wszystko zostało porzucone. Udało mi się wyszukać w internecie jaki mniej więcej może być rok ze względu na podane 3 fakty historyczne mniej więcej za połową książki. I według minimalnego użycia logiki, o ile Axel nie jest o 15 lub 20 lat starszy od Abby (na co nie wskazują strzępki informacji, które próbowałam wydobyć z treści) te wydarzenia, w podanej przez autorkę narracji, nie mają prawa zaistnieć.
Dodatkowo, nie wiem na ile to kwestia polskiego tłumaczenia, a na ile stylu pisania autorki, ale język bez przerwy przeskakuje ze stylizowanego na "staroangielski" na zupełnie współczesny. Nie ma żadnych zasad wobec tych przeskoków: występują tak samo w narracji jak i w dialogach.
Wreszcie: morderstwo! Tak wyczekiwany przeze mnie kąsek, mający odświeżyć schemat powieści romantycznej, okazał się bez smaku i polotu. Cały jeden zwrot akcji da się przewidzieć po 30 stronach, mordercę - może po 40 - na 383 w moim wydaniu. Cała reszta "śledztwa" to niesamowicie nudne i banalne ciągłe wracanie do tych samych podejrzanych, mimo że wykluczono ich kilkanaście razy wcześniej. Nie wspominając o tym, że w treści nie przejmowano się szczególnie tym czy konkretne techniki śledcze mogły zostać wykonane lub naświetlone przez amatora w latach 20. XIX wieku, czy może lepiej przystają do amerykańskiego serialu typu "CSI". Nie istnieje napięcie, ta sprawa, w mojej opinii, nie ma prawa zainteresować odbiorcy, więc przedzieranie się przez te detektywistyczne fragmenty to katorga.
Ponadto nie zachwyca styl pisania, wszystko wydaje się nieskładne, chaotyczne, a w konsekwencji po prostu - męczące.
Myślę o sobie jako o czytelniku otwartym. Lubię od czasu do czasu wrzucić na ruszt romansik, a jeśli przy tym mogę popodziwiać suknie sprzed kilku wieków i poczuć ciężar obyczaju - tym lepiej. Stąd moja krytyka zdaje mi się w pełni zasłużona, nie stanowi przejawu pogardy lub niechęci do tego gatunku.
Podsumowując, odradzam nawet branie tej książki pod uwagę jako dodatku do stosiku "do przeczytania". Znajdziecie wielu lepszych przedstawicieli romansu historycznego, z którymi miło spędzicie czas, zamiast zwalczać chęć by rzucić tą książką najlepiej w kogoś, gdyż nie powstrzymał was od przechodzenia tej męki.
Po kolei: romans nie istnieje. Nie ma żadnej chemii między bohaterami, a interakcje pomiędzy nimi nie mają nic wspólnego z jakimkolwiek uczuciem. Sceny zbliżeń są tak źle napisane, że w połowie orientowałam się, że taka scena w ogóle ma miejsce. Do tego nie miałam pojęcia co się działo w ich trakcie, a jednak wydaję mi się, że mam pojęcie czy dwa o ludzkiej biologii.
Być może to dlatego, że ciężko nazwać te postaci - bohaterami. Nie wiemy jak wyglądają, definiuje ich jedna cecha osobowości, niezależenie od tego czy są pierwszo- czy drugoplanowi. Z drugiej strony winę mogą ponosić dialogi. Najbardziej niezgrabne, nieprzypominające ludzkiej rozmowy dialogi, jakie widziałam. Urywane w dziwnych miejscach, pełne zmian tematów, powtarzające się co najmniej kilku-, o ile nie kilkunastokrotnie, w żaden sposób niezwiązane z konwenansem.
Co prowadzi nas do tematu historii. Nie miałabym pojęcia, że to romans historyczny, gdyby nie nazwa serii na okładce. Otoczenie, tak jak i stroje postaci nie są w żaden sposób - wskazujący na jakąkolwiek epokę - opisane. Konwenanse, zwyczaje, tradycje - wszystko zostało porzucone. Udało mi się wyszukać w internecie jaki mniej więcej może być rok ze względu na podane 3 fakty historyczne mniej więcej za połową książki. I według minimalnego użycia logiki, o ile Axel nie jest o 15 lub 20 lat starszy od Abby (na co nie wskazują strzępki informacji, które próbowałam wydobyć z treści) te wydarzenia, w podanej przez autorkę narracji, nie mają prawa zaistnieć.
Dodatkowo, nie wiem na ile to kwestia polskiego tłumaczenia, a na ile stylu pisania autorki, ale język bez przerwy przeskakuje ze stylizowanego na "staroangielski" na zupełnie współczesny. Nie ma żadnych zasad wobec tych przeskoków: występują tak samo w narracji jak i w dialogach.
Wreszcie: morderstwo! Tak wyczekiwany przeze mnie kąsek, mający odświeżyć schemat powieści romantycznej, okazał się bez smaku i polotu. Cały jeden zwrot akcji da się przewidzieć po 30 stronach, mordercę - może po 40 - na 383 w moim wydaniu. Cała reszta "śledztwa" to niesamowicie nudne i banalne ciągłe wracanie do tych samych podejrzanych, mimo że wykluczono ich kilkanaście razy wcześniej. Nie wspominając o tym, że w treści nie przejmowano się szczególnie tym czy konkretne techniki śledcze mogły zostać wykonane lub naświetlone przez amatora w latach 20. XIX wieku, czy może lepiej przystają do amerykańskiego serialu typu "CSI". Nie istnieje napięcie, ta sprawa, w mojej opinii, nie ma prawa zainteresować odbiorcy, więc przedzieranie się przez te detektywistyczne fragmenty to katorga.
Ponadto nie zachwyca styl pisania, wszystko wydaje się nieskładne, chaotyczne, a w konsekwencji po prostu - męczące.
Myślę o sobie jako o czytelniku otwartym. Lubię od czasu do czasu wrzucić na ruszt romansik, a jeśli przy tym mogę popodziwiać suknie sprzed kilku wieków i poczuć ciężar obyczaju - tym lepiej. Stąd moja krytyka zdaje mi się w pełni zasłużona, nie stanowi przejawu pogardy lub niechęci do tego gatunku.
Podsumowując, odradzam nawet branie tej książki pod uwagę jako dodatku do stosiku "do przeczytania". Znajdziecie wielu lepszych przedstawicieli romansu historycznego, z którymi miło spędzicie czas, zamiast zwalczać chęć by rzucić tą książką najlepiej w kogoś, gdyż nie powstrzymał was od przechodzenia tej męki.
July 4, 2025
Thus far the best of the series, interesting characters off the beaten path, plot a mystery murder a widow a slowly developed, love, story, strong, family ties that bind and integrate to other books in the series and other of Burrough series as well
The jaded gentleman series always has previously deceased wives, and in this book Axel’s wife Caroline was revealed with such honesty and truth. It was entirely refreshing. Marriage young Axel wives did not share his passion. Widowed by murder Abigail married for 10 years was still a version so Axel was her first and it fit no pun intended
If you want to learn all about roses and the passion of a botanist, this is your read. The intimacy was done well, and the plot held out almost until the end When it became somewhat fantastic and a little chew out of bounds
Nonetheless, as usual, happy ending
I’m getting tired of reading Regency, but with Trump second administration these remain like gum drops and I don’t like gum drops maybe juju bees, which I do like the book got a little repetitive, but as I said, the plot remained engaging to the finish. The author has a consistent quality of writing sentences are like gems found studded in plain rocks. The sweet may forgive most of her repetitive and sometimes long winded endings
Next up is Matthews story
Tomorrow is 4 July the 250th anniversary of our democracy, which we are rapidly losing we seem to have entered beyond the age of reason and age of unfailing cruelty Trump has become what was known in the 50s as the ugly American
The Constitution has become chum bait the Supreme Court of rubber stamp and the republican legislators traitors to their oath of office. In fact, we have a traitor for our president a shell of a human being with a four-year-old brain who wears a baseball cap and who administers admittedly proudly by fear. I put these no longer political but daily dangers into the reviews in order to remind myself what is happening when I am reading
In 1776 we decided we did not want a monarch and yet we found something resembling King George the third in the real estate mafia company of Trump beginning in 215. It is now 10 years later and this July 4 we witnessed the complete collapse of our democracy with the passage of the budget bill that disenfranchises , so many Americans that the Republicans passed without blinking. There was once the age of reason and now we have come to the age of cruelty, mindless, needless cruelty, and there will not be a return to a civilized democracy in my lifetime.
So I continue to fill the hours with his historical regencies and the authors who produce them
The jaded gentleman series always has previously deceased wives, and in this book Axel’s wife Caroline was revealed with such honesty and truth. It was entirely refreshing. Marriage young Axel wives did not share his passion. Widowed by murder Abigail married for 10 years was still a version so Axel was her first and it fit no pun intended
If you want to learn all about roses and the passion of a botanist, this is your read. The intimacy was done well, and the plot held out almost until the end When it became somewhat fantastic and a little chew out of bounds
Nonetheless, as usual, happy ending
I’m getting tired of reading Regency, but with Trump second administration these remain like gum drops and I don’t like gum drops maybe juju bees, which I do like the book got a little repetitive, but as I said, the plot remained engaging to the finish. The author has a consistent quality of writing sentences are like gems found studded in plain rocks. The sweet may forgive most of her repetitive and sometimes long winded endings
Next up is Matthews story
Tomorrow is 4 July the 250th anniversary of our democracy, which we are rapidly losing we seem to have entered beyond the age of reason and age of unfailing cruelty Trump has become what was known in the 50s as the ugly American
The Constitution has become chum bait the Supreme Court of rubber stamp and the republican legislators traitors to their oath of office. In fact, we have a traitor for our president a shell of a human being with a four-year-old brain who wears a baseball cap and who administers admittedly proudly by fear. I put these no longer political but daily dangers into the reviews in order to remind myself what is happening when I am reading
In 1776 we decided we did not want a monarch and yet we found something resembling King George the third in the real estate mafia company of Trump beginning in 215. It is now 10 years later and this July 4 we witnessed the complete collapse of our democracy with the passage of the budget bill that disenfranchises , so many Americans that the Republicans passed without blinking. There was once the age of reason and now we have come to the age of cruelty, mindless, needless cruelty, and there will not be a return to a civilized democracy in my lifetime.
So I continue to fill the hours with his historical regencies and the authors who produce them
March 21, 2018
Axel opens with Axel recently returning home from the holidays at his brother’s home (Matthew, previous book). He is called to his closest neighbor’s home in the middle of the night because Mrs. Stoneleigh found her elderly husband shot dead in his study. Presuming it was suicide, she’s a bit shocked when Axel, the neighbor and Magistrate, tells her it was murder.
To keep her safe from potential threats, Axel invites Abby to stay at his home while he solves her late husband’s murder. Soon the pair strike up a genuine friendship and uncover several crimes committed by the late Stoneleigh himself. With propriety saying they should stay apart, can Abby and Axel accept their love and move forward?
Axel is the third book in the Jaded Gentleman series, but the fourth I’ve read. I don’t know if the formula of the books (unconventional woman, jaded gentleman) started to wear on me or if it was just this story, but I didn’t find Axel to be as engaging as the other three books. I did enjoy that the mystery opens this one. And what a mystery it is - murder! It lended a bit of urgency to the storyline. However, things really slowed down shortly after the start. While normally I enjoy the slower pace of the series, I got a bit frustrated with this one. At only a third of the way into the story, I was able to see the foul play afoot, and I just want the story to move forward. Unfortunately, Axel has a way of giving extra insight and taking a meandering path to make his points. Additionally, the climax of the mystery was overly complicated and unnecessarily drawn-out.
Mr. Langton’s performance was once again perfect in tempo and cadence for the story at hand. However, I noticed a distinct change in the voices of both Matthew and Sir Nick, and although those characters are found only in supporting roles, I was annoyed every time their parts came up in the story.
Overall, Axel is a good story, albeit a bit long and drawn-out. After listening to four books, the series has run its course for now. (I started with book 4 of 4). Although each had a unique story, the formula was very much the same. The long, drawn out pace of this one got to me at times. But I genuinely enjoyed both Axel and Abby. I loved their dialogue and joint discovery of love and pleasure. The mystery of who killed her husband and why was a little too convoluted and led to some of my bother.
My Rating: B/B-
Narration: B/B-
To keep her safe from potential threats, Axel invites Abby to stay at his home while he solves her late husband’s murder. Soon the pair strike up a genuine friendship and uncover several crimes committed by the late Stoneleigh himself. With propriety saying they should stay apart, can Abby and Axel accept their love and move forward?
Axel is the third book in the Jaded Gentleman series, but the fourth I’ve read. I don’t know if the formula of the books (unconventional woman, jaded gentleman) started to wear on me or if it was just this story, but I didn’t find Axel to be as engaging as the other three books. I did enjoy that the mystery opens this one. And what a mystery it is - murder! It lended a bit of urgency to the storyline. However, things really slowed down shortly after the start. While normally I enjoy the slower pace of the series, I got a bit frustrated with this one. At only a third of the way into the story, I was able to see the foul play afoot, and I just want the story to move forward. Unfortunately, Axel has a way of giving extra insight and taking a meandering path to make his points. Additionally, the climax of the mystery was overly complicated and unnecessarily drawn-out.
Mr. Langton’s performance was once again perfect in tempo and cadence for the story at hand. However, I noticed a distinct change in the voices of both Matthew and Sir Nick, and although those characters are found only in supporting roles, I was annoyed every time their parts came up in the story.
Overall, Axel is a good story, albeit a bit long and drawn-out. After listening to four books, the series has run its course for now. (I started with book 4 of 4). Although each had a unique story, the formula was very much the same. The long, drawn out pace of this one got to me at times. But I genuinely enjoyed both Axel and Abby. I loved their dialogue and joint discovery of love and pleasure. The mystery of who killed her husband and why was a little too convoluted and led to some of my bother.
My Rating: B/B-
Narration: B/B-
August 31, 2022
I think I am reading too many Grace Burrowes novels too close together. I’m still enjoying her singular writing style, and her characters, especially the male protagonist, still appeal (with an exception or two—are you listening, Gareth and Andrew?) Axel Belmont is especially attractive, in spite of his tendency to wordiness one minute and tongue-tied-ness the next.
But the books are starting to feel so formulaic. So tediously formulaic. I was thoroughly enjoying this until about the 2/3 mark where, predictably, she decides for him that he must follow his goal of being a fellow at Oxford and he decides for her that she should be free to make her own decisions as long as she doesn’t choose him because that would just be WRONG, they talk at cross purposes, the pain of the looming separation is gut-wrenching high drama (always), and then the insurmountable obstacles are surmounted rather handily. This book has a nifty murder but apart from that the story arc is same-old, same-old. This novel is far from bad, quite good actually, but why not try a plotline devoid of phony, manipulative separation and angst?
But the books are starting to feel so formulaic. So tediously formulaic. I was thoroughly enjoying this until about the 2/3 mark where, predictably, she decides for him that he must follow his goal of being a fellow at Oxford and he decides for her that she should be free to make her own decisions as long as she doesn’t choose him because that would just be WRONG, they talk at cross purposes, the pain of the looming separation is gut-wrenching high drama (always), and then the insurmountable obstacles are surmounted rather handily. This book has a nifty murder but apart from that the story arc is same-old, same-old. This novel is far from bad, quite good actually, but why not try a plotline devoid of phony, manipulative separation and angst?
February 25, 2023
Romance and roses are everywhere in the story of Axel Belmont, an aristocratic botanist serving as investigative magistrate of the murder of the lovely Abigail Stoneleigh's elderly husband. The more he investigates, the more questionable and ultimately criminal that deceased husband turns out to be, and how surprising the final answers are. The longer the investigation continues, and as a late winter storm arrives, the deeper and more deliciously in love Abby and Axel fall.
Meanwhile, we as readers are seduced by the scent, poetry, beauty and even the breeding of roses, even as Axel and Abby seduce each other among the roses in their glass house. Definitely the most delightful of the series so far. There is one more, already lined up to be read.
Meanwhile, we as readers are seduced by the scent, poetry, beauty and even the breeding of roses, even as Axel and Abby seduce each other among the roses in their glass house. Definitely the most delightful of the series so far. There is one more, already lined up to be read.
November 5, 2022
Not my favorite of Burrowes romantic mysteries. Matthew, I loved. And I was looking forward to reading about Matthew’s younger brother. Who doesn’t like a man who plays violin and studies roses? What I did like was the examination of marriage in the past and what moving forward might look like. Unfortunately, the pace was too slow this time. I kept feeling frustrated by verbal detours in discussions where any normal person would be screaming, can you please get to the point? The plot was interesting and involving, but again strung out. I had figured the murderer almost immediately though not why.
March 23, 2023
Now that Matthew’s married, it’s Axel’s turn
Axel is a professor of botany aspiring to be an Oxford don, but then is called in to solve his neighbor’s murder — a story that gets nastier the more he looks into it. It’s a fine line between protecting the widow and overprotecting her. Another great assembly of the usual characters, all pitching in to figure out the mystery and put things to rights.
Axel is a professor of botany aspiring to be an Oxford don, but then is called in to solve his neighbor’s murder — a story that gets nastier the more he looks into it. It’s a fine line between protecting the widow and overprotecting her. Another great assembly of the usual characters, all pitching in to figure out the mystery and put things to rights.
September 1, 2017
I appreciated the combination of mystery and romance. Unfortunately, the mystery part was somewhat unsatisfying, as it was only half resolved.
January 12, 2021
Many of Grace Burrowes's books have some sort of mystery in them, but this was unique in that the mystery was not a sub-plot, but the main plot. While it had slow moments, it was mostly really compelling, and of course the romance was satisfying as well and did not fall into the shadows of the mystery being solved. Overall, a very good balance.
September 7, 2022
G B's heroic gentlemen are unremittingly charming, considerate, and excessively thoughtful. I wish for directions to the home office that they could be ordered from. By the case or bakers dozen, with a similar discounts that can be had from some companies if you place a standing order. Because I would.
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