Jack

Jaded Gentlemen #4

by Grace Burrowes

Sir John Dewey Fanning (Jack to his familiars) is magistrate in a corner of Oxfordshire plagued by one incident of petty mischief after another. To add to his aggravation, his matchmaking mama is due for a prolonged visit, just when his domestic staff is at sixes and sevens. Jack turns to Miss Madeline Hennessey both to organize his household and to serve as his mother's temporary companion, despite the fact that he's long harbored feelings for the ever-competent (and lovely!) Miss Hennessey. Madeline reluctantly accepts the position, and proximity leads to investigations of an amorous nature. Can Jack stop the crime spree and steal Madeline's heart, too?

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Audiobook, Historical Fiction, Regency, Regency Romance

245 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 3, 2016

About the author

Grace 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.

Reviews

[Lady Wesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy Grace Burrowes' books; they're my calorie-free comfort food. There's nothing especially notable about Jack, but the romance is sweet, and the mystery is mildly intriguing. I have no firm idea of how people spoke two hundred years ago, but I love her idiosyncratic dialogue.

[Cheesecake · Rating 2 out of 5]

.
I didn't like this one as much as Axel.
But it was still enjoyable... until the end.

Madeline is Axel and Abegail's servant. She is good at just about anything she puts her mind to and tall and beautiful to boot.
Jack is a neighbour and the local magistrate. He lives a lonely life and Axel and Abegail seek to change that by loaning them their Madeline. This was kinda stressful for Madeline as she has lived with Axel since she was 16. (She was briefly infatuated with Axel when she was younger but I didn't feel like it was a big deal.)
At the same time, Jack's mother arrives for a long stay and she has brought with her his younger brother, and a young girl she hopes to get Jack to marry.

The romance was super predictable (on all fronts) but still a nice read. The other part of the story is about a mysterious 'Robin Hood' style thief. Who could it be? There's also a bit of mystery about Madeline's background before she went into service.

I really didn't like the ending. Even Jack's inner thoughts talked about how much the ending sucked.
So what was a 3 star for me went down to 2.

Safety is pretty good neither are virgins, but it's been years for both of them. BUT. Her sexual experiences kinda sucked. He, however, was briefly married to a woman from East India who was half English and half Indian, and very sensual. So he's had lots of great sex in the past, but hasn't been with anyone since he returned to England after her death. Did he love Madeline as much? More? Less? I was unsatisfied about this. We don't learn enough about his first wife. He never even told his family and friends about her. What does that say?? This first wife was also the one who helped save his mind after he was held captive for a long time.
So all around kinda unsatisfying.
I think Madeline is about 25/26, and Jack is 30 to early 30's
Why I didn't like the ending GB decided to solve the problem of the thief during Madeline and Jack's wedding, thereby ruining what should have been a romantic memory for them to treasure. It was kinda repetitive, mean spirited and well, just all around sucked.

[Pamela Shropshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

We first met Sir John Dewey Fanning — Jack to his friends — in Axel as a suspect in the murder of Colonel Stoneleigh. Axel and Abby puzzled over why a man who seemed so kind and honorable would be friends with Abby’s despicable late husband. We find out the answers to that and many other questions in Jack.

Madeline Hennessy also appeared in the previous books as Axel’s servant. She is tall, red-haired and beautiful. That was not of benefit to a woman in domestic service during the 19th century, because she was sure to be subjected to improper advances by, well, just about any male. Employers and their sons and friends considered servants to be for their convenience and if a woman fought or protested or complained, she was dismissed without a reference, leaving her unemployable. This happened to Madeline in her first position and it was only because her aunt was housekeeper that she kept her job; her aunt was sacked instead.

These facts have left Madeline with a justly-held distrust of men and a firm opinion against marriage. However, in Axel’s home, she has been safe from the threat of rape; indeed, when she fell in love with Axel, he declined to have an affair with her.

Then Jack comes to Axel with a problem: his mother is coming to visit and his housekeeper is feuding with his butler and causing general chaos in his house. Axel proposes loaning the capable “Hennessy,” as she is called, to Jack to get the servant problems sorted out. Madeline really doesn’t want to; Abby has just given birth to her first son and Madeline enjoys her job. However, Jack promises to be generous and with her impoverished aunts getting elderly and unable to cope with the chores required on a small farm, she agrees.

Meanwhile, thefts are occurring in the area and Jack, who took over as magistrate after Axel married, is busy trying to find the thief or thieves. Jack’s butler, Pahdi, is half Indian, and of course he is the target of unfounded accusations about the thefts. Jack’s mother arrives along with his younger brother, Jeremy, and a young lady named Lucy Anne Dewitt, who is apparently her choice of bride for Jack. With his normally peaceful life turned into disarray, it’s no wonder Jack leans heavily on Madeline for support.

I very much enjoyed this book. I think Matthew is still my favorite of the series, with Jack a close second. I will definitely be reading more Grace Burrowes, who hits the happy medium of having strong female leads but doesn’t ruin her books with anachronistic nonsense. Her couples are EQUALS, which IMO, is the ideal.

[Wollstonecrafthomegirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Read this when it came out (as I am wont to do with a Burrowes). It's a bit Burrowes by numbers but was the definition of a comfort read and I enjoyed it. I don't remember too much about it. I thought the sex was good and I liked the heroine very much. Although, the reasons the H/h were apart when they so obviously belonged together were thin.

[Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bachelor Sir Jack - not a rake, and a fine gentleman, is dreading the impending visit of his mother - a woman he can never please. She’s going to be staying with him for a few months after the holidays and he’s at wit’s end. His household staff isn’t gelling, and he’s worried what will happen. He seeks advice from his friends, the Belmonts, who instead give him a solution. They offer their own Miss Madeline Hennessey to be his mother’s companion and help straighten out affairs.

Madeline doesn’t want to leave her post with the Belmonts - she’s worried that the newly married widow and his wife, whom she adores, will discover her services are no longer needed. However, the coin is too good to pass up. Soon, she has Jack’s household running smoothly, she’s assisting Jack in solving the mystery of a petty theft spree, and falling for the man she never wanted.

I simply adored Jack and the slow-burn romance that develops between Jack and Madeline. Both strong individuals, the pair are quite equally matched, both kind and compassionate, and not of the norm for the time period. They are very attracted to one another, both in mind and body. Knowing nothing could ever come of their dalliances, the indulge in scandalous behaviors, drawing them both further into true feelings of love.

This is the first historical romance I’ve listened to via audiobook, so I don’t know if the performance by Mr. Langton is typical. At first I found it a little awkward, unsure if it’s only the narrator or if it’s also the writing style, but the story came off like a tale from long ago being shared with me by an wise, old man. After a while, I became used to Mr. Langton’s performance, enjoying the variety of voices he uses for the characters. While I never felt that he put me into the story or that he became the characters, I did enjoy sitting back and listening to him spin the tale.

Jack is a wonderful tale about an honorable man and a worthy woman finding love. Jack and Madeline make a great pair. Right from the start, we witness how well they understand one another and how they make the other a better person. Working together to solve mysteries - whether they are solving crimes or domestic issues - the pair are unstoppable.

My Rating: B+
Narration: B+

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm always sad when a Grace Burrowes book is done.....I want them to continue endlessly! I love how all the books are somehow connected. We first met Sir Jack and Made in Axel and Abigail's book. There was more to Madeline than was first apparent. Jack was a battle scarred veteran who dealt with PTSD. Theirs was such a wonderful romance. They so deserved a HEA. The supporting characters were great. We had Charles II the ram (hysterical!), Aunts Theo and Hattie, Pahdi, brother Jeremy, Mrs. Fanning and Lucy Anne. And of course, Axel and Abigail. The chemistry between Jack and Madeline was very hot; they were not innocent youngsters and enjoyed each other. This book ended with me feeling all was right with the world. Grace Burrowes blesses us with her beautiful writing.

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am obviously obsessed with Grace Burrowes books, if you had not noticed. But they are just so sweet and the couples talk, oh how they talk! I feel them fall in love.

Jack is the new magistrate. We met him in the previous book and was a set bachelor (to his mother's dismay). He is kind, considerate, a true gentleman, and one who had a rough time in India.

Madeleine was a servant turned ladies companion. She kept the household in check and I liked how she spoke her mind. In this book she must head over to Jack's household and help out since it is a mess.

And of course they will grow closer. There are lots of things to do. And there are poor aunties that need help. There is a thief running around the countryside. There is a meddling mother. And all during Christmastime.

Enjoyable

Narrator James Langton
He is perfect for these. I would not have it any other way. I have also realised that her books work so great as audiobooks. Since people do talk a lot. They are fun to listening too.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace Burrowes has done it again! Her Lonely Lords Series provided a great set of stories about men of the peerage but with this new series The Jaded Gentlemen she has excelled at providing a group of respectable and well-respected men. These aren’t rakes or scoundrels. These men are older, some widowed with children, who are respected in their community. They aren’t the men who need or want to consider marriage. They are the ones who attend assemblies just to make sure that no wallflower goes without a dance partner. All of the books in this series focus on an intelligent, honorable and wonderful man.
In this 4th book in the series, we meet Sir John (Jack) Dewey Fanning, bachelor and magistrate who fears nothing but a visit from his mama. He enlists the aid of his neighbors Axel and Abigail Belmont (who have their own lovely story in book 3 of the series). He would like to temporarily borrow/hire their housekeeper/steward/master of all she surveys to be a lady’s companion for his mother. Madeline is not convinced that it is a good idea but Axel and Abigail, as all newlyweds in love are apt to do, think it is a great way for two people they care for to come to care for each other.
As Madeline becomes an essential part of Jack’s household, she also becomes an essential part of his life. He wants to marry her but something is holding her back. Even as they fall in love, she still is reluctant to agree to marriage. Meanwhile, his mother has arrived bringing his brother Jeremy and Lady Lucy Anne DeWitt with her. Lucy has been instructed to set her marriage cap on Lady Fanning’s son. Unfortunately, Jack isn’t interested but Reverend Jeremy is and he is much better suited to Lucy than Jack ever would be.
Throughout the story, Jack, who is also the magistrate, is busy trying to find a petty thief in the neighborhood. The problem comes to a head when the Doctor’s bag is stolen and he accuses Jack’s butler, not because he saw him steal the bag but because Pahdi is Indian. The Doctor escalates his accusations at the local assembly. You’ll have to read the book to find out how the situation is resolved.
I love all of Grace Burrowes books but I really love the men of this series and Jack in particular. You don’t have to have read any of the previous books to enjoy this one but once you read one of these books, you’ll want to go back and read them all.

[DemetraP · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring and sad. The heroine has 2 poor aunts who don't have enough to eat or enough coal to heat their cottages.

At one point, the hero is scrubbing a corner in the heroine's aunt's cottage where the dogs peed. And the heroine points out the smell will be on the walls too. So without a word, the hero scrubs the walls too.

Just was a depressing book. And everyone accusing the Hindu butler from India of theft got old.

I wouldn't even call this a romance, the hero and heroine's interactions revolved around caring for his house. He started visiting her aunts with her to avoid his mother in his house.

[Jo Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading Grace Burrowes last summer, and through the winter read most everything she's written. I do enjoy her work. This is one of my favorites. Jack and Madeline are both wonderful characters, honorable, true to family and to each other. Fabulous cast of secondary characters: Axel and Abigail (from a previous story), Pahdi (Jack's Indian butler - love this guy), Madeline's two strong willed aunts, Jack's brother and mother, and an entire cast of neighbors and village folk. Fun story. Lovely romance, and satisfying ending. I loved it!

[Karen Darling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started out a little dull but got better.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack is a war veteran from the wars in India and he has scars and secrets that even his mother doesn't know about. Madeline is in the line of service and has worked for Axel Belmont for 10 years, ever since his first wife saved her from an abusive situation. She also has secrets and two stubborn and independent aunts. Jack's mother is coming to call for the holidays and he knows he needs someone to take his house in-hand to make sure it is ready for his very judgemental mother, and he needs a woman's companion for the time she will be staying with him. So he seeks out Axel and Abby for their aid in finding someone who can fit that need. Madeline has become more of a friend to the Belmonts even though she still works for them and they jump at the chance to through these two friends of theirs together in hopes that sparks fly. She isn't too keen on moving to Jack's home or going into service to him, even for a short amount of time, but she cannot say no to extra money to help take care of her elderly aunts. Sparks do fly right as the mother finally arrives (worse timing ever) and Jack's mother has come with a surprise... wait for it...a prospective wife for Jack. Jack's brother Jeremy has also come along and Jack leaves Jeremy, his mother, Miss DeWitt, and Madeline alone in order to work on his magistrate duties (when in reality, he is using a small crime spree as an excuse to avoid his mother's matchmaking schemes). Things heat up, especially in an herbal closet one night between Jack and Madeline, and Jack decides that if he is going to marry, it is going to be to Madeline. Secrets are revealed, trust and love are fought for, and in the end, Jack wins the girl. And Jeremy ends up with a wife too. It was an enjoyable read, not really my favorite, but there was nothing wrong with the story either. There is no emotional turmoil in this one, and the conflict is pretty mild mannered but enjoyable.

[Penny Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seems I'll be the lone Grinch for this "Christmas in June" installment of Jaded Gentlemen. En masse, the series has been tepid in the romance department, with the notable exception of Matthew (The Jaded Gentlemen Book 2), but only because his character made the story for me.

By contrast, Sir Jack was unremarkable. He has a bit of emotional baggage, a bit of PTSD, both of which are left mostly unexplored in the narrative, and an inexplicable aversion to marriage that gradually fades away by itself after he gets intimately involved with the heroine. He is exactly who he appears to be - a proper English squire, a conscientious landowner, and an all-around good guy. The trouble with him as a hero is, while his chef might serve up curry from the kitchen, he does not possess enough of a spark to get me hooked on the story.

As it was, the plot lacked conflict. With Madeline being Sir Jack's social equal, at least by birth, their marriage would have been a nine days' wonder rather than the scandal the heroine imagines it would be. His mother's support pretty much guaranteed her acceptance in society. So, all objections to their union came from Madeline's trust issues. This prevailing theme in the Jaded Gentlemen / Lonely Lords series is all too familiar, and, truthfully, I do not care for it much. As far as I'm concerned, it has worked in many books now; it ought to be allowed to enjoy a long and peaceful retirement.

[Arlene Downey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these books

Sir Jack takes on Madeline as a companion to his mother and gives her a change from Axel and Abigail's home. Madeline looks after her two older aunts as best she can, but does not have much to share.

A series of thefts are brought to the attention of the magistrate, Sir Jack. Some of the property turns up where it was left to make a point! Interesting story and motivations!

[KindleJo Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both hero and heroine are mature, level headed adults. The side romance with the brother was sweet and helped keep the reader engaged in all goings on, not just h/h and their problems. Looking at Axel and Abby Belmont through other people's eyes was also a bit of a treat. Overall, another lovely tale in Burrowes' England. I love visiting this place. *sigh*

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"...could feel his heart beat against her palm, a slow, steady tattoo of reassurance."

And this is why I love Grace Burrowes' writing and treasure her books, and so unlike my usual reading habits, I REread her stories! She says so much with just a few words.

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comfort read all the way. I loved Jack and thought he was the sweetest guy.

[Rosemarie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a bad romance, but I found it hard to connect with in some parts. In some ways I liked that the heroine wasn't a simpering virgin and had some experience, and I loved that she was responsible and a bit more mature, and Jack was very nice and laid back, but also caring. I think my problem with this book is the two characters beginning a sexual relationship, when she is in his employ, with no understanding between them. I am not saying it would never happen, but in a era where your reputation as a domestic could mean a lack of employment and poverty, it is a little disconcerting to see them not thinking about the heroine's future, because it would be her that would be untimely effected. Madeline was luckier than most, because she knew she would be accepted at former employers, but I still would have appreciated some dialogue between the two characters about their expectations and what happens if this doesn't work out. I have obviously read this trope before, and enjoyed it, but this story just missed the mark a little bit. An example, just before their first sexual encounter she tells him that they shouldn't be together and he should marry another woman, but then minutes later he his eating her out on the desk. That felt a little jarring to me. Anyways, overall it was an enjoyable read, I just think it could have been grounded in the time period a little more.

[Lu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Grace Burrowes and Jack does not disappoint. James Langton is also a wonderful narrator and the stories get alive in his performance. The story itself does not vary much from Thomas, Mathew and Axel (Bachelor settled in his ways finds the woman of his dreams), but it’s well done and pleasurable to read/listen.
Jack is a gentleman that fought in India and was tortured and kept in prison for a while. He married in Indian but his wife died, so when he returned to England he brought his former brother in law in the capacity of butler.
The community had difficulties accepting his brother in law because of his ethnicity, and all sorts of trouble ended up being attributed to him.
Jack as the magistrate, had to solve this and several other issues while having his mother, brother and a potential bride under his roof.
To cope with all this he asks the help of his best friends housekeeper (Madeleine) and ends up falling in love with her.
Sweet story of love, companionship and forgiveness.

[Emmi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story and the main characters, for the most part. However, after the previous book in the series did such a good job balancing the mystery and the romance and making them both strong and central, I was a little less impressed with the big mystery in this one. It was one of those situations where a simple conversation could have solved the whole thing, and I didn't quite believe the characters' reluctance to have that conversation, especially when it put innocent people at risk of being blamed for wrongdoing. One character's unwillingness to admit they had been up to mischief put another character's freedom, good name and possibly their life at risk, and it's hard to like a character who would do that.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

In one of the funniest opening scenes I have ever read, let alone as the start of a regency romance, Sir Jack as local magistrate finds himself caled to the scene of a rogue amorous ram invading a neighboring flock of ewes, ones owned by an impoverished elderly Widow. From there we have a tale of other petty crimes of a Robin Hood nature calling on the magistrate's crime-solving skills while coping with an sudden extended visit by his matchmaking mama. Of course, he manages to fall head over heels for the lovely young Madeline Hennessy, whom he hires temporarily as a companion for his mother and steward of his home. This was a thoroughly enjoyable end to the Jaded Gentlemen series, with not only a couple of HEA, but much improvement underway for ongoing aid to the village poor.

[Sharyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lovely read by Burrowes. Axel and Abigail Belmont have had a lovely story. Now we meet their neighbor Sir Jack Fanning who has taken over the magistrate job from Axel. His mother is coming to visit and Axel volunteers Madeline, who has been a trusted servant to become his mother's companion. We slowly learn Madeline's backstory and that she has 2 widowed aunts who each have a little farm and are very poor. Sir Jack has spent time in India and we also learn his backstory which is quite interesting and I love that his cook makes Indian food. After a little mystery, as well as learning what life was like for poor widows there are 2, possibly 3 happy endings.

[Mary Craven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you get a mental picture in your head about what a character looks like, or his age. Jack was a side character in an earlier book and I really miss-imagined him. His own story straightened me out and gave me a wonderful read. This story had more misconceptions about over-baring mothers and older relatives take are not what we thought they were.
As always a wonderful read.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

No attempted murders, no contrived misunderstandings, no strained melodrama (unless you want to count tame attempts at vigilant justice by a righteously upset heroine). Just a lovely hero, a prickly heroine, an interfering mama who’s not so bad after all, and a nice little secondary romance for the hero’s brother. I liked it.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack reconnects with the world

Jack asks Madeline to stay with him while his mother visits, and chaos ensues. But in the end, he ends up reconnecting with her, his family, and his neighbors, and doing some much needed healing from the events referenced in the previous book. Also, some fantastic descriptions of Indian food — I had to order some to go with reading the book.

[Dianne Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

CONTINUES JOY

Each time I read one of the Books in Grace Burrowes Series I'm surprised with the continuate of the Tales, yet also the individual stories of each Male or Female Character. Well done.

[Moey17 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, but could have been better. Loved the characters, but their development could have been more fully realized. Just didn't live up to its potential.

[colagatji · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Jego narządy rodne nie przekazały żadnych sygnałów ostrzegawczych do myślącego mózgu i nie miał wyjaśnienia dla tego raczej nielicującego z godnością dżentelemna zachowania." XD

[Oksana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has been a light enjoyable adventure.