A Truly Perfect Gentleman

True Gentlemen #6

by Grace Burrowes

Grey Dorning, Earl of Casriel, needs to marry well and soon. He has five brothers whom he must assist to get a start in life, an estate going ragged around the edges, and nothing he's tried thus far to repair the earldom's finances has worked. He needs to wed an agreeable heiress looking for a title, a lady content to marry a man more renowned for his manners than his fortune. Beatitude, Countess of Canmore, wants a friendly, temporary liaison with a charming fellow who won't infringe on a widow's freedoms. She's not wealthy, but she has earned her independence and intends to guard it well. Grey knows what he needs, Addy knows what she wants, so why can't they stop thinking about each other?

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Historical Fiction, Ebooks, Regency Romance

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 25, 2018

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

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Another pleasant but not earth-shattering HR from Ms Burrowes. Grey and Addy really did love each other and I felt sympathy for the difficult circumstances that did not allow them to marry. I felt sorry for Grey and the challenges he faced of being responsible for his large and varied family.

You knew that in the end Grey and Addy would get their HEA, but it did start to get a little repetitive in the middle and I started to get a little impatient. Grey! Wake up to yourself! You will never be happy with any of those heiresses who are just after your title! Fortunately Grey did wake up to himself in time, and Addy also came to terms with some things from her past. And it was satisfying because they were so right for each other.

An interesting thing in this book is that when Grey and Addy were having their secret affair, they used condoms (or, 'sheaths'). You don't often see that in a HR. It was good to see them being sexually responsible.

Overall, a nice read, and I will keep on reading Ms Burrowes HRs as they are released. I've got a few back list ones I haven't gotten to yet, as well. Sweet.

[AG Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I have to agree with many other reviewers: this book was a chore to get through and not at all up to Burrowes' usual skill.

There are far too many points of view given long sections of page time not involving the main couple. We get all of the Dorning brothers in the country, Cam in London, Addy' aunt, the Treshams at seperate times, the twins and their parents, the Quinlans, and so on and so on. It takes away from the development of Grey and Addy as characters and their connection. It begins to feel like the purpose of this book is to set up future novels and characters rather than show the romance.

The lack of Burrowes' usual humor is starkly evident. I think that's what made the book so much drudgery. The main characters and the Dorning brothers lack the ability to laugh at themselves and their situations like most previous characters. We are fed tedium, brooding, duty, and unfond memories over and over again with no sense that these characters are even capable of being happy, much less of finding an HEA. Even the first intimate scene is brought down by Addy's situation and by her unrelenting memories of her late husband. We are given no lightness and playfulness from Gray, so that the whole thing unfolds as nothing more than mechanics fraught with the knowledge that it cannot lead to anything more. Romance, or even sexual tension beyond two people who'd gone without for too long, was wholly absent.

I had truly hoped the reviews I read that invariably used the word "boring" were wrong. Sadly, tney were not. I honestly cannot recommend reading this installment. Grey deserved better.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grey💛Beatitude
Some say the story was slow, but I loved it! That was one of the beautiful things about this one, in the way the author emphasized what a truly honorable and responsible gentleman Grey was, always putting others before his wishes. Yes, this reader wanted to shake him at times for not fighting harder for their love, and my heart broke for Beatitude, but it was a wonderful journey, revealing so much about this entire family. An ending worth the wait. Yes, I definitely recommend this book, and am settling back to read Hawthorne’s story, book 7. Can’t wait!

[eyes.2c · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5
I'm sorry to say I was disappointed with this. Parts I enjoyed, like the confrontation with Miss Quinlan in the library. I liked Antonia Mainwaring. Grey And Abby's relationship became at times too torturous. Although Grey's kindness especially with Abby's aunt makes me really like him. Other areas were a tad pedestrian for the Burrowes writing I in general love.

[Jack Vasen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book in The True Gentlemen series tells a complete story. I do recommend if reading more of the series that one goes in order (which I was not able to do). Casriel's many brothers are significant supporting players and some of their stories are in other books in the series both before and after. One big part of the solution to Casriel's financial problems, which is revealed late in the story as a climax, is explained at length in later books resulting in a spoiler if out of order. And Addie is rescued from a sexual assault which is mentioned several times but does not take place in this book. I'm pretty sure it's in an earlier one.

Barely 1.5 stars. Boring and depressing. The story of Casriel and Addie seems to get shortchanged by many other plot threads. I mentioned the brothers. The financial problems of the deteriorating estate comes up over and over and over. The case is firmly made that Casriel has no choice but to marry an heiress. Large portions of the book are spent introducing the various candidate heiresses and showing their true characters or reasons. Casriel knows Addie does not bring enough money to solve his problems. Much of Casriel and Addie's story is sexual, or at least by comparison to everything else, it seems so.

A huge part of Casriel's backstory and one of the reasons for his desperation is introduced out of nowhere well into the story. That might not be so unusual, but it seemed clumsy.

This thing just dragged badly until near the end.

Mature themes: several sex scenes which are mildly to moderately explicit.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hero is an earl with multiple siblings (9? Or so) and feels the need for more money. He's decided to marry for it, but can't find a wealthy woman he can stand to be around. The heroine is a widow with enough money to manage a nice life, if she's not extravagant. But she really likes the hero and he likes her back. It's a nice story. I liked it.

[Gloria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I take issue with the title of this book: a truly perfect gentleman doesn’t head to town for the sole purpose of marrying money, ESPECIALLY AND MOST PARTICULARLY after he falls in love with a woman with none. Yes, I do realize marrying for money was a common and accepted practice at the time. However, there is nothing gentlemanly or honorable about it, in spite of his resolution to be faithful to his wife and his stated intention to “make her happy.” What’s honorable or gentlemanly about condemning yourself and a wife to a life of rejection and ill feelings, when you can’t even bring yourself to touch her? A silent, sexless, awkward lifetime trap is a recipe for soul-crushing disappointment for both parties. And what’s honorable or gentlemanly about abandoning a woman whom you love and who loves you, leaving her heartbroken after a brief affair, especially one who already endured abandonment in her first marriage?

I got sick of Grey’s mannerly martyrdom, and never felt the alleged spark between him and Beatitude. Their sexy-time was laughably non-sexy. It felt more like a highly choreographed and very tame dance than bedroom play, and it was rather disappointing to me that they both acquiesced to sex when they both knew that Grey was days away from betrothing himself to another woman. The whole thing felt creepy and wrong.

The best part of this book is Grace Burrowes’ beautiful writing style and a worthy villainess, the selfish screeching Sarah. The True Gentlemen series is Burrowes’ best series, but this book doesn’t fit.

[Mari · Rating 3 out of 5]

The whole plotline about the brothers being totally reliant on him was annoying. FFS, they need to grow up and stop depending on him.

From other reviews:

I have to agree with many other reviewers: this book was a chore to get through and not at all up to Burrowes' usual skill.

I did like the leads and I wish they had a story more fitting for how much I liked them.

You knew that in the end Grey and Addy would get their HEA, but it did start to get a little repetitive in the middle and I started to get a little impatient. Grey! Wake up to yourself! You will never be happy with any of those heiresses who are just after your title!

There are far too many points of view given long sections of page time not involving the main couple. We get all of the Dorning brothers in the country, Cam in London, Addy' aunt, the Treshams at separate times, the twins and their parents, the Quinlans, and so on and so on. It takes away from the development of Grey and Addy as characters and their connection. It begins to feel like the purpose of this book is to set up future novels and characters rather than show the romance.

[N.W. Moors · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grey Birch Dorning, Earl of Casriel, is impoverished and has a large family to provide for. He is in London to find a rich heiress to marry. Beatitude, Countess of Canmore, is a widow of only moderate means, but Grey and Addy (Beatitude's nickname) are too interested in each other, distracting Grey from the course he must ultimately follow. A liaison seems in order until he finally settles on one of the young ladies on his list to marry.
I'm a huge Burrowes fan and have read almost all her work, historical and contemporary. This one starts a little slow, but soon picks up and we have a lovely romance. Grey really is a perfect gentleman and perfectly suited as a match to Addy. We get plenty of other Dornings in the mix which is always a treat.
I admit I cried a bit at one sad scene; the writing is truly lovely. The liaison scenes are appropriately sexy (and not that gentlemanly). Another fine work by Ms. Burrowes.

[Zaxs Yacs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grey Dorning, Earl of Casriel, needs to marry well and soon. He has five brothers whom he must assist to get a start in life, and an estate going ragged around the edges, though none of his attempts to repair the earldom's finances have been successful. He's seeking an agreeable heiress in search of a title, a lady who will be happy to marry a man better known for his manners than his fortune. Beatitude, Lady Canmore, is looking for a charming fellow with whom to enjoy a friendly, temporary liaison. She's not wealthy, but she's earned a widow's freedom, and intends to guard her independence well. Grey knows what he needs, Addy knows what she wants, so why can't they stop thinking about each other?

[SynergyQuest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful

Do you have a favorite person, sweet treat or tv shows that just makes you happy every time you get to experience it? That’s what reading a Grace Burrowes historical romance does for me. It illuminates my spirit and makes me so glad that my mom gave me a love of reading. What a gift — the love and hunger to devour the written word until your eyes refuse to remain open. This story is especially great because the heroine is bold and kind in equal measure, and the hero a gentleman so committed to his family that he nearly neglects his heart in order to provide for them.

[MARIE MARUCCI · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a story makes me cry, I know it is good.

The turmoil of the relationship between Addy and Grey was tough, but love won out in the end. It was sad that Aunt Freddy wasn't around to see them get to the altar.

I will say the Miss Quinlan and her father made me worried for a brief time, thinking they might force Grey's hand. I was so glad he stood firm against the threats. Mrs. Quinlan was the only sensible one in the family.

I am hopeful that Miss Mainwaring finds her match. The twins, on the other hand, will probably have a tougher time.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!

Well-written, as always. I love GB's writing style, including her grammar and punctuation--which might sound strange--because it enhances the flow. I loved the way Grey appreciated Addy and his dry humor. Addy's jealousy and heartache were so honest. I loved the way the brothers understood each other. Tresham and Theo were brilliant, wonderful friends, as was Aunt Fredericka. Overall great read.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really do love Grace Burrowes but I was so bored by this book. Nothing happens and I don’t know why we spent all this time with other characters. I mean we break in the middle of a love scene to go hang out with other people. There was nothing happening and no reason the final epiphany couldn’t have happened in the first chapter. I did like the leads and I wish they had a story more fitting for how much I liked them.

[Lisa C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grey Birch Dorning, Earl of Casriel certainly is a truly perfect gentleman. But when he's with Beatitude, he wishes he could just be a man. The list of reasons these two cannot be together is long, but for a love like theirs, not impossible to overcome. A very enjoyable story of how they reach their HEA. Ms Burrowes style of writing gives us a glimpse of the time period, especially the way of speech, that few authors achieve. Her books are always on my must read, pre-order list.

[Seema · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book after I read the following book in which I thought the Earl was really annoying. Well in this book where he is the hero gave a bit of background to his story and his romance and marriage to Beatitude. I found reading this book was like chewing gum.. it just went on and on about his problems and the reason he couldn’t marry this countess who was not an heiress. By the end I didn’t care what happened. The issues were so many and so annoying it didn’t feel like a romance at all.

[Frances · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very stressful and too much conversation to result in anything but an ordinary plodding book. I have one more to read before I catch up on this series and will be prepared for the next. The hero took much too long to cut his brothers loose and I was so disgusted by his brothers and their attitude by the end of the book that I didn’t care if they all just rolled over and did not have what I know will be a sequel.

[Pj Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I worried to much I knew Grace Burrowes wouldn't let me down

Historical Romance is my favorite genre, I have all of Grace Burrowes books and have read them many times. I've been waiting for this Earl and his Countess to find their way to happiness. There are enough family members around to make the challenge interesting.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8 stars

I liked Grey. I liked Lady Canmore. Apparently I missed two books in this series and will have to go back. I was so happy when Grey finally figured out what to do with his brothers, yay. I look forward to Ash and Cam. I also hope to see some of the other ladies get their happy endings.

[Deborah Cleaves · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect gentleman.

While I don’t like wastrels, I found myself surprised to find I’m not enamored of perfect gentlemen. Still all goes well in the end given the underlying duty of a gentleman to be honest in all transactions. There are many characters, perhaps too many for a smooth flow of story.

[Irma Orozco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading the 6th book of this series concerning the Dorning family. Grey Dorning is the oldest and shoulders the responsibility of keeping his estate afloat and provide for his four adult brothers' futures. His brothers and sisters are named after plants by their father. He refurbishes harps and plays them, too.

[Alison Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with many of the reviews, the book is pleasant. Ultimately, I found the plot a little listless. It was hard to get a fix on the characters and their reasons that their HEA had to be delayed. I have read other books about the Dorning siblings first, so having seen the characters in other characters own stories may have affected my enjoyment.

[Sadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely lovely story.

I bought this book on its release date. For once, I read a Grace Burrowes book slowly instead of devouring it all in one day.I savoured it. I liked Grey and the Countess. I loved the small satisfying ending.

[Jennifer Fner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bleh. My bad. What did I expect from a book with this title? He's perfect but mysteriously he doesn't think he's good enough for her, blah blah etc. I didn't finish it.

I either love her books like crazy or I can't finish them.

[Holley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the hero and heroine and the writing style works for me, but the plot seemed overly convoluted and the resolution iffy. If you truly believe the only solution is to marry money and you have tried everything else, how do you suddenly find another option?

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another absolutely wonderful book by Grace Burrowes. Highly recommended! I love this couple, their family w all the silly horticulture names, and can’t wait for the next book to see what they have gotten up to next:).

[Roxane White · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a tale!!

Understand a tale could be true a story not necessarily so... This was a tale with all the suspense of nobody being on time or in the right frame of mind. I loved it.

[EmpK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Burrowes at her best and worst. Excellent writing about family dynamics, duty, honor, responsibility, an attractive enough lead pair...and yet the earnestness of both leads diminishes the heat, fun, and joy of romance. I slogged my way through the second half.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time reading this book. Which is strange since I have already read two of the books in the series and enjoyed them very much. It just seemed to drag at the start and in the middle.
However, this will not keep me from reading the rest of the books

[MELISSA · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good, again.

Always praise on high for Ms. Burrowes. This Dorning clan is no exception to her rules of finely developed characters, intelligent plots and discreet sensuality. Reading her works bings me peaceful joy especially during this stressful year 2020.