His Lordship's True Lady

True Gentlemen #4

by Grace Burrowes

Hessian Kettering , Earl of Grampion, tried marrying in haste as a very young man and got years of marital drama to go with his endless regrets. He's older and wiser now, and has responsibility for an orphaned ward who needs a maternal figure. Hessian is determined that his next countess will be a settled, sensible lady with a spotless reputation. Lily Ferguson seems to fit Hessian's requirements beautifully, and if she also kisses like his most cherished private dreams, that's no reason to doubt his choice. As an heiress from a good family, Lily Ferguson has been subjected to the attentions of fortune hunters and fawning nincompoops for years. Because the bachelors won't take, "Stop ogling my settlements," for an answer, she's developed a reputation for being difficult. Lily finds spending time with Hessian Kettering so very easy though. He likes a woman who speaks her mind, and Lily adores a man who actually listens to the ladies in his life. But what will Hessian have to say, when he finds out Lily is not the heiress polite society thinks she is?

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

306 pages, Paperback

First published June 13, 2017

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

[Wollstonecrafthomegirl · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s happened. Oh gosh, I hoped it never would, but let’s face it, with the last couple of Burrowes books I’ve read, it’s been coming: I DNF’d this.

I am in an apathetic place, reading-wise, so it could be me. But, gosh, I was just so bored.

Both the H/h are like cardboard cut-out copies of other GB H/hs and not the interesting ones. The romance isn’t well developed. These two people just sort of like one another but without any good reason why.

The plot is a mystery [guess the heroine’s torrid back story!], which always bugs, because I dislike GB’s way of sort of really obviously telegraphing clues. It feels horribly unsubtle and clunky and when all is said and done, I’d just much rather be in on the mystery as the reader and watch the hero figure it out.

Usually, even when a GB book is generic, the mastery of her writing and the brilliance of her prose carries me along regardless and the experience is ultimately enjoyable, if forgettable.

Not to be with this one.

Still auto-buying her latest though and crossing all my fingers that she’ll be back to some sort of form.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. One of the better books in this series. Hessian (his unusual first name is explained in the book!), Earl of Grampion, is a lovely man. Quiet, underestimated by many, he is actually caring, thoughtful and sexy. I really liked his love and care for little Daisy, and also the respect he showed towards Lily.

I liked Lily too, and she was lovely with Daisy and with Hessian. I did feel a bit uncomfortable about the deception she was involved in, even though it was through no choice of her own. But in spite of that it was a good plot line. Interesting.

The story moved along well and I enjoyed Lily and Hessian's stolen moments together. It was a 4-star read for me, up till about the last 20% or so. Then the unwinding of the plot seemed to be a little too convoluted, and it started to drag. So I went down to 3.5 stars. But overall I enjoyed the read.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hessian Kettering, Earl of Grampion, has been named as the guardian to the three children of his nearest neighbours in Cumbria. The two oldest, boys, are at school and no trouble but the youngest, Daisy, is only six. Rather than leave her in the care of servants he brings her to London where he faces the distasteful task of finding a suitable Countess. Having had a brief but unhappy marriage as a younger man he is in no hurry to repeat the experience although he knows it is his duty to provide Daisy with a maternal figure and to ensure his own succession.

Lily Ferguson is a mature heiress of 28 years, her forthright attitude and unwillingness to allow liberties has earned her a reputation as being difficult. Lily meets Hessian at a dinner party with mutual friends where Lily aids Hessian in finding Daisy who has left her bedroom and is hiding somewhere. Hessian is impressed by Lily's way of talking to the sad little girl and soon they are arranging meetings in the park where Lily teaches Hessian how to interact with a small girl who has lost both her parents. Lily and Hessian also bond over their distaste for marriage and amusement at the absurdities of London society. But all is not as it seems ...

Whew! Grace Burrows outdid herself with this one, I don't really think she could have shoe-horned one more plot device in if she tried! I don't want to spoil the book for other readers but there are plot twists and turns everywhere!

As always, great writing, great characters, great plot.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Grace Burrowes has managed to create a world with the most honorable and awkward gentlemen. In this case the Earl of Grampion is a widower who is in London to find a new wife and finds himself saddled with 3 wards - 2 boys in school and a young girl. They are the children of his neighbor. Into this new situation comes Miss Lily Ferguson who takes a liking to the young girl while attending a dinner party at the Earl's house.
Ms Burrowes has created a wonderful series about True Gentlemen - they tend to be older and wiser but also not given to rakish or scoundrelish ways. These are wholesome boy scouts and that gives them a definite charm to women and readers alike. Her books both in this series and in her Lonely Lords series center on the men in the story and gives the reader a different point of view from most Historical Romances. Her books are a delight to read and always provide excellent entertainment to the reader.

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well done twisty romance. Loved Hessen and Lily as a couple. I couldn't stop reading until it was all resolved...what a tangle!

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

For complete review check out my blog at https://booksaplentybookreviews.blogs...

[Doreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nobody is quite who they say

Is Lily's uncle the loving protector he says? Is Lily what she says? Are Grampion's wards? It seems that the only beings who don't have something to hide are the cats and dogs.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Y’know...I was bopping along quite nicely, having some “aww” moments to see the oh-so-proper Hessian fall in love with a little girl who’s his surprise ward, his inane conversations with his horse (yes, his horse! I guess you had to be there), and loving how he was thawing out around Lily. And then, Lily’s terrible horrible secret is revealed and Hessian’s reaction was ..less than stellar, less than heroic. In fact, I felt like crawling between the pages and slapping him silly for being so cold and without compassion or understanding for Lily. Now he does later redeem his hero card but I was still kind of wrinkling my nose remembering his initial reaction which brought this one down to 3 stars.

[Peg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read on one day.

This story kept me up way past my bedtime. You can never go wrong with a book written by Grace Burrowes !

[Coral · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot: 4/5
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 3.5/5
How much I enjoyed it: 4/5

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this light romance with good characters and financial intrigue.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hessian, Duke of Grampion and Lily
Ok but like all of her books really slow until the last 3rd

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are many things to like about this novel, but the evil uncle trope is one of my least favourite tropes. I also think the resolution to the problem with said uncle was very lame. All in all another Grace Burrowes that "could've" but didn't quite reach the mark. I find her carelessness exasperating.

[CatBookMom · Rating 2 out of 5]

More review to come, if I ever get to the end.

10/20 - Usually I really enjoy these books. For some reason, this one seems like it's 500pp long, rather than 225pp; not holding my interest.

[N.W. Moors · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hessian Kettering, Earl of Grampion, has come to London to look for a wife. He's a widower who's first marriage was unsuccessful but had decided, with help from his brother Worth, that he needs heirs. A wife would also help with the three wards he's just acquired from the passing of his near neighbors. The boys are away at school for now, but Hessian is charmed by little Daisy. Lily Ferguson has a lot of common sense, is good with children, and much to the surprise of the rather staid Earl is also quite alluring to the widower.
Hessian is rather rigid, an honest, moral man who seems to have lost any sense of adventure. However, Lily has a secret that would make her anathema to the upright Earl who abhors any sign of scandal that might touch him or his family.
This book is just wonderful. The plot is fresh and a mystery when many Regency romances replay the same types of stories. The slow buildup to the romance of Lily and Hessian is believable; their predicaments are realistic, and Hessian's final solution is not only detailed but innovative. I really admire Ms. Burrowes, one of my favorite Regency and contemporary romance authors, and this book is one of her best. It doesn't hurt that many of my old favorite characters from her other books are included and make appearances here. I always enjoy seeing what St. Just and Emmie, Worth and Jacaranda, and others are doing with their lives after their own books.
Truly, this is a wonderful addition to the True Gentlemen series.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily was at a dinner party when the host suddenly left the table. She thought that a fine idea and slipped away. However she took a wrong turn on her way to the lady’s retiring room and ran into her host. He was seeking his ward who was once again hidden when she should be asleep in bed. Hessian was busy giving orders for the search. Lily asked him where his favorite room was. They went to that room and found the missing girl. How quickly the two females took to each other amazed Hessian. That was just the beginning.
Another excellent book by one of my favorite authors.

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The "mystery" was interesting, but I found other parts incredibly frustrating. I needed certain situations to be resolved differently and more quickly. There was also not enough of a retribution scene (in my opinion) at the end. That being said, I did like Lily and Hessian, and Daisy was a delight.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story about a hero who needs a wife, and who is named guardian of the neighbor's kids-- two boys already at school, and a little girl who comes to stay with him. A young woman he's met in society encounters him at the park & helps him with the little girl. And the romance begins. There's a manipulative uncle, deceptions, revelations and even a forced marriage. Lots of plot I liked it.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Grace but this book felt just like all her other books to me, and it wasn't worth my time to finish. The relationship moved along rather fast too.

[Seema · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay..the usual Grace Burrowes. Her style of writing has become so typical. This plot was quite okay but the treatment wasn’t the usual.

[Gena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hidden identity. second chance romance, orphaned child(ren)

I really liked Lily and felt she deserved her HEA after her difficulties through her young adulthood.

[piranha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm coming to think Burrowes is not for me. I really like her writing style; it's a joy to read. But I often have issues with the execution of her novels. Her plot development always leaves a lot to be desired. Her heroes are too good to be true, and her heroines have sufficiently large flaws for me to want to whip them with a wet noodle along the way because of the terminal dithering; they seem undeserving of those amazing men. What's worse, even the heroines usually start out interesting, it's just as the story develops that they show themselves to be ninnies.

Here's a perennial issue: Ms Burrowes, please strike the term "menses" from the vocabulary of your heroes. During this period extremely little was known about women's menstrual cycles, and even an educated man would not have used this term so casually in conversation. Burrowes' heroes are much better informed about women's reproductive issues than they should be. And seriously, if they were so well informed, where are French sheaths and vinegar-soaked sponges, actual methods of birth control used at the time?

Lily is actually quite close to a heroine I might like, but she could use a bit more gumption.

The plot is in parts unbelievable, and the problem with the intrigue is that I always figure it out right away and then have to drum my fingers in irritation because the characters take sooo looong to figure it out. There is an art to writing mystery and mystery-adjacent plots -- the reader needs to be just a wee bit ahead of the characters, so we can feel smart but not think the characters to be morons. Burrowes doesn't hit that sweet spot.

And lastly, I am mean -- I want real retribution for evildoers. Both Uncle Walter and Daisy's greedy, conniving aunt deserve serious comeuppance, not this joke of a resolution, which isn't even believable -- why would the money-grubbing aunt agree to it? There's no more money, is there? I wanted Uncle Walter transported. I often don't get my wish in Regencies; it's always "oh, we have to keep it quiet to avoid scandal". No, dammit! Smite them!

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a long-time Grace Burrowes fan, so this was an auto-buy for me.

Widower Hessian Kettering has decided he should marry again, and beautiful Lily Ferguson has caught his eye. Despite being desperate to escape her scheming family, Lily is reluctant to accept Hessian's attentions; once he learns the truth about her, he'll regret their relationship. However, the quiet and conventional Hessian is determined to help Lily break free from her past, even if it means facing down society's disapproval, and coming to terms with his own past as well.

So...stick-in-the-mud Hessian falls hard for Lily..and gets caught up in nefarious intrigues involving past love affairs, conniving relatives, and disappearing fortunes.

The story starts out very slowly...and it's easy to get impatient with the judgemental Hessian. But it's easy to get annoyed with Lily as well, since she really doesn't seem to be in that much of a hurry to get out from under her uncle's thumb. However, about halfway through, the plot's momentum picks up...and soon you're caught up in all the mayhem.

One big quibble -- when Hessian and Lily are planning their wedding, she tells him: "I want to be married here, Hessian, in this park, and soon...'" In those days, weddings were only held indoors -- an outside wedding wouldn't have happened. I'm not sure why Burrowes disregards this, and it's annoying, since she's usually fairly accurate in her historical facts/settings.

While it's certainly not my favorite Burrowes story, it eventually turns out to be a worthwhile read.

[Becky Almon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An all-nighter

I have been binge reading Grace Burrowes' books for the past three weeks with more to go.
Hessian showed up in another book ( WORTH ) featuring his younger brother who has been a supporting character in a number of books. I wanted to read his story.
I started this book at 10pm thinking I would read a chapter before going to sleep. Alas this was an all-nighter ! I couldn't put it down and finished at 6 am. Luckily I am retired so I can feed my cat then go to bed unlike earlier years when I would have to drag myself to work after staying up to finish a book.
Ms. Burrowes' books have all had good dialogue, interesting characters and plots. This one was no exception. I find myself invested in the outcome for her characters even knowing that as a romance there would be a happy ending.
Another reason I enjoy her books is the number of people who show up in different books making connections in the stories even though each can be read as a stand alone. It makes for a richer reading experience.
It is playing havoc with my reading budget, but I just HAVE to follow these characters she has brought to life from one adventure to another.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring. The men to rescue theme was gross.

There were lots of details at the end that weren’t explained properly like how the uncle only had access to half the mother’s legacy when there was supposedly only one daughter. I refuse to believe that Annie turned down a fortune, too, or never looked into her sister’s fate. And how about her complete personality change? And the fathers’ family just completely dumped Annie? People traveled to India - don’t tell me Irish nobility couldn’t get to London. If the present Irish Duke is so pleasant, why doesn’t he want to visit his niece? Or at least check on her?

If the the uncle was broke at the end, why did Mrs. B agree to marry him? She was all about the money. Why would she put herself under the power of a man who had good reason to rid himself of her by murder if she got too annoying? If the uncle was broke, he owed Oscar the inheritance that his mother left him so why did Oscar go to work in Stockholm?

Not as good as many of her other books. Two stars because there are some cute interactions with pets and kids.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this, but I did not.

Hessian was dull and whiny. He had no sex-appeal.

Lily was supposed to be smart and strong but did nothing to escape from Uncle Creepy, but needed her Knight in Dull and Rusty Armor to rescue her. She was kind of a Betty Sue, TSTL.

Her big secret was so obvious that it was not believable people who knew her as a child could not figure out what was going on.

Too many evil relatives. Bad Aunt, Creepy Uncle...

The kids in Daniel's True Desire were a lot more childlike and likable. The kid here was a plot device.

Daniel and Will's books were a lot more fun.

I still bought it and read it, because I like Burrowes' writing and how she has continuity of story from book to book.

[Kathleen Crowell · Rating 2 out of 5]

this started off well. I was hopeful that I would enjoy the story and the 2 main characters, but there was a shift from intelligent, funny banter to sickening drivel. the storyline got more and more ridiculous as Hessian became more and more corny and wooden and Lily became less estimable. I seriously got to 93% and stopped reading. I know how it will end and it is way too sticky sweet for me. there could be this great storyline of tension and anger if Hessian initially walked away from Lily when he found out about her deception. it was way too easily accepted. I liked the daisy/hessian relationship and there could've been more focus on that and less on Mrs. Braithwaite. maybe it was all too much of a jumble for me

[Miriamgreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gentle and consuming despite waterfall of angst with past and present evils, cured by the boring Earl who becomes so less boring when he meets Lily, an imposture of ten years, her evil uncle. Boring Hessian Just acquired Daisy as ward, clueless and wants to home to the border and the forests. Lily and Hessian have chemistry, her boldness cracks his shell of propriety, until he learns of the deception. Hessian has good family. Lily has snakes and spies. Hessian makes heroic dash to find the real sister, in Scotland, and to return with her. All messes straightened out. HEA for all. It was a perfect read for this fraught time as Trump tells 70 million followers our election system if failed. Whata guy. Potential reread. Grace has so many many voices.

[Judy Hankom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hessian Kettering is the Earl of Grampion. He married in haste in his younger years and got nothing but marital drama in that marriage. So he had many regrets in that marriage. He ends up with an orphaned seven year old girl. She needs a mother desperately. So Hessian decides his next wife must be a sensible lady with a spotless reputation.

Lily Ferguson seems to fit all his criteria. She is an heiress from a good family. She likes Hessian and adores the little girl, Daisy.

But not is all as it seems. Lily has an uncle who controls her every movement. Is he the loving protector that he says he is? Or is he protecting the fortune?

I enjoyed the story. It had quite the twist to it!

[Sharyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been waiting for Hessian's story, as we only saw him through Worth's eyes. After a very unhappy marriage, he becomes guardian to 3 children, one a young girl. He becomes quite the doting man and it is adorable. He meets a woman he knew as a child and the story continues from there. It is a quite complicated plot, and I didn't really engage until the last 3rd of the book, when it finally stopped being slow passed and in Hessian's head, and action started. The final pages had tears running down my cheeks