Miss Delectable

Mischief in Mayfair #1

by Grace Burrowes

Miss Ann Pearson has spent years learning the difficult art of the professional cook, and jealously guarding her position in the kitchen of the fancy Coventry Club. When Colonel Sir Orion Goddard asks her to take on a young apprentice, Ann would rather refuse. But Orion is respectful, gruffly charming, and looking out for a girl whom others have neglected, and that is a combination Ann cannot resist.

Lingering scandal has taught Orion to make his way along the fringes of polite society without allies or entanglements. Then he meets Ann, who is fierce, passionate, and warm-hearted, and also worth fighting for. If Orion and Ann are to forge a new love, they must first learn to trust each other, and find the courage to overcome old enemies who will do anything to keep the cook and colonel apart.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Regency, Mystery

308 pages, Paperback

First published June 8, 2021

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 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. An enjoyable read with two likeable main characters. Rye is one of my favourite types of HR heroes - a serious, dour ex-military man with a tender heart beneath his gruffness. Ann is a cook and she is very good at what she does, although a few times I got a bit sick of her sniffing everything to see what the scent was or what the ingredients might be.

The puzzle of who is targeting Rye, and why, resolved itself satisfactorily, although the back story felt a little muddy and convoluted. But Rye and Ann were very nice together - clearly suited to each other.

This is the first book in a promising new series. It is a spin-off from the True Gentlemen series, which I didn't realise until one of the Dorning brothers popped up. I haven't read all of those books yet, but that's fine. I will get to them eventually LOL. In the meantime, the next one in this series, comes out in September, and I'll definitely be reading it. I like Burrowes' low-key style and her characters who always have integrity.

[BJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 stars for a great story with H believed to be a traitor. The h trusted him from the first. She's very independent and I liked that she didn't see the H as the answer for her issues. Great plot shows the impact of war time actions on people years later. The final chapters solve the mystery and the romance was delectably revealed, not Told.

[eyes.2c · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delightful series featuring some of past characters, the Stornings, but branching out. I’m pleased to see the foot comes once again to play. Sockless but set me a fluttering nonetheless. The beginnings bode well for the future!
Colonel Sir Orion Goddard has a big, big heart!

[Merry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new to me author, Miss Delectable has characters that were secondary in a previous series and now star in their own. I enjoyed the kind stern Colonel Goddard and his world. Ann Peterson is a strong kind woman that had made her way in a mans work area. I enjoyed the growing love story between the couple which does include some steamy scenes. The secondary characters were also well written and added to the story. I rate the book a 4*. I thought the minor mystery that was woven through the book unsatisfactory. It was tied up in the last few pages and was a bit weird. So I dropped the book to 3.5*. I would recommend this book as I enjoyed the main couple.

[Eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was SEXY with a capital S. Not smut sexy, but slow burn, stare into each others eyes and fall in love sexy. Loved it!

[Danker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite early fandom, I’d stopped pre-ordering HRs by Grace Burrowes some time ago, but the blurb for her latest release, Miss Delectable sufficiently attracted me - mainly because of the mention that the heroine was an assistant cook, rather than a renegade heiress, shy debutante etc etc - that I once again paid over my money in advance. I don’t regret the decision. While Miss Delectable won’t be archived as one of my favourite HRs of all time, it’s one of the best Burrowes titles I’ve read in a while. It has certainly re-ignited my respect for her capacity to turn out a delicious morsel of a romance.

I have read no previous titles which tell the love tales of various characters who (presumably) re-appear in Miss Delectable, but that in no way seemed to matter. From various asides, it appears that the heroine of this story, Miss Ann Pearson - and the hero, Colonel Sir Orion Goddard - have also featured in previous titles, but my lack of knowledge of what part they played in those stories also proved immaterial.

I enjoyed Miss Delectable for a number of reasons. The heroine was strong, even when insecure, talented, ambitious, clever, kind and loving. She was also lonely. The hero was courageous, clever, open-hearted, fiercely loyal and loving. Despite having a legion of people who he cared for and who loved him, he was also lonely. The love affair between these two souls surprised them with its intensity, its physicality and how it made each of them feel nurtured and SAFE - and I appreciated that the romance delivered on all those levels.

The huge supporting cast also added richness to the story - including Otter and Hannah, but also Henry and Tante Louise and Orion’s faithful cousins. Even Melisande and her husband were deftly drawn, providing some relief to an otherwise somewhat unrealistically perfectly behaved series of characters (with the exception of the dreaded, lying, manipulative and cruel head chef).

The “mystery” in this story was one of only three quibbles. Its resolution was abrupt, which wasn’t a problem. However, the reasons for the aftermath having lasted so many years, and causing so much hell for Orion, stretched credulity to the limits.

The other two quibbles were food related? Blueberry crepes? They sure sounded delicious, but mention of these American imports in a story set in England in the first half of the 19th Century struck a false note with me. Thinking I might be wrong, I Googled “blueberries” and found reference to their introduction to England in 1952. The second reference was to pots of spices growing outside in Ann’s garden. I’d be mightily surprised if she was managing, in that era, to grow spices outside in England’s climate. Herbs yes, but spices? I’m happy to be proved wrong on both counts, as Burrowes is a seasoned performer in HR land. And, in any event, my reservations about both of these foodie issues were momentary interruptions in what was, for the most part, an enjoyable read.

[HappyBookWorm2020 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned several things by reading this book - that articles of apprenticeship are a serious matter, that eleven is old enough to leave home and work for a living, how little poor children were valued at that time, and that seasoning food can be an art.

This is the first book of a new series and is in some ways a continuation of the last book in the True Gentlemen series. Readers of that series will recognize the Coventry Club, run by Sycamore Dorning, which is famous for its scrumptious midnight suppers. It is not necessary to read the last True Gentlemen book to enjoy this one.

This book is unusual for historical romance in that the heroine, Miss Ann Pearson, works as a cook at the Coventry Club, instead of as a companion or a governess. Ann is an artist at seasoning food and her cooking is one reason that the Coventry Club's cuisine is so popular. There is also more to Ann than meets the eye.

Colonel Sir Orion Goddard is part French and part English. He served on the English side in the Napoleonic War and survived his war injuries. His ambition now is to care for the children he rescued from the streets and to find customers to supply with his very fine wine. Sir Orion has troubles of his own to deal with, that if not solved can sink his plans for his wine business.

I enjoyed this book very much. The romance was lovely, and the several mysteries kept me guessing until the end. I received this book as a gift from the author for posting a comment on her website. It was my pleasure to read and review this book.

[HR-ML · Rating 4 out of 5]

Regency. Thanks to HBW 2020+ Danker for sharing their
positive impressions of this bk.

Colonel Sir Orion "Rey," vintner/ military veteran & Ann,
an undercook @ the Coventry Club, met once before. Rey
had a close relationship with his cousins & several urchins
he rescued from the street. And several French immigrants.
Coventry had an out of control French chef who imbibed
on the job & needed closer supervision. In truth, Ann ran
the Coventry kitchen.

Rey of French & English ancestry, fought against Napoleon.
Ugly rumors spread RE his military record & he was shunned
by other military men. The 3 troublemakers in this story got
off too lightly for my taste.

Rey made romantic gestures for Ann. And shared the good
and the bad. He praised her "great good sense" and her
culinary creations. He was gruff but loving. Their attraction
felt real, with tender love scenes.

My favorite scene? Ann's aunt +uncle (H's former CO) hosted
their quarterly military dinner & invited the MCs. The truth
was revealed.

[Brandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, I slogged through this with breaks every 50 pages or so to cleanse my palate with other books. I really liked the characters Ann and Orion, and especially Orion’s children, so it had the makings of a wonderful story but in the end just left me frustrated and bored.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty fun. Hero is a solid guy who cares for urchins. Heroine is an amazing chef (even tho apparently she can’t be called a chef). Enjoyed their interactions and respect for each other.

[Emily Osborne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I so wanted to love this book, but it was really boring.

[Lyn Schnug · Rating 2 out of 5]

Struggled to finish

I've loved every book I've read by Grace Burrowed, but not this one. The plot was convoluted and to forever to get to the point. The dialogue was forced and repetitive. I hire the next one is better

[Mary Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Not a bad story. I thought it was fairly obvious who was undermining the hero.

I like Grace's reading but I stopped some time ago as the 'voice' of the hero and heroine seemed to me similar in her books. It might be that I'm over familiar with her turn of phrases.

[N.W. Moors · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for Orion's story ever since we met him in the Dorning series. He's such a true gentleman (see what I did there) and Ann is the perfect match for him.
He's still being pursued by rumors about cowardice and treason though he still can't detect where they're coming from so he shies away from most family and friends so as not to taint them in society. When an unexpected problem happens to one of his boys, he calls on Ann to help ease the situation. She's still the undercook at the Coventry Club though she does all the work and dreams of becoming head chef, a position unthought of for a woman.
This is a gentle romance for two very deserving people with a very satisfactory conclusion. It shows how good people may be put into bad situations and I'm happy to report still come out ahead. The descriptions of food made me drool and I liked so many of the secondary characters, especially Rye's two cousins and Ann's landladies. This is an excellent start to a new series.

[Shannon The Co-Captain · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a struggle to get through. It was a combination of being boring which is strange because there was so much going on but I was still bored. I did the audio and oh my…the narrator was so hard to understand. I can’t say I would have enjoyed more had I chose to read though because I was really bored. I only finished it because I was reading it for challenge. I didn’t even care who had stolen the wine or after Orion. I just didn’t care for any of the characters to be honest. I thought the whole lot of them of were dreadful. The French chef was the worst and why Orion didn’t just talk to his brother-in-law and have him fired was beyond me. Honestly, I’m not sure why I gave it two stars instead of one. I definitely don’t recommend it.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two strong individuals who find and accept each other as they are. Really enjoyable read. Loved both Orion and Ann and how they stayed true to who they were even when it meant possibly giving up things and people they love.

[Frances · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yawn

[BonnieL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really a 3* - more of a 2.5 but it wasn't so bad that it merited a 2*.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Such a quiet romance. I don’t quite know how to describe what I mean by that, but it was all so effortless between Ann and Orion.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A historical romance between assistant chef Ann and winemaker/war veteran Rye, who is being hounded by rumors of military misconduct.

Grace Burrowes is a New To Me author, and I really enjoyed her voice and writing style plus all the little details about the French emigre community post-war and Rye's place in it as a half-Enlishman/half-Frenchman.

I also ended up really liking the smattering of POV chapters from a wide variety of secondary characters and how they helped expand the sense of time and place beyond just the circumstances of our two main characters while still coming together to weave this specific tale.

But at first I was concerned that I was missing something important from previous books. It's obvious that Rye's sister and her husband are characters from an earlier book, which we know is when Ann and Rye originally (and briefly?) met, and sometimes the introduction of other characters would make me wonder if I was supposed to know more about them, too. (Once I gave in and checked the GR listings, those all ended up being characters in *future* books, however.) And then Rye seems so nonchalant about learning the details surrounding these rumors that are having a pretty serious impact on his reputation and, therefore, business and financial security that I kept assuming he knew something I didn't and wondering if that knowledge came from a previous book. I still think this is a flaw in the book, but by the end I was pretty sure the flaw was just out of character behavior on Rye's part and not the author failing to give us necessary information from a previous book. The obvious gap in knowledge no one else seems worried about just happens to coincide with those other characters' presence.

The resolution to these mysterious rumors also managed to somehow be both anticlimactic and over the top at the same time. The culprit felt incredibly obvious for most of the book and I couldn't figure out why Rye wasn't doing more to track them down, and then the answers all just fall into his lap unconnected to any action on his part.

None of this really bothered me, though. It's a quick, easy, engaging read, but something was missing from the romance itself.

It was easy to see why they would be drawn to each other, and I didn't doubt their feelings, but I didn't *feel* them myself. I could feel Ann's passion for food radiating off the page whenever she talked about it, but her feelings for Rye were just a soft warmth in the background. Certainly building to something, but I never got to the point where I was fully invested.

I'm going to give one of the author's older novels a try next since a lot of reviewers who felt the same way about the romance mentioned they had more luck with her backlist, and I really liked the writing style.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite being a huge fan of this author, I wasn’t expecting to like this book as much as I did.

With the Napoleonic conflict finally over, Col. Orion Goddard is trying to focus on building his wine business and doing some good amongst London’s slum-dwelling kids…..all while attempting to ignore the rumors and innuendo that have followed him since the end of the war. When one of his charges needs more than Orion is equipped to provide, he prevails on Ann Pearson to help. Ann has worked hard to achieve some independence (and some self-respect) by becoming a cook, and is reluctantly persuaded to help Orion by bringing ‘Benny’ to work at the club where she’s employed. As their relationship develops, what began as mutual respect and friendship flare into more. However, even as the threats to Orion’s business grow more serious, and Ann’s position is imperiled, he must free them both from a web of lies and deceit.

Reading this story is like wrapping yourself in a fluffy comforter and drinking a mug of hot chocolate!

The H/h are such complete characters….he’s survived the horrors of war, only to be hounded by vicious rumors throwing doubt on his allegiance to England. Ann has worked for years and has made her way to a kind of fierce independence. They fall hard for each other..but it’s such an adult kind of loving and caring.

When the villain is finally exposed, even he’s just a kind of victim as well.

The writing is wonderful: Burrowes’s typical piercing and on-point observations about government, war, the law, and society’s treatment of women.

It‘s more than the sum of its parts!

[Caprice Hokstad · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the first 60% of this book. I thought I had found a new Georgette Heyer. Nice historical romance, set in England. I even liked the fact that the MCs were not high society. They were closer to working class. No fixation on endless balls, ridiculously expensive dresses, and "coming out". I was so excited.

Alas, I lost that excitement at 60% when the book went from PG-rated to X-rated. Why couldn't they keep private matters behind closed doors? The end of the book was good enough to give this 2 stars instead of one, but I won't read any more of this author. So sad and disappointed.

[Sharyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a great Burrowes fan, but this book was a little bothersome for me, and I can't really decide why. I love Orion as a character, his kindness towards everyone, his love of his sister, and more. There is a mystery afoot which is resolved in a way that I wasn't really sure of, but happily resolved none the less. Ann is a skillful cook who wishes to be a chef. Many people take advantage of her, but she is in no position to fight back. She and Orion make a wonderful couple, but it takes a long time to get there!!

[Linda Lassman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the Dorning series and loved this Dorning-adjacent novel. While Burrowes may occasionally be anachronistic in the behaviour of her characters, she does it in a way that doesn't intrude into the flow of the story, and they are all very well-written, believable, and interesting. The only thing that would have made this book better was if Ann's recipes were included at the end!

[Kate_Nagy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sympathetic hero and heroine; despicable bad guys; robust cast of endearing secondary characters; lots and lots of descriptions of delicious food and champagne; and a kitty cat. Excellent summer read.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ate it up, and then went back for seconds. This was a wonderful read, with great storylines, amazing characters, and the Grace Burrowes’ style that never disappoints. I simply LOVE her books! Can’t wait for the next in this series.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two great characters who are not top of the ton. Miss Ann Pearson and Sir Orion Goddard are upper class but not near the top. Ann works as a cook and is really a chef but being a woman she is not allowed that title. Orion is the subject of nasty suspicions The two are a great match. Add the other characters and the other troubles and you have a hard to put down plot. Loved the action and the resulting HEA>

[Shannon]

DNF. Might have been my mood as I’ve liked other books by this author. Slow to develop and I couldn’t bring myself to care for the characters. Left in at the end of chapter 7.

[Lissy Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit tedious, repeating the same thing over and over again. Felt dragged out. 2.5 stars

[Gwen (The Gwendolyn Reading Method) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the characters here. Pulled all the right heartstrings.