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Mischief in Mayfair #5
Miss Dauntless
Matilda Merridew, former hoyden of the first water, finds herself widowed, weary, and in want of coin. Along comes Marcus, Lord Tremont, with an interesting–and decent–proposition. Tremont will provide Matilda a handsome salary and keep a commodious roof over her head if she will relieve him of the burden of managing a houseful of unruly former soldiers.
Matilda accepts the post, and soon learns that the proper, soft-spoken earl has a far more dashing side. Marcus, whose lodestars in life have been order and duty, is drawn to Matilda’s determination and pragmatic good cheer. When Matilda’s past rises from the grave to destroy any hope of a happily ever after, Matilda and Marcus must decide if love truly can conquer all!
Matilda accepts the post, and soon learns that the proper, soft-spoken earl has a far more dashing side. Marcus, whose lodestars in life have been order and duty, is drawn to Matilda’s determination and pragmatic good cheer. When Matilda’s past rises from the grave to destroy any hope of a happily ever after, Matilda and Marcus must decide if love truly can conquer all!
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2022
178 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
Grace Burrowes
190 books2,916 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 60 reviews
January 28, 2023
I loved all the characters in this tale. Even the blinkity blankity villian I started to feel sorry for in the end. However, there’s a sameness that’s creeping over the Mayfair tales. That’s ok for a series that is on par with a cozy mystery, a cozy Regency romance with style if you must. So, I’ll continue to read them because they are a Grace Burrowes book, and she’s one of my fave writers.
November 2, 2022
I really like Burrowes' books and this series. I like her characters, her plots are interesting, and I always get immersed in them very quickly. This book was no exception.
Where it was an exception, and the reason I didn't like it as much as the others, was that, in one very significant way, Matilda was an idiot and in a fairly specifically 21st century way. As a young woman, she fell in love with, and planned to marry Jonah so "anticipated their vows"; when she got pregnant, he volunteered for active duty in the army and was killed. Then Harry came along and married her, knowing she was pregnant; Harry was a con artist who treated her horribly, stole from her, and eventually deserted her, making her believe that he had been killed. Four years later, he shows up and wants her to sell her house and give him half the proceeds of the sale, then, when he discovers that she is in a relationship with Marcus, an Earl, decides that she--or he--will be willing to pay a lot of money for him to disappear forever. This is all fine and works well as a plotline. What really ruined the story for me was, given her past history, why does she leap into bed with Marcus on at least 2 occasions, after she knows Harry isn't dead after all? And why, since he's an honourable man who knows her history, does Marcus take her to bed in the first place? There is no reliable birth control (not that there's any indication that they used what was available anyway), divorce would be social suicide (I don't care what they say--his rank wouldn't protect her or Tommy that much, especially since the financial cost of the divorce would be crippling for Marcus), and bigamy and murder aren't options either. Given their personalities and everything the two had gone through to that point, such selfishness and lack of control just didn't work for me. I accept that Burrowes is writing for a 21st-century audience that enjoys a fair amount of heat in the books they read, even if those attitudes really aren't "in period". (And yes, I do know that just because no one talked about it it doesn't mean that premarital sex was rare.) Nonetheless, in this particular book, with these specific characters as they were developed, I just didn't find this aspect of the book to be at all believable.
And then there was the ending, where it turns out that Harry--the consummate con artist, who was thwarted as a young man in his ambition to be an actor and so ran away from home after being disowned by his father and the Quaker community in which he was raised, and who has run such nasty cons throughout England and Ireland that he can't return to several cities without being in danger of being murdered, and who throughout the book is a selfish, nasty man--suddenly discovers a conscience with regard to Matilda, and whose long-lost sister shows up at the last minute to make a dramatic entrance, telling him that their father forgave him on his deathbed and he isn't penniless, and so he can go back to Bristol and become an upright member of society again and open a theatre to fulfill his dreams of being an actor, and he doesn't have to blackmail Matilda after all. And, by a convenient loophole, since he married Matilda using a false name (and wasn't Anglican anyway), all Matilda has to do is quietly apply to the Archbishop for an annulment and she and Marcus can get married after all. Hooray.
The opening scene of the book, with the Church council meeting, was brilliant and I loved it. Most of the book was great and I really enjoyed it. The excellent plotting just fell apart for me at about the halfway point and never recovered. The book was still enjoyable, but it was also a real disappointment.
Where it was an exception, and the reason I didn't like it as much as the others, was that, in one very significant way, Matilda was an idiot and in a fairly specifically 21st century way. As a young woman, she fell in love with, and planned to marry Jonah so "anticipated their vows"; when she got pregnant, he volunteered for active duty in the army and was killed. Then Harry came along and married her, knowing she was pregnant; Harry was a con artist who treated her horribly, stole from her, and eventually deserted her, making her believe that he had been killed. Four years later, he shows up and wants her to sell her house and give him half the proceeds of the sale, then, when he discovers that she is in a relationship with Marcus, an Earl, decides that she--or he--will be willing to pay a lot of money for him to disappear forever. This is all fine and works well as a plotline. What really ruined the story for me was, given her past history, why does she leap into bed with Marcus on at least 2 occasions, after she knows Harry isn't dead after all? And why, since he's an honourable man who knows her history, does Marcus take her to bed in the first place? There is no reliable birth control (not that there's any indication that they used what was available anyway), divorce would be social suicide (I don't care what they say--his rank wouldn't protect her or Tommy that much, especially since the financial cost of the divorce would be crippling for Marcus), and bigamy and murder aren't options either. Given their personalities and everything the two had gone through to that point, such selfishness and lack of control just didn't work for me. I accept that Burrowes is writing for a 21st-century audience that enjoys a fair amount of heat in the books they read, even if those attitudes really aren't "in period". (And yes, I do know that just because no one talked about it it doesn't mean that premarital sex was rare.) Nonetheless, in this particular book, with these specific characters as they were developed, I just didn't find this aspect of the book to be at all believable.
And then there was the ending, where it turns out that Harry--the consummate con artist, who was thwarted as a young man in his ambition to be an actor and so ran away from home after being disowned by his father and the Quaker community in which he was raised, and who has run such nasty cons throughout England and Ireland that he can't return to several cities without being in danger of being murdered, and who throughout the book is a selfish, nasty man--suddenly discovers a conscience with regard to Matilda, and whose long-lost sister shows up at the last minute to make a dramatic entrance, telling him that their father forgave him on his deathbed and he isn't penniless, and so he can go back to Bristol and become an upright member of society again and open a theatre to fulfill his dreams of being an actor, and he doesn't have to blackmail Matilda after all. And, by a convenient loophole, since he married Matilda using a false name (and wasn't Anglican anyway), all Matilda has to do is quietly apply to the Archbishop for an annulment and she and Marcus can get married after all. Hooray.
The opening scene of the book, with the Church council meeting, was brilliant and I loved it. Most of the book was great and I really enjoyed it. The excellent plotting just fell apart for me at about the halfway point and never recovered. The book was still enjoyable, but it was also a real disappointment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2022
Burrowes and her kind, honorable heroes get me every time. Tremont is lovely, Matilda is lovely. Sigh...
My only problem is that Burrowes' villains never get their rightful comeuppance!! Arrrgh! Let the devils go to hell. She always, always let's them get off too easy IMO
My only problem is that Burrowes' villains never get their rightful comeuppance!! Arrrgh! Let the devils go to hell. She always, always let's them get off too easy IMO
February 14, 2023
Regency romance w/ some mystery. 4 stars. This had
2 sex scenes, mild compared to many romances.
Marcus, an earl, had been a military officer w/ a horrid
Commanding Officer (CO). Marcus defied his CO's direct
order that would've resulted in many unnecessary deaths.
Returning from war, Marcus opened a former military men
residence to be connected with jobs etc.
Matilda had a hyper-critical vicar sire, who manipulated her
into marriage w/ Harry, of no job/ profession. She saw Harry
as a confidence man. He changed his name, as needed.
A few yrs. back, Harry died, which frankly relieved her, even
though she and her 5yr old son had very limited funds.
At a church meeting she met Marcus who subsequently
offered her a live-in job supervising his veteran's home &
teaching the men manners, how to read (if need be). She got
the house & men in ship-shape. Marcus told off the baddie
in no uncertain terms, yet didn't try to push around Matilda.
My favorite scene? Matilda confronted Harry for the misery
he caused her.
Revised 02/11/23.
2 sex scenes, mild compared to many romances.
Marcus, an earl, had been a military officer w/ a horrid
Commanding Officer (CO). Marcus defied his CO's direct
order that would've resulted in many unnecessary deaths.
Returning from war, Marcus opened a former military men
residence to be connected with jobs etc.
Matilda had a hyper-critical vicar sire, who manipulated her
into marriage w/ Harry, of no job/ profession. She saw Harry
as a confidence man. He changed his name, as needed.
A few yrs. back, Harry died, which frankly relieved her, even
though she and her 5yr old son had very limited funds.
At a church meeting she met Marcus who subsequently
offered her a live-in job supervising his veteran's home &
teaching the men manners, how to read (if need be). She got
the house & men in ship-shape. Marcus told off the baddie
in no uncertain terms, yet didn't try to push around Matilda.
My favorite scene? Matilda confronted Harry for the misery
he caused her.
Revised 02/11/23.
January 28, 2023
Here's why I am loving this series: slightly older leads with complicated backstories and bad choices that were the best they had. They are kept apart by their own flaws as much as circumstances. Found families but also, learning to trust and ask for help, which is hard given their pasts. Everyone is sometimes sadder, but definitely wiser. And also, I like the charitable inclinations. There's a great deal of kindness, which of course people with complicated histories require.
Library copy
Library copy
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November 28, 2022This is a lovely gentle Burrowes romance between a gentleman of honor and a mature (and sexually experienced) lady. The romance itself is delightful, and just what I would expect from a cozy Burrowes read.
I had niggling issues with the plausibility of a number of things, and the ending was somewhat abrupt here with the villain (who really should have dreadful, dreadful things happen to him) co,ing up roses, which made me very angry. Thus I would give a lower number of stars here than a Burrowes read usually gets from me. While life is not fair, I do want the evil-doers in my HEA books to get their just desserts, or at least their comeuppance!
I had niggling issues with the plausibility of a number of things, and the ending was somewhat abrupt here with the villain (who really should have dreadful, dreadful things happen to him) co,ing up roses, which made me very angry. Thus I would give a lower number of stars here than a Burrowes read usually gets from me. While life is not fair, I do want the evil-doers in my HEA books to get their just desserts, or at least their comeuppance!
November 9, 2022
very nice
Classic Grace Burrowes — two kind, affectionate people find their way to each other. The end felt a bit abrupt, but the opening chapters were lovely.
Classic Grace Burrowes — two kind, affectionate people find their way to each other. The end felt a bit abrupt, but the opening chapters were lovely.
February 3, 2023
Another gem. The widow’s former husband was a piece of work.
November 24, 2022
What happened to the review I posted last night, stupid Goodreads?!
So many thoughts.
But primarily, why didn’t our star-crossed lovers expose Matilda’s errant husband to the public, so that the many people that he bilked who were out for his blood would kill him?! A confidence man deserves the consequences of his crimes.
And why the hell did Matilda harbor any scrap of charitable thought about such an asshole?! Grrr…
Then- You expect me to believe that a woman who had a child out of wedlock would jump immediately into bed with a new man, risking the same disastrous circumstances again?!
I don’t believe anyone would have been so nonchalant about divorce at that time, much less a peer.
And the ending! Abrupt, weird, and deeply unsatisfying.
I like Burrowes, but this was not a book for me.
So many thoughts.
But primarily, why didn’t our star-crossed lovers expose Matilda’s errant husband to the public, so that the many people that he bilked who were out for his blood would kill him?! A confidence man deserves the consequences of his crimes.
And why the hell did Matilda harbor any scrap of charitable thought about such an asshole?! Grrr…
Then- You expect me to believe that a woman who had a child out of wedlock would jump immediately into bed with a new man, risking the same disastrous circumstances again?!
I don’t believe anyone would have been so nonchalant about divorce at that time, much less a peer.
And the ending! Abrupt, weird, and deeply unsatisfying.
I like Burrowes, but this was not a book for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2025
The nd/autistic joy I derived from Tremont (and Tommie) was enormous. <3
October 12, 2022
This is the 5th book in the series, and I recommend reading them in order. It's not necessary, but it makes for a more enjoyable read. Grace Burrows is amazing at the ease she references past books and
characters (and not just from this series). I've read almost everything she's written and I'm never disappointed.
Matilda and Tremont are perfect for each other, and you can see the attraction between the two from page 1. As their love and friendship grows you can't help but root for the HEA. A little strife, but love always overcomes adversity.
characters (and not just from this series). I've read almost everything she's written and I'm never disappointed.
Matilda and Tremont are perfect for each other, and you can see the attraction between the two from page 1. As their love and friendship grows you can't help but root for the HEA. A little strife, but love always overcomes adversity.
November 20, 2022
It’s time for me to bid adieu to the Mischief In Mayfair series. Like the pretty but indistinguishable cover art for each book, the outwardly sedate MCs are easily interchangeable. The predictable plot and solution didn’t help either.
Usually I love stories with children, but Tommie wasn’t endearing. I would have liked more bonding scenes between him and Marcus.
On the other hand, Harry was the one character who had layers to his personality and held my interest.
Usually I love stories with children, but Tommie wasn’t endearing. I would have liked more bonding scenes between him and Marcus.
On the other hand, Harry was the one character who had layers to his personality and held my interest.
May 23, 2023
***Spoilers***
So this is the “slow-witted” Marcus, Lord Tremont, from an earlier novel in this series? How interesting he and his brain—the equivalent of a 12-lane super highway—turned out to be! And how admirable. And for once, I really liked the heroine of a Grace Burrowes novel, who had taken her hard knocks right on the chin and learned from them. Mostly. Tommie was realistically portrayed as a high-energy, curious, and cherished five-year-old, therefore utterly charming.
This book features a real obstacle to the happily-ever-after, which is a nice change. The plot logic had a couple of sticking points for me, though. When Tremont and Matilda asked her slippery husband for a divorce and he refused because he couldn’t have his name in the newspapers or his life would be in danger, didn’t he just hand them a way to control him or, more ruthlessly, eliminate him? Tremont could have ensured his name and location was prominently displayed in every newspaper in London, and let Harry’s enemies take care of him. (Harsh, but Harry was a horrible person who stole people’s houses. Don’t try to convince me otherwise.) Also, how did it take a whole book for anyone to wonder if a marriage was valid if one of the parties was using a false name? The minute Harry’s aliases were first mentioned, I wondered it.
Niggling points when balanced against the interests and charms of the rest of the story, and Marcus’s little mental conversations with his father kept ambushing me emotionally in the best possible way. One of Grace Burrowes’ best.
So this is the “slow-witted” Marcus, Lord Tremont, from an earlier novel in this series? How interesting he and his brain—the equivalent of a 12-lane super highway—turned out to be! And how admirable. And for once, I really liked the heroine of a Grace Burrowes novel, who had taken her hard knocks right on the chin and learned from them. Mostly. Tommie was realistically portrayed as a high-energy, curious, and cherished five-year-old, therefore utterly charming.
This book features a real obstacle to the happily-ever-after, which is a nice change. The plot logic had a couple of sticking points for me, though. When Tremont and Matilda asked her slippery husband for a divorce and he refused because he couldn’t have his name in the newspapers or his life would be in danger, didn’t he just hand them a way to control him or, more ruthlessly, eliminate him? Tremont could have ensured his name and location was prominently displayed in every newspaper in London, and let Harry’s enemies take care of him. (Harsh, but Harry was a horrible person who stole people’s houses. Don’t try to convince me otherwise.) Also, how did it take a whole book for anyone to wonder if a marriage was valid if one of the parties was using a false name? The minute Harry’s aliases were first mentioned, I wondered it.
Niggling points when balanced against the interests and charms of the rest of the story, and Marcus’s little mental conversations with his father kept ambushing me emotionally in the best possible way. One of Grace Burrowes’ best.
November 1, 2023
These two are so cute make up for the disappointment of the last book . I love a quiet, thoughtful hero and Marcus is that in spades. The fact that he is wonderful with Matilda‘s five year old son is just the icing on the cake, their interactions together are so adorable and heart melting. he is exactly the father figure that Tommie needs and I just loved every page of it 🥰😩 The opening scene with Marcus and Tommie and Matilda is just delightful.
But what is bothering me about quite a lot of Ms Burrowes recent works is the leap from acquaintances to “in love “ with no showing of the process, and it happens here too. Marcus makes the leap but we don’t see when or how or why, he just declares his love even before their first kiss. We don’t get a lot of inner monologue (or any) about how he arrived here and it’s very out of left field.
plot problems:
The biggest question to me is what Harry gained by marrying Matilda in the first place? I cannot see the angle that it would benefit him to be saddled with a wife and a child. The house? This bothered me more than I cared to admit and really took me away from the ROMANCE which is what I came for. Why would a confidence trickster saddle himself with a wife?
Another problem: Matilda recognized Harry’s handwriting at one point but didn’t recognize his handwriting on the death notice, but Marcus did? And this is the death notice she read over and over? make it make sense.
This was a little more tepid and while they had more passion than SOME GB couples, it wasn't a forest fire.
But what is bothering me about quite a lot of Ms Burrowes recent works is the leap from acquaintances to “in love “ with no showing of the process, and it happens here too. Marcus makes the leap but we don’t see when or how or why, he just declares his love even before their first kiss. We don’t get a lot of inner monologue (or any) about how he arrived here and it’s very out of left field.
plot problems:
The biggest question to me is what Harry gained by marrying Matilda in the first place? I cannot see the angle that it would benefit him to be saddled with a wife and a child. The house? This bothered me more than I cared to admit and really took me away from the ROMANCE which is what I came for. Why would a confidence trickster saddle himself with a wife?
Another problem: Matilda recognized Harry’s handwriting at one point but didn’t recognize his handwriting on the death notice, but Marcus did? And this is the death notice she read over and over? make it make sense.
This was a little more tepid and while they had more passion than SOME GB couples, it wasn't a forest fire.
November 28, 2022
It's not Ms. Burrowes best. I say that even though I usually LOVE Grace Burrowes' writing and stories. I will continue to read her because she is the best author out there, but this story was disappointing.
This story has problems with character shifts and some plot points that made me scratch my head.
The "villain" is not only let off easy, he is rewarded. He is an abusive, neglectful, lying, deceitful conman who has stolen so much money, not just from Mathilda and her son, but from others, that he won't even pay the money back. He won't even consider it. He is not remorseful in the least. And yet, the "hero" finds the "villain's" sister and points him towards more money and prosperity. The "villain" isn't sent to the continent or the Antipodes or America. He's given a good life. Where is the justice? Aside from justice for Mathilda and her son, what about all the people he stole money from?
The "hero" is a man who stayed away from his family for about 5 years for honor and not to bring supposed shame to them. Yet, he won't stand up for Mathilda? I don't understand this at all.
I loathe that Mathilda says the "villain" is ok because "at least he didn't hit me". But the man is abusive in other ways and I don't like that she releases him from his villainy only because she was not beaten. That is not a message I'd like to put out into the world.
This story has problems with character shifts and some plot points that made me scratch my head.
The "villain" is not only let off easy, he is rewarded. He is an abusive, neglectful, lying, deceitful conman who has stolen so much money, not just from Mathilda and her son, but from others, that he won't even pay the money back. He won't even consider it. He is not remorseful in the least. And yet, the "hero" finds the "villain's" sister and points him towards more money and prosperity. The "villain" isn't sent to the continent or the Antipodes or America. He's given a good life. Where is the justice? Aside from justice for Mathilda and her son, what about all the people he stole money from?
The "hero" is a man who stayed away from his family for about 5 years for honor and not to bring supposed shame to them. Yet, he won't stand up for Mathilda? I don't understand this at all.
I loathe that Mathilda says the "villain" is ok because "at least he didn't hit me". But the man is abusive in other ways and I don't like that she releases him from his villainy only because she was not beaten. That is not a message I'd like to put out into the world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2024
Such a lovely cover to a real let down novel. OMG the most unlikely story about two perfect people - a very rich earl and a clergyman's daughter who just happens to be already married with an adorable son Tommy (the only believable character in the book, by the way).
The plot was so unrealistic, especially with the annulling of Matilda's unfortunate marriage to Harry Merridew, alias, alias, alias on flimsy technicalities. All the way through the book I was expecting Harry to have another living wife preceding Matilda, I suppose that would be the obvious scenario for a trickster but no, in the end Harry just married under an assumed name and he was not Church of England as he declared on the marriage certificate. So the marriage was conveniently annulled.
Then enters the long lost sister who stoutly claims him back, carrying the not inconsequential news that Harry has inherited a small fortune from his father while he has been away tricking everyone else out of their money. So what happens then? Harry now single, goes dutifully back to his home town with his sister, presumably to turn over a new leaf, as if that is likely.
The book was drivel in my opinion and an insult to the intelligence of readers.
The plot was so unrealistic, especially with the annulling of Matilda's unfortunate marriage to Harry Merridew, alias, alias, alias on flimsy technicalities. All the way through the book I was expecting Harry to have another living wife preceding Matilda, I suppose that would be the obvious scenario for a trickster but no, in the end Harry just married under an assumed name and he was not Church of England as he declared on the marriage certificate. So the marriage was conveniently annulled.
Then enters the long lost sister who stoutly claims him back, carrying the not inconsequential news that Harry has inherited a small fortune from his father while he has been away tricking everyone else out of their money. So what happens then? Harry now single, goes dutifully back to his home town with his sister, presumably to turn over a new leaf, as if that is likely.
The book was drivel in my opinion and an insult to the intelligence of readers.
November 7, 2022
Matilda Merridew, former hoyden of the first water, now finds herself widowed, weary, and in loss of coin which makes her and young son pretty hungry. All of a sudden a well mannered man, Marcus, Lord Tremont, comes along and surprisingly, offers an interesting –and decent–proposition. Tremont will provide Matilda a very nice salary as well as keeping a roof over her head. What he needs from her is to relieve him of the burden of managing a houseful of unruly former soldiers.
Actually Matilda, is somewhat realizing that this might actually be the best thing for her and accepts the post. She soon learns that the proper, soft-spoken earl has a far more dashing side. Marcus, whose lodestars in life have been order and duty, is drawn to Matilda’s determination and pragmatic good cheer. However, when Matilda’s past rises from the grave to destroy their hope of a happily ever after, Matilda and Marcus must decide if love truly can conquer all! This was absolutely a wonderful read.
Marilyn Rondeau
Actually Matilda, is somewhat realizing that this might actually be the best thing for her and accepts the post. She soon learns that the proper, soft-spoken earl has a far more dashing side. Marcus, whose lodestars in life have been order and duty, is drawn to Matilda’s determination and pragmatic good cheer. However, when Matilda’s past rises from the grave to destroy their hope of a happily ever after, Matilda and Marcus must decide if love truly can conquer all! This was absolutely a wonderful read.
Marilyn Rondeau
November 4, 2022
This was a really enjoyable read and it is hardly surprising; on can always count on Ms Burrowes to deliver exciting stories, with likeable heroes and heroines. I just loved the first encounter between the hero Tremont and Tommie, Matilda's son. The banter was priceless. The characters immediately engaging. As the main characters get to know each other, there are lots of wonderful cameos, the former soldiers, the housekeeper, the cook etc.
To me the least successful was the portrayal of Harry, the trickster. However, of course, he was necessary to the story! Perhaps Ms Burrowes could have made more use of the soldiers; there was plenty of scope for it; they could have rescued Tommie from Harry's clutches at the last minute, for example.
I am really looking forward to reading Michael Delancey's story in Miss Devoted.
To me the least successful was the portrayal of Harry, the trickster. However, of course, he was necessary to the story! Perhaps Ms Burrowes could have made more use of the soldiers; there was plenty of scope for it; they could have rescued Tommie from Harry's clutches at the last minute, for example.
I am really looking forward to reading Michael Delancey's story in Miss Devoted.
November 27, 2022
Matilda Merridew is a widow with a young boy when she catches the eye of Marcus Glover, Earl of Tremont. She's struggling to keep her and her son fed and clothed, so he offers her a job in his soldiers' home, teaching decorum and manners to help them achieve a better life. Matilda and Marcus fall in love, but there's a fly in the ointment.
It's a typically sweet story by Ms. Burrowes with an honorable hero and an impulsive but repentant heroine. I knew there'd be a happy ending, but I was doubtful until almost the end as to how it would be achieved. Tommie, the son, was cute, and I liked the household of rough but kind soldiers and staff. It's another good book in a very good series.
It's a typically sweet story by Ms. Burrowes with an honorable hero and an impulsive but repentant heroine. I knew there'd be a happy ending, but I was doubtful until almost the end as to how it would be achieved. Tommie, the son, was cute, and I liked the household of rough but kind soldiers and staff. It's another good book in a very good series.
April 25, 2023
Another Regency romance treat from Ms. Burrowes as the widow Matilda Merridew and five-year-old son are saved from near penury by Lord Tremont who needed a manager of a soldiers' home in London. With just that scrap of information, I wandered into smart, witty dialogue and finely established characters and a developing relationship. This Mischief in Mayfair series has brought in continuing characters existing since the beginning of the Dornings' series and how enjoyable to read even in small asides about all these people. Enough about all that particularly as I simply again applaud Ms. Burrowes' way with historical romance and smile delighting in a completely engaging read.
November 3, 2022
I'm rounding up a bit.
This is a thoroughly satisfying historical romance with two interesting, original, and well-matched protagonists. What is rarer and therefore at least as praiseworthy, we meet a man who, while in many respects a definite villain, is three-dimensional and eventually elicits a modicum of sympathy.
There is some pretty explicit sex, but it does not, as happens all too often, overwhelm and drown the story.
This is a thoroughly satisfying historical romance with two interesting, original, and well-matched protagonists. What is rarer and therefore at least as praiseworthy, we meet a man who, while in many respects a definite villain, is three-dimensional and eventually elicits a modicum of sympathy.
There is some pretty explicit sex, but it does not, as happens all too often, overwhelm and drown the story.
November 4, 2022
Solace for the heart
Love all your books dear Grace . There is a gentle flow to the books . They do bring solace to my heart , because of the genuineness of the characters , they are not perfect , but they are real, there is humour in their dialogues , their troubles make my heart ache and their happy endings cheer
me up . Of the whole series , I liked Miss Dauntless best . It is really a beautiful book .
Love all your books dear Grace . There is a gentle flow to the books . They do bring solace to my heart , because of the genuineness of the characters , they are not perfect , but they are real, there is humour in their dialogues , their troubles make my heart ache and their happy endings cheer
me up . Of the whole series , I liked Miss Dauntless best . It is really a beautiful book .
November 20, 2022
I just love this author.
Now a widow, Matilda (Tilly) is desperately trying to make a life for herself and her son, so she reluctantly agrees to help Marcus, Lord Tremont run his soldiers’ home. She’s had bad luck with the men in her life: a cold and strict father, and a ne’er do well husband, so she’s surprised to find herself drawn to Marcus’s warmth and quiet confidence. Marcus, in turn, is attracted to Tilly’s sharp intelligence and unwavering devotion to her son. However, even as their friendship develops into more, Tilly’s past returns with a vengeance, and she sees no other option - she must leave the man she adores. But Marcus is determined to find a way forward for them all….
So…a pretty typical Burrowes. But somehow I just really liked these characters. Tilly is smart, resourceful, and caring; Marcus is thoughtful and pragmatic. They’re both desperately lonely, so it’s lovely to read along as they discover the depth of their connection.
Also, I was curious about how the author would resolve the problem…..which of course she does with great dispatch.
And I can’t wait for Michael Delancy’s story!!!
Now a widow, Matilda (Tilly) is desperately trying to make a life for herself and her son, so she reluctantly agrees to help Marcus, Lord Tremont run his soldiers’ home. She’s had bad luck with the men in her life: a cold and strict father, and a ne’er do well husband, so she’s surprised to find herself drawn to Marcus’s warmth and quiet confidence. Marcus, in turn, is attracted to Tilly’s sharp intelligence and unwavering devotion to her son. However, even as their friendship develops into more, Tilly’s past returns with a vengeance, and she sees no other option - she must leave the man she adores. But Marcus is determined to find a way forward for them all….
So…a pretty typical Burrowes. But somehow I just really liked these characters. Tilly is smart, resourceful, and caring; Marcus is thoughtful and pragmatic. They’re both desperately lonely, so it’s lovely to read along as they discover the depth of their connection.
Also, I was curious about how the author would resolve the problem…..which of course she does with great dispatch.
And I can’t wait for Michael Delancy’s story!!!
February 20, 2023
One of Burrowes's sweet historical romances, this one about an earl and the widow of a scoundrel. He needs someone to manage a home he runs as a sort of halfway house for demobilized soldiers after Waterloo. Burrowes has learned how to dribble out her characters' secrets over the length of a novel and not hoard the entirety of them to the very last minute. And these characters have a lot of secrets. It's a lovely story, well told. Good read.
March 3, 2023
Matilda is a widow with a 5 year old son and is just eking by. She is taking minutes at a church meeting which includes a presentation by Lord Tremont. He soon offers her a job, ads a sort of headmistress of a soldiers' home. Both of them have had some hard knocks and yet are mature adults who find each other attractive, not for their looks, but in their actions. Of course, there is drama but with such lovely prose, Ms Burrowes gives us her usual lovely story.
April 23, 2023
Great story
Definitely a different kind of story from the usual historical romance. I especially like when there is only truth and honesty between the main characters, and the falling in love is so beautiful and believable.
I will say I figured out the solution halfway through, but I think the reader was supposed to. I kept waiting for one of the characters to figure it out too!
Definitely a different kind of story from the usual historical romance. I especially like when there is only truth and honesty between the main characters, and the falling in love is so beautiful and believable.
I will say I figured out the solution halfway through, but I think the reader was supposed to. I kept waiting for one of the characters to figure it out too!
November 2, 2022
A book by Grace Burrowes never disappoints. Matilda & Marcus’s story is lovely and sweet and fraught with the aftermath of less than ideal upbringings. It’s a wonderful volume in the Mischief in Mayfair series, which promises HEAs for soldiers, former ladies of the evening, and other “disgraced” denizens of London.
November 6, 2022
very sweet
I wasn’t sure how this was going to get a HEA, but it did! Matilda is a widow with a young son trying to get by. She is taking notes at a church meeting which puts her in the path of Marcus, the earl. He is intrigued by her quiet yet commanding nature and offers her a job teaching his former soldiers manners and the like. Their story is sweet and calm and will have you smiling at the finish!
I wasn’t sure how this was going to get a HEA, but it did! Matilda is a widow with a young son trying to get by. She is taking notes at a church meeting which puts her in the path of Marcus, the earl. He is intrigued by her quiet yet commanding nature and offers her a job teaching his former soldiers manners and the like. Their story is sweet and calm and will have you smiling at the finish!
November 16, 2022
A great read
I enjoyed reading about Marcus and Matilda, how they met to how they fell in love. She was a widow with a young boy and was a little short on funds for food and coal. He was an Earl a nice guy and he set up a home for former soldiers. I highly recommend this book! 👍👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤
I enjoyed reading about Marcus and Matilda, how they met to how they fell in love. She was a widow with a young boy and was a little short on funds for food and coal. He was an Earl a nice guy and he set up a home for former soldiers. I highly recommend this book! 👍👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤
July 13, 2023
Heartwarming
One of the author’s better book in this series. A little contrived in places, but none the worse for that.
Matilda’s true character and personality came to the fore slowly, layer by layer. Tremont also, as his thinking processes revealed a kind man given to making careful decisions.
Even Harry had (a very few) redeeming qualities.
Highly recommended reading
One of the author’s better book in this series. A little contrived in places, but none the worse for that.
Matilda’s true character and personality came to the fore slowly, layer by layer. Tremont also, as his thinking processes revealed a kind man given to making careful decisions.
Even Harry had (a very few) redeeming qualities.
Highly recommended reading
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