#8 in a series, but the first one in the series I've read. This far in, there is naturally a cast of thousands but I'm not sure there's much of a loss by coming in partway.

Douglas, the Viscount Amery is sent to see Gwen Hollister's advice about buying a new house and estate - his now dead father and brothers have left him virtually alone (bar a sick mother) and the family finances in a perilous state.

It's a pretext of course, by Gwen's cousins, in an attempt to bring her out from her self imposed exile. She's been shamed by the family of the Duke of Moreland, and few people are aware of Rose, the daughter of the brief, shameful elopement.

The relationship between Douglas and Gwen is threatened by the arrival of the Moreland clan, whose various members become aware of Rose and Gwen. The Duke of Moreland, a bully used to getting his own way, and with 4 sons unmarried, threatens and blackmails Gwen into a marriage no other party wants to take part in, purely to ensure access to his granddaughter.

Big cast of characters, lots of angst (perhaps a bit too much, which resulted in me skim reading sections), some medium spicy scenes (not like she has a reputation to keep, after all). Reading other reviews of this book has led me to realise that this is only one of a massive set of books - approximately 30 - by the same author, focussing on various characters in the same world. So whilst this is #8 in the "Lords" series, it could also be counted as #1 in the Windham series - apparently.

Not sure I'd take this series any further though I believe other people adore this author

The writing is very stiff and is trying too hard to sound historical. And seriously, whatever his reasons, the baby daddy was a total jack-wagon. ( )

Wow, I have to say this is one of the more unusual heroes I've read. He's basically alone, very decent human, and he's also depressed.

Burrowes did a great job subtly building his "family"and friendship, but also the relationship between Gwen & her daughter. Watching Douglas with Rose was a delightful piece of this quiet love story. And it was generally quiet.

It was an easy, lovely read with a determined and opinionated woman and the man equally determined to just love her and her daughter. ( )

This is the first Lonely Lords book I've read and there's no doubt I'm going to grab the rest in this series. Grace Burrowes is an excellent author who stays true to the period in which she writes through wonderful usage of time-appropriate language and dialogue. If you really want to feel as though you've been swept away to the past, then this is the romance author for you!

Douglas Allen, Viscount Amery, has recently suffered the loss of his brothers, both of whom helped squander the rest of the family fortune. Determined to make a go at turning his situation around, he decides to seek advice in property management from a woman who comes highly recommended through a distant relation. But the lady in question is not at all ready to lend her assistance. She is standoffish and would rather show him the door than travel with Douglas to the property he needs help with. Cracking her prickly facade and securing her expertise will require cart-loads of charm, honesty and kindness on his part.

The cruelty Guinevere Hollister suffered years ago at the hands of a man still haunts her. It crushed her sense of self-worth and resulted in her seclusion from society. Since then, she has been taking care of one of her cousin's estates where she lives in blissful privacy with her daughter. The last thing she needs is a viscount intent on spending great lengths of time in her company. She especially has no desire to spirit away with him to some run-down manor where he might presume to take certain liberties. But as he convinces her that she isn't really living, but hiding, and because she owes him a favor, she eventually agrees to put her mistrust aside and accept his proposal.

I truly loved this story. The characters were compelling and lovable, the comic relief featuring dialogue between Gwen's cousins, thoroughly entertaining. A great read that I would highly recommend! ( )

Achingly satisfying!

I commented on Douglas in my review of Andrew (Lord of Despair) and am delighted by his story! If ever a Lord needed understanding, this is that one.
Needing to check out a property of Lord Andrew Greymore's he might buy, Douglas Allen, now Viscount Amery, persuades Guinevere Hollister, cousin to Greymore and Gareth Heathgate, and current steward of another of Greymore's properties to accompany him to Sussex. He needs someone to give him advice as to the suitability of purchasing the place and Greymore recommended Guinevere. Lady Heathgate is supposedly to meet them there to act as chaperone. Unfortunately Lady Heathgate is delayed by illness.
(I am also much struck by the role of women at this time in this society, and the lack of acceptance of their talents. Certainly Gwen is an expert in the field of husbandry and stewardship as is pointed out time and again.)
There is too, Gwen's illegitimate daughter Rose, who is precious. Some of her questions and conversations were just delightful.
I'm loving the determined awkwardness of Gwen and the stilted carefulness of Douglas.
I love the way he sets about to cater for that awkwardness of Gwen's, the way by his unfailing care and gentle manner he actually touches her soul.
The dance between Gwen and Douglas is one of retreat and advance. Slow and unhurried, two damaged people finding each other.
One rather beautiful love scene pushed itself forward into my consciousness, which reflected the biblical sense of 'covering' (mayhap a Ruth and Boab moment) and all that is implicit in that thought.
Douglas is a shy man but so determined, as comes through time and again.
When who Rose's father is, is revealed a whole new possibility of anguish opens up for Douglas and Guinevere.
Certainly, when in another twist the Duke of Windham becomes involved, there is Deception, Control, and Blackmail.
I loved the scene at the church entrance. So gratifying!
In Burrowes' Acknowledgements we are told where this novel is placed in the overall relationships of the Windhams and a little of how the story came about.
This is a truly romantic tale, beautifully told and refreshingly honest.
Douglas makes a true and unsuspecting knight, who thankfully dons his shining armour without hesitation. Guinevere is a very hurting Lady in Distress, never expecting a knight, and I cheered when that worthy captured her heart.
Gwen and Douglas have both experienced darkness, it's time for the dawn to break.

A NetGalley ARC ( )