Morgan and Archer

Windham #8.5

by Grace Burrowes

This sparkling short story by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes ties back to her popular Windham series. Archer Portmaine is investigating a plot against the Crown when he meets Morgan James, a young lady who believes her hearing problems make her a poor candidate for marriage, although her disability provides the key to unraveling Archer's mystery—and to capturing his heart.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Novella, Historical Fiction, Regency, Audiobook

120 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

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

[Somia · Rating 2 out of 5]

2, I Can’t Really Remember What I read Stars

This little novella focuses on Archer Portmaine who is investigating a dastardly plot against the British Crown, during the course of the investigation he comes across Morgan James, it may be the worst possible time for him, but he finds himself fascinated by her. Morgan has skills that mean she is able to help Archer in his investigations, even if it is unintentionally at first.

I really couldn’t get into this novella, first I thought I may have overindulged in the writing of the author, so took a break, but nope the plot for this book and the characters just didn’t work for me, it was all a tad too dull. A fair bit of skim reading did happen at one point.

That being said, I did enjoy the way in which the author dealt with and depicted Morgan's hearing problems, but the action scenes were missing a sense of vibrancy and energy. Plus, the relationship between Archer and Morgan needed more layering. To steal a line/concept from the movie Hotel Transylvania, I didn’t feel the zing between them.

[Maria Almaguer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A six chapter novella in Grace Burrowes brilliant Windham family series, so this would be book #8.5.

Morgan James was Anna’s sister—the heroine from the very first book in the series, The Heir and Burrowes’ debut. In that story, Morgan was losing her hearing and I had thought she might be matched with Valentine, Gayle’s brother; instead he became her very good friend and sort of big brother. In turn, she was his muse.

The charming and handsome Archer Portmaine was Benjamin Hazlit’s cousin—the hero of Lady Maggie’s Secret Scandal. You begin to see the importance of reading a series in order? Especially this one. All characters spill over into other series as well, which I love but, if you’re not into series, then you might not like this.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was so fast paced and so sweet. There was danger and intrigue but behind all that was pure heart. It was a lovely read with lively characters. Not the perfect characters that are unreal and unbelievable, but real and fallible. I wish it had been longer and the end not so hurried. I would love to read more about their adventures. I would like to hope that there is a chance for that at some time. A lovely read.

[Trio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice standalone novella in the Windham series. Morgan gets her happily-ever-after :)

[Kathie (katmom) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Release Day, Morgan and Archer!

This is a lovely novella by Grace Burrowes. She's one of my favorite authors. It has substance and read like a full length novel. For bonus points, Valentine (Val) Windham is in it! Oh, I do love that man.

Morgan has hearing problems. She can hear, sometimes, but sometimes not. She can lip read, which comes in quite handy when there's a threat to the crown. Even now, in this day and age, some people think that deaf really means dumb. Morgan is ignored because people think that just because she cannot hear, she must be an imbecile. They couldn't be more wrong.

Archer Portmaine (don't you love his name?), is an investigator, and a ladies' man. In the course of his investigation for the Crown, he meets Morgan. She helps him out of a tight spot, with wit and wisdom. He really doesn't want to be near her, as she pretty much sets him fire. I just love that.

Once again, Ms. Burrowes gives us a quality story, with great characters and even more heart...and some serious heat.

Seeing again characters from her series is always a joy. I liked the supporting characters in their own books, and it was lovely to greet them again. Would love to see more of Archer and Morgan, too!

Yes, a lovely way to spend a couple hours.




Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks, for the opportunity to read Morgan and Archer.

[MzKara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace Burrowes is an auto-buy author for me and once I have her latest in hand, all other activity ceases. I always love to see old characters pop up again in this universe that she has created. I haven't seen heroines with disabilities very often in romance, yet Burrowes handles Morgan's hearing issues with sensitivity and dignity. I felt a great deal of respect for Morgan. She was not a helpless, waif-like creature and in fact she had a hand in helping her hero, Archer, solve the mystery that'd had him at a loss for quite some time. And while Morgan's condition caused her to face certain harsh realities about human nature, it was clear that she was not an object of pity. She didn't bemoan her past and she tried to make every moment count in the present. However once she met Archer, you could feel her sadness as she felt that her hearing issues would truly be a limiting factor in terms of her having a love of her own and a family. Watching the meddling "Duke" up to his usual machinations and overprotective, stand-in big brother, Valentine Windham, definitely brought a light-hearted feel to this novella. And Archer, at turns slick and mischievous as his job demands and loving, tender, hanging on to Morgan's every word, was a wonderful hero and match for Morgan. Since this was a novella, things happen between Archer and Morgan rather quickly. As I love Burrowes' writing so much, of course I wanted it stretched out a great deal longer. But, it was a satisfying quick read - fine as a stand-alone but much richer after you've been introduced to all of the wonderful Windhams.

[Cheesecake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read by this author and I jumped into the middle of her Windham series. But that wasn't a problem. I got a good feel for the characters even though there were quite a few.

Archer is a sexy blond spy and Morgan is lovely young woman who has recently recovered her hearing (well partially).
I listened to this one in audio and the reader, Roger Hampton was perfect.

An enjoyable and well written story with well rounded out characters!

Archer is an investigator currently working on a possible plan against the crown. He keeps running into Morgan even though he can't afford a distraction at the moment. Right from the start you can feel a connection between them but it's not insta love or anything that crass.
The author weaves Morgan's hearing impairment into the story in such a way that it becomes a strength and not a failing.

If you are looking into this one for intrigue and the mystery, you will be disappointed. it all gets wrapped up off stage once the mystery is solved
I was far from disappointed though and look forward to visiting this author again!
In fact, I kinda hope she writes about them solving another mystery!

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace Burrowes is one of my favorites!
Lovely story about Morgan and Archer. Morgan we've met if the first book The Heir being Anna's deaf sister. It was wonderful to see Morgan fall in love. Bonus the ever so charming Valentine Windham makes a few appearances in this novella (love that character!).

[Sharon Redfern · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been waiting to see what happens to Morgan ever since she first appeared in the Wyndham series. I was disapointed she sidn't end up with Valentine until I read his book and now hers. Morgan has entered into polite society but doesn't expect to find a husband due to her hearing problems and fear of the ramifications for a parent. She first sees Archer when he slips into the family box and then just as quickly disappears. When they meet at a ball, there is instant attraction but he is chasing a spy and then she ends up rescuing him from a tricky situation. As their romance blooms, his occupation and her insecurities cause difficulites but love triumphs.

I love Grace Burrowes' books. Her characters are always done so well and even in a short story like this one, you feel like you really get to know them. Her heroes may be alpha or flawed but they are always perefect for the heroine of every story. I have never ended one of her books without feeling satisfied with the story.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Archer I met in this novel is a very different one than I met in Lady Maggie's Secret Scandal. What happened in the couple of years in between to change him from a careless skirtchaser who seemed to take little seriously to the fierce, dedicated, perceptive man in this novella is a story I wish I knew, but the story of Morgan and Archer is a beautifully rendered exploration of a man in a dangerous profession coming to know, understand and love a young woman is struggles to negotiate the world with a hearing disability and very few accommodations. Her fears are real, but he not only helps her to overcome them, but together they learn years deafness followed by partial hearing has some surprising benefits as well.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read many novellas, especially those written for the Christmas season, and for the most part, the reader is left feeling cheated. As if a popular, normally well-written author is rushing toward a holiday publishing date, and the result, sadly, is a short story that is not fulfilling and shallow.
Well, Grace Burrowes should give lessons in how to write a proper novella, because Morgan and Archer is what every novella should be. Complete, unhurried, and extremely satisfying. Her knack for bringing in characters from her other books into the current story is natural and delightful. It is a mystery to me how such a prolific author never fails to disappoint. Burrowes is amazing and genius.

[Diane Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice novella.

[Jack Vasen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella in the Windham series tells a complete story. It does benefit greatly from the first book in the series, The Heir, and to a lesser extent on The Virtuoso. We meet Morgan in The Heir and she is possibly the most compelling secondary character in the entire original series. When almost no mention was made of her in any of the seven succeeding books, I was greatly disappointed.

I, personally, am losing my hearing. As we meet Morgan in this story, I understand her situation completely. How many times do I struggle to hear someone standing close to me over usually minor background noises, such as paper rustling. Yet that's only part of her backstory. Her own brother intended to sell her into a marriage of virtual slavery in order to pay off his own debts. To escape, she and her sister Anna, the heroine of The Heir, fled into "service" -- that being a life of servitude to those who could afford household help. A chambermaid, such as Morgan was, was little better than a slave especially if her masters were less than honorable. When we meet Morgan in the first book, Gayle Windham is hammered with a fireplace implement by Anna because Anna thought he was taking liberties with Morgan's person. Female servants in those days often lost any physical virtue early in their careers.

This story was not a disappointment, although GB does cram a lot into a short novella. There is a spy story of which the reader only gets snippets with much of the progression of it being told in summary rather than in detail. There are a couple of explicit sex scenes, although they are probably a little shorter than those that occur in GB's full novels. There is the usual meddling by "supportive" Windham family members.

This story could easily have been expanded to a full novel and probably would have had a better pace than a few of the 8 novels in the series.

There are some funny moments in this story which I appreciated a little more than most of those in the original series.

Mature themes: I mentioned explicit sex. I mentioned the illicit perils of a chambermaid, of which a few are mentioned in the story. There is a threat of peril to someone in the Royal family.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me forever to get through this book. Damn election!!!!! I was so into the news that there were days I didn't even open the book. That never happens! Hopefully my reading schedule will get back on track. I didn't give the book the attention it deserved. Morgan and Archer appeared in previous books and it was great to catch up with them. There was a little intrigue, but I found the end to be a little anti-climatic. But I just love the Windhams, so it's always good to visit with them.

[Emmi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay, sooo.... I was really enjoying this novella, loving the couple, interested in the intrigue, until... Morgan revealed to Archer that she had implied she had used birth control when she had, in fact, not. Regardless of the fact that Archer wasn't mad at her for it when he found out (because it served his purposes), she used that to manipulate him into having sex with her when he was resistant and reluctant. Not cool. Never cool. Let's please continue to move away from questionable consent in romance.

[Lita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet little novella that tells Morgan's story. Her love interest is Archer, who works as a spy for the Crown. Morgan has regained her hearing a little thanks to an operation by a doctor found by Valentine Windham. Morgan had a crush on Valentine and I had hoped at one point that they would be a couple but that wasn't meant to be. Instead Valentine has his own story. Morgan has gotten over her crush and is now intrigued by Archer. Theirs is a sweet love story that I enjoyed very much.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morgan has been deaf, and even now, she can't hear well, but she did learn to read lips, though not perfectly. Archer is hunting a plot against the crown and learns that he really likes Morgan. Because of her talent, she helps Archer with his job and we get happily ever after. This is a novella that feels longer. I liked it. Good read.

[Lucy Dosch (EBookObsessed) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick but enjoyable novella. It also proves that maybe I was too quick to judge an author over one story.

Morgan James doesn’t consider herself eligible for marriage since she is slowly losing her hearing. But her loss just might be England’s gain.

Morgan is introduced to Archer, who is a private investigator and his current mission is to find out if someone is trying to harm the royal family. His attraction and fascination with Morgan is a dangerous distraction for a man with an important mission and is also a danger to Morgan if someone decides Archer is getting too close for comfort. Going after Morgan would certainly distract Archer from his duty.

But the best clue that Archer gets might be the one “overheard” by Morgan from across the room. Morgan might be hard of hearing but she has learned quite successfully to read lips. When the conspirators ignore the poor unfortunate deaf woman at the far end of the room, Morgan is quick make use of their mistake to get information to Archer but will he be in time to stop the conspirators.

THOUGHTS:
Back in December I told you about the new Sourcebooks Free Reads program where you sign up and they will email you a chapter of a book each day. Morgan and Archer was the fifth book in this program. Each book offered appears to be a novella so it is a quick change between books. The prior book to this one was a genre I didn’t normally read so I just deleted them each day until the next book started. I was enjoying these characters so much that I couldn’t wait and spent the $1.99 for the novella.

As a reminder you can sign up for Free Reads with Sourcebooks.

This is my second Grace Burrowes story and the last one I DNF’d because I simply didn’t like the characters, they way they spoke or the way they acted. This might be the difference in the genre as the last book was a contemporary where I didn’t feel the speaking style fit the time period and this being a regency romance which flowed just fine. I might have to give Ms. Burrowes another chance but stick with her historicals.

I admit I am fascinated by major characters with flaws. Everyone writes stories about gorgeous billionaires and beautiful women, and who wouldn’t fall for their sex appeal and charm. But I find it interesting to see how the author presents a flawed hero or heroine and how well the hero and heroine interact with each other and how they are treated by secondary characters. Does the flawed character work to behave “normally” or does the unflawed character change their behavior to work with the other character’s flaw? Are they treated as deficient or does intelligence make up for physical faults?

In this case there is no ASL, but Morgan is very good at reading lips. Whenever they would see each other at parties, Archer began walking Morgan toward quieter areas so they could have a conversation without all the background noise. He subtly changed his behavior to make things easier on Morgan without making her feel that she was flawed. It was Morgan who was more inclined to keep Archer at a distance because she couldn’t allow him to have a flawed wife and Archer who was unconcerned about Morgan’s defect. Archer has more appreciation for Morgan’s intelligence and wit than he does in her beauty or her flaws.

The only thing that bothered me about the story is that it turned out to be book 8.5 of the series and something happened along the way that helped cure Morgan from total deafness, but she was warned that her hearing would most likely start to fail again as she got older. There was no quick reminder of what procedure caused her to regain some of her hearing, so as a latecomer I am left in the dark about what could have been wrong with Morgan that could have been corrected by 18th century medicine. We also know that Morgan and her sister spent some time in “service.” It appears these Ladies were in hiding. I could only guess that they were in hiding from their brother (now deceased) but really no more than that and I only know that by reading a blurb on the first book in the series and by Morgan’s statement about how nice the Duke was as opposed to their titled brother.

As someone who likes a good series, it can get boring when we repeat things in each story so that everyone is up to date, but it is also helpful to at least give a quick recap for those who are new or maybe it’s been awhile since you read the last book. It is hard balance for authors to add updates without boring the die hard fans, but in this case, I was a little frustrated not to know at least a little more about how Morgan was able to recover some of her hearing. Since it was Morgan’s story, her explanation to Archer could have been our explanation as well instead of the “she quickly told Archer what had happened.”

As part of a series, it did not give us much time with other characters which would have us anticipating the next book. This was a novella and it is possible that the novels in the series spend more time introducing secondary characters that you want to see get their own story.

Overall, I liked Morgan and Archer and I might need to give Grace Burrowes another chance before I skip by her next novel.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Archer is investigating for the crown when he meets Morgan. He falls hard for her but he is afraid to show for fear of putting her in danger. However she has an idea of what he is up to because she can read lips. Another very good short story.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been wondering what had happened to Morgan and Archer. Morgan we met in 'The Heir' and Archer in 'Lady Maggie's Secret Scandal'. It's a novella, but it's a well written story. I hope we get to meet them again.

[Kuzi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was fine but super short so there wasn’t much of a story to delve into, although she tried, which just made it slightly confusing and unsatisfying. Would have thought this plot warranted something longer

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked them a lot better as secondary characters in the other books, but I'm also not a big fan of novellas.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 2 out of 5]

While Burrowes handled Morgan's hearing problems with a deft touch the action scenes were missing and I felt they were needed with this plot.

[Karen Darling · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very, very dull.

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Alicia King Hatch · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved this couples story with intrigue, windham family schemes n happily ever after

[Kem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't enjoy this one as much as others in series. The plot is interesting, but the main theme is the relationship. No real danger and excitement.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had hope for more/longer and more complex because I really like both h/h.

[Morgan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't like the narration, some ableist thinking, and consent manipulation on Morgan's part. No way.