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True Gentlemen #5
My Own True Duchess
Jonathan Tresham, heir to the Duke of Quimbey, needs a discreet ally to help him choose a wife from the mob of young ladies eager to become his duchess. When proper widow Theodosia Haviland rescues him from a compromising situation, he knows he’s found an advisor he can trust. Theo’s first marriage taught her the folly of indulging in romantic notions, and she’s determined that Jonathan Tresham’s intended be an ideal match for him, not some smitten ninnyhammer.
When Jonathan suggests Theo should be at the top of his list of possible duchesses, she protests, though she knows that Jonathan is kind and honorable despite his gruff exterior. The last person Theo can allow Jonathan to marry is a widow guarding scandalous secrets, even if she does also harbor an entirely inappropriate attraction to the one man she can never have.
When Jonathan suggests Theo should be at the top of his list of possible duchesses, she protests, though she knows that Jonathan is kind and honorable despite his gruff exterior. The last person Theo can allow Jonathan to marry is a widow guarding scandalous secrets, even if she does also harbor an entirely inappropriate attraction to the one man she can never have.
218 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2018
506 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
About the author
Grace Burrowes
181 books2,885 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 81 reviews
August 6, 2018
Opening up a Grace Burrowes book these days is like going to visit old friends. Even though each of her novels focuses on a different couple, the author has done such a thorough job of creating her own Regency world and peopling it with the many different families who move in the same elevated circles, that I know I’m going to meet up with at least one – and usually, several – familiar characters and enjoy their interactions with whichever of the principals they happen to be most closely involved with. My Own True Duchess is book five in the
True Gentlemen
series, and in it, I was pleased to become reacquainted with the Duke of Anselm (The Duke's Disaster) and several of the Dorning brothers (Will Dorning is the hero of Will's True Wish) as well as the Earl and Countess of Haddonfield and the youngest Haddonfield, Lady Della. While it probably helps to have at least a rough idea of who all these people are, it’s not essential; they are all secondary characters and their stories don’t really affect the principal narrative, in which a close friend of Anselm’s is out to find himself a suitable bride.
Mr Jonathan Tresham, a mathematical genius and highly successful businessman, has lived in Europe for the last decade and made himself a tidy fortune. Having recently become heir to the Duke of Quimbey, he has returned to England, knowing it is incumbent upon him to find himself a wife and set about securing the future of the dukedom. The trouble is that there’s a strong chance he’s not going to be given the time or opportunity to consider his choice; most of the eligible young ladies in London and their mamas have already scented blood and are circling the waters, some of them going to extraordinary lengths to try to secure a proposal from him. One of these enterprising young misses has managed to manoeuvre him into a deserted library, and Jonathan can feel the noose tightening – but the débutante’s hopes are dashed when a slightly older, poised and attractive woman enters the room and very politely and delicately runs her off.
Jonathan’s saviour is Mrs. Theodosia Haviland, a widow who lives in shabby-genteel almost-poverty with her sixteen-year-old sister and her seven-year-old daughter. Her late husband – who had been heir to a viscountcy – died young (from the effects of dissipation) and hugely in debt, and the new viscount used the finds that should have reverted to Theo in order to pay them off, leaving her with nothing. In addition, he refused to pay Haviland’s ‘debts of honour’ (gambling debts) which were massive and which have taken Theo years of scrimping and scraping to be able to settle.
Jonathan quickly realises that he and Mrs. Haviland can be of use to one another. His business interests take up a lot of his time and attention, and having been away for so long, he doesn’t really know who is who in society, while Theo, on the other hand, knows everyone and commands respect, in spite of her reduced circumstances. So Jonathan proposes a business transaction; he will ‘employ’ her to find him a suitable wife. Theo is not wild about the idea, but can’t deny that the money will come in very useful, so she agrees to narrow the field to a list of the ladies most likely to suit. Jonathan is pleased with the arrangement, but there’s one thing Theo won’t budge on. Having been unhappy in her own marriage, she is not prepared to consign Jonathan, a man she likes and admires, to a union with a simpering miss he won’t be able to like, no matter his insistence that he’s looking for a sensible society marriage based on practicality and not affection.
It will, of course, come as no surprise when I say that Jonathan soon finds himself comparing the ladies on Theo’s list to Theo herself, and finding them wanting. She’s kind, charming and intelligent, she knows her way around in society, she’s respectable and, as an added bonus, he’s very attracted to her. At first, Theo is reluctant to agree to his suggestion that they wed; a man who will one day be a duke shouldn’t marry an impoverished widow, but she can’t deny the pull of attraction she feels towards this this handsome, considerate man who so obviously cares for her and has earned her trust.
My Own True Duchess is typical Grace Burrowes fare in many ways. Jonathan and Theo are caring, decent people who have overcome some degree of adversity –Theo in her bad marriage, Jonathan as the product of neglectful parents – who find each other and, through conversation, discover commonalities and mutual understanding and respect. Where this book diverges from some of the author’s other recent releases is in the sub-plot; in many of her books, there’s a villain out to do physical harm (or worse) to one of the protagonists, but that isn’t the case here. There’s someone out to ruin Jonathan’s principal business interest – a prestigious London club – but that’s due to simple greed rather than any long-standing familial rivalry or grudge, which works better than some of the would-be murder plots in other books. Jonathan’s ownership of a lucrative gambling establishment does, of course, cause friction between him and his lady-love – and there were times I found Theo’s attitude to be overly judgmental – although fortunately, Ms. Burrowes redeems her in spectacular fashion, and manages to have Jonathan find a realistic solution to resolving the issues between them.
She also makes a number of very pertinent points about the situation of widows in the society of the day: The only female in all of English society who lived with a modicum of independence was the financially secure widow; while “A widow who is perceived to have fallen upon hard times soon finds herself besieged with offers, many of which are dishonourable.” At the same time, she shows some sympathy for the army of debutantes that regularly appears in historical romance as a giggling gaggle of ruthless ladies out to catch themselves the richest husband possible, pointing out that “They are taught that they are lucky – lucky to be relegated to the status of broodmares and ornaments.” So often, the marriageable misses are presented as grasping nit-wits and widows are employed merely to allow a heroine a larger degree of sexual freedom, and I appreciated the inclusion of both these less frequently expressed points of view.
My Own True Duchess is an enjoyable, character-driven romance featuring a well-matched central couple who behave like adults and communicate well, and which displays the author’s characteristic warmth and humour. If you’re a fan of her work, then I’m sure this will appeal, even if you haven’t read all the previous books in this particular series.
Mr Jonathan Tresham, a mathematical genius and highly successful businessman, has lived in Europe for the last decade and made himself a tidy fortune. Having recently become heir to the Duke of Quimbey, he has returned to England, knowing it is incumbent upon him to find himself a wife and set about securing the future of the dukedom. The trouble is that there’s a strong chance he’s not going to be given the time or opportunity to consider his choice; most of the eligible young ladies in London and their mamas have already scented blood and are circling the waters, some of them going to extraordinary lengths to try to secure a proposal from him. One of these enterprising young misses has managed to manoeuvre him into a deserted library, and Jonathan can feel the noose tightening – but the débutante’s hopes are dashed when a slightly older, poised and attractive woman enters the room and very politely and delicately runs her off.
Jonathan’s saviour is Mrs. Theodosia Haviland, a widow who lives in shabby-genteel almost-poverty with her sixteen-year-old sister and her seven-year-old daughter. Her late husband – who had been heir to a viscountcy – died young (from the effects of dissipation) and hugely in debt, and the new viscount used the finds that should have reverted to Theo in order to pay them off, leaving her with nothing. In addition, he refused to pay Haviland’s ‘debts of honour’ (gambling debts) which were massive and which have taken Theo years of scrimping and scraping to be able to settle.
Jonathan quickly realises that he and Mrs. Haviland can be of use to one another. His business interests take up a lot of his time and attention, and having been away for so long, he doesn’t really know who is who in society, while Theo, on the other hand, knows everyone and commands respect, in spite of her reduced circumstances. So Jonathan proposes a business transaction; he will ‘employ’ her to find him a suitable wife. Theo is not wild about the idea, but can’t deny that the money will come in very useful, so she agrees to narrow the field to a list of the ladies most likely to suit. Jonathan is pleased with the arrangement, but there’s one thing Theo won’t budge on. Having been unhappy in her own marriage, she is not prepared to consign Jonathan, a man she likes and admires, to a union with a simpering miss he won’t be able to like, no matter his insistence that he’s looking for a sensible society marriage based on practicality and not affection.
It will, of course, come as no surprise when I say that Jonathan soon finds himself comparing the ladies on Theo’s list to Theo herself, and finding them wanting. She’s kind, charming and intelligent, she knows her way around in society, she’s respectable and, as an added bonus, he’s very attracted to her. At first, Theo is reluctant to agree to his suggestion that they wed; a man who will one day be a duke shouldn’t marry an impoverished widow, but she can’t deny the pull of attraction she feels towards this this handsome, considerate man who so obviously cares for her and has earned her trust.
My Own True Duchess is typical Grace Burrowes fare in many ways. Jonathan and Theo are caring, decent people who have overcome some degree of adversity –Theo in her bad marriage, Jonathan as the product of neglectful parents – who find each other and, through conversation, discover commonalities and mutual understanding and respect. Where this book diverges from some of the author’s other recent releases is in the sub-plot; in many of her books, there’s a villain out to do physical harm (or worse) to one of the protagonists, but that isn’t the case here. There’s someone out to ruin Jonathan’s principal business interest – a prestigious London club – but that’s due to simple greed rather than any long-standing familial rivalry or grudge, which works better than some of the would-be murder plots in other books. Jonathan’s ownership of a lucrative gambling establishment does, of course, cause friction between him and his lady-love – and there were times I found Theo’s attitude to be overly judgmental – although fortunately, Ms. Burrowes redeems her in spectacular fashion, and manages to have Jonathan find a realistic solution to resolving the issues between them.
She also makes a number of very pertinent points about the situation of widows in the society of the day: The only female in all of English society who lived with a modicum of independence was the financially secure widow; while “A widow who is perceived to have fallen upon hard times soon finds herself besieged with offers, many of which are dishonourable.” At the same time, she shows some sympathy for the army of debutantes that regularly appears in historical romance as a giggling gaggle of ruthless ladies out to catch themselves the richest husband possible, pointing out that “They are taught that they are lucky – lucky to be relegated to the status of broodmares and ornaments.” So often, the marriageable misses are presented as grasping nit-wits and widows are employed merely to allow a heroine a larger degree of sexual freedom, and I appreciated the inclusion of both these less frequently expressed points of view.
My Own True Duchess is an enjoyable, character-driven romance featuring a well-matched central couple who behave like adults and communicate well, and which displays the author’s characteristic warmth and humour. If you’re a fan of her work, then I’m sure this will appeal, even if you haven’t read all the previous books in this particular series.
September 22, 2018
2.5ish because the writing itself is strong, but...
It's not you, Grace Burrowes...it's me! Well, maybe to some degree it's both of us :)
Grace Burrowes is capable of lyrical, often downright beautiful prose and well-crafted dialogue. She's also one of the only remaining historical romance authors who gives us the kind of heroes I happen to love: truly kind, decent, intelligent men who I'd adore in real life rather than jerks who are cringe-inducingly awful for a solid majority of the novel in the name of being "alpha" or whatever. These are the attributes I value most in my romances, so Grace Burrowes should be my all-time favorite. Instead, I always end up finding myself struggling to finish her books.
Burrowes' novels always end up feeling so turgidly paced to me, with far too little plot/story spread across far too many pages. To be fair, I have that same complaint about many historical romances, but with Grace Burrowes it's always particularly glaring. There are just so many repetitive and circular conversations, so many lengthy (and also repetitive) internal monologues, and so many ultimately pointless scenes that should be summarized rather than written out in painfully tedious minute-by-minute detail.
I also have the same problem with Grace Burrowes that I now do with Jill Shalvis (though in my opinion Burrowes' prose is far better, as are her heroes!): these authors have written SO many books, and somehow the more of them I read, the less I appreciate these writers overall. Why? Because I'm finding so, so many similarities from one book to the next and so many lazy repetitions in themes, characterizations, descriptors, dialogue etc.
Clearly I need a longer break from Burrowes, and I can't help but feel that maybe she needs a break from churning out so many far too similar books at such a rapid pace. She really does have talent, but the painfully sluggish pace and lack of plotting makes her books so much less enjoyable read for me than they could be.
It's not you, Grace Burrowes...it's me! Well, maybe to some degree it's both of us :)
Grace Burrowes is capable of lyrical, often downright beautiful prose and well-crafted dialogue. She's also one of the only remaining historical romance authors who gives us the kind of heroes I happen to love: truly kind, decent, intelligent men who I'd adore in real life rather than jerks who are cringe-inducingly awful for a solid majority of the novel in the name of being "alpha" or whatever. These are the attributes I value most in my romances, so Grace Burrowes should be my all-time favorite. Instead, I always end up finding myself struggling to finish her books.
Burrowes' novels always end up feeling so turgidly paced to me, with far too little plot/story spread across far too many pages. To be fair, I have that same complaint about many historical romances, but with Grace Burrowes it's always particularly glaring. There are just so many repetitive and circular conversations, so many lengthy (and also repetitive) internal monologues, and so many ultimately pointless scenes that should be summarized rather than written out in painfully tedious minute-by-minute detail.
I also have the same problem with Grace Burrowes that I now do with Jill Shalvis (though in my opinion Burrowes' prose is far better, as are her heroes!): these authors have written SO many books, and somehow the more of them I read, the less I appreciate these writers overall. Why? Because I'm finding so, so many similarities from one book to the next and so many lazy repetitions in themes, characterizations, descriptors, dialogue etc.
Clearly I need a longer break from Burrowes, and I can't help but feel that maybe she needs a break from churning out so many far too similar books at such a rapid pace. She really does have talent, but the painfully sluggish pace and lack of plotting makes her books so much less enjoyable read for me than they could be.
July 30, 2018
3.5 stars. Another nice although not brilliant read from Grace Burrowes. I like her gentle style and the characters she creates. Sometimes I find the plethora of secondary characters a little confusing and I have some trouble trying to remember exactly who is who. But her MCs usually shine and these two were both very likeable.
Theo, the h, was suddenly widowed and is now struggling to make a life for herself as well as her young daughter and sister. She has integrity and determination. Tresham, the H, is one of those quiet, deep characters whose worth reveals itself over time. You can respect both of them, and I really liked the deep connection formed between the two of them.
As well as the MCs' romance, the plot revolved around a gambling club that Tresham owns. Things aren't going too well at the club, and Tresham is trying to get to the bottom of some shady dealings going on behind his back. This was quite an interesting plot line, although this was also where some of the confusing secondary characters came in, and I kept thinking, who's that again?
So overall, another Burrowes that I liked, although didn't love. An enjoyable read, and I will continue to read this series and the associated series.
Theo, the h, was suddenly widowed and is now struggling to make a life for herself as well as her young daughter and sister. She has integrity and determination. Tresham, the H, is one of those quiet, deep characters whose worth reveals itself over time. You can respect both of them, and I really liked the deep connection formed between the two of them.
As well as the MCs' romance, the plot revolved around a gambling club that Tresham owns. Things aren't going too well at the club, and Tresham is trying to get to the bottom of some shady dealings going on behind his back. This was quite an interesting plot line, although this was also where some of the confusing secondary characters came in, and I kept thinking, who's that again?
So overall, another Burrowes that I liked, although didn't love. An enjoyable read, and I will continue to read this series and the associated series.
July 7, 2018
Par for the course
For me Grace Burrowed books always start out great and then take a turn down the boring road. This looked good though so paid my money and took my chances. This book started out great and then turned down the boring road. You'd think I'd learn.
For me Grace Burrowed books always start out great and then take a turn down the boring road. This looked good though so paid my money and took my chances. This book started out great and then turned down the boring road. You'd think I'd learn.
July 22, 2018
It started out very well then I got bored with the heroine. I liked Theo, but she was too neurotic about her late husband and I didn't like her relationship with her daughter. Had the author not waited until the end to divulge more about her husband's death I may have liked and understood her better. Another thing that irks me to no end is that Burrowes is too modern in her storytelling and she's not talented enough nor has she the humor to pull it off like Tessa Dare can without me noticing or caring about it. The trouble at Jonathan's Coventry Club side-plot was very stupid, I felt the author just threw it in for tension and I don't know why, and then the way she wrapped it up was ridiculous, though I saw it coming a mile away. There are so many different scenarios that wouldn't have been so amateurish and predictable with another female bad apple. In my opinion GB is the most inconsistent author of romances, which is why I will only read her stuff through the free public library from now on. Disappointing....I had high hopes for Jonathan's tale.
January 4, 2019
Today while swinging on a hammock, I read My Own True Duchess. I thoroughly enjoyed the story even though I tend to shy away from Grace Burrows’ books—while a fabulous writer, her books have such a serious tone to them that makes them much less “fluffy” than other historical romance novels. Or, at least, I feel that way; I find that I comparatively smile and giggle less. I think it’s because Burrows’ dialogue is packed with pleasantries or lengthy emotional speeches—there is little, if any, humorous flirting.
That said, Burrows does a great job of building complex characters and believable romances. My Own True Duchess (a title, by the way, that I love) is no exception.
Our hero is Jonathan Tresham, heir to the Duke of Quimbey, who is a bit aloof and definitely somewhat oblivious but possesses an impeccable memory and an ability to immediately recognize patterns. He has made his own fortune through owning the gentlemen’s club “The Coventry.” I really liked Jonathan if only for the reason that he was just such a stand-up guy. Rakes and rouges are fun and all but it was nice to read a book about a hero—especially a hero who owned a gambling club—who hasn’t slept with every woman in London and drowned himself in a tankard of whiskey every night. He loves his job because he is drawn to probabilities and numbers, not because of a love of gambling. Case in point: for most of the book, his ideal night was to sit in his room and stare at ledgers.
Widow Theodosia Haviland was married to a complete scumbag for many years and lives heavily in debt trying to repay her late husbands’ creditors. When Jonathan hires her as a matchmaker she tries her best to find him a suitable wife but falls for him instead.
Brief interlude:
I just want to say that the blurb for this book was truly awful. The description of Theo as a “widow guarding scandalous secrets” with “an entirely inappropriate attraction to the one man she can never have” was just false. What secrets (she is pretty darn open about her life early on to Jonathan)? And what inappropriate attraction (she deems him suitable for marriage pretty quick? The primary plot of the book actually has to do with Jonathan who is experiencing problems with his club and finding the culprit behind them.
I liked Theo. As a character, she wasn’t very warm—she had gone through hell and back and you could tell, but her loyalty and strength shone through. She was incredibly mature: a rare trait for a historical romance novel heroine.
In fact, that might be the word I’m looking for: “mature.” This book has two very mature main characters. Their love grows from mutual respect instead of zany instances and outrageous flirtation. Which both makes their relationship seem much more realistic but also much blander. And won’t put a dumb smile on my face the entire time I read.
Rating: 3.5/5
That said, Burrows does a great job of building complex characters and believable romances. My Own True Duchess (a title, by the way, that I love) is no exception.
Our hero is Jonathan Tresham, heir to the Duke of Quimbey, who is a bit aloof and definitely somewhat oblivious but possesses an impeccable memory and an ability to immediately recognize patterns. He has made his own fortune through owning the gentlemen’s club “The Coventry.” I really liked Jonathan if only for the reason that he was just such a stand-up guy. Rakes and rouges are fun and all but it was nice to read a book about a hero—especially a hero who owned a gambling club—who hasn’t slept with every woman in London and drowned himself in a tankard of whiskey every night. He loves his job because he is drawn to probabilities and numbers, not because of a love of gambling. Case in point: for most of the book, his ideal night was to sit in his room and stare at ledgers.
Widow Theodosia Haviland was married to a complete scumbag for many years and lives heavily in debt trying to repay her late husbands’ creditors. When Jonathan hires her as a matchmaker she tries her best to find him a suitable wife but falls for him instead.
Brief interlude:
I just want to say that the blurb for this book was truly awful. The description of Theo as a “widow guarding scandalous secrets” with “an entirely inappropriate attraction to the one man she can never have” was just false. What secrets (she is pretty darn open about her life early on to Jonathan)? And what inappropriate attraction (she deems him suitable for marriage pretty quick? The primary plot of the book actually has to do with Jonathan who is experiencing problems with his club and finding the culprit behind them.
I liked Theo. As a character, she wasn’t very warm—she had gone through hell and back and you could tell, but her loyalty and strength shone through. She was incredibly mature: a rare trait for a historical romance novel heroine.
In fact, that might be the word I’m looking for: “mature.” This book has two very mature main characters. Their love grows from mutual respect instead of zany instances and outrageous flirtation. Which both makes their relationship seem much more realistic but also much blander. And won’t put a dumb smile on my face the entire time I read.
Rating: 3.5/5
June 30, 2018
Treshan and Theo are so great together!
Theo is a widow in dire straights but full of strength and wisdom and Treshan is a business man and a gambling hell owner that happens to be a ducal heir. This peculiar pair will fight for their HEA and learn when to compromise and when to bet all in for love.
Theo is a widow in dire straights but full of strength and wisdom and Treshan is a business man and a gambling hell owner that happens to be a ducal heir. This peculiar pair will fight for their HEA and learn when to compromise and when to bet all in for love.
July 5, 2018
I'm a long-time Burrowes fan....so of course I had to buy this...
Widow Theo Haviland agrees to help Jonathan Tresham find a suitable bride, but despite her better judgement, discovers that she's falling for him herself -- he's everything that Theo's first husband wasn't: smart, caring, dependable, and.....wealthy. Jonathan finds that Theo's quiet charm and intelligence are just want he wants in a wife. What could go wrong?
Well -- a lot! Jonathan quietly owns a 'gentleman's club.' Theo despises gambling, and blames it for her husband's death, and when she discovers Jonathan's involvement in the club, she's devastated....and breaks off with him. However, when it appears that Jonathan is facing losing the club -- and all the good work he does with its proceeds -- Theo is forced to take a second look and re-evaluate her prejudices....
While Theo's definitely not my favorite Burrowes heroine, she's managed to survive in a society that's pretty unfriendly to women. She endured a lousy marriage, her husband's death, and resulting poverty, but has kept her little family together -- no easy feat. But...I found her rather starchy and judgemental. Jonathan is just wonderful -- he's overcome a wretched childhood, and thrives, even though he's carrying quite a burden.
So why 4 stars? Well -- the writing is, of course, a treat to read, and....Burrowes does an exceptional job of reconciling these two so different characters. Theo gets a chance to redeem herself. While she initially turns away from Jonathan, she is able (with the help of friends and family) to face how unfair she's been....and then she's brave enough to take a chance on him. And....Jonathan, too, had to change; he's had to accept his (unwanted) future as a peer, and let go of the security of the club.
Widow Theo Haviland agrees to help Jonathan Tresham find a suitable bride, but despite her better judgement, discovers that she's falling for him herself -- he's everything that Theo's first husband wasn't: smart, caring, dependable, and.....wealthy. Jonathan finds that Theo's quiet charm and intelligence are just want he wants in a wife. What could go wrong?
Well -- a lot! Jonathan quietly owns a 'gentleman's club.' Theo despises gambling, and blames it for her husband's death, and when she discovers Jonathan's involvement in the club, she's devastated....and breaks off with him. However, when it appears that Jonathan is facing losing the club -- and all the good work he does with its proceeds -- Theo is forced to take a second look and re-evaluate her prejudices....
While Theo's definitely not my favorite Burrowes heroine, she's managed to survive in a society that's pretty unfriendly to women. She endured a lousy marriage, her husband's death, and resulting poverty, but has kept her little family together -- no easy feat. But...I found her rather starchy and judgemental. Jonathan is just wonderful -- he's overcome a wretched childhood, and thrives, even though he's carrying quite a burden.
So why 4 stars? Well -- the writing is, of course, a treat to read, and....Burrowes does an exceptional job of reconciling these two so different characters. Theo gets a chance to redeem herself. While she initially turns away from Jonathan, she is able (with the help of friends and family) to face how unfair she's been....and then she's brave enough to take a chance on him. And....Jonathan, too, had to change; he's had to accept his (unwanted) future as a peer, and let go of the security of the club.
October 11, 2018
Jonathan Tresham owner of a gambling club and ducal heir falls in love with a widow who has lost everything due to her husband‘gambling. This story was better than some of the cookie cutter books that Grace Burrowes writes. There are the usual parcelful of dukes and Earls waiting for their next book. It had its moments of interest but as usual the plot meandered a bit here and there before coming to a happily ever after.
June 25, 2018
I always look forward to Grace Burrowes’ releases. This one caught my eye with the stunning cover, and what a beautiful story! She creates a well written tale with amazing characters. Couldn’t put it down.
August 6, 2018
A strong heroine and a hero who sees her for the priceless gem she is. The hero and heroine both have issues that they work through by (gasp) talking honestly with each other. And I just like Grace Burrowes writing.
May 2, 2020
I simply love Grace
😊😊😊😊❤️👌👌👌👌
😊😊😊😊❤️👌👌👌👌
June 23, 2018
My Own True Duchess was quite nice. Theo's situation was an interesting look behind the curtain of polite society, and I really enjoyed how she was sympathetic to the debutantes and educated Jonathan on their situation. Many characters in historical romances (mostly the men) are very critical of the women/debutantes in the marriage mart, and very rarely are they criticized for it. I also liked the conversation Theo had with Mrs. Compton; one of my issues with Burrowes' books (and I do like them) is the lack of female centered support for the heroines. The male characters are often able to discuss things with men, but the women are left to flounder on their own. The last two books I've read have had more support for the women. Lastly, I liked seeing the Dorning boys again, and I look forward to stories featuring them as heroes.
June 21, 2018
Enjoy the repartee
Grace Burrowe’s books are always true to the Regency period, and include a secondary cast of intriguing characters that one hopes will be the subjects of sequels—not to mention sizzling, warm-hearted romances.
Grace Burrowe’s books are always true to the Regency period, and include a secondary cast of intriguing characters that one hopes will be the subjects of sequels—not to mention sizzling, warm-hearted romances.
June 20, 2018
This book had layer after layer of depth, humor and social insight.
June 25, 2018
This is not one of the better books I have read by this author. The characters were not appealing and the dialogue had a sing-song element to it which I found very annoying.
June 20, 2018
Not my style
I liked these characters and the story for about the first third. I didn’t like the use the plot device an inevitable conflict ie betrayed by a gambler then falls for someone who owns a gambling club. I hate that approach to romance.
I liked these characters and the story for about the first third. I didn’t like the use the plot device an inevitable conflict ie betrayed by a gambler then falls for someone who owns a gambling club. I hate that approach to romance.
March 8, 2023
A nice historical romance. The hero is a duke's heir who has been asked by his uncle to marry and start making heirs, but he's never been very social and isn't good at flirtation. Nor is he very good at avoiding young ladies who set traps for him. And at a ball one night, he is rescued from such a trap by a nice widow lady. She's been left impoverished by her late husband with a teenaged sister and a young dervish of a daughter to raise. The hero hires her to find him a wife, but quickly realizes she's the one he wants. The complications aren't unnecessarily drawn out. The biggest, last conflict is apparent from early on-- but I'd better not give it away here. It's a good read, very well done.
October 24, 2023
This is mainly 4 stars because for once Burrowes does not manage to completely make me disdain the heroine in the 2nd half of the book.
The hero Jonathan is, as usual, an impeccably decent guy, and even his minor flaws are outweighed by all his stellar qualities. Burrowes often writes non-"alpha" men and I appreciate that because -- aside from despising the terminology because it's scientifically idiotic -- "alpha" heroes in romance are uncouth "bad boy" pricks, and I don't find them attractive or romantic in the least, and couldn't care less about seeing them get a HEA. All too often, however, Burrowes' heroes are too good to be true. Jonathan gets close to that, but he does have flaws he has to work through -- and he doesn't go on and on about Theo's menstrual cycle! Yay!
Theodosia doesn't have a huge, deep, dark (and stupid) secret, she's just embarrassed by her dead husband's reckless, uncaring, and ultimately sad actions that left her in dire financial straits, barely clinging into the edges of polite society. Those secrets get doled out to us bit by bit, and I kept waiting for the big axe to fall -- and then it never did. Which, don't get me wrong, was a good thing; I can't stand so many of the stupid secrets Burrowes has conditioned me to expect, so I can't really blame her. But it did keep me slightly anxious throughout the read and I didn't enjoy it as much as I might have otherwise.
What bothers me more about Theo is that she is depicted as entirely joyless. It's completely understandable that she is neurotic, what with financial ruin staring her and her dependents in the face, but there's a bit where she tells Jonathan he should look for joy in his marriage, and I was thinking "well, that takes you out of the running right there". I'm not asking much, but could she at least enjoy her flowers, or her daughter, or something? She feels like an old, dry, beaten down husk, and while I can see the things Jonathan appreciates in her, I wouldn't feel romantically attracted to somebody so dour. But hey, at least she doesn't turn into a total ninny halfway through the book -- her upset about Jonathan's main source of income makes sense, and she gets over her initial reaction by herself and in a reasonable amount of time, so there's actual character growth.
Another thing I like is that for once the heroine has something of a support network of other women, primarily her friend Bea. That's also something new in my experience of reading Burrowes, previously her heroes have a lot of support from other men, but her heroines don't have a single friend, just supposedly loving relatives who know better than she does and try to push her (so annoying).
So the 4 stars are mainly earned by more positive impressions than those of most previous books, and are not indicative of how much I enjoyed the book. Which was rather more tepid; for me this isn't a keeper for rereading.
The hero Jonathan is, as usual, an impeccably decent guy, and even his minor flaws are outweighed by all his stellar qualities. Burrowes often writes non-"alpha" men and I appreciate that because -- aside from despising the terminology because it's scientifically idiotic -- "alpha" heroes in romance are uncouth "bad boy" pricks, and I don't find them attractive or romantic in the least, and couldn't care less about seeing them get a HEA. All too often, however, Burrowes' heroes are too good to be true. Jonathan gets close to that, but he does have flaws he has to work through -- and he doesn't go on and on about Theo's menstrual cycle! Yay!
Theodosia doesn't have a huge, deep, dark (and stupid) secret, she's just embarrassed by her dead husband's reckless, uncaring, and ultimately sad actions that left her in dire financial straits, barely clinging into the edges of polite society. Those secrets get doled out to us bit by bit, and I kept waiting for the big axe to fall -- and then it never did. Which, don't get me wrong, was a good thing; I can't stand so many of the stupid secrets Burrowes has conditioned me to expect, so I can't really blame her. But it did keep me slightly anxious throughout the read and I didn't enjoy it as much as I might have otherwise.
What bothers me more about Theo is that she is depicted as entirely joyless. It's completely understandable that she is neurotic, what with financial ruin staring her and her dependents in the face, but there's a bit where she tells Jonathan he should look for joy in his marriage, and I was thinking "well, that takes you out of the running right there". I'm not asking much, but could she at least enjoy her flowers, or her daughter, or something? She feels like an old, dry, beaten down husk, and while I can see the things Jonathan appreciates in her, I wouldn't feel romantically attracted to somebody so dour. But hey, at least she doesn't turn into a total ninny halfway through the book -- her upset about Jonathan's main source of income makes sense, and she gets over her initial reaction by herself and in a reasonable amount of time, so there's actual character growth.
Another thing I like is that for once the heroine has something of a support network of other women, primarily her friend Bea. That's also something new in my experience of reading Burrowes, previously her heroes have a lot of support from other men, but her heroines don't have a single friend, just supposedly loving relatives who know better than she does and try to push her (so annoying).
So the 4 stars are mainly earned by more positive impressions than those of most previous books, and are not indicative of how much I enjoyed the book. Which was rather more tepid; for me this isn't a keeper for rereading.
June 23, 2018
Jonathan Tresham, the heir to a Duke, needs to find a wife, but he has been away from society and has other business concerns that he'd rather pursue. He hires widow Theo Haviland to find him the perfect wife. Theo comes up with a list, but Jonathan decides Theo is actually the perfect match for him.
There are some almost predictable issues inserted here for some drama before the end of the book, but I was surprised by a few little plot twists. Theo and Jonathan are nice but I found the first part of the book a bit slow. I also didn't understand why Theo confided so much to this strange man when she was also so concerned about her reputation. So this wasn't my favorite Burrowes book (it probably didn't help that I just reread The Heir).
Still, it's an enjoyable and fast read, and I liked how Theo finally came around and how Jonathan finally solved the mystery at his club.
There are some almost predictable issues inserted here for some drama before the end of the book, but I was surprised by a few little plot twists. Theo and Jonathan are nice but I found the first part of the book a bit slow. I also didn't understand why Theo confided so much to this strange man when she was also so concerned about her reputation. So this wasn't my favorite Burrowes book (it probably didn't help that I just reread The Heir).
Still, it's an enjoyable and fast read, and I liked how Theo finally came around and how Jonathan finally solved the mystery at his club.
July 11, 2019
Jonathan Tresham, heir to the Duke of Quimbey, needs a discreet ally to help him choose a wife from the mob of young ladies eager to become his duchess. When proper widow Theodosia Haviland rescues him from a compromising situation, he knows he’s found an advisor he can trust. Theo’s first marriage taught her the folly of indulging in romantic notions, and she’s determined that Jonathan Tresham’s intended be an ideal match for him, not some smitten ninnyhammer.
When Jonathan suggests Theo should be at the top of his list of possible duchesses, she protests, though she knows that Jonathan is kind and honorable despite his gruff exterior. The last person Theo can allow Jonathan to marry is a widow guarding scandalous secrets, even if she does also harbor an entirely inappropriate attraction to the one man she can never have.
**
June 2, 2020
This is an entertaining story of Theo, an attractive widow, and Jonathan, heir to a Duke. Jonathan owns The Coventry, a gambling club. Theo’s husband lost his money gambling. One of the places was the Coventry. That was before Jonathan owned it. Jonathan asks Theo to help him find a wife, but he realizes he really likes her better than the young debs. They fall in love. Jonathan finds that things are changing at the Coventry and not for the better. Theo is totally against his owning the club, but it is a money making business for Jonathan. Can he find the source of the cheating at the. Club? Can he and Theo work out their differences over the club?
June 11, 2022
While good, this wasn’t one of my favorite Grace Burrowes’ books. Both the main characters were very appealing individually, but I never bought into the romance. Perhaps it was the premise of Jonathan hiring her as his matchmaker to begin with: unconvincing. Perhaps it was the businesslike way he approached the concept of marriage. Of all Grace Burrowes’ true gentlemen, I just felt like Jonathan Tresham needed to be hit by a bolt of lightning. And while Theo’s caution about a new relationship was totally justified, it kept dragging at her relationship with Jonathan. The magic of a new beginning was missing and it left me vaguely disappointed.
July 25, 2018
As always Grace Burrowes is spectacular! Her style of writing is unique to only her. She has created a world with all her characters which is so intricately intertwined I am always amazed at how she keeps track of them all from one book to the next. Her characters are always unique and Theo and especially Diana are no different. Her love stories are as close to reality as you can get in a fictional world because it addresses simple everyday things that couples experience. She is a great storyteller.
July 11, 2024
A better ending! I like Grace Burrowes books, but the "happily ever after" endings are a bit dull. Of course all romantic novels have a happily ever after endings, but the author can usually find a way to.say that without resorting to those particular words. Or mentioning happily ever after in different words but to the same effect. I have always found her endings to be disappointing .This one ended with happily ever after but she didn't say so in words. It was just implied, and therefore not quite so trite.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2020
Jonathan soon to be Duke enlists the help of widow Theodosia. She helps him escape from a young woman trying to force a compromising situation into marriage. He is too busy working to keep his private businesses successful. She agrees to help him with choosing a wife as well as keeping him 'safe' during the season. As the season progresses he finds he like spending time with Theo rather than the ladies she has steered him toward. A delightful read!
June 23, 2018
More than just a frolic
Burrowed writes with humour, compassion and a deep understanding of the human heart. The story of Theo and Jonathan is engrossing and the cast of minor characters are no mere cyphers. Each has their own character and idiosyncrasies. Well grounded in historical reality and excellent writing as always.
Burrowed writes with humour, compassion and a deep understanding of the human heart. The story of Theo and Jonathan is engrossing and the cast of minor characters are no mere cyphers. Each has their own character and idiosyncrasies. Well grounded in historical reality and excellent writing as always.
June 28, 2018
Widows
Theo is a widow with a daughter. Jonathan is a future Duke in need of a Duchess. They are both, of course hiding secrets. When Jonathan realizes she is impoverished he offers to.pay her to help him find a wife. You can easily imagine how that turns out. Many of my favorite characters make appearances, which is one of the reasons that I love to read Burrowes.
Theo is a widow with a daughter. Jonathan is a future Duke in need of a Duchess. They are both, of course hiding secrets. When Jonathan realizes she is impoverished he offers to.pay her to help him find a wife. You can easily imagine how that turns out. Many of my favorite characters make appearances, which is one of the reasons that I love to read Burrowes.
August 18, 2018
An excellent story with truths which must be faced. We have a widow who must face her past and accept the truths. We have a duke who needs to marry and seeks help from the widow. Now let’s meet Mrs. Theo Haviland and Jonathan Tresham as they meet and learn about their past and second chances. Love is blooming and you will enjoy this romantic and humor story. I recommend this book!
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