This was pretty good. Almost a four star, but not quite. I didn't care much for the hero at first. But his brothers, I loved. I can't wait to get to Dev and Val's books. Dev, especially. I really liked him.

As the book progressed, I ended up liking Gayle more and more. He turned out to be a decent guy, if not a bit clueless about marriage proposals, of which there were many. But in the end, I was more than ready for the happily ever after. I was glad how it all worked out in the end. ( )

3.5 stars - there were elements of this story I enjoyed but I felt it was too long with the ending dragged out. Also I did feel the plot was completely unrealistic but I can let that slide as most regency romances strain the boundaries of reality. ( )

4-1/2 stars

Totally enjoyed it. It had a feel to it that I would label 'earthy'. The people used chamber pots and used curse words beyond just saying 'the devil you say!' occasionally. We know that f*** and s*** are old words. They would have used them.

The actions were mostly believable and realistic. This was one time where I felt that the actions of the hero and heroine were portrayed realistically as to the seduction and the heroine giving up her virginity out of the bounds of marriage to him. These two people were in close constant proximity to each other and things got progressively more out of hand.

Both the hero and the heroine were well rounded characters. I really enjoyed how she doted on him as his housekeeper and did everything she could to make his life easy and pleasant. I especially liked the hero. I liked how he tried his best to court her and kept putting himself out there for her. But he still seemed like an ordinary falliable man.

The only thing I can really fault is that it took her so long to trust him with her story. She didn't really have that much of a reason to distrust any man other than the two who were 'after' her. I believe this is the only place that it really deviated from what would be realistic for the time. She trusted him enough to sleep with him. I believe she would/should have trusted him to help her with her problems earlier. Plus she would have been hardwired to look to a man for help. Especially one who had the power and monetary wherewithal to help and who had specifically asked to help.

Enjoyed the secondary characters. Especially the brothers and the Duke.

The ending was just a bit too 'been there, read that already.' Lack of communication as a reason for a split. Where have I read that before? It was a minor issue though that didn't really interrupt my enjoyment of this regency at all.

Happily looking forward to Dev's story.

One final note though. This is touted as a first time author's debut. On the back " A Dazzling Debut..." Quote from the Acknowledgements "It takes a village to transform a first time author's aspirations into the lovely book you're reading now."

Then on the next page on the About the Author page it says "Grace Burrowes is the pen name for a prolific and award winning author of historical romances."

So what is it? Debut? or Not? Maybe just the first published one? ( )

Anna Seaton is a great character, full of charm and wit. She's working as a housekeeper, with flowers in every room and marzipan for the Earl of Westhaven. The house hums along like a well-oiled machine. But she's too well-educated for a housekeeper.

Gayle Windham, the Earl of Westhaven and heir to the Duke of Moreland, finds his housekeeper attractive, very attractive but how to convince her to trust him with her secrets.

Burrowes wrote a great set of supporting characters, the Duke and Duchess, and Westhaven's siblings.

Best for character development, a slow sweet romance. The plot is adequate,with all the adventure at the end. ( )

Really probably 2.5 stars, but I'm rounding up. This is weaker than most of the rest of the series, but still has some merits. There are some preposterous parts that made me want to roll my eyes, but I consciously chose to just set them aside and continue on. It's not a super satisfying ending (to me) as well, but it's not egregious. Everyone starts somewhere, and Burrowes has improved considerably since. ( )