Tremaine's True Love (True Gentlemen Book 1)

I'm a Grace Burrowes fan and have read and enjoyed most of her books. Although I hate to say it, I was disappointed in this book and can't believe I am giving it only a 3-star rating.First off, I couldn't believe how differently Nicholas was portrayed in this book from the persona presented in his own earlier book. In this book, he came across as weak, inept and ineffectual. This bothered me a great deal because it was such a departure from who I thought he was from the other book.Although I liked Tremaine, I had trouble liking Nita. Her personality was just too bossy and overbearing for me. The reason for breaking the engagement seemed contrived.I am going to read the next book in this series in the hopes that it will be better.

I have read many of Grace Burrowes' historical romances, and love her writing. Her books are historically accurate, and contain fascinating, likable characters. This one is no exception, and I like that she is revisiting some of the characters from her Lonely Lords series -- since I really liked it. This series centers on the romances of the Haddonfield women, who are the sisters of Nicholas from Lonely Lords Book 2.The H/h in this book are likable characters, and I wanted them to find their HEA. I liked Nita the most, because she is so selfless and wants to help others, even when it risks her own health and happiness. Tremaine is OK, but it did bother me that he just assumed Nita would stop using her healing skills when they married -- he didn't bother to ask her, just made the assumption, which was quite presumptuous on his part. Tremaine's attitude was typical for men of that time period, but it still bothered me. No spoilers here, but Nita's decision at the end of the book also bothered me.I think my favorite part of this book was that it revisits characters from the Lonely Lords series. Nicholas was one of my favorites, so it is nice to catch up with him and his family. A couple of the other Lonely Lords and their wives were also mentioned, which was nice. I assume Burrowes will continue to do that in the other books in this series.I'm looking forward to the other books in this series. My rating is 3.75 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.My rating system is below.1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.

It took a while for me to warm up to the characters. They’re all so self-deprecating that I began to think they weren’t well intentioned. However, they are, but also realistically flawed which makes the story more unpredictable and entertaining.It’s nice to feel like you can’t tell what the outcome will be or how the characters will evolve. But I could believe the outcome which is a plus for an HEA especially since those are still the only stories I want to read.This story has sheep, multi-cultural (albeit European) characters, a very little multi-sexuality, sexism, some physical and verbal abuse, and a lot of different types of women which is very refreshing for historical romances. And the men were pretty multi-faceted too.I thought it was a pretty honest love story, but not very romantic, more like the characters themselves who were both very practical people without much romance in their history. A very tiny bit of repetition, but the story is unique enough to overlook it.

Overall, an easy read. You don't have to think too much, and you get your happily-ever-after. It's your typical Regency Romance with nothing to really set it apart in a good way or a bad way from the rest of the genre.I don't believe this is the first book in the series, but it stood alone just fine, and I haven't read any other works by this author.I found the first few pages very convoluted and difficult to follow. Perhaps because I hadn't read the other books in the series. I almost put it down and moved on, but the writing did get much better.The premise of the story is Tremaine is looking to buy some very expensive sheep from the Earl of Bellemonte, and the earl is debating selling the sheep as he interviews Tremaine as a marriage prospect for one of his four unwed sisters.The heroine is a spinster who also happens to be a healer. Her healing and compassion become the reason she and the hero don't get together quickly so there's a book.While both are likable enough to me, neither of them are very deep. There are no meaningful character arcs in this book, but I don't really expect them in regency romance novels.I liked that it took time for the hero and heroine to build up an attraction to each other. There was none of the love-at-first-sight stuff that makes me roll my eyes.But I wish the author would've spent more time with them.There was a massive cast of characters, and other romances going on at the same time.Most jarring, the author kept switching point-of-view in the story. I expect to hop between the hero and heroine, but not the heroine's sisters, brothers, and whoever else. At the start of each scene, I'd have to take a moment to figure out whose eyes I was seeing through. Other than this, the writing itself was tight and well done.The plot is pretty sparse. Although, I will give the author some credit for looking up common diseases of the time as well as medical practices.Still, 99% of the issues in the story revolved around a very incompetent doctor. I can't comprehend why the heroine's father or brother kept him in town without finding another much, much sooner. Made me think very ill of them as earls.I also grew weary of all the "deep insights" into each other all of the siblings had, insights that didn't really go anywhere or lead to anything. Perhaps the author was trying to use this as character building, but it didn't work.Of course, didn't think too highly of anyone's problem solving skills when it didn't occur to any them until the very end of the book to get a competent doctor so the heroine could be with the man she loved. *eye roll*

DescriptionProduct DescriptionA 2016 RITA Finalist for Historical Romanace!New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes introduces a brand new gorgeous Regency Romance series featuring the Haddonfield ladies and their loves.He's had everything he could ever want...until nowWealthy wool magnate Tremaine St. Michael is half French, half Scottish, and all business. He prowls the world in search of more profits, rarely settling in one place for long. When he meets practical, reserved Lady Nita Haddonfield, he sees an opportunity to mix business with pleasure by making the lady his own.Nita Haddonfield has a meaningful life tending to others, though nobody is dedicated to caring for Nita. She insists the limitations of marriage aren't for her, then Tremaine St. Michael arrives-protective, passionate, and very, very determined to win Nita's heart.True Gentleman seriesTremaine's True Love (Book 1)Daniel's True Desire (Book 2)Will's True Wish (Book 3)Grace Burrowes writes heroes you'll never forget."Exquisite...breathtaking and heartwarming." -Long and Short Reviews for Nicholas"Delightfully different...Burrowes brings to life a deeply moving romance that's sure to be remembered and treasured." -RT Book Reviews Top Pick for DariusReview"Burrowes is at the top of her game, and this latest offering is not to be missed." - Kirkus"Burrowes's first True Gentlemen Regency is as thoughtful as it is romantic...The protagonists are brilliantly drawn, with plenty of romantic drama and witty repartee." - Publishers Weekly"[Burrowes] creates a fast-paced love story with nuances of humor and poignancy, astute dialogue, passion and sensuality." - RT Book Reviews"[A] fast-paced love story with nuances of humor and poignancy, astute dialogue, passion and sensuality. A definite keeper that leaves the reader anticipating the next book in the series. 4 1/2 Stars, Top Pick!" - RT Book Reviews""[A] passionate story that features an assortment of beautifully developed characters, an eloquently realized rural community, and a wealth of spirited banter and wry humor."" - Library Journal"I'm hooked...the Haddonfields appear slated to join the Windhams as one of my favorite historical families. I give this book a high recommendation." - The Romance Dish""Tremaine's True Love" will appeal to all of Burrowes's fans: there's a sensitive hero, an independent, reluctant-to-be-wooed heroine, all wrapped up in a sensual, compelling tale. " - Heroes and Heartbrealers"This one was a great book and I'd recommend it to anyone who is already a fan. " - Nelle's Nightstand

Tremaine St Michael has appeared as a minor character in another book by Grace Burrowes, so it is nice to take up his story, despite the fact that I was a bit dubious about him initially. However, here we look deeper into his character and origin - half French aristocracy and half Scottish, trying to fit in to English nobility! And I come to love him after all!This story tells about his visit to Nicholas Haddonfield (also well known to readers of Ms Burrowes' Lonely Lords series) as part of a commercial deal to buy a flock of prize merino sheep. Here he meets the younger siblings of the Earl of Bellefonte, including Lady Bernita (Nita). She is skilled in herbs and medical knowledge (self-taught from books - but much better and more compassionate that the local Doctor). There is attraction between them, but also conflict due to her desire to pursue her 'gift' and Tremaine's - and her family's - dislike of the danger to her health this brings.As always, the story is gently told, and well-written, in Ms Burrowes' inimitable style. I feel myself involved with the characters, and have difficulty putting my Kindle down until the situation is resolved and everyone (or nearly everyone!) is happy. I would recommend this book!

I can only say that Ms Burrows has continued to delight with her new True Gentlemen series of which this is the first, though these can be read individually in their own right I had read "Daniels True Desire" and discovered on reading Tremaine's True Love, it would have been better to read it first. As with all her books they are populated with characters we have met before, maybe by allusion or briefly but they are beautifully imagined and interwoven. Ms Burrowes's genius is making them "real" to her readers and we want to visit again and again. I love everything about characters even the "villians" as they sometimes turn out not to be such villians after all and very often have redeeming qualities. If you are a regular reader of her books you won't need me to review this book, just read it and lose yourself in her world.

A lovely book with some delightful phrases. Makes your day seem brighter. couldn't put it down. Looking forward to book 2.

I really enjoyed this book and I liked the characters development and personality.