Soldier

Devlin has finished with war and serving his King. He just wants to go home and take care of the family holdings. Upon arrival he finds a waif of a child in his fountain, dirty and straggling looking. He is informed that this waif conveyed with the estate, which he finds hard to believe. He is to be responsible for this child’s upbringing.

First thing he determines is that the child needs a bath, but nobody in the castle will help, so he assumes that this waif is a male child and then finds out differently rather quickly. Second he finds a governess, Emmaline, o take care of this unruly waif and a tutor to teach.

Emmaline is running from something or to something; Devlin can not decide which. But alas the soldier in him comes out again and he is determined to find out and do something about it. Emmaline in the meantime has decided that things are heating up too much and decides to take off again. She gives him notice and takes off. Winnie, in the meantime, becomes more of a handful because she wants Emmaline back. What happens, does the hero get the girl or do circumstances make things impossible?

Review: A must read! For an English romance this has a great story to it and was hard to put down once started. I hope to find more like it by this author.

Devlin St. Just, the eldest though illegitimate son of the duke of Moreland, returns from years of war on the Spanish peninsula and the Battle of Waterloo suffering from what today is named post-traumatic stress disorder. Through his family’s influence, he becomes the earl of Rosecroft and retires to a Yorkshire estate. Along with his new title and property, St. Just has inherited Bronwyn “Winnie” Farnum, the late earl’s six-year-old natural daughter. St. Just feels doubly responsible for the child, having killed her father in a duel. He is relieved when Emmaline Farnum appears from the neighboring property, claiming cousinship to Winnie and demonstrating a fierce protectiveness of the orphan girl. St. Just and Emmie become “united in the cause of Winnie’s welfare.” And the ex-cavalry commander discovers capable, flawed Emmie somehow eases his transition into civilian life.

The Soldier is a tender and sensuous romance with serious underlying themes of recovery, reconciliation, and forgiveness. Beautifully told, with well-rounded characters and story, Grace Burrowes’ second book in the Duke’s Obsession series should be welcomed by fans of Regency romance.



The Soldier
by Grace Burrowes
(Sourcebooks, $6.99, PG-13) ISBN 978-1-40224-567-1
****
Grace Burrowes has thrown another winner into the ring with her second Winham family book, The Soldier. A newcomer to the historical romance scene, Burrowes is proving to be a rising star with her laid-back and often humorous style of writing in a genre that is often stuffy.

As with the heroine in The Heir, Emmaline Farnum is not the stuff society is made of. She’s living on the edge of Rosecroft, the land that had belonged to a heathen named Helmsley (this is the family land of Anna, the main character in The Heir, who was the previous earl’s sister), who had fathered a young child that is related to Emmie. The girl, Bronwyn, is Emmie’s only family, though Emmie knows some day that Winnie will need to take her place in the real world and away from Emmie; Emmie’s family are not known for their abstinence, and thus she fears association with her will drag Winnie further through the mud. A troubled little girl who has dealt with a lot of loss, Winnie’s well-being is the most important thing in Emmie’s world.

Though the oldest son of a duke and the brother to an earl, Colonel Devlin St. Just never expected to have a title himself, having been born, as they say, on the wrong side of the sheets. However, when his father and brother pulled some strings after Devlin saved Anna’s life by taking that of her brother, he accepted the title of earl and the downtrodden land that came with it. Restless, wearied, and troubled by the many years of war he has seen, St. Just is looking for respite.

Emmaline is a baker and keeps very busy hours, but when St. Just takes over the care of Winnie, Emmie protests. St. Just, raised by a single mother, understands her plight and moves her into Rosecroft so that she may use his kitchen for her business and act as a temporary cook, thus enabling her to oversee Winnie as well.

The backbreaking labor involved in bringing the estate back around does exhaust St. Just to the point where he can almost relax, but it’s Emmie Farnum who brings him the first measure of peace he’s known in more than a decade.

Their romance is sweet, and both Emmie and St. Just are tremendous characters. Though there isn’t much by way of social gatherings that most people expect from a Regency-era novel and some of the cultural interactions are more contemporary than historical, readers will be well-pleased by the novel. It’s refreshing and cute and, at times, heartbreaking. The peripheral characters, especially St. Just’s friend Amery and his brother Val, are exceptional additions; and the growth of Winnie as a character and as a girl will touch the hearts of mothers, aunts, or grandmothers. Grace Burrowes will become a mainstay for historical romance, and any fan of the genre should put her on their TBR shelf.

The Soldier

By Grace Burrowes

Source, 416 pp., $6.99; * * * out of four

Grace Burrowes passes "the hair rose on the back of my neck" test. It’s the moment when you read the first page and the writer’s voice embeds itself in your brain. Burrowes’ arch tone is perfect for channeling her characters, particularly the aristocrats. Her 2010 historical romance, The Heir, was a sensation. In this sequel, the hero Devlin, a Napoleonic wars veteran, has been rewarded with a title and a Yorkshire estate which includes Winnie, the 5-year-old illegitimate daughter of Devlin’s deceased predecessor. Her only kin: her cousin, the strong-willed Emmie, whom Devlin hires as the child’s governess. Burrowes slips in emotional complexity amid the romantic tension.

Sinfully Wicked!

Just released by Sourcebook Casablanca and being hailed as the next up and coming star in the historical romance genre Grace Burrowe’s has stirred readers hearts once again with her deftly blends of equal measures of danger and desire in her sophomoric debut THE SOLDIER.

Arriving at his estate to find it dilapidated and falling around his feet, Devlin St. Just the newly minted Earl of Rosecroft and former Calvary officer has arrived to find a mess at his door step with a filthy urchin starring him down waging war against him. Now what will this war weary soldier do with this little minx who claims to be an orphan and the daughter of the last Lord of Rosecroft. First things first, clean the urchin, feed her and put her to bed. After that he will figure out his next step. First he needs to strategies and figure out what to do first. Having a a semi-peaceful dinner with the young girl when the dining door flies open and in rushes a beauty of a whirlwind in a great panic. Things just keep getting more interesting by the minute.

Emmaline (Emma) Farnum has lived a solitary life living on the outside of nice society ever since she returned to Rosecroft. Since her aunts death two years ago Emmie took on the responsibility of her young cousin Bronwyn doing the best she can. So when the little scamp headed off on another of her unconventional adventure leaving Emmie in a dead panic that has leaded her to the new Lord of Rosecroft’s door.

To Emmie’s surprise she never expected to step a foot on Rosecroft and meeting the new lord is playing havoc on her senses and sensibilities. Emmie knows better than to get carried away with her physical yearns. She had given in once before and it had cost her everything

Emmie cannot help but be drawn to this gentle giant as she watches how he cares and tends to this rambunctious and precocious seven year old. A plan starts to form. If she can get St. Just to take Winnie on as his ward then Winnie will have a shot at a good and bountiful life. What she never expected was to be drawn in by Devlin’s warm tenderness and gentle understanding Emmie is quickly falling in love with him. Falling in love with Devlin’s soothing caresses and devotion to Winnie

In a moment of weakness Emmie lets down her guard. Only to find that even finding a love of a life time can not erase the stain of the past. Emmie is scared of secrets coming to the surface Emmie fights her attraction to Devlin; even going as far as to push him away. But nothing can stop a love so strong when it is the right love.

Can two tortured souls truly find the love that is meant to be? Can they come through their hidden pain to accept their fate and have a life together? Or will the pain of the past be too strong to overcome.

I was so excited when THE SOLDIER by Graces Burrowes landed on my door step. I actually was doing the happy dance as my mail carrier walked away waving and giggling at my excitement. If you have not guessed I am a huge fan of Ms. Burrowes

There where so many brilliantly tempting facets to THE SOLDIER that I really had a difficult time figuring out where to start. So I thought why not with the man himself, Devlin St. Just. He is gorgeous. He is an alpha male to the tenth power. But for me as a reader it was the fact that he was sensitive and tormented at the same time. I mean the man is fighting a lot of self doubt. His mother dropped him off leaving him with his natural father the Duke of Moreland and his wife to be raised. Even though Devlin is the first born bastard son Devlin can not squawk about never feeling love. In fact the Duchess has loved and treated him like one of her very own. But there was always something missing. He could never figure out why his mother did not want him and even though he is a war hero, newly minted Earl and is starting to come to grips with his nightmares still the little boy that was abandoned as a child haunts his world. Devlin comes a cross a sensitive man. The author shows us several moments where Devlin is vulnerable and to some readers it might come across as weak, but I realized that it was a perfect mixture. Devlin was a strong character who was not afraid to show or be emotional. I’m not saying he wept at the blink of an eye but that there are moments where he is being genuinely struck by emotions that he could not be contain.

For example, after visiting his family Devlin arrives back at Rosecroft with his younger brother, Val with his late mother’s letters in hand. After reading them he tells Emmie that ‘he wept like a motherless child’. I have to admit the scenes that showed Devlin at his weakest and most susceptible were my favorite.

I believe that Emmie Farnum was the perfect match for Devlin. Where Devlin was a bit weak Emmie was strong and severely independent. Even though she was shinned from country’s polite society she found her way by working in trade as the county baker. Society might shun her but they came running for her bake goods. The way Ms. Burrowes created two unique characters that from the get go are so tortured that you cannot help but stick around to see what will unfold.

For those of you whom have read Ms. Burrowes debut THE HEIR you will be happy to know that some of your favorites have reoccurring roles in THE SOLDIER. I usually can find a character that stuck out for me but THE SOLDIER was such a euphoric read that all the characters came together to give me a delightfully and tantalizing read.

The thing that struck me the most as I devoured every single syllable of THE SOLDIER is the theme of understanding and letting go of things beyond your control. Devlin St Just will steal your heart while he uncovers he’s deep need to feel loved and understand that his mother never wanted to abandon him. I adored the way that Ms. Burrowes showed that you could still feel like you are alone and abandoned even while standing right in the middle of a crowd. I could relate to Devlin on so many levels because I to have gone through a similar situation. People believe that even if they are her in body and not in spirit that they haven’t neglected the child. On the other hand you have a mother that would sacrifice her own happiness and forfeit her life it meant her child would have a better life. As a mother of four teenage girls I know that there is not a sacrifice to big or to small that I would not do for my child. I related to both Devlin and Emmie and understood each of their separate plights. I was just grateful that I was able to experience this wonderful book.

I am also one of the lucky ones that I am so honored to be sharing THE SOLDIER with you. Ms. Burrowes is known for her Regency-set historical romances with writing that sparkles with wicked wit and exquisite senility. She has a talent for drawing her readers in with super charged romance that will leave you reaching for the next Grace Burrowe’s novel.



Devlin St. Just is a wounded man, yet his wounds have left no mark upon his body, it is his heart and soul that bare the scars of his past. After the war, Devlin returns home by force bringing with him the ghosts of his past. After aiding his brother, Gayle Windham, Earl of Westhaven Devlin now finds himself the newly created Earl of Rosecroft. With the peerage comes the problems associated with it, not only does that include the dilapidated estate of Rosecroft, it also includes a stubborn little girl who has been shunned for being illegitimate and allowed to run free for far too long.

An illegitimate son, who believes his mother, abandoned him, a solider with wounds you cannot see, a broken man in need of his saving grace. Devlin St. Just has mountains to overcome, but with the aid of his family he begins to heal.

Emmaline Fernum, or Emmie as she is known, is the town baker who lives in small cottage upon Rosecroft estate. Like little Winnie she too is shunned because of the actions of her family. When Devlin arrives and assumes responsibility for Winnie, Emmie is determined to make sure that she is well cared for. She is also determined to keep the secrets that she holds. Although the more she is around Devlin, the more she finds herself drawn to him yet she still runs/


My Thoughts:

I have to start by saying that THE SOLDIER is the second book in Grace Burrowes, The Duke’s Obsession series. THE SOLDIER reads as a standalone novel, although I highly recommend that you read THE HEIR first.

With that being said, let me tell you my thoughts on the book.

When reading The HEIR, the first book in the series, I found that I was drawn to Devlin St. Just. I wanted to know more about this man who seemed so burdened by his past. I could not wait to read this book. And let me just tell you that once I got my hands on it, I devoured it.

My heart bled for Devlin as he struggled with the unseen wounds war left upon him. You see him making progress only to have an event as simple as a thunderstorm pull the rug out from underneath him. Yet he prevailed. He knew that those around him depended upon him, especially little Winnie. I also enjoyed the family connection portrayed in this book. Family is front and center in this book, and you feel the ties that bind them together as well as the love they shared, and the fact that they would do anything for those they loved.

It was almost as if Devlin were a soul laid bare, his thoughts and feelings being very prevalent in this book. The hero’s in The Duke’s Obsession series are very emotional and I believe that is why I have enjoyed this series thus far.

Emmie was also likable, although I wished that she would have stopped trying to run a bit sooner, but with the secret she held (I figured out her hidden fact early on) I could see and appreciate the reasons behind her actions. In the story she was viewed as an outcast by the villagers, although I found it funny that they could buy her baked goods and have her to make their wedding cakes while ostracizing her. I found myself wanting her to scream make your own bloody bread/cakes, to standup for herself a bit more, but like I said before I knew the reason behind her actions.

This is my favorite book thus far in The Duke’s Obsession series. Well paced, well plotted, brilliant characters. I truly hated to see this book come to an end, although I am anxiously waiting for Val’s story

Devlin St. Just is the illegitimate son of the Duke of Moreland. He arrives at his new estate, battered physically, as well as, emotionally. To make matters worse, the estate is no better off then he is. While working on the estate, St. Just discovers the previous owners illegitimate daughter is there, and has now become the responsibility of St. Just. He manages to connive Winnie’s cousin to act as temporary governess to the girl; but he discovers she can nurture him as well.
Devlin’s broken spirit calls to Emmie; but she has secrets of her own that she is hiding. Devlin is determined to find out the truth and capture Emmie in the process. Will the three of them be able to find love and happiness together? Will the brokenness draw them together or further apart?
This is the second book in the Duke’s Obsession Series. I have not had the pleasure of reading the first book; but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It is a heart warming story of love and devotion. It is a witty, sensitive read full of seduction and romance. All three of the main characters are consumed with pain and heartache. All are suffering from pasts that have brought them to a place where their lives are full of desperation and need. Once I started reading this book, I was hard pressed to put it down. If you are fond of historical romance, I highly recommend this book

I give The Soldier 4 out of 5 stars

From the very beginning I was entranced with Grace Burrowes’ The Soldier. Even though this is the second in a trilogy, it stands alone very well. But now after having been treated to such a wonderful story, I’m eager to read the first in Ms. Burrowes’ The Duke’s Obsession series.

What I liked best was the connection between the characters, especially Devlin St. Just and Emmie Farnum. I’m a fan of historicals in general, and regencies in particular; but what I’m not fond of are simpering misses and oblivious men. Grace Burrowes’ main characters are neither of these things; they’re two damaged people—St. Just obviously so, Miss Farnum less so—but they are, from the beginning on equal footing. And I loved that about them. Then add the gamine yet lovable Winnie, her relationship with St. Just and there is a magic that had my rapt attention.

The Soldier has, in my opinion, all the best elements of a regency historical romance, without a lot of the oft annoying emphasis on social position. Yes, of course it exists, but it’s not a factor between St. Just and Emmie and, for me, that’s what counts.

Grace Burrowes’ has created a wonderful story that engaged my heart and my interest and I’m definitely going to be on the lookout for other books by this author. Irrespective of genre, this is a story that is very long on charm. Not only will I be too happy to revisit Devlin, Emmie and Winnie at any time, I am eagerly awaiting the third and final book in The Duke’s Obsession trilogy.

Rated 5 Delightful Divas by Kathy!

Wow, I loved this book! This was one of the more heartfelt romances I’ve read for a long time. Some scenes are real tearjerkers, but there’s still a lot of hope and glimpses of the sun peeking through the clouds.

Devlin was, when it’s all said and done, the perfect tortured hero. His years at war gave him many emotional scars to heal. But he was still nothing but considerate and caring. Sure he was a little grouchy at times, but he was never less than respectful and loving to his family and loved ones. He even takes a child into his home to raise, who is a complete stranger.

There is so much love between Devlin and Emmie, you can feel the intensity flying off the page. For the most part, they were friends first, and their love developed into something deep and meaningful over the course of the book.

The secondary characters were fantastic, too. Val, Devlin’s brother, was adorable and I would love to see the solitary and sensitive musician get his own story.


The first 3/4 of the book was so wonderful that I found myself disappointed in the last 100 or so pages. I just could not understand Emmie’s reasoning for her behavior. When a perfect solution presents itself, why fight it for 100 pages?


Main Characters: 5/5
Supporting Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Romance: 5/5
Uniqueness: 5/5
Cover: 5/5
Writing: 5/5

Bottom Line: I absolutely loved this book. It was a real love story with two real, and really scarred, people. I can’t wait to read more from this amazing author.

I can not properly say how much I love this book. There is so much emotion and romance between Emmaline and Devlin. I cried several times and couldn’t stop smiling when I finished the book. Devlin St. Just is a damaged man. He wants to get better, but isn’t quite sure how. I love how he responds to both Emmie and Winnie (the 6yo girl Devlin “inherits” with his estate). He doesn’t shy away from them and doesn’t punish them for his problems. He is a man and takes care of them the way they should be taken care of. Emmie has her own issues, but she doesn’t handle them as well as Devlin does. She runs and hides until he makes her face them. I loved the way they worked to heal each other. The other part of this book that I adored was the other men in Devlin’s life - his brothers and his friends. They are there for him and allow him to express himself (even if he needs to cry) without any judging. I especially love the scene between Devlin and his brother, Valentine. It would be a spoiler to say why I love it, but it is a poignant and emotional scene between the two brothers. I cannot wait for Val’s book. If you are a fan of historical romance, and even if you aren’t, this is such a fantastic book and you should definitely read it.

(Also, someone commented on Monday asking if this was a series. This is the second book, but you do not have to have read THE HEIR to understand what is happening in this book. It is worth reading too and helps with learning who’s who, but isn’t necessary.)

the book girl gives THE SOLDIER a 5/5

Once again Grace Burrowes brings historical romance readers a story of timeless love. The Soldier is the second book in the Duke’s Obsession series and readers will fall in love with Burrowes’ compelling plot and multi-layered characters. This is the sequel to Burrowes’ highly acclaimed debut, The Heir and readers will be introduced to a new character, Devlin St. Just. Readers will enjoy the authors affinity for the Regency period and her ability to bring her story to life.

Devlin St. Just is a soldier, a man who has seen far too much and lived to tell the tale, but it doesn’t come without it’s own scars. Devlin is wounded in spirit and is falling into a deepening depression. When he is given an earldom for his service, he quickly finds out that it is almost as dilapidated as he is. Devlin goes to take possession, and is greeted by former heir’s illegitimate daughter, Winnie, who is now his responsibility. Winnie’s cousin Emmaline Farnum is engaged as her governess and Devlin and Emmie quickly become friends and take solace in each other. Both have pasts they would like to forget and but there are some secrets that could drive them apart forever.

Grace Burrowes received widespread praise for her debut novel The Heir and many fans were eagerly awaiting her sophomore effort. The Soldier is a novel that readers won’t soon forget. From the heart-warming romance between the two main characters to the difficult themes tackled by the author, this isn’t one historical romance fans will want to miss.

Burrowes does a wonderful job of giving the reader a hero who is not perfect. Devlin St. Just is portrayed as a man who has done his duty for his country, but not without price. He is practically haunted by what happened to him during the war. What he saw and what he had to do to survive. In today’s society we would say that they had a case of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) which generally occurs when a person has gone through something traumatic and may cause serious depression. It’s almost as if Devlin doesn’t understand why he survived and others didn’t. I thought Burrowes did a wonderful job of bringing this theme into clear focus in a historical romance, not something that is tackled often.

Devlin is however still the quintessential Regency hero that readers have come to love. He is handsome and honorable even though he is troubled and when he meets Emmie and starts to come out of his shell and starts living again, he comes even more alluring. The relationship between Emmie and Devlin is written with a poignancy that readers will love. Burrowes was able to give readers characters who needed something more from each other. They still have the passion and sensuality that is needed for a romance, but they also seem to draw strength from each other. Devlin has his tortured past dealing with the war and Emmaline has secrets of her own that have made her an outcast among the neighbors.Together they make a great couple and Burrowes does a remarkable job of bringing them together and letting their romance develop. I thought their love was very believable and in a sense very innocent. They took what each had to give and didn’t ask for more. It was enough just to be together. I really enjoyed the simplicity of it and I think readers will as well.

Emmie has some deep rooted fears and secrets. Usually this type of thing would keep hero and heroine apart and to some extent it has the potential to do that with Emmie and Devlin. The secrets of Emmaline’s family and past has made her an outcast among the people of the area. She has been resigned to becoming the baker for the community, but people treat her as though she is tainted. The secret isn’t hard to figure out, but it’s difficult to figure out what to do about it. Sometimes the longer a secret goes without being told the harder it is to finally let it out and I think that’s what happened here. She should have told Devlin in the beginning but it may have changed the entire outcome of the story if she had. I didn’t believe the secret was a deal breaker so to speak, but it was something that needed to be aired and dealt with. I though the author did an excellent job with this aspect of the book, and it gave the story more depth.

I recommend this one to fans of historical fiction and historical romance. The Soldier takes place during the Regency period and the author does a great job of incorporating Regency dress and decorum into this novel. Readers who love a very tender and romantic tale, will find this one right up their alley. There is still the passion needed to make it perfect for readers who need that extra steam to make them love a story and there are some difficult themes broached like, PTSD and secrecy.

It’s a wonderful book and I hope you will check out my interview Grace Burrowes and take your chances at winning a copy of The Soldier, you’ll love it.

The Soldier is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I’m giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

THE SOLDIER by Grace Burrowes is an exciting historical romance set in Regency England.It is the second in “The Duke’s Obsession” Series”,but can be read as a stand alone. Book 1 “The Heir”. It is written with depth and details.The characters will capture your heart,especially little Winnie.They are engaging,believable,and enchanting. Devlin St. Just, is the oldest,illegitimate son of the duke of Moreland,with a battle worn spirit,sexy,handsome,and has just obtained a new estate.Which is in no better shape than he is and the previous owner,whom Devlin killed,has a five-year-old bastard daughter,Winnie. Winnie is a fixture of the property,that has become Devlin’s respondsiblity and is very feisty,witty and a delightful child.She is also
demanding and throws temper tantums. In the meantime we also have, Emmaline,(Emmie) Farnum,who has secrets of her own,beautiful,sexy,enigmatic,enjoys cooking,is trying to make a living by saleing her bake
goodsand Devlin drags Emmie into serving as Winnie’s temporary governess.But Emmie ends up not only nurturing little Winnie,who she dearly loves, but also nurturing Devlin as well.But she has a devastating secret that could tear her world apart or bring her the love she has always craved. Little Winnie,loves them both,and does not want Emmie to leave,and will do anything she can to bring them together.Devlin and Emmie’s attraction grows,lust and passion evolves.Their love must be enough to conquer the demons both Devlin and Emmie are carrying. This is a fast paced,page turning story of past hurt,battle scars,passion and love. It is a sweet,sexy,tender,historical romance that will leave you breathless.A must read. This book was received for the purpose of review from the publisher and details can be found at Sourcebooks Casablanca,an imprint of Sourcebooks,Inc.
RATING: 4.5

Format: Paperback

Dimensions
Length: 6.875 in
Width: 4.1875 in
Weight: 7.00 oz
Page Count: 416 pages