Andrew: Lord of Despair (Lonely Lords Series #7)

First thought - holy smokes, Andrew's hawt! I love the cover, Ms

First thought - holy smokes, Andrew's hawt! I love the cover, Ms. Burrowes! I love the whole look for this line, I really do.

Now if only I'd liked the book as much. Don't get me wrong, people. This is a lovely book, because Ms. Burrowes simply wouldn't write anything else. I just simply never fully connected with Andrew. Maybe that was deliberate on the author's part. Andrew was very remote, and given what he believed about himself, I can't blame him. But the whole thing felt very disconnected. Almost like I was observing a play, and the actors were just reciting dialogue, not truly portraying themselves. It just didn't ... mesh.
I found myself far more interested in the secondary character (and hero of the next book), Douglas. I'm looking forward to reading his story (and have it already from NetGalley - woot!), than I was in Andrew (though I definitely felt his pain) and even Astrid (and lord knows I know the feeling of a miscarriage). But these two did definitely have some darkness in their lives that they had to work through and as they found the strength within, they found each other to finally connect with.

Astrid's been through a lot - it sucks to be her. She had a crappy marriage with a schmuck of a husband. She definitely deserved better and got it from Andrew once he stopped the "woe is me, I'm a horrible person" act. I hated the villain (had him pegged fairly early on, though that could simply be I didn't believe there was any other character it could have been - I liked the rest of them too much). 

Andrew ... yikes. He certainly had reason for his "woe is me", don't get me wrong. It would be horrendous, what he thought was the truth for so long (until Gareth finally took him in hand and told him the real truth - and MAN I need to read Gareth's story). And he had his strengths. There are probably very few English peers capable of delivering twins ... without a doctor midwife ... wherein a twin needed to be turned ... in the middle of a snowstorm. I loved him for that. And I felt sooooo sorry for Felicity. It sucked bad enough being pregnant with twins in the 21st century. It would have been a nightmare back in that period.

Anyway, I will continue being a devoted Grace Burrowes fan. I just didn't connect quite as well with this book as I have in the past. 

Book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Andrew and Astrid were a bit weak. They were not as powerful as Darius and Vivian or Nick and Leah.

This installment of the Lonely Lords fell short for me. Andrew and Astrid weren't as powerful as some of the other couples/characters in the previous books. It was still an enjoyable read, but I didn't devour it like some of the others.

Book #7 in Grace Burrowes¿ gorgeously authentic and poignant Lon

Book #7 in Grace Burrowes’ gorgeously authentic and poignant Lonely Lords series. Andrew Alexander is Gareth's troubled younger brother, a man who holds a terrible guilty secret that blots his entire existence. I recommend this series be read in order, since secrets revealed in previous stories make more sense as you read further in the series.
Though told from both the hero and heroine’s points of view, this series’ focus is squarely on the heroes, those titled gentlemen—Lords— who have become estranged from their noble families and who are burdened with guilt and secrets that hamper their lives and happiness.
Andrew is an infinitely kind and honorable man horribly crippled with guilt he carries for his role in a tragic boating accident that claimed his father, brothers, and cousins as well as a secret he believes makes him irredeemable. He truly needs therapy as he struggles daily from the effects of what is really post-traumatic stress disorder. Yet it is the Regency era and there are no such things as psychological treatments as we know them today. He must rely on the love of a good woman and his family’s unfailing devotion…and time. Lots of time. A lifetime of it.
Astrid—Felicity’s younger sister from Gareth—fell in love with Andrew when she was just seventeen and they enjoyed some tender intimacies before he fled to the Continent. Rather than waste her life waiting for him, however, Astrid married another and tried to make a life for herself. She was maintaining a cordial but by no means loving marriage when her husband died.
“And she had loved Herbert, though rather like a governess loved an indulged and not-too-bright charge.”
Astrid is a very strong woman, one who always wants to be told the truth no matter how bad it is or that men wish to shield her from it merely because she is a woman.
Andrew is back in England, enduring a daily struggle merely to exist, when he learns that Astrid is a widow. He is once again drawn to her and, as her sister is married to his brother, they are often in one another’s company. They embark on an illicit affair where they enjoy each other’s bodies but Andrew refuses to commit to anything more, much to Astrid’s continued exasperation.
I felt so bad for Andrew; he simply cannot cope. And poor Astrid has only endless patience and love for him. Yet she refuses to give in to his unreasonable limits and demands: that she not love him, that they will not bear children together, that they will not marry. One by one, he gives in.
One of the best things about Grace Burrowes’ stories is her attention to the little details of everyday life that make it beautiful: the language of flowers, a delightful foot rub, and descriptions of delicious breakfast foods in the country.
“Mock orange symbolized memory, and of her late mother, she had none.”
"Pansies symbolized thoughts."
"The flavor of the frosting was lavender, and the cake itself a buttery little decadence of which Amery’s cook had every right to be proud. David poured himself a second cup, the blend being a stout black without a hint of delicacy."
David Worthington, brother to Felicity and Astrid, reappears here, a solid and strong backbone and balm to all the family troubles. We also meet Douglas, a quiet and distant man, Astrid’s brother-in-law, and the new viscount, upon her husband’s death. Both of these Lonely Lords will have their stories told in the next two books in the series. Both are key characters here in the secondary and intriguing story of Astrid’s stolen widow’s inheritance and the possible death threat than hovers over her.
A minor character, Gareth and Andrew’s mother, Arabella, is a strong backdrop in the story; she holds this fragile family together.
“Years ago, Andrew had pulled her from the waves, but in many ways, Arabella had been the only one to make it to shore.”
Gareth and Felicity are very strong influences in this story; both offer comfort and love to their respective siblings even as they endure a difficult pregnancy; I love the little detail that Gareth wears “wire-rimmed” spectacles, such a scholarly accoutrement made sexy. We also meet Guinevere Hollister, cousin to Andrew and Gareth, who has been discreetly mentioned in whispers in the connected Windham series, a single mother who refuses to divulge the name of the father of her child. I look forward to reading her story.
Memorable moments:
“Possibly you are the best friend I will ever have or something in between all the foregoing. I know I do not want only one stolen moment with you.”
"Pregnant women made him nervous, particularly when their condition sailed before them like the prow of some small, feminine ship."
Another heartwarming and tender story of unfailing love.

Love It!

Loved this book. The romance between Andrew and Astrid was wonderful. Both characters were easy to like and you wanted them to have their HEA. It was nice to have some old and new characters in the mix. Best of the series so far!

Powerful emotionally! I have just finished reading Grace Burrowe

Powerful emotionally!
I have just finished reading Grace Burrowes's book ANDREW, her seventh book in the Lonely Lords series.
What a marvelous story set in the Regency era, it was perfect for me! It had everything I expect to find in that genre of romance, love, passion, suspense and intrigue. Andrew's story was very intense and filled with high emotions, I cried and laughed. The plot was well developed, leaving clues, and kept me captivated until the end. I loved the chemistry between Andrew and Astrid. Some scenes are a little sad to read, but it was the reality and challenge that women had to live for that period of time in the Regency. Astrid had been in love with Andrew since she was seventeen, but certain events, pushed her to marry some else. After two years, she becomes a widow and meets Andrew again. Will the attraction be the same? Does she still love him? Their lives were filled with ups and downs but in the end, they both loved each other, for Astrid, Andrew, was her knight in shining armor. I did not like the character Henry, because he was envious, jealous and too ambitious! Even, if I didn't read any of her previous books in this series, I really enjoyed it very much. Let's say, this story is filled with strong emotions! Again, Ms. Burrowes did not disappoint me with Andrew's story filled with secrets and suspense. I highly recommend her book if you love a Regency romance! You will enjoy every minute of it!

5 out of 5 for this reader folks! WOW .. the Lord of Despair! N

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

WOW .. the Lord of Despair! NO KIDDING! We met Andrew in Gareth’s book as he is Gareth’s younger brother. Andrew was in one heck of a traumatic accident (that Gareth feels responsible for) when he was younger and he never has quite learned to deal and get over it. He closes himself off and goes inside his internal protective bubble all the while hiding the pain from those he loves. Andrew met Astrid (who just so happens to be Felicity’s sister) in Gareth’s book, and feels a personal protective instinct towards her. She seems to bring out his kind and caring side.

Four years have passed from Gareth’s to Andrew’s books and we learn that Astrid is now widowed only after two years of marriage. Andrew has been travelling for the past four years and decides it is time to come home. When he sees Astrid again, not only do all his feelings surface, but he is blown away by the distinguished lady before him, whom was always just a immature, silly outspoken young girl in his eyes. Marriage was boring to Astrid and consisted of no passion at all and has also left her with child.

The strong friendship that had formed between Andrew and Astrid in the past not only comes forth, but a bond like no other is created. They revel in each other’s company, give in to their passion, fall completely in love and ultimately deny each other the long term commitment they both deserve. When danger promises to bring peril, Andrew must fave his demons and decide whether protecting Astrid is worth throwing away all his rules and beliefs.

I tell you, Grace Burrowes can write a mean romance (the fact that she writes my fave genre doesn’t hurt either .. WINK). I do not reread books all that often but this series is on my “to read again” pile. What seems effortless, she is so talented at pulling heartstrings and providing believable stories with believable characters. All her leading men know how to protect and love, nurture, break hearts, flirt, and consume their chosen woman with so much desire you wonder how they can possibly deny the forming relationships.

Thank you once again Grace Burrowes for another reason to gush over your work. I love that you set the stage for the next two Lonley Lords and you can rest assured I am anxious to read and review them! :)

HAPPY READING! :)

I loved this book. Andrew is the brooding hero with the "h

I loved this book. Andrew is the brooding hero with the "horrible" past. Astrid is an engaging heroine. Since I loved the characters of Gareth & Felicity, I loved their constant presence in this book. Can't wait for Douglas story. Another winner by Grace Burrowes.

Andrew is another amazing hero from Grace Burrowes. I don¿t

Andrew is another amazing hero from Grace Burrowes. I don’t know how she does it but she always seems to create the most interesting leading men. While each and every one draws me in they have some similarities but they also have a wealth of differences. And she always finds their perfect match. Astrid is definitely the woman for Andrew even though he needs more convincing. While reading this story I was once again swept up in the lives of these entertaining characters and the setting in which it was taking place. My favorite part of reading is being taken on a journey and becoming so involved in the story that I get caught up and forget that I’m actually reading and this author has the skill to do this to me over and over again. I’m so grateful for her vivid imagination and her prolific skills.

Really liked it

I am a big Grace Burrowes fan and this book didnt disappoint. I liked both the main characters a lot, and it was great to have Felicity and Gareth play such a prominent role as well. I loved the storyline and found the Felicity birth chapters quite gripping. Really enjoyed it. Cant wait for the next one!

Good read (LVR)

Grace Burrowes' books are intricate, varied, and absorbing. I always end up reading them in one sitting! Looking forward to the next in the series, Douglas. Be sure to read Gareth's story before this one about his younger brother Andrew.

My favorite of all the Lonely Lord books so far

My favorite of all the Lonely Lord books so far

I have very varied reactions to Grace Burrowes' books. I love so

I have very varied reactions to Grace Burrowes' books. I love some, I only like others, and still others fall into the didn't like category. But, I'm happy to say that Andrew: Lord of Despair fell firmly into "I loved it!" This book was absolutely wonderful, romantic, and full of secrets. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

Astrid was a strong heroine. She had a terrible marriage, marked not by abuse, but by neglect. When her husband died, she was left pregnant and not knowing how to feel about her much not missed husband's death. But, she dealt with it all and she was determined to do so on her own terms. I really liked her. She was a tough woman that was intent of taking back her happiness. I thought she was lovely.

Andrew was absolutely wonderful. I really liked him when we met him in the previous book, Gareth, and I loved him even more in this. He was so charming and sweet and determined to protect his loved ones. I have to mention that I absolutely adore Andrew and Gareth's relationship. It had sibling rivalry and teasing, of course, but it was never in doubt that, if one were in trouble, the other would raise hell to help him out. I thought that was just so sweet. But, back to Andrew himself. He had a dark past (one which took me by surprise when I found out just how twisted the reality turned out to be) and it held him back. But, even while dealing with his demons, he was a perfect, charming, super attractive gentleman that was utterly lovable. I totally adored him.

The romance was perfect. Astrid and Andrew were adorable together. They had already had feelings for each other for a while and those never died down. I loved how devoted they were to each other, both determined to help the other out. And, they were absolutely steamy together. The heat between them was positively scorching. I love how Burrowes makes these love scenes (as in her other books) both tasteful and hot enough to make you fan your face. I thought these two were a perfect couple.

The plot was fast paced. I was hooked the entire way through. There were tons of thrills as the mystery of who killed Astrid's husband and who was now trying to kill her. I suspected the truth of who it turned out to be, but it still took me by surprise how determined (and crazy) this person was. There were tons of secrets, with Andrew's past and with the tangle of who the murderer really was. I really enjoyed the story and I thought they ending was perfect.

Andrew: Lord of Despair was a fantastic historical romance. It was sweet, steamy, thrilling, and full of secrets. I absolutely loved this book. Lovers of romance, this is a book that you have to check out.

*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

I have read all of Grace Burrowes' books and have enjoyed them a

I have read all of Grace Burrowes' books and have enjoyed them all and Andrew is no exception, in fact it is now one of my most favorites of Ms.Burrowes'. This is a story of two people who both feel they don't deserve to be loved and yet love each other so beautifully.  I loved seeing Andrew and Astrid discover just how worthy of  love they were. This book had me in tears during some scenes (most of her books do) and also holding my breath to see what would happen next. There are scenes in this book that will stick in my mind for a long, long time.  I would highly recommend reading all of her Lonely Lords series, but especially read "Gareth"  which features Andrew's brother and Astrid's sister. As always I am anxiously awaiting the next Lonely Lord appearance next month.

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