Sandy M’s review of The Virtuoso (The Duke’s Obsession, Book 3) by Grace Burrowes
Historical Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Nov 11

This third book in Grace Burrowes’ debut series doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to Valentine Windham, our hero. From the first page he’s given the blow of a lifetime, doesn’t know how he’ll deal with such devastation, but learns sometimes life has a way of working out and giving you something you never thought you would want or need. With the help of Ellen Markham, Val learns his lesson quite well.

Val’s passion has always been music. Every aspect of his life has the strains of a concerto or the haunting lines of a song entrenched in his heart and mind. Playing the piano has given his family and friends – and himself- comfort or joy, whichever was needed, over the years. With the most recent death of a brother, however, his world, his passion is now out of his reach. It started with small, insignificant symptoms, an achiness in his hand, and then grew to the point of swelling, pain, and stiffness, so that he can no longer play without the risk of damaging the hand permanently.

Not knowing what to do with himself without his music, when Val wins a small estate in a card game, he heads that way to assess his new possession. What he finds isn’t good. The property is in disrepair; it hasn’t been taken care of in some time. So with the help of friends and new neighbors, rebuilding begins to take place, something Val vehemently embraces to keep his mind busy and off his current troubles. Coming face to face with the lovely widow again after sharing a kiss with her the year before only adds to his laments, but in a very different way.

Having only a short time with her husband before his death, Ellen now lives in a small cottage on Markham land away from all she knew before. Her passion is her flowers and gardens, which she meticulously tends and is rewarded with beauty and satisfaction. Her world is set on its end when Valentine Windham appears in her life again. Their one meeting left her thinking of him over the last year, and she never thought to see him again after that one heart-pounding kiss. But he eases into her life as though he belongs there, and it doesn’t take long before she knows he’s the man for her. Unfortunately, she’ll never be able to have him as part of her life.

As the construction goes on, Val and Ellen are drawn to one another more and more. She helps him with his hand, applying a salve each day as they talk and get to know one another. I really like these two together. They’re just like the previous Burrowes’ characters who are straightforward and as honest as possible – there’s always secrets, of course. Val and Ellen are no different. Val has chosen to keep his ducal ties to himself, wanting to fit in in both Ellen’s life and the community’s. Ellen, however, has a much bigger and scandalous secret tied to her deceased husband and one which her brother-in-law knows about and has been using that knowledge to get by in society because he refuses to do anything else to make ends meet. When Ellen’s secret is finally revealed, I have to say I’m a little disappointed. It’s not the totally end-all be-all secret I anticipated. Yes, Ellen is punishing herself for what she feels she’s done, but for me it’s just not enough, especially when Val validly points out she’s not at fault and even though it is an emotional issue.

The best secondary characters of the book are two neighborly rapscallions who help Val with the work around the estate. They’re out for fun every chance they get, but they’re hard workers and they mind their parents. We see a lot of Val’s friends when they also pitch in to help out, and I enjoy the relationship he has with each. I like that Ms. Burrows gives us deep emotion even between friends. Of course, the Windham family also makes an appearance here and there, especially Devlin. You can feel the concern and love between the brothers as they try to figure out who is sabotauging all the hard work done, which is really not a mystery at all from the reader’s point of view. You can see that villain doing his dirty work from a mile away.

This has been a fun and emotional series to read, and I’m now looking forward to the duke’s daughters, who will get their books next. Ms. Burrowes’ strong characters and writing style are what make these stories for me. Be sure to give them a try if you haven’t already.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Ellen Markham tells herself she’s happy raising flowers and living in near penury in the Oxfordshire countryside, but when Valentine Windham moves in just on the other side of the wood, Ellen’s longing for things she can never have threatens to overcome her good sense. Valentine’s artistic soul, tender loving, and ducal determination tempt Ellen to trust and confide in a man who can only be endangered, should he learn of her past. For Valentine, regaining his musical skill becomes far less urgent than winning Ellen’s heart.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: