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norwayellesea's review
5.0
I've been looking forward to getting to know Lord Graham 'Gray' Chadwick since his appearance in an earlier instalment in King's Elite series. Like the other books, this is a standalone novel.
After spending ten years in the merchant navy, Gray is back and working as one of the King's Elite under the supervision of Lord Fennimore. Currently working in trying to capture The Boss, the head of a smuggling ring, the pair find themselves in Suffolk where their likely suspect, Viscount Gislingham lives along with his wife and niece. Only, the red-headed beauty proves to be a distraction in more ways than one.
Hearing a dog's distressing bark, the last thing Lady Theodora 'Thea' Cranford expected to see as she rushed to investigate the noise is the sight of a naked man's buttocks in her uncle's stream...a very pleasant view indeed. The good-looking gentleman is the new neighbour and a man of intrigue. He's far more fascinating than the suitors currently interested in her, so can she trust there's more to him than a potential gold-digger?
Gray and Thea are a perfect match for each other. Wary that her actions have tragic consequences, Thea is living a quiet life trying to avoid getting involved with suitors looking for a rich wife. In contrast, Gray is relishing the responsibility to prove himself honourable after disgracing himself shortly after coming of age. Years spent away has made him pragmatic and his more worldly knowledge helps to coax Thea out of her self imposed shell so she can again act and behave as she sees fit. Of course, this is to Grey advantage because even though he may be a reformed scoundrel, he's more than keen to get to know the real woman beneath the riotous red curls.
The author injects light humour into her writing creating a fun, vibrant narrative, littered with witty dialogue.
"Why couldn't he stop gazing at her when he knew he needed to focus on being a better spy?"
I'm not a fan of pets and children as secondary characters, however, Trefor definitely deserves an honourable mention. I heartily enjoyed the part he played in Gray and Thea's tentative courtship and how the humans didn't realise the impact he would have in differing situations.
To sum up, The Disgraceful Lord Gray is my second Virginia Heath novel and she has won a place on my favourite historical romance writers list.
***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher Mills & Boon Historical***
After spending ten years in the merchant navy, Gray is back and working as one of the King's Elite under the supervision of Lord Fennimore. Currently working in trying to capture The Boss, the head of a smuggling ring, the pair find themselves in Suffolk where their likely suspect, Viscount Gislingham lives along with his wife and niece. Only, the red-headed beauty proves to be a distraction in more ways than one.
Hearing a dog's distressing bark, the last thing Lady Theodora 'Thea' Cranford expected to see as she rushed to investigate the noise is the sight of a naked man's buttocks in her uncle's stream...a very pleasant view indeed. The good-looking gentleman is the new neighbour and a man of intrigue. He's far more fascinating than the suitors currently interested in her, so can she trust there's more to him than a potential gold-digger?
Gray and Thea are a perfect match for each other. Wary that her actions have tragic consequences, Thea is living a quiet life trying to avoid getting involved with suitors looking for a rich wife. In contrast, Gray is relishing the responsibility to prove himself honourable after disgracing himself shortly after coming of age. Years spent away has made him pragmatic and his more worldly knowledge helps to coax Thea out of her self imposed shell so she can again act and behave as she sees fit. Of course, this is to Grey advantage because even though he may be a reformed scoundrel, he's more than keen to get to know the real woman beneath the riotous red curls.
The author injects light humour into her writing creating a fun, vibrant narrative, littered with witty dialogue.
"Why couldn't he stop gazing at her when he knew he needed to focus on being a better spy?"
I'm not a fan of pets and children as secondary characters, however, Trefor definitely deserves an honourable mention. I heartily enjoyed the part he played in Gray and Thea's tentative courtship and how the humans didn't realise the impact he would have in differing situations.
To sum up, The Disgraceful Lord Gray is my second Virginia Heath novel and she has won a place on my favourite historical romance writers list.
***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher Mills & Boon Historical***
scoutmomskf's review against another edition
5.0
Good addition to the series. In the previous two books, the men of the King's Elite worked to bring an end to the smuggling and spy ring that was funneling arms and money to France. They succeeded in stopping the gang's operations, but have yet to capture the ringleader, known only as "The Boss." Intelligence has narrowed it down to two people, one of whom is Viscount Gislingham. Gray and Lord Fennimore were sent to Suffolk to infiltrate Gislingham's social circle and find out if he is, in fact, their quarry. The investigation gets off to a rocky start when Gislingham's niece, Thea, happens on Gray swimming naked in a stream while playing with his dog, and the dog knocks her into the stream as well.
I really liked both Gray and Thea. Gray made appearances in the two previous books where he played significant roles. Now he is up for a significant promotion if he handles himself well during this operation. Gray is a charming and flirtatious, but also level-headed and compassionate. After a romantic disappointment and irresponsible reaction left him financially ruined a decade earlier, he spent the intervening years traveling the world on merchant ships. Older and wiser, he wishes he'd done things differently in the past but believes he's changed for the better. Brooding over the past and things that can't be changed isn't his style. Thea is red-haired and feisty, but she tries to keep that side of herself locked up tight. She blames "Impetuous Thea" for some bad decisions in her past, ones that have left her feeling guilty. She is very cautious around men, thanks to those who have been more interested in her inheritance than in her.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Gray and Thea. The sparks flew from the moment they met, but both had reasons to resist. Thea, because of her distrust of charming scoundrels, and Gray, because of his reasons for being in Suffolk in the first place. He isn't very happy about having to play up his disreputable reputation as he is quite smitten by Thea and that reputation works against him. Admitting to themselves and each other that romantic involvement is not a good idea, they commit to friendship instead. I loved seeing them get to know each other, sharing the disappointments of their pasts and inevitably growing closer. This is especially a problem for Gray, who finds Thea invading his mind at inopportune moments, making him question his worth as a spy. He also suspects that his deception will not go over well when the truth is revealed. Thea finds it increasingly difficult to keep "Impetuous Thea" locked up as she gets to know Gray, especially when he is so understanding of her past. I liked how Gray encouraged her to embrace her true self and how Thea helped Gray open his heart again. There are the expected complications when the truth comes out, but some timely advice helps cut through the problems to the heart of the matter. The ending was terrific and perfectly "Impetuous Thea" and "disgraceful" Lord Gray.
The continuation of the search for "The Boss" was a page-turner. Both Gray and Lord Fennimore are prepared to do whatever necessary to advance their investigation, and Gray's time with Thea gives him the entry into the Viscount's world that he needs. As their efforts bring them closer to the truth, Gray finds himself questioning some of the things he discovers. There are some surprising twists leading up to the unmasking of "The Boss," one of which was a complete surprise and one I had begun to suspect. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, with the hero of the day turning out to be Trefor, the dog.
The secondary characters are terrific, especially Lady Harriet and Lord Cedric Fennimore. Harriet is a widow who is determined to live life to the fullest. She is incorrigible in her actions and delights in encouraging Thea to loosen up. in previous books, Lord Fennimore has been shown as a gruff, mission-oriented man who doesn't put up with any shenanigans. It was fun to see Gray play up to their supposed "cousins" relationship whenever possible. It was especially enjoyable to see Cedric get caught in Harriet's wiles, exposing a very different side to him.
I really liked both Gray and Thea. Gray made appearances in the two previous books where he played significant roles. Now he is up for a significant promotion if he handles himself well during this operation. Gray is a charming and flirtatious, but also level-headed and compassionate. After a romantic disappointment and irresponsible reaction left him financially ruined a decade earlier, he spent the intervening years traveling the world on merchant ships. Older and wiser, he wishes he'd done things differently in the past but believes he's changed for the better. Brooding over the past and things that can't be changed isn't his style. Thea is red-haired and feisty, but she tries to keep that side of herself locked up tight. She blames "Impetuous Thea" for some bad decisions in her past, ones that have left her feeling guilty. She is very cautious around men, thanks to those who have been more interested in her inheritance than in her.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Gray and Thea. The sparks flew from the moment they met, but both had reasons to resist. Thea, because of her distrust of charming scoundrels, and Gray, because of his reasons for being in Suffolk in the first place. He isn't very happy about having to play up his disreputable reputation as he is quite smitten by Thea and that reputation works against him. Admitting to themselves and each other that romantic involvement is not a good idea, they commit to friendship instead. I loved seeing them get to know each other, sharing the disappointments of their pasts and inevitably growing closer. This is especially a problem for Gray, who finds Thea invading his mind at inopportune moments, making him question his worth as a spy. He also suspects that his deception will not go over well when the truth is revealed. Thea finds it increasingly difficult to keep "Impetuous Thea" locked up as she gets to know Gray, especially when he is so understanding of her past. I liked how Gray encouraged her to embrace her true self and how Thea helped Gray open his heart again. There are the expected complications when the truth comes out, but some timely advice helps cut through the problems to the heart of the matter. The ending was terrific and perfectly "Impetuous Thea" and "disgraceful" Lord Gray.
The continuation of the search for "The Boss" was a page-turner. Both Gray and Lord Fennimore are prepared to do whatever necessary to advance their investigation, and Gray's time with Thea gives him the entry into the Viscount's world that he needs. As their efforts bring them closer to the truth, Gray finds himself questioning some of the things he discovers. There are some surprising twists leading up to the unmasking of "The Boss," one of which was a complete surprise and one I had begun to suspect. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, with the hero of the day turning out to be Trefor, the dog.
The secondary characters are terrific, especially Lady Harriet and Lord Cedric Fennimore. Harriet is a widow who is determined to live life to the fullest. She is incorrigible in her actions and delights in encouraging Thea to loosen up. in previous books, Lord Fennimore has been shown as a gruff, mission-oriented man who doesn't put up with any shenanigans. It was fun to see Gray play up to their supposed "cousins" relationship whenever possible. It was especially enjoyable to see Cedric get caught in Harriet's wiles, exposing a very different side to him.
joanav's review
4.0
I received an eARC at no cost from the author, in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. Thank you.
Review originally posted at Romancing Romances
4.5*
For those of you that follow Virginia Heath on social media, you know that she has an adorable, yet somewhat mischievous dog, named Trevor. In this (awesome) book, we have a version of Trevor, Trefor! He is adorable, and helps us readers love our hero so much more.
Lord Gray is a spy, which means his relationship with Miss Theodora Cranford starts with lies. This might put some people off, but it worked very well for me.
Gray is funny, and encouraging, and a hard worker. He doesn’t want to compromise his mission, but he also doesn’t want to lie to Thea. And he finds a way to tell her about himself, and makes it easy for her to fall in love with him, without manipulating her or lie – except when it comes to the reason he uses to justify his presence in the house next door.
Theodora Cranford, Thea to her friends and family, is a fiery redhead that has been trying to control her temper and her impulses for too long. She believes she has a good reason to do so, but with Gray’s help (and Trefor!) she begins to loosen up, and it helps her to enjoy life more.
Gray works with his stiff boss, Lord Fennimore, who has his little story in the background as well. It is quite entertaining to see a grumpy, older gentleman, change his way of living.
The book also has an element of mystery/crime, which keeps us wondering about a mysterious boss that is ordering hits, and that is the focus of Gray and Fennimore’s mission.
I loved the friendship that developed between our main characters, and how charming they both were. I was rooting for them from beginning to end.
Review originally posted at Romancing Romances
4.5*
For those of you that follow Virginia Heath on social media, you know that she has an adorable, yet somewhat mischievous dog, named Trevor. In this (awesome) book, we have a version of Trevor, Trefor! He is adorable, and helps us readers love our hero so much more.
Lord Gray is a spy, which means his relationship with Miss Theodora Cranford starts with lies. This might put some people off, but it worked very well for me.
Gray is funny, and encouraging, and a hard worker. He doesn’t want to compromise his mission, but he also doesn’t want to lie to Thea. And he finds a way to tell her about himself, and makes it easy for her to fall in love with him, without manipulating her or lie – except when it comes to the reason he uses to justify his presence in the house next door.
Theodora Cranford, Thea to her friends and family, is a fiery redhead that has been trying to control her temper and her impulses for too long. She believes she has a good reason to do so, but with Gray’s help (and Trefor!) she begins to loosen up, and it helps her to enjoy life more.
Gray works with his stiff boss, Lord Fennimore, who has his little story in the background as well. It is quite entertaining to see a grumpy, older gentleman, change his way of living.
The book also has an element of mystery/crime, which keeps us wondering about a mysterious boss that is ordering hits, and that is the focus of Gray and Fennimore’s mission.
I loved the friendship that developed between our main characters, and how charming they both were. I was rooting for them from beginning to end.
shiveryteacup's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Car accident, Death of parent, and Grief
Minor: Infidelity, Domestic abuse, and Infertility
ecofriendly_bookworm's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
It was good book but it felt a bit let down when it is preceded by two amazing ones. Grey's character was introduced in book one and I was looking forward for his romantic plot. Although I loved Theo but the plot felt lacking to me.
jessbookishlife's review against another edition
5.0
Oh boy! Oh boy... So many things to say and I don't like reviews with spoilers, so I will just let my enthusiasm talk for how good this is. Let's start with the fact that if you love historical romances and don't know Virginia Heath then I don't know what you have been doing until now. This series can be read as a standalone, although I recommend you read all the books in order so you can experience the full experience of this series and learn more about the characters and the King’s Elite.
In this book we follow Lord Gray and Miss Theadora Cranford, and oh boy... What a fun adventure their story was. Lord Gray is part of a group of spies, a disgraced aristocrat on a mission that will take him on an excited and unexpected journey. He's handsome, intelligent, charming, sweetheart and determined. Then there is Thea, a young woman that is trying to not get many attention, so she stays guarded, although once they met sparks fly. I won't say how they met, but it was funny and awesome.
Like I said before, I won't give any spoilers, so no specifics of the plot, but... The book is full of romance, mystery, crime, humor and excitement, and that's very characteristic of Virginia Heath's books, which I love.
The fun thing about this storyline is the unexpected moments, that's what makes me curious, because I want to know more about the characters and what they are going to do when the plans don't go as they thought and prepared. And those unexpected moments sometimes bring or are provoked by funny scenes.
With twists and turns, sense of humor, characters that make us fall in love for them, a cute dog, spies and mystery... What more could we ask for? Overall, I loved this story, I was at the edge of my seat and couldn't stop reading until I figured out everything. So, of course I recommend this book, this series.
In this book we follow Lord Gray and Miss Theadora Cranford, and oh boy... What a fun adventure their story was. Lord Gray is part of a group of spies, a disgraced aristocrat on a mission that will take him on an excited and unexpected journey. He's handsome, intelligent, charming, sweetheart and determined. Then there is Thea, a young woman that is trying to not get many attention, so she stays guarded, although once they met sparks fly. I won't say how they met, but it was funny and awesome.
Like I said before, I won't give any spoilers, so no specifics of the plot, but... The book is full of romance, mystery, crime, humor and excitement, and that's very characteristic of Virginia Heath's books, which I love.
The fun thing about this storyline is the unexpected moments, that's what makes me curious, because I want to know more about the characters and what they are going to do when the plans don't go as they thought and prepared. And those unexpected moments sometimes bring or are provoked by funny scenes.
With twists and turns, sense of humor, characters that make us fall in love for them, a cute dog, spies and mystery... What more could we ask for? Overall, I loved this story, I was at the edge of my seat and couldn't stop reading until I figured out everything. So, of course I recommend this book, this series.
katie_83's review against another edition
5.0
The Disgraceful Lord Gray
(The King’s Elite #3)
By Virginia Heath
5 stars
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blog
This is third book that I have read in this series and again I absolutely loved it! I loved the characters and the scorching heat between them. I really love this author's writing; she never fails to grab my attention quite quickly when reading her stories. Her storylines are exciting and they have some great twists and turns. The Disgraceful Lord Gray is probably my favourite book out of this series!
I really loved Gray and quickly fell in love with him. He had suffered a real troubled past but there was just something about him. He was such a sweet and genuine person.
Thea was a fantastic female lead – she is strong willed, bold, outspoken everything I love in a heroine! Although she was all of those things I also really felt for her with how she felt about the things that had happened in her past.
I was really rooting for Gray and Thea the whole way through – I thought that they were perfect for each other!
I absolutely cannot wait to read more from this author again in the future!
(The King’s Elite #3)
By Virginia Heath
5 stars
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blog
This is third book that I have read in this series and again I absolutely loved it! I loved the characters and the scorching heat between them. I really love this author's writing; she never fails to grab my attention quite quickly when reading her stories. Her storylines are exciting and they have some great twists and turns. The Disgraceful Lord Gray is probably my favourite book out of this series!
I really loved Gray and quickly fell in love with him. He had suffered a real troubled past but there was just something about him. He was such a sweet and genuine person.
Thea was a fantastic female lead – she is strong willed, bold, outspoken everything I love in a heroine! Although she was all of those things I also really felt for her with how she felt about the things that had happened in her past.
I was really rooting for Gray and Thea the whole way through – I thought that they were perfect for each other!
I absolutely cannot wait to read more from this author again in the future!
ksmarsden's review against another edition
5.0
Gray and the King's Elite are closing in around The Boss, the mastermind of the smuggling ring. Can they uncover his identity and bring him to justice, or will Gray get distracted by a pretty face?
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third book in the Kings Elite series. As a Historical Romance, it can be read as a standalone; but as a big fan of the smuggling plot, I would highly recommend reading the other two books first.
Lord Graham - Gray to his friends - is part of the King's Elite. When he travels to Suffolk, he is hoping to find and arrest the head of the smuggling ring; and also earn himself a promotion in the ranks.
He is fully-committed to the job at hand, until he meets the ward of the main suspect, and finds he can't stay away from her.
Theodora - or Thea - is a wealthy heiress, and is very shrewd. She knows exactly what men are after, and she has become adept at spurning their advances.
She is highly intelligent, and passionate, and she does not want to be locked into an unhappy society marriage. Thea has become so good at distancing herself from people, she comes across as cold, and she has lost her feisty side. Until Gray comes along.
I love this series, it is definitely one of my favourites!
It brilliantly balances the romance, with the plot of espionage and uncovering a smuggling ring.
Whereas the first book, The Mysterious Lord Millcroft, is still my favourite couple; The Disgraceful Lord Gray was so much fun, and I absolutely loved the supporting cast.
I thoroughly enjoyed the little side plots with Viscount Gislingham; Lord Fennimore and Harriet; and of course Trefor! I had to save the best til last.
There is so much warmth and humour; balanced with the serious moments. I've got to admit I did a little cheer, as certain things played out.
I would highly recommend these books. Next one, please.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third book in the Kings Elite series. As a Historical Romance, it can be read as a standalone; but as a big fan of the smuggling plot, I would highly recommend reading the other two books first.
Lord Graham - Gray to his friends - is part of the King's Elite. When he travels to Suffolk, he is hoping to find and arrest the head of the smuggling ring; and also earn himself a promotion in the ranks.
He is fully-committed to the job at hand, until he meets the ward of the main suspect, and finds he can't stay away from her.
Theodora - or Thea - is a wealthy heiress, and is very shrewd. She knows exactly what men are after, and she has become adept at spurning their advances.
She is highly intelligent, and passionate, and she does not want to be locked into an unhappy society marriage. Thea has become so good at distancing herself from people, she comes across as cold, and she has lost her feisty side. Until Gray comes along.
I love this series, it is definitely one of my favourites!
It brilliantly balances the romance, with the plot of espionage and uncovering a smuggling ring.
Whereas the first book, The Mysterious Lord Millcroft, is still my favourite couple; The Disgraceful Lord Gray was so much fun, and I absolutely loved the supporting cast.
I thoroughly enjoyed the little side plots with Viscount Gislingham; Lord Fennimore and Harriet; and of course Trefor! I had to save the best til last.
There is so much warmth and humour; balanced with the serious moments. I've got to admit I did a little cheer, as certain things played out.
I would highly recommend these books. Next one, please.