Well...click.

I have chemistry with this book. In no small part due to loving Astrid every bit as much as Andrew (of the impeccable timing), and to lovely lovely love declarations.

Somehow, the scale of this love story felt sweeping and epic, maybe because it survived years and distance...Andrew works out to be as sweet a significant other as he is a brother, so really considerate, lovely hero. Astrid continues to be her open and spirited self, making the best of what comes her way

"In your present state of stubbornness, you do not deserve me," she informed him, "but you have me, and I will not give you the satisfaction of excusing you from this marriage. I did not agree to your silly terms, Andrew Alexander, and I did not agree to stop loving you,"

There were several heart-wrenching scenes and even in my current state of stony feels, tears did sting my eyes multiple times.

All that said, Gareth is a prereq in this case, because Andrew is prominently featured...and the relationship to Gareth is a central part of Andrew. ( )

I've loved this series by [[Grace Burrowes]] but this was my least favorite book in the series. The reason why the hero and heroine can't be together is one of the biggest stretches that I've read in a long time and the heroine in danger plot was very far fetched. ( )

' "Dratted man"... Dear, dratted man'...more Burrowes' entangled delights!

'He should never have left in the first place.'
So true and the story of the Alexander family continues, this time focusing on Gareth's brother Andrew and Felicity's sister, Astrid Worthington, now Astrid Allen, Viscountess Amery. You may remember the interplay between a younger Astrid and Andrew at that time.
Lord Andrew Alexander has returned from abroad having fled his demons--his guilt at the drowning of his brother, father and Gareth's fiancé, and his good intentions with respect to not burdening Astrid with his heaviness. But, as Andrew reflects, 'Haring off to the four corners of the globe hadn't solved what was wrong with [him].
Astrid has been married in his absence, not happily, but comfortably. She is now widowed and pregnant.
Intrigue rears it's ugly head though and it seems that Astrid may be the target of someone who has something to gain by her demise. What's more, it may be that the death of her husband Herbert may not be the accident first thought.
Who benefits most is the question. I had my suspicions.
How can Andrew appease his tormented soul and protect the woman he loves from all this and from himself?
Ah! The wheels of love grind round and about torturously and mysteriously.
Astrid is a delightful person. Forthright and honest, we can't help but take her to our hearts.
I must admit to sparing a puzzled thought for Lord Douglas who seems to be carrying a heavy burden and yet seems unaware of many things, is emotionally contained, even stilted.
So we have pregnancies and possible murders and Saint Andrew thinking he is a vile, unworthy person and self flagellating by deserting any idea of love being a goal he can partake of.
There is an interesting foray into child birth of the times. It was fascinating seeing birthing practices or non practices of the time through Felicity's delivery experience with the assistance of Andrew and Astrid. More advice is given by their brother David Holbrooke.
We have some loose ends being tied up and the result is a finely crafted novel to enjoy.

p.s. I really recommend looking on Grace Burrowes' website at the Lonely Lords Family Tree to see how the families hang together.

A NetGalley ARC ( )