Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Hearts of Honour #2

Duty and Desire

Rate this book
Grace Daniels, the village of Hartley’s resident midwife and herbalist, would like nothing more than to ease the suffering of Jonathan Loring’s young son, Peter. But the Blackthorn estate manager, a proud if fallen gentleman, is as prejudiced against her illegitimacy as he is her “witchy” profession . . . or so she believes. When Peter’s physicians say they can do no more for the boy, Jonathan finds himself in the unenviable position of having to turn to the woman whose skills he has scorned. Calling an uneasy truce, the couple work together to save Peter’s life, forming an unlikely friendship in the process.

After being rejected by the society in which she was raised, Grace has no intention of submitting to the bonds of matrimony. She has found a degree of independence unheard of for a lady and fears a husband will seek to control her while expecting her to give up her healing profession.

Having lost his inheritance and now forced to work for a living, the widowed Jonathan cannot afford another wife. Nor does he want one, as his first experience with the institution left him seriously doubting its benefits.

While drawn together out of duty, Jonathan and Grace’s relationship soon becomes characterised by a not-so-hidden desire. With marriage out of the question, their only option is both shocking and dangerous . . . to become lovers.

ebook

First published June 18, 2015

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Elise de Sallier

10 books51 followers
Elise began her lifelong obsession with the romance and paranormal genres when she was far too young to be reading either. After more than thirty years of marriage to her very own romantic hero, she now knows great relationships don't just happen, they take work . . . which doesn't mean writing about them can't be a whole lot of fun!

Elise likes to see her characters grow, experience passion and adventure, tackle some difficult issues, and find lasting love . . . eventually.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
32 (37%)
4 stars
33 (38%)
3 stars
16 (18%)
2 stars
4 (4%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Mei.
1,882 reviews453 followers
March 7, 2017
I love Ms. de Sallier's writing style! So nice and easy, it goes on like a smooth whiskey! LOL

This book can be read as a standalone, but to truly appreciate Grace's character, one should read the first one! At least that way was for me...

I loved Grace and her thorny personality in the first book and continued to like her here.

She's open and straitforward. She knows what she wants and to ask for it too! *wink*

I liked Jonathan too. Not in the first book, where he was too stiff, but here: yes! Whem he let go of his prejudices, he became quite likable!

Their story was interesting: I kept tabs to all the stupid things the Ton was worried about! All the idiocy and hypocrisy! Not to speak about the worst thing ever: their convinction that they're God given and superior to other people!!!

I appreciated Jonathan's ability to be humble, but I wanted to slap both of them because they believed that everybody would condemn them if they got married.

The solution was in agreement with the Ton's values, which I didn't like, but I can understand that you cannot change the world in one day (or year...)!

I loved their slow-building romance and also their smexy enounters!

A very nice read!
Profile Image for Caz.
2,874 reviews1,087 followers
June 22, 2015
Duty and Desire is the second book in the author’s Hearts of Honour series, but I don’t think it’s necessary to have read book one, Passion and Propriety, to be able to understand and enjoy it. The story is refreshingly different for an historical romance and I really enjoyed the slow-burn romance between the two protagonists, which is very-well written and developed.


Grace Daniels is the midwife in the village of Hartley, near the estate of Viscount Blackthorn and his wife Hannah, her childhood friend. The illegitimate child of a baron, she was tolerated by his family until his death, but she was then cast out and left to her own devices. She was taken in by her great-aunt, a herbalist and midwife, learned from her and has built up a considerable reputation as a healer.


Widower Jonathan Loring is the viscount’s estate manager, his former commanding officer and his closest friend. Born into an aristocratic family, he was forced to seek employment after resigning his commission in order to care for his seriously ill son. His older brother has gambled away his own fortune, stolen Jonathan’s inheritance, and his financial situation is such that Jonathan is now the sole support for his mother and sickly sister, Penelope. Sending what money he can spare to them and the expensive medical treatments he has sought for his son have brought him to the brink of penury, yet he stubbornly refuses to ask for Grace’s help, believing her traditional, natural remedies and treatments to be only one step removed from “witchery”.


But when an expensive and experienced London physician tells Jonathan there is nothing to be done for Peter and to resign himself to the inevitable, he finally swallows his pride and asks Grace for help.


Jonathan and Grace have an acrimonious relationship, begun in the previous book. He dismisses her as nothing more than a quack, and she gives as good as she gets, rather enjoying the opportunity to bait him. But as she cares for his son, the pair begins to see each other in a different light, and to acknowledge the reluctant attraction that lies buried behind their animosity. Their relationship is beautifully developed and progresses at a sensible pace – fast enough to make it satisfying to read, but not so fast as to make it unbelievable. The first frissons of physical attraction between them are delicious, and their longing for each other just leaps off the page.


Unfortunately, however, the truth of both their situations makes it impossible for Grace and Jonathan to marry. He cannot afford to support a wife, and her dedication to her profession caused her long ago to decide against matrimony. After all, what husband would be willing to put up with a wife who is often called away all hours of the day and night? And how can a woman with such a busy practice possibly undertake the duties of a wife? These facts leave them with few options. They either resign themselves to a life apart, or enter into a clandestine affair – which, if discovered, could ruin Grace entirely.


It’s always a refreshing change to read about characters in historical romances who aren’t rich or titled, and that is definitely one of the things that attracted me to this book. It’s an interesting move on Ms de Sallier’s part to introduce a storyline involving food-allergies into the story, and she lays the groundwork for it very well, so that Grace’s treatment for Peter’s illness never feels as though it is some convenient miracle cure that is present merely to fulfil the needs of the plot.


My criticisms of the book are few, and those are mostly concerned with the last few chapters or so, which feel a little rushed and in which things are resolved a little too conveniently. The reasons Jonathan and Grace are unable to marry are not spurious on his part – having to support his mother and sister as well as pay for expensive medical treatments had almost ruined Jonathan financially; but I was less convinced by Grace’s “I can’t marry you because of my career” stance.


Otherwise, however, Duty and Desire is a very enjoyable story in which the two principals are engaging, dedicated and compassionate characters. The writing is solid, in spite of the odd turn of phrase here and there which feels a little forced, but the romance between Jonathan and Grace is lovely. Their physical encounters are infused with both sensuality and tenderness, and there is no doubt of the depth of the emotional connection between them.



Profile Image for ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...].
874 reviews211 followers
June 21, 2015
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book... for more, visit Punya Reviews...

Duty and Desire is the second book in Elise de Sallier’s Hearts of Honour series. While I still love the author’s writing style, as it was as sweet and lovely as ever, and found most of the characters amazing, I wasn’t fond of the plotline. After loving book 1, I was totally looking forward to this installment. However, the story frustrated me to no end and I ended up disappointed.

Book 1, Passion and Propriety told us the story of 2 childhood friends, kept apart a long time by the trickery of fate, who had a chance of reuniting when they needed each-other more than ever. William, the heir to the Viscount Blackthorne, returns home from war badly injured, only hoping to die in peace. He always hated his autocratic father and a legacy full of debauchery, thanks to his ancestors; a fact that kept William from entangling with the fairer sex. Completely. His estate was falling apart because he hadn’t returned ever since he left home and the estate manager certainly didn’t anything to remedy it. Moreover he was filching money off the estate, leaving it in shambles. But then the news reached that his father has passed on. William had no interest of returning any way, until he was injured.

Hannah, the Vicar’s eldest daughter, had been William’s only friend when he was but a boy of 12. Hannah was a bit older than him and probably took a pity on the lonely boy who didn’t have any playmates, yet couldn’t mingle with the others because of his rank as the Viscount’s son. Hannah hadn’t seen him ever since he left home… until one day, when she was sure that she’d be a spinster for the rest of her life. William was present at the back of the church, though she had no idea it was him. Later they find that he’s injured, badly in need of help. Hannah promptly summons her best friend, the healer and the midwife of the village, Grace. Grace is an expert on herbal remedies and with Hannah’s help, they pull William through this. In the process, Hannah and William become closer again, and find themselves falling in love.

In the course of the story, William not only saves his estate but he marries Hannah too. And Good God, the both of them were mad for each-other. It was lovely to read about H and h where they share their first times together, on their wedding night. That doesn’t happen often in romance novels. I loved every bit of this story. It was sweet, passionate and simply heart-melting.

Jonathan Loring comes to the village at the invitation of William. He was one of William’s high rank officers who needed financial help so badly that he was willing to work, even though he’s the son of an Earl. He’s a widower and has a young boy who is very sickly. Even though Hannah and William, having much trust in Grace’s ability, requests Jonathan to seek help for his son, he vehemently denies. He had no trust or patience for ‘witchy herbs and potions’. Even though the most prominent of doctors couldn’t help his son, Jonathan kept being obtuse, making Grace angry at his comments and insinuations. The whole thing creates a status quo, as both Grace and Jonathan carry on supporting their beliefs. To say that they didn’t have a friendly relationship would be an understatement. And though, in the end, Grace saves Hannah and her twin babies lives from a horrible, totally nightmarish birth, Jonathan is still not inclined to put faith in her abilities... which is how book 1 ends.

I couldn’t wait to read Duty and Desire because Grace was awesome as a secondary character. I admired her and wanted to see how her ‘differences’ with Jonathan is finally resolved.

From before, we knew of Grace’s background. An illegitimate child of a Lord and a maid, she had a rough childhood, though after her mother passed, her father took her to his home to live with his wife and 2 children. She wasn’t welcome with open arms but Grace lived well enough, was even given an education and social trainings. However, the moment her father passed away when she was barely 18, she was thrown out of the house, thanks to her step-mother. Of course, the woman was probably waiting for the moment when she can do it (though it didn’t keep her from summoning Grace later to treat her for one of her many maladies)! Grace was then taken in by an elderly aunt, the village healer, who also trained her in the arts of healing and all sorts of herbal remedies.

The stigma of her birth, alongside the sudden poverty, threw Grace off kilter for a while. She didn’t know what to do, until she began training under her aunt and then falling in love with her profession. It wasn’t easy to make a place for herself among the folks who didn’t respect her to begin with. But as her aunt grew older, Grace began taking over her clients. Since she was very good at her job, gradually she also started earning respect and acceptance. Over the years, Grace has made a place for herself in the community where they think her important and seek her out. She worked hard, sometimes staying up or going out late into the night when an urgent call came. She might’ve been exhausted from a full day’s work, yet she didn’t hesitate. Grace knew this was her calling and she did her job well.

But the same stigma and the tough years she’d endured can’t be erased from Grace’s mind so easily. She clings to this life as if this is her lifeline. Maybe, in a sense, it was her lifeline. And so, she had made a vow to not ever getting married or, after her mother’s experience, to get entangled with a man. Really, what man would let his wife have a job, let alone to wonder around the village late at night, no matter the reason? Besides, her aunt never got married, which convinced Grace that that’s also how her should be... until Jonathan Loring came into her life and started turning things upside down.

Due to William’s generosity, Grace had an emporium of sort up and running. It was one of her lifelong goals, to have her own shop where she can make, keep and showcase her herbs and remedies, talk to and treat people without having to endure the invasion of the privacy of her house. Seriously, one needs that! Apart from the most serious cases, she wanted people to come to her in an official hour. Besides, she was also training a few odd women of the village in her trade, both herbal remedies and midwifery. After all that she’d been thru to come this far, Jonathan’s snide comments struck a chord in Grace. With is why her relationship with him was shaky as best since the beginning. Whenever they’d meet there’d be this tension and some kinda word exchange between them, more often than not to rile each-other up. Everybody knew that they can’t stand the shadow of each-other. But no one knew that both Grace and Jonathan harbored a secret attraction that they would never have acknowledged had fate not played it’s part of bringing them together on a single, most worthy goal; to save little Peter’s life.

When I met Jonathan in book 1, I thought he was gentleman... mostly. He also seemed very experienced in life, in comparison to William anyway; especially when it came to women. However I was so wrong that I almost couldn’t recognize him in his book. Jonathan definitely isn’t a virgin like William used to be but his experience with women was very few and far between. Then he got married so young to an even younger girl that his love life had no hope of surviving, because Jonathan’s wife had no interest in sex, more so after Peter was born. And because he’s such a gentleman, Jonathan never thought about cheating on his wife, even when he was far away serving in the Army. He didn’t have a good relationship with her, but he wanted to work things out for Peter’s sake. Since becoming a father, Jonathan knew his life has changed but he had no idea just how much until his wife died in accident. Jonathan returned for the funeral, only to find a 2yrs. old Peter to be so ill that no one knew if he’d survive the coming weeks. The shock of it was too much for Jonathan; the guilt of not taking care of his son, though I’d say his fickle wife was to blame since she had no interest in the child either. He promptly resigned his commission to take care of Peter, to do anything possible to see his son hale and hearty once again.

3 more yrs. have passed ever since and Peter has not had gotten well. If it was possible, the child has gotten even worse. Jonathan has almost depleted his meager savings from the Army to bring in the best doctors around but to no avail. I don’t think I have to explain that reviving his love life was far from Jonathan’s mind when he was regularly living in fear that his only son would perish any day... and that, as a father, he was unable to help him in any way. :(

I already mentioned that Jonathan is the son of an Earl. Then why was he living like this? Turns out, the current heir, his elder brother, is a wastrel who gambled away most of the money. Even Jonathan’s own inheritance didn’t survive. It all happened when he was in the army, also why he was forced to work for a living. Now, his mother and only sister Penelope, are in danger of living out in the streets. For now, Jonathan is the one who’s helping them financially. The Countess has extravagant taste and can’t forget her former life... Jonathan doesn’t know just how long he can make both ends meet.

Jonathan’s disdain of herbal remedy wasn’t his own but something his obnoxious father has drummed into him very young. Then we learn of his eldest brother, the original heir. He was also very ill, much like Peter (so it seemed that this mysterious illness ran in his family) and passed away in his teens. His father had no trust in herbalists and his brother suffered before his death. Jonathan would’ve cling on to his beliefs, but today, Jonathan is desperate.. At this point, when the last doctor said there’s nothing more can be done for Peter, he’d do anything to save him. Even if it means eating the humble pie and begging Grace Daniels to treat his son. Only he didn’t know if she’d just ignore his plea and walk away.

But of course she wouldn’t! To be fair, Grace had wanted to help Peter since the very beginning. Though Jonathan’s behavior had hurt her, she promptly assures him that she’d be treating Peter. That Jonathan has nothing to worry about on that regard. And this development soon turns a new leaf in their relationship. Grace’s ministrations and advice regarding Peter’s health begins to show positive result, making Jonathan extremely happy. He could now see how he’d judged Grace wrong and would love to amend the rift that their previous animosity had caused. Grace finds herself wanting to forgive Jonathan, knowing that he’s not only a wonderful, dedicated father but also a wonderful man. Peter becomes the bridge to their newly formed companionship as the boy becomes attached to Grace, clearly quite fond of her. It was pretty plain to see that he wanted a motherly touch in his life, which in some way, Grace’s attention and affection brought him. Grace knew it’s not wise to form that deep an attachment with a patient or with his family for that matter, but she finds herself unable to stay away.

And then, there was that attraction that the both of them fought hard now that the barrier of their previous misunderstanding had lifted completely. Jonathan definitely wanted Grace, which he’d willingly admit if she returned his regard... one day, Grace surprises him by kissing him, stating her wish to learn what it is to become a woman in all sense. At first, Jonathan was shocked. But he was equally elated that she’d turn to him for such affection. After that though, the kisses turns into something more and Grace now wanted this to go beyond kissing and fondling. She wanted to experience it all. Without the bond of matrimony.

For Jonathan, he would’ve loved to give Grace the honor of becoming his wife because he’s more than willing to worship her body. Yet, she, in so many words, tells him that there’d no marriage. It’s just not possible due to her work. I failed to see Grace’s point completely, thinking she’d come around because Jonathan was simply crazy about her. He adored her, wanted her so much that he agreed to whatever terms she put forward. I mean, as a man shouldn’t he be happy that he gets to shag her without taking any responsibility at all? But no! You’ll find that Elise’s heroes aren’t like that at all. They’re honorable, loving and very loyal. But Jonathan had no other options. With his own poor financial condition, especially now that his mother and sister have come to live with him, he doesn’t hope to marry anytime soon. He’d do anything to be with Grace, even if it means to agree to a secret liaison.

I knew this couldn’t go on forever as they were already in love. But Grace keeps insisting their affair has to remain a secret. Oh, they did this handfasting kind of marriage secertly but that would never stand in the eyes of the society, would it? Grace knew very well that if Jonathan is to marry someone else, she can’t do anything about it.

William misunderstood Jonathan’s pre-occupied state and thought it might be due to Hannah’s younger sister, Naomi and start a not-so-subtle matchmaking, it takes a bad turn. I’d never know why he thought it was Naomi though. Jonathan, who is horrid at lying just made a muck of everything because he was having a hard time keeping his relationship a secret. He wanted to let it out in the world, could barely contain it... and it started from there. Naomi, a practical girl, is told that Jonathan is secretly enamored of her and wants to court her. When this becomes public knowledge, it completely throws Grace off balance. She mentally dumps it all on Jonathan, as in it was his plan to marry Naomi. She even becomes hurt and angry that Jonathan would wanna marry someone else! She’s insanely jealous of Naomi too, secretly berating the girl when it wasn’t her fault in the first place! HUH? I mean c’mon, make up your mind Grace! YOU were the one insisted on an affair. YOU were the one didn’t wanna marry him when he was totally willing to. What did you think, that he’d live this way, content with having clandestine meetings here and there for the rest of his life? Is that even logical for you to expect, with his family wanting to see him settled with a good girl, so that Peter can also have a mother in his life?

When this insanity kept going on for too long, it occurred to me that Grace had no idea what she wanted from this relationship. Even when her aunt asks her to rethink her decision and not slip Jonathan out of her life, Grace refuses to consider it, strictly sticking to the fact that her position in the community was hard earned and she wouldn’t lose it. Not even for Jonathan was the untold statement. Honestly, it didn’t sit well with me. You simply can’t have your cake and eat it too. And you can’t claim to love a man when you can’t sacrifice anything for both of your happiness!

But if I thought that was bad, I was simply wrong as I found out when the story continued. There was some trouble going on in the coal mines that surrounded Hartley. As the estate manager, Jonathan was keeping an eye on them. In one of those investigations, he’s lured into a mine, which collapses, leaving him trapped. You can only imagine the panic! But Jonathan is mostly in tears because now that Peter is on the mend, they won’t have any time together, and he’d never be able to hold Grace in his arms again. It broke my heart to see just how much Jonathan loved Grace, which she should’ve returned tenfold and let nothing stand between them. *sigh*

Now, don’t worry because Jonathan is rescued thanks to William’s help. Why I said that things turned ugly was due to this— Jonathan is badly injured, yet everybody heard ‘grace’ on his lips from the moment he was rescued. Disoriented from his injury, he couldn’t keep his longing for his beloved a secret. Though no one understood why he’d say grace, she knew. And instantly, Grace becomes alert, trying to staunch any suspicion coming her way. She accompanied the search party and was present on the site, which is where she treats him. She patches him up, totally ignoring his disoriented blabbering, where the most of it was asking her to stay with him. And no, she doesn’t escort him to his home, fearing that someone’ll notice something. She refuses to be seen with or around him after that. She refuses to even see him while he recuperates from his injuries, hoping that she’d come visit him. All because she doesn’t find herself in a situation with Jonathan that leads, oh the horror!, to matrimony. She isn’t going down that path for anything, so she refuses to even acknowledge her relationship with Jonathan. Note that at that time, she was still annoyed and angry at Naomi because of her interest in Jonathan, still blaming Jonathan for everything.

The whole scenario left such a bad taste in my mouth that I couldn’t help shaking my head in dismay. The man you claim you love was just rescued from a place that could’ve become his stony tomb had anything gone wrong at the rescue. And all you can think of what’ll people think? You completely ignore him, yet you can’t take it that someone else is interested in him. Did you even ask if he wanted to marry Naomi? Was that even ‘love’? I simply don’t know, but I can tell you it totally ruined my enjoyment.

And so, I couldn’t convince myself that Grace had any notion of what love was. She’d pine for what Hannah and William had, yet she couldn’t give Jonathan the little support and attention when he needed it the most to save her infernal reputation. It was he who had to visit her because Jonathan was feeling guilty. He was freakin’ scared that he’d let something slip about their affair and maybe that’s why Grace is staying away from him! He still wasn’t completely well, yet he’d do anything to convince Grace, even if publicly, that he doesn’t care, all the while Grace tried her best to explain to everyone present that ‘Mr. Loring had a head injury, so he was talking gibberish’. REALLY? By then, thanks to William’s generosity, Jonathan’s financial problems were resolved, so he wanted to make it formal.

It was when Grace heard that bit of information, also when she was given the assurance that Jonathan won’t interfere in her work (as if he ever would!), is when Grace gives her consent to the marriage.

What.ever!

Personally speaking, the solution of their dilemma seemed so easy that it made everything Grace did to keep her relationship with Jonathan a secret pointless in my eyes. I tried my best to consider her situation, her past and empathize. Unfortunately, it didn’t help.

Saying all these, it doesn’t mean I’m giving up on this series. Not at all! I’ve come to care for the lives of these characters, so I’m gonna keep my eyes open to see who is getting the next book. 3.5 stars.


I received this ARC, courtesy of TWCS via netgalley which didn’t influence my review and rating in any way. thankyou
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kathie (katmom).
689 reviews48 followers
June 18, 2015
Happy Release Day!!!

There's a giveaway at my blog today, too:

http://www.firstpagetothelast.com/201...



I was so excited to get Grace's story after reading the first book in the series, Passion and Propriety. Grace was a wonderful supporting character there and she's a fabulous main character here. She's strong and it irks her to be just a wee bit jealous of the relationship Hannah and William had in that book. As a bastard daughter and a woman who works for her living with her midwifery skills, she doesn't think she's going to be able find a husband of her own.

Jonathan has been looking for a cure for his young son's illness for years. Unfortunately, the doctors of the time have nearly killed the little guy. He's at his wit's end when he agrees to let Grace examine young Peter. They work together to bring him back to health. And instead of sniping at each other (as they have been for ages) they find an attraction between them that gives us, the reader, a very satisfying case of UST (unresolved sexual tension). Even as Grace tells Jonathan that he needs a more "gently bred" young woman as his wife, the two enter into a secret relationship...and goodness me...is it hot! But it's not "just" sex...no, this is love and it's fabulous.

A great cast of supporting characters add a lovely depth to the story. And some laughs, too. I did love young Peter!

Loved this book, and now I want more from this author. I highly recommend this book to people who want that Regency experience with a side of steam...and love.




Thank you, TWCS and Netgalley, for the opportunity to read this book
Profile Image for Andrea (mrsaubergine).
1,498 reviews93 followers
March 4, 2015
I love stories with great UST, and Elise de Sallier has managed to make it four out of four now with Duty and Desire, her fourth historical romance and the second book in her Hearts of Honour series. This story centres around Grace, the village herbalist and midwife, and Jonathan, the Blackthorn estate manager. They dislike each other intensely, which makes it all the more delicious when they come together after Grace is brought in to treat Jonathan's ailing son. I thought it especially clever to have a food allergy plot in this historical romance, giving it a bit of a modern twist and a wink to the canny reader.

What I like most about de Sallier's writing is the steam - oh my! You don't need to have read the first book to appreciate this one, but I would highly recommend both. I sincerely hope there will be more in this series.
Profile Image for Leiera Monae.
556 reviews34 followers
July 8, 2015
Duty and Desire, Book 2 of the Hearts of Honour series

Let me begin by saying that I am a huge fan of Elise de Sallier as a writer of romantic historical fiction. So when I saw that she was continuing her Hearts of Honour series, I was ecstatic! When a fellow GR member informed me that Ms. de Sallier's new book was available over on NetGalley, I swooned. When my ARC was approved, I cried! The second installment of the series focuses on Grace Daniels and Jonathan Loring, two people who seemingly cannot stand each other.

Grace Daniels is the village midwife and herbalist, and is described as the illegitimate daughter of a deceased lord who seduced her then unwed teenage mother, and whose family subsequently abandoned her upon her father's death. Her circumstances place her low on the societal ladder. Nevertheless, she is firm in her beliefs of pure and clean medicinal practices, and has experienced a high success rate of saving lives (including those of Viscount and Viscountess Blackthorn) in the village using her homemade remedies and tonics. She is the best friend of Viscountess Hannah Blackthorn (the heroine from Book 1 of the series), and enjoys much love and respect for caring for the Blackthorn family.

Jonathan Loring is Viscount William Blackthorn's estate manager, former commanding officer, and best friend. He is a widower struggling to care for his extremely ill son. Because Jonathan resigned his commission and left the armed services after his wife's death to care for his son, he received what would be considered a dishonorable discharge, and was denied his military pension. That coupled with the fact that following the death of his baron father, that his eldest brother had squandered away Jonathan's inheritance, also places him as a low-man in society, one who is on the brink of destitution. Despite having been plunged into financial ruin in his search for medical help for his ailing son, he staunchly refuses to request the services of Grace Daniels. That is, until nothing else has succeeded in saving his son's life, and even the London medical professionals tell him that nothing more can be done. Setting aside his prejudices concerning Grace's illegitimacy and her “witchy profession,” he swallows his pride in the interest of saving his son.

The Duty

With Grace enjoying a favored position with the Blackthorn family, as well as being Hannah's close personal friend, Hannah and William ask Grace if she would consider serving as a godparent of their newborn twins. With William holding Jonathan in similar high regard, they ask him to fulfill the same role. Both Grace and Jonathan accept, initially hesitant due to their seemingly low tolerance level for each other.

The Desire

Jonathan had adopted preconceived notions about Grace early on in Book 1, and those carried over into Book 2. But as his son's health continues to fail, he puts all that aside, along with some of his pride, and approaches Grace for a medical consultation. As he interacts with her, and observes her genuine loving care for his son, his ideas about her change, and a long dormant desire awakens within him. Grace had thought the widower Jonathan Loring to be stuffy, conceited, and judgmental. She, too, has the opportunity to witness him interact with his son. And like Jonathan, her own desire is awakened. But as a man who was once burned badly by the marital institution in his experiences with his first wife, and as a woman who concedes that she will never marry so as not to give up control of her own life, and her beloved professions as midwife and herbalist, how do these two so-called enemies become lovers? And above all else, can they each maintain their honor in the process?

Grace is a delightful heroine. She is snarky, strong, and independent, unwilling to be intimidated by those in the village who continuously shun and ridicule her because of her family heritage. In fact, she quite often boldly brings the sensitive subject up herself, never shying away from who she is and where she comes from. Jonathan is an equally enjoyable character. With his blond hair, blue eyes, reddish-blond beard (that Grace secretly adores), his inconveniently constant bashful blushing, and his undeniable love for his son, it's easy to understand why Grace has a hard time not falling for him, personal misgivings notwithstanding.

Elise de Sallier does a wonderful job of sticking with the historical foundation in Duty and Desire. Having read her historical fiction before, I knew that this one would also be accurate in its research. The setting, the dialogue, and the jargon of the time, all help to set the stage on which this historical romance unfolds. Told in the third person point of view, readers are gifted with snippets of the innermost thoughts of the two main characters. Paired with outstanding supporting characters and a winning plot, this one is a must-read for lovers of this genre.

Male Lead Protagonist: 4 stars
Female Lead Protagonist: 4 stars
Supporting Character(s): 4 stars
Plot: 4 stars
Author’s Writing Style: 5 stars

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Will I be reading other books by this author? Yes!
Would I continue this series? Yes!
Do I recommend this series? Yes!
Do I recommend this author? Yes! Yes! Yes!

Scheduled Release Date: June 18, 2015
Genre: Historical Romance - Regency Period
Published by: The Writer's Coffee Shop

Visit Elise de Sallier's blog (http://elisedesallierblogposts.blogsp...) for an exclusive excerpt of Duty and Desire.

Follow her Amazon space (http://www.amazon.com/Elise-de-Sallie...) or the TWCS book shop (http://ph.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/bo...) for blog tour updates and future ordering info.

Connect with Ms. de Sallier through Twitter (https://twitter.com/ESallier) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/elise.desallier).

ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Amy Alvis.
1,943 reviews84 followers
June 10, 2015
This is book 2 in the Hearts of Honour series.

Jonathan Loring has no one else to turn to when his son's illness doesn't get any better. Having scorned the resident midwife and herbalist since he has known her, he must humble himself to ask for her help. He doesn't expect to find himself attracted to the healer.

Grace Daniels has been rejected by society since her father passed away. Her illegitimacy and her career keep society from accepting her in their ranks. All except Viscount and Viscountess Blackthorn whom she saved from certain death. They have even helped her set up her practice in their little town.

When Jonathan goes to Grace for help with his son, she does it for the sake of the boy. She would never let a child suffer because of the choices that adults make. But as the two foes spend more time with each other, they realize they have more in common than they could ever imagine and their attraction for each other soon becomes too hard to deny.

I enjoyed meeting Jonathan and Grace in Passion and Propriety. I had a feeling that de Sallier would match them together. I could see the chemistry between the two of them even then.

Loved this story. I like a man that will do anything for his child and admit when he is wrong! I loved watching Grace and Jonathan go from foes to lovers. To see the attraction blossom and watch them fall in love.

I hope that de Sallier continues with this series as there are several characters that I would like to see get their HEA!

Thanks go out to The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
Profile Image for Kasey Cocoa.
954 reviews39 followers
June 12, 2015
Well written enjoyable read. The characters are so well fleshed out they feel like people you'd know. I like how nicely they develop through the story. The romance feels authentic and has such a touching vibe to it. The plot feels unique and has very nice flow, perfect for the story. Overall I feel this is an excellent choice for those who enjoy historical romances. I receive an e-arc through The Writers Coffee Shop in exchange for an honest review.
3,063 reviews57 followers
January 1, 2020
Overwritten story about a healer who can never marry, because.... she's a healer. The H is nobility, but poor due to his awful family and he falls for the h after she saves his son. Sounds good, but the writing was tedious until about 65%, then the story picked up as did their scruples. Once they decided to have a relationship it got interesting, the H was especially good. The h not so much. I liked it but the writing style made for tedious reading. Just OK.
Profile Image for Denise.
4,123 reviews12 followers
June 21, 2015
With so many genres that offer fantastic novels, variety is so out there. As a avid reader I like to mix it up abit and historical romance is one of those. This is also my first time in reading this author so curious to see if she can hold my attention. Grace is not your average woman especially in that time, she is a midwife and healer. Some would often even call it witchery and nonsense but what they turned to in the form of medicine was torture mostly I think. In the place they are in she has earned a good following and respected for her skill. Her best friend is proof that she knows her stuff. The one who she does butt heads with and likes to rile though is Jonathan who works for her friend's husband. He also has a very sick son that he has come to the end of his choices that pride will be swallowed with him asking her to see him. They are also in the same mind about marriage-not for them, especially with their situations. That is the grand thing about love that it seems to like to bring two together that say nope and turn it around. In this you see how their relationship will take a turn and develop into something that neither saw coming or thought would happen. The spunk and personality of both will shine forth being revealed as you travel along with them. Thanks though to the time and place discretion is going to be needed or lives will be blackened. The banter they have with each other is delightful and at times so humorous too. The eloquence of courtship as much as they can have in their circumstances will fit right to them. The deception though will also cause others to think different especially where Jonathan is concerned and the direction of his future will be meddled in because of lies to cover up reality.The prejudice of the upper class will shine forth making you want to smack someone. As time goes on harder and harder will feelings be to hide and with a event that happens all will come to light in a unexpected way. So do love the line towards the end that includes the title that fits this novel to the tee on the very last page. Received a copy for a honest review.
Profile Image for Lindsey Gray.
Author 20 books136 followers
June 25, 2015
The Hearts of Honour series continues with a seductive tale of enemies turned into lovers.

Grace, the Hartley herbalist and midwife, and Jonathan, the Blackthorn estate manager, got off to a more than rough start in the first book of the series, Passion & Propriety. Their best friends, Hannah and William, fell in love in the face of adversity. At first, their love hit a nerve with both Grace and Jonathan, but they did find a way to accept it. In Grace's case, she even envied her best friend.

In Duty & Desire, Jonathan is at his wits end, watching his son, Peter, deteriorate day by day. When the last "specialist" drains his accounts, he allows Grace to examine the boy. Over the course of Peter's treatment, Jonathan comes to respect and admire Grace in a way he never thought possible. Grace also sees Jonathan in a new light, as a man who deeply loves his son and is unwaveringly loyal to those he cares for most.

DeSallier gives us an unforgettable romance in impossible circumstances. The intricacy of the plot had me devouring the novel in only a day. I loved how I was pulled into the story and the town of Hartley like I was one of the members of their community. The pacing gave a realistic feel to the story, making me smile and cry right along with the characters.

Always the queen of twists and turns, DeSallier shocked and amazed me with a climax I never saw coming, but completely fell in love with. I cannot wait to devour another of Elise DeSaller's novels as soon as she releases it.

Thanks so much to Elise DeSallier and The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House for providing me with a copy of Duty & Desire in exchange for an honest review.
24 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2018
Beautiful Sequel

We first met Grace and Jonathan in Elise's book Passion and 04948356 as the midwife/herbalist and former officer turned estate manager. Ever at odds as he can not sanction practicing (witchcraft). However,he has a very sick son and when doctor and doctor give him no hope, will Grace be the miracle he needs in mid ways than medically? This is a well researched book into the hardships of life in the early 1800's . The difficulty a woman had being accepted having a career. Actuality so much is what many forward thinking people are returning to as far as natural ways. Very good read and beautiful love story.
Profile Image for Heidi Meaton.
144 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2019
Very good read.

I've read both books so far in this series and have been very pleasantly surprised.
This second instalment is just as good as the last with well developed characters and a very interesting story line.
Grace is a brilliant character, with good depth and a believable circumstance. Some very lump in throat times involving huge selflessness .
Jonathon is interesting and unique male role set in the period, just going to show as in the last book that heroes aren't all secure in themselves and hardened to the ways of the ton.
Well written, good editing, good continuity, no repetition (thankfully). Very good.
3 reviews
March 23, 2018
A Treat for the Heart and Mind

This book completely and utterly makes my heart sing!! What an incredible story that truly brings you back, to a time long long ago, when love wasn't a simple matter, of simply choosing what the heart wants. There were many things to consider. Society and the outside world are controlling the love between Jonathan and Grace. The settings, the characters, the language, all in all, perfect! A must read for anyone who enjoys a truly romantic story!!! I've reread it already! An incredible, enchanting story!
690 reviews4 followers
May 17, 2018
Midwife and ex military officer

This story took place in the countryside which I found interesting,female lead was stronger than the male,another plus for me.
157 reviews3 followers
August 25, 2023
Not as good as the first but still a solid read. Would be interested in reading more books on Hannah's sisters or other residents of Heartley
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.