Stephen de Burgh was a real rogue, the handsomest of all the brothers, who used his looks and charm to bed multitudes of women. He lived in a wine induced fog most of the time with no real goals in life - something of a medeival alcoholic. It was in such a state that his father requested that Stephen be the one to escort and deliver Mistriss Brighid L'Estrange to her home. She had been summoned home by her father but before she could arrange to go to him she learned of his death. She had to get there to find out what really happened to him and solve the mystery of why he had summoned her so desperately after so many years away.

Escorting the strong willed Brighid across the wild land of Wales strained Stephen's temper to the limits. He who had never had such responsibilities, nor ever having to take a leadership position - always relying on someone else to make the decisions so he could sit back and enjoy the view. Not only that but this cantankerous bossy woman was somehow getting under his skin, why he couldn't even enjoy a female conquest along the way because she was invading his very thoughts on a continuous basis.

This story, as all of Ms. Simmons, delves deep into character studies and affords us a glimpse into a persons awakening and growth. It was such a joy to see Stephen finally coming into his own and living up to his de Burgh heritage. A masterful story and one I highly recommend. Fabulous as usual, with just the right amount of humor and sensuality to leave you dreaming of finding such a love.


MY LORD de BURGH   October 9, 2000
 35 out of 35 found this review helpful

Once again Deborah Simmons delights her fans as she offers the fourth deBurgh brother's story. Finally, we get to meet Stephen, the most handsome of the seven siblings, a man used to having any woman he desires, which earns him the reputation of a rogue. Ahh, but the author shows us in this tale that 'what you see' isn't always 'what you get'. Stephen is a very troubled man and uses arrogance and charm to mask his real feelings. He is also the most sensitive of the DeBurgh siblings. Because his elder brothers believe this is a weakness, he taunts and mocks all of his siblings and drinks too much ale and wine to hide this facet of his personality. He is in a near drunken state when unexpected visitors arrive at Campion Castle and a command decision made by his father, Fawke DeBurgh, Earl of Campion, is surprise enough to shock him into sobriety.

Brighid l'Estrange is a plain, dull looking woman accompanied by two little old bumbling women, her aunts Cafell and Armes, who arrive at the castle of their overlord with a special request. Brighid received word of her father's death and insists on rushing to Wales to investigate her suspicions and check on her inheritance. Her aunts, blessed with special gifts, as all of the l'Estrange women are, worry since they sense danger if their niece rushes off unguarded. They rarely use their 'gifts' to protect themselves from being known as witches, but in this instance they secretly 'look into the water' to see into the future. The vision that appears is a dark, handsome knight they recognize as a DeBurgh man. When they enter the castle and see Stephen they realize he is the one that will be Brighid's savior, and they request an escort for her journey to Wales. Campion, being the all-seeing, all-knowing, wise father he is, chooses Stephen for the job!

Deborah Simmons will present many challenges for this couple along their way to Wales that will mature each of them. Brighid begins to look into Stephen's heart to learn he is not a drunken wastrel, but a gentle man, suffering from self-inflicted wounds. Meanwhile, Stephen watches what he believes to be an unattractive woman emerge into a beautiful woman of pride and strength. Brighid will fight this charmer all the way, but will not be able to deny their passion as sensuality is subtly introduced by the author.

MY LORD DeBURGH is an outstanding addition to the DeBurgh family saga, as Deborah Simmons pens another winning story. I was delighted to read of a loving, caring father who challenges his son in order to bring out his strengths. I was also touched by the tenderness shown by both Stephen and Brighid toward each other. As each brother is given a unique personality, Ms. Simmons turns them into a 'realistic' family for her fans. Your pleasure will be enhanced if you have read the prequels in the series; however, MY LORD DeBURGH will stand alone as a great story even if you haven't. I highly recommend reading this historical that will take you once more into the medieval past. I will be sad when this saga is over, but I eagerly wait the next one. The good news is - there are still three single DeBurgh brothers!