In this dazzling Regency romance from an acclaimed author, notorious bachelor, Iverson Brentwood, has finally met his match. Catalina Crisp heats his blood like no one ever has. But no matter how attracted he is, he can't give into his desire--for she is the daughter of the man he's sworn to destroy.
The daughter of a famous writer, Catalina Crisp has helped her father publish a parody that makes Iverson Brentwood's whole family the talk of the town, and not in a good way.
Furious and threatening, Iverson storms into Catalina's house, demanding satisfaction, but the infamous rake has finally met his match. With her cool demeanor and intense intelligence, Catalina heats his blood like no other woman in his notorious history...
Amelia Grey (aka Gloria Dale Skinner) grew up in a small town in the Florida Panhandle. She has been happily married to her high school sweetheart for over twenty-five years. She has lived in Alabama, Connecticut, New Hampshire and now lives in Florida.
Amelia has won the coveted Romantic Times award for Love and Laughter, the prestigious Maggie award for best historical and Affaire de Coeur's best American historical award. She has been a finalist for the Golden Heart and the Holt Medallion awards which are given by Romance Writers of America and numerous other awards. Her books have been sold to many countries in Europe, Russia and China.
Amelia likes flowers, candlelight, sweet smiles, gentle laughter and sunshine.
I read this a few weeks ago and thought that I had already written a review, but I see that I was wrong. I loved Catalina and Iverson. I am a romance lover, especially historical romance. It is something about that times that draws me, even though I wouldn't trade the freedom that we women have today for nothing in the world. I would like to think that if I were living in that time Catalina is the woman I would like to emulate. She was intelligent, beautiful, and considering the time she lived in, very independent. Iverson was the perfect man for her to fall in love with, and she the perfect woman for him. Anyone else would have bored them both to tears. When you have someone as headstrong as Catalina you definitely need a man who can stand up and match wits and intelligence with her, but someone who also allows her to be herself and love her for it and vice versa.
I didn't know that the book was part of a series until I started reading, but I am looking forward to going back to the first book and continuing on with the next. I am waiting with bated breath for Matson's story and to see what happens next in the Brentwood's lives.
You guys know that historical romance is one of my many guilty pleasures right? Because they are. I love the romance and the drama and the dresses and the men being manly and ALL THE EMOTIONS. And it always makes me a little sad when I don't feel much of anything while reading them, and that's exactly what happened with this one.
First off, the summary is misleading. Iverson isn't out to destroy Catalina's father, he just wants to threathen him a bit to make him stop writing things about his family. If he really were, he would have seduced Catalina right then and there and ruined her in society's eyes. But that's just my opinion. No matter how much it kept appearing in the story: I couldn't picture Iverson as the Rake of Baltimore. Even though he keeps insisting he's not a gentleman, his actions spoke louder and he was definitely not ruthless or anything. I liked Iverson very much up until about the end of A Gentleman Says I Do, but we'll get to that.
Catalina was an interesting character, she's loyal and loving and cares a great deal about everyone and puts herself last. There were just some times when I felt myself going WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING??? and could see trouble coming from literally MILES away. And that bothered me, because while everyone can make mistakes, these were pretty big ones and she sometimes seemed clueless when she was described as smart and responsible earlier.
So the main characters were nice enough. I did however take issue with Catalina's aunt and her father. I couldn't fathom how these two adults could be so clueless to money issues and well, basically everything. How did they make it to their respectable age? This baffles me. I could not figure out how they remembered to take a breath on their own. Seriously. And I'm sure Catalina's father is very charming and all, but he's definitely also a royal ass. Just up and leaving your daughter every time the fancy strikes is not very good parenting. Also, his casual attitude when he finally showed up annoyed me a lot.
And then there's the matter of Iverson and Catalina's romance. I thought they rubbed along pretty well, but I'm just a bit tired of the insta-love that's creeping into these novels lately. And it goes hand in hand with the insta-knowing of each other's souls that weirds me out. I mean, it takes time to get to figure out what makes someone tick and you don't do it within 5 minutes of meeting someone. I did like that they didn't immediately jump into bed, but they just kept talking during their kissing and other intimacies and not in a way that you'd think, it sounded a bit too polite for the things they were doing and it weirded me out a bit. Also, can you gasp while kissing? I've been trying to picture it, but it sounds rather hard to me.
And I really disliked that after Iverson forgives Catalina for keeping one big thing from him and then not even half a day later finds out ANOTHER, even BIGGER thing she didn't tell him, he's just 'she didn't trust me, how can I make her trust me?'. I mean WHAT?? SHE was the one that did something wrong and he's trying to figure out how to make her trust him? WTF? I would have liked for him to have made a bigger deal out of this, cause Catalina's been agonising over it for most of the story and then it's just swept under the rug like it's no biggie. Which it was.
Mostly, I just wasn't feeling it and if I had been I could have probably gotten over my complaints. The writing is pretty good and engaging, but the story itself just didn't seem to work for me.
A Gentleman Says "I Do" is a magnificent book that showcases a true love that can overcome anything. This sweet romance will enchant.
The story is fairly straightforward. Catalina is a young woman whose author father is prone to taking off at a moment's notice, leaving her to finish his works so that they can get the necessary money. When she finishes a story about two scandal-prone twin brothers, one of the real life brothers comes to confront her father about the story. When she and Iverson begin a relationship, she has to keep her part in the story a secret lest that knowledge tear them apart.
Catalina is a lovely character. She is kind and realistic and can be incredibly stubborn. She handles Iverson's temper deftly, matching it with her own. The fact that her father is off in his own world most of the time means she had to grow and mature faster than any other young woman and his tendency to bring home unfortunates has taught her to be kind.
Iverson is...so hot it's ridiculous. He has a fiery temper and is extraordinarily impulsive but he's still an absolute sweetheart to Catalina. He's protective of the people he loves, from his family to, later, Catalina. Even when he's angry with Catalina, he's still the sweetest gentleman. It was so endearing.
The other characters were fun to read about, particularly Aunt Elle. She was hilarious; the woman does not know how to hold her drink. Her antics were incredibly entertaining.
The story was engaging and ending perfectly. I wouldn't have changed a single word. The entire book is a masterpiece of romance.
You can read other reviews to see what the storyline is. I will tell you that I like the book. It was an easy read and a fast read. I finished it between many other tasks in a couple of days. I enjoyed my time reading it.
I was gifted the book by the author many months ago and I am sorry I did not read and review it until now. Because if you are in the mood for a good old fashioned romance, this is a story you will enjoy.
I had a problem with one aspect of the story, but considering the age of the heroine, I could easily be persuaded of its possibility. And it seemed necessary to the storyline.
I look forward to reading more about the relationship of the twin brother and I know I will also pick up more of Amelia Grey's books to be enjoyed.
I would recomend this to women more than men, but anyone who likes a historical romance or romance with a bit of adventure. It does not have graphic content.
I was gifted this book by the author and in return I promised an honest review. A Gentleman Says "I Do" is the 5th book in The Rogues' Dynsasty series. It's a stand alone historical romance with interconnecting characters but it does not have to be read in order. With this installment you will get top notch writing, wonderful characters, witty banter and a dialogue that keeps you turning those pages. You will be rooting for the MCs from the start and will be pleasantly surprised with the HEA.
Catalina Crisp is the daughter of a famous writer, Sir Phillip Crisp, in order to have funds to support the staff and household she has completed her father's parody that involves the well known Brentwood twins. Even though it gets her another day from finicial disaster, it makes the twins the talk about town and Iverson Brentwood appearing on her doorstep wanting to put the "fear of God" in the author.
Iverson arrives furious and threatening havoc, storms into Catalina's house, looking for Sir Phillip but finds the beautiful daughter instead. Iverson might have finally met his match with the cool, calm and collected Catalina. With her headstrong intelligence, Catalina heats his blood like no other.
Iverson knows no matter how attracted he is to Catalina, he can't have what he wants until the matter with the scoundel author is settled. But what will he do when he finds the tempting daughter has helped her father?
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were good and the story line. I hope you give it a chance. This is a reissue of this book just so everyone knows. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
A sparkling love story from the core out, A Gentleman Says "I Do" has a hero and heroine who grab one’s heart and take it on a magical journey from antipathy to ecstatic love.
Threatening a young lady’s father with bodily harm does not engender trust—a truth Iverson Brentwood has to work around as he and the enchanting Catalina Crisp engage in a stimulating, on-going verbal scrimmage that verges on all-out warfare. Neither seems to gain much advantage over the other as emotions run high and gossip runs rampant.
When The Daily Herald publishes Phillip Crisp’s parody “A Tale of Three Gentlemen”, London’s Society finds it highly entertaining, but Iverson Brentwood does not. He feels it shows his deceased mother in a bad light. The parody is not funny to him and he intends to stop the writing of anymore such innuendo.
Since he and his twin brother Matson have used the “bad twin—good twin” routine in business with great success, he’s become accustomed to being the bad twin—“Rake of Baltimore”. He sees no reason why his “bad” approach won’t succeed with Mr. Phillip Crisp, the writer of the uncomplimentary parody. He, of course, had not taken into account Mr. Crisp’s unflappable, pleasant, irritating daughter Catalina. She shows no fear of his arrogant, authoritative, impatient demeanor, but answers him as an equal and even with a touch of amusement.
An interesting group of secondary characters enliven the plot. Catalina’s alcoholic Aunt Elle, her irresponsible but charming father, and the assortment of servants in their house who are more or less the discards of society all look to Catalina for taking care of their needs and keeping the household solvent—frightfully difficult in the best of times and has become nigh impossible. These characters, even though worrisome, create an undercurrent of humor and a bit of mystery.
Amelia Grey gives the reader a sense of place and time with wonderful descriptions of places and activities of the period. Her subtle metaphors and great character development make the characters come alive. Of course, the love scenes escalating from sweet and gentle to sizzling sexual send the heart racing.
How the hero and heroine work through their lack of trust in each other to that ethereal state where love conquers all makes captivating reading. The happy-ever-after of A Gentleman Says "I Do" gives the reader that sighing, “Oh,Yes!” feeling.
Catalina Crisp is the daughter of a poet and has found herself put in the position of needing to help finish some of her father’s work in order to get the money they need to pay for the house, staff, etc,. Her father is flighty, with his head in the clouds and tends to take off in a moment’s notice and therefore Catalina has had to become the practical one in the family and had to take over the books at the age of 16. One of the stories she had to finish happens to be a parody based on the Brentwood twins. I really liked Catalina’s character, she’s taken on a lot of responsibility, takes care of everyone else before herself, and this has made her a strong person. I loved how stubborn she was how she was able to handle Iverson’s temper without flinching.
Iverson Brentwood is the aggressive Brentwood twin (his brother Matson is the peacemaker) who has the reputation as the Rake of Baltimore. He’s got a big temper and very impulsive but he is very protective and loyal to his family and those he cares about. There are questions about his past that he doesn’t want aired out to everyone, so when this parody about his family comes out, he is determined to put a stop to it. When he goes to confront the author, he instead finds himself faced with Catalina. No matter that he’s dealing with a woman, he doesn’t back down and ends up threatening bodily hard to her father if he ever writes another word about his family. Right away he finds Catalina strong, seductive and every ounce his equal, he’s met his match.
I loved and was captivated by Catalina and Iverson’s story. Everything is laid out for you and I loved that there isn’t any sneakiness (well, besides Catalina withholding some information). I love how Iverson is very straight forward from the beginning and is a man of his word. I found him to be quite the sweetheart and I just loved him. Catalina is strong, compassionate, protective, and doesn’t back down or lets herself be intimidated. I loved how their feelings and relationship developed and you just have to keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, when Iverson finds out Catalina’s role in writing the story, how will he react! I was rooting for them and hoping that everything turned out ok.
This book was cute. It took me a bit to get into it, just because I wasn't in the right frame of mind to be reading romantic fiction but once I cleared my head and started reading, I couldn't stop. I had a thing for Catalina and Iverson right from the very beginning of the book, right from the moment he barged into her house unannounced, livid and absolutely determined to see her father about the parody he wrote about about Iverson and his twin brother. A parody that maybe slandered their dead mother's good name (the horror!). Catalina refuses to be quelled by his anger however, it's quite funny the way she stands up to him, and tells him she hasn't seen her wandering father in a few days. Of course, Catalina has a secret because she's the one who wrote really that parody about the twins not her poet father, but how is she to tell Iverson about that without him a) wanting to kill her or b) exposing her secret? And so, the story begins.
It was enjoyable. I really enjoyed the secondary characters -Catalina's aunt, her odd assortment of servants, Iverson's twin brother etc- but I mostly enjoyed the interaction between Catalina and Iverson themselves. It felt real and natural and I liked when the secrets finally came out, neither one was over dramatic about it as can often become the case in romantic novels of this nature. Instead, both characters behaved much as I would have expected real life people to behave and I enjoyed that, as it made me love them even more and root for them to get their HEA.
I haven't read any other books by this author but I will say, I plan to read the next one in this series as soon as it comes out about Iverson's twin brother (honestly, so excited for the way that couple was set up in this book!). Also, I want to add, I didn't realize this book was part of a series until after I read it, the book worked well as a standalone, with only few references to other characters/experiences that must have come from the previous novels, none of which lessened my enjoyment of this book.
I could not seem to get into this book. No matter how hard I tried. It took me three pickups to actually finish this book. I bought this book November 13th 2015 and didn't get to it till now. Trust me I had plenty of time when my tbr shelf was low or none and I just looked at this book and decided not to. After buying it for some reason even the storyline held no interest for me.
So when I finally got into let me tell you... It took me over 3 weeks to finish this one book. It caused me to go into a reading slump. I personally wasn't connected to the characters. They were flat and didn't hold my interest. How was Iverson a rake again? And if Catalina was so beautiful and charming how come she didn't snag herself a husband a long time ago?
Oh and Iverson forgave her waaaay too quickly. She didn't deserve your affection anymore. Her father and her Aunt were literally the most irresponsible people i've ever seen. Like what would they do without her, truly? How were they getting by before her??
I don't know how Iverson didn't beat the shit out of her Father.....that's all. And how she forgave her Father after all the bullshit.
Quotes: On impulse Catalina called to him. He stopped removed his hat again, and looked back at her. She lifted her chin. "My aunt spoke out of turn. I will not dance with you at Lady Windham's." Mr. Brentwood gave her a devilishly handsome grin, and her stomach tightened. "I wasn't planning on asking you."
Posted on Romancing the Book's blog Reviewed by Bri Review Copy provided by Netgalley
Amelia Grey really won me over as a long time reader with A Gentleman Says “I Do”. This was my first book to read by her and I was just riveted. The characters she created were each so three dimensional I want to have novels for all of them! From the flighty father, to the tipsy aunt, to the front door maid who used to work in a brothel this household is very dynamic and slightly scandalous for Regency England. Normally with secondary’s this engaging they can threaten to take the story away from the protagonists.
They didn’t.
Grey proved her craft is one of organization, talent, and follow through. Iverson and Catalina are a hero heroine you will just fall for. My favorite method of the whole story was learning who Catalina was through Iverson’s eyes. Truly an experience to enjoy.
Iverson's story and the fifth book in the series is best story of the five...far and above the other four books. The characters are believable and likable. The story is full of activity to keep the reader engaged. The H/H didn't spend the entire book loving, but not loving; wondering and not wondering whether the other one loved the other one. There was some of that, but it was not the focus of the story. There were a few of those annoying interjections of lustful thoughts by the H/H just so there would enough 'sex' to entice the reader to keep on reading to get to the big 'moment'.
I had been waiting to read Iverson's story. Now I have started waiting for his twin brother, Matson, and his tale.
Quote as beginning of Chapter 21: 'There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.' Epictetus
This is the first Amelia Grey book I've read and will definitely not be the last. I found it to be a charming, entertaining read with the hero and heroine trading witty dialogue. Unlike some romance novels, it featured a very strong and confident heroine who was intelligent and proactive. It was a quick read with just the right amount of description, not overly laden with historical details, and tastefully written sex scenes.
loved the story set in an era of such proper etiquette that people feared what others were thinking instead of living their life.
I liked that the female (Catalina) was such a strong character standing up for her loved ones as well as herself, in a time that women were afraid to. that proved to make the story funny also.
Iverson Brentwood is very upset over a horrible newspaper article written by a Sir Phillip Crisp. In fact, what he wrote about him, and his family is worth retribution and revenge. Iverson can’t help his anger; he goes to Sir Phillip’s house intent on giving him a piece of his mind or fighting him. Instead, Iverson comes face to face with Catalina Crisp, Sir Phillip’s daughter. Catalina tells Iverson her father is not at home and Iverson said that he would wait for him. When Iverson tells Catalina the reason, he is there is because her father wrote a horrible account of him and his family. Iverson wants to set the record straight about his family. Catalina so goes to the newspaper attempting to get the story back. Iverson knows there is something mysterious about Catalina and starts to fall for her. Catalina also starts to have feelings for Iverson too and feels bad for Iverson but when he learns the truth, he just might feel different about her. Ms. Amelia Grey wrote such a highly entertaining, amusing action-packed Regency romance! The writing is nicely done, fascinating plot twists abound, and truly intriguing characters tell a marvelous story! Yes, the story was previously published and no I didn’t read the older story so I don’t really know what if it is as good as this story but this one is really awesome! The setting is written wonderfully and the characters are fully developed and drawn out. Iverson the harsh impassioned hero at first isn’t all that swoon-worthy, but as the book progresses becomes a really wonderful guy, almost a great book boyfriend! Catalina the feisty, spirited smart pretty heroine is just a joy! Sure, it would have been nice to read more of her works since we only get to see glimpses of it with some of her writing. Also, Iverson makes her quit her talent or maybe it’s love, but still, the book is still a fun lovely read!
Characters: Iverson/ Catalina Genre: Historical Romance Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Heat Rating: ❤️❤️ Series: A Gentleman Never Tells series Length: 328 pages
Catalina’s father is a poet but he writes them as tales for the paper. Unfortunately he is very flighty and has a bad habit of not finishing his work. Out of necessity Catalina has no choice but to finish them for him. They aren’t wealthy and depend on that income. She’s had to take on the role of adult since neither her father nor her aunt can. Unfortunately, the subjects of the latest tale are not very happy.
Iverson and his brother are angry that they are the subject of gossip again. But when he goes to the poets house to confront him he finds the man’s daughter instead. Catalina is beautiful, brave and has absolutely enchanted him. He still wants to confront her father but he isn’t as eager to break his fingers as he was before.
My opinion:
There is not an Amelia Grey book that I haven’t loved. This one is a definite page turner. This 328 page book took me one day to read. Catalina’s character is giving and caring. She takes care of everyone around her. She is also reckless and prone t getting herself into trouble. Iverson is prideful and pissed off. He wants to put fear into Catalina’s father. Catalina keeps quite a few secrets from Iverson but not with I’ll intentions. With both of them on the hunt for her father, both of them for different reasons, it makes this a sweet but humorous romance. The author makes you fall in love with the characters.
This book is part of a trilogy but can be read by itself. I’m finding myself eager to read the rest.
A Gentleman Says "I Do" is the fifth The Rogues' Dynasty series but can be read as a stand alone. This is the story of the lengths one will go to to protect family and that love can overcome the hurdles thrown in the way to prevent it. Catalina takes care of all in her little world including finishing the written works of her flighty, poet/writer father in order to maintain the household and save his reputation. When the latest parody which is loosely based on a family of the ton brings the angered son to her door, she tries to get the second and third installments back before they are published. Iverson is furious that his deceased mother's reputation is being smeared by the parody in the newspaper and is determined to threaten the author in order to stop any further slights. However, it is not the author but his beautiful daughter that he meets. There is an instant attraction and the sparks fly as the two engage in verbal banter. Catalina is determined to protect her father and Iverson is determined to have his say but as the two continue to interact, their respect and admiration continues to grow but the secrets revealed threaten to destroy the love that is blooming. This is a fun, entertaining story with unique secondary characters that add to the enjoyment of the story.
My measure of a good book is interesting characters and an intriguing storyline. This book had both and once I starting reading time just slipped away. I kept saying oh, I’ll just finish this chapter, then the next and before I knew it it was 3 a.m. and I was sorry for the end. Romance books are “my read” and I love those that have suspense and intrigue. A Gentlemen Says I Do covered all of that and more for me. Catalina was not your typical female of the ton and she pushed the boundaries of propriety especially with Iverson. Iverson was protective of those he loved and with Catalina he could really go macho alpha. These two together sure did steamy up the pages. If you want to escape for several hours don’t pass on this story. I received a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Where is the 6 star button when you need it? A Gentleman Says "I Do" by Amelia Grey is exactly that good! Ms. Grey has provided readers with a fast-paced, well-written story populated with a lovable cast of characters. Catalina sometimes "helps" with her father's poetry. Iverson arrives at Catalina's home in search of her father after an article appears in the paper that reflects badly on his family. Iverson and Catalina's story is loaded with drama, humor, phenomenal dialog and sizzle. I loved every page of this book and look forward to reading more from Amelia Grey in the future. A Gentleman Says "I Do" is book 5 of The Rogues' Dynasty Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliffhanger.
I read a print copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Another good book by Amelia. Iverson Brentwood is angry with Sir Phiip.
He goes to see him only to find his daughter Catalina. She tells him that she does not know where her father is and when he will be back.
Catalina sparks things in Iverson, he never thought her would ever feel. Catalina also has sparks for Iverson.
She goes to find her father and he follows. Their attraction grows. Iverson get angry with her when she tells him she finished the story about his family to have the money to pay their debts.
He does get upset but he can't stay away.
Their find their love and overcome their diffculties.
I enjoyed the romance although I thought the attraction came way too fast. What I found incredibly annoying was the heroine's aunt and father who were nothing but a burden on their niece/daughter. I hated the whole martyr undertone. The father had hired some eccentric staff but little to no background was given about them, which would have added interest to the story. All in all the story-line around our lovers wasn't intriguing, but it was still a fun, one-time read. (Yes, I read books multiple times if they are really good.)
Iverson Brentwood is irate to read the parody loosely based on his life. He and his twin brother Matson are not the biological sons of their father but are identical in looks to their biological father and all of London is talking about the resemblance. The parody casts a slur on his mother and Iverson goes to the writer’s home to confront him only to be met by his beautiful daughter Catalina Crisp. As they are seen conversing, rumors start up about the two of them. This time, Iverson doesn’t mind because he has fallen for Miss Crisp and has every intention of courting her.
A Gentleman Says "I Do" by Amelia Grey is The Rogues' Dynasty book #5. The reader finds Catalina Crisp in need of money and her father is traveling. She takes her father's half finished satire of the Brentwood twins, finishes it and submits it to the publisher. Iverson Brentwood feels that it insults his mother and wants to destroy Sir Phillip Crisp for slandering her. How can Catalina protect her father when she doesn't know where he is nor does her father know she finished his writing?
Good story line. Even though it is book #5, it can be read as a standalone.
I couldn't even finish chapter 2. I liked the premise of the story but the author trys to cram so many words and adjectives at you, its just too much. In the first few pages, she starts five sentences in a row with He...its overly descriptive and often repetitive. She does not let readers infer anything themselves about the characters, instead its laid out in excruciating detail. Snore.
I just read "A Gentleman Says I Do". An excellent book. Ms. Grey writes such fun reads. Makes you feel like you are in that era she writes about. Such passion, such emotion. Love her characters. Makes you feel like you know them. Cringe when life gets in their way and cheer when they get things right. Can't wait to see what's going to happen next. MS Grey has outdone herself again. I highly recommend this book and this author.
A sweet read that I enjoyed. One of the things I loved about this was the fact that Catalina is smart and sharp but also is soft-hearted and sweet. While the book was overall very predictable, it works well for those looking for a light Valentine's read.
3.5 stars.. Disclaimer: I got a digital review copy of this book from Netgalley originally and these are my honest opinions of the book. Please note that the review is based on a more recent reading of the book (library/personal copy)
This one was slightly better than the book that follows. Not sure how these twins ended up in America, running a successful business, esp. when they seem surprised by their own lives…sent to America, back home in England, not sure how to run the business, missing Duke who is actually their new sister-in-law’s father..:yeah, just weird. Catalina was likeable and capable. Iverson was meh. The friends are forgettable.