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Gentleman's Club #1
He Said Yes
Kicking off a four-part series featuring a group of aristocratic friends from the same London gentlemen's club, this title introduces a marquis who comes to the aid of a shop girl accused of theft who steals his heart. Original.
316 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2003
89 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Waddell
22 books22 followersPatricia writes for the pure joy of escaping the day to day confines of reality. The reason she thinks most of us pick up a book. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati, Pat grew up in the Mid-West, where old fashioned values grow like corn. After a full day as a professional accountant, she races home to her keyboard and walks through the looking glass into the world of romantic fiction.
Pat currently resides in Florida with her husband, Phillip.
Pat currently resides in Florida with her husband, Phillip.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 27, 2008
Marshall Bedford, Marquis of Waltham, is growing restless with having to chaperon his younger sister Winnifred during her first London season. In order to break the tedium, he decides to get himself a mistress and is about to subtly inquire with his friends for some suitable names, when he stumbles (literally) over a beautiful shop girl on Bond Street.
Evelyn Dennsworth is not like most (all other) shop girls in London. Her poise, grace, and manners hint at some deeper education. She is in fact a vicar's daughter, working in Bond Street in order to gain enough money to open her own dress shop.
Her dreams come to a stumbling halt, when one of her employer's patroness accuses her of stealing a priceless family heirloom. Dragged forcefully into the jail cart, she has no one to turn to.
That is until Marshall, who's spent the last couple of hours thinking about her and planning how to turn her into his mistress, gallantly comes to her rescue...
This was an extremely pleasurable read. Unlike most other HR out there, this book doesn't pretend to be something more than it is, there is no suspenseful subplot, no mysterious villain to be conquered before the end...It is just a lovely, poignant historical romance with a great "class-defying" plot, well-developed and likable characters, and an incredible love story.
The different take on the lord-mistress ploy was refreshing to say the least. The "affair" between Marshall and Evelyn started with a damsel-in-distress rescue, proceeded with friendship and mutual understanding, developed into a steamy sexual relationship (a rare book not ruled by the cumbersome bitching-about-virginity thing - one second she was a virgin and then she was a virgin no more, clean and simple), and ended up where it was supposed to end.
Yes, I knew how it would end (we readers are supposed to know - and cheer for the couple) and still the ending was so sweet, I couldn't help but go all awwww. *big-grin*
Definitely a keeper.
P.S. I have a bone to pick with the editor, though. I'll let it slide Marshall's sister was turned into Evelyn somewhere in the middle, but there was a sentence at the end (page 307) that was just eyebrow-arch inducting.
His voice rose several octaves. Who's this guy?! Mariah Carey in disguise?
Evelyn Dennsworth is not like most (all other) shop girls in London. Her poise, grace, and manners hint at some deeper education. She is in fact a vicar's daughter, working in Bond Street in order to gain enough money to open her own dress shop.
Her dreams come to a stumbling halt, when one of her employer's patroness accuses her of stealing a priceless family heirloom. Dragged forcefully into the jail cart, she has no one to turn to.
That is until Marshall, who's spent the last couple of hours thinking about her and planning how to turn her into his mistress, gallantly comes to her rescue...
This was an extremely pleasurable read. Unlike most other HR out there, this book doesn't pretend to be something more than it is, there is no suspenseful subplot, no mysterious villain to be conquered before the end...It is just a lovely, poignant historical romance with a great "class-defying" plot, well-developed and likable characters, and an incredible love story.
The different take on the lord-mistress ploy was refreshing to say the least. The "affair" between Marshall and Evelyn started with a damsel-in-distress rescue, proceeded with friendship and mutual understanding, developed into a steamy sexual relationship (a rare book not ruled by the cumbersome bitching-about-virginity thing - one second she was a virgin and then she was a virgin no more, clean and simple), and ended up where it was supposed to end.
Yes, I knew how it would end (we readers are supposed to know - and cheer for the couple) and still the ending was so sweet, I couldn't help but go all awwww. *big-grin*
Definitely a keeper.
P.S. I have a bone to pick with the editor, though. I'll let it slide Marshall's sister was turned into Evelyn somewhere in the middle, but there was a sentence at the end (page 307) that was just eyebrow-arch inducting.
His voice rose several octaves. Who's this guy?! Mariah Carey in disguise?
August 1, 2011
Marshall Bedford, Marquis of Waltham, is the head of his household, and has his hands full dealing with his sisters (one who is starting her first Season) and his stepmother, who is deeply in mourning for her husband (his father). What he decides he needs is a piece on the side, especially if she's agreeable, beautiful, and good in bed.
Evelyn Dennsworth is a talented designer and seamstress, toiling away at a dress shop on Bond Street until she can save enough for her own place. Of course, when you are poor and untitled, you are at the mercy of those with wealth and name, a fact driven home when she is jailed on the accusation of a lord's wife that she's stolen a costly brooch.
The marquis happened to be accompanying his sister that morning, and witnesses Ms. Dennsworth being hauled away. He is struck by her loveliness, and moved to intervene. He sets her up in a rented house with the desire to make her his mistress. After the shock wears off, Evelyn realizes that is his intention and decides that is not what she wants.
Ms. Waddell did a good job of this story; I am not terribly good with history and can't comment on the accuracy, but feel that she's right on the mark with revealing the class differences and prejudices of the time. While that made me uncomfortable to read, I do think it is probably a truer reflection of what life must have been like. I did also appreciate how Evelyn did think and determine for herself; she was no mindless bit of fluff just for the marquis's pleasure.
I plan to continue with Ms. Waddell's series with He Said No.
Evelyn Dennsworth is a talented designer and seamstress, toiling away at a dress shop on Bond Street until she can save enough for her own place. Of course, when you are poor and untitled, you are at the mercy of those with wealth and name, a fact driven home when she is jailed on the accusation of a lord's wife that she's stolen a costly brooch.
The marquis happened to be accompanying his sister that morning, and witnesses Ms. Dennsworth being hauled away. He is struck by her loveliness, and moved to intervene. He sets her up in a rented house with the desire to make her his mistress. After the shock wears off, Evelyn realizes that is his intention and decides that is not what she wants.
Ms. Waddell did a good job of this story; I am not terribly good with history and can't comment on the accuracy, but feel that she's right on the mark with revealing the class differences and prejudices of the time. While that made me uncomfortable to read, I do think it is probably a truer reflection of what life must have been like. I did also appreciate how Evelyn did think and determine for herself; she was no mindless bit of fluff just for the marquis's pleasure.
I plan to continue with Ms. Waddell's series with He Said No.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2018
When seamstress Evelyn Dennsworth is falsely accused of stealing a lady’s jewelry item, she is arrested and taken to jail. She despairs of hope but finds it in Marshall Bedford, Marquis of Waltham. Marshall spotted her being hauled into the prison wagon and has decided to become her champion. His legal manipulations free her from a conviction. Grateful for his aid, she allows him to find her a place to live. She’s fully aware of his intent to seduce her and does not mean to succumb to his charms. And yet, how can she resist the man who saved her? Marshall returns her regard, but as a confirmed bachelor, he has nothing else in mind except for a carnal alliance. He doesn’t count on Evelyn stealing his heart.
September 13, 2024
Where to start. This was not a story about romance, this was a tale about a powerful man wanting a woman not considered his equal, and having no compunction in using that imbalance of power for his own advantage. Marshal was a selfish character who could not comprehend that Evelyn did not wish to be his mistress, and that he would convince her come hell or high water. Evelyn was a woman of courage what with false accusations and having to fight a man who made his wishes known without thought as to how it would affect her.
January 16, 2020
Too clinical writing. Love is heard often but not seen or felt.
No heart stings are pulled even though many occasions for deep emotions were presented. Many good opportunities were missed by the author.
No heart stings are pulled even though many occasions for deep emotions were presented. Many good opportunities were missed by the author.
July 17, 2012
EVELYN DENNSWORTH WAS TAKEN OFF GUARD, WHEN HANDSOME MARQUIS OF WALTHAM, MARSHALL BEDFORD OFFER TO HER HELP, AND WAS SMITTEN WITH HER AT FIRST SIGHT. HE WANTED HER FOR HIS MISTRESS, BUT HE UNEXPECTEDLY FELLED MADLY IN LOVE WITH HER, WHEN THEIR AFFAIR BEGUN. SHE LOVE HIM EVEN MORE. PASSIONATE LOVE SCENES!!!
May 20, 2009
A nice light read about two people falling in love. No one trying to kill them, or a mystery to solve.
January 8, 2010
I'm over half way through and this book is wonderful, very heartfelt and sweet! I'm loving it.
August 7, 2016
Just like you expect, a fine romance novel set in another time.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews