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Only for Love #1

The Heart of a Gentleman

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In a whirlwind Season, unexpected love blooms. Will Lady Cassandra and the Marquess of Sherbourne seize their chance at happiness?

Lady Cassandra is thrilled to make her debut and is fully prepared to be wed by the end of the summer Season. Guided by her cousin, Lady Yardley, she soon discovers her hope of a love match with a handsome gentleman quickly doused! Lady Yardley promises to help both her and her friends by using the society paper she writes, ‘The London Ledger’, as well as the aid of her dear friend, Lord Sherbourne. To her utter astonishment, Cassandra begins to discover a new and unexpected affection growing for the gentleman – only to have it suddenly and sharply dashed to pieces.

Jonathan, Marquess of Sherbourne, is more than willing to assist Lady Yardley in securing a match for her cousin but, upon meeting her, is suddenly struck with the idea of marrying Lady Cassandra himself! When another gentleman finally makes his attentions known to the lady, Jonathan must decide whether to reveal the truth of his heart or to step aside instead.

A fresh challenge brings them together once more in what will be their only chance for happiness. Will they take it? Or will this difficulty push them far from each other for good?


This is the first book in the Only for Love series, where a group of young ladies make a pact to each other that they will marry only for love, despite pressure from their parents and society to make a convenient match. Join Lady Cassandra on her journey to her Happy Ever After!

210 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2023

315 people are currently reading
112 people want to read

About the author

Rose Pearson

177 books1,013 followers
Rose has read her way through countless romances over the years, “borrowing” them from her older sisters, and hiding them from her mother.

She has a special love for Regency romances and when she began writing, the Regency period was a natural place to start. The ton, the wealthy families, the Season, the dilemmas, and yes, the marriages, have always fascinated her.

She loves a happy ever after! Now she is happy to bring this passion to her stories and share it with her readers.

On a personal note, Rose lives in North Carolina, is married, and has a terrier that barks too much. She enjoys taking him for walks to tire him out!

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5 stars
169 (43%)
4 stars
128 (32%)
3 stars
67 (17%)
2 stars
19 (4%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
2,447 reviews27 followers
April 30, 2023
3.5 stars
Lady Cassandra Chilton is in London for her first season with her cousin, Lady Yardley as her chaperone. Cassandra, along with her group,of friends has decided only to marry for love. Jonathan, Marquess of Sherbourne is also helping to find suitable gentlemen, he doesn’t believe in love himself and isn’t ready to marry. However, as they spend time together they begin to feel differently but are unsure what it means.
The main characters are likeable, although the debutantes are quite naive at times, fortunately they have Lady Yardley to guide them. This was an entertaining read, a bit wordy at times but it improved later on when a villain entered the scene and how they discovered the truth. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Space Cowgirl.
4,133 reviews144 followers
June 21, 2023
Nothing But a Thing💕
CLEAN Regency Romance💘
How many times does the author write the word THING in this novel as a vague description when the characters are talking? I didn't count but it became annoying after about the 20th time In the 1st few chapters.

All the Planning for the future doesn't make it so, as Lady Cassandra soon finds out.

I got this e-book from Amazon📚 with kindle unlimited.
Profile Image for Janet.
5,191 reviews64 followers
April 30, 2023
Lady Cassandra Chilton is thrilled to make her debut into society & whilst her parents are abroad she is guided by her cousin, Norah Lady Yardley. Lady Yardley promises to help both Cassandra and her friends by using the society paper she writes, ‘The London Ledger’, as well as the aid of her dear friend, Jonathan Marquis of Sherbourne. Jonathan is more than willing to assist Lady Yardley in securing a match for her cousin but, upon meeting her, is suddenly struck with the idea of marrying Lady Cassandra himself!
An interesting & enjoyable series opener. The characters have depth, the pace was slow to begin with but new characters needed introducing. The pace did pick up & then flowed well. I really liked both Jonathan & Cassandra & liked the chemistry between them. Cassandra & her friends were young & innocent but Cassandra was strong & knew what she wanted. Jonathan was content to remain a bachelor until he met Cassandra & he gradually changed his mind. Then Cassandra is pursued by another & Jonathan’s reputation is in danger of being ruined. A well written book, which I thoroughly enjoyed & look forward to Cassandra’s friends finding love
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
247 reviews3 followers
November 11, 2023
clean but boring and unrealistic

At first I thought the story just a bit boring. Using the London ledger as they did just to push a relationship forward seemed a bit unkind and unrealistic.

But then they added the mysterious diamond bracelet, which just seemed unrealistic and just thrown into the story. First of all in real life the H would have given it to the authorities to find the owner. Problem solved. Then the final use of the London ledger was dumb, making a scene at the ball, even weirder.

Anyway I skipped a lot of the writing about feelings and thought because it didn't really lend to the story since it was repetative.

Overall just an ok story.

The writing was smooth but repeating emotions and thoughts which had already been given.

I gave it 3 stars because it was clean.
Profile Image for Fanosse23.
668 reviews
May 18, 2023

Rose Pearson has started us off with the first book in her Only for Love Series and I’m loving it. Lady Cassandra and her friends have decided that they will not marry unless they find a one match. As inexperienced young ladies it is very easy to be misled and taken advantage of so with the help of Lady Yardley, her cousin they plan to us the society paper she writes for “The London Ledger” and her good friend Jonathan, Lord Sherbourne to get to the true intentions of any gentlemen they are becoming enamored with so they are not deceived.

Lord Sherbourne was only supposed to help Lady Cassandra find an honorable man but instead finds himself thinking he prefer if she considers a future with him instead. But, he does not believe in love and that is Lady Cassandra’s one absolute condition for marriage. I loved watching Jonathan struggle with his feelings especially when another man is interested in Cassandra. Will Jonathan acknowledge the feelings he has for her before it is too late?

Rose Pearson writes sweet, clean romances with a variety of themes, the concept of the society paper and the way Lady Yardley uses it to help young innocent ladies is unique, interesting, and humorous, I look forward to reading more books in this series.
1,645 reviews15 followers
May 6, 2023
Everything is wrapped up nicely. I felt the ending was rushed with the villain and the relationship with between the H/h.

Clean story with the romance between the H/h was slow. The H doesn't want to marry yet and the last thing he wants is to marry for love. The h only wants to marry for love. She knows where her heart wants to go, but with the declaration by the H she knows he isn't for her.

Few characters introduced, so it was easy to not get them confused. You know the other man who is showing an interest in our h isn't as he seems.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, some romance and clean. This story ended at the 90% mark on my e-reader. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you some tidbits as to whether to purchase. I've already pre-ordered the next book in the series, so I did enjoy this one. (ljb)
807 reviews9 followers
May 3, 2023
Lady Yardley will be guiding her cousin Lady Cassandra in her debut preparing her for the possibility of making a match her first season. She is also going to help Cassandra and her friends avoid those to watch out for and to provide assistance with any questions they might have. Lady Yardley has also asked Jonathan, Marquess of Sherbourne, for help as he knows more of the gentleman of the ton as to which are honorable and there for the right reason. When Jonathan meets Cassandra, he knows he is in trouble as he feels an attraction to her and just might want her for himself. Will Cassandra find the love match she is looking for?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
196 reviews3 followers
April 19, 2023
Lady Cassandra is thrilled to make her debut into society and looks forward to being wedded. Lady Yardley, her cousin, guides her. Cassandra wants to only marry for love, not because she is forced to, or someone else chooses for her. Interesting addition of “The London’s Ledger” and the purposes it is put towards. Jonathan, Marquess of Sherbourne, doesn’t believe in love and is willing to assist Lady Yardley. But then he is struck with Cassandra’s beauty, poise and character. Then a challenge is tossed in.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
247 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2023
If you love clean historical romance this is the writer for you. This book is the start of another great series I can tell. With having to try to pick a Gentleman of the Ton is never easy, trying to find those that are not players is even harder. Lady Cassandra has been around London before for her sisters come out but having one of her own is completely different. All the young men who have shown interest seem so nice, but are they. Join Lady Cassandra as she tries to find out who is truthful about their intentions and who is not. I can't wait for the next installment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
395 reviews2 followers
April 25, 2023
This is book one in a new series.
Lady Cassandra is in London for her first season. Her cousin Lady Norah is guiding her as her parents are away on the continent.
Jonathan, Marquess of Sherbourne, who is friends with Lady Norah and her husband has agreed to also look out for Cassandra and her friends by advising them of gentleman who may not be of good character.

This is another easy to read, sweet regency romance By Rose Pearson.

I received a free copy of this book and freely and honestly leave my review.

4,720 reviews41 followers
May 1, 2023
Cassandra and her Marquess.
Our sweet heroine with stars in her eyes makes her debut. Now things were going well that is until the first ball and some of the rose wore off those glasses she had on. The hero is just one of those guys who does not believe in love that is until hit him over the head. This is a very charming story and a great beginning to a new series. It is well written and entertaining to read it is a book I am happy to recommend. I am looking forward to the next book. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
873 reviews12 followers
May 14, 2023
As is usual from Rose Pearson, this is a beautiful, clean, Regency romance where Lady Cassandra is making her debut into society. She wants a love match and she has her cousin and Jonathan to guide her along. Unfortunately, she quickly learns that not all the men of the Ton can be trusted. Can she find the one who is interested in more than her dowry? This is a wonderful read!
I received an advance copy of this book from BookFunnel, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
2,074 reviews13 followers
April 29, 2023
This story is a beautiful start to a new series. When most women in the Ton want to marry for money and power, Lady Cassandra just wants to marry for Love! Lord Jonathan has agreed to help her find some eligible men to consider. This story enchanted me from the very first page and held me in thrall throughout. I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
1,637 reviews
May 2, 2023
I totally enjoyed all the suspenseful moments throughout. I loved Jonathan’s reaction when he was introduced to Cassandra. I loved how her cousin always had her back, and how she looked out for others. It was great how Jonathan had so much more intelligence than others thought he had. I loved all the twists, surprises, drama, and complex characters within the pages of this wonderful book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Bonny Rambarran.
1,521 reviews21 followers
May 2, 2023
She goes to London — with her cousin as her sponsor
She meets a man she really likes — but he is determined to never marry. And then one day he is accused of stealing a bracelet!!!! By a man who also wants to court her. Who is the REAL gentleman? And can she trust this new man? This is a superb book — as all of Rose Pearson’s books are!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Peggy Ellis.
Author 14 books17 followers
July 11, 2024
The plot of this Rose Pearson historical romance is simple, but Lady Cassandra’s efforts to find love are not simple. Lord Jonathan is willing to help, but his own emotions interfere, as does a marquess whose intentions are less than welcome. The Heart of a Gentleman contains some words and actions which are not true to the Regency era, indicating Ms. Pearson limited her research. I give five stars for the benefit of readers who enjoy Regency-flavored light romance without an in depth plot.
1,121 reviews4 followers
October 6, 2024
A gentle start of a new series. Cassandra is a particularly naive debutante, who believes all men are good and decent, and can't wait to meet and fall in love and live happily ever after with her perfect man. This troubled her cousin who is sponsoring Cassandra a season, and enrolled her husband's best friend to help get the men looking for wives.Jonathan doesn't believe in love, but when he's introduced to Cassandra he feels an instant attraction, but he's not ready to marry (The kids of death, all men not ready to marry apparently so , within weeks of staying they're remaining single). But he does agree to get potential suitors for Cassandra and her friens.
1,599 reviews19 followers
April 17, 2023
“The Heart of a Gentleman: A Regency Romance” Only for Love, book 1 – Rose Pearson
A Sweet Clean Romance
This was an easy fun read with some interesting twist and turns. I enjoyed my time with Lady Cassandra and Lord Jonathan as they navigated ‘her’ first London season. Happy Reading ! !
NOTE: This review expresses my honest opinion.
I downloaded my ARC copy of this story via BookSprout.
Profile Image for Mary Jane McLeod.
2,921 reviews6 followers
May 1, 2023
Really Great Regency Series

I so enjoyed Lady Cassandra and Jonathan's story. Their friendship took several twist and turns before they were both ready to admit their love. He didn't think live was necessary for marriage and it was her big requirement. A captivating read that left me with a smile
6,147 reviews30 followers
May 4, 2023
A new series…

This is book one in the start of a new series. I really liked the last series as it was so different. This Pact series is way more traditional with the ladies deciding to marry for love.

Cassandra is a debutante and Jonathan is helping her cousin to find her a match.
But it’s not smooth sailing.
4.5
110 reviews
May 9, 2023
Love Regency Romance books

Only Rose Pearson can write such lovely romance books. Lady Cassandra is enjoying her first season with her cousin. She is warned about men who might take advantage of her and actually experiences one on her first ball. Her cousin and a friend help her find love.
Profile Image for Jody.
531 reviews2 followers
May 19, 2023
Cassandra and her friends made a pact to only marry for love. To achieve they have help from her cousin and a friend of the family, Sherbourne. He didn’t believe in love but meeting Cassandra he opened his heart.
Very well written and wonderful characters. Looking forward to continue reading series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
965 reviews5 followers
May 29, 2023
clean romance

Enjoyable story of finding out life doesn’t always go as planned.

The hero doesn’t believe in love, the heroine believes everything is good. When they both discover that it is not as it seems they must work past preconceptions and what to do with what they are dealing with.

A quick read that has enough twist in the plot to keep the reader guessing.
273 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2023
I just loved Cassandra and her "London Ledger" friends. Jonathan, being a fried of Lady Yardley, Cassandra's Aunt, agrees to assist her in helping Cassandra secure a good match. However, after meeting her, he finds he does not want to. Definitely a must read! Ms. Pearson never disappoints.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Teresa Williams.
556 reviews7 followers
April 19, 2023
Another sweet regency romance By Rose Pearson. I love how her hero’s and heroines always have to look inside and sometimes see things they weren’t really looking for to grow into their heas.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
967 reviews8 followers
May 1, 2023
I really enjoyed this first book in a new series! It was very sweet! It emphasizes how difficult it was coming out into society during the regency period. These naive debutants had to fiercely guard their reputations. Not all gentlemen were gentlemen! Some were rogues and dishonorable! Rose Pearson is truly an expert on the regency period. I enjoyed this cute romance story! I look forward to reading the next book in this new series! It was nice to relax and read a clean romance book. I highly recommend this book and this author if u love regency romance!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Phylis Collins.
2,853 reviews8 followers
May 2, 2023
Cassandra and Jonathan
I enjoyed this story. Their love story developed at a nice pace. I was so glad when the truth came out. Delightful main characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Renee Lewis.
585 reviews6 followers
May 7, 2023
A gentleman with the wrong intentions and a gentleman with no intentions other than his heart that is fooling him. Lady Cassandra will have to decide.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
519 reviews2 followers
May 15, 2023
The Heart of a Gentleman

Rose Pearson has a way of spinning a story that keeps one turning the pages. She is knowledgeable about the regency period and this story lives up to her reputation as a writer.
Profile Image for Teri Ruscak.
2,125 reviews18 followers
May 17, 2023
Rose Pearson
The Heart of a Gentleman: A Regency Romance (Only for Love Book 1).
Lady Cassandra and the Marquess of Sherbourne.
A beautifully written story!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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