Four gentlemen willing to do whatever it takes to protect the women they love.
-Gentlemen of War Series
Three minutes.
That is all the time it took to determine the heir and the spare to His Grace the Duke of Chilton’s title, and Hunter Matthews was most assuredly the spare.
Despite his twin brother Josiah’s wanton recklessness and debauchery, in accordance with the birthright rules, he inherits upon the death of their father, thus forcing Hunter to pursue a permissible occupation—His Majesty’s Armed Forces.
Furnished with a generous commission, Hunter swiftly joins the ongoing fight against France, leaving the future of the Matthews fortune in precarious, if not irresponsible, hands.
Fate, however, has a different plan.
When Josiah meets an untimely demise, the Duke of Chilton summons Hunter home to not only secure the role of the heir apparent but also the hand of Josiah’s unwanted fiancée.
Lady Gwendolyn Bissett, the only daughter of the Earl of Langley, is known throughout society as the Ice Princess, a diamond of the first water with unparalleled beauty and a disposition as cold as the winter frost.
Trapped in a loveless agreement with a man she despises, Gwendolyn adeptly safeguards her heart by concealing her true nature beneath an icy façade.
When Gwendolyn’s betrothed is killed one month before their wedding in a manner that injures her dignity, she fears her worth in the eyes of society might never recover. Until… Josiah’s twin brother and successor returns from the continent and agrees to uphold the marriage contract to mend the reputation of both families.
Under the scrutinizing gaze of the ton, Gwendolyn and Hunter embark upon a marriage between strangers, and what they both discover is nothing either of them expected.
Hunter is a clean, stand-alone Regency Romance. #2 in the Gentlemen of War Series about honorable military men who, after fighting for King and Country, return home to unexpected and unfamiliar lives.
Leah Moyes is a wife and a mother, a former teacher and coach with a background in Anthropology and History. Between writing and archaeological digs, the world is her playground. She loves popcorn and seafood (though not together) and is slowly checking off her very long bucket list.
This is the second book in the series of a group of very close-knit friends. I read book 1; did not love it. The writing was a bit on the simple side for me. And some of the word choices/phrases was not (IMHO) in tune with that time period. I still decided to give book 2 a try. It was a lot of the same stuff as book 1. I did not really like it either. Actually, I think book 1, for me, was 'better'. The basic plot was ok. The characters needed some work. They weren't that realistic to me. I did not like the FMC, initially. To me, her actions-or antics-were childish. She was a bit of a brat. As well as her unjustified assumptions towards the Hunter (even though others brought it to her attention). The MMC was only a little better. Both seemed surprised by common occurrences of that time period (i.e. arranged marriages, common men indiscretions, double standards, etc.). Lady Gwen was called the Ice Princess I believe; but I wondered at Hunter's seeming lack of any real grief over his TWIN brother's death. Yes, he was a rake extraordinaire. However, they were twins. AND had no other siblings, so grew up as play mates etc. Was Josiah that bad a brother...person (in general)? There were some unnecessary secrecy and assumptions that made wedges in relationship.
Anyways, even with all of that I might just give it one more try--if it's three strikes then I will definitely be out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Hunter Matthews, the spare to the Duke of Chilton’s heir, is thrust into a life he never expected after his twin brother Josiah’s untimely death. Forced to leave his military career behind, Hunter must now assume his brother's responsibilities, including an unwanted engagement to Lady Gwendolyn Bissett.
Gwendolyn, known as the Ice Princess, has hidden her true self behind a cold exterior to protect her heart. When her betrothed dies just before their wedding, she fears societal disgrace. However, Hunter's return and willingness to honor the marriage contract provide both families with a second chance.
As Hunter and Gwendolyn navigate their marriage between strangers under the watchful eyes of society, they uncover surprising depths in each other and themselves.
I recommend this book and look forward to reading the rest of this wonderful series!
I always love a good love story and Ms. Moyes has done it again. I'm a big fan of her historical fiction then got hooked on her historical romance. It took me a bit to get around to this one because I have a long list of books to read but I'm glad I finally did. The setting of Hunter feeling forced to marry his dead brother's fiance immediately intrigued me and the development of their relationship was sweet and genuine. She always keeps me guessing.
I enjoyed Lucas (first in the series) and like movies, sometimes the second is a letdown, however, Moyes ups her game and Hunter is a home run!
I thoroughly enjoyed Hunter’s cat and mouse games with Gwendolyn and his integrity as a man. This is a fantastic read and enjoy Moyes’ storytelling. Look forward to #3 and 4.
I bought the first book in the series at a writers' conference. I was intrigued with the concept of how the men and their families adapted after they had gone to serve their country in war. I loved Lucas and found that each time I finished a book, I was hungry for the next until I had read them all.
Hunter by Leah Moyes is book 2 in Gentlemen of War series. Hunter is beckoned home from war against Napoleon by his father due to his heir, Hunters brother, being killed in a duel. Hunter is now heir apparent & after he gets back home & reports to his father he also is given the news he is now betrothed. To his brother's fiance, Gwendolyn.,
Le Havre. brasserie, not brassiere. sorry, a couple of French errors. This is the second twin story I've read in a row. besides the evil evil twin trope, we have the arranged marriage heading towards love one. Interesting use of art and poetry, descriptions of snow.