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Gentlemen of Honor #1
Secrets of a Viscount
One summer night, Sebastian Gentry, Lord Belgrave hauled the wrong young lady to Gretna Green. When her identity is exposed, the only obvious solution is to get an annulment. Only, just like his elopement plans, things didn’t go as planned and while she has reason to believe they are no longer married, he knows better. Wanting to make things right for her, he offers to help her find a husband…
Isabelle Knight has just been given an unexpected fortune and is in the midst of doing what she never believed she'd have to spend a Season on the Marriage Mart. Finding no one who seems to catch her fancy--or even seems bearable to tolerate until death do them part--her entire world is sent spinning with the sudden appearance of none other than her former husband.
Isabelle is in no position to refuse his offer to help her find a husband and reluctantly agrees, but what neither counts on is her future husband just might be the one she’s still secretly married to.
Isabelle Knight has just been given an unexpected fortune and is in the midst of doing what she never believed she'd have to spend a Season on the Marriage Mart. Finding no one who seems to catch her fancy--or even seems bearable to tolerate until death do them part--her entire world is sent spinning with the sudden appearance of none other than her former husband.
Isabelle is in no position to refuse his offer to help her find a husband and reluctantly agrees, but what neither counts on is her future husband just might be the one she’s still secretly married to.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2014
396 people are currently reading
622 people want to read
About the author
Rose Gordon
48 books473 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author and writer of eight unusually unusual historical romances that have been known to include scarred heroes, feisty heroines, marriage-producing scandals, far too much scheming, naughty literature and always a sweet happily-ever-after.
When not escaping to another world via reading or writing a book, she spends her time chasing two young boys around the house, being hunted by wild animals, or sitting on the swing in the backyard where she has to use her arms as shields to deflect projectiles AKA: balls, water balloons, sticks, pinecones, and anything else one of them picks up to hurl at his brother who just happens to be hiding behind her.
When not escaping to another world via reading or writing a book, she spends her time chasing two young boys around the house, being hunted by wild animals, or sitting on the swing in the backyard where she has to use her arms as shields to deflect projectiles AKA: balls, water balloons, sticks, pinecones, and anything else one of them picks up to hurl at his brother who just happens to be hiding behind her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
June 3, 2021
"So sorry I don't love you and accidentally married you by mistake. It's been a year, let me help you find a husband." What a douchebag!
I know some liked this book but, I just found it annoying. The MC were immature and frustrating. They never grow develop any depth.
This just wasn't the book for me.
I know some liked this book but, I just found it annoying. The MC were immature and frustrating. They never grow develop any depth.
This just wasn't the book for me.
January 20, 2014
Sebastian and Belle have know each other for years, having grown up together along with Belle's older sister, Rachael. Sebastian, wanting to help his friend, Rachael, out of an unwanted marriage to an older cousin, agrees to elope with her to Scotland. Unbeknownst to Sebastian, he enters Belle's room by mistake and she doesn't inform him of his mistake until after the wedding has taken place. Thus, the adventure begins!! Six years later, believing that the marriage has been annulled, Belle enters society after being bequeathed a great sum of money. Sebastian returns from a tour of the Continent, knowing that he and Belle are still married, but wanting to do the right thing and help Belle find someone who can love her and be a good husband to her, which he believes he could never be. Watching the two of them through their tribulations was both humorous and heart-wrenching. There were places where I laughed out loud at Sebastian's antics while he was trying to teach Belle how to flirt. Lots of twists and turns before these two were able to find their HEA and the secondary characters were just as interesting. Can't wait for Giles and Simon to get their comeuppance from their very own heroines! As usual, Rose Gordon has not let me down and just keeps me yearning for more of her books.
January 12, 2014
Sebastian and Isabelle have known each other most of their lives and their unfortunate trip to Gretna Green throws both their lives into chaos. Sebastian goes on a five year Grand Tour to the continent and Isabelle is banished to the country as a companion. He carries incredible guilt for his treatment of Belle and she feels betrayed and abandoned by him and her family.
When they come face to face again their feelings are all over the place. The attraction is there, but the guilt and mistrust get in the way. Sebastian tries to help Belle, only to mess things up. Belle fails when she attempts to use his advice. The surprises that crop up along the way kept me turning pages well into the night. As usual, Rose Gordon’s characters have humor, quirkiness, feistiness, fun and engender loyalty. We have met the characters for the rest of the series and want them to find their happily ever after. Rose Gordon continues to be one of my top 5 authors.
When they come face to face again their feelings are all over the place. The attraction is there, but the guilt and mistrust get in the way. Sebastian tries to help Belle, only to mess things up. Belle fails when she attempts to use his advice. The surprises that crop up along the way kept me turning pages well into the night. As usual, Rose Gordon’s characters have humor, quirkiness, feistiness, fun and engender loyalty. We have met the characters for the rest of the series and want them to find their happily ever after. Rose Gordon continues to be one of my top 5 authors.
September 11, 2018
Secrets of a Viscount by Rose Gordon
Gentlemen of Honor Series Book 1
Isabelle Knight makes a choice one night that changes her life. When the neighbor comes to her balcony to elope, she pretends to be her sister, the one he came for. When he discovers the truth...after the fact...things go bad quickly.
Sebastian Gentry, Viscount Belgrave is too good hearted, that's why he takes the neighbor to Gretna Green in the middle of the night to help her escape a terrible fate. Only it's the wrong sister. He could have tolerated Rachel, but never Belle. So he leaves the country and his wife behind.
Time passes and wounds heal, but not for long. Sebastian has a secret and it's time to come back and tell Belle about it. I really enjoyed this story and some of the secondary characters as well. Giles Goddard is a bit odd, but endearing. A man of few words. I'm looking forward to the next two books in this series; Desires of a Baron and Passions of a Gentleman.
**Sexual content within marriage
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Gentlemen of Honor Series Book 1
Isabelle Knight makes a choice one night that changes her life. When the neighbor comes to her balcony to elope, she pretends to be her sister, the one he came for. When he discovers the truth...after the fact...things go bad quickly.
Sebastian Gentry, Viscount Belgrave is too good hearted, that's why he takes the neighbor to Gretna Green in the middle of the night to help her escape a terrible fate. Only it's the wrong sister. He could have tolerated Rachel, but never Belle. So he leaves the country and his wife behind.
Time passes and wounds heal, but not for long. Sebastian has a secret and it's time to come back and tell Belle about it. I really enjoyed this story and some of the secondary characters as well. Giles Goddard is a bit odd, but endearing. A man of few words. I'm looking forward to the next two books in this series; Desires of a Baron and Passions of a Gentleman.
**Sexual content within marriage
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
January 9, 2014
Loved Loved Loved this book
One night, Sebastian sneaks into a bedroom window to run off and elope, not realizing he went into the wrong window. Isabelle goes along with it, not telling Sebastian that she is not her sister. Isabelle hides her face under her hood and it isn't until after the wedding and in their room does Sebastian find out he has married the wrong woman....or has he.
On his way to take Isabelle back and file for an annulment, an accident occurs.
Sebastian leaves the country and comes back many years later. He wants to make things right for Isabelle but he doesn't count on falling in love.....
This is a great read and can not wait for more!
One night, Sebastian sneaks into a bedroom window to run off and elope, not realizing he went into the wrong window. Isabelle goes along with it, not telling Sebastian that she is not her sister. Isabelle hides her face under her hood and it isn't until after the wedding and in their room does Sebastian find out he has married the wrong woman....or has he.
On his way to take Isabelle back and file for an annulment, an accident occurs.
Sebastian leaves the country and comes back many years later. He wants to make things right for Isabelle but he doesn't count on falling in love.....
This is a great read and can not wait for more!
January 12, 2014
I loved it, A LOT !!!
It was a beautiful, emotionally twists and turns story.
Been a while since the last time I read an entertaining historical romance.
This was my first book by Rose Gordon.
I would love to read another book by this author.
It was a beautiful, emotionally twists and turns story.
Been a while since the last time I read an entertaining historical romance.
This was my first book by Rose Gordon.
I would love to read another book by this author.
January 30, 2014
Ok story but the characters annoyed me. I found myself skimming the pages just so I could get to the expected end.
May 12, 2014
Warning: This book does include sex within marriage.
Its been quite awhile since I've last read anything by Rose Gordon. With an ever growing "to-be-read" pile, I keep finding myself have to push my favorite authors to the side in an attempt to clear out some of the backlog. However, since I am eagerly anticipating the second book in this series, I knew I had to sit down and get to know this new set of characters first.
And boy am I glad that I did!
Ms.Gordon has done it again! She has a way of weaving such an intricate story that you find yourself lost within its pages from beginning to end. Her characters are flawed, which only makes them feel more real to the reader. I was immediately caught up in Belle's story, heartbroken for her when Sebastian turns her away and immediately tries to get their marriage annulled, angry on her behalf when her parents exile her, and confused when she finds herself in the middle of the attentions of two men - neither of whom seem to be a good match for her.
Sebastian was a strong character in his own right, and while I may not have agreed with his actions in certain situations, his feelings for Belle were real - he genuinely did care about her and trying to help her find a husband that would suit, even when that very action went against everything that he wanted for himself. There were times when I wanted to bash him over the head, and yell at him to "just tell her already", but I think the fact that there was all that buildup between them leading up to the ending that it worked. It wasn't one of those novels where the relationship seemed "rushed", even though they had been childhood friends, and were in fact still married to one another.
My only complaint with this novel is that I wish there had been a scene between Belle and Simon where she was able to explain things to him. He shouldn't have left without at least asking her if what Giles' had told him was true. I also wish that we had seen some interaction with her Father and her sister. Why did he send her into exile? How did Rachel feel about Belle running off with Sebastian effectively leaving her trapped into a marriage she was trying to avoid? Don't get me wrong, the story is wonderful without these aspects, but I feel as though those certain points would have added more to the overall story.
I can't wait to read the next books in this series Desires of A Baron (Giles' story) and Passions of a Gentleman (Simon's story) to see if these other strong men can find strong women to call their own. I also hope this is not the last we've seen of Sebastian and Belle - I can't wait to see what the future holds for them as well!
Filled with witty dialog that will have you laughing out loud,this first installment of her new series is a must read!
Its been quite awhile since I've last read anything by Rose Gordon. With an ever growing "to-be-read" pile, I keep finding myself have to push my favorite authors to the side in an attempt to clear out some of the backlog. However, since I am eagerly anticipating the second book in this series, I knew I had to sit down and get to know this new set of characters first.
And boy am I glad that I did!
Ms.Gordon has done it again! She has a way of weaving such an intricate story that you find yourself lost within its pages from beginning to end. Her characters are flawed, which only makes them feel more real to the reader. I was immediately caught up in Belle's story, heartbroken for her when Sebastian turns her away and immediately tries to get their marriage annulled, angry on her behalf when her parents exile her, and confused when she finds herself in the middle of the attentions of two men - neither of whom seem to be a good match for her.
Sebastian was a strong character in his own right, and while I may not have agreed with his actions in certain situations, his feelings for Belle were real - he genuinely did care about her and trying to help her find a husband that would suit, even when that very action went against everything that he wanted for himself. There were times when I wanted to bash him over the head, and yell at him to "just tell her already", but I think the fact that there was all that buildup between them leading up to the ending that it worked. It wasn't one of those novels where the relationship seemed "rushed", even though they had been childhood friends, and were in fact still married to one another.
My only complaint with this novel is that I wish there had been a scene between Belle and Simon where she was able to explain things to him. He shouldn't have left without at least asking her if what Giles' had told him was true. I also wish that we had seen some interaction with her Father and her sister. Why did he send her into exile? How did Rachel feel about Belle running off with Sebastian effectively leaving her trapped into a marriage she was trying to avoid? Don't get me wrong, the story is wonderful without these aspects, but I feel as though those certain points would have added more to the overall story.
I can't wait to read the next books in this series Desires of A Baron (Giles' story) and Passions of a Gentleman (Simon's story) to see if these other strong men can find strong women to call their own. I also hope this is not the last we've seen of Sebastian and Belle - I can't wait to see what the future holds for them as well!
Filled with witty dialog that will have you laughing out loud,this first installment of her new series is a must read!
August 11, 2016
I usually LOVE Rose Gordon's novels, but this one was not my favourite. There was just something here that fell flat for me. I also found myself getting much more interested in secondary characters Gideon and Simon. I felt much more involved in what was going on with these two than I was with hero and heroine in this story. It wasn't a bad story, it was just okay. I know that I'll be tuning into the next books in the series, as they feature those characters that I am much more interested in.
January 20, 2014
Another hit from Rose Gordon!! She kept me captivated and wondering what was going to happens and when the truth would be revealed, not to mention how!! I loved the feisty Belle and Sebastian is one dreamy man in my mind:). I also enjoyed that she referenced characters from her previous series. I can't wait to see what is coming in the next two books in this series!!
November 16, 2018
A Kindle freebie, it was a fine read. I probably won't seek her books out, but would read one if it crossed my path.
May 15, 2014
Oh my Goodness where do I start with this one? First of all if you enjoy a good laugh with your historical romance you really need to try a Rose Gordon story. She has a talent of not only completely getting you engrossed in the storyline but also making you laugh out loud while you read.
Secrets of a Viscount starts out with a misunderstanding that totally gets blown away with the shock of what has happened between Sebastian Gentry and Isabelle Knight. When Sebastian finds out he didn't marry who he thinks he married he flies of the handle just a little bit. These two end up going their separate ways for many years and when they meet up again we learn more of the back story.
Sebastian has a secret that Isabelle doesn't know. He also wants what is best for her so he sets out to help her find a husband. Oh my goodness does this lead to a few tense scenes as well as plenty of drama, and comical scenes.
As these two find people get to know each other better and slowly more secrets are revealed they learn more about each other. I loved watching these two get to know each other better and I enjoy getting to know them as well.
Rose Gordon has a way of creating such fun and unique characters that I just can't help but love reading their stories. She has once again great another series that I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of. If Secrets of a Viscount is any indication, I can not wait to read the next book in the series.
There is plenty of drama, laughter and towards the end a few steamy scenes that were plenty to keep my attention the whole way through the book.
If you enjoy historical romances with some drama, laughter and a bit of steam then I think you will enjoy this book. I can't wait to see what Ms. Gordon comes up with for us next.
I was given the opportunity to read this great story so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Secrets of a Viscount.
Secrets of a Viscount starts out with a misunderstanding that totally gets blown away with the shock of what has happened between Sebastian Gentry and Isabelle Knight. When Sebastian finds out he didn't marry who he thinks he married he flies of the handle just a little bit. These two end up going their separate ways for many years and when they meet up again we learn more of the back story.
Sebastian has a secret that Isabelle doesn't know. He also wants what is best for her so he sets out to help her find a husband. Oh my goodness does this lead to a few tense scenes as well as plenty of drama, and comical scenes.
As these two find people get to know each other better and slowly more secrets are revealed they learn more about each other. I loved watching these two get to know each other better and I enjoy getting to know them as well.
Rose Gordon has a way of creating such fun and unique characters that I just can't help but love reading their stories. She has once again great another series that I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of. If Secrets of a Viscount is any indication, I can not wait to read the next book in the series.
There is plenty of drama, laughter and towards the end a few steamy scenes that were plenty to keep my attention the whole way through the book.
If you enjoy historical romances with some drama, laughter and a bit of steam then I think you will enjoy this book. I can't wait to see what Ms. Gordon comes up with for us next.
I was given the opportunity to read this great story so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Secrets of a Viscount.
June 26, 2014
Rose Gordon writes a very specific type of romance, with just enough sauce to stay interesting, but with a strong aura of innocence. As if to reinforce the innocence, her heroes are frequently quite less than perfect, and the heroines may well have to carry a large part of the story.
In "The Secrets of a Viscount," the protagonists begin as mutual irritants. The Viscount fully intended to elope with our heroine's sister, but a minor failure in directions put him in Belle's room instead. Fine with Belle. Not fine with him. However, he is so set on following through with the promise he made the sister (rescue rather than love).... He marries a woman who has been whispering, and keeping her head covered.... AND doesn't even bother to look at the signature.
Obviously, this marriage can be escaped, particularly since the bride was only 16, and definitely did NOT have her parents' permission. But instead of signing off on the annulment, he just holds on to it. So when she is pushed back into society with instructions to marry, things proceed to get interesting. The resolution of this (and a number of other, lesser problems) creates a lovely little tale, with a fair amount of humor sprinkled throughout.
In "The Secrets of a Viscount," the protagonists begin as mutual irritants. The Viscount fully intended to elope with our heroine's sister, but a minor failure in directions put him in Belle's room instead. Fine with Belle. Not fine with him. However, he is so set on following through with the promise he made the sister (rescue rather than love).... He marries a woman who has been whispering, and keeping her head covered.... AND doesn't even bother to look at the signature.
Obviously, this marriage can be escaped, particularly since the bride was only 16, and definitely did NOT have her parents' permission. But instead of signing off on the annulment, he just holds on to it. So when she is pushed back into society with instructions to marry, things proceed to get interesting. The resolution of this (and a number of other, lesser problems) creates a lovely little tale, with a fair amount of humor sprinkled throughout.
January 19, 2014
Secrets of a Viscount by Rose Gordon
Gentlemen of Honor Series Book 1
I truly have enjoyed all of Rose Gordon's books/series and Secrets of a Viscount did not disappoint. One of my favorite aspects of this authors writing is how she ties scandal and humor together. I can honestly say that after reading this book I will never look at a window the same way. The main characters Isabelle and Sebastian are very likable. I found myself laughing out loud at some of Sebastian's antics gaining me a few odd looks at the people around me. The revisits of character's from Rose's other stories makes this reader feel like she is an old friend giving the story a more personal feeling. If you have not read any other of Rose Gordon's books no worries because unlike some authors Rose does not continuously repeat her other books, she adds past character's in like a dash of spice.
Gentlemen of Honor Series Book 1
I truly have enjoyed all of Rose Gordon's books/series and Secrets of a Viscount did not disappoint. One of my favorite aspects of this authors writing is how she ties scandal and humor together. I can honestly say that after reading this book I will never look at a window the same way. The main characters Isabelle and Sebastian are very likable. I found myself laughing out loud at some of Sebastian's antics gaining me a few odd looks at the people around me. The revisits of character's from Rose's other stories makes this reader feel like she is an old friend giving the story a more personal feeling. If you have not read any other of Rose Gordon's books no worries because unlike some authors Rose does not continuously repeat her other books, she adds past character's in like a dash of spice.
May 12, 2014
He married her sister
Actually, he was running away to a Scottish wedding. By getting the wrong window, he got the wrong girl, and ended up married. (I spent some time wondering what would have happened had he got the right girl. Like, would there have been pursuit by parents, hiding in the bushes, perhaps getting swept away in a creek and separated for several years....)
The blacksmith wedding begins a series of unfortunate events, related in this author's typical droll style. I found myself chuckling at least once per page, as the characters interacted in a realistic social choreography that by turns exposed and hid their vanities and compassion.
And best of all (at least from the author's point of view): now I ABSOLUTELY must have the next book. And, I think I have to wait until tomorrow!
Actually, he was running away to a Scottish wedding. By getting the wrong window, he got the wrong girl, and ended up married. (I spent some time wondering what would have happened had he got the right girl. Like, would there have been pursuit by parents, hiding in the bushes, perhaps getting swept away in a creek and separated for several years....)
The blacksmith wedding begins a series of unfortunate events, related in this author's typical droll style. I found myself chuckling at least once per page, as the characters interacted in a realistic social choreography that by turns exposed and hid their vanities and compassion.
And best of all (at least from the author's point of view): now I ABSOLUTELY must have the next book. And, I think I have to wait until tomorrow!
May 30, 2014
I just love Rose Gordon. I have read almost everything she has written. This book is cute since Sebastian accidently crawls into the wrong window and the wrong sister elopes with him. Too funny, but there both young!!! Know 6 yrs later think she is no longer married Belle tries to find a husband then in walks her supposed EX and says he will help her fnd a husband!! Yeah, right!!! Just so happens Sabastisn actually falls in love with his wife and wants to try a win her love. You have 2 teenagers running to Greta Green, a carriage accident, 2 fathers that don't want them married a supposed annulment that never happened and 2 other guys vieing for a Belles hand. A great book with a wonderful ending!!!
March 18, 2014
In short: An absolute delightful, cannot be put down, read! I'm a huge fan now and cannot wait to pick up more of Rose Gordon's books!
This sadly, is just about 150 pages. In those pages there was quite a bit of drama mostly because two people just do not understand each other! As the two, Sebastian and Belle look to find Belle a suitor, because my goodness the gal is in her twenties and is soon to be a spinster, they find out more and more about each other, but that doesn't mean they actual start to LIKE each other.
Full review to be found in BTS eMag
This sadly, is just about 150 pages. In those pages there was quite a bit of drama mostly because two people just do not understand each other! As the two, Sebastian and Belle look to find Belle a suitor, because my goodness the gal is in her twenties and is soon to be a spinster, they find out more and more about each other, but that doesn't mean they actual start to LIKE each other.
Full review to be found in BTS eMag
May 21, 2014
I love this book! Tho at times I'm quite annoyed or disappointed at Sebastian's action, I still root for him for Isabelle. I love the banters they have together. And I love the chemistry. I just think that the ending was kinda short and rushed. I wanted more. Lol. Nonetheless, I really love the plot and the story!
As usual, Miss Gordon did not disappoint me. I'm always in love with her non-perfect heroes and her lovely stories! I wish to read the second book of this series. ♥
As usual, Miss Gordon did not disappoint me. I'm always in love with her non-perfect heroes and her lovely stories! I wish to read the second book of this series. ♥
May 9, 2014
May be my favorite one of Rose's books so far.
Once again, I found Rose's book to be filled with humor. I loved seeing a couple of familiar faces in the pages.
Sebastian was great in trying to find a husband for his wife even though he really did love her. And Bella kept refusing to admit her feelings.
I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Once again, I found Rose's book to be filled with humor. I loved seeing a couple of familiar faces in the pages.
Sebastian was great in trying to find a husband for his wife even though he really did love her. And Bella kept refusing to admit her feelings.
I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.
December 29, 2018
Hard slog
I almost never rate a book so low because I do believe most authors are trying hard to tell a story. But this book tested me. I’ve never cared less about a hero, heroine or supporting characters. They can all go jump in the Thames as far as I’m concerned. Poorly written prose and clunky dialogues. Bah! I’m going back to Julia Quinn and Elizabeth Boyle.
I almost never rate a book so low because I do believe most authors are trying hard to tell a story. But this book tested me. I’ve never cared less about a hero, heroine or supporting characters. They can all go jump in the Thames as far as I’m concerned. Poorly written prose and clunky dialogues. Bah! I’m going back to Julia Quinn and Elizabeth Boyle.
January 12, 2016
If you're a fan of Lisa Kleypas and her Historical Romance books than this is right up your alley! It was quick, fun, and just what you expect from a historical romance.
December 30, 2016
On a hot summer night two young people set off in a carriage to Gretna Green on a hastily planned elopement. One…Viscount Belgrave (Sebastian)…felt he was keeping a promise to his friend that he would thwart her father’s plan to marry her to a man old enough to be her grandfather. The other…Isabelle Knight (Belle)… sister to the friend…relished the opportunity fate handed her—the opportunity to wed a man that she never thought would pay her a serious glance. She was her friend, although she hoped that he would one day care for her. When Sebastian mistook her room that night for her sister’s, Belle thought this would be her only chance to marry him. Little did either of them realize that their choices would ruin their lives for the next six years.
Only after they were married did Belle finally remove her cloak, revealing her true identity. Angry that he had been tricked, and finding out that the marriage was binding, he demanded they return to their respective homes, unwilling to acknowledge her as his wife. The series of decisions these two made that night scandalized the ton and ruined both lives…especially Isabelle Knight’s. And Sebastian was forced out of town, not to return home for six years.
After a six-year banishment, Sebastian returns home. Without realizing it, the first social even he attends thrusts him into the same room as his wife. But Belle has no idea that they are still married. Telling himself it was guilt and a need to see her properly married to a good match, he refuses for six years to sign the annulment papers. To drive his own point home, he offers to help her find a proper husband. Reluctantly she agrees. What ensues is a delightful story…funny, well-written, and creative. It is one that will stay with me for a long time.
I loved the storyline and the characters. These characters are charming. They could leap from the page and you might recognize them as someone you know. That is how well they are developed—not just the hero and heroine, but even her secondary characters. In fact, Rose Gordon keeps several sub-plots alive in her story, allowing these captivating secondary characters to emerge as people whose story you also want to know.
It’s a delightful read with a creative plot-- as have been all of the Rose Gordon books I have ever read. This one, however, is possibly one of my favorites. I can give it no less than four and a half stars!
June 5, 2020
First thing, this TRIES to start out using the diction and ideology of some long-ago era. Not sure which era this is suppose to represent.
It does a terrible job. There is slang and phrases not used prior the 1950's. The attire described for the dresses definitely wasn't in the era from long ago.
Sorry boys, breasts popping out of no-strap dresses is a historical fallacy.
Sebastian is climbing in window (?? Are we talking about the modern tweens?) and always standing in doorways, waiting for the most dramatic way to enter the room ~always with something not-so-dramatic to say when he finally does make it known he's been eavesdropping.
Being I HATE reading about eras where women are chattel, this one was destined to fall flat with me. And boy does the main female character get treated as such.
And she follows Sebastian's orders even though she doesn't know she's still married to him (??) Now Gordon's representing women as stupid.
Toward the end, all pretense (except the ad nauseum reference to women's 'virtue' [eyeroll]) of this being a setting in some unknown long ago era has completely disappeared.
People had no idea how to 'do' sex the first attempt ~and often the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th attempt. It definitely wasn't administered as described.
Trouble is, I got this from BookMooch. It was portrayed as some weird genre, such as vampire romance or something. Thought it would be an interesting read (even though I knew I probably wouldn't like it), so I got the next in this series from the same Moocher while I was at it. So now I got to waste my life on the next book.
NOTE TO SELF: Not a book for a CommieFem.
It does a terrible job. There is slang and phrases not used prior the 1950's. The attire described for the dresses definitely wasn't in the era from long ago.
Sorry boys, breasts popping out of no-strap dresses is a historical fallacy.
Sebastian is climbing in window (?? Are we talking about the modern tweens?) and always standing in doorways, waiting for the most dramatic way to enter the room ~always with something not-so-dramatic to say when he finally does make it known he's been eavesdropping.
Being I HATE reading about eras where women are chattel, this one was destined to fall flat with me. And boy does the main female character get treated as such.
And she follows Sebastian's orders even though she doesn't know she's still married to him (??) Now Gordon's representing women as stupid.
Toward the end, all pretense (except the ad nauseum reference to women's 'virtue' [eyeroll]) of this being a setting in some unknown long ago era has completely disappeared.
People had no idea how to 'do' sex the first attempt ~and often the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th attempt. It definitely wasn't administered as described.
Trouble is, I got this from BookMooch. It was portrayed as some weird genre, such as vampire romance or something. Thought it would be an interesting read (even though I knew I probably wouldn't like it), so I got the next in this series from the same Moocher while I was at it. So now I got to waste my life on the next book.
NOTE TO SELF: Not a book for a CommieFem.
September 1, 2018
A pleasant read.
Definitely starcrossed lovers! Isabelle Knight had been infatuated with Sebastian Gentry her whole life, so when he came to her room one night, thinking that It was her sister bRachel's room, she was more than ready to go with him. Sebastian was only nineteen and has agreed to elope with Rachel to stop her from having to marry a man old enough to be her grandfather. Of course, Belle didn't know that and immediately pretended to be Rachel. Since she was only sixteen she didn't think it through and didn't realise that there could be no happy ending. They went through the ceremony over the anvil without Sebastian being aware of the substitution and when he found out he was furious. They left for home immediately and he refused to male any stops with the consequence that the carriage was involved in a bad accident. Both fathers were furious and Sebastian was packed off to the continent while Isabelle was shamed and confined to the country. Six years on and Belle is now a young lady of consequence having been left a small fortune. Sebastian has returned from the continent and finds her very changed.
Despite the marriage having been annulled and being now a young lady of means, the old scandal has prevented Belle from finding a husband. When Sebastian realises this he is strangely happy.
There are many trials for these two to go through before reaching a HEA and when they do you know that there are still obstacles ahead.
This wasn't a brilliant story but still quite pleasant.
Definitely starcrossed lovers! Isabelle Knight had been infatuated with Sebastian Gentry her whole life, so when he came to her room one night, thinking that It was her sister bRachel's room, she was more than ready to go with him. Sebastian was only nineteen and has agreed to elope with Rachel to stop her from having to marry a man old enough to be her grandfather. Of course, Belle didn't know that and immediately pretended to be Rachel. Since she was only sixteen she didn't think it through and didn't realise that there could be no happy ending. They went through the ceremony over the anvil without Sebastian being aware of the substitution and when he found out he was furious. They left for home immediately and he refused to male any stops with the consequence that the carriage was involved in a bad accident. Both fathers were furious and Sebastian was packed off to the continent while Isabelle was shamed and confined to the country. Six years on and Belle is now a young lady of consequence having been left a small fortune. Sebastian has returned from the continent and finds her very changed.
Despite the marriage having been annulled and being now a young lady of means, the old scandal has prevented Belle from finding a husband. When Sebastian realises this he is strangely happy.
There are many trials for these two to go through before reaching a HEA and when they do you know that there are still obstacles ahead.
This wasn't a brilliant story but still quite pleasant.
February 17, 2022
This was meh, but surprisingly one of those average reads which made me want to read the second book in the series.
September 1, 2018
Sebastian Gentry has decided to marry and do it without letting either family knowing. Elope and go to Gretna Green and marry there. Only one problem and he does not know until it is too late. He rescued the wrong lady and took her sister instead. Belle however, is happy to finally to have him. On the way home after the discovery of the wrong bride, there is a terrible carriage accident and Belle is horribly hurt. Worst than her injuries is the fact that Sebastian has disappeared and she is left alone. Her world is in shambles, and her marriage still hangs over her. The author has written and wonderful story loaded with twists and turns that keeps you turning the pages.
July 20, 2017
Belle tricks Sebastian she's her sister when he comes to her window to elope. After he realizes who she is, he dumps her where she meets with an accident and is warned away by her father. With her history, everyone knows Belle's reputation. When her mother in law leaves a large amount for her in trust the suitors come crawling back and her husband. This book seemed nice enough. I wasn't very keen with the "game" of teaching Belle seduction. It seemed childish but overall it's an unusual trope for this era and I liked it.
September 4, 2018
Enjoyed
I really enjoyed this book. The story line was entertaining and the characters were very likable. Sebastian is the hero you love and root for. Belle is the heroine you only want the best for. I'm adding book two to my wish list. I wish it was available for Kindle Unlimited.
As much as I did enjoy the story and characters, I must admit that this book has some things that don't seem historically accurate. I don't think a debutante, even at 22, wore red gowns and had sexy nightrails. Some of the conversations seemed modern. Nothing at all too bothersome.
I really enjoyed this book. The story line was entertaining and the characters were very likable. Sebastian is the hero you love and root for. Belle is the heroine you only want the best for. I'm adding book two to my wish list. I wish it was available for Kindle Unlimited.
As much as I did enjoy the story and characters, I must admit that this book has some things that don't seem historically accurate. I don't think a debutante, even at 22, wore red gowns and had sexy nightrails. Some of the conversations seemed modern. Nothing at all too bothersome.
October 10, 2018
The initial premises is pretty ridiculous. When traveling with someone in a slow carriage, then getting married to them in what is supposed to be an enlopment, WHY wouldn't you look at them/talk to them? This whole "hide your face" routine seems a bit much. If you can get past that, the later reconciliation and rediscovery story line is done well. A good easy read that does have some emotional hold. So much so that I ended up reading the rest of the series.
There are some sexy time scenes so close your eyes or bookmark, whatever your preference.
There are some sexy time scenes so close your eyes or bookmark, whatever your preference.
January 1, 2019
Sebastian made a mistake years ago and meant to rectify his error, but it's only coming back to haunt him. His secret marriage to Isabelle was supposed to be annulled but an error in paperwork means that 6 years later they're still married just as Isabelle is set to enter the marriage mart. To help fix this problem Sebastian offers to help her find the perfect husband while he finalizes their annulment. But could it be that they have been married to their perfect partner already? Fun read with some character issues but an overall good read.
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