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A Gentleman's #2

A Gentleman's Secret

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Book 2 in the Gentleman's Series by AJ Linn
Donovan Hart has finally found his unico vero amore' in the beautiful Scarlett Montgomery, but the question remains...will he be able keep her?

Will his secret be too much for her to handle, or...will hers be too much for him to handle?

A Gentleman’s Secret is an unpredictable ride full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end

218 pages, Paperback

First published December 20, 2013

3 people are currently reading
113 people want to read

About the author

A.J. Linn

4 books38 followers
A.J. Linn published his debut novel, A Gentleman's Affair, Volume 1 of The Gentleman's Series, in May, 2013.

Since that time, he has continued protagonist Donovan Hart's story in A Gentleman's Secret, published in December, 2013, and revealed Donovan's earlier life in a prequel, A Gentleman's Memoir, a novella published in August, 2014.

The series quickly became very popular with fans of his RP/character blog, which he'd been writing for almost a year. He credits those fans with this series, since they were the ones who encouraged him to "write a book" and dedicated the books to them.

With his unique voice and writing style, the popularity of the series began to grow, despite the promotion and marketing challenges facing a self-published indie author.

In an original and creative idea, he gave his readers the opportunity to submit "characters" for A Gentleman's Secret and A Gentleman's Memoir, which he crafted into the story. The results were intriguing and sometimes hilarious, as he paid the ultimate compliment to his fans and readers...making their characters part of Donovan's story.

The next installment of the series, A Gentleman's Fate, will be published in late Spring, 2015.

While having full-time job and a very busy life make finding time to write a challenge at times, his readers are in agreement that he has done a fantastic job: four books in two years is quite an accomplishment.

The paperback editions of the series can be found on Amazon. The ebooks are available on Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Scarlett.
Author 1 book42 followers
January 13, 2014
In this sequel to A.J.Linn’s debut novel, A Gentleman’s Affair, Donovan Hart’s story continues in a page-turning, couldn’t-put-it-down, knot-in-my-stomach way, as described in the summary. A deeper side of the main characters, Donovan, Scarlett, and Donovan’s dad, Bruce, is revealed with great skill by the author as the relationship between Donovan and his one true love, Scarlett Montgomery, continues.

The secrets that are revealed throughout the story (and the ensuing drama) kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last page. It’s a fast-paced story that had me laughing one minute (Donovan’s inner thoughts and his always-present sense of humor, his back-and-forth with his employees), and near tears the next (the fall-out brought on by the revelations).

I really enjoyed seeing a more complex and emotional side of Donovan, Scarlett, and Bruce, even though it was, at times, painful and gut-wrenching. Getting to know the characters better really invested me in their story, and makes me hope it continues.

Even though the story at times takes the reader to a very serious place, there is a great deal of fun in A Gentleman’s Secret, too. As promised (and teased) in A Gentleman’s Affair, we finally gain admission to The Underground for a rollicking good time, a very interesting and entertaining evening of ‘debauchery’.

The author sponsored a ‘contest’, inviting his readers to submit character profiles for this part of the book. Taking those profiles and creating the evening in The Underground truly displays his sense of fun, his talent, and his devotion to his fan-base. Very impressive. And a truly fantastic experience for the reader.

I’m anxiously awaiting the promised third book. I simply love this author’s style ~
Profile Image for Jackie.
124 reviews25 followers
January 16, 2014
Five "Vero amore" stars! for "A Gentleman's Secret" by A.J. Linn. I have been excitedly awaiting this sequel since the powerful and suspenseful cliffhanger to "A Gentleman's Affair" Mr. Linn did not disappoint. Donovan and Scarlett's story continues in a fast paced, no holds barred page turner, full of plot twist that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. A Gentleman's Secret" runs the gamut of emotions. I found myself laughing one minute, apprehensive and holding my breath the next and near tears as their revelations were exposed. I felt empathy, compassion, frustration and sadness, we are treated to a more intimate view of the relationships between the main characters, leaving us more invested in them.

A Gentleman's Secret" is darker than "A Gentleman's Affair" which was light, hilarious and witty. We follow Donovan and Scarlett as their relationship encounters adversity that at times is painful and heart-rending. Donovan and Scarlett are both harboring secrets and we are never quite sure if there is going to be a happily ever after for them.

Donovan's sarcastic humor makes appearances that help lighten the mood. And we are finally allowed to visit "The Underground" it is a well needed release of pent up emotions, a night of seduction and self-indulgence. "But I digress"

Will Donovan and Scarlett find their happily ever after? Is their love strong enough to overcome their secrets? Has Donovan found his "unico vero amore"? You'll have to read "A Gentleman's Affair" by A.J. Linn to find out !!

I highly recommend "A Gentleman' Secret" and "A Gentleman's Affair" by A.J. Linn. I excitedly wait A Gentleman’s Memoir.
Profile Image for DJ Sakata.
3,304 reviews1,780 followers
June 29, 2015
Favorite Quotes:

“When Scarlett says no dessert that means she’s pretty mad. I’m in trouble.”

“I love you… all of you, and all of your good and bad includes your past, no matter how sordid and messed up it was. Don’t you get that by now?”

“Women do not like to be told what to do… unless they are naked.”

My Review:

A more action packed volume from A Gentleman’s Affair. Hints are dropped along the way of possible landmines, although they remain dormant for quite a while, before they are eventually tripped, then it is on! A Gentleman’s Secret includes, accidents, roofies, crazy exes, trips to Vegas, wedding planning, blackmail, several proposals, an elopement, escape, an international vacation, and exploratory trips to the sex club for sweet Scarlett, but is she so sweet? I’m not telling, but secrets are dropped and they are dark and prove deadly.
Profile Image for Loverlysbookblog.
43 reviews177 followers
January 23, 2014
Before you read any further, if you haven't read Book 1 in the Series, A Gentleman's Affair, then there are definitely going to be some spoilers. So go grab A Gentleman's Affair, read it, and then come back to this review. :)

In the sequel to A Gentleman's Affair, we pick right back up where AGA left off. And although, this story is about Donovan and Scarlett, the author introduces us to so many more characters along the way.

The prologue starts off in Scarlett's POV, because remember, Donovan's in the coma and not doing much talking, and actually several scenes are in her POV. I really enjoyed it when it did occur throughout the book, because as you are reading, you realize that Donovan is not the only one with secrets and Scarlett has a few of her own.

We are finally properly acquainted with The Underground as well. There's a whole freaking chapter dedicated to it. And in something quite sweet and unique, the author had actually let readers submit characters to be included in that chapter. We are given a hilarious, sexy, entertaining "ride" through The Underground and it will probably leave you thinking: Did that really just happen?

Donovan and Scarlett's story isn't the only one we are privy to in A Gentleman's Secret. Donovan's dad, Bruce, also plays a large part in the book along with his love interest Shari. The author did a wonderful job of building these two characters up and making you fall in love with them as well, not just Donovan and Scarlett.

As you are reading A Gentleman's Secret, it's clear that Scarlett is hiding something, and her deception is a painful revelation for Donovan. The results leave you, as a reader, ready to throw your book across the room. My emotions were definitely all over the place as I was reading. My heart was aching for Donovan, I was pissed at Scarlett, but then at the same time I was sympathetic towards her, and then I was pissed at myself for feeling any sympathy for her. It's really amazing how many emotions this book brought out in me as I was reading and that's definitely a credit to the authors writing.

There is a point in the story where we get a glimpse of the "old" Donovan, notorious Malibu playboy, and I must say it's quite hilarious. I was actually laughing out loud at what was going on and the dialogue in that particular scene was probably one of the funniest parts of the book to me. But also, possibly one of the saddest. Again, the author was pulling so many different emotions out of me at once.

I won't tell you how it ends, but there is definitely a crazy curve ball thrown in there. You really don't know if there will be a happy ending or not....but hell, there is no cliff hanger and it does include an HEA. And you do get an Epilogue. A very funny, sexy one that left me wanting way more Donovan Hart.

Overall, it really was a perfect sequel to me, full of humor, heartache, drama, danger, and a little suspense...TRUST ME. You NEED to read this book.

I don't think I will ever get enough of the confident, sexy, smart-assy, Donovan Hart. And the fact there is a book three in the works makes me a very happy girl.
5 Stars

A Gentleman's Secret

(The Gentleman's Series, Volume 2)


Buy Links:


Amazon - Smashwords - B&N - iBooks




A Gentleman's Affair

(The Gentleman's Series, Volume 1)


Buy Links:


Amazon - Smashwords - B&N - iBooks


My Review of A Gentleman's Affair


Follow Author AJ Linn on twitter - @FuckedUpFifty_

Profile Image for Susi.
133 reviews14 followers
January 23, 2014
My Review

A Gentleman's Secret picks up right where the first book ends. I loved that I was able to continue following Donovan on his journey of love and dreams without any interruptions in the story. Having surpassed the final events in A Gentleman's Affair, this story is a little different. Donovan and Scarlett both have secrets to reveal and in the process, the story and their lives encounter twists, turns and even an unexpected surprise from Donovan's father.

Donovan continues to be the sexy, witty bachelor I fell in love with in AGA. In this book, we see a more lovable side to him. Seriously, what is there not to love? We also see a different side to his father, which was a pleasant surprise. The beautiful Scarlett brings out Donovan's best. Just like in AGA, his inner dialogue makes this story from his POV so much fun to read.

We finally get to visit his club, with Scarlett. His secrets and his past lie in this club. Scarlett's past is also introduced in this story. It seems they both have things to put behind them. It is also understandable why they have been keeping their past out of their present.

I felt a range of emotions when reading this story. I experienced angst, happiness, love and even laughed out loud several times. This book just like AGA is brilliantly written. It is a fantastic read that I recommend to all.

I am a fan of A.J. Linn and look forward to his next book. What surprises does he have in store for us? I cannot wait for more Donovan and Scarlett.

I gave this book 5 stars!

More of my favorite Lines/Inner Dialogue

"Alright, baby girl." I smirk as I break away with a shit-eating grin across my face. "I really hate to break this up, but I don't think this is the right time and place for the huge boner that you've now given me."

Who knew that all it would take was the offer of a shopping trip? Are women actually that easy to please? I am now taking notes...

Scarlett lets out a gasp, then rather orgasmic-sounding moan as she holds up a pair of crystal-adorned slingback Manolos, which I will now and forever refer to as Moanolos.

"Well Scarlett, I'm no saint. You must be figuring that out by now."

"You, Scarlett. You are what I love," I reply, shaking my head. "Don't you get that by now?"

"I'm ready...and it took my mom's accident for me to come to the realization that we have no way of knowing if we will get another tomorrow, so if you want to do something, you just do it."

"No buts. Everything is going to be alright, I promise." I pull her into my arms, reassuring her that I'm here, and that I'm not going anywhere. We sit silently in a tight embrace for a few moments, and then I pull back, looking into her eyes with intent.

"This is how rich fuckers handle things, got it?"

"You should have trusted me. You should have known that I would have done anything for you...That I still would."

I have become that boyfriend...correction...fiance, again...re-fianced, as it were, that carries the bags. But I digress, because, fuck it. She is happy, and I am rich.
Profile Image for Romina.
94 reviews6 followers
February 26, 2015
In this sequel to A Gentleman’s Affair Donovan Hart and Scarlett Montgomery have found love. After searching for his Unico Vero Amore’ Donovan is so sure Scarlett is the one he wants to tell her how much he loves her.
Tragedy happens and he’s involved in a near fatal accident.
This is where A Gentleman’s Secret picks up the story.
Scarlett has refused to leave Donovan’s side since the accident, having been placed in an induced coma for 2 weeks he wakes to find a few changes have happened. Mainly the relationship between Scarlett and his Father.
While trying to remember the events surrounding the accident he and Scarlett start to get their personal and professional relationship back on track.
Unfortunately their darkest secrets have the potential to tear them apart forever.
Can their love really be enough to conquer all?
I have struggled to write this review, afraid I wouldn’t have been able to do it any justice. There are some books that leave you at a loss for words (In a good way) and this one fits into that category.
Yet again I was drawn into Donovan’s world and couldn’t put the book down until I’d devoured the whole thing, and once again I was equally disappointed when I found I was at the end.
In the hope of not sounding too repetitive and without leaving spoilers I have to say that I absolutely adore Scarlett and Donovan, they are equally strong willed, smart & funny characters. Their dialogue fits their personalities perfectly, essentially bringing them to a much more believable level.
I find myself laughing while writing this remembering some of Donovan’s smart ass comments and Scarlett’s responses to his playful personality.
In many romance novels you find dialogue can ruin the picture painted of characters, they can either be too sickly sweet like love-struck teens or so dull you wonder why the author thought the two characters could ever work together.
I am so glad AJ Linn got this absolutely right.
The surrounding characters really make this book a hell of a lot of fun to read, they are kinky and funny but also you begin to love them as much as Donovan and Scarlett. I almost wish I could grab my coat, head to The Underground and spend time in their company.
In book 1 I wrote about a very poignant moment between Donovan and his Father. In this book you see the changes in their relationship and without giving away spoilers Donovan’s father becomes a much more beloved character with many special moments for him too.
There are moments in this book that will test your loyalty to one of the main characters, you will wonder why you ever wanted the relationship to work, but without saying too much you will finally understand both of their struggles to commit.
I have laughed, shouted and cried with these characters and taken them to my heart. I’m sure any future readers will too.
I can’t wait for A Gentleman’s Memoir. A chance to delve into Donovan’s past is bound to be a deliciously kinky journey.
Profile Image for C.
306 reviews
April 6, 2015
If you fell in love with Donovan Hart in “A Gentleman’s Affair” you will love him even more (if that’s possible, but it is) in “A Gentleman’s Secret.” This book shows a softer, more human side of the rich playboy who has fallen in love. A love that grows between him and Scarlett is simply that, love. True love. When you love someone you shouldn’t need anything else, right? But it seems secrets can get in the way. Are Donovan and Scarlett strong enough to overcome the secrets? Something we have all struggled with at some point in our own lives, I’m sure. Being honest with someone we love.

The characters really come to life in this story and share their more personal side this time. Donovan has a loveable, man-in-love composure in his daily dealings. His sarcastic humor in his thoughts keep you smirking as you read. Patrice has even softened a bit but still has her snarky remarks that keep the reader laughing. Bruce’s character makes the biggest transformation, one that will leave your heart smiling at the end of the book. A new character is welcomed right into the mix by all that meet her and you will love her just as much as they do. And Jared still makes his amazing Absinthe drink at the bar in the Underground and comes to Donovan’s rescue with a glass of Jack and Coke when it’s needed. Love Jared.

Speaking of the Underground…the reader catches a view of what goes down on a busy Wednesday night in the Underground, giving another view into Donovan’s past. One that might leave you a little more curious than when you started. It is a well written chapter incorporating the contest winners’ characters in a magnificent and brilliantly intertwined story of just one evening in the Underground. It might make you want to join the club yourself. You know you thought about it.

AJ Linn is a brilliant writer who evokes many emotions in his readers. There is compassion for the couple that struggles to be a “couple” now two people’s emotions to consider. There is fear of learning about the past and can it stay in the past or affect the future? There is sadness when a heart feels empty and alone. There is anger when games are played between the couple. There is empathy when the father and son share special scenes together. All of these emotions had me sitting on the edge of my seat turning page after page wanting more. Mr. Linn’s sarcastic comedic lines when characters are thinking to themselves make the reader chuckle. Brilliantly written into the story.

If A Gentleman’s Affair and A Gentleman’s Secret are any indications of the future from Mr. Linn, then please, go get your fucking sleep and then get writing again. Brilliant books. Thank you Mr. Linn for entertaining us once again with your fabulous story and brilliant characters. Can’t help but to wait for the next one, A Gentleman’s Memoir.
Profile Image for Michele.
2 reviews
January 16, 2014
A Gentleman's Secret (The Gentleman's Series)

If you read "A Gentleman's Affair" you saw the bachelor side of Donovan Hart, the funny but very smart man that knows what he wants. He meets Scarlett and falls for her hard. You also meet his father "Pop" who loves his son very much, but does not want anything to do with La Fuga after his wife's passing.

In reading "A Gentleman's Secret" the story continues with their love of each other after a tragic accident that Donovan endured. Their love for each is perfect until Scarlett's past catches up to her and they both have to deal with the heartache and pain that could possibly destroy the happiest couple on earth. You have to read this book to find out what happens next to this couple, who both deserve the best.

The Underground is where you meet the kinky side of Donovan Hart. The Underground at La Fuga is where the contest winners became part of the book and how AJ brought each character into the story line was simply perfect. Loved how each person's character was written and AJ did an excellent job in putting a big smile on this girls face with some blushing along with it.

AJ your talents are beyond belief and what you did with the characters in the book and taking them to another level is just fucktabulous. Yes I said it. You are an amazing writer with a great heart and soul. You have done it again and I am truly amazed by your talents in writing. I can truly say that I am so happy of your success and your creative writing and thrilled to be a part of it.

I'm so looking forward and cannot wait for "A Gentleman's Memoir"

READ THIS BOOK AND FALL IN LOVE!
1 review5 followers
January 23, 2014
I loved this book! I fell in love with Donovan Hart as he searched for his unico vero amore, his one true love, in A Gentleman's Affair. After the nearly heart stopping cliffhanger, I couldn't wait to find out what would happen to my new favorite "couple".

Would there be a future for Donovan and Scarlett? Would his secret drive her away, or would their love be strong enough to conquer all? These were a few of the questions our beloved author left us with.

A.J. Linn not only answered those questions, but also created even more with his plot twists and addition of new characters to the story. Once again, I found myself riding an emotional roller coaster, holding my breath, gasping and at times, laughing out loud while I read faster and faster dying to know what was going to unfold next.

If you loved A Gentleman's Affair, you will Abso-Freakin-Lutely love A Gentleman's Secret. The characters who tugged at our heart stings are still there. Yes, we still get the little comments made to us, the readers. The "but I digress" catch phrase, that has become one of the things I love about his writing, still pops up from time to time....and his sense of humor makes those unexpected appearances, as well. This part of the story, however, is also very different from the first. It isn't a wild and wacky string of disastrous dates. There is a seriousness that wasn't as prevalent in the first book. Donovan and Scarlett seem more, for lack of a better word, mature. What starts out as a dream, quickly turns into a nightmare, leaving us wondering throughout the book if there will be a happy ending for the two of them. Does love really conquer all? You will just have to read it to find out the answer to that question. ;)
As for A. J. Linn, we have not seen the last of him...and I, for one, couldn't be happier about that.
Profile Image for Suzannah.
2 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2014
While I am normally not a big fan of sequels mainly because they so often disappoint by being a re-hash of a first book, I was wrong in my pre-conceived notion about A Gentleman's Secret. This book was even better than the first, A Gentleman's Affair. It was fantastic!

Upon finishing this second book, I feel as if I know Donovan Hart and Scarlett Montgomery much better than in the first book. Donovan is a 'real' man, with much revealed. He and Scarlett have their secrets, and in brutally honest fashion they attempt to work their way through the devastation that those secrets expose.

I loved the depth of the characters including Bruce, Donovan's dad. He developed from a minor character in the first book into a character that I really cared a great deal for in this second installment of the story.

The trials and tribulations of Donovan and Scarlett were painful to read because, after the first book, I really cared about both of them and wanted everything to work out for them. But the ordeals they had to deal with in this sequel kept me glued to page after page. At the same time Donovan's sense of humor had me laughing.

This is a terrific book. This author left me wanting more. I'm delighted that he is going to continue this story. Thank you for another great book. I'm waiting (not so patiently) for A Gentleman's Memoir.
Profile Image for Michala.
39 reviews12 followers
March 25, 2014
Can I just say, I want more of Donovan and Scarlett as soon as A.J Linn can write it :) I need to know what happens next #greedy

I loved this second book, I love the way AJ Linn writes, it so refreshing.
gotta love Mr Donovan Hart.♥ *swit swoo* ;)
Scarlett I just wanted to hug, give her a cup of sweet tea.
loved his dad Bruce in this book.
do yourself a favour and get a hold of these lovely books. as I said, they are refreshing.
thanks to a j linn for sharing her Donovan with us. hes yummy
Author 3 books91 followers
June 28, 2015
This book takes off where the first one ended... and we see more of both these characters... but from the accident.... things change as Donovan and Scarlett try to make their relationship work... but can it?

This book let's us see his club... and he takes Scarlett. But his secrets are hidden here... as well as his past.
And then there's Scarlett's past....

While reading I felt so much reading.... happiness, love, angst... you name it.

Just like AGA this is a great book and I can't wait to see more of these characters.
Profile Image for Mamackn.
87 reviews2 followers
April 6, 2014
Oh, this book was so awesome. A perfect second book! It was HOT, Spicy and an even bigger roller coaster than book 1. I fell in love with all of the characters in book 2. I couldn't wait to see what they were going to explore and how it was all going to work out. Donovan is a lover and a hero.
Profile Image for Holly.
30 reviews
January 14, 2014
This really exceeded my expectations, unlike most erotic romances, it touched on different fantasies, so exciting & stimulating!!
Profile Image for Kimberly.
357 reviews
January 20, 2014
Gentleman's Secret is a good read - I enjoyed it and would recommend A Gentleman's Affair and Secret.
Profile Image for Danielle Ouimet.
5 reviews
June 8, 2014
this second novel in the Gentleman saga was a perfect sequel ! reading a man's insecurities and struggle in relationship instead of a woman point of view is refreshing! a must read !!!!
Profile Image for Carla Golian.
Author 3 books10 followers
February 23, 2014
Love it!
It's a real page turner. Donovan has surely stolen my heart. Can't wait for the Surprise!
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