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A Gentleman's Heart #3

Rose Buds and Rain Drops

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He's secretly loved her forever. But when a change in fortune makes her the most sought-after lady in town, can their friendship weather the storm of change?

Mr. Thomas Drake has hidden his deep affection for Penelope since childhood, biding his time until he can provide for her and her family. Until then, he must be content with being her friend, and no more.

For Miss Penelope Fairchild, life has been an endless struggle against financial decline. However, her fortune takes a sudden turn when her late aunt leaves her a substantial inheritance. As whispers of her newfound wealth spread through town, Penelope finds herself thrust into the spotlight. However, she is not blind to it is her riches, not her character, that draws adoration.

Amidst the flurry of attention, Penelope seeks refuge in the steady presence of Thomas, clinging to their friendship for stability. But as Thomas grapples with his own emotions, he faces a daunting continue as he always has and retain their friendship? Or, risk everything—knowing Penelope may misconstrue his intentions—and finally declare his love?

The third book in A Gentleman's Heart series, Rose Buds and Rain Drops, is full of endearing characters and heartwarming scenes and includes a sweet and swoony romance. The books in this series can be read in order, or as stand alones.

Book 1: By The Light Of The Setting Sun
Book 2: A Pocket of Stars
Book 3: Rose Buds and Rain Drops

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2024

121 people are currently reading
125 people want to read

About the author

Laura Rollins

25 books159 followers
Some books have been previously published as L.G. Rollins


Laura Rollins has always loved a heart-melting happily ever after. It didn’t matter if the story took place in Regency England, or in a cobbler’s shop, if there was a sweet romance, she would read it.

Life has given her many of her own adventures. Currently she lives in the Rocky Mountains with her best-friend, who is also her husband, and their four beautiful children. She still loves to read books and more books; her favorite types of music are classical, Broadway, and country; she loves hiking in the mountains near her home; and she’s been known to debate with her oldest son about whether Infinity is better categorized as a number or an idea.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee).
787 reviews364 followers
July 26, 2024
4.75 stars!

This is a lovely friends to lovers story! Thomas has been in love with his friend, Penelope since they were children. She has no idea. Penelope has been taking care of her mother and sister since her father passed and they are poor. Thomas is in line to be the next vicar and he doesn’t want to confess his feelings until he can take care of Penelope and her family. But then, Penelope receives word her aunt has died and left her an inheritance. There is a stipulation that she must complete a list of 6 things first before inheriting all of it. This changes everything.
I really loved Thomas in this story! He is so in love with Penelope that he will do anything for her! I also liked how he was unsure how to go about revealing his feelings but after talking with his brother I love the way he decided to do it. Penelope is so caring towards her family, and she is scared of change. She really had no clue Thomas loved her but when she starts to realize it, it both scares her and she likes it. I also loved seeing characters from previous books and loved the mom and Mr Thornton. Overall, a great clean regency romance and i definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Marilee .
1,454 reviews237 followers
July 22, 2024
Absolutely delightful!!

Penelope's family lost everything when her father died and though she and her mother and sister have to scrimp and save, Penelope is grateful for her friend Thomas who has always been kind and understanding.

Thomas has been in love with his best friend Penelope for as long as he can remember and soon he will have his living secure as a vicar and can finally tell her how he feels.

When Penelope receives an unforeseen inheritance, however, Thomas realizes the time for waiting is over as he watches suitors pay more attention to his Penelope. But how can he show her his feelings without frightening her and help her see that he doesn't care about her inheritance but only for her?

What you'll love:
Regency era
Dual POV
Friends to lovers
He falls first
Reversal of fortune
Slow burn
Reluctant to fall
The Drake brothers giving advice
Thomas flirting
Endearing side characters
Small, romantic gestures
The gazebo! The theatre!
SWOONY kiss that was worth the wait!
Adorable epilogue

Okay, friends to lovers can be a tricky trope to nail but oh, this was done SO well! I loved that Penelope has valid reasons for being hesitant about love and marriage AND that Thomas had a valid reason for not speaking up sooner. But oh, when that man decides to make a move, watch out! All the glances, the little touches, the flirting - they had me swooning on the spot. Penelope doesn't stand a chance!

Each book in the series makes me fall in love a little more in love with the Drake brothers! I love their banter and their fierce loyalty to each other, and even all of their love advice. They are just so fun on page together and I CANNOT wait for the next book in the series.

This is the third book in the series but can easily be read as a standalone!

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
Profile Image for Beth.
805 reviews370 followers
November 30, 2024
I’m not usually a big fan of the friends to more trope, but I loved this story so much. When Penelope comes into an inheritance, it changes her financial circumstances in such a way that brings new acquaintances and new uncertainties into her life. Thomas has loved his friend for years, but these changes throw a kink into his well-laid plans. Both leads are so endearing and easy to cheer for as they navigate life and their changing roles in it.

Other things I loved:
All the Regency details
More time with the Drake brothers
Penelope’s mother and sister
Slow burn, but amazing chemistry
Awesome banter and witty dialogue

I give this Regency tale five stars. I can’t wait for the next Drake brother’s story! Laura Rollins has become a favorite author of mine for this time period! Fans of Regency stories will want to check out every book in the Gentleman’s Heart series.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions here are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Mara.
1,469 reviews110 followers
September 18, 2024
4.5 stars

Mr. Thomas Drake has loved Penelope Fairchild since their youth, and as soon as he's secured his position as vicar he's going to let her know how he truly feels about her. Penelope and her family have been struggling since her father died, but she's grateful for what they have. She's especially thankful for Thomas' continued friendship but is clueless that he's in love with her.

When Penelope unexpectedly receives an inheritance she finds herself grappling with the attentions of suitors drawn to her money, leaving her to wonder if anyone truly values her for who she is. As always, Thomas is there to offer her a sense of stability amid all the changes, and to help with the list of six things she must complete before receiving her inheritance. Thomas is in a quandary; how does he let Penelope know his true feelings without her thinking he's like the other suitors who only care about her newfound inheritance?

Who wouldn't love Thomas? He's patient, steady, and honorable. I don't think Penelope could've found a better man to marry. I loved how Penelope supported Thomas when he was being considered for a vicarage. These two deserve all the best!

This is book three in the A Gentleman’s Heart series, but can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend reading the other books too as the Drake brothers are all wonderful. I received a complimentary copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Shayla Riley.
617 reviews20 followers
July 31, 2024
“When your head and heart agree, when the man brings you roses and walks with you through the rain, that’s when you’ll know.”

~THOMAS KNEW TWO UNDENIABLE FACTS.
He was in love with Miss Penelope Fairchild. Through it all, he’d seen her stay focused and calm. Despite the hurricane of troubles and heartache, she’d remained optimistic and even cheerful. It was why he loved her.
And he absolutely could not tell her. Not yet...

This is the third book in A Gentleman’s Heart series. Rose Buds and Rain Drops, is full of endearing characters and heartwarming moments, and a sweet and swoony romance. The books in this series can be read in order, or as stand alones. But all are worth the read, regardless.

I will say that sometimes Friends to Lovers can be tricky to get just right but, in this story it was nicely well done! Both Thomas and Penelope have their own valid reasons for being hesitant when it comes to matters of the heart and speaking up about love. But, in this story, along the way, it’s the little things, that make such a difference, and open the door to possibilities.From the kind gestures, to such patience, to the glances, to the little touches, to the sweet flirting had my full attention! Oh my, was I smiling! It’s the banter, the dear relationships, the humor, and solid connections in this dear story and this wonderful series that I love most of all! I am so excited for more to come!📚🙌🏻🩷
It’s a book worth reading!

“Even when life is hard. Find the beauty in each day, no matter the rain.”

#rosebudsandraindrops
#laurarollins
#friendstomore
#cleanromance
#allaboutthebestreads

“They’d been the dearest of friends since either of them could remember, but now they were something better, something more complete.”

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Savannah M.
348 reviews
August 1, 2024
This book is an absolute treat! I loved it so so much! The Drake family is so special and I really loved getting Thomas's story and I'm now very excited about getting Peter's book next!
Friend to lovers is not usually my favorite trope, but I adored it in this case! Thomas has been in love with Penelope for years. And she has no idea. Due to her family's fall from fortune years ago, he knows he needs to make a living that can support not just Penelope as his wife; but provide for her younger sister and her other as well. And in just a few more years, he should be ready. But things change when Penelope unexpectedly becomes an heiress.
Penelope is a woman who doesn't like change. She's loyal and protective and practical. She's taken care of her mother and sister for years now, and only wants to secure their happiness. Thankfully; her best friend Thomas has been by her side helping her to do so throughout the years. But after her life altering inheritance, everything is changing. She's more grateful than ever to have Thomas's ever steady friendship. But that changes when she starts feeling her feelings change to something more for her best friend.
What you will love:
-friends to lovers
-he falls first
-rags to riches
-he helps her complete a list
-his brothers give advice on love
-acts of service love language rep
-getting caught in the rain together
...and much more! Make sure you add this to your TBR pile asap because you don't want to miss and you'll want to be ready for Peter's book next!


Thank you to the author for an arc copy. All thoughts are my own.
73 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2024
This whimsical, touching romance set in Regency-era England will absolutely sweep you off your feet!

Everything about Thomas and Penelope was magical: his steadfast love and patience, her “awakening” to the possibility of love, (his patience again while he waited for her to “get” it). It was all beautiful.

And, hello. that. conversation. in. the. rain. (First: was it me or did time stand still right there?) Second: It was (sigh) Austen-esque, poignant (the perfect moment for the starting line of her said “awakening”), and picturesque (the image that Rollin’s so perfectly painted will stay with me for a long time). And bonus: Penelope was soooooo caught off-guard! (Yes! Yes! Yes!) It’s what love-story dreams are made of.

Just as mentioned in the book: it’s the little things… those extra little nuances that really made this book shine. (And that certain convo with a certain Bishop when she stood up for him? Um. Yes!)

For some odd reason, this was my first Laura Rollins book (though I can’t imagine why). How on earth am I just now finding her? Well that’s easy enough to fix, I’m currently (open window on Amazon) snatching up more of her books to devour her backlist, starting with this series. And I have a feeling it’s gonna kill me to wait for the next one (Um, hopefully Peter, please?)

Notable Quotables (and trust me, it was hard to choose just a few):

- “But as they walked, Mr. Middleton’s warning sounded again in his mind: There was no promise of tomorrow, no promise at all.”
- “It’s easy to agree with someone who brings you flowers and compliments you. Someone who takes you for rides and smiles at whatever you say. Life is easy when one only looks at rosebuds that bloom and sparrows that sing. But what about when life is hard?”
- “it was you who taught me to stay optimistic, even when life was hard. You taught me to find the beauty in each day, no matter the rain.”
- “If she wasn’t careful, she was liable to confess to all sorts of things. Such as…she preferred dancing with him to any other gentleman. Or that she was suddenly wishing they’d danced before tonight because it was so perfect she couldn’t image why they hadn’t done so before now. Or that every time his hand brushed against the small of her back it was like a thousand butterflies took flight, lightly skipping across her skin and sending shivers down her spine.” (Like I said, “awakening”…)

This book was a perfect blend of sweet and salty (meaning just the right amount of angst for our lovestruck Thomas.) And Penelope, our heroine, was lovable and believable (I hate it when the FMC is portrayed as too oblivious or stupid to realize the guy she’s supposedly known forever is in love with her). Nope, this was friends-to-lovers done right, thank you for that, Laura Rollins. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. You had me flipping pages faster than I wanted to (that tension between can’t-wait-to-see-what-happens and don’t-want-it-to-end), which is exactly where I want to be, and the tell-tale sign of a good book. And this book was that, so, thank you.

Fellow romance-lovers, do not miss this enchanting tale of a woman completely renewing her mind - and history - all because of the love of one man.
Profile Image for Kristalyne, love.lovely.books.
239 reviews46 followers
August 2, 2024
He caught hold of her elbow to keep them both from tumbling. His touch was warm, and the heat spread through her as quickly as sunlight melting a morning frost.”

This is a heartwarmingly sweet Regency romance, between two childhood friends. Thomas and Penelope have the sweetest friendship. He has loved her forever, while she is quite oblivious. How can they ever move on from friends to more?

Thomas is just the sweetest, he is so gentle and kind. Penelope is a strong, practical and lovely character. I loved her character growth throughout the story. She has always turned to her dearest friend for help and advice. I love how Thomas was patient and gentle with her while she came to understand her heart!

There were sweet memorable scenes, the most wonderful family, beloved characters and couples that I loved seeing again, a beautiful setting, and sweet gestures. This is a lighthearted sweet read.

Read for:
🤍Unrequited love
🤍Friends to more
🤍The Drake Brothers
🤍Wonderful family
🤍Sweet, gentle love story
🤍Patient and kind hero
🤍Lovely and practical heroine
🤍Sweet moments

I really enjoyed Thomas and Penelope’s story. If you’re looking for a lovely slow burn romance definitely pick up this wonderful book.

Thank you to the author for the art copy. All opinions are my own.

Content: vaguely mentions a past abusive relationship, kisses only
Profile Image for Crystal (Books Are Sanity!!!).
795 reviews38 followers
August 3, 2024
This is an absolutely endearing story of friendship to more! Thomas is every girl’s dream; steady, loyal, and true. He has been friends with Penelope for forever and loved her for just as long. The problem is that he doesn’t know how to tell her. I loved the easy flow of the story and how the characters felt like friends. I could envision Penelope, her mom, and her sister Annie. I could see Thomas and his steady and calming presence. I enjoyed watching Penelope grow and come into her own and Thomas begin to trust himself to show his feelings. This is an easy read and a feel good story that any regency fan will enjoy! I received a complimentary copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Shauna Jones.
716 reviews16 followers
July 30, 2024
A wonderful tale of the patience of love
A love story that has been waiting to happen. Thomas has loved Penelope, his best friend, forever, at least that’s how it seems. But being the fourth son of an earl means he needs a way to support a wife and family. Luckily, he always knew he wanted to become a vicar and that would allow him the funds he needed. Unfortunately, Penelope had been surrounded by unhappy marriages and never planned on marrying. Still Thomas has hope that soon, when he is able to support a family, Penelope may just realize that a marriage can also be happy but life rarely follows our plans for it. Unexpectedly, Penelope is left a fortune by her aunt and now men who once saw her as worthless are very interested in her. How do you know who is best? When the man brings you roses and will walk with you through the rain. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Emma | meadowroselibrary.
215 reviews25 followers
August 4, 2024
"When your head and heart agree, when the man brings you roses and walks with you through the rain, that's when you'll know."

This was an absolutely beautiful friends to lovers story, written so sweet and perfect.
I was really curious how it was going to go, with Thomas being in love with Penelope for so long and trying to find the way to tell her, but it all came along slowly and endearing, it couldn't have been more perfect. 🩷
I loved how Thomas always made Penelope feel like she was never alone, that she's always been perfect just how she is, even before she inherited so much. That it never mattered her status and money, it was always her, what was on the inside. 🩷
If you like clean, friends to lovers regency books, this one is a wonderful choice! 🩷

*I received an e-ARC copy, all opinions are my own
Profile Image for Melmo2610.
3,628 reviews
July 31, 2024
4.5 stars! I LOVE this series! This is a sweet friends to more romance and I really enjoyed it. I definitely stayed up late reading this one. Can’t wait for Peter’s story.

I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
266 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2024
It is impossible to pick a favorite book from Laura Rollins’s A Gentleman’s Heart series. I loved By the Light of the Setting Sun so much that I was sure it would be my favorite. I then read A Pocket of Stars and I loved it just as much as the first book. I just finished Rose Buds and Rain Drops, and I loved it just as much as the other books. I can’t pick a favorite.
Rose Buds and Rain Drops is Thomas Drake’s story. He is the second youngest of the Drake brothers, and he is just as dreamy as his older brothers. Thomas has been in love with Penelope Fairchild for years, but he has held off on declaring his love until he is able to support her and her family. They are best friends, Penelope has no idea of Thomas’s feelings toward her. When Penelope receives an unexpected inheritance, Thomas starts to question why he waited to declare his love. As Penelope adjust to her newfound wealth, Thomas slowly starts to show Penelope how he truly feels about her. The story is full of friendship, family, hope, forgiveness, longing, laughter, and love.
Laura is a master at writing those small swoony touches, and her gift is on full display in this book. There are some scenes that I had to read again because those small touches pack such a punch, especially when the romance is slow burn.
Penelope was the perfect match for Thomas. I loved how kind and selfless she was, and how her newfound wealth didn’t change her. She knew who she was and what she wanted out of life. I thought her character arc was beautifully written.
Thomas was a perfect gentleman—I mean he is a Drake so I didn’t really expect anything less. He was like in brothers in many ways, but he was also his own man. I loved how strong he was and how devoted he was to Penelope.
As with the other books in the series, I always love seeing the Drake brothers and their wives interact. The brothers’ relationships jump off the page in vivid color. It is so fun to see them giving each other a hard time while also seeing the love and loyalty they have toward one another.
This book is full of beautiful moments both small and big. It was a joy to read. I can’t wait to read Peter’s and Charles’ books.
430 reviews14 followers
August 3, 2024
"Thomas knew two undeniable facts. He was in love with Miss Penelope Fairchild. And he absolutely could not tell her. Not yet."

"There are men out there who would stand tall by your side, no matter what heartaches life brings."
"How would I know if I found a gentleman like that?"
"When your head and your heart agree, when the man brings you roses and walks with you through the rain, that's when you'll know."

Read if you like:
* Childhood Friends to Lovers
* Dual POV
* Reversal of Fortune
* He Falls First
* Slow Burn Regency Romance

This book is friends to lovers done right! Thomas and Penelope have the sweetest friendship and they are two of the kindest, most thoughtful, selfless characters. They are always looking out for and taking care of others. When Thomas, who has been in love with his best friend for years, decides to finally make his feelings known, all bets are off. When they finally come together, thanks in part to the meddling Drake brothers, their love story will absolutely melt your heart!

This book is part of a series, but it can be read as a stand alone. However, with each book in this series, you will fall more in love with the Drake brothers. The author is clever in how she weaves them into one another's stories.

Favorites:
* Mr. Middleton
* Aunt Mathilda's list
* Sheltering in the gazebo
* The meaning behind the book title
* Drake brothers
* Aniseed balls
* Brotherly advice
* Opera
* Treat for Annie
* "I will always be there."
* Hunt the slipper
* The ball
* Standing up for Thomas
* First kiss

I have loved this series and I can't wait to see what is in store for Peter's book!
471 reviews9 followers
July 31, 2024
“When your head and heart agree, when the man brings you roses and walks with you through the rain, that’s when you’ll know.”

What a lovely continuation of the Drake brothers finding love! ❤️

This time, it is Thomas's turn, and he has been secretly pining for his best friend, Penelope, for years. And yet, he is her "dearest friend," something that she has clearly communicated that she hopes will never change. When she comes into an inheritance, Thomas's shot seems to pass as he refuses to be lumped in with all the others who have suspectly carried a torch for her, even in her reduced circumstances. When Thomas's boisterous family shows up and encourages him to give Penelope a reason to see him differently, it is game on!

I am loving these wonderful books, and this series in particular, with the good guy MCs. I know dark heroes are the rage, but give me a good guy all day long. Thomas is the BEST, and he proves it with his strength, loyalty and steadiness throughout the story. And even when he may have to put his own future on the line to help Penelope, he does it because he is so selfless and loved her enough to sacrifice to see her happy, even if she never loves him like he loves her. It wouldn't be a Laura Rollins book without a wonderful HEA, but you'll have to read to for yourself to see how they overcome the obstacles to cross from friendship to love.

I received a complimentary copy of the author's wonderful story for me to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.
Profile Image for Dev G.
367 reviews8 followers
August 2, 2024
Beautifully sweet friends to lovers regency romance.

Harboring a life-long love for his best friend, Thomas Drake has been working hard to become a vicar so that he can be able to support Penelope, and her mother and sister.

Penelope Fairchild has felt Society turn against her after her father’s death and their fall from grace. People who she thought were friends abandoned her. All except Thomas. His steadfast friendship and devotion are the few things she can count on. When her financial situation dramatically improves, she must navigate people and situations that seek to take advantage of her, with Thomas by her side of course.

This was a sweet and gentle journey of friends to lovers. I loved how unconditionally Thomas supported Penelope, even if doing so meant she’d never be more than his friend. Her happiness was what he wanted most.

I loved that despite losing everything she’d known and living in destitution, Penelope remained kind, hopeful, and optimistic. She has a gentle heart and sacrifices everything for her family.

Some favorites:
🌹The list
🌹The gazebo
🌹The Drake family

What I loved most about this was the message that love doesn’t have to be grand gestures or declarations, but love is in the little things.

"But you did something better.
You offered me patience and a friendship I could count on. You listened to me and helped me sort through my thoughts when I was confused. You rolled up your sleeves and helped when I needed it. You walked beside me when it all felt too overwhelming.”

Sweet, touching, and emotional. The Drake family has my heart. I’m eagerly anticipating Peter’s story next.

I received a complimentary copy, but a positive review was not required.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,084 reviews51 followers
August 1, 2024
For as long as Thomas can remember he has always cared for Penelope. He is extremely hesitant to pursue more when her financial circumstances reverse and everyone pretends to care for her. I am so glad he had loving and persistent family who pushed him in the right direction. I enjoyed the developing in their relationship from childhood friends to a couple.

Thomas was so patient, steadfast, and putting Penelope’s wants above his own. When the bishop was deciding whether Thomas would get a parish or not, I was elated to see Penelope talk to him about all of his qualities and be his biggest supporter. She couldn’t have a better man to love.


Things to enjoy:
Historical setting
The “list”
The gazebo
HEAs
Drake brothers and wives

Readers of all ages will enjoy this story. While it is book three in the A Gentleman’s Heart series, it can be read as a standalone. I'd recommend you read the other books too. :)

I voluntarily reviewed this complimentary copy of the book. All views are my opinion in which I was not required to write a review.
Profile Image for Rachel.
117 reviews
August 1, 2024
Gorgeous Story

I love Laura Rollins' writing style and Rose Buds and Rain Drops did not disappoint. I'm not always a huge fan of 'friends to more' because sometimes I get frustrated with the characters, but Laura totally pulled this off in such a sweet way! Thomas and Penelope have such a deep and strong friendship, but Penelope is wary of marriage because of her parents and others. Romance is not even on her radar especially as she is the one person in her family trying to budget and save. Thomas loves Penelope so much but he isn't ready to support her and her mother and sister, so he just stays by her side as a loyal friend.
The way their story unfolded was so sweet and touching, especially with the conundrum that was her new fortune. Also the way Thomas' brothers interacted and supported each other was both fun and funny. They really look out for each other, and brought goofiness and mischief to their lives. 😆
This was such a beautiful regency romance that I highly recommend! Go get your own copy! 😍🤩😍
Profile Image for Carissa.
425 reviews4 followers
July 31, 2024
Thomas and Penelope’s story is so so sweet. It’s a slower paced book as far as the romance goes but you can’t help but love this gentle approach.

Thomas has been in love with his best friend for as long as he can remember, yet she hasn’t given him a second thought. As he is getting up the courage to finally reveal what’s in his heart, her circumstances change drastically, throwing everything off balance.

I enjoyed seeing the Fairchilds get a fresh start on life with the inheritance, and the list that needed to be completed. It gave a nice element to the story. And seeing Thomas slowly make his feelings known, the man is so gentle and patient! The moment Penelope finally realizes that her heart is just as attached was so beautiful!

I love this series and each book is wonderful! I’m so excited for Peter’s story next!

I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
1,277 reviews12 followers
August 1, 2024
Another charming historical romance from the wonderful Laura Rollins. This is book 3 of A Gentleman’s Heart series. The story is about Thomas and Penelope who have been friends since childhood. Thomas wishes for a lifelong future with Penelope, whom he has loved for sometime. Can Penelope ever see him more than just a friend? I love the story of rags to riches yet holding onto one’s integrity. I enjoyed their relationship through all of the changes. The story was engaging and gripping through the trials and judgment happening around them. Each of the stories are clean, wholesome romance, and can be read as standalone, but it’s fun to see characters from the other books included throughout the series. I am looking forward to Peter’s story. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
960 reviews5 followers
August 25, 2024
clean romance

An enjoyable story of friendship to more.

The author created believable characters and plot line. It invites the reader into that world and family.

I enjoy seeing the characters from previous books and how their stories continue within this book of the series. Each can be read as a standalone but I enjoy reading in sequence to see the secondary story found within.

I enjoyed the hero and his kindness and his perception and awareness of others.
The heroine is kind and sturdy within her trials. The plot is well done and believable as the two work through the transition from friendship to more.
Profile Image for Brittney (booksta.britt).
172 reviews17 followers
January 7, 2025
Thomas + Penelope

I love this he falls first slow burn!! This is book 3 in the series and I think each book gets sweeter!
I really enjoyed this one and appreciated how patient Thomas was with Penelope and everything that she was going through. He really loves her.

I cannot wait to read Peter’s story!

“Breathing her in was like coming home after a long trip away. It was familiar and calm and comforting. It was everything he wanted and the only thing he would ever need.”

Content
No foul language
Death of family members
Horse riding accident
Sweet kisses
Profile Image for Traci .
194 reviews2 followers
August 1, 2024
If you love a good, heartfelt regency story at its best, this book is for you!

I knew this would be a good story just from the first three lines. *sigh*

Thomas and Penelope are an absolute dream to read about. I love a good "friends to lovers" storyline, and the fact that this one involves the MMC that falls first, my heart melted the entire time. I highlighted so many parts that were motivating, uplifting, inspiring and downright regency swoony.

I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Christina Sinisi.
Author 8 books575 followers
May 21, 2025
I loved this book.

I think I loved it so much because the hero was such a good idea--and he was a vicar! When we think of the thousands (millions?) of men who have served the Lord faithfully and well, it's such a shame (isn't all failure a shame) that the ones who misbehave are the ones in the news.

But a good man who serves his fellow brothers and sisters--and loves truly? Swoon.

Blessings, Christina

PS. And yes, I read it in a day. I'm devouring this series!
454 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2024
Lovely and beautiful

This book is beautifully written. Penelope is forced to face some life altering choices. This allows for some self-reflection and personal growth. Thomas needs to gather the courage to show Penelope what he feels for her. No swears, passing mentions of after dinner port, no drunkenness, kissing only.
Profile Image for RD.
811 reviews18 followers
September 19, 2024
A delightful Regency romance! This beautifully written story warmed my heart with its achingly tender scenes of devoted friendship and sweet romance. Penelope and Thomas are wonderful characters, whose heartfelt emotions you can’t help but empathize with. I loved every page and highly recommend it to those who enjoy a clean, chaste romance with all the anticipation of a happy ending.
Profile Image for MK.
466 reviews13 followers
July 31, 2024
Thomas and Penelope have been friends since childhood. They have supported each other through the good and bad. As Thomas works to find the right timing to tell Penelope that his feelings run deeper than friendship, circumstances change and he wonders if there will ever be a right time.

I love that this book was more than just friends to lovers. It was unrequited patient love. Penelope truly isn’t ready for more feelings than friendship and I loved how patient Thomas was and how he waited for Penelope. I loved watching Penelope overcome her fears and learn to love. One of my favorite parts is when she finally sees Thomas in the present and past. 💕 I’m not usually a fan of friends to lovers, but I really enjoyed how this one was written.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,190 reviews
August 8, 2024
He's got a bit of puppy love thing going on here. He just moons after her forever without actually doing anything about it. The word friend is repeated in this book probably more than you expect and definitely more than necessary.
Profile Image for Jessica.
137 reviews6 followers
August 9, 2024
This is everything one could ask for in a friends to more book. A sweet and gentle hero. A heroine who who perseveres with quiet strength. Both families are supportive and encouraging. And it shows how the little things matter most in a marriage.

And so many wonderful quotes! I especially love...

“When your head and heart agree, when the man brings you roses and walks with you through the rain, that’s when you’ll know.”
77 reviews1 follower
August 14, 2024
Such a cute story and makes you feel so good inside afterwards!
I enjoyed getting to know our characters and watching them navigate their feelings and the things standing in the way.
Such a good book and I highly recommend!
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