Snapdragons

The Gents #4

by Sarah M. Eden

The fateful day has arrived. Niles Greenberry has always known his family would eventually arrange a marriage for him, but he is certain that marrying Miss Penelope Seymour will cost him every dream he has. He’ll do anything to avoid the match altogether—even if it means disappearing. But the lovely Miss Seymour will not be so easily brushed aside.

Penelope has ambitions far beyond being a pampered wife, but they all hinge on finding a husband. There’s not a reputable bank that will assist an unmarried lady in financing her own business, but with the weight of the Greenberry name behind her, she just might stand a chance. So when her betrothed runs away, she follows.

The couple is astonished upon they are indubitably well suited. And when Niles’s friends, the Gents, arrive on the scene, the situation goes from bad to ridiculous as an inexpert courtship ensues. But can two individuals fighting for opposing futures find in each other the happiness they dream of?

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Regency, Clean Romance, Fiction, Historical

272 pages, Paperback

Published November 5, 2024

Reviews

[Emily Cronk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, y'all 😍

I am convinced Sarah Eden can do no wrong. I have thoroughly loved each of the books in the Gents series, and Snapdragons was no exception. This book is perfection.

I'm fairly certain this book has it all - an arranged betrothal, a runaway groom, a determined bride, the Gents and their mischief, boxing lessons, horseback rides, a brother that needs a really good kick to the shins, Wilson, the sweetest romance.....seriously what is there not to love here?!

Niles and Penelope were so perfect for each other (even if it took them a while to realize it). I loved watching their relationship grow as they became friends and eventually fell in love. If anybody deserved a happy ending, it's the two of them. They both had to work so hard to realize their dreams, and it was so satisfying to see everything work out for the two of them.

If this book is not on your TBR lists, it needs to be. Trust me friends. This one is worth it.

Many thanks to the author and publisher for the early copy; all thoughts are my own.

[Jami Pruitt (My.lovely_readingcorner) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite parts: 
- Becoming part of the Gents
- Niles and Digby's scheme
- Meeting Miss Seymour
- Julia's letter
- Meeting Wilson
- Riding horses
- Impromptu Performances
- In the Library
- Happening upon Niles in the outbuilding
- Learning how to punch
- Meeting Julia
- Playing Snap-dragon
- The Gents
- Wilson
- At Fairfield
- Memories of Stanley

What an absolutely beautiful story! I just love how Sarah is able to put so much feeling and emotion into a story.

The Gents is a group of friends that I love being with. I love how they are always there for each other and how supportive they are of one another's desires and hopes.

I love the romance that grows between Niles and Penelope. I love that she didn't give up in her desire to get to know Niles, even though he was very much against their arranged marriage. I also love that was able to see Niles and not many people do.

I love how kind and caring Niles is. I love that he was kind to Penelope, and was able to eventually learn to be friends and love her.

I love the adventures that the Gents go on and I love the ladies in the group as well.

I love getting to know Stanley better through the memories of the Gents and Julia. I love that we can get a bit of his story through the stories of this wonderful group of friends.

This is the 4th book in The Gents series. It can be read as a stand alone (but reading it in order makes it so much better!)

Thanks to Sarah M. Eden and Covenant Communications for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[♥Milica♥]

Another book in one of my fav series that's out on my birthday <33

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the Gents but Niles has never been my favorite. He was good in this book but Penelope was awesome. The outcome of the book was a little forced but I still enjoyed the read and spending time with the Gents one again.

[Holly (IG Hollys_Book_Musings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"She had gained the hope of his friendship, but realized in the very moment he had offered it, that her heart wanted more."

Snapdragons by Sarah M Eden

Oh Gents! And Niles!
I definitely recommend this fourth book in the series!
Niles, or Puppy, escapes to Pledwick Manor from an arranged marriage to a lady from Ireland. She pursues him to where he has hidden to find out more about him and why he ran away. I loved how this book played out. It was different from a typical Sarah M Eden book, which made it so refreshing and I enjoyed it immensely.
The banter between the Gents is top-notch in this, as they all converge on Pledwick Manor to help Niles out. Their scheming also adds so much hilarity to the story.
The wives to the Gents, you can't help but just admire them and want to join their circle-they are everything that is gentle, humble, not afraid to dish out what's coming to the Gents if they misbehave.

Niles or Puppy is a pugilist, and I loved that aspect about him, because it distinguishes him from the other characters in a good way. He was so reluctant to fall. And I loved him for it.

I loved Penelope's character. She is head-strong, knows what she wants, but still has her own insecurities, which makes her feel all the more real and believable.
Niles and Penelope forever! I just freaking adore them together. The way they fall for each other, discover their similar interests, and work through problems; they are a power not to be reckoned with. Though her brother does.

I am eager for the next Gents installment, because these characters are just the best!
Definitely recommend this one!

My Favorite Parts:
The way Niles joins the Gents
Digby and Niles scheming 🤣
He defends her
Banter and teasing (next level here!)
Donkeys😂
Horsestable chats
The letter and boxing scene
The ending was the best!

Book Info:
Series: The Gents book 4
Genre: Historical Romance; Georgian Era
Romance Level: Kissing only
Release Date: November 5, 2024 (Available now)
Publisher: Covenant Communications

Content Guide:
Language: none
Sexual Content: kissing
Violence/gore: Mild-a fist fight, boxing aka pugilism
Substance use: mild-occasional drinking of port
Prejudices: classism/sexism typical to time period
Religious content: prayer
Other: Feelings of self-doubt

I received a copy of the ebook from the author and publisher. Thank you! All thoughts are my own.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I continue to love the gentle stories of The Gents. Set in Regency England, this close group of friends and their growing circle of wives always show themselves to be faithful, witty, and willing to do what they can to support each other in all times.

I enjoyed Niles and Penelope’s story. I listened to the audio version and, like I have with the books before this one, I thought the narrator did a fantastic job with the voices.

Niles and Penelope had a rough start, with Niles actually running away from the marriage that had been arranged for him. This was definitely a slow burn romance and I really felt for Penelope as she began to get to know Niles and started to realize that they actually had a lot in common. Yet, as she worked to connect with Niles, he seemed uninterested in her and I could feel the hurt and worry that Penelope had since she viewed Niles as her last chance at the future she hoped for.

As Niles and Penelope began to fall for each other, it was so sweet to see what caring people they actually were. Yet they had some big obstacles to overcome and Penelope’s very frustrating brother to deal with.

Snapdragons is a great addition to The Gents series and I am looking forward to reading and listening to the future stories when they are released.

(4.5 stars)

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Malana Rei · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

Another lovely romp! While I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the others (the heroine didn’t stand out as much and I might have missed why one of the problems was so big…) I still appreciate the author’s meaning woven in to otherwise ‘light reads’.
Some could say by now the dynamics are a little repetitive and ridiculous, but I love em XD A book that made me laugh was just what I needed, and it didn’t disappoint. Such fun!

[Shayla Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snapdragons
(The Gents Book 4)
@sarah_m_eden

-I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Everyone has a dream, but only the trules fortunate ones get to live theirs."

~Niles Greenberry has always know his family would eventually arrange a marriage for him, but he would rather marry for love, for someone he would choose. He is certain that this arrangement, in marrying a Miss Penelope Seymour will cost him every dream he has. He will do anything to avoid the match altogether…even if it means disappearing. But, the lovely Miss Seymour will not be so easily brushed aside…

“That’s what miracles are for, for when crucial things feel impossible.”

-Snapdragons, is such a beautiful story with such heart! This dear story will touch on every heartstring, as it’s a delightful story full of every emotion, witty banter, fun scheming and antics, dear relationships, best interests at heart, and even miracles weaved throughout. The characters are endearing and full of such goodness. They feel like cherished friends. I love watching what happens when Niles and Penelope do end up meeting. Their astonishment with how well-suited they to each other, will have your full attention. Things get even more charming and adventurous when more of Niles’s friends show up as an inexpert courtship takes place. What I loved most was watching two dear individuals fighting for opposing futures discover and come to find in each other, the happiness they both have dreamed of! Dear friends, this is not a story to miss. It’s well-written, and could easily be read as a stand alone but, I would encourage you to greatly read the series in order to fully love and appreciate the whole beautiful stories, relationships, and characters! Well-worth the read, any day, friends!📚❤️✨

“She had gained the hope of his friendship, but realized in the very moment he had offered it, that her heart wanted more.”

-Content: a fist fight, boxing (aka pugilism,)mild-occasional drinking of port, classism/sexism typical to time period, feelings of self-doubt, strayed family dynamics.

#snapdragons
#sarahmeden
#allaboutthebestreads

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

“We always have a choice.”

[Britny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snapdragons is a beautifully written Georgian-era clean romance by Sarah Eden. It can be read as a standalone, but it is an absolute extra delight as part of the Gents series, being book 4 in that series. So I recommend reading it that way to get the full story.

Niles Greenberry, oh how I have been so excited for his story ever since I got to know the Gents! “Puppy” has certainly lived up to his nickname—you simply can’t help but adore him. He is sweet and surprising in all the best ways!

Take this arranged marriage, for example. Niles does the unexpected and runs away.

Penelope Seymour is the perfect match for Niles! She is full of life, energy, and has plenty to say for both of them. She’s determined, hopeful, and the confidence she brings is just what Niles needs.

“Penelope, it seemed, needed to convince far more than her prodigal betrothed to look favorably on her. She needed to win over his friends.”

Oh, the Gents! It’s such a delight seeing them continue on in Niles’ story! I love how involved they are in each other’s lives. Their friendships are beautiful, full of laughter and mischief. The games they play are the best! Snapdragons, for example—you have to see for yourself just how amusing it is! It’s one of my favorite parts of the book!

This book was a true delight and a pleasure to read!

[Kate Strange · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute were the words to come out of my mouth as I finished the book.

I absolutely loved getting to know the unassuming Puppy better. I also loved seeing how, as with the rest of the Gents' ladies, how well his sweetheart complemented him.

Several internal squeal-worthy moments, particularly when a certain minor character is introduced who plays a fashionable supporting role in the background of the Jonquil Brother series. I love how Sarah M. Eden is weaving the Gents and her Jonquil and Lancaster series together to create a world that feels so real.

[Sarah's Reading Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite part about this book was the continued inclusion of all of the "gents" and their spouses in the series. I love their relationships, support, comedic relief, and witty banter.

I've read (and loved) almost all of Sarah M. Eden's books. Most are VERY well-written and flow very well. You get drawn into the characters and they feel like real-life friends by the end of it. This book in particular had most of those characteristics (loved the characters!), but I feel did leave a few plot holes where the main characters' actions didn't make logical sense a few times.

As stated in the book's blurb, the intended groom runs away without explanation to his family or intended bride. His actions and the overall lack of explanation seemed out of character (and, yes, she did explain that bit too). It worked, but just didn't flow quite the same as the other books in the series. I would have liked to see the main character give a better explanation (if not at the beginning, then later) to why he left.

Other than that, I enjoyed the book as a whole, the characters in particular.

[C.K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A determined bride
and a runaway groom-
arranged marriages
don't always go as planned.

Georgian Era

I really enjoyed the arranged marriage /runaway groom to be trope for the story and the h going after him. It's always nice returnung to these characters. I love getting little Easter Eggs for other stories.

I think Aldric's story will be next. I think and hope that he ends up with Henri's sister. She is in France and the French Revolution is right around the corner. Sarah is writing the Gents and Huntress series at the same time. In the latest Huntress series Henri mentioned getting to keep his sister in his life bc of some terrible ways.

More review to come....

[Voyage · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used to love Sarah M. Eden's books, but in her most recent books, I didn't find the fine psychological analysis and clever writing that I used to love in her first books. With the Gents series, I feel like the characters and stories are much more two-dimensional, it's always "He is a marvel", "She is a wonder", "All the Gents are hilarious", i.e. very superficial. When writing, it's better to "show than tell", and in Snapdragons, even though the praises of Niles and Penny were sung throughout, I couldn't understand what made them special as people (apart from their slightly original hobbies/interests). I didn't see a special chemistry between Niles and Penny, it just felt convenient for them to fall in love basically all at once, but for no specific reason. I felt like Penny could have fallen in love with any of the Gents since they're all so amazing, hilarious, kind, brave, etc. Why Niles in particular?

This was still a good book, probably for a younger audience or one that is looking for a very light-hearted read, but if you've read the previous books in the series, you might find it repetitive (but at least won't be as confused between all the names and surnames since if you read it as a standalone).

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love getting to know these couples and their stories. This book is about Niles, or Puppy, as his friends call him. He is the quiet, unassuming Gent, always in the background, but always listening.

Niles is being forced to marry by his Grandfather, who arranges all the family marriages, but he is not going to let it happen. He is not going to be put in that situation, so he leaves town and hides with his friend Layton.

Penelope is from Ireland, outspoken, a Banshee per her neighbors, and has been looking for a husband that would allow her to continue to own property after their marriage. Niles is her last chance, and he didn't even give it a chance. So she takes matters in her own hands and follows him to where he is staying.

What happens next will make you smile as you get to know these two and the other Gents and their wives. Their characters are so giving and protective. Such a great book!

[Torri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Sarah M Eden's books! She writes such complex characters who feel such real emotions and go through things that make me as the reader feel deeply. This book was one of those where I laughed, cried, and stared blankly at the wall in frustration! In other words, it was a big feeler! I felt a real connection to these characters and found myself in the pages!

The premise of a hopeful and determined bride and a run-away groom with friends who would do anything to protect him made for such a fun, entertaining read! The Gents books are super engaging and never disappoint! I am so lucky that I was able to receive an advanced copy from NetGalley and Covenant Communications! I can't wait for the rest of the world to be able to read this spectacular story!

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

As is becoming usual for Eden I like Penelope and Niles and was rooting for their success, but found myself slightly annoyed by the story in general. All they needed to do was talk to each other. I think I was supposed to forgive them not having the important conversation that clears everything up until three-quarters of the way through the book because they had to build trust, and yet in most ways they trusted each other from the very beginning, so I was still annoyed.

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Eden creates the most lovable characters and The Gents are some of my all time favorites! It’s always such a delight to come back to this world!

I was so excited for Niles to get his story, as he is always the one hanging back and quietly watching as everything unfolds. But my, what depth of character! Getting to know Niles was like opening a surprise gift! From his induction into The Gents, his unique pastimes and skill set, and his fun sense of humor, everything we learn about Niles just makes him more and more endearing. Something that Penelope quickly finds out when she starts to get to know him.

Penelope is a really great character! Starting from an arranged marriage being her only option to attaining what she’s dreamed of, then coming to meet her intended and finding he has RUN AWAY and then searching him out to confront the situation! She is bold, determined, and a force to be reckoned with. I love how their rocky beginning turns into true friendship and admiration. Niles can’t help but be drawn to her and once he sees that she is genuine in her attentions, he can’t hold himself back from falling for her in return.

This book is such a fun twist to an arranged marriage, where the couple actually get a choice at the end. Plus a woman doing some courting! I absolutely loved it! But I confess, for me the romance played second fiddle to the unbreakable bond of The Gents! This group of friends always have each others backs and manage to get into the most hilarious of situations. The banter and fun everyone has is the highlight of these stories for me.

Niles and Penelope’s story gets all the gold stars! I love this couple and I’m so excited for more Gents stories to come!

I received an advanced copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series keeps getting better and better. My favorite so far in the Gents series. These characters are so loveable, especially the mains in this book. I loved learning more about Niles — he’s just so good, smart, and a tough cookie in such an admirable way. Penelope is a force, but not in a brash, abrasive or off-putting way at all, which is often how strong FMCs can come off. And her name is Penelope, I mean, you can’t get cuter than that. They are the best match ❤️. It’s fun to see their love story and think of them as Colm’s parents (can’t wait to see him take center stage in a book, hopefully soon, after we’ve seen him in For Love or Honor and The Best of Friends).

The friendships only get stronger in this book and it’s a pleasure to read how these people just keep growing closer and caring toward each other. Wish we had more of this in our world. The way they tease each other is really fun to read — lots of wit and jokes in this book.

100% satisfying! Sarah Eden’s talent continues to entertain and enrich.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You really are heroic, Niles Greenberry. And I suspect you have no idea that you are.”

* Oh Niles, just delightfully surprising right from the start
* Ahh she’s gonna fit right in!
* The way my mouth dropped open at that origin story 😭🫶
* I love when a man has a favorite flower
* I love all the planning and scheming with this delightful group
* Why do I love it so much when the guy is secretly into boxing or the like? 😅
* The accidental shirtless encounter is my new favorite micro trope hehe
* Oh the Gents 💜

“He’d imagined all his life loving someone and being loved in return, but even those long-held hopes paled in comparison to what he’d found with Penelope.”

What another lovely story by the even lovelier Sarah Eden. I love any and all interactions with the Gents and this was no different. They are just so genuinely good and I love them!

Penelope and Niles had a lot of hard things they had to work their way through, but they did it! And I loved how they were both able to truly see the other person and love them for who they are.


“No person is ever expendable.”

“If you think Niles is standing about, waiting for me to fall in love, then you are astoundingly unobservant.”

Thank you to the author and publisher for the ebook. A positive review was not required.

[Kay Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was well written, and was relieved to see all of the Gents with their ladies stories become more developed in this book. The ladies are just as cool as the Gents who come together to adopt Penelope into their friend family. I love their nicknames for everyone, and I love how they don’t try to change anyone’s personalities. They still keep mentioning Stanley, and the things that he would do to keep the group going. Also, I love all their parlor games that always so creative and fun to read about. These games are easily adaptable to today as well, and the courage that sincere friends have Niles to help him enter a huge fight. It was a surprise to me know that Niles was a fighter, but so was Penelope. Life has changed a lot for women but back in the 1700s women didn’t have any choices without the help of men, and Niles was more than a gentleman raised in a rich family. He wanted to be on his own and it took a very good woman to help him achieve his dream.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Irish lass is currently attempting to nab herself a Cornish Puppy.”

What a pleasing new tale in the Gents series created by Sarah M Eden! Niles (aka Puppy) is faced with a marriage match and what he does is hilarious. There’s not much better than a group full of camaraderie and loyalty, and this group also invokes many, many laughs. I love how each member of the Gents plays a role in the group and how they complement each other so well. But it’s the persistence of Penelope that allows for some beautiful dynamics that are so sweet and beloved.

I was delighted by the entire cast of characters and enjoyed every minute of the circumstances they found themselves in. My desire for every page was insatiable, yet I was completely happy and satisfied with all of it.

This Georgian romance is not to be missed.

Content: mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*

[Angela (justwant_2read) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s always a good day when you get to lose yourself in a world Sarah M Eden has created. The Gents are such a fun group, and with the growing group of women, it just continues to get better. Niles has been a character I have always enjoyed, with his quiet level-headedness. I was curious to see how his story would play out, and I loved how his story started. It was not what I was expecting, and it was fun to watch Penny and he find love with one another.

“You really are heroic, Niles Greenberry. And I suspect you have no idea that you are.” Penny truly saw the best in Niles, and accepted him wholly for who he was.

I like how the stories show that everyone has a story to tell, and everyone has hardships. They had a lot of hurdles to overcome, but they were able to make the best of their situation and still find their way to each other.

Thank you so much to the author and publisher for an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

[Megan (messybun.bookishfun) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this on audible. Which is helpful with all of the accents (French, Irish)

Penelope (an Irish woman) was betrothed to Niels (“The Puppy”) but when she showed up, he was missing. After a month, he still hadn’t returned. She then filled him to his friends (another Gent’s home). There she tried to woo him. The Gent’s and their Ladies work in groups to pair the two together. But always in favor of Puppy. As their relationship grows, the thorn between them still is their dreams. Her, a horse farm for breeding; him, a seat in parliament. But they each needed land. Is this thorn the thing that will divide them further?

[Kartika Heikkila Aposhian · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

The first part of the book felt a little stilted and I had a really hard time with it. The book started to pick up about halfway through but unfortunately it all started to stagnate when the characters got starry eyes that then had to last for the rest of the book, which felt overly mushy and a little cheesy.
Sarah is a great writer, this one just wasn’t my favorite.

[Samantha Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

WILLLLSOOOON!!!! (IYKYK)
I am utterly in love with this series, every book contains more Easter eggs and connections to the Jonquil/Lancaster/Huntresses series and I just love it!
Niles was such a fun character to get to know, he is not what I expected, and it made me love him even more. Penelope is fun and sweet, I loved watching her get to know the gents and their wives, she's the perfect addition. 🩷

[Ashley]

This was much more enjoyable than the previous book. It didn’t seem quite as formulaic as as the book before it. At least one of the main characters wasn’t another spy. I appreciated that the characters actually communicated with each other. I did feel like their insurmountable problem keeping them apart could have been solved much quicker and easier.

[Gail Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight to read! This is now my second favorite in the series, second to Forget me Not of course. :) I loved the tension, the sweet romantic parts, absolutely everything in this book (besides Liam, but there’s gotta be one annoying character, right? 😂) Sarah has truly outdone herself once again, and I can’t wait for Love in a Mist in November!!!

[Racheal Bowthorpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved

Sarah has done it again. She took a character that I was a little skeptical about loving and made him lovable and relatable. Puppy always seemed like a background character to me but his story makes me think about those seemingly background characters in a different light. He is sweet and surprising and I just can't get enough of him. I love this book so much!

[herdys · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for Sara M Eden and her slow burns and sweet romances, but these series doesn't have the same spark as Lancaster/Jonquil. I care about and enjoy the characters a lot, but the pace is too slow at times. I really hope the next two Gents get a little more angst hehe

[Faith Lund · Rating 5 out of 5]

So achingly romantic! This was such a good story. I love The Gents series and am happily anticipating the next one. Please let it be about The General 🥰 (especially after that game of snap dragons 🐉 😄)