One grump. One thief. One highly-questionable adventure.
Leonard Stanton has perfected the art of being alone. He keeps to the edges of ballrooms, and society, whenever possible. But when a priceless family heirloom is stolen off his very person, Leonard finds himself dragged into the one thing he hates most—a social entanglement.
Enter Mrs. Honora Gillingham. Vexingly cheerful, utterly unpredictable, and the last person he should trust. Mostly because . . . she’s the one who stole from him.
Now Leonard must decide what’s more dangerous. Assisting a thief with a smile as sharp as her wit, or the growing suspicion that he doesn’t want the adventure to end.
One thing I’ve come to know is if a book is written by Audra Wells, it’s going to be great. This book is no exception. I absolutely loved it!! Honora and Leonard are such great characters! What better way to start off a relationship than the girl stealing your Grandmother’s ring right off your person? And then confronting her about it. I love Honora’s pestering, teasing, confusing manner that she gives to Leonard it is hilarious and I just love her. Leonard is so serious and Honora just baffles him. I love the chemistry between them. They both have personal situations making life a bit difficult. I loved the ending with Leonard’s brother. I also enjoyed seeing characters from the previous books again. This was a wonderful story and I definitely recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
This was definitely not what I was expecting, but so enjoyable and impossible to put down!! I don't believe I've ever read a book with the FMC quite like Honora. 😂
She was a joy from page 1 on, but not your typical regency lady. She pushed the rules, she took Leonard on as a challenge, and never gave up on him, even with his grumpy exterior.
Leonard was impossible to not love as well, but definitely the complete opposite of Honora. 😅 I really admired him, though. He didn't know how to fill in his big brother's shoes, he didn't know how to stand up to his father, how to handle Honora, but he still kept coming back. His weakness became strong through Honora, and Honora learned how to be confident within herself because of him. 🩷
This whole series has been a big delight, and I highly recommend them all!! They can be ready as standalones, but I recommend reading them in order!
*I received an e-ARC copy, all opinions are my own
This was a great addition to this series and a great way to end it... Although, I feel it lacks some information about Thomas, the 1st one marrying and starting the all bet in motion.
It's good that the one paying the bet could afford it, I think this is also why he didn't even was worried of being the last, he's intentions were not to marry at all.
But Honora appear and strange things happened, she stole his possessions and is heart, of course!
They interactions are funny, he's a grumpy, lonely man, and she's exactly the opposite.
This book is funny, well written and a great way to end the Gentlemen's Gamble.
Lowkey… this may be the best book in the series. (Well, maybe… There are a few others up there as contenders). I love reading about books when a thief is involved. But not a conniving one. No, more one who is in a way, innocent to their own actions. Of course, that is not to excuse robbery by any means, but there is something to be said about how one’s upbringing shapes a person. And oh how I long to be as observant as Honora. Despite her habits, she was super sweet, but there was an obvious loneliness to her character from the very beginning that only Leonard could coax her and make her feel loved. She was the raspberry to his lemon (iykyk). Ah, I love seeing grouchy men being changed by rays of sunlight women. Despite his broody demeanor, I was quite captivated with Leonard from the start. And gosh, I just loved this series so much. I finished it in less than a week and I’m in love. There is something about reading books/series centered around male friendships or brothers that I just love so much. It’s just so wholesome. And once I can afford it *cue my wallet crying in agony,* intend to purchase these stories and give them a home on my shelf. 5/5 ⭐️
A great conclusion to an exceptional series! The storyline of this final book is fun and different. Our FMC is a highly eccentric and desperately lonely klepto. She longs for companionship and relief from her boredom… Enter grumpy and cantankerous MMC, victim to her thieving ways and ultimate loser of the marriage wager.
While I typically don’t appreciate characters that toy with each other (and oh how she toys with him), this book does it with enough humor and charm to make it thoroughly enjoyable. The MMC’s reactions to her are priceless, and their banter highly entertaining. There’s also a bit of action as she hauls him around to seedy and dangerous situations. Just a fun book that I didn’t want to put down.
Highly recommended!
Content: There is no foul language or sex, and the violence is minimal. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kisses. There is no mention of faith or God.
Romance, sweet, period; series but stand alone read Leonard and Honora’s story was a lovely contradiction in personalities, that made for a lovely sweet, fall. Their small moments together, seeing each other and sharing moments, helped to draw a lovely romance out of each other. Loved how Honora helped Samuel and Leonard’s parents see Samuel as someone more than they did to help him back to independence and better health. Sweet, exciting, steadfast, and of course a lovely fall.
I really enjoyed this book. It is such a unique and fun regency romance.
Honora is a hoot, she is quirky, unconventional and hilarious! I love her reactions to Leonard. Leonard is so broody, guarded, and she counteracts his grumpiness perfectly! These two were so fun to read about! Their grumpy sunshine dynamic is amazing!!!
This story takes you on a wild unpredictable adventure. Her being a thief and him a gentleman had me so intrigued as to how things could ever workout between them! I loved the forced proximity, and the chemistry between them.
There are so many lines in here that had me laughing, and smiling. I also love that this story has a really tender part to it too. I love how these two help each other, heal their hearts and find home!
I also really loved Leonard’s brother Samuel, and a scene involving him was a favorite part of this story!
I absolutely loved visiting with the friends from each book in this series! The grand finale at the end was just wonderful and made me so soo happy.
What a fun, exciting, original, unpredictable, heartwarming story that I love getting lost in. . . . content: kisses only, mild danger, some violence, strained family relationships
Last book in this lovely series and it was AMAZING 📚 I love every book I read by Audra Wells and this was no different. The banter in this book was ANOTHER LEVEL 🤩 and these two characters had chemistry for DAYS ❤️🔥
Honora. I’m gonna be so honest I was so frustrated with her… for point two seconds 😂 I LOVED HER SO MUCH 🥹 her character was so unique and I LOVED how her character showed how hard fitting into society is. She is so strong and the more we learned about her the more I loved her 💖
Leonard. He needed his life to be shook up and bit and boy was he shook 😂 watching him process the whirlwind that Honora was was so funny 🤣 but also his own personal arc was amazing. I loved reading about him and his brother, and the “I’m going to dance even if it kills me” like actually had me choking on my tears 😭
From the most hilarious meet cute 💍 to a constant stream of some of the best banter I’ve read 🔥 this book had me flipping pages faster than ever 😂
⚠️ CW: the FMC is a thief, fight in a bar, talk of affair, blackmail, nightmare and panic attack ⚠️
It was hard for me to like Honora and the way she acts, and I found Leonard and Honora didn’t have any chemistry. I tend to read quickly but I was dragging it for days since I wanted to finish the series, at the end I DNF at 52%.
This series was so fabulously written. Such different styles and storylines. But I loved being a part of the journey of it all. It was fun and it’s been awhile since I’ve read a multiauthor series.
Now onto what this book was. It maybe is my favorite story from this series. Again, they all have different stories and fun vibes. But this one was fun with the added adventure.
It has one of my favorite tropes of grumpy vs. sunshine. And let me tell you, he’s the ultimate grump. He definitely has a mood and scowl on his face for part of the book, but he’s also drawn to the adventure and protecting Honora. So when he finally gives in to loving the way she drives him crazy, I love it.
And Honora. I absolutely LOVE her. I loved her grit, her sass, her attitude, and the way she held herself up. I loved that she had grace but could hold her own. And she, she was… let’s just say if I were to use different language, she’s an absolute bad a.
I loved their story, their adventures, and the way they both ended up seeing each other past their stations in life.
Completely recommend this series. Completely recommend this book. If you need someone to gush about this series with.
Maybe this book would have been ok if it were a standalone, but as part of this series, it was completely out of place and made me uncomfortable. I did not like the character Honora portrayed herself as, nor the people she made company with. I'm sure this all changed as the story went on, but I DNF'ed it at 32% where Leonard's irrational actions became unbearable and unbelievable.
It's a shame. I liked the series as a whole, but I won't ever know how it really ended.
I didn't love either of the main characters or the storyline all that much. I kept hoping my opinion would improve, and I'd say after about 60% it got better, but I had a hard time finishing this one. if it wasn't the last book in the series, I probably wouldn't have finished it.
📝 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗲: A light, adventurous romance with a touch of mischief. A wager he loses, a stolen heirloom, and an unexpected connection between a proper gentleman and the woman who steals from him.
💬 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: As the conclusion to the series, I went into this with a lot of anticipation, especially because I really enjoyed the first previous books and was hoping to see all the previous couples come together again.
The premise caught my attention right away. Leonard losing a wager and needing to sell an heirloom, only for it to be stolen by the heroine, sets up a fun and slightly chaotic dynamic. It also adds a bit more action compared to the earlier books, with elements of burglary and mild peril woven into the story.
This was my first time reading Audra Wells, and I appreciated how the story balanced romance with a touch of adventure. The chemistry between the main characters was evident, and I especially enjoyed watching Leonard’s perspective shift over time, particularly when it comes to his views on marriage.
One of the most satisfying parts of the book was seeing the return of previous characters. Their interactions added warmth and a sense of continuity, making the finale feel more complete. If you have followed the series, those moments will likely be especially enjoyable.
That said, there were a few elements that felt a bit rushed or slightly underdeveloped. Some transitions, particularly toward the resolution, felt abrupt, and I found myself wishing for a bit more depth in certain emotional beats. Because of that, my rating leaned closer to a 3.5. However, the overall experience, especially with the full cast coming together, made it a satisfying and enjoyable conclusion, so I would round it up to a 4.
❤️🔥 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗿: The playful and intriguing premise Leonard’s character growth and shift in perspective The chemistry between the main characters Reunions with previous couples in the series The blend of romance with light adventure
⚠️ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁: Mild peril (theft, burglary elements) Situational tension and brief danger Family and social pressure around marriage Kissing only (closed-door romance)
✅ 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱/𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲: Historical romance with light adventure Opposites-attract or unlikely pair dynamics Series finales with returning characters Clean or closed-door romance Stories with a mix of humor, tension, and heart
“Need you keep touching me?” “I suppose I don’t need to.” He waited for her hand to move, but instead, it just lifted with each of his frustrated breaths. “Then why have you not removed it?” “You said need. Nothing was mentioned about want.”
This enemies to lovers story has a little suspense, amazing characters, redemption, friendship, and romance. And what a meet cute!
Leonard is honest, grumpy, and protective. I loved how completely baffled he was by Honora. His comments and attitude about being drug along on Honora’s “adventure” had me laughing. I loved seeing his defenses crumble and his wit and charm come out. Oh does he fall hard! I enjoyed Leonard’s relationship with his brother. I also enjoyed the conversations with the other Gentlemen (and their wives as well). Such a wonderful, supportive group of friends. Honora is witty, bold, and determined. I enjoyed her sunny, positive attitude. She is fierce and can protect herself but brings Leonard along “for protection”. 😆 Her journey to redemption and changing her ways was delightful. I absolutely loved how she would tease Leonard. Their chemistry was so good and I loved their banter! I loved their honest conversations and that they each pushed each other to see truths about themselves. The epilogue was the perfect ending for this amazing series!
A few more quotes: “I am growing on you, aren’t I?” He cocked his head to the side. “Warts grow on a person, but that doesn’t mean they are wanted.”
“Who takes care of you, Honora?” “Myself, of course. I’m a grown woman.” “And who do you have to share your burdens with?” he pressed.
“I am begging you to help me. And I am not a man to beg. But I feel like I am losing my mind.” He looked between his friends. “Please.” “By golly,” Langford breathed. “He is in love.”
“You realize you would have to live with me and endure my moods.” “That sounds like the loveliest offer I have ever received, actually.” She grinned. “Leo.”
This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
📚✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨📚 Title: An Honorable Love Series: The Gentlemen’s Gamble (Book 7) Author: Audra Wells ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📝 My Thoughts: This Regency romance is an absolute masterpiece of character growth and witty banter. Leonard Stanton is a self-proclaimed curmudgeon who is determined to let his family line end with him to spite his controlling father. Then he meets Honora Gillingham, a woman who "reads people like a book" and possesses a mysterious, less-than-polished past. Their chemistry is electric from the moment she quite literally pickpockets him on a London street.
💖 Why I Loved It: The heroine, Honora, is everything I want in a lead. She is incredibly capable, having raised herself as a "charlatan" and a thief, yet she carries a deep, quiet vulnerability from years of loneliness. She isn't an arrogant "know-it-all"; instead, she is a woman who has had to be her own protector. Watching Leonard, who is equally guarded, realize that "no one should have to feel utterly alone" was a total tearjerker moment. Their banter is top-tier, especially when she is teasing him about his "cantankerous" moods or revealing she managed to lift his watch right off him while he was trying to be serious. In the end, Leonard realizes she didn’t just steal his ring, she stole his heart too. I also loved the sub-plot involving Leonard’s brother, Samuel. Their bond added a beautiful layer of emotional depth to the story.
🔖 Favorite Quote: "I know what my days will be. But now, I find myself not wanting to know. I want the unpredictable."
📌 Final Verdict: This is the perfect conclusion to the series and a must-read for fans of grumpy-meets-sunshine and "slow-burn" romance. If you love stories where two guarded, beautifully flawed people finally find a safe place to land, you need this book.
Ms. Audra Wells, your character development is truly unmatched. I’ve read three of your books now, and the way you balance witty banter with such raw vulnerability makes your stories feel incredibly real. You’ve officially become a must-read favorite author for me!
Well this was just ridiculous… . . . Ridiculously entertaining and fantastic!!! Listen, I am not in any way discounting the other authors or books in this series. I have thoroughly enjoyed them all. But I did sign up for The Gentlemen’s Gamble solely because of my love of Audra Wells. And oh what an absolutely wonderful way to end this journey.
This was such a fun and unusual story from the get go. But it wasn’t just fun and games, this one had so much heart I could barely stand it!
True to Wells’ style, she has given us multilayered characters that are intriguing, highly amusing, and frustrating. Yet undeniably lovable and relatable. Honora just wants to belong and be accepted, hoping that her past stays in the past, only for it to nip at her heels. Leonard longs for a life of his choosing, the health and wellness of his brother, and for his parent to back off just a bit.
When Honora crosses paths with Leonard, she turns his world upside down. Her determination, relentlessness, and perplexing nature grating his every nerve. Yet she will not be deterred by his grumpy and aloof behavior. Her persistence begins to pay off when Leonard begins to enjoy himself—despite his best and worst efforts.
I felt Honora and Leonard were Jack and Rose gender swap. Let me explain (Jack and Rose, as in Titanic). Leonard’s family has high expectations and his duty is a burden that at times despises yet has every intention of fulfilling. Honora is a free spirit, who attempts to make a new life for herself despite the questionable and dangerous nature of her past. Her desire to cause a crack in Leonard’s armor is insatiable. And the journey is filled with danger, secrets, and self discovery.
Also, the relationship between Honora, Leonard, and Samuel gave me Secret Garden vibes. You just have to read it to understand. It was sweet, tender, and precious.
An Honorable Love (The Gentlemen’s Gamble Book Six) by: @authoraudrawells
••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~One grump. One thief. One highly-questionable adventure...
-An Honorable Love, is dear book 6 in the fantastic Gentlemen’s Gamble Series. I absolutely adored the unique, refreshing, and originality within, as it’s the heroine, who is the one seeking for redemption. While she doesn’t exactly fit the “right” or “perfect” mold of “belonging,” as the ton would see fit, it’s her struggle and fight, to make things right, and turn things around for the better that had my full attention. I simply could not help rooting for her sweet fiesty, heart, which is where a bit of a moody grump enters in the picture. What is to come is a most fantastic, hilarious sneaky chaos game of cat and mouse. Cue all the delightful banter, sparkling chemistry, dynamic tension, and heart-sighing swoony moments. It’s throughly enjoyable in every way. But, also, weaved within are tender, honest moments of vulnerability and accountability. I loved the deeper conversations that helped both dear characters not only connect but allow themselves to be seen truthfully from all angles, and to see how more alike they are than not. This gem of a story, beautifully emphasizes the importance of being able to find one’s place in life despite what others may think, choosing to overcoming fears, the realization that it’s never too late to become the person you want to be, and that love can bloom along and within the journey. Love refines, lifts, builds, and creates us for the better! This is a dear book and series absolutely worth reading! They are stamped for good in my heart -loving top reads passport, for good!💯📚‼️
“His eyes were full of storm clouds, and she wanted nothing more than to run in their rain.”
•Content: No language, thievery, social class prejudice, Overbearing parents, Chronic illness,some social drinking, playing cards/gambling; kisses only!
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Oh. My. Lanta!! This story had me in a vise grip from the very first chapter.!! The tension is absolutely off the charts. I adore a heroine who can hold her own, and this one delivers. She’s fierce, capable, and more than able to defend herself… yet there’s still something so satisfying about the hero swooping in at just the right moment. If you love the enemies-to-lovers trope, this book will be right up your alley!!
‘She didn’t mind a bit of confidence in a man. And Leonard was wearing it like a snug-fitting glove.’
What makes this story especially refreshing is the unique premise: the heroine is the one seeking redemption. A former thief determined to turn her life around, she’s painfully aware that she doesn’t quite “belong” in polite society, but that only makes her struggle more compelling. You can’t help but root for her as she tries to outrun her past and build something better.
And then there’s Leonard. Oh, Leonard. A brooding grump already in a foul mood after losing a hefty wager to his friends, he finds himself in even deeper trouble after a chance encounter on the street. On his way to sell a treasured family heirloom, he’s brazenly pickpocketed—by none other than our heroine. What follows is a delicious game of cat and mouse as he tracks her down, only to discover she has an infuriating (and irresistible) way of getting under his skin.
Their banter crackles, their chemistry sparkles, and watching him fall—hard—is utterly delightful!! This story is charming, sharp, and guaranteed to leave you grinning from ear to ear.
Content: kisses only, no language, thievery.
“Who takes care of you, Honora?” “Myself, of course. I’m a grown woman.” He watched as a swallow bobbed in her throat. “And who do you have to share your burdens with?”
Thank you so much to the author for my advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
You know, sometimes, when life gets heavy or days seem to drag, stories can lift your spirits in the simplest of ways and add a boost of happiness to your day. That’s what this one did for me🤍
From the first moment I read about Leonard in the first book and his “ever-positive outlook,” I could not wait for his story! I LOVE a good grump, not in real life, of course; are you a second son in Regency England, forced to live as a first, with a crusty exterior that no one has ever cared to dig deeper into? I didn’t think so. Lighten up.
LEONARD AND HONORA😭 their story was so unexpectedly tender. They had a rough start and it was a slow burn, but it was utter perfection. Her flirtatious ways toward him had me cracking up, and it was too cute seeing him so disconcerted by them. Their straightforward manner with one another made for a highly entertaining read, as Leonard frustratedly dealt with her morally questionable pickpocket ways, and made even more so as he became her rather reluctant partner in “non criminal activity.”
Through many mishaps and adventures, vulnerabilities and deeper understandings, they came to a soul deep knowing of one another. I loved how they didn’t want to change each other, but found the strongest love in acceptance and growing together. The way they cherished each other😭 How she just wanted to figure him out. How they didn’t want to be lonely anymore. How they both cared so much😭
This story was so unique from what I’ve read from this author before, and it was truly a delight to read! What a perfect way to end this amazing series.
A few things I loved♥️ -Sweet Samuel -His blunt, charmingly grumpy ways -Their mutual protectiveness -“Leo” -The entire friend group -Him helping and holding her😭 -THAT FIRST KISS -Everything about that epilogue🫠
Thank you to the author for the arc of this sweet story🤍 All opinions are my own.
The perfect ending to this series! I really enjoyed Leonard and Honora’s story and the sweet twist that if Leonard hadn’t lost the bet, he never would have met the love of his life. This isn’t just a love story, but also a story about finding your place in life, overcoming fears, and realizing that it’s never too late to become the person you want to be. I really enjoyed the adventures they both got caught up in, their funny interactions, and the gradual change in their relationship. In the previous books, we see that Leonard is the “grumpy one,” but here we get to really get to know him and understand him. And I loved him! He’s an honorable and sweet man. Honora is a delight, and she needed someone to take care of her and value her. I think they’re a perfect match! I also liked the subplot involving the brother; I hope he gets his happy ending too. I was thrilled to see the whole group of friends with their wonderful ladies! I’m delighted with the story each one had. I really recommend this series!
Leonard Stanton needs the money he’ll get from selling a ring, a luxurious family heirloom. But when the ring disappears, he is surprised to realize that a young and beautiful widow is the thief. Honora Gillingham is completely alone in the world, not accepted in her new social position, and perhaps has a bad habit of stealing from time to time. So when a handsome gentleman shows up at her door demanding his ring, she sees an opportunity to escape her boring routine. Amid strolls through London, brawls in taverns, and danger, Leonard and Honora begin to trust each other more, opening up the hearts they’ve both kept so well hidden. As new feelings emerge, they must decide whether it’s possible to overcome their fears for a surprising love they can’t deny.
You will find: 💍 Dual POV 💍 Grumpy/Sunshine 💍 Forced proximity 💍 Personal growth 💍 Found Family 💍 Duty vs. Love
"His eyes were full of storm clouds, and she wanted nothing more than to run in their rain."
This is the final book in The Gentlemen's Gamble series. Thanks to the author for the copy. All opinions are my own.
💐 For aesthetic reviews with quotes, edits and more, follow me on Instagram @sina.venus.booklover
This book is my new favorite by Audra Wells! It was full of witty behavior, hilarious banter, and of course swoony melt your heart moments.
As the only unmarried gentleman in the wager, Leonard has lost. Leonard didn't want to get married anyway, but he now has to figure out how he is going to fund his loss. He decides to sell a family heirloom until it gets stolen from right under his nose by no other than Honora Gilligham. they enter an agreement where Leonard helps Honora in exchange for the heirloom's return... it might be the best thing either one of them has ever done.
Favorite Parts -Leonard recognizing Honora and confronting her later for stealing from him. -Honora's confidence in every situation. -The dinner party with Leonard's friends -Leonard's love for his brother Samuel and all he/Honora do for him. -Their dance and all that comes after -THE BANTER-Top notch so good.
Favorite Quotes: “I am about to pull out my hair, and I’ve been here for only ten minutes.” “Oh, you must not pull out your hair. It is my favorite attribute of your appearance.”
“Warming up to me, are you?” “Hardly.” “But perhaps one day.” “If I have my way, I will never see you again after today.”
Mr. Stanton was a riddle she wished nothing more than to solve. Either he had more layers to him, or he had a reason to keep himself from people. Honora guessed both held an element of truth.
“Poor little rich boy,” she said, fighting a smile. With a scoff, he looked toward her. “You are one to talk, rich little thief that you are.”
Because that was the special thing about Honora. She could see his cracks, and she knew when to repair them and when to leave them be. And tonight, she wasn’t going to push him. And he appreciated her all the more for it.
An absolute delightfully way to end this series! This book is so much fun. It had me smiling and laughing out loud the whole time. Leonard and Honora are wonderful!
Leonard is the last man standing in this wager and it is time for him to pay his friends. When he finally settles on a way to do so he runs into a woman who steals it away from him… literally! After tracking her down he becomes entangled in a series of misadventures that turn his world Topsy Turvy! This wasn’t on his game card for sure, nor was falling in love with a thief that gets under his skin.
Honora has taken herself out of her old lifestyle as a thief and risen in the ranks of society. But she is extremely lonely and bored, which leads to a series of questionable events and being thrown into the presence of a man she stole from. Her quick wit, specific skill set, and the undeniable attraction to someone who doesn’t want anything to do with her settles her determination to spend as much time near him as possible. But her heart quickly becomes involved and she finds herself wanting something more in life.
Leonard and Honora are such opposites! He is stoic and unsocial while Honora is outgoing and charming. I loved how they met and continued spending time together. All of the adventures and unpredictable things happening kept the story moving and made you want more and more. The progression of Leonard and Honora’s relationship is quick and so satisfying! I absolutely loved it beginning to end.
This has been such a great series! Highly recommend you put this on your TBR list.
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.
An Honourable Love by Audra Wells is a truly delightful conclusion to what has been an utterly charming and memorable series. From beginning to end, this final installment delivers everything I’ve come to love—wit, sparkling banter, and, most importantly, two characters learning that true strength lies in vulnerability and opening one’s heart to love.
What makes this book stand out even more is its heroine—easily one of the most witty, engaging, and refreshingly original female protagonists I’ve encountered. Her intelligence and spirit bring such life to the story, making every exchange and every emotional moment feel both genuine and compelling.
This series as a whole has been such a unique and rewarding experience. With each book written by a different author, it could have felt disjointed—but instead, it became something special. The shared premise—seven friends caught in a perilous storm in the English Channel, making a wager that the last to marry must pay the others £100—created the perfect foundation for a collection of interconnected yet distinct love stories. And in the context of 19th-century England, that wager carried real weight, adding both humour and urgency to each romance.
There is something bittersweet about reaching the end. I will truly miss this storyline and the journey of these characters. Each book has offered something worthwhile, and together they form a series I wholeheartedly recommend.
If you love clever dialogue, heartfelt romance, and characters who grow in meaningful ways, this is a series not to miss—and An Honourable Love is the perfect farewell.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
“...while she loved to aggravate this man, never had she truly feared losing her heart. She knew who she was and whence she came. It wouldn’t be acceptable. But that smile had put her past the line she was treading, making her believe that perhaps, just maybe, this man could find her agreeable. And that—it turned out—was the most dangerous game of all.”
A grumpy gentleman has a priceless heirloom stolen… by the one woman he absolutely shouldn’t trust—and somehow, that’s only the beginning.
THIS BOOK WAS ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL!!
An Honorable Love by Audra Wells completely surprised me in the best way because I went in BLIND… and let me tell you, that opening?? HILARIOUS.
A thief. A grump. And absolute chaos.
Leonard—oh, sweet Leonard… Honora is about to turn your life upside down, and honestly, isn’t that exactly what we want as readers?? 😌
The banter was INCREDIBLE. The exasperation was THICK (and 100% enjoyable) on every page. I laughed out loud, my heart hurt for both of these characters in their own circumstances, and I loved watching everything unfold.
This is one of those books that is just pure fun while still giving you heart and depth—and I truly cannot recommend it enough. The themes of identity, belonging, and worth are absolutely beautiful!
Trust me, friends. GET THIS BOOK.
📚 Available NOW!
Happy Reading 📚
Content/Triggers: thievery, family pressures, blackmail, romance-kisses only.
Wow, I absolutely loved this! The way these two meet, love it! If you want an opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine romance with plenty of forced proximity, this is the one for you!
Leonard has lost a wager, meaning he needs to pay up. But he doesn’t have the funds, leaving him wanting to sell a family ring to settle the debt. What he doesn’t expect is a run in with Honora, which completely changes all his plans. When he meets Honora, he believes it’s only for a moment, but what he couldn’t imagine is that not only would he lose the family ring, but he would also be caught up in one of her schemes to get it back.
Now he’s agreed to help her, and in return she will help retrieve his ring, the one SHE stole from him. (Yes, you read that right, lol) If Leonard wasn’t grumpy before, forced proximity with Honora will do the trick. But what neither expects are the true feelings that begin to form. Honora is hiding quite a lot from him, though, and it is hard to trust her when so many secrets surround her. And the matter of her being a thief is a bigger issue. He no longer needs to marry because he already lost the wager, but if he wanted to...would Honora be his choice?
You all, the banter was bantering as my kids would say. I loved these two together. They kept things so fun, and Honora just constantly grating on Leonard’s nerves was so entertaining. And when the feelings start to show, swoony! Loved this!
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
Book Six, An Honorable Love, completes The Gentlemen's Gamble series!
Every single story has been so incredibly good, and woven a tale leading straight to the loser of the wager. There were so many fantastic dynamics that made Leonard a complex, but enjoyable MMC- second son who must function like the first without the authority but all the responsibility. Here comes Honora and she completes rewrites the way he sees life, but absolutely against his will!
“My goodness. Who knew thatonce you were a suitor, you would be so generous.”
The debacles these two get themselves involved in are quite funny, a little harrowing at times, but also really sweet. Leonard learns to let go and appreciate life, while learning to stand up for himself, and Honora gets much desired friends and family through their union. Their chemistry was already off the charts when they were functioning as "light rivals," but once they are dialed in, they lose a bit of the edge and it is all sweetness. This surprise courtship might just be my favorite!
Audra really delivered on a fun and beautiful grumpy-sunshine courtship story. It was the perfect capstone story with an epilogue sure to please everyone who has been keeping up with the series of six lovely, sweet Regency romances!
I received a complimentary copy of the author's story. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.