A Gentleman's Agreement

by Joy Avery

When it comes to love, all deals are off!Blake Farrington knows exactly who to call when he finds himself needing crisis management. Yes, this task is outside Eunice Howard’s usual realm of responsibilities, but he’s willing to make it worth her time. Plus, she’s ideal for the role. Who better to play his pretend lover than the one woman who knows him almost better than he knows himself?The last thing Eunice Howard expects when summoned to her boss’s office is a request to play the role of his new love interest to appease his mother, restless to marry him off. Foolishly agreeing, she ventures with him to Farrington Estates for the Thanksgiving holiday. She thought she’d seen all sides of Blake Farrington, but the man who emerges is a man she could easily love.Their agreement blossoms into a connection neither expected—nor are willing to admit. When the lines between make-believe and reality blur, something phenomenal occurs.

Genres: Contemporary Romance

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 23, 2015

About the author

By day, Joy Avery works as an engagement manager. By night, the North Carolina native travels to imaginary worlds—creating characters whose romantic journeys invariably end happily ever after.

Since she was a young girl growing up in Garner, Joy knew she wanted to write. Stumbling onto romance novels, she discovered her passion for love stories; instantly, she knew these were the type stories she wanted to pen.

Real characters. Real journeys. Real good love is what you’ll find in a Joy Avery romance.

Joy is a member of Romance Writers of America.

Reviews

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by this author and I am now a fan. This was a sweet love story that will make you laugh, cry and root for Eunice and Blake's happy ending.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A curiously good story about a wealthy man who needs an acceptable girlfriend for Thanksgiving to keep his mother from lining up eligible young women for him. He knows the perfect woman. His assistant Eunice. Little did he know that like everyone in his sports management company, she worships him. She agrees to go with him for no other reason than to help and because she does not want to spend her holiday alone after the recent loss of her mother. She knows nothing will come of it. The story follows the developing relationships, family events, miscommunication and friendships. Clearly a light premise but...I really, really liked this book. It made me smile. I selected it as a lite read after a depressing book and I was delighted by the writer's ability to introduce likable characters and a believable story.

[Deirdre Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blake & Eunice

Good gracious I don't know when I have laughed and shook my head as much as I did reading this story! I'm about to load up on Joy Avery books! Blake and Eunice were so much fun! The Carrington family were nice too! Aunt Belle had me laughing out loud with her antics!! This is my first time reading Ms. Avery's work. Of course I will be reading more! Wonderful story and characters!

[CaroMommie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve got a few hours to lounge around, this would’ve a great book escape to within. The easy flow of words and story was easy to get lost in. The conversations were so engrossing you’ll feel like you are in the room with the players, and part of the family. Joy’s writing is that engaging.


Eunice and Blake were easy characters to get to know, as well as the supporting cast. I thoroughly enjoyed this read, I think you will as well.

[Sharon D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Throughly enjoyed this love story. The ending left me wanting more of Blake and Eunice's happily ever after. I was reading this book at one in the morning and woke my husband from laughing so much. Aunt Belle was hilarious. Great read, I highly recommend this book.

[Jos-Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhh I loved Blake & Eunice and didn't want their story to end. It was sweet, intriguing and just fun. I loved all the cast of characters except one and in true diva fashion she deserved to be disliked. I've found a new Author to add to my favorite list. Looking forward to reading more!!!

[Stacey Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read by this author and I must say that I enjoyed this book immensely. For me to have read this book in 1 day is saying a lot!!! This book actually had me laughing out loud, crying, getting mad and rejoicing in the end. I will be reading all of Ms. Avery books!!! Job well done!!!

[Denise Blanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book from Joy Avery but it will not be my last. I fell in love with Blake and Eunice story. I was truly entertained, this book had me laughing. I enjoyed the fact that even though Eunice worked for Blake she knew who she was and what she wanted.. An awesome love story..

[Maria T. Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Gentleman's Agreement

This was a love story of love found, lost and reclaimed. Blake Farrington had an employee Eunice Howard that he bargained with to pretend their relationship to his parents. During their visit they actually fell in love while attending his parents anniversary gathering. However once they returned home others through lies caused them to separate and question their love. In the end love triumphs for a happily ever after.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful

I really enjoyed this story. It had a great plot and the two main characters,Blake and Eunice had me experiencing several different emotions. The only reason I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5 is because I had hoped for an epilogue to give me true closer . Yes the ending was good but an epilogue would have answered a few unanswered questions that I had swimming around in my head 😂😂😂Oh well can’t always have what you want. It is a good read

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

GOOD READ🙏

I enjoyed and loved reading about Eunice and Blake's story. This was really a good romance story, and one I would highly recommend reading. I wish I could have gotten maybe 3 more characters I wanted to know how he resolved what Sasha had done,and how they enjoyed the rest of the trip to Paris. Great job as always Ms. Avery please keep these stories coming and thank you.

[Tijuanna Ruffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable Read

This is the first time I've read something by this author and it won't be the last time. I loved Blake and Eunice's story because it was so real and built upon love of family. Blake's family and love was everything Eunice wanted and her love and support was everything Blake needed. Looking forward to hearing more from the Farrington family.

[Ava Smith-forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Gentleman's Agreement

Blake strong hard core and demanding wanting complete trust from all of his employees but didn't know how to be the same for the woman he claims to love but Eunice Howard a trusted employee and his lover was willing to walk away if wasn't willing to give as much as he asked from her.

[Ann Edwards · Rating 1 out of 5]

A story with great possibilities, possible great future moments with a horribly incomplete ending.

Are you serious, Ms. Avery? The apology wasn't enough. An epilogue could have supplied the answers or the wrap for the other things left unaddressed.

[Mamie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary

This book was funny and entertaining . The characters were great , both head strong and things are complicated by past hurts that's hard to get past . Great family unity . I love that .

[Sharmaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story

I loved this book. I've read one romance after the other this year, and she has become my new favorite author (behind Bev Jenkins). The story is sweet and intriguing. The characters well-defined and endearing. I enjoyed their love story.

[Mia L Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Love Story

Blake is every man...complicated, handsome, and afraid to love until he opens his heart. He has trust and control issues that makes him keep everyone at arms length. But Eunice is just what he needs. Great story!!!

[Donna Scoggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dynasty 2023

A strong man running his empire with a strong woman as his right hand, a vindictive ex, and business drama. Yes, Blake Farrington has a lot to deal with. Can he find love?

[Jacqueline C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice Read

I chose the rating because I enjoyed the story. It was refreshing and. There were some typos but I was able to figure out what was being said. If you enjoy a love story this is for you.

[Corynne Person · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good story

A little unbelievable in spots,but over all a good story. Enjoyed the ruse at the beginning and all the family interaction. . I had figured out the leak. And although Blake really messed up, I still enjoyed their story.

[P. Backus-Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Love Story

This book gets more interesting and captivating as you read. There was love, suspense, laughter, sadness, and all the things! What a wonderful read! It you like reading love stories... try this one.

[Jean M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Thanksgiving story

I loved the descriptions, storyline and characters! There were times I felt like I was there with Eunice. Great Thanksgiving read!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice

Food story. I liked the characters. Some what predictable but worth the read. I enjoy her books and look forward to the next one on my list

[Mia Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Give me Blake any day...yes ma'am

[Mariann · Rating 5 out of 5]

wrapped in sexy bow

Cute storyline that seems to be popping up in my literary selections lately…we gon pretend to be in a relationship and fall in love! Yes my turn is coming❤️

[LaToya Murchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Author Joy Avery. I had to make myself take a short break from reading because I was just that into the book and several hours had passed. A Gentleman's Agreement shows us that things don't always go as we plan them. You can never plan for the unexpected especially when it comes to the matter of the heart. I highly recommend this book as a great read and looking forward to her next release.

LaToya Murchison Author of A Praying Heart: Learning How To Pray Your Way Through

[Cherie l brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such fine and likable main characters. Because they are coworkers Eunice and Blake avoid the chemistry that they are each feeling. She outright fantasizes about Blake-right in the middle of a workday. When he’s put on the spot and starts describing a woman, he described his fantasy lady, who is a Eunice. He needed a holiday date and asked Eunice. In the midst of an overwhelming display of love by his parents, Blake just couldn’t hold back. He kissed her senseless and the pretending had to be dealt with. A very sweet love, unfortunately, the author included a lot of cursing.

[Deena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice!

My first book by this author, and it definitely won't be my last! I really enjoyed Blake and Eunice's story. And I loved Blake's family. Questions about both brothers were left unresolved, so I hope that means that they'll each get their own book.

Good read, Ms. Avery! I'll be back for more!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story about Blake and Eunice. Enjoyed the style of writing and the flow of the story. It was pretty funny too. Highly entertaining. But, what else can be expected when a boss asked his employee to play the role of his new love interest. Can you plan for the unexpected? Great storytelling. Thanks, Author Joy Avery!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

To be honest, I picked this book by accident but what a great accident it was! I finished the book in 48 hours! I laughed and cried. Definitely worth reading, no spoiler alert from me, enjoy it yourself!