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The Perfect Gentleman

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Control.
For Nathan Alexander it's not an option. It's a way of life.
As an attorney he defends the defenseless. But, when the suit comes off and the gloves go on, he finds his passion is teaching others to defend themselves. His life was purposefully methodical. Completely under control. Just the way he likes it. Until Emma McClain stumbles into his gym. Battered. Broken. And utterly breathtaking.

After his last relationship, Alex swore he'd never give another woman the power to hurt him. But with her unforgettable smile and killer legs, Emma has him fighting for control.

Will he be able to save her before it's too late? Or will an unexpected revelation cost them both the ultimate price?

**Author's note: Contains intense and emotional depictions of abuse. Please do not read lightly. P.S. No pets were harmed in the making of this book. While this book does NOT end on a cliffhanger, it does end with an HFN. There WILL be a continuation in a short story as part of an upcoming anthology.

179 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 5, 2017

224 people are currently reading
447 people want to read

About the author

Delaney Foster

34 books747 followers
Just a simple girl who enjoys long walks down the book aisle, a good mimosa, and writing love stories.

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5 stars
214 (33%)
4 stars
207 (32%)
3 stars
147 (22%)
2 stars
56 (8%)
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18 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
Profile Image for Tanja OMGReads.
2,483 reviews56 followers
September 17, 2017
Story about an abusive relationship...where anything you do is not good enough...no matter how hard you try to make someone happy it's just never enough!

To be honest I was scared when I started to read this...from experience I know how much words can hurt when they are delivered by someone that claims to love you - Emma has endured for 5 long years all the words, angry looks and disappointment in Bastian's actions. Until one day she meets Alex in a coffee shop and that starts a reaction in her. She starts to wonder has the past 5 years been worth it?

Alex has also been damaged and when he meets Emma he's positive that she is the one he was waiting for to glue him back together.

"If she only knew. I should be the one thanking her. Her smile brought life back into my world. Her strength has given me a newfound hope and determination. I want to help people more now than I ever did before. Her sweet voice and intoxicating eyes has me yearning for the next time I'd see her again. And her touch puts ally broken pieces back together. "

This story has a strong message - GET OUT on time. No one has the right to put you down for his or hers pleasure. Angry words, (God forbid) physical abuse is not ok - EVER!!! That's not what love is.

Love is in Alex's words;
"Love isn't always beautiful.Sometimes it's messy.Sometimes it's complicated. Sometimes it's senseless and even a little fucking crazy. You'll wake up some mornings and you'll want to quit. But you won't. You can't. Because even when it feels like you're wandering through the forests, you still manage to find yourself, Alive. Redeemed. And you can't go back to the way were. No baby girl, this is new you. And you are the woman I love."


I cried while reading this...it has such a powerful message - I hope that anyone who finds himself in this kind of relationship leaves.I believe that everyone of us deserves to find his or hers HEA!I really truly do!!💜

* Review copy requested and reviewed on behlaf of OMGReads Blog*
Profile Image for Heather.
95 reviews10 followers
September 16, 2019
First, if English author's are going to write about characters in the states, they need to learn that we don't call:

Jeans...trousers

Apartments...flats

Best friends...mates

And we certainly don't say wankers <-- L.O.L.

I know nothing about this author, but I can tell she's not American.

Aside from that, this is an excellent story. It deals heavily with emotional abuse and then crosses into physical.

Basian has been praying on Emma's kindness, and her guilt, for five years. She just begins to realize it and wants to move on. But he doesn't want to let her go.

Alex is there for her. He comforts her, helps her, and guides her. But something I thought was important, is that Emma knows she can't be reliant on Alex. She knows she can't use Alex as a crutch, so she still does things on her own to get away from Basian.

Alex is dealing with his own issues as well. He's learning how to live again and not live his life on autopilot.

The story is sad, but it's also happy and heartwarming.
Profile Image for Lisa Rangel.
240 reviews47 followers
September 5, 2017
Not what I was expecting! Wowzers! Emma is one lucky woman to find a perfect gentleman! She is this girl who thinks is vulnerable but when in reality she ain't! Nathan helps her bring out the real her and jow she feels about herself, while helping him out too! He did everything in his power to protect and show her not to give up!!!

***I received an arc by the author*
Profile Image for Tees_BookCave.
600 reviews89 followers
September 8, 2017
Holy mother of god, what have I just read!

From the moment I met Alex in a woman's touch, it was seriously love at first sight. As soon as I finished that series I messaged Delaney and said ALEX WAS MINE. The moment I started this book I was hooked from the beginning. I hate to say it but this book has become my favourite by far. It's not that I don't love her other books, I love them so so much but this one just blew my mine. It's probably because it's my mans book.

This book contains mental and physical abuse. This author delivers a book and shows that these abuses shouldn't be dealt with lightly. I loved the pain and the rawness that this author Brought to the table.

This book was so intense and emotional. It broke my heart with these two. I may have cried. I'm not crying your crying. Emma goes through some pretty tough times and she is loosing herself piece by piece.

Alex oh Alex, his so hot, sexy and so delicious. His not just deliciously attractive, he is the most caring and kindest person. Emma and Nathans relationship is seriously ship goals, he truly cares for her and is just the sweetest to her in every way possible. He truly shows her how much better she deserves, who better to show her then Alex! Emma's story pulls you in, it's like this story grabs you by the heart and pulls and pulls. You feel the pain of this story from the moment we meet emma. This is not your typical romance

This story is well written and is paced so perfectly. Nothing was rushed. I may have already said it, but I was hooked on to the pages, I was reading each page like it was going to be it's last. When it got to the ending , I was so gutted that it was finished. This book was so perfectly good. Delaney Foster I adore you so much and thank you for writing such an amazing book that's going to stay with me for forever. If I didn't love Alex before then I certainly love Alex even more now.
Profile Image for Reads & Reviews.
687 reviews15 followers
September 14, 2017
3.5 Stars

Let’s just start with the cover of The Perfect Gentleman. Holy Porn Arm. Between the tattoos and those veins, I had a tough time starting the book because I didn’t want to turn the page.

Okay, now that that’s out of the way…

The Perfect Gentleman has an amazing start. The first 50% of the book had me on the edge of my seat. Delaney Foster pulled me right into the anxiety that Emma was feeling as she began dealing with the emotionally abusive life she was living with boyfriend, Bastain. I felt scared when she felt scared. I wanted her to run, but understood why she didn’t as guilt is a powerful force. When she meets Alex I it was easy to see why his charm would pull her in, making her feel safe.

So, I loved the build-up and the edge of your seat tension. When it finally hits its peak with Bastian’s unforgivable action, I was ready for… something. A broken Emma, consoled by Alex. Maybe Emma hiding out, scared, but safe in Alex’s arms. Instead, she and Alex go out to lunch. They flirt. They take a bath. It was the oddest thing and lacking in the drama I expected. After all that buildup and suspense, the story seemed to have a bit of an identity crisis, switching to a sweet romance with periodic threats from Bastain that really have no impact until the end.

Don’t get me wrong, the romance is sweet! Alex and Emma are flirty and cute and they made me smile. The sex is hot but not in your face. They fall into their relationship easily but Emma still works to establish her independence rather than moving from one man’s house to another’s. But, I didn’t feel as if I really got to know them, especially Alex.

What I really would have loved was a few more pages. At just 200, there’s little time to develop both the romance and the suspense with well-rounded characters.

3.5 stars for The Perfect Gentleman. Heat level: 3.5

I received a copy of this book from InkSlingerPR in exchange for honest feedback.
Profile Image for Sandra Loves Reading.
741 reviews10 followers
June 20, 2021
What a book!!!
I found the start of this story so tense - great descriptions set the awful emotional tone that started to prepare me for what was to come. Some hard and uncomfortable reading...
Emma was a great character. Despite all that was happening around her, she didn't give up. She did what she needed to and tried to make things right for others.
Enter Alex, the lawyer. The man who wants to save Emma. He's so much more than a lawyer though. He's a tatted up man...who teaches self-defence to those who are in need...he's SO much more than just a suit! And he desperately wants to help Emma escape from the threat she's hanging under.
The attraction between Alex and Emma is wonderfully described, as is Emma's fear something will happen to her. Or worse yet, to Alex.
Let Ms Foster's words entice you in to what is a really great read!!!

Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,588 reviews77 followers
September 18, 2017
star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has abuse, suspense, and heartbreak.

This is Emma and Nathan‘s story. Emma is broken. No matter what she does in her relationship she is was not right and gets beaten down for everything. She knows she needs to get away and is planning her escape route. Nathan is a lawyer who loves to box and teach self-defense. When these two meet the sparks fly but Emma does not trust men. Can she ever trust again? Can Nathan help Emma? Or will he lose her before he ever gets to fight for her and protect her?

I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Red Cheeks Reads.
2,278 reviews373 followers
September 18, 2017
Emma is in a relationship that is so killing her on the inside. Consumed by guilt and every aspect of her life being controlled by her abusive boyfriend, Emma sees no way out. Alex is trying to pick up the pieces of his broken heart but it just isn’t working, that is until Emma walks into his life. Alex wants to be her knight in shinning armour and rescue the beautiful Emma from the lonely and sad life she is living. But will Alex be able to win her over and rescue her? Will Emma be able to trust and let someone in? Or will the obstacles in their path be too much and keep them apart for good? 

“To the world, I have my shit together. On the inside, I’m falling apart.”

This was a very emotional and intense read about two broken people trying to overcome the huge obstacles in their path and find love again. It kept you hooked with each page and had me wanting to reach into the story to help Alex save Emma! 

“And the world around us completely stills, as if the universe is taking its own personal moment of silence at the desecration of one of its angels. Or maybe that’s just how it seems because all I can see is her, all I can hear is her, all that exists is her and her utter brokenness.”

Alex was indeed the perfect gentleman- he was the epitome of a white knight in shinning armour, helping to save our beautiful and kind Emma not only from her abusive partner but also herself. I loved how careful and patient he was with her and you could just feel how much he loved her and wanted/needed her. Emma might seem weak to some, but her strength to carry on despite what she is dealing with is so admirable. She never truly gives up on hope or herself, and she knows deep down she deserves so much more. I really liked how real Emma was and instantly felt a connection.

“So, you see, he might be a monster now. But he was once a human being, a kind, gentle human being. I did this. I stole his soul and made him the man he is. So, I have no right to hate him. I created him.”  

The plot was captivating and there were some real moments of not knowing if things were going to work out between them. It was romantic and beautiful and sad all at the same time. Their chemistry was electric and their connection was truly beautiful. They really were perfect for each other and each understood what the other needed. The drama of Emma’s ex added some tension and suspense to the story but overall this was just a love story of two people trying to heal themselves and each other.

“Love isn’t always beautiful. Sometimes it’s messy. Sometimes it’s complicated. Sometimes it’s senseless and even a little f*****g crazy. You’ll wake up some mornings and you’ll want to quit. But you won’t. You can’t. Because even when it feels like you’re wandering through the forest, you still manage to find yourself. Alive. Redeemed. And you can’t go back to the way you were.”

~Bethany
Profile Image for Vera.
521 reviews13 followers
September 10, 2017



Emma is stuck in a relationship because of guilt. She doesn't love Bastain and she isn't happy. But she stays with him hoping to make him happy.
Alex is a successful lawyer that moved a year ago to Miami. He's also a boxing and self-defense instructor. His last relationship messed him up a lot, so he's not looking for someone new.
When Alex and Emma's paths cross, something wakes up inside both of them. But will Emma ever leave Bastain? Will Alex put his heart on the line again?

From the first time I read the blurb, The Perfect Gentleman hooked me and once I started reading I couldn't stop. Emma and Alex's story is both beautiful and painful, the perfect rollercoaster ride of emotions. It's an intense and powerful love story, full of drama, suspense, and hot scenes.

Emma used to be a confident woman. But an accident changed her life and now she does everything to make Bastain, her boyfriend, happy. Even if that means sacrificing her job, her friends, her freedom. When she meets Alex, her world is shaken and she realizes that she needs to change and do what makes her happy. She's been through a lot but she's a fighter. I loved how funny she is and her jokes.
Alex is a successful lawyer. He moved from New Orleans to Miami to escape heartbreak. He loves boxing and helping people learn how to defend themselves. When he sees Emma for the first time, his whole world stops. He knows she's special. When she needs him, Alex is there to help her. I loved how sweet and patient he was with Emma. So swoon worthy!

This is my first by Delaney Foster and she did not disappoint! The Perfect Gentleman is beautifully written and she created amazing characters. Emma and Alex are extremely relatable and I couldn't help but cheer for them. I can't wait read more of her books!

Profile Image for Megan’s Endless Reads.
371 reviews25 followers
September 9, 2017
The Perfect Gentleman by Delaney Foster was a little different than what I expected from reading the blurb. When a summary starts off with the word "control" I had the feeling that this one word would play a very important part in both Nathan and Emma's lives and relationship. It had the feeling of one of those bdsm books that is basically all about the s-e-x and not so much about the characters themselves.

side note: not bashing these types of books but let's just say I'm way over that trend and try to stay away
That being said, I wasn't too sure if I would like this novel. I got stuck on the blurb and that one word "control" and I was definitely expecting to have to flip through some pages of way too explicit sex in order to read more about the characters. What made me want to read this novel was the whole damsel in distress suggestion from the blurb because even though it's the 21st century (yes I am aware), I still like to read about women who sometimes need a little extra boost to find their strength - so sue me.

This book wasn't what I thought. That's 100% for sure.

Instead of the sexual relationship dominating - punny - the book to a point that overshadows the characters, it actually played a very small part. Such a small part that I felt a lot more interested in the book and the characters than I would have otherwise. And if you are the kind of person who was really looking forward to this aspect of "control" then don't worry, there's still a little spice mixed up in there but it doesn't overwhelm the average reader who might not be specifically looking for that aspect. Instead this book played off the perfect mix of both words and I really appreciate this effort by the author to spice things up a little but not overpower.

One other thing that I didn't expect about this novel was the fact that Emma hadn't completely escaped her past by the time she ran into Nathan. Most books deal more with the aftermath I think, so The Perfect Gentleman took me a little by surprise because I wasn't expecting to read directly about the conflict. - I tried so hard to not spoil anything but let me know if I went too far so I can add a warning!

Anyways...

Overall I really enjoyed this novel! It reminded me a lot of some other favorite reads where women rise out of difficult relationships and find themselves through the help of a good "friend". I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone who doesn't find this to be a trigger and likes a little extra spice in the novel!
Profile Image for Steph.
993 reviews89 followers
September 22, 2017
5 perfect stars for THE PERFECT GENTLEMAN!

New to Miami, attorney Nathan Alexander should be living it up with the half naked mujeres muy calientes around town. But he's too old for random hookups, preferring scotch and Tumblr to beer and strip clubs. Emma McClain is in a loveless relationship with a man she has to tiptoe around but is terrified to leave. Her only salvation is in the brief moments she runs into the sexy coffee shop guy, Alex. When Emma's boyfriend crosses the line, he sends her running right into Alex's arms, and Alex couldn't be happier. He fell for her the second he saw her, and he intends on showing her just how much. But Emma's ex isn't giving up so easily, and she and Alex better be ready when he strikes.

I love love love THE PERFECT GENTLEMAN! Sexy and sweet yet erotic and dark at the same time, this book pushed all the buttons on my checklist. How hot were Emma and Alex together? He was so sweet, yet a badass at the same time, making her feel comforted and desired and safe for the first time in a long time. Their chemistry was fab.u.lous, and I flipped through the book furiously trying to find out what happened next! The suspense was excellent also, I kept waiting for the shoe to drop with her ex. The whole book was something special, and even though this is my first book by Ms. Foster, it won't be my last!

Bottom Line: No OM/OW or sharing; no condom use; no BDSM/kink; no sexual assault; some violence, no murder.

The Romance Review
Profile Image for Patty .
1,352 reviews7 followers
September 3, 2017
Wow! This book was not what I was expecting.  It was a very intense and emotional read.

Emma is a woman who is full of guilt and in a relationship that is slowly killing her on the inside.  Nathan is trying to heal his broken heart.  Then the day comes where they cross paths in a coffee shop and something is set into motion in the cosmic realm.  One night Nathan finds Emma beaten and broken outside his gym.  He is so mad that someone could hurt her.  But she is not ready for help yet and he just has to bid his time till she is ready.  He just has to be patient. 

Emma is in a relationship with Bastian, who manipulates and controls every aspect of her life.  He has taken her guilt and used it as a tool to take her life.  He has taken her away from everyone she loves, family and friends.  She can't even have a job.  She has to watch what she says, where she goes and whom she talks to.  She is suffocating and dyeing slowly inside.  Can Nathan help her?  Is she strong enough to help herself?

This book is really intense and emotional.  Emma really goes through some tough times and she is losing herself little by little.  Nathan is hot, strong and so caring.  He is so sweet with her and tries to show her that she deserves better.  The characters are so deep and developed.  Emma's story pulls you in and makes you feel the pain that she has to go through.  This is not a typical rich sexy guy romance.  It is so much more.  This book talks of mental and physical abuse and should not be read lightly.   It is a great read.
*ARC provided by Inkslingers & Delaney Foster
93 reviews94 followers
September 24, 2017
Reviewing on behalf of Amo's Book Corner.

Where do I start with my review?! This is a story that is all about control, manipulation and domestic violence. Alex has spent his life trying to live up to his father's expectations career wise, so he makes damn sure that he has absolute control over every other aspect of his life. Emma has spent the last 5 years of her life being controlled and manipulated by a man she thought lived her and who she thought she loved. Not only this, but she feels she owes him big time. She believes that she is the cause of his unhappiness and so she doesn't deserve happiness herself. All these things are thrown into question when Emma and Alex unexpectedly meet in a coffee shop. They are drawn to each other in such a way that neither of them can explain. After Emma's husband finally snaps and loses it completely, Emma runs away and unexpectedly falls under the protection of Alex. But can this last? Or will her husband finally get her back? Will she be able to hide forever? As just when she thinks it's safe, he turns up again and again.

This is such an amazing story. It sucked me in from the very start and kept hold of my attention until the very end. I felt all of the suspense build up and my heart was actually racing wondering how each scenario was going to end. I really did feel sorry for Emma, as I couldn't help but wonder how much more pain she could endure before giving up. I was well and truly hooked and I didn't want the story to end! This is definitely a book that I would recommended to others.
Profile Image for KelMelTell BookBlog.
45 reviews2 followers
September 18, 2017
This book could not have been graced with a better title!
This story takes you on one heck of a journey!!! There is so much that happens in such a quick read it's unreal how Delaney weaves the tale together. I read this book in one day because I legit couldn't stop reading it. I loved Nathan.....a true perfect gentleman and exactly what our heroine needs. Emma is more than broken....she's been hiding inside herself for way too long and only our Gentleman can help her find her way back. My favorite thing about this book is how Delaney gives us an utterly demolished heroine but builds her up and Emma has the gumption to do a lot of things all on her own. Don't get me wrong....the love is there between our characters but I seriously loved how Delaney continued to shape Emma as the story went on. This one will have you crying a few tears while your heart will be racing at the same time. I fell hard into this book and mourned when I hit the end!!!! Do yourselves a favor and read this!!!! Without any spoilers....just trust that you will fall for the Perfect Gentleman too!!!
Kel
Kel And Mel Tell Book Blog
*I voluntarily received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!*
Profile Image for Cassy.
271 reviews11 followers
January 19, 2021
Loved this off shoot of Alex's story. We met him in a Woman's Touch, and he is such a great guy, just not the 'right guy', in that story. In Perfect Gentleman, he just so happens to bump into Emma at a coffee shop, and something about her wakes him up. Something about Alex wakes Emma up too. Emma has been surviving through an abusive relationship, and 'wakes up', realizing she wants more, and won't give up without a fight. Both of these characters were strong on their own, and don't want to just rely on others, but you can see how they're stronger together, lifting each other. The chemistry was hot, and I was so happy to see them both get their HEA.
Profile Image for Lynn Stifle.
3,815 reviews69 followers
June 16, 2021
Emma is in a loveless relationship with Bastian and being manipulated and controlled by him. She believes she’s the one causing his unhappiness and feels she doesn’t deserve it herself. Alex is a lawyer, and teaches kickboxing/self-defense classes, and he’s not looking for a relationship after being cheated on. Then Emma and Alex meet each other in a coffee shop they are drawn to each other. When Bastian crosses the line it sends her running straight to Alex. However, Bastian isn’t letting her go without a fight. Will Alex be able to help Emma? I absolutely adored Alex and Emma’s story and highly recommend you read it for yourself.
37 reviews
September 9, 2017
Have you ever felt like you have no where to turn? No where to go? And then life drops an angel in your lap... well this is what happened to Emma. The problem is her past won't let her go.

The chemistry between Emma and Alex is like a smoldering pile of pine wood, one spark and it will ignite so hot and so bright it would burn anyone around them.

While reading my chest was pounding, my face was flushed. Holy WOW! I can't describe just how well this was written, I want more of their story. Delaney Foster you rock!
Profile Image for Sara.
1,403 reviews166 followers
September 18, 2017
4 Stars!

Be warned... this is a highly emotional, sometimes difficult to read story of an abused woman who finds the perfect gentleman who helps her break out and take back control!

Alex and Emma find something in each other after a chance meeting in a coffee shop. She realizes she's wasted the last five years of her life. He realizes there might be someone to put him back together again. This isn't a pretty story. It is ugly at times, emotional always and beautiful with a powerful message!

You will feel this one deep in your bones!
Profile Image for Jackie.
363 reviews5 followers
October 2, 2021
wow this book certainly knows how to keep you gripped. By day Nathan Alexander (Alex) is ruthless in his job, by night and his spare time his a kick boxer instructor. While drinking his coffee in a cafe, in walks Emma McClain. She takes him by surprise with a bit of flirting his smitten but life anit easy. Emma is a broken sole, broken by the man she loved Bastian. This story pulls at your heart strings and your willing her to go, get away. Emma seems to be in denial untill an incident happens. I absolutely recommend this series.
Profile Image for Amber - TBR Book Blog.
1,239 reviews46 followers
September 16, 2017
Nathan is a lawyer who loves to workout, box and MMA. He also looks to teach self-defense classes. He hasn't really been interested in women since he left and moved across the Country.

Emma is in a relationship that she knows isn't going anywhere. She's tired of being used and blamed as the reason her boyfriend does these acts and acts this way. So she starts making the plans to get away when she meets Nathan.

Nathan is interested in Emma and wants to help her out from her situation.
Profile Image for Amanda.
275 reviews26 followers
January 22, 2018
I’m so glad Alex finally got his story! I actually expected more than what I got but it was still a great story. Emma is a very sweet character. But I was surprised at how quick the story went. I kind of wished it slowed down more since the action picked up. Not that I didn’t like it. I did. I just wished it was longer. Nonetheless, I still loved it.
Profile Image for Ashley.
247 reviews52 followers
February 25, 2018
I really liked that this book was realistic and not over the top. There was a very natural flow and feel also. It was still suspenseful and romantic. The author just didn’t try to throw one thing after another, making it seem like it was done for added drama. I will definitely be reading more from Delaney Foster!
Profile Image for Lisa Stinson.
1,371 reviews18 followers
February 7, 2021
This was a good book. I loved Alex. He was absolutely The Perfect Gentleman. I felt so sorry for Emma and what she was going through.

My biggest issues with the book was it took so long to find out what happened to make Emma feel like she had to fix Bastian and how long it took for her and Alex to finally get together.

I was glad with the way everything turned out in the end.
Profile Image for Sarah Armstrong.
653 reviews19 followers
September 19, 2017
Loved

Emma & Alex had a tough road w/ many obstacles but they succeeded. I loved seeing Emma grow into a strong woman. Enjoyed this one.
Profile Image for Savana Jade.
Author 15 books62 followers
October 6, 2017
This book brings many emotions to the surface. Some that people seem to want to be kept under the rug. But, it needs to be addressed. Well done Delaney.
Profile Image for April Stacey.
436 reviews2 followers
October 2, 2021
Great read

Beautiful fast burn with all the trauma you love to hear is over come.
There is a trigger warning for a reason!!
Profile Image for Janine - The World Was Hers for the Reading.
1,495 reviews26 followers
October 18, 2017
Intense and emotional . . . The Perfect Gentleman was a superb story of a woman taking back control of her life after losing herself to emotional and physical abuse.

Since a deadly accident years ago, Emma has stayed with Bastien in an attempt to not only make amends, but to be the family and support he needs to survive. In the process, Bastian has taken everything from Emma, including control over her work, friends, finances and any decision making she once used to do for herself. His controlling ways continue to become more severe until also becomes physically abusive and completely unstable.

Alex is not looking for a relationship, especially after being cheated on, so when the beautiful woman in the coffee shop flirts a bit with him, he is at a loss as to why he is so taken with her. When she randomly stumbles into his gym one night after being severely beaten, he knows he can’t and won’t let her go without a fight of his own.

Emma and Alex will find themselves in a fight for their lives as Emma must find a way to not only escape the power and control Bastian has over her physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. Alex may not have been looking for love, but when it stumbles into his lap, he knows he will do anything to make it work . . . even face the devil himself to protect the woman he has fallen for.

I absolutely adored this story. The author shows us how a strong and confident woman can become so tangled in an abusive relationship that she does not even realize it is happening until it is almost too late. Even though she finds herself trapped in a bad situation, Emma never lets go of her inner strength and finally realizes that she is not helping Bastien but allowing him to control her for his own gain.

Alex is an absolute hero of a man. Willing to help a woman he does not even know based on his principles alone, he easily finds himself falling for Emma’s courage, strength and intelligence as well as her humor. His love and confidence in her really allows Emma to begin to shine for the first time in years and helps her regain the person she used to be.

Bastian, however, is not about to let Emma go without a fight, which adds some very intense and emotional drama to this story.

It’s a truly stunning tale, and I could not put it down. The characters and story immediately drew me in and I felt completed invested in Emma finding a HEA with Alex and hoping they could find a way to make it work. 5 stars!

Please note, I do not recommend reading if you have triggers for emotional or physical abuse - although the author handles it very well and it is integral to the plot, it could be upsetting to some readers.
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