What do you think?
Rate this book
Loving a Noble Gentleman
As soon as Lady Mary Roberts becomes 18 years old, she is presented with an unpleasant surprise. Her father, through his will, dictates that she marries a man that she has never met. Otherwise, she risks losing her estate and her beloved house.
Mary is even more discouraged by the potential of a forced marriage since her sister, Charlotte, is married to a despicable man that abuses her.
Duke Edmund Smith, a respectable young businessman, and business partner of Mary's father, is his chosen one. When Mary and Edmund meet, there is an instant dislike. He seems arrogant, she seems troublesome.
But is a marriage to the Duke something to dismiss? Will Mary be able to look behind the aloof behaviour of the Duke and see the real man? And will the Duke be able to leave everything behind him in search for a true love?
"Loving a Noble Gentleman" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Mary is even more discouraged by the potential of a forced marriage since her sister, Charlotte, is married to a despicable man that abuses her.
Duke Edmund Smith, a respectable young businessman, and business partner of Mary's father, is his chosen one. When Mary and Edmund meet, there is an instant dislike. He seems arrogant, she seems troublesome.
But is a marriage to the Duke something to dismiss? Will Mary be able to look behind the aloof behaviour of the Duke and see the real man? And will the Duke be able to leave everything behind him in search for a true love?
"Loving a Noble Gentleman" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2017
382 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
November 25, 2017
Clumsy writing
Clumsy prose, superficial characterizations, inaccurate period details, not worth reading or publishing, gives romances a bad name by oversimple stock plot
Clumsy prose, superficial characterizations, inaccurate period details, not worth reading or publishing, gives romances a bad name by oversimple stock plot
January 12, 2018
I like the characters of Edmund, his mother Iris, and Mary and her sister, Charlotte.
But, the writing was terrible. Many terms were not in the right historical context, so it threw off the story. The names were dull, and also sounded out of genre. Smith, Jones, and Mary Roberts. There were many redundant sentences, and simplistic ones, with juvenile vocabulary.
This book was way too long, with strange twists in the plot. Edmund and Mary keep going from liking each other to being in love, then back again. They get engaged, then break it off, then reconcile, but don't get engaged again because of Charlotte.
I would have stopped reading, but was more than halfway through, so I finished. Sorry I did.
KU
But, the writing was terrible. Many terms were not in the right historical context, so it threw off the story. The names were dull, and also sounded out of genre. Smith, Jones, and Mary Roberts. There were many redundant sentences, and simplistic ones, with juvenile vocabulary.
This book was way too long, with strange twists in the plot. Edmund and Mary keep going from liking each other to being in love, then back again. They get engaged, then break it off, then reconcile, but don't get engaged again because of Charlotte.
I would have stopped reading, but was more than halfway through, so I finished. Sorry I did.
KU
November 9, 2017
I am confused, as I am only in Chapter 1 ~ is Mary Roberts a lady or not? And I marvel at the lack of knowledge of her solicitor regarding the Duke. One does not use the title Duke as one uses the address of Mr. so Edmund Smith, the (number as in 7th) Duke of What? Any lawyer/solicitor worth his salt (since most of them are old family retainers and have been serving the same noble houses for generations) would certainly have more information to impart to the concerned parties. Then I read the word "okay" and that is IT for me. This book is an insult to a true blue and discerning Regency reader. I am pretty sure Barbara Cartland, Georgette Heyer, Julie Garwood, Mary Balogh, Stephanie Laurens et al. NEVER used "okay" in a dialogue in this particular timeline and in this particular genre. Maybe this author should just stay on her particular side of the pond or take lessons from successful American authors who did not make the mistake of inserting inappropriate words in a historical novel or she needs a good editor or all of the above. As a mere reader and fan of Regencies and historicals the use of certain words and phrases do matter so as not to confuse the timeline. In this case, there is already a time warp, which definitely destroys the mode and flow of the story.
November 9, 2017
A fresh look
A different perspective from most historical romances. The drama with the solicitor gives it more dimension than the standard I hate you, oh you’re not as bad as I though, I love you plot. Over all the book was a good read and I think anyone would enjoy the story.
However looking deeply, there were a few editing errors only 3 I noticed but I wasn’t looking for them. The story itself seems somewhat confusing in the timelines especially the ending. Going from England to California would have take. Months usually close to a year to sail around Africa without the Panama Canal which wouldn’t have been constructed at this point in time. Landing on the east coast would have taken several months across ocean and another 6 or so to travel to California since the railroad was not constructed either. It felt like this book should have been made into multiple novels to adequately write the separate plots it seems somewhat unfinished.
A different perspective from most historical romances. The drama with the solicitor gives it more dimension than the standard I hate you, oh you’re not as bad as I though, I love you plot. Over all the book was a good read and I think anyone would enjoy the story.
However looking deeply, there were a few editing errors only 3 I noticed but I wasn’t looking for them. The story itself seems somewhat confusing in the timelines especially the ending. Going from England to California would have take. Months usually close to a year to sail around Africa without the Panama Canal which wouldn’t have been constructed at this point in time. Landing on the east coast would have taken several months across ocean and another 6 or so to travel to California since the railroad was not constructed either. It felt like this book should have been made into multiple novels to adequately write the separate plots it seems somewhat unfinished.
December 27, 2017
I loved this book and I enjoyed the characters. It was so well written. I find all of Agar's books are like this, they are written well and have characters that develop nicely as the story unfolds.
When Lady Mary Roberts turns eighteen she learns her deceased father has put a clause in his will. The clause is that she will marry or she will lose the family home. Her father has chosen the man for Mary to marry, Duke Edmund Smith. Mary has never met Edmund. When the two finally meet, there is no connection between them. But both don't give up. They agree to meet again trusting that Mary's father knew what he was doing when he put in place their marriage plans. When the two meet a second time, sparks fly and finally both Mary and Edmund believe they can have a future together. Mary accepts Edmund's proposal and wedding plans are coming together.
Mary's sister, Charlotte, confides in Mary that her marriage is unhappy and abusive. She also is expecting a baby. Mary is hurt when she sees all that Charlotte is going through and longs to help her. When scandal hits Edmund, Mary breaks off her engagement and heads to Charlotte's to try and be there to support her and to recover from the scandal. When Mary and Charlotte realize they need help, Charlotte turns to Edmund. Edmund's love for Mary drives his actions and he puts in place a plan to rescue both Mary and Charlotte from Charlotte's dangerous husband and for Edmund and Mary to finally be together. When he presents the plan to Mary and Charlotte, they have a choice to make, will they walk away from everything for the safety of an unborn child and for love, or will they stay and endure the abuse?
When Lady Mary Roberts turns eighteen she learns her deceased father has put a clause in his will. The clause is that she will marry or she will lose the family home. Her father has chosen the man for Mary to marry, Duke Edmund Smith. Mary has never met Edmund. When the two finally meet, there is no connection between them. But both don't give up. They agree to meet again trusting that Mary's father knew what he was doing when he put in place their marriage plans. When the two meet a second time, sparks fly and finally both Mary and Edmund believe they can have a future together. Mary accepts Edmund's proposal and wedding plans are coming together.
Mary's sister, Charlotte, confides in Mary that her marriage is unhappy and abusive. She also is expecting a baby. Mary is hurt when she sees all that Charlotte is going through and longs to help her. When scandal hits Edmund, Mary breaks off her engagement and heads to Charlotte's to try and be there to support her and to recover from the scandal. When Mary and Charlotte realize they need help, Charlotte turns to Edmund. Edmund's love for Mary drives his actions and he puts in place a plan to rescue both Mary and Charlotte from Charlotte's dangerous husband and for Edmund and Mary to finally be together. When he presents the plan to Mary and Charlotte, they have a choice to make, will they walk away from everything for the safety of an unborn child and for love, or will they stay and endure the abuse?
November 12, 2017
Lady Mary Roberts and Duke Edmund Smith are the two main characters, but others play a large part as well. Mary finds out her father’s will requires her to marry Edmund without ever having met him. Their first meeting is a disaster, neither one of them happy with the situation; they take an instant dislike to each other. However, they meet again—each with an open mind this time—and things are very different. The story follows Mary and Edmund as they get to know each other and fall in love. However, Mary’s sister, Charlotte, and Mary’s solicitor, Walter Thompson, force Mary and Edmund to make some serious decisions about their lives. They are able to finally get their happily-ever-after ending, but only after many ups and downs in their relationship. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would recommend it to others. I received a complimentary copy of this book and have expressed my honest opinion.
November 12, 2017
Ms. Barton is one of my favorite authors so I knew I would enjoy this book. It was a pleasure getting to know Ms. Agar in her debut book.
Both authors have delivered a story that will take you on an emotional journey. The characters will tug at your heartstrings.
Growing up without a mother has left Mary sheltered from society. Her father has left instructions regarding her future in his final estate plans. Sadly, Mary has little voice in her future. It was nice seeing her confidence with herself and her sister grow over time.
There are several storylines happening in the book which will keep you flipping the pages to find out what happens next. The authors handled each situation with care and thought. I was pleased with how the story was wrapped up and how love and happiness prevailed.
Both authors have delivered a story that will take you on an emotional journey. The characters will tug at your heartstrings.
Growing up without a mother has left Mary sheltered from society. Her father has left instructions regarding her future in his final estate plans. Sadly, Mary has little voice in her future. It was nice seeing her confidence with herself and her sister grow over time.
There are several storylines happening in the book which will keep you flipping the pages to find out what happens next. The authors handled each situation with care and thought. I was pleased with how the story was wrapped up and how love and happiness prevailed.
November 18, 2017
Betrayal, malicious gossip and surprises
This book was written by a new-to- me author and when I first started reading I was going yeah, yeah, yeah whatever. But she surprised me with a few twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and all of a sudden I couldn’t stop reading. An arranged marriage to a Duke by a father who had been dead for 5 years for Mary. An arranged marriage by this same father to a brute of a man for Charlotte. Two sisters who weren’t close growing up but discover they need each other now. A Duke who is the center of malicious gossip that seems to tear him from Mary. What more could you want?
This book was written by a new-to- me author and when I first started reading I was going yeah, yeah, yeah whatever. But she surprised me with a few twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and all of a sudden I couldn’t stop reading. An arranged marriage to a Duke by a father who had been dead for 5 years for Mary. An arranged marriage by this same father to a brute of a man for Charlotte. Two sisters who weren’t close growing up but discover they need each other now. A Duke who is the center of malicious gossip that seems to tear him from Mary. What more could you want?
June 9, 2022
I didn't dislike the story, though I found the writing a little clunky. What I did dislike was the absolute lack of all the things that make a story a regency. The author got numerous period details wrong--everything from forms of address to the location the 'happy couple' chose to live in in the epilogue chapter. The Duke would never have been directly involved in trade--it was considered 'beneath' the aristocracy to actually work for a living. If the story had been set in a slightly later period--mid-Victorian, maybe--I would have given it 3 stars, but since it is self-described as a 'regency,' 1 star.
November 12, 2017
The main characters started out as empty hollow people, but as the story progressed, I watched Mary grow from a shy innocent girl to a woman who knows truly what she wants. Edmund was happy with his life, until his mother points out what he might be missing. She is the foundation that makes Edmund think about what he wants and needs. We see Edmund grow from a selfish and boorish man to the hero that Mary needs. The choices that Edmund makes will surprise you and you will fall in love with two characters by the end of the book.
November 15, 2017
Loving a Noble Gentleman!
I received a free copy of this book and it was an amazing story. Mary and her sister Charlotte went through a lot, I truly admire how Mary's confidence grew each day, as she learned of her fate; first to be wed to someone she did not know and second to lost of all she own. I really wish the authors would've gave some insights as to what became of Mr. Thompson or if he was ever caught. I also would've like a little glimpse of Lord Jones morning after he discovered Charlotte was gone.
I received a free copy of this book and it was an amazing story. Mary and her sister Charlotte went through a lot, I truly admire how Mary's confidence grew each day, as she learned of her fate; first to be wed to someone she did not know and second to lost of all she own. I really wish the authors would've gave some insights as to what became of Mr. Thompson or if he was ever caught. I also would've like a little glimpse of Lord Jones morning after he discovered Charlotte was gone.
November 20, 2017
I’ve read Bridget Barton Regency romances before so her name on the cover was sort of a Seal of quality even though Abigail Agar is new to me. That’s “seal” definitely held up as this was a very enjoyable book with an excellent plot, extremely well crafted characters and strong plot. A historic accuracy purist might have a few questions here (such as a Duke “dirtying” his hands in business, a mere “Mister” somehow having a daughter who is a noble lady, etc.) but as pure enjoyable fiction this all works beautifully and I highly recommend it.
November 21, 2017
"Loving a Noble Gentleman: a Historical Regency romance Book" by Abigail Agar
This was a sweet clean regency romance story.... a pleasure to read with a few interesting twists in the tale. I must admit there were times I really wanted to push the story along and was tempted to skip ahead... but was too afraid I might miss something if I did. I enjoyed the time I spent with these characters and their life dilemmas. I think you also, just might enjoy spending time in this story. I received a free ARC for this my honest review.
This was a sweet clean regency romance story.... a pleasure to read with a few interesting twists in the tale. I must admit there were times I really wanted to push the story along and was tempted to skip ahead... but was too afraid I might miss something if I did. I enjoyed the time I spent with these characters and their life dilemmas. I think you also, just might enjoy spending time in this story. I received a free ARC for this my honest review.
December 15, 2017
This book does not read like recency historical fiction
This book is pretty poorly written. The verbiage is not in keeping with the time period, and the author repeats adverbs and adjectives often enough to make it an awkward and annoying read. Worse that that was the constant use of the word "span" as the past tense of spin. I spin. I spun. I have spun. I am spinning. No span. Also, California didn't ring true because it was still controlled by Spain during Recency time 1811-1820. I was sad that I wasted my time on this book.
This book is pretty poorly written. The verbiage is not in keeping with the time period, and the author repeats adverbs and adjectives often enough to make it an awkward and annoying read. Worse that that was the constant use of the word "span" as the past tense of spin. I spin. I spun. I have spun. I am spinning. No span. Also, California didn't ring true because it was still controlled by Spain during Recency time 1811-1820. I was sad that I wasted my time on this book.
February 17, 2018
Really?
Duke Edmond Smith? Dealing in trade? A young girl orphaned at 13, growing up in her family home without supervision outside of the household staff? Maids pouring "drinks" for guests. Women wearing heavy makeup? Dress shopping for an event that night and coming out of the store with a bag of clothes? Does this author know anything about English aristocracy and the time period she is writing about? I Wasn't expecting a prize winning piece of literature given the genre, but at least let's make it semi believable
Duke Edmond Smith? Dealing in trade? A young girl orphaned at 13, growing up in her family home without supervision outside of the household staff? Maids pouring "drinks" for guests. Women wearing heavy makeup? Dress shopping for an event that night and coming out of the store with a bag of clothes? Does this author know anything about English aristocracy and the time period she is writing about? I Wasn't expecting a prize winning piece of literature given the genre, but at least let's make it semi believable
May 6, 2018
Good story line
The fabric of this story is very good and could have been better if it were not so repetitive and loose ends left.
Many bits of the story could have been left out. Often rambling in places at the expense of necessary detail.
So, what happened to Walter? Why has Edmund still got his title? What was
Lord Jones' reaction to being left?
Will Charlotte have to get a divorce? How?
Is Edmund's business doing as well as expected?
Too many in answered questions and overlooked detail. Suggest re-editing.
The fabric of this story is very good and could have been better if it were not so repetitive and loose ends left.
Many bits of the story could have been left out. Often rambling in places at the expense of necessary detail.
So, what happened to Walter? Why has Edmund still got his title? What was
Lord Jones' reaction to being left?
Will Charlotte have to get a divorce? How?
Is Edmund's business doing as well as expected?
Too many in answered questions and overlooked detail. Suggest re-editing.
December 30, 2017
A very good book!
I was pleasantly surprised to see that Abigail Agar's style of writing suited me. She created a good cast of characters and allowed them to come to life. I noticed that one her characters said something along the lines of "I think I need to use the bathroom." This is a Regency novel. Don't they use outhouses or a privy? I thought bathrooms were a more modern convenience. Aside from that, I am pleased with the book.
I was pleasantly surprised to see that Abigail Agar's style of writing suited me. She created a good cast of characters and allowed them to come to life. I noticed that one her characters said something along the lines of "I think I need to use the bathroom." This is a Regency novel. Don't they use outhouses or a privy? I thought bathrooms were a more modern convenience. Aside from that, I am pleased with the book.
February 13, 2018
Couldn’t finish
The writing was pretty bad. It wasn’t realistic and I couldn’t get into it. I got about 28% of the wag in before calling it quits. The author focuses too much on trying to bring other characters thoughts and emotions in and it’s just so..artificial and boring. Not to mention the two main male characters get disproportionately angry over stupid stuff. Like an eye roll.
The writing was pretty bad. It wasn’t realistic and I couldn’t get into it. I got about 28% of the wag in before calling it quits. The author focuses too much on trying to bring other characters thoughts and emotions in and it’s just so..artificial and boring. Not to mention the two main male characters get disproportionately angry over stupid stuff. Like an eye roll.
April 18, 2018
Unexpected twists
This is a good book. Some things are as expected, others not so much. I was all in until the end. I have a problem when the author leaves out the trip to America details. It's like just stop when they get on the boat. Especially when they go all the way to California!! And when was the baby boy born? She seems to have been pregnant a long time if they traveled that far.
This is a good book. Some things are as expected, others not so much. I was all in until the end. I have a problem when the author leaves out the trip to America details. It's like just stop when they get on the boat. Especially when they go all the way to California!! And when was the baby boy born? She seems to have been pregnant a long time if they traveled that far.
April 21, 2018
Awesome read
I was kind of confused at first. With Charlotte being married to another person. But then realized that it wasn't the same Charlotte as the previous book.
The story was a very good one. Mary had to struggle through the ups & downs of life. I wanted to come through the book & kill Lord Jones. Anyway, enjoy the book. I'm off to read the authors next book.
Again enjoy!
I was kind of confused at first. With Charlotte being married to another person. But then realized that it wasn't the same Charlotte as the previous book.
The story was a very good one. Mary had to struggle through the ups & downs of life. I wanted to come through the book & kill Lord Jones. Anyway, enjoy the book. I'm off to read the authors next book.
Again enjoy!
June 1, 2018
Historical inaccuracies abound
The sociodemographic inaccuracies are ludicrous as well. I can see that the author really has a story to tell but needs a great deal more research and craft to make her books believable. This is the second book I've tried to read by this author and I feel like the poor woman needs to really study the time period and culture she's trying to set her story in.
The sociodemographic inaccuracies are ludicrous as well. I can see that the author really has a story to tell but needs a great deal more research and craft to make her books believable. This is the second book I've tried to read by this author and I feel like the poor woman needs to really study the time period and culture she's trying to set her story in.
November 11, 2017
If you are looking for some good clean romance to read, then this is it. It is a story of perseverance in the face of the greatest of odds a woman can face, domestic abuse in the form of physical and mental abuse and yet with the love of family and friends she is able to rise up and triumph. This is a story of love in a pure and sweet form.
December 12, 2017
Get your box of tissues. You will need them. My strong woman gets stronger as I read the book. She was a wimp at the beginning of the book. I look for strong women in most of the books I read. I prefer books with humor and crazy (in a good way) people. This is why I only gave the book 4 stars. The story was really good if you can handle the sad parts.
January 6, 2018
From dishonesty, deceit and brutality to live and joy
Mary and Edmond want nothing to do with each other after their first meeting. Her father's will stipulated that she must marry Duke Edmond Smith or loose her family home. Lots of twist and turned in this book. Unusual story. Wonderful characters.
Mary and Edmond want nothing to do with each other after their first meeting. Her father's will stipulated that she must marry Duke Edmond Smith or loose her family home. Lots of twist and turned in this book. Unusual story. Wonderful characters.
January 25, 2018
Wonderful clean romance
This is my first book by Abigail and I have to say she has a new fan. The characters and story had me in tears and fear with a few chuckles as well. I read the book in one sitting although I must admit that the book has to be very good for me to read it without stopping. I definitely recommend this book it was very good.
This is my first book by Abigail and I have to say she has a new fan. The characters and story had me in tears and fear with a few chuckles as well. I read the book in one sitting although I must admit that the book has to be very good for me to read it without stopping. I definitely recommend this book it was very good.
March 17, 2018
Lady Mary does not want to marry but it looks like her father's will leaves her no choice. Duke Edmund Smith was very found of his mentor but not sure he wants to marry his daughter. First impressions can be so misleading and hard to correct. Mary's main interest now is helping her abused sister get away from her husband. Plenty of drama and even maybe love.
March 26, 2018
We all forget that women did. Not have rights.
I found the book long ,but about the tiny I was ready to give up when she had a terrible twist to have me read further. Sister's were told who to marry even in a wagon will that father had left. Older sister was married to an abusive Lord. The younger sister was to marry a Duke or lose her family home.
I found the book long ,but about the tiny I was ready to give up when she had a terrible twist to have me read further. Sister's were told who to marry even in a wagon will that father had left. Older sister was married to an abusive Lord. The younger sister was to marry a Duke or lose her family home.
June 16, 2018
An AMAZING and DIFFERENT STORY !
This was such a different arranged marriage and what Mary and the Duke went thru to get together was great reading. And I guess they had abusive husbands in England too. But I wish we knew what happened to Lord Jones and of course Walter. You will enjoy this.
This was such a different arranged marriage and what Mary and the Duke went thru to get together was great reading. And I guess they had abusive husbands in England too. But I wish we knew what happened to Lord Jones and of course Walter. You will enjoy this.
July 12, 2018
Well written sweet clean romance. An interesting, although dead, father, two sisters, two villains, a smart heroine and a sexy businessman - plenty to keep you entertained. The characters are well drawn and fully formed. The book is also about the bond between the sisters. I recommend this to fans of regency romance.
March 13, 2023
Its ok
It started out as it was going to be good and it was for the first couple chapters at best but after that it just seemed rushed and kind of all over the place very scattered it wasn't totally bad that's why I gave it a three-star rather than a two or one. The author herself is a very talented writer but I just could not see myself reading this book again.
It started out as it was going to be good and it was for the first couple chapters at best but after that it just seemed rushed and kind of all over the place very scattered it wasn't totally bad that's why I gave it a three-star rather than a two or one. The author herself is a very talented writer but I just could not see myself reading this book again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews