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Noah Ashwood has suffered his fair share of injustices. It’s why he joined the Gentlemen of the Order, why he solves crimes committed against the vulnerable and needy. To his friends he’s known as Dauntless—a fearless fighter, a man with steely determination. And yet his strength is tested when he forms an infatuation for his new client.

When a catalogue of strange events leaves Evangeline Dunn fearing for her life, she has no option but to seek professional help. Given the choice of four agents, she’s drawn to the enigmatic Mr. Ashwood. The gentleman commands respect, seems as competent as he is handsome. Who better to help her catch a thief, a blackmailer and find her wastrel brother? He’s the perfect solution to her problems. All she need do is overcome her inconvenient attraction.

In an adventure that takes them from the lavish ballrooms of the ton to the dark depths of the rookeries, Noah and Eva must work together to unravel the mystery. Will their powerful attraction hinder the investigation? Will the suspenseful twists and turns send them racing into each other’s arms?

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 8, 2020

656 people are currently reading
474 people want to read

About the author

Adele Clee

54 books531 followers
Adele Clee writes historical romance mysteries set in the early nineteenth century. Her stories blend romance with intrigue, gothic atmosphere, and a touch of scandal, often unfolding in Regency and early Victorian London. Readers praise her scarred heroines, brooding heroes, and the way love and mystery intertwine across each series.

Amazon - http://author.to/AdeleClee

Download the complete Adele Clee reading list here: https://www.adeleclee.com/booklist.html

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5 stars
778 (51%)
4 stars
483 (31%)
3 stars
191 (12%)
2 stars
49 (3%)
1 star
21 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
Profile Image for Angie.
1,400 reviews235 followers
July 4, 2020
"If you can trust a man with your life. If he puts your needs before his own. If his eyes make love to you with a passion that transcends the physical realm, then he is worthy of your esteem."

4.5 stars!

In true Adele Clee fashion, this novel had plenty of mystery and romance to keep me entertained. In this new series, we are introduced to the Order of Gentlemen, who has made it their mission to help those who are unable to help themselves. Eva has suffered through a series of seemingly unrelated mysteries, but she is certain that her wastrel of a brother is the cause of sudden misfortune in her life. In a bid to finally have some answers and peace, she hires Noah Ashwood, whose moniker is Dauntless, to help her unravel the web of deceit and danger her brother has left her in. As Noah and Eva work together to uncover the truth, they find the answers to be more convoluted than first thought while their hearts ultimately find solace in each other. I loved Noah and Eva; both were strong characters who, despite their reasons to be distrustful, were still open to love. Another fabulous story from Adele worth checking out!

*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,251 reviews99 followers
July 1, 2020
After dealing with injustices in his own life, mainly because of his wastrel father and scheming uncle, Noah Ashwood has devoted himself to the Order of Themis, a group of gentlemen dedicated to solving crimes and righting wrongs perpetrated against the poor or oppressed. He’s earned the nickname Dauntless based on his fearlessness and determination, but that strength is sorely tested by the forbidden and immediate infatuation he feels for his newest client.

Evangeline Dunn is no stranger to misfortune, but when a bizarre chain of events culminates in her being attacked on the street, she decides it’s time to enlist some professional help. When she is asked to pick an agent to take her case, she’s drawn to Mr. Ashwood. He has all the attributes needed to solver her problems with a thief and blackmailer and to find her missing brother. She just has to tamp down the distinctly un-businesslike attraction she has for him.

Noah and Eva start working together to get to the bottom of the recent mysteries in her life. But their growing attraction is always simmering just beneath the surface and it remains to be seen whether this will cause a distraction that derails their investigation or if all these extenuating circumstances will merely serve to drive these two even closer together.

This book deserves 10 stars from me! I devoured it while at the same time savoring, rereading, and highlighting passages. I don’t think I’ve ever read a hero who was an author of erotic poetry and that was just a part of what made Noah a standout. He was fiercely strong, protective, and masculine, while also being very sensitive, romantic, and sensual. Eva was admirable in her level-headedness in the face of everything that was thrown at her and she matched Noah perfectly. I loved that these two both realized early on that their attraction went much deeper than mere lust and, despite their fears of being hurt, neither shied away from their feelings. This book was immensely sexy, but also very sensual, sweet, and romantic. I adored the witty, innuendo-laden conversations between Eva and Noah, as well as the honesty they strove to maintain with each other. I loved that they stood up for each other, were determined to be together, and let no one come between them. This book was fantastic and a brilliant start to a new series. I’m here for the concept of the Order and now eagerly awaiting Finlay Cole’s story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Merry.
884 reviews288 followers
September 16, 2020
This is the first book in "Gentlemen of the Order". It felt like references were made to a previous series throughout the book. I rate it 3.5 stars as it was an entertaining read. The main flaw for me was the short romance was just too unbelievable. The mystery was good. It was not in keeping with the time period as someone has already mentioned in a previous review.
Profile Image for Inna.
1,678 reviews372 followers
August 26, 2022
4 stars. I listened to a few audiobooks by this author all in a row, and although the details are a little muddled in my mind, I can say that I really enjoyed this book. It's a mystery mixed with romance - which made the story fun. Also, it wasn't immediately apparent what the outcome would be, thank you Adele Clee. I really dislike reading books that foreshadow so hard that there's no doubt who the bad guy will be.

Safe; virgin heroine, hero not a manwhore, no scenes with om/ow, no cheating, no ow drama, some om drama caused by a man who wants to marry the heroine, but she's not interested.







This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2,440 reviews29 followers
June 30, 2020
What wasn’t to enjoy about this book! It had all the ingredients I love, mystery, intrigue, romance and very engaging characters. Noah Ashwood ( Dauntless) along with a number of friends solve problems for people with little or no finance. Their service is free. Miss Eva Dunn is a forthright, observant and intelligent lady and has come for their help. I enjoyed how she used her observational skill to deduce which agent would suit her best. Noah was a handsome, honourable man who gave Eva a sense of security by just being with her. Eva and Noah felt an immediate attraction to each other. They had a number of things in common, particularly their fathers. It was lovely to see the way in which this attraction deepened into something more meaningful. There was a mystery to solve, a missing person to find and an unwanted suitor. Also some amusing banter between the friends and I enjoyed the fact that friends from previous books, made an appearance.
Profile Image for Sara K..
168 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2020
This was a great start to a new series! I really enjoyed the instant connection between Noah and Eva. I was glad that neither one really bothered with denying it and dragging it out, many romances loose my attention when that happens. I'm really looking forward to the next in the series with Finlay Cole!
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,080 reviews129 followers
July 9, 2020
Clee is at her best with this first book in a new series! I devoured every word, from the tantalizing dialogue to the mystery that kept me captive until the end! To be honest though, I have never read a book by this amazing author that did not bring me everything I want when reading a historical fiction!
Gentlemen of the Order, men who have devoted themselves to help those in dire need. What an interesting group too! Eva Dunn was frantic to find answers. A series of mishaps had occurred and she felt they could help her. Oh how I loved her character! With the author's description I could see her marching right into the room with The Gentlemen and choosing Noah Ashwood. Yowza!
There are so many things I want to tell you, but it truly would be the entire story! Think Sherlock Holmes, Benedict Cumberbatch, with blondish hair, totally irresistible playing almost a game of Clue and anticipating the next move before it has a chance to happen! Sorry I digress!
This is one of the best books I have read this year and I would love to give it 10 stars if I could. I cannot wait for the next story and have no doubt it will be just as scrumptious! By the way I have to mention the beautiful cover.. Sigh...
Profile Image for Pam.
194 reviews
October 31, 2020
The Gentlemen of the Order solve crimes committed against society's needy and vulnerable. The agents serve only those without funds or connections to apply for help.

Evangeline Dunn, an ambitious woman making her own way as a female novelist, needs someone to get to the bottom of a confounding series of distressing occurrences: the disappearance of her debt-ridden brother, the murder of her cobbler, blackmail threats to expose the true identity of her penname, theft of her shoes and intimate clothing items, and being attacked on the street. Plus some secret things she'd rather not reveal to anyone. She needs a strong, reliable, brave, and relentless investigator.

Private inquiry agent Noah Ashwood, nicknamed Dauntless by his friends in the Order, accepts the complex case mostly because he finds Eva attractive, intelligent and intriguing, and he wants to protect her from her overbearing, lecherous publisher. But working with the courageous and capable Eva complicates an already complicated situation.

Conversations between Eva and Noah provide delightful entertainment, and some laughs, especially the discussions of erotic poetry, as well as bedroom banter. The complexities of the mysteries and the plethora of suspects moves the plot along briskly. As the investigation progresses so does Noah and Eva's attraction, much to the consternation of the Order and resulting in several interesting interactions with Noah's colleagues. Will their budding love threaten the success of the investigation?

What a fun regency romp with role playing, fake betrothal, ballroom antics, bedroom fires (real as well as sexual), underworld thugs, vile noblemen, an intimate (perhaps a bit erotic) picnic, and edgy rescues. Simply a delightful read!

I recommend this book to regency romance readers who like fun, fast, twisty-turning, HEA reads.
Profile Image for Picky_Book_B1tch.
625 reviews57 followers
October 4, 2021
A fun and entertaining read. I can't believe I'm about to say this, because I love a fast paced read, but I wish this one had slowed down just a smidge. It felt like a race to the end and I would have enjoyed more places to rest and enjoy.

Still, Adele Clee can always be depended on to deliver a quick fun read that will have me smiling and relaxed.
11 reviews
June 26, 2022
Finally, FINALLY I read a book that fully satisfied. I love series. I want the side characters to draw me into the next book, and the next. I especially love some excitement in my historical romance. I appreciate when the h and H are both likeable, neither is TSTL, and the h is strong without being a total harpy.

Seriously, this book pinged zero of my pet peeves. It was an actual story, with romance included! Either that is rare or I suck at finding books to suit me. I liked both MC’s, the important side characters, AND the mystery itself. There aren’t awful typos, wrong word choices or worse yet, extraneous random commas. The story’s pacing seemed fine, and for the first time in months I moved straight onto book 2.

If I have one teensy tiny criticism, it’s that i couldn’t find, in all my googling, if this series was connected to others. It looked like it was where I should start so I did. Then I reached a character who SEEMED to have a story told in a prior book. I googled the author & that character’s name, and found that this series is in fact a spin-off. Unfortunately, since I won’t read out of order, I will skip that prior series completely. So if you’re like me, google Lucius and the authors name. There’s a series you should read before this one. Hth someone else.

All in all, I’m glad I gave this book a try. I’ll be looking for more from this author once I finish this series. (But not one that this is spun off of lol)
Profile Image for Carole Burant.
1,277 reviews36 followers
July 7, 2020
Such an exciting, sit on the edge of your seat, story! Not only do you get a hot romance, you also get a mystery that has you turning the pages, eager to find out who is responsible for all that’s going on.

Eva is in desperate need of help as not only is her brother missing, someone is now trying to blackmail her and some of her personal items are being stolen! I adored her character, so innocent and yet stronger than she thought she was. Noah works for the Gentlemen of the Order group and agrees to take on her case, although he certainly never thought to have his heart involved!! No matter how much he vows to concentrate only on the case, his mind is forever turning to Eva. Trying to ignore the heat between them becomes unbearable until they finally give in to the passion.

Meanwhile, some of the mysteries of the case get solved easily but the biggest mystery takes longer and with a few twists and turns, the author has us in the grip of the story!! Well written and deserving of 5 stars.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

2,313 reviews11 followers
July 5, 2020
Gripping Story!
This is Eva and Noah's gripping story.
He is known as Dauntless in the Order which is a group of men who help those in need by righting the wrongs done to them.
Eva has a problem or rather several mysteries that all need solving and she asks them for help.
Noah takes on the case and as they work together they find they are very attracted to each other and it doesn't end there.
This is a romance that flies with a pair of lovable characters who have distinct and strong personalities.
Eva gave me a good few laughs when her quirky sense of humour came into play. She knows just how to play Noah and does it so well!
Another fabulous story from the pen of Adele Clee and a great starter for this series. I am looking forward to the next book.
I read an Advance Reader Copy and this is my voluntary and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Lana Birky.
1,700 reviews22 followers
June 29, 2020
Adele Clee is off to another fantastic start to a new series, Gentlemen of the Order, with Book 1 Dauntless. Most of the book is away from the ballrooms of London but it is full of suspense, mystery, danger, romance and emotional consequences and discoveries.

Noah Ashwood is eight and twenty, he lost his parents when he was ten years old and his paternal Grandfather raised him. His father was a wastrel and died in a duel over his mistress and his mother was treated like pariah by the Ton and died of a broken heart. Noah wanted a way to help the injustices against people who could not afford help, so he was hired by The Gentlemen of the Order - they did not help the wealthy people of nobility with their petty problems but helped the weak and needy who did not funds or connections to solve their difficulties. He had been very successful in this endeavor and his friends at the Order gave him the moniker of "Dauntless" because of his fearlessness and determination.

Evangeline Dunn's mother died 10 years ago and her father took off for Italy, married his mistress and has never gotten sent Eva any money but luckily she was taken in by her godfather who has given Eva everything she owns now. She makes extra money writing novels under a pseudonym
of Mr. Cain Dunnavan. Now she has a number of events happening in her life that necessitates the need of professional help, so she went to seek aid from The Order and she specifically chose Noah after meeting with the four men.

What all begins as Noah's need to help the needy (especially women, because of his Mother's pain), the attraction between the two of them is undeniable but oh, what a dangerous, treacherous adventure is was to get to their HEA. The sizzle is hot and the love is tender and just like all of Adele Clee's books; you travel to place and time and become fully invested in her characters to experience their lives along with them.

I was gifted the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own & have been voluntarily given.
767 reviews11 followers
June 30, 2020
Every time I read an Adele Clee book I fall in love. I fall in love with her writing style, I fall in love with the way she keeps me interested in the story, I fall in love with the hero. This is the first book in the Gentlemen of the Order series. It is about a group of Gentlemen who solve crimes and help the weak and needy. Noah was one of these Gentlemen, his nick name was Dauntless. He was chosen to help Eva, who had some strange events happen to her recently, she is alone with no friends and no one to help her except these men. The story of Eva’s problems and how each was solved was very interesting and kept the story going with suspense and intrigue, but not too much to make the story boring. The attraction and feelings between Noah and Eva were sweet and hot.
I received a free ARC for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Monika.
487 reviews
July 9, 2020
Another great book by Adele Clee. And the perfect starter to a new series. Like all of her books, this one has several suspenseful mysteries. They are interwoven in a way that keeps you guessing until the very end. Only a super-sleuth can figure it all out. And that's what our protagonists are. Very, very smart. But also very vulnerable due to past experiences. They are the perfect match; drawn to each other by more than just lust. However, we do get one sizzling-hot sex scene and a lot of flirtatious wordplays which I enjoyed tremendously. We also get love, understanding, and caring. All with a touch of poetry. In one word - the book is brilliant and I can't wait to read book two.
Profile Image for Sarandah chrysalis.
598 reviews58 followers
June 11, 2021
3.5 stars

Intriguing mystery with lots of action. Instant connection with bold and loyal MCs. Some parts of dialogue felt a little forced, and the author writes in superlatives often.

Still a fun quick read
Profile Image for Phylis Collins.
2,847 reviews8 followers
September 23, 2021
It has a little action, mystery, intrigue, and surprises and so much more. Read the series

I loved the main characters. Heartwarming yet spicy too, romance filled with mystery, spying, intrigue, action packed, surprising twist and of course, love.
573 reviews9 followers
Read
September 20, 2022
DNF. The mystery is challenging and intricate. Noah is a wonderful hero. Eva, I had a challenge. She was consistently unaware of others motives and actions even though she is presented as extremely perceptive. I also had a problem with the way she conducted her affair with Noah. It was all very modern in that once she felt turned on, she immediately decided to sleep with him. Huh? That totally threw me out of the story as it is inconsistent with both the times and the character unless she is an idiot. The narrator also endows her with a sweet voice that never rushes in the direst of circumstances. That got on my nerves and I lost interest in her as a character. The black characters are very black and there is no context to make you wonder about them. So it devolved to a bodice ripper for oh so sweet Eva. The rest of the setup is promising so perhaps later books will improve?
Profile Image for Maria Dariotis .
783 reviews17 followers
July 11, 2020
Dauntless
Gentlemen of the Order
book 1
by Adele Clee

Adele Clee is a formidable writer in writing books full of alluring emotions and gripping adventure that totally grabs the reader into the story! This brand new series does exactly that, a group of alluring men each with their own special qualities and experiences bring justice to the ones that can’t get it on their own, to the weak and vulnerable, we also get a glimpse of some old friends from previous books.

This is Noah Ashwoods and Evangeline Dunn’s story Evangeline -Eva is a writer who is going through some really difficult times, she’s being blackmailed her home and person has been violated and try as she might she knows that this is something she’s not able to figure out for herself, she needs help and the place to get the best help is Gentlemen of the Order. A man who was fearless and commanding, a man that’s Dauntless a man like Noah Ashwood! What she never expected was the instant electricity of attraction that overcomes her senses when he’s near!

Noah Ashwood is a man that has gone through enough injustice to last him a lifetime, from his cruel father to his manipulative uncle. His mission in life is to help those not able, he doesn’t want or need anything more in life especially love. Even though his latest client a miss Evangeline Dunn has him lusting after her in his mind, he can barely have a decent thought. The more he’s with her the more he wants to protect her. The more her secrets are revealed and her blackmailer gets desperate her life is endangered Noah knows that he can never live without her!

“You fascinated me from the beginning, too. It became impossible to deny my need for you, and I knew then this was more than a fleeting infatuation. I knew I’d fall madly in love with you.”

I totally loved this new series I adore Eva and Noah their lively banter is full of innuendo and sizzle. They make a fantastic team at solving Evas mystery blackmailer.

Adele Clee has another winning series which comes as no surprise and I can’t wait to read the next one, Cole and Sophia Adair! Now that’s a story I’m impatient to read!

Check out my other Reviews on my blog as well http://teaandromance.simplesite.com/

I recieved a complimentary copy from the author, opinions are all my own.
Profile Image for Nanna.
1,219 reviews4 followers
July 2, 2020
This is the first book in a new series for Adele. If this book is an example of what the other book will be I can't wait. There is intrigue and mystery from the start.
Noah Ashwood has had a lot of hard and sad events in his life. This is way he joined the Order of the Gentleman. Man of means who use their time to help those who can't pay for injustices done to them.
There are four agents working for Lucius Daventry. Cole, D'Angelo, Sloane and Noah. Lucius worked to help innocent people escape transportation before he come into his wealth. Noah has earned the nickname Dauntless from his friends due to him being a fearless fighter and has a strong determination to right wrongs. He cares nothing for what the ton thinks of him.
Evangeline Dunn has also had a rough life due to both her Father and brother being Drunks and gamblers. She is shunned by other ladies of the ton. She is ambition and very independent. She has found a way to support herself which is unheard of for this time period.
Eva comes to ask help of the orders as she has been attacked in the street and had her boots stolen, all her clothes on the wash line were also taken. Her stupid brother is missing after leaving a pile of debts to money lenders and shady gaming places. She has received a blackmail note, had her boot maker murdered. Wow talk about a bad week ....
With a wonderful cast of characters both Eva and Noah start to figure out what is going on.
One problem at the time, both feel the deep attraction at the first meeting. As they work together
they found many things in common with each other. The sexual draw is great the way Adele handles it and fits the story .
You need to get this book and find out how they figured everything out or if they do.
Once you start reading you will not be able to put it down...
I can't wait for the next book.
I received and ARC from the author and want to thank her, my opinion is voluntarily given and my own.
Profile Image for Sandra.
556 reviews9 followers
February 25, 2022
Bursting with colourful characters, wit and mystery!!
It gets you at every level from touchingly heartwarming and passionate to tear inducing and even repulsed by the depth of greed and sickening arrogance some people wield. While all the time maintaining a subtle humour and engaging chemistry that cuts through the lurking darkness. Eva and Noah are two people who wrap you up in knots and make you really care about the mutually perceptive and highly intelligent pair, who bespoke an intimacy born from an instanteously deep connection and even greater understanding.
Noah is every womans idea of a hero: strong, dependable yet soft hearted and so unashamedly thoughtful and affectionate whilst smouldering sex appeal that has you swooning in his presence. Eva is an enigma of blended innocence and sharp intelligence with an endearing ability to surprise and captivate with her strength of purpose and character. Electricity simply crackles between the pair and burns ever more brightly as similarities emerge and disappointments, betrayals and torments are revealed as they work to dissect a whole host of bewildering and sinister conundrums haunting Eva.

Absolutely loved this book. The idea of the Gentlemen of the Order intrigued and pulled at me after reading Lucius and Sybil's tale and I couldn't have been more thrilled to say this follows on and continues on in the same thread, steeped in darkness and just as ensnaringly witty and entertaining as it's predecessor: The Mystery of Mr Daventry. The premise of an organisation designed to help those greatest in need solely because it is morally right to do so held my attention, the 'gentlemen' themselves had me engaged, while the execution, plot, character dynamics and smooth fast paced mystery had me willingly sacrificing sleep.
Loved this; a fabulous start to the series - really looking forward to Cole and Sophia's tale!
Profile Image for Martha B..
835 reviews11 followers
July 8, 2020
Chivalry is alive and well on Hart Street.

For those on the bottom rungs of nineteen century London society, who have no where else to turn for help, there are a few good men who are true knights of the highest order. Each man has a past and a story that has defined him, but each member of the Gentlemen of the Order located on Hart Street stands ready to solve problems for those tossed aside.

Mr. Noah Ashwood's code name is Dauntless. His name fits him because he truly is fearless. If he harbors any secret fear, he hides it well. That is, he did. Then an odd young woman waltzed into the Hart Street office and began to shatter his world.

Miss Evangeline Dunn has a secret, and she is also under siege by unknown assailants. She has a feckless brother, she also is friendless with no where to turn for help. Upon entering the Hale Street office to seek assistance, her upside down world begins to shatter.

I love Dauntless by Adele Clee. It is well written, fast paced, engrossing, entertaining and downright sizzling. The relationship that develops between Noah and Eva is the kind that sets the standard for romance novels, and is reminiscent of books written by revered romance novelist. Both characters are likable, intelligent, charming and courageous. In short, they are perfect together. In addition to a great romance, there are several mysteries that are just as intriguing, and each is in need of solving. Before the sweet ending, several twists and turns sweep the reader to satisfaction and justice for all.

Content 411: This stand-alone book contains swearing, bawdy terms and descriptive sexual scenes.

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
Profile Image for TLynn.
1,467 reviews17 followers
August 5, 2020
Dauntless is the first book in the mysterious Gentlemen of the Order series. This book certainly started the series off with a bang! There were mystery and mayhem throughout the story. The characters were wonderful and the story was paced perfectly.
Noah Ashwood was part of the Gentlemen of Order and known as Dauntless. He helped the needy and vulnerable by investigating and solving crimes. His interest is sparked when he sees Evangeline “Eva” walk into the room of their office. The other gentlemen in the Order see he is infatuated with Eva and try to remove him from the case, but he refuses. He is determined to keep her safe and solve the crimes.
Evangeline “Eva” Dunn writes mysteries, but she is too close to the case to work out who could be causing all the strange events. First, she is robbed in the streets and then overnight things have disappeared from her house. Her brother has been gone for a few weeks after acquiring several loans with some rough money lenders. She doesn’t know if the person doing the crimes are her brother, his lenders, or the gentleman whose sister he hurt. She required outside help and pleaded with Dauntless for help.
There were plenty of intrigues, twists and turns, death, crimes, and romance in the book. The plot was fully developed and made the book an interesting one. I was fully engaged from the first page. I can’t wait for the next book to be released and another mystery to solve.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Cindy C..
1,142 reviews13 followers
July 11, 2020
What a confusing web one weaves when the plot is to deceive and greed! Murder, Stolen Boots?, Blackmail and a Missing brother combine to make Dauntless one unforgettable story! It will keep you spellbound rom the moment you begin the journey with Noah and Eva until the very end!  Adele Clee's heart-stopping story brims with tension-building twist, a story filled with characters that come off the pages and pulled me into their tale, that is well-written, with a superb plott, and great and witty dialogue. Time is running out for Eva, with a blackmailer demanding money and her blackgaurd brother missing had Eva looking for help from the Order. Four unique investors willing to help Eva but only one will do, Noah a devilish handsome investigator who stole Eva's breath. Noah and Eva finds themselves racing against time to find the answers to who is behind all these confusing clues as they try to fight their rising passions for one another and find themselves spiraling down into a whirlpool of danger. It's a heart stopping love story that unfolds beautifully with drama, searing passion, mystery, uncertainties, mayhem, with evil lurking in the darkness waiting to strike, trials and tribulations, and while the suspense builds and tensions escalate with twist and turns abound that will make you hold your breath until the the mystery is solved in this outstanding story! I can't wait to read Raven!
273 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2020
Love having a new Adele Clee series to read!
The Gentlemen of the Order is a group of men that take on clients who need help, but are lacking in funds & connections. They take their cases seriously, but it’s obvious from the funny banter that they enjoy what they do.
When a young woman arrives looking for a dauntless gentlemen, it seems that Noah Ashwood, who is known as Dauntless to his friends, is the man destined for the job.
Eva Dunn doesn’t resemble a usual client, & Noah is immediately intrigued by her & the strange circumstances that led her to seek help. There are definitely sparks flying between Noah & Eva when they meet.
Eva is trying to find information on her missing brother. She is also an author in secret, fending off unwanted advances from her publisher, a victim of assault, experiencing strange thefts, & receiving blackmail demands. Noah agrees to help solve her case of “mischief & mayhem” & they soon discover they enjoy each other’s company & have a lot in common. They try to keep it all business, but safe to say, they do quite a seductive dance as they investigate. Turns out Noah isn’t the only one that’s dauntless.
It’s fun catching up with Daventry & Sybil from The Mystery of Mr. Daventry, & I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series!
2,422 reviews22 followers
July 3, 2020
Every time I read an Adele Clee book I am so amazed at the outstanding writing, the twists and turns and the love affair between the main characters. I have not read a book of hers that I have not enjoyed to the fullest. In the last book of the previous series, we learn of an Order of men who want to help those who are truly in need. So starts the Gentlemen of the Order. Dauntless is up first and what a wild ride it is for the reader. Adele throws in so much intrigue that it will keep you guessing what is going on and why. Noah (aka Dauntless) is thrilled when Eva chooses him to help her. One of my favorite scenes is when he is “posturing” for her. They work their way through the mystery of her brother, her publisher and thefts and in between they find an attraction that will not let go. There is also a subplot involving his family. I cannot say enough good things about Adele’s stories.

I received a complimentary copy from the author.
Profile Image for Pam  Bereznak.
1,816 reviews136 followers
July 9, 2020
I am not a writer and never could be. And even as much as I read, I could never do what these authors do. With that being said, I don’t write great reviews. If I like or love a book; I would just say “Love this book". "Get it” or something along those lines. I am trying to be better.

I have read thousands of books in my lifetime but started reading more over the past few years when I got my Kindle. I read over 380 books last year, over 1500 in 5 years. In all that time I have read hundreds and hundreds of different authors but there is only a handful of those authors that I truthfully can say are on my list of favorites and have read all their books.

Adele Clee is one of those authors. I have read 24 of her books, including this one. I love the characters and their personalities and their story. You can never go wrong by picking up any of her books. But be warned, once you read one, you will want to download them all.
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931 reviews9 followers
September 24, 2020
Adele Clee is adept at drawing you into stories with unique themes and characters that really hold your interest. ‘Dauntless’ is the first book about The Gentlemen of the Order, men that take on clients who need help but who don’t have money and connections to help them. The Order is run by Mr. Daventry from ‘The Mystery of Mr. Daventry,’ although you definitely need not have read that book in order to fully appreciate this one.

Eva needs help unraveling a tangle of bizarre events and the disappearance of her wastrel brother. She meets with four agents from the Order and is immediately drawn to Noah, nicknamed Dauntless. He feels the same pull towards her. They both try to fight the attraction and keep it professional, but you already know how that turns out … after all, this is a romance book!

The story is fast-paced and action packed, with some suspense and surprises. It definitely kept my interest right to the end.

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