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Love in Portsmouth #2
Once a Gentleman
Penniless, friendless, and with nowhere left to turn after his family’s ruin, Kit Hewlett can’t afford any more disasters. When a rakish, too-handsome gentleman—and Kit’s own clumsiness—cause him to lose his position as a bookshop clerk, Kit has no choice but to accept the gentleman’s offer of employment as his secretary.
Andrew Turner serves honorably in the Royal Navy, but when ashore he wastes his fortune and his time on an endless round of drinking, cards, and…other pleasures. He appreciates his new secretary’s slim body and pretty green eyes more than he ought, but he’s also struck by Kit’s quick wit and clever mind. To Andrew’s shock, he finds himself wanting more than a tumble. But that’s inconvenient. It’s irritating. And Kit won’t bed him anyway.
Trying to convince Kit that he’s more than just a debauched wastrel takes some doing, but once desire overrides Kit’s common sense, their attraction explodes into passion. Just as Kit dares to believe in Andrew’s love, Andrew’s ship is sent on a mission to the Continent. Will separation, worry, and fear tear them apart or will love bind them to one another forever?
This is the second book in a series, but it can be read as a standalone. Contains debauchery galore, a footman who wants to murder the butler, love letters, and gratuitous references to Gothic novels…and of course, a guaranteed HEA.
Andrew Turner serves honorably in the Royal Navy, but when ashore he wastes his fortune and his time on an endless round of drinking, cards, and…other pleasures. He appreciates his new secretary’s slim body and pretty green eyes more than he ought, but he’s also struck by Kit’s quick wit and clever mind. To Andrew’s shock, he finds himself wanting more than a tumble. But that’s inconvenient. It’s irritating. And Kit won’t bed him anyway.
Trying to convince Kit that he’s more than just a debauched wastrel takes some doing, but once desire overrides Kit’s common sense, their attraction explodes into passion. Just as Kit dares to believe in Andrew’s love, Andrew’s ship is sent on a mission to the Continent. Will separation, worry, and fear tear them apart or will love bind them to one another forever?
This is the second book in a series, but it can be read as a standalone. Contains debauchery galore, a footman who wants to murder the butler, love letters, and gratuitous references to Gothic novels…and of course, a guaranteed HEA.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2021
59 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
Eliot Grayson
42 books1,380 followersEliot's a lifelong Southern California girl, right down to the flip-flops and backyard garden. When she's not writing her next book, you can find her reading, drinking tea, or (more likely) catering to the demands of her kids and ancient, cranky cat.
Steamy books with delicious tension, heart-wrenching pining, and a hefty dose of action and adventure have always been her jam as a reader. Guess what she writes?
You can catch up with her on Facebook in her reader group, Eliot Grayson's Escape from Reality, or sign up for her newsletter at eliotgrayson.com.
Steamy books with delicious tension, heart-wrenching pining, and a hefty dose of action and adventure have always been her jam as a reader. Guess what she writes?
You can catch up with her on Facebook in her reader group, Eliot Grayson's Escape from Reality, or sign up for her newsletter at eliotgrayson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
September 25, 2021
𝟯.𝟱 ★
ONCE A GENTLEMAN is an odd book for me. On the one hand, I was really digging the first half. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Andrew (H) and Kit (H) was spot on. I could almost see the lust-fueled hatred pouring off them in waves. Every interaction between Kit and Andrew was tense and electric.
The UST was seriously, top notch. I honestly was hoping Samuel would lock them in a room and force them to kiss, or something. The tension kept building, and building, and building. Everything was going perfectly until… well, until Andrew told Kit he loved him.
*RECORD SCRATCH*
I - I... 😮💨
TBH, I don't even know what to say. I guess if I had to describe my reaction to Andrew's "I love you" it would be, flabbergasted. I was utterly and completely flabbergasted. Truly, I was stunned. To me, it seemed like Andrew had a sort of exasperated fondness for Kit, but love? Ehhh, I don't know about all that.ᴀɴᴅʀᴇᴡ ʙᴇ ʟɪᴋᴇ …
ᴍᴇᴀɴᴡʜɪʟᴇ, ɪ ʙᴇ ʟɪᴋᴇ …
After that, I don't know… I was kinda pulled out of the book and pretty much skimmed to the end. Plus, it didn't help that Andrew ends up LEAVING to go sail on a boat or something (okay he's in the British Royal Navy, but still).
All in all, I liked OAG. There were some fun moments, and I loved the way Kit kept Andrew on his toes. That said, the "ILY's" felt very unearned. I think I needed a few more soft moments between Andrew and Kit. But, if you're a fan of ELLIOT GRAYSON and you like historical romance, then I highly recommend you check out ONCE A GENTLEMAN.
September 25, 2021
I wanted to love this book. I think Eliot Grayson is a fantastic writer and comes up with some great stories, but this one was a mess of miscommunication. It was bad. So many misunderstandings. I was unimpressed with how it was handled and it was made even more worse when things somehow got settled so quickly. Kit really was fine with all the endless partners paraded before him? I just can’t fathom it. I’ve never read so many sexual escapades in one novel where they aren’t with the intended love interest. It was incredibly frustrating and unsatisfying. I really didn’t see the purpose and I’m not one to balk at MCs sleeping with other people.
April 9, 2024
4.5 stars
Why the heck doesn’t Eliot Grayson write more historical romance when he can write stories like this??? Kit and Andrew were chef’s kiss!
Why the heck doesn’t Eliot Grayson write more historical romance when he can write stories like this??? Kit and Andrew were chef’s kiss!
September 3, 2021
Blog Review at
Current reading mood. Actual footage...
I'm 100% living my best life of loving any drama through words right now. My son is right here with me on the drama train as well. It's clearly contagious.
And Once a Gentleman fed me. It contains, but is not limited to, the following -
Some serious miscommunication
A hefty degree of introspective rumination
Angry kissing
Hurt sex
An angry BJ
Good old fashioned ravaging
Angst
My current fave, drama
Some lovely epistolary moments, the words Andrew sends to Kit in letters are glorious
And there are two characters I wanted to simultaneously slap and soothe - then wash, rinse, repeat.
Beautiful writing. Ideal for the atmosphere of the Regency romance that it is. I love having my feelings unlocked
Eliot Grayson mixes her writing up and she's amazingly good at it.
I seriously hated putting this book down in the early hours of this morning but I grabbed it when I could between clients today and I've just finished it, and I. Loved. It.
PS: If you do not like one MC fucking anyone apart from the other MC you'll probably hate this book. Because Andrew is a bad, bad boy, and it's in your face. I was here for it but I'm giving fellow readers a heads up.
Current reading mood. Actual footage...
I'm 100% living my best life of loving any drama through words right now. My son is right here with me on the drama train as well. It's clearly contagious.
And Once a Gentleman fed me. It contains, but is not limited to, the following -
Some serious miscommunication
A hefty degree of introspective rumination
Angry kissing
Hurt sex
An angry BJ
Good old fashioned ravaging
Angst
My current fave, drama
Some lovely epistolary moments, the words Andrew sends to Kit in letters are glorious
And there are two characters I wanted to simultaneously slap and soothe - then wash, rinse, repeat.
Beautiful writing. Ideal for the atmosphere of the Regency romance that it is. I love having my feelings unlocked
Eliot Grayson mixes her writing up and she's amazingly good at it.
I seriously hated putting this book down in the early hours of this morning but I grabbed it when I could between clients today and I've just finished it, and I. Loved. It.
PS: If you do not like one MC fucking anyone apart from the other MC you'll probably hate this book. Because Andrew is a bad, bad boy, and it's in your face. I was here for it but I'm giving fellow readers a heads up.
January 1, 2024
There's a lot to say about this couples lack of communication.... but their chemistry was amazing and I couldn't stop reading. Long time since I liked a historical this much 🩵 The way this author does regency makes me wanna binge everything she wrote.
January 28, 2025
The first installment wasn't as good, but Andrew Turner is mentioned already there at the very end of it, so naturally I wanted to read his book.
Solid 3.75⭐ for the story but I'm rounding it down, because it didn't really work (for me).
First, the story is too long. It needlessly adds complications that have no business being there. The author tried to set things right between the main characters by giving them plenty of events that just made a mess of everything.
Second, the first half is pretty fantastic, the second half is not. The last 100 pages I needed to really put an effort in to finish.
And lastly third, the tension and the dialogues I appreciated; it was very palatable, so was the writing. No doubt about it, the writing was quite good.
And yet, the story wasn't as good in the end.
🔵 A lieutenant/a secretary
🟣 Both gentlemen, but one working in the navy and the other shamefully fallen from wealth
🟡 Bisexual/gay
🟠 Age gap 24/26 (I would've expected Turner to be a bit older)
🟢 Good tension; good chemistry and love story that sadly vanished because the author lost that peak in the story where everything should've culminated, yet it went on for another 100 pages, so by that point you're already tired of the story
🌶️ Good smut, descriptive; plenty of kissing; rimming, oral, penetrative; t/b
Andrew Turner is the naval officer who's inherited a great fortune and is entertaining pure debauchery at his house in Portsmouth. He's a rake, he's banged half of England and he's a drunk, basically. Constantly in brandy, sex and trying to live a life of a gentleman now that he's also filthy rich.
He meets and then employs Kit, who's fallen from grace with his father's shady dealings and he's on his own with no money and no employment when Andrew offers him a position out of pity.
Well, that and because he offered him money for sex first, but that's a road Kit isn't going to take, at all, even later on in Andrew's house full of gay men who have orgies and are inviting him to join in, but no, Kit refuses.
There was palpable chemistry between Andrew and Kit, but it all went to shit when Kit turned down Andrew's advances and then out of wounded pride it would seem, Andrew paraded his hook-ups around the house for Kit to see and hear.
So that right there bothered me a bit because the falling in love that happened within Andrew suddenly wasn't believable anymore.
What would've made this much better would be for Kit to simply join the men and let himself be ravished and fucked into next week for Andrew to see, but sadly Kit had no such inclinations.
"And then Turner’s face softened, and he reached up to stroke Kit’s cheek, fingers lingering at the angle of his jaw. “Have you ever been well and truly fucked?”"
They finally do get intimate and it was sexy, it was great actually, but again the love was inserted way too soon. I'd much rather the author worked on their back and forth more, add more tension and really develop that emotional side than just make Andrew surrender his rakish ways and suddenly be endlessly in love with Kit. Even Kit didn't believe it!
Andrew should've expressed his love at the very end of the book, like he said
“I always applaud you. Kit, love, you truly are…” He trailed off, his lips twitching with a smile, gazing at Kit with something that could only be described as pure, soppy adoration. “I love you,” he finished, as if any other words would be inadequate.
This and this alone should be his only real expression of love in this book. Anything else prior to this simply wasn't believable. Especially since Turner fucked anything that crawled and he switched sides way too soon.
He spends the first half of the book in brandy and the second half there's suddenly no brandy anywhere.
He has no backbone to tell his servants to stop disrespecting him and the only thing he's good at is - rimming.
Well, I suppose that counts for something.
If the author decides to continue writing the series, please insert known side characters from this book, because there were far too many already added, if the next one brings that many new ones, it'll be the same almost 300 page story that'll just leave me (and I'm sure many others) unsatisfied.
Solid 3.75⭐ for the story but I'm rounding it down, because it didn't really work (for me).
First, the story is too long. It needlessly adds complications that have no business being there. The author tried to set things right between the main characters by giving them plenty of events that just made a mess of everything.
Second, the first half is pretty fantastic, the second half is not. The last 100 pages I needed to really put an effort in to finish.
And lastly third, the tension and the dialogues I appreciated; it was very palatable, so was the writing. No doubt about it, the writing was quite good.
And yet, the story wasn't as good in the end.
🔵 A lieutenant/a secretary
🟣 Both gentlemen, but one working in the navy and the other shamefully fallen from wealth
🟡 Bisexual/gay
🟠 Age gap 24/26 (I would've expected Turner to be a bit older)
🟢 Good tension; good chemistry and love story that sadly vanished because the author lost that peak in the story where everything should've culminated, yet it went on for another 100 pages, so by that point you're already tired of the story
🌶️ Good smut, descriptive; plenty of kissing; rimming, oral, penetrative; t/b
Andrew Turner is the naval officer who's inherited a great fortune and is entertaining pure debauchery at his house in Portsmouth. He's a rake, he's banged half of England and he's a drunk, basically. Constantly in brandy, sex and trying to live a life of a gentleman now that he's also filthy rich.
He meets and then employs Kit, who's fallen from grace with his father's shady dealings and he's on his own with no money and no employment when Andrew offers him a position out of pity.
Well, that and because he offered him money for sex first, but that's a road Kit isn't going to take, at all, even later on in Andrew's house full of gay men who have orgies and are inviting him to join in, but no, Kit refuses.
There was palpable chemistry between Andrew and Kit, but it all went to shit when Kit turned down Andrew's advances and then out of wounded pride it would seem, Andrew paraded his hook-ups around the house for Kit to see and hear.
So that right there bothered me a bit because the falling in love that happened within Andrew suddenly wasn't believable anymore.
What would've made this much better would be for Kit to simply join the men and let himself be ravished and fucked into next week for Andrew to see, but sadly Kit had no such inclinations.
"And then Turner’s face softened, and he reached up to stroke Kit’s cheek, fingers lingering at the angle of his jaw. “Have you ever been well and truly fucked?”"
They finally do get intimate and it was sexy, it was great actually, but again the love was inserted way too soon. I'd much rather the author worked on their back and forth more, add more tension and really develop that emotional side than just make Andrew surrender his rakish ways and suddenly be endlessly in love with Kit. Even Kit didn't believe it!
Andrew should've expressed his love at the very end of the book, like he said
“I always applaud you. Kit, love, you truly are…” He trailed off, his lips twitching with a smile, gazing at Kit with something that could only be described as pure, soppy adoration. “I love you,” he finished, as if any other words would be inadequate.
This and this alone should be his only real expression of love in this book. Anything else prior to this simply wasn't believable. Especially since Turner fucked anything that crawled and he switched sides way too soon.
He spends the first half of the book in brandy and the second half there's suddenly no brandy anywhere.
He has no backbone to tell his servants to stop disrespecting him and the only thing he's good at is - rimming.
Well, I suppose that counts for something.
If the author decides to continue writing the series, please insert known side characters from this book, because there were far too many already added, if the next one brings that many new ones, it'll be the same almost 300 page story that'll just leave me (and I'm sure many others) unsatisfied.
September 11, 2021
“A secretary is easily replaced, Mr. Turner.”
In the same tone, and still feeling as if he had no control over his own voice, Andrew said, “But you aren’t.”
I love Eliot Grayson’s Mismatched Mates Series. So, even though Historical is not a genre I’m used to reading, I couldn’t say no to this book. I’ve got to admit that it put my English vocabulary to the test. But despite all that, this was a great story with realistic characters facing the feelings between them.
Andrew’s banter and Kit’s reactions to it were hilarious. It was slow paced but worth it, and it wouldn’t have been realistic otherwise. Watching Kit’s slowly but steadily falling for Andrew’s charm warmed my heart. And all the growth, from both MCs, was really well done. Also, the love letters sent added another romantic level to the whole story.
A presumptuous man. His prudish secretary. If you like this genre and slow burns, read it right away!
*Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a free and honest review*
June 10, 2024
4.5
What a delight!!!!
This second book in the "Love in Portsmouth" (it's a complete standalone though!) was a gorgeous, angst-fueled, so-steamy-it-will-melt-your-pants-off, gem of a romance. I adored it so damn much.
The writing was gorgeous, the setting and the atmosphere were both so vivid you'll feel like you're there with Kit and Andrew and their messy, messy household. And the characters? Absolutely unforgettable. "Once a Gentleman" is packed with everything I usually look for in a romance: a (kinda one-sided) enemies-to-lovers romance, with a great deal of misunderstandings and delicious drama and lots of (kinda one-sided) hate sex that slowly turns into sweet, sweetly yearning (but still HOT, HOT, HOT) love-making; push-and-pull, opposites-attract (with a responsible, put-together but bitter secretary and his messy rake of an employer) and a whole lot of pining and disastrous attempts at winning the other's heart. I loved it so damn much.
Kit and Andrew are both unforgettable protagonists: both of them are messy, flawed (REALLY flawed, realistically flawed) and I couldn't count the sheer amount of mistakes, misunderstandings or snap judgements both of them were guilty of; I wanted to bash their heads together, and then make them kiss themselves senseless. I had the time of my life.
I loved Kit, but Andrew was my favourite: he's a mess; he's an idiot; he doesn't think before he speaks, AND he's a golden-retriever turned rake. Yes, your honour, he's my son!!!
< Andrew had desired Hewlett. He’d respected him. Now, he admired the man, and that—well, it was a bloody disaster, was what it was. He reached for the coffeepot again, this time determined to conquer both it and his headache. He had a great deal of brooding to do, and a secretary to either avoid or follow about like a puppy, he wasn’t yet sure which. >
Although, to be fair, out of them all, Samuel, the murderous, efficient footman, was my favourite. Ruthlessly competent, amoral but loyal, snarky: I adored him, and I can't tell you how many times I cackled out loud because of him. The ridiculously fun subplot about the messy, lazy household was beyond iconic.
Back to Kit and Andrew. Their romance stole my whole heart, and although I kinda wish those last chapters had had a bit more of a resolution (or, I don't know, maybe a smidge of hurt/comfort?! The endless possibilities....), I enjoyed the hell out of this book, start to finish.
I'm looking forward to diving into the rest of Eliot's backlist: I still have quite a few romances to devour of hers, and I'm absolutely certain they'll be as iconic as this one.
TWs/CWs: suicide of a side character (off page), injury, attempted sexual assault.
What a delight!!!!
This second book in the "Love in Portsmouth" (it's a complete standalone though!) was a gorgeous, angst-fueled, so-steamy-it-will-melt-your-pants-off, gem of a romance. I adored it so damn much.
The writing was gorgeous, the setting and the atmosphere were both so vivid you'll feel like you're there with Kit and Andrew and their messy, messy household. And the characters? Absolutely unforgettable. "Once a Gentleman" is packed with everything I usually look for in a romance: a (kinda one-sided) enemies-to-lovers romance, with a great deal of misunderstandings and delicious drama and lots of (kinda one-sided) hate sex that slowly turns into sweet, sweetly yearning (but still HOT, HOT, HOT) love-making; push-and-pull, opposites-attract (with a responsible, put-together but bitter secretary and his messy rake of an employer) and a whole lot of pining and disastrous attempts at winning the other's heart. I loved it so damn much.
Kit and Andrew are both unforgettable protagonists: both of them are messy, flawed (REALLY flawed, realistically flawed) and I couldn't count the sheer amount of mistakes, misunderstandings or snap judgements both of them were guilty of; I wanted to bash their heads together, and then make them kiss themselves senseless. I had the time of my life.
I loved Kit, but Andrew was my favourite: he's a mess; he's an idiot; he doesn't think before he speaks, AND he's a golden-retriever turned rake. Yes, your honour, he's my son!!!
< Andrew had desired Hewlett. He’d respected him. Now, he admired the man, and that—well, it was a bloody disaster, was what it was. He reached for the coffeepot again, this time determined to conquer both it and his headache. He had a great deal of brooding to do, and a secretary to either avoid or follow about like a puppy, he wasn’t yet sure which. >
Although, to be fair, out of them all, Samuel, the murderous, efficient footman, was my favourite. Ruthlessly competent, amoral but loyal, snarky: I adored him, and I can't tell you how many times I cackled out loud because of him. The ridiculously fun subplot about the messy, lazy household was beyond iconic.
Back to Kit and Andrew. Their romance stole my whole heart, and although I kinda wish those last chapters had had a bit more of a resolution (or, I don't know, maybe a smidge of hurt/comfort?! The endless possibilities....), I enjoyed the hell out of this book, start to finish.
I'm looking forward to diving into the rest of Eliot's backlist: I still have quite a few romances to devour of hers, and I'm absolutely certain they'll be as iconic as this one.
TWs/CWs: suicide of a side character (off page), injury, attempted sexual assault.
September 13, 2021
Another winner from Eliot Grayson
Grayson's characters have depth and range. The main characters are well developed, whole men rather than two dimensional actors on a stage set. Many writers can achieve this. The glory of Ms. Grayson is that even characters that appear only a handful of times in the novel are also fully developed people. Dowling probably appears on fewer than five pages total and yet I know him so well and despise him so thoroughly that I would gladly slap him at our first actual meeting. Likewise I would invite Mrs. Harrison (who we meet only once) to tea without hesitation. Bravo for another triumph, MS. Grayson.
Grayson's characters have depth and range. The main characters are well developed, whole men rather than two dimensional actors on a stage set. Many writers can achieve this. The glory of Ms. Grayson is that even characters that appear only a handful of times in the novel are also fully developed people. Dowling probably appears on fewer than five pages total and yet I know him so well and despise him so thoroughly that I would gladly slap him at our first actual meeting. Likewise I would invite Mrs. Harrison (who we meet only once) to tea without hesitation. Bravo for another triumph, MS. Grayson.
December 28, 2021
despite wanting to fight both of these assholes characters, I could not help but love them in all their asshole-ish glory, I just wanted them to get their happily ever after
but GOD, I would still slap both of these jerks hahahahha
Its a great book, realistic characters, great story
but GOD, I would still slap both of these jerks hahahahha
Its a great book, realistic characters, great story
October 2, 2021
Look, it wasn’t perfect, but it was so so much better than most of what I’ve been reading lately. Like head and shoulders above. Yes, Kit and his back and forth feelings and threats of quitting were a little tiresome but, man, when it finally happened between him and Andrew? Holy cow. Totally worth it. And the last chapters left me a MESS.
September 2, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up!
I love a Regency romance. It was the first romance subgenre I ever fell in love with, and I was delighted to see it getting more attention after the release of Bridgerton at the end of 2020. What a lot of the more mainstream Regencies lack, however, is queer relationships. I know, I know, Benedict had that artist friend in Bridgerton. There's often a side character that is implied to be part of the LGBTQ+ community in other big historical series. But what I love about this book is that we get the gorgeous, lush Regency world of manners and scandal, rakes and rascals, but with queer couples right at the forefront.
This book follows the wealthy and rakish Andrew Turner as he employs Kit Hewlett as his secretary after accidentally losing Kit his job. Andrew is immediately attracted to Kit, but the more time they spend together, the more the lust starts to give way to deeper emotion.
I absolutely loved Andrew and Kit's story. On the surface, they appear to be stock characters, the wealthy gentleman and his employee, but they have such distinct and authentic voices that the story quickly hooks you in as its own unique tale. There's a bit of forced proximity thrown in there, which I enjoyed for how it forces the two of them to come face to face with their feelings, and a whole lot of repressed lust and emotion. What can I say, I'm British. I love a bit of emotional repression. It's what we grow up on here. It's what the *original* Regency heroes a la Mr Darcy had for breakfast.
Eliot Grayson manages to write both steamy moments and tender scenes so beautifully, and watching Andrew and Kit negotiate their relationship through those was a treat.
I really hope Eliot Grayson writes more in this world because I'm not ready to say goodbye to these two just yet!
**Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book from the author but all reviews and opinions are honest and my own**
I love a Regency romance. It was the first romance subgenre I ever fell in love with, and I was delighted to see it getting more attention after the release of Bridgerton at the end of 2020. What a lot of the more mainstream Regencies lack, however, is queer relationships. I know, I know, Benedict had that artist friend in Bridgerton. There's often a side character that is implied to be part of the LGBTQ+ community in other big historical series. But what I love about this book is that we get the gorgeous, lush Regency world of manners and scandal, rakes and rascals, but with queer couples right at the forefront.
This book follows the wealthy and rakish Andrew Turner as he employs Kit Hewlett as his secretary after accidentally losing Kit his job. Andrew is immediately attracted to Kit, but the more time they spend together, the more the lust starts to give way to deeper emotion.
I absolutely loved Andrew and Kit's story. On the surface, they appear to be stock characters, the wealthy gentleman and his employee, but they have such distinct and authentic voices that the story quickly hooks you in as its own unique tale. There's a bit of forced proximity thrown in there, which I enjoyed for how it forces the two of them to come face to face with their feelings, and a whole lot of repressed lust and emotion. What can I say, I'm British. I love a bit of emotional repression. It's what we grow up on here. It's what the *original* Regency heroes a la Mr Darcy had for breakfast.
Eliot Grayson manages to write both steamy moments and tender scenes so beautifully, and watching Andrew and Kit negotiate their relationship through those was a treat.
I really hope Eliot Grayson writes more in this world because I'm not ready to say goodbye to these two just yet!
**Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book from the author but all reviews and opinions are honest and my own**
September 4, 2021
3.5 Stars!
I'm not always big on historicals, but I'm always big on Eliot's works and you find all the hallmarks of her works here. Snarky characters, smoking hot chemistry, and wonderful writing all make for a great story. A big surprise to me was that it was Andrew that I liked from the beginning and it took me a long while to warm up to Kit. I usually like the buttoned-up snarky part of the pair, but Andrew was just so authentic to who he was (which was often a hot mess), that I enjoyed him from the beginning. As more of Kit's past unfolds, my heart softened for him and I definitely understood why he was such a prickly little guy. Definitely another win by Grayson and I look forward to continuing the series!
I'm not always big on historicals, but I'm always big on Eliot's works and you find all the hallmarks of her works here. Snarky characters, smoking hot chemistry, and wonderful writing all make for a great story. A big surprise to me was that it was Andrew that I liked from the beginning and it took me a long while to warm up to Kit. I usually like the buttoned-up snarky part of the pair, but Andrew was just so authentic to who he was (which was often a hot mess), that I enjoyed him from the beginning. As more of Kit's past unfolds, my heart softened for him and I definitely understood why he was such a prickly little guy. Definitely another win by Grayson and I look forward to continuing the series!
September 19, 2021
Literally Falling into Love!
Such an enjoyable historical romance between rascal Lt. Andrew Turner and once a gentleman but now (brought low) “Kit” Hewlett. This is a charming, slow-burner romance with sexy bits. I liked that this was not an insta-love tale. The MCs had to work hard at getting to know each other which was entertaining and frustrating. They both acted against their best interest and both were a bit immature, yet sweet, too. I especially loved when Kit finally takes charge! I liked this 2nd book a bit more than the 1st in this series, “Like A Gentleman”. A good read!
Such an enjoyable historical romance between rascal Lt. Andrew Turner and once a gentleman but now (brought low) “Kit” Hewlett. This is a charming, slow-burner romance with sexy bits. I liked that this was not an insta-love tale. The MCs had to work hard at getting to know each other which was entertaining and frustrating. They both acted against their best interest and both were a bit immature, yet sweet, too. I especially loved when Kit finally takes charge! I liked this 2nd book a bit more than the 1st in this series, “Like A Gentleman”. A good read!
May 4, 2022
Completely worth the long wait for this! A big chunk of me wants to go back and re-read the first book right now, but Mount TBR waits for no one. The miscommunications were thick in the first half but still understandable -- I'm not sure if I would've put up with all of them from a different author, but it worked for me here.
September 6, 2021
Tough Man to Love Until...
This is a sequel to "Like a Gentleman," which like this one is one of the most sexually explicit Regency romances I've come across. Like the prior book the principal characters are very flawed, and the instant attractions strongly described.
However, this one has a bit of a drawback in that the man on the cover, Navy Lieutenant Andrew Turner, is one of the most totally out-of-control hedonists I have come across, and in that respect sets him up as an unsympathetic character.
This is compounded by his object of desire, Kit Hewlett, a smaller, slim, sweetly beautiful young man whose family fortune was destroyed and who is now just above the pauper level. That he happens to literally fall into the arms of Turner by accident--and lose his bookshop job as a result--is a clever plot device which gets us to the action that takes place after he very reluctantly agrees to become Turner's secretary.
What follows is an extremely detailed and sometimes off putting psychological study of both men which corresponds to an extremely detailed and sometimes off putting plot line.
I would strongly suggest that you arch your eyebrow at the potential for disaster which courses through most of the book until a near tragic incident occurs that brings everyone to their senses.
In the end it works. But you might have to work a little to get there.
This is a sequel to "Like a Gentleman," which like this one is one of the most sexually explicit Regency romances I've come across. Like the prior book the principal characters are very flawed, and the instant attractions strongly described.
However, this one has a bit of a drawback in that the man on the cover, Navy Lieutenant Andrew Turner, is one of the most totally out-of-control hedonists I have come across, and in that respect sets him up as an unsympathetic character.
This is compounded by his object of desire, Kit Hewlett, a smaller, slim, sweetly beautiful young man whose family fortune was destroyed and who is now just above the pauper level. That he happens to literally fall into the arms of Turner by accident--and lose his bookshop job as a result--is a clever plot device which gets us to the action that takes place after he very reluctantly agrees to become Turner's secretary.
What follows is an extremely detailed and sometimes off putting psychological study of both men which corresponds to an extremely detailed and sometimes off putting plot line.
I would strongly suggest that you arch your eyebrow at the potential for disaster which courses through most of the book until a near tragic incident occurs that brings everyone to their senses.
In the end it works. But you might have to work a little to get there.
September 4, 2021
Once a Gentleman is a delightful historical romance, angst free and entertaining.
Kit and Andrew started off as not quite enemies yet not friendly, even as they lived in the same house and with their work relationship. Immensely attracted to each other, but they lacked in the communication department. They seemed to speak different languages at times, understanding the complete opposite of what the other said and they've been so much fun to watch. Both prideful and stubborn, reluctant to be the first to let his guard down, which resulted in a push and pull that entertained me to no end. Attraction before friendship and a combustible chemistry, leading to feelings so tender that made me swoon.
I really enjoyed the story and the author's writing. I found amazing dialogues and well researched language and historical details. Recommended.
Kit and Andrew started off as not quite enemies yet not friendly, even as they lived in the same house and with their work relationship. Immensely attracted to each other, but they lacked in the communication department. They seemed to speak different languages at times, understanding the complete opposite of what the other said and they've been so much fun to watch. Both prideful and stubborn, reluctant to be the first to let his guard down, which resulted in a push and pull that entertained me to no end. Attraction before friendship and a combustible chemistry, leading to feelings so tender that made me swoon.
I really enjoyed the story and the author's writing. I found amazing dialogues and well researched language and historical details. Recommended.
September 4, 2021
Kit may be down in his luck but does not let life beat him down. Kit stands his ground and doesn't bow down to life or Andrew. Therefore, all kinds of sparks fly...anger, attraction, pettiness, and love. These two MCs are not perfect, they will frustrate you many times with their lack of communication and misunderstanding, whether on purpose or accidentally. But that's what makes them more real. Life is not perfect and emotions cannot be controlled. But when they finally give in to their feelings and desire...there is so much hotness, sweetness, and acceptance. True acceptance, flaws and all. There also some angst but not overwhelming, the sneaked in humor catches you by surprise that you can't help but laugh out loud. Kit and Andrew story is definitely worth reading, full of emotions, flawed MCs, and true love. Now can I please have Samuel's story.
September 4, 2021
Hats off
“Kit wasn’t terribly bloodthirsty, nor criminally inclined, but the pouring of soup in a hat really was enough to make any law-abiding man abandon his civilized principles.” My favorite part of any Eliot Grayson book is the clever bits of humor woven throughout. Though this book was rather angsty and the two MCs have a serious case of miscommunication—sometimes accidentally and sometimes on purpose—the humor, the characters—Samuel in particular—the setting, and of course, Kit and Andrew left me with a smile on my face. Their constant push-and-pull against each other and their steamy chemistry was a bit like being swept up in a storm at sea but they’re worth the tumult as watching them fall in love was a love letter all its own.
“Kit wasn’t terribly bloodthirsty, nor criminally inclined, but the pouring of soup in a hat really was enough to make any law-abiding man abandon his civilized principles.” My favorite part of any Eliot Grayson book is the clever bits of humor woven throughout. Though this book was rather angsty and the two MCs have a serious case of miscommunication—sometimes accidentally and sometimes on purpose—the humor, the characters—Samuel in particular—the setting, and of course, Kit and Andrew left me with a smile on my face. Their constant push-and-pull against each other and their steamy chemistry was a bit like being swept up in a storm at sea but they’re worth the tumult as watching them fall in love was a love letter all its own.
September 9, 2021
ᗩᗷՏOᒪᑌTᗴᒪY ᒪOᐯᗴᒪY
‘Once a Gentleman’ definitely brought me back to the regency romance novels of my late teens and early twenties!!
Beautifully developed and written, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Andrew is an absolutely unrepentant rake and I adore him. ☺️ Kit … oh, Kit. 🥰 I picture this diminutive, yet spirited and spunky young man; the perfect foil {and remedy} for Andrew and his wasted existence while home.
I love the slow burn, enemies to friends to lovers of this surprisingly VERY romantic novel. It’s also very well paced, which is always a nice treat.
‘Once a Gentleman’ definitely brought me back to the regency romance novels of my late teens and early twenties!!
Beautifully developed and written, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Andrew is an absolutely unrepentant rake and I adore him. ☺️ Kit … oh, Kit. 🥰 I picture this diminutive, yet spirited and spunky young man; the perfect foil {and remedy} for Andrew and his wasted existence while home.
I love the slow burn, enemies to friends to lovers of this surprisingly VERY romantic novel. It’s also very well paced, which is always a nice treat.
September 2, 2021
"This has nothing to do with your conscience, and I do have one, by the way- I acquired it quite recently, as a matter if fact." When I first read this line, in the first book of the series, I hoped Andrew was referring to a person. Watching Kit and Andrew discover how they work together was oddly angsty and endearing. There were some truly cringe worthy moments and lots of smexyness.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
August 29, 2022
Kit was pretty much penniless and misunderstood.
Andrew wasn't much of a fan of treachery and love.
Penniless, friendless, and with nowhere left to turn after his family’s ruin, Kit Hewlett can’t afford any more disasters. When a rakish, too-handsome gentleman—and Kit’s own clumsiness—cause him to lose his position as a bookshop clerk, Kit has no choice but to accept the gentleman’s offer of employment as his secretary.
Andrew Turner serves honorably in the Royal Navy, but when ashore he wastes his fortune and his time on an endless round of drinking, cards, and…other pleasures. He appreciates his new secretary’s slim body and pretty green eyes more than he ought, but he’s also struck by Kit’s quick wit and clever mind. To Andrew’s shock, he finds himself wanting more than a tumble. But that’s inconvenient. It’s irritating. And Kit won’t bed him anyway.
Trying to convince Kit that he’s more than just a debauched wastrel takes some doing, but once desire overrides Kit’s common sense, their attraction explodes into passion. Just as Kit dares to believe in Andrew’s love, Andrew’s ship is sent on a mission to the Continent. Will separation, worry, and fear tear them apart or will love bind them to one another forever?
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book that I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Andrew wasn't much of a fan of treachery and love.
Penniless, friendless, and with nowhere left to turn after his family’s ruin, Kit Hewlett can’t afford any more disasters. When a rakish, too-handsome gentleman—and Kit’s own clumsiness—cause him to lose his position as a bookshop clerk, Kit has no choice but to accept the gentleman’s offer of employment as his secretary.
Andrew Turner serves honorably in the Royal Navy, but when ashore he wastes his fortune and his time on an endless round of drinking, cards, and…other pleasures. He appreciates his new secretary’s slim body and pretty green eyes more than he ought, but he’s also struck by Kit’s quick wit and clever mind. To Andrew’s shock, he finds himself wanting more than a tumble. But that’s inconvenient. It’s irritating. And Kit won’t bed him anyway.
Trying to convince Kit that he’s more than just a debauched wastrel takes some doing, but once desire overrides Kit’s common sense, their attraction explodes into passion. Just as Kit dares to believe in Andrew’s love, Andrew’s ship is sent on a mission to the Continent. Will separation, worry, and fear tear them apart or will love bind them to one another forever?
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book that I read and reviewed voluntarily.
November 24, 2021
I loved it, I really love historical romance.
September 23, 2021
I stayed up WAY too late reading this one. I just could not put it down, sleep be damned, and as a mom of two small children this is saying a LOT, lol.
This was spicy in a lot of ways and I loved it. Kit was especially zesty, full of righteous rage, and Andrew was a debauched idiot who never once made a clever decision and I loved him for it. The slow burn enemies-to-lovers was full of tension and angst and fire and humor and made the HEA all the more delicious.
I also loved everything about the footman wanting to murder the butler. Soup. Hats. Casual discussion of homicide. *Chef's kiss* Made me laugh out loud.
This was spicy in a lot of ways and I loved it. Kit was especially zesty, full of righteous rage, and Andrew was a debauched idiot who never once made a clever decision and I loved him for it. The slow burn enemies-to-lovers was full of tension and angst and fire and humor and made the HEA all the more delicious.
I also loved everything about the footman wanting to murder the butler. Soup. Hats. Casual discussion of homicide. *Chef's kiss* Made me laugh out loud.
September 2, 2021
This was a good book. It tells of Kit, who is down on his luck and literally falls into Andrew’s arms. Andrew offers Kit a job to become his secretary as he is not good in keeping up with his correspondence. There is great chemistry between the 2 MCs and this is their story on how they navigate regency England and Andrew being in the military, to their ever after.
I received a copy of this book for my review
I received a copy of this book for my review
September 11, 2021
I’ve only read a few historical story’s and this one was the best I’ve read to date! The author has a way of giving you great characters full of snark and chemistry. Andrew and Kit’s story felt realistic to me. The story just worked for me!! It was really well written, highly recommend! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
April 20, 2022
An mm romance manual for the tropes ‘the big misunderstanding’ and ‘push pull’. This was a slog of a book to read. Too bad, because the writing was clear and the sex scenes were hot.
August 22, 2022
Well I read the whole thing so that’s something I guess.
This focuses almost entirely on the two MCs circling each other and relies on a repetitious round-and-round of self-denial, lack of communication, and misunderstandings to prolong things until we get to the inevitable happy ending. Though there is a major life changing event thrown in at the 87% mark, I prefer there be more going on in addition to the couple coming together.
Kit’s huffy protestations were funny after a while, but he was a bit too much of a damsel. He was always either working himself up into a huff, giving Andrew a dressing down, or he was blushing and tearing up. At one point I even wondered if this was meant to be a parody with all the intense emotions and agonizing.
Maybe this hits the mark for traditional romance readers, but it’s not the type I like to read.
This focuses almost entirely on the two MCs circling each other and relies on a repetitious round-and-round of self-denial, lack of communication, and misunderstandings to prolong things until we get to the inevitable happy ending. Though there is a major life changing event thrown in at the 87% mark, I prefer there be more going on in addition to the couple coming together.
Kit’s huffy protestations were funny after a while, but he was a bit too much of a damsel. He was always either working himself up into a huff, giving Andrew a dressing down, or he was blushing and tearing up. At one point I even wondered if this was meant to be a parody with all the intense emotions and agonizing.
Maybe this hits the mark for traditional romance readers, but it’s not the type I like to read.
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October 15, 2022I love the way this author writes in a sort of regency (regency? I can’t remember the setting oops) adjacent manner that is reminiscent of novels from the period while maintaining a 21st century voice. V enjoyable! A bit toooooo sexy again for my prude eyes but I have long accepted that if I wanna read fun sexy queer romances, I have to just suck it up and stare at them through that open door🕺
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