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The Beautiful Barringtons #6
The Making of a Gentleman
Miss Olivia Nelson has never done anything reckless in her life.
Determined to be the perfect young lady amongst a field of wild Barringtons, Olivia strives for politeness. Modesty. Restraint. But when Lady Phaedra Barrington declares her to be boring and goads her into venturing to Elysium, Olivia reluctantly agrees.
Elysium, part gambling hell and part pleasure palace isn’t the sort of establishment Olivia should ever visit. Her future includes paying calls, taking sedate walks in the park and marriage to a proper, somewhat boring gentleman hand-picked by her grandfather. When a handsome stranger nearly ravishes her on Elysium’s second floor, Olivia is thrilled to have done something daring.
Until she finds the same man seated across from her at the Duke of Averell’s dinner table. Winking at her. A proper gentleman, one with an ounce of decorum, would pretend not to recognize her.
But Mr. Benjamin Cooke, Olivia soon finds out, is definitely not a gentleman.
He’s ruthless. Unprincipled. Brilliant. Attractive. And worst of all, American.
Cooke wants Olivia with a determination that is as thrilling as it is terrifying.
Now Olivia is faced with an impossible decision.
Will she be bound by duty? Or sacrifice everything to follow her heart?
Determined to be the perfect young lady amongst a field of wild Barringtons, Olivia strives for politeness. Modesty. Restraint. But when Lady Phaedra Barrington declares her to be boring and goads her into venturing to Elysium, Olivia reluctantly agrees.
Elysium, part gambling hell and part pleasure palace isn’t the sort of establishment Olivia should ever visit. Her future includes paying calls, taking sedate walks in the park and marriage to a proper, somewhat boring gentleman hand-picked by her grandfather. When a handsome stranger nearly ravishes her on Elysium’s second floor, Olivia is thrilled to have done something daring.
Until she finds the same man seated across from her at the Duke of Averell’s dinner table. Winking at her. A proper gentleman, one with an ounce of decorum, would pretend not to recognize her.
But Mr. Benjamin Cooke, Olivia soon finds out, is definitely not a gentleman.
He’s ruthless. Unprincipled. Brilliant. Attractive. And worst of all, American.
Cooke wants Olivia with a determination that is as thrilling as it is terrifying.
Now Olivia is faced with an impossible decision.
Will she be bound by duty? Or sacrifice everything to follow her heart?
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2022
312 people are currently reading
363 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Ayers
42 books625 followersKathleen Ayers has been a hopeful romantic since the tender age of fourteen when she first purchased a copy of Sweet Savage Love at a garage sale while her mother was looking at antique animal planters. Since then she’s read hundreds of historical romances and fallen in love dozens of times. In particular she adores handsome, slightly damaged men with a wicked sense of humor. On paper, of course.
Kathleen lives in Houston and is married with one college aged son and two very spoiled dogs.
Kathleen lives in Houston and is married with one college aged son and two very spoiled dogs.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
November 3, 2022
I received an ARC from the author. All views expressed below are my own.
Ratings
Overall - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot - 📖📖📖📖
Feels - 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth - 💔💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension - ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
Sensuality/ Intimacy Scenes - 🔥🔥🔥
This rating scale is based on the Ton & Tartans FB Group.
PS - I am a little rusty with writing reviews, not having written one in a few months, so please bear with me.
My Thoughts
- Ah, this lovely, gorgeous book was a wondrous read. The Barringtons are a favourite of mine, plus I had been eagerly anticipating Ben's story since he made an appearance in The Wager of a Lady. I love it when spin-offs don't disappoint, and well, Kathleen Ayers rarely does.
- This story read so quickly that I wanted more of it. It was clearly engaging, fun, emotional and innately sensual.
- I love that every Barrington has a unique skill as it makes the characters interesting, and the metaphors that can be derived become a sweet little addition to a cleverly written story.
- Olivia was a lovely heroine. Now, I generally dislike characters dithering, but with her, it made sense. I felt for her. She was trying to find her place in the world, where she belonged, the essence of family. So, she made a few mistakes along the way. Who cares? She dared to accept, confront, and fix the errors in judgement to move forward. Love it. This girl was spunky, funny, sweet, and caring.
- Ben, darling, sweet, sexy, sexy Ben. I love it when the ruthless fall hopelessly in love. Oh, he was so cute in his attempt to be honourable. Who can say no to a cocksure, sexy, self-made man? Not I! Give me more of him, and I shall be the happiest reader out there.
- The romance can only be described as sensual. The tension kept you on your toes as you waited for them to find their way towards each other, it built, and the culmination was utterly adorable. Personally, the best part was - no weird drama and no stupid misunderstandings!
- The rest of the Barrington clan provided a lot of comic relief, especially Phaedra, now her story I am desperate for.
- A special shout out to Peter for not being a run-of-the-mill idiot heir, grubby suitor or villain.
Since I read it on my iPad and I cannot post highlights, so some lovely quotes...
“Perhaps I’m following you about London, Miss Nelson. Which would make me,” he said, hovering far too close, breath ruffling the curls around her ear, “slightly nefarious, don’t you think?”
“It is only that I want you so much. And I shouldn’t have you. Can’t have you. And I don’t know what to do about it.”
“Everything,” he said. “You are everything.” Sadness lingered in his eyes before his mouth fell over hers.”
“He wasn’t honourable, but he was trying to be. For her. Always for her.”
“This was Ben. All of him. Unapologetic. Ruthless. A threat in an expensive coat and boots.”
A little note I made that begs to be shared, for when Olivia decided to put things into perspective and change gears -
"An orgasm (or two) shall set you free, but alas, the truth comes a close second!"
My Recommendation
Ummm, hell yes! I think it's time to re-read this series. If you haven't read about the Barrigntons, I suggest you get on it, now would be better!
Ratings
Overall - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot - 📖📖📖📖
Feels - 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth - 💔💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension - ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
Sensuality/ Intimacy Scenes - 🔥🔥🔥
This rating scale is based on the Ton & Tartans FB Group.
PS - I am a little rusty with writing reviews, not having written one in a few months, so please bear with me.
My Thoughts
- Ah, this lovely, gorgeous book was a wondrous read. The Barringtons are a favourite of mine, plus I had been eagerly anticipating Ben's story since he made an appearance in The Wager of a Lady. I love it when spin-offs don't disappoint, and well, Kathleen Ayers rarely does.
- This story read so quickly that I wanted more of it. It was clearly engaging, fun, emotional and innately sensual.
- I love that every Barrington has a unique skill as it makes the characters interesting, and the metaphors that can be derived become a sweet little addition to a cleverly written story.
- Olivia was a lovely heroine. Now, I generally dislike characters dithering, but with her, it made sense. I felt for her. She was trying to find her place in the world, where she belonged, the essence of family. So, she made a few mistakes along the way. Who cares? She dared to accept, confront, and fix the errors in judgement to move forward. Love it. This girl was spunky, funny, sweet, and caring.
- Ben, darling, sweet, sexy, sexy Ben. I love it when the ruthless fall hopelessly in love. Oh, he was so cute in his attempt to be honourable. Who can say no to a cocksure, sexy, self-made man? Not I! Give me more of him, and I shall be the happiest reader out there.
- The romance can only be described as sensual. The tension kept you on your toes as you waited for them to find their way towards each other, it built, and the culmination was utterly adorable. Personally, the best part was - no weird drama and no stupid misunderstandings!
- The rest of the Barrington clan provided a lot of comic relief, especially Phaedra, now her story I am desperate for.
- A special shout out to Peter for not being a run-of-the-mill idiot heir, grubby suitor or villain.
Since I read it on my iPad and I cannot post highlights, so some lovely quotes...
“Perhaps I’m following you about London, Miss Nelson. Which would make me,” he said, hovering far too close, breath ruffling the curls around her ear, “slightly nefarious, don’t you think?”
“It is only that I want you so much. And I shouldn’t have you. Can’t have you. And I don’t know what to do about it.”
“Everything,” he said. “You are everything.” Sadness lingered in his eyes before his mouth fell over hers.”
“He wasn’t honourable, but he was trying to be. For her. Always for her.”
“This was Ben. All of him. Unapologetic. Ruthless. A threat in an expensive coat and boots.”
A little note I made that begs to be shared, for when Olivia decided to put things into perspective and change gears -
"An orgasm (or two) shall set you free, but alas, the truth comes a close second!"
My Recommendation
Ummm, hell yes! I think it's time to re-read this series. If you haven't read about the Barrigntons, I suggest you get on it, now would be better!
June 5, 2023
4.5
I love these characters! This family and their banter are just everything to me.
The whole series is amazing!
I love these characters! This family and their banter are just everything to me.
The whole series is amazing!
October 24, 2022
Miss Olivia Nelson is determined to be a proper lady, unlike her wild family the Barringtons; but, her adoptive sister goads her into sneaking into their brother's exclusive club. When the pair is nearly caught, Olivia hides in a guest room, where she has a very improper encounter with an anonymous man. She is horrified when the stranger, Mr. Benjamin Cooke, turns up at her family's dinner table.
This is the sixth book in the Beautiful Barrington's series. I recommend reading the series in order as multiple family members are involved in each other's stories. Ben is introduced in book four as a cousin to that heroine, Lady Georgina.
Olivia is the ward to the dowager duchess of the Barrington family and has been raised by them almost since birth. She has always felt a bit different from her family, and a "chance" meeting with her estranged grandfather makes her desperate to connect with her past. But her grandfather is a manipulative jerk who want her to be prim and dutiful, and marry his heir. She might have been able to marry for obligation if she had not met Ben, who stirred a different side of her. Ben has his own dicey past, and skates a fine line between wanting Olivia and not wanting to take her choices away.
Tropes: One Night Stand, Mistaken Identity, Class Difference, Opposites Attract
Steam: 5
* I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
This is the sixth book in the Beautiful Barrington's series. I recommend reading the series in order as multiple family members are involved in each other's stories. Ben is introduced in book four as a cousin to that heroine, Lady Georgina.
Olivia is the ward to the dowager duchess of the Barrington family and has been raised by them almost since birth. She has always felt a bit different from her family, and a "chance" meeting with her estranged grandfather makes her desperate to connect with her past. But her grandfather is a manipulative jerk who want her to be prim and dutiful, and marry his heir. She might have been able to marry for obligation if she had not met Ben, who stirred a different side of her. Ben has his own dicey past, and skates a fine line between wanting Olivia and not wanting to take her choices away.
Tropes: One Night Stand, Mistaken Identity, Class Difference, Opposites Attract
Steam: 5
* I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
January 3, 2023
A Solid 3 Stars... but I have many thoughts.
Firstly, I wish to say that I hope there will be one more Barrington book, because damn I've had my interest peaked by Phaedra & Morgan's (yes, I am biased in favor of any story with a MC who shares my name. Don't judge) story. But really, they gave me The Devil of Downtown meets like, the ultimate gamine, tomboy heroine. Phaedra is my favourite.
Which I guess isn’t great segue into the Gripes Section of this review, oh well:
I think my greatest issue with this, and the rest of the this series—and possibly Kathleen Ayers' work itself—is that there is a sort of... unfinished quality to this work. Not in the editing or the writing style—that's all fine and dandy. But rather, in The Strata of Emotional Development, Ayers' stories only occupy the sub-surface layer. Like, the sub-plots are sort of woven in well, but not quite. The MCs poke into the deeper, lower layers of love-stratification but still largely occupy that just-below-the-topsoil layer. Terrible analogy, I know, but maybe you get the picture. There were so many moments of intimacy and connection, but it was always stagnated by loose b-plots, out-of-character moments (namely of obstinacy, an adjective that unfortunately plagues all the heroines of this series, in a nigglingly identical, often unjustified, character-breaking way), and insta-lust.
Which gets my to my second gripe. Don't get me wrong, love me the insta-lust plot device. It's great—if horribly overused—and can be an excellent tool to creation tension between characters, however it often truncates opportunity within a story to bridge the sex-to-love gap. And I think that's where this story—and the other Barrington instalments—falls short. There was just something missing which wove the moments between the MC together where I felt that the romance was earned through intimacy as opposed to being achieved through The Insta-Lust Phenomenon. When we arrive at those crucial moments between Ben and Olivia where they are making declarations and there is delicious melodrama about to ensue, I couldn't believe it because there wasn't much of an emotional foundation , rather several scenes of ear-whispering and obstinancy. Hence this unfinished, almost unfulfilled, vibe I got while reading this and its predecessors.
I distinctly got those Singin' in the Rain Lena Lamont vibes.
You feel me?
I had minor other gripes: the pointless obstinacy of Olivia (which I alluded to earlier) towards her growing attraction and affection for Ben...which made sense in the abstract but would have been so much better if it was wholly absent from the romantic arc (this same critique applies to the previous book), and this story felt a little heavy on the end with too little bulk in the first 60 or so % of the book.
BUT! With all of this in mind, I still enjoyed it. There was a lot to like, and some fun to be had. Pleasure palaces, boxing clubs, a manipulative grandfather, the further introduction of 1840s New York, a little drama here and there. It was perfectly nice.
I particularly enjoyed Ben—who started out seeming rapey with a bondage kink (no shame on the latter, just the former because woah)—and turned out to be one of those Honorable Street Urchin types.
For the most part I liked Olivia, though I'd say she suffered from the same dulling-down as the previous installments' heroines. Her alleged reservedness, demureness, propriety etc. never really came through even after several books pointing to those characteristics being quintessential to Olivia's person. This, I was prepared for, as the same happened to Romy (who kind of was horrible, just like the MMC, David in The Design of Dukes) and Theo (who was meant to be quirky, and just simply wasn't at all in The Marquess Method) and so on... But, she at least came to her senses in the final act and went all in and I needed that.
All in all, this is a decent series, and I appreciate Ayer's departure from outlandish HR arcs that I remember from her early stuff. These at least felt more grounded and well thought through. I just want something more from the stories, they aren't reaching their fullest potential in my mind.
I eagerly await Phaedra's book now and will watch for Kathleen's work in the future.
Firstly, I wish to say that I hope there will be one more Barrington book, because damn I've had my interest peaked by Phaedra & Morgan's (yes, I am biased in favor of any story with a MC who shares my name. Don't judge) story. But really, they gave me The Devil of Downtown meets like, the ultimate gamine, tomboy heroine. Phaedra is my favourite.
Which I guess isn’t great segue into the Gripes Section of this review, oh well:
I think my greatest issue with this, and the rest of the this series—and possibly Kathleen Ayers' work itself—is that there is a sort of... unfinished quality to this work. Not in the editing or the writing style—that's all fine and dandy. But rather, in The Strata of Emotional Development, Ayers' stories only occupy the sub-surface layer. Like, the sub-plots are sort of woven in well, but not quite. The MCs poke into the deeper, lower layers of love-stratification but still largely occupy that just-below-the-topsoil layer. Terrible analogy, I know, but maybe you get the picture. There were so many moments of intimacy and connection, but it was always stagnated by loose b-plots, out-of-character moments (namely of obstinacy, an adjective that unfortunately plagues all the heroines of this series, in a nigglingly identical, often unjustified, character-breaking way), and insta-lust.
Which gets my to my second gripe. Don't get me wrong, love me the insta-lust plot device. It's great—if horribly overused—and can be an excellent tool to creation tension between characters, however it often truncates opportunity within a story to bridge the sex-to-love gap. And I think that's where this story—and the other Barrington instalments—falls short. There was just something missing which wove the moments between the MC together where I felt that the romance was earned through intimacy as opposed to being achieved through The Insta-Lust Phenomenon. When we arrive at those crucial moments between Ben and Olivia where they are making declarations and there is delicious melodrama about to ensue, I couldn't believe it because there wasn't much of an emotional foundation , rather several scenes of ear-whispering and obstinancy. Hence this unfinished, almost unfulfilled, vibe I got while reading this and its predecessors.
I distinctly got those Singin' in the Rain Lena Lamont vibes.
You feel me?
I had minor other gripes: the pointless obstinacy of Olivia (which I alluded to earlier) towards her growing attraction and affection for Ben...which made sense in the abstract but would have been so much better if it was wholly absent from the romantic arc (this same critique applies to the previous book), and this story felt a little heavy on the end with too little bulk in the first 60 or so % of the book.
BUT! With all of this in mind, I still enjoyed it. There was a lot to like, and some fun to be had. Pleasure palaces, boxing clubs, a manipulative grandfather, the further introduction of 1840s New York, a little drama here and there. It was perfectly nice.
I particularly enjoyed Ben—who started out seeming rapey with a bondage kink (no shame on the latter, just the former because woah)—and turned out to be one of those Honorable Street Urchin types.
For the most part I liked Olivia, though I'd say she suffered from the same dulling-down as the previous installments' heroines. Her alleged reservedness, demureness, propriety etc. never really came through even after several books pointing to those characteristics being quintessential to Olivia's person. This, I was prepared for, as the same happened to Romy (who kind of was horrible, just like the MMC, David in The Design of Dukes) and Theo (who was meant to be quirky, and just simply wasn't at all in The Marquess Method) and so on... But, she at least came to her senses in the final act and went all in and I needed that.
All in all, this is a decent series, and I appreciate Ayer's departure from outlandish HR arcs that I remember from her early stuff. These at least felt more grounded and well thought through. I just want something more from the stories, they aren't reaching their fullest potential in my mind.
I eagerly await Phaedra's book now and will watch for Kathleen's work in the future.
October 22, 2022
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Holy shit. I think this might be my favorite Beautiful Barrington book, but also my favorite that Kathleen has ever written. That's high praise when I LOVED Design of Dukes so much that I recommend it to almost everyone. Benjamin Cooke is so damn swoon worthy. The moment that he meets Olivia you can feel their sexual and emotional connection jump right off the page.
This book perfectly blended everything I love about romance. Benjamin Cooke is dark and dirty and hot. His obsession and focus on Olivia are exactly what I want to read about. When she asks him what we mean to each other, and he replies with everything. I almost dropped my book and fainted. He knows what he wants, he knows it's more than lust, and he is open and honest about his feelings for her. He can't stay away from her and pursues her. I mean, even if I didn't really like Olivia too, Ben is enough of a reason to read this book.
I think I am going to make a favorite reads of 2022 shelf and add this book right in there because it was freaking fantastic. Just read this whole series because it's amazing. Don't just take my word for it, the reviews on these books are not lying about how great they are.
Holy shit. I think this might be my favorite Beautiful Barrington book, but also my favorite that Kathleen has ever written. That's high praise when I LOVED Design of Dukes so much that I recommend it to almost everyone. Benjamin Cooke is so damn swoon worthy. The moment that he meets Olivia you can feel their sexual and emotional connection jump right off the page.
This book perfectly blended everything I love about romance. Benjamin Cooke is dark and dirty and hot. His obsession and focus on Olivia are exactly what I want to read about. When she asks him what we mean to each other, and he replies with everything. I almost dropped my book and fainted. He knows what he wants, he knows it's more than lust, and he is open and honest about his feelings for her. He can't stay away from her and pursues her. I mean, even if I didn't really like Olivia too, Ben is enough of a reason to read this book.
I think I am going to make a favorite reads of 2022 shelf and add this book right in there because it was freaking fantastic. Just read this whole series because it's amazing. Don't just take my word for it, the reviews on these books are not lying about how great they are.
October 24, 2022
I have enjoyed all of the books in this series and this one lived up to the Barrington standard of excellence. Yes, that's a thing now.
Olivia is the adopted Barrington reconnecting with a grandfather she has never known. This brings up a lot of mixed feelings for her about who she really is. The grandfather is emotionally manipulative and wants her to marry the man who will inherit his title and estate. Enter Benjamin Cooke, relative of Georgina (a previous heroine in the series) who is in England for the birth of Georgina's baby. He is temptation itself for Olivia.
The pull between duty and following your heart was so strong in this that I couldn't seem to stop reading. Olivia struggled with her identity and not feeling like a true Barrington, but the people who stick by you no matter what are your family. I love that in the end she understands that the people who accept you for who you are deserve your loyalty. You can see this book made me feel things! Ben was so swoony and I have to say the "bad boy" American and proper English miss really worked for me.
Thanks to the author for an advanced copy in exchange for review.
Olivia is the adopted Barrington reconnecting with a grandfather she has never known. This brings up a lot of mixed feelings for her about who she really is. The grandfather is emotionally manipulative and wants her to marry the man who will inherit his title and estate. Enter Benjamin Cooke, relative of Georgina (a previous heroine in the series) who is in England for the birth of Georgina's baby. He is temptation itself for Olivia.
The pull between duty and following your heart was so strong in this that I couldn't seem to stop reading. Olivia struggled with her identity and not feeling like a true Barrington, but the people who stick by you no matter what are your family. I love that in the end she understands that the people who accept you for who you are deserve your loyalty. You can see this book made me feel things! Ben was so swoony and I have to say the "bad boy" American and proper English miss really worked for me.
Thanks to the author for an advanced copy in exchange for review.
April 1, 2024
I love Kathleen Ayers writing. This is my 17th book by her. I read one of her books in 2016 and picked her up again faithfully in 2019 and is one of my favorite authors. I can truthfully say every book has been a fantastic read. As a matter of fact, of my almost 2600 books read since 2015, she has written 2 of my all-time favorite books. (The Design of Dukes (The Beautiful Barringtons Book 2) and Wicked Again (The Wickeds Book 7).
I felt it had just the right amount of everything. And as usual, such hot sex. Yum!!!
I loved Olivia and Ben. I loved their personalities and their interactions with each other. I liked the storyline and even some of the minor characters which overall made for a great read.
I would definitely recommend this book.
I felt it had just the right amount of everything. And as usual, such hot sex. Yum!!!
I loved Olivia and Ben. I loved their personalities and their interactions with each other. I liked the storyline and even some of the minor characters which overall made for a great read.
I would definitely recommend this book.
November 4, 2022
Not enough stars for the Barringtons
Who would have dreamed Olivia had it in her? Olivia's story is an excellent addition to the Barrington family journey to HEA. And such delightful teasers to Phaedra us story 😍😍😍 I absolutely cannot wait. Unfortunately, we seem to be running out of family members. I can only hope Kathleen can find a way for it to continue. Maybe a new generation story? We readers can only hope.
Who would have dreamed Olivia had it in her? Olivia's story is an excellent addition to the Barrington family journey to HEA. And such delightful teasers to Phaedra us story 😍😍😍 I absolutely cannot wait. Unfortunately, we seem to be running out of family members. I can only hope Kathleen can find a way for it to continue. Maybe a new generation story? We readers can only hope.
November 2, 2022
I enjoyed The Making of a Gentleman in all its push/pull and complicated glory. This was my first book in the Barringtons series and even though previous couples/characters are heavily involved, it definitely can be read as a standalone. I found both main characters, Olivia (h) and Ben (H), likable, complex, and sometimes frustrating, but so easy to root for. Olivia is trying to connect with her grandfather, who she's never had a relationship with since she's an orphan raised by her mother's best friend instead. Olivia is very focused on being an ideal lady and also finding her place, because she feels different than her adopted family. Ben is an American in London for a short time who has a dark past and conflicted emotions about how he escaped it and he doesn't feel deserving. These two come together unexpectedly when Olivia is bullied into sneaking into a gambling hell and hides in Ben's room when he's expecting some "company". All the chemistry and heat from the get-go, but they're interrupted and they each think that's that until it turns out he has a connection to her adopted family. Written in third person, dual POV. No ow drama (H was planning on sleeping with someone before he met h and he does consider trying to be with someone else right after, but he doesn't and he doesn't want anyone else - which is later said very explicitly), om drama from h being pressured into agreeing to marry her grandfather's heir, h is a virgin and H is not (not much detail given other than she's his type), no bc.
My heart felt for these two since they belong together, but they fight that connection, even as they give in to it at times. I did want Olivia to realize earlier that she was being manipulated and also, that she could be herself more. She loves horticulture and has a mischievous side that enjoys pranks, but she pushes down parts of her self because of her efforts to feel more a part of her biological family. Ben was edgy with a side of dangerous, but also funny and so head over heels with Olivia that he couldn't stay away. I loved that she does accept him as he is (even if he has hang-ups about whether she could). He also understood her in a way that no one else seemed to get. They're equally compassionate and caring for each other as they are sometimes poking at tender places because they feel they can't be together. There are steamy moments between them from the first interaction to some sneaky moments they fit in as he keeps being drawn back to her to when they're finally fully together. It's worth saying he has some very swoony moments as well.
Olivia and Ben's families were the side characters throughout the book and added lots of humor, some emotional depth, and support. Olivia is one of the last in the family to fall in love so most of the characters are coupled. I thought it was a great choice for Olivia's adopted family to be supportive, even when they had reason for concern over her relationship with her grandfather. They wanted her to make the choices rather than trying to impress their thoughts on her, except for her sister sharing her opinions but that was her personality. I even liked Olivia's suitor, who thankfully wasn't a villain, but just a normal man who was also being pressured, just not the man for her. There is a man from Ben's past who's shady and adds tension, but also seems to have more going on.
Olivia and Ben did need to communicate more clearly and there is a third act separation that was pretty emotional. But they each face some hard truths with their respective families during this time that needed to be addressed. Their reunion also cleared the air (pretty spectacularly by Olivia) so they go into their HEA with all the heart eyes. Their story ends with just a tiny jump ahead, but it's a sweet one and while I wanted a look further into their future (I'll beat this drum forever), I was happy when I finished. I stayed up late to finish this book because I needed to get to their HEA so badly.
My heart felt for these two since they belong together, but they fight that connection, even as they give in to it at times. I did want Olivia to realize earlier that she was being manipulated and also, that she could be herself more. She loves horticulture and has a mischievous side that enjoys pranks, but she pushes down parts of her self because of her efforts to feel more a part of her biological family. Ben was edgy with a side of dangerous, but also funny and so head over heels with Olivia that he couldn't stay away. I loved that she does accept him as he is (even if he has hang-ups about whether she could). He also understood her in a way that no one else seemed to get. They're equally compassionate and caring for each other as they are sometimes poking at tender places because they feel they can't be together. There are steamy moments between them from the first interaction to some sneaky moments they fit in as he keeps being drawn back to her to when they're finally fully together. It's worth saying he has some very swoony moments as well.
Olivia and Ben's families were the side characters throughout the book and added lots of humor, some emotional depth, and support. Olivia is one of the last in the family to fall in love so most of the characters are coupled. I thought it was a great choice for Olivia's adopted family to be supportive, even when they had reason for concern over her relationship with her grandfather. They wanted her to make the choices rather than trying to impress their thoughts on her, except for her sister sharing her opinions but that was her personality. I even liked Olivia's suitor, who thankfully wasn't a villain, but just a normal man who was also being pressured, just not the man for her. There is a man from Ben's past who's shady and adds tension, but also seems to have more going on.
Olivia and Ben did need to communicate more clearly and there is a third act separation that was pretty emotional. But they each face some hard truths with their respective families during this time that needed to be addressed. Their reunion also cleared the air (pretty spectacularly by Olivia) so they go into their HEA with all the heart eyes. Their story ends with just a tiny jump ahead, but it's a sweet one and while I wanted a look further into their future (I'll beat this drum forever), I was happy when I finished. I stayed up late to finish this book because I needed to get to their HEA so badly.
October 20, 2022
Ben & Olivia. Ben Cooke showed up in The Wager of a Lady and I was hooked on his character and couldn't wait until his book was released. This book did not disappoint. I love him so much more.
Olivia is Miss Prim & Proper (granddaughter of Earl of Daring/ward of Amanda Barrington). She is raised as a sister in the Barrington house but feels different (they're all a little wild and free spirited and she reserved). She meets her grandfather who dotes on her for her impeccable manners. Anytime she slightly slips she is chided by him (oh and he feigns an illness to guilt her into acting how he wants her to). G-daddy wants her to marry his heir, making her a countess.
Phaedra is her sister and is wild as can be (everyone anticipates she will be ruined in some way; I'm guessing in book 7). She the exact opposite of Olivia. She convinces Olivia to visit Elysium (her older brothers' gambling hell/pleasure house). They are roaming the halls and are almost caught by a guard (that knows Phaedra and her antics). Not wanting her to get caught, she shoves Olivia into an unoccupied room on the 2nd floor (pleasure rooms) but the room is not empty. Ben was in the room waiting for his lady and thought Olivia was her until he kisses her and finds out she isn't a courtesan but an innocent. He pleasures her and she is forever changed. He asks her for her name and she refuses to give it to him. No worries, he finds it out when he shows up to the family dinner party (he's cousin to Georgina who is married to Leo). The book is spent with him being pulled to her and her being drawn to him but fighting the internal battle between following her heart and doing her familial duty.
She is at G-daddy's country estate (near the Barrington's country seat) and Ben shows up. Despite almost being caught in a steamy embrace, he leaves her, only to show up as a dinner guest of her soon to be hubby (if G-daddy gets his way). She sneaks to Ben's room to tell him how she feels and tell him that she won't marry the future Earl but they get caught up "discussing other things". He returns her to her room still "intact" and then leaves back to New York (he has some ghosts in his past that need to be exorcised). She is pissed that he didn't allow her the chance to make her own decision and dumped her off into the future Earl's hand. Well that didn't happen. The family all take a trip to New York for the opening of Leo's hotel, The Barrington where Ben and Olivia meet up again.
I received an ARC copy of this book but the above review is my own.
Olivia is Miss Prim & Proper (granddaughter of Earl of Daring/ward of Amanda Barrington). She is raised as a sister in the Barrington house but feels different (they're all a little wild and free spirited and she reserved). She meets her grandfather who dotes on her for her impeccable manners. Anytime she slightly slips she is chided by him (oh and he feigns an illness to guilt her into acting how he wants her to). G-daddy wants her to marry his heir, making her a countess.
Phaedra is her sister and is wild as can be (everyone anticipates she will be ruined in some way; I'm guessing in book 7). She the exact opposite of Olivia. She convinces Olivia to visit Elysium (her older brothers' gambling hell/pleasure house). They are roaming the halls and are almost caught by a guard (that knows Phaedra and her antics). Not wanting her to get caught, she shoves Olivia into an unoccupied room on the 2nd floor (pleasure rooms) but the room is not empty. Ben was in the room waiting for his lady and thought Olivia was her until he kisses her and finds out she isn't a courtesan but an innocent. He pleasures her and she is forever changed. He asks her for her name and she refuses to give it to him. No worries, he finds it out when he shows up to the family dinner party (he's cousin to Georgina who is married to Leo). The book is spent with him being pulled to her and her being drawn to him but fighting the internal battle between following her heart and doing her familial duty.
She is at G-daddy's country estate (near the Barrington's country seat) and Ben shows up. Despite almost being caught in a steamy embrace, he leaves her, only to show up as a dinner guest of her soon to be hubby (if G-daddy gets his way). She sneaks to Ben's room to tell him how she feels and tell him that she won't marry the future Earl but they get caught up "discussing other things". He returns her to her room still "intact" and then leaves back to New York (he has some ghosts in his past that need to be exorcised). She is pissed that he didn't allow her the chance to make her own decision and dumped her off into the future Earl's hand. Well that didn't happen. The family all take a trip to New York for the opening of Leo's hotel, The Barrington where Ben and Olivia meet up again.
I received an ARC copy of this book but the above review is my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2022
The Making of a Gentleman is the sixth instalment in Kathleen Ayer’s ‘The Beautiful Barringtons’ series. The stories are linked but each book can be read as stand alone.
Miss Olivia Nelson has been the ward of the Dowager Duchess of Averell since the day of her birth and has grown up as part of the family. Despite the scandalous reputation of her adopted family she is determined to be the perfect lady and completely above reproach - even if that means stifling her natural instincts. However being called boring by Lady Phaedra Barrington is not to be borne. She can't resist accepting Phaedra's dare to secretly visit Elysium – the notorious gambling hell owned by their brother. When she allows a handsome stranger to almost ravish her Olivia is secretly thrilled by her daring safe in the knowledge no one will ever find out. …Until the same handsome stranger turns up to dinner at the Duke of Averell’s house.
Mr Benjamin Cooke is only in England to visit his cousin and carry out some business for his endeavours back in America. He certainly wasn’t expecting the fierce and instant attraction he feels for Miss Olivia Nelson. Ben knows Olivia is not for him. They are worlds apart and he has a secret that ensures he cannot offer for her. But why can he not make himself stay away when he knows there is no future for them? Can Olivia sacrifice her sense of duty and convince Ben that nothing should keep them apart?
So.. I loved Ben. He’s charming, sexy, brilliant, perceptive and unexpectedly honourable to the core. A true gentleman. His early childhood was harsh and he was raised to be ruthless in business and in life. There are a lot of unsavoury aspects of his past and nature which are mentioned but it didn’t truly touch upon his interactions with Olivia [we did get a glimpse of it in the scene at Hagerty's]. I loved his protectiveness of Olivia and Phaedra and that he recognised Olivia’s true nature instinctively. He encouraged her to see herself for what she is and not what she thinks society expects she should be.
You do feel for Olivia – she thinks she is duty bound to be the perfect lady constantly hiding her secretly mischievous nature. Although she loves the Barringtons she’s always longed for a sense of true identity. This is more pronounced when her estranged grandfather comes back into her life. Olivia wants to find a place she belongs and thinks she must obey her grandfather’s wishes to achieve this – even agreeing to marry the staid man of his choice. She is torn between keeping her grandfather happy and the feelings she has for Ben. I did get a bit frustrated with her at the beginning for her determination to blindly accept her grandfathers wishes [who we the reader know is not as worthy as he seems - from Amanda’s story]. But I do love that Olivia eventually recognised that it was Ben that was her safe place – wherever in the world he was – and she was a Barrington in all the ways that mattered. It took her a little while but she figured things out on her own and took action which was refreshing. She wasn’t a damsel that needed rescuing.
This is a delightful addition to the series. Ben and Olivia share some wonderful and witty banter and their passion is off the charts. The secondary characters really add substance to the story. I liked that Olivia’s erstwhile suitor Peter wasn’t the usual dim/lecherous/villainous character. He was a decent person and I was definitely cheering for him to get his own HEA with his Miss Armwood. It was great to see all the Barringtons and a little more of Lady Phaedra. I can’t wait for her story which I’m hoping will be next. I am definitely intrigued by Morgan Stewart. It promises to be a scorcher!
I received an ARC of this book in return for my honest opinion. I'd definitely recommend reading this and the other books in the series.
Miss Olivia Nelson has been the ward of the Dowager Duchess of Averell since the day of her birth and has grown up as part of the family. Despite the scandalous reputation of her adopted family she is determined to be the perfect lady and completely above reproach - even if that means stifling her natural instincts. However being called boring by Lady Phaedra Barrington is not to be borne. She can't resist accepting Phaedra's dare to secretly visit Elysium – the notorious gambling hell owned by their brother. When she allows a handsome stranger to almost ravish her Olivia is secretly thrilled by her daring safe in the knowledge no one will ever find out. …Until the same handsome stranger turns up to dinner at the Duke of Averell’s house.
Mr Benjamin Cooke is only in England to visit his cousin and carry out some business for his endeavours back in America. He certainly wasn’t expecting the fierce and instant attraction he feels for Miss Olivia Nelson. Ben knows Olivia is not for him. They are worlds apart and he has a secret that ensures he cannot offer for her. But why can he not make himself stay away when he knows there is no future for them? Can Olivia sacrifice her sense of duty and convince Ben that nothing should keep them apart?
So.. I loved Ben. He’s charming, sexy, brilliant, perceptive and unexpectedly honourable to the core. A true gentleman. His early childhood was harsh and he was raised to be ruthless in business and in life. There are a lot of unsavoury aspects of his past and nature which are mentioned but it didn’t truly touch upon his interactions with Olivia [we did get a glimpse of it in the scene at Hagerty's]. I loved his protectiveness of Olivia and Phaedra and that he recognised Olivia’s true nature instinctively. He encouraged her to see herself for what she is and not what she thinks society expects she should be.
You do feel for Olivia – she thinks she is duty bound to be the perfect lady constantly hiding her secretly mischievous nature. Although she loves the Barringtons she’s always longed for a sense of true identity. This is more pronounced when her estranged grandfather comes back into her life. Olivia wants to find a place she belongs and thinks she must obey her grandfather’s wishes to achieve this – even agreeing to marry the staid man of his choice. She is torn between keeping her grandfather happy and the feelings she has for Ben. I did get a bit frustrated with her at the beginning for her determination to blindly accept her grandfathers wishes [who we the reader know is not as worthy as he seems - from Amanda’s story]. But I do love that Olivia eventually recognised that it was Ben that was her safe place – wherever in the world he was – and she was a Barrington in all the ways that mattered. It took her a little while but she figured things out on her own and took action which was refreshing. She wasn’t a damsel that needed rescuing.
This is a delightful addition to the series. Ben and Olivia share some wonderful and witty banter and their passion is off the charts. The secondary characters really add substance to the story. I liked that Olivia’s erstwhile suitor Peter wasn’t the usual dim/lecherous/villainous character. He was a decent person and I was definitely cheering for him to get his own HEA with his Miss Armwood. It was great to see all the Barringtons and a little more of Lady Phaedra. I can’t wait for her story which I’m hoping will be next. I am definitely intrigued by Morgan Stewart. It promises to be a scorcher!
I received an ARC of this book in return for my honest opinion. I'd definitely recommend reading this and the other books in the series.
October 24, 2022
A delightful read with colorful characters determined to write their own love stories. Olivia Nelson is actually a Barrington ward, raised as a member of the Duke’s family. She strives to be a prim, proper lady, despite her penchant for pranking everyone she cares about. She meets Benjamin Cooke while accompanying Phaedra on an escapade and quickly finds herself in a predicament. The book has a great deal of wit and charm. Olivia is quickly thrown into a quandary and torn between pleasing her domineering grandfather and following her heart. A must read for all Beautiful Barrington fans! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I thank the author for an advance review copy and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
November 2, 2022
I love a good book series and The Beautiful Barrington’s have become one of my favorite families from Marcus and Amanda’s love story in the prequel to this one featuring Ben and Olivia and not one of them disappoints. Each character from every book is living with some past trauma and it makes them so much more relatable.
We met Ben when Georgina from “The Wager of a Lady” returned to New York and as this book begins he is in London awaiting the birth of Leo’s and Georgina’s second child. Ben and Olivia’s first meeting is at Elysium and I loved it, 2 strangers who won’t meet again means things can and do get extra spicy except they do meet again at a family dinner and boy do and the sparks fly.
Olivia was raised by Marcus and Amanda but longs for a connection with her true family and is willing to do anything to make a connection with her grandfather but her attraction and pull to Ben is so strong as is his to her. I think my favorite bit was when she referred to Ben as her greenhouse….. such a lovely sentiment. I loved this book so much as Ben and Olivia, although both were loved by the families who raised them they just never felt truly home until they found each other. This book was just “everything”.
We met Ben when Georgina from “The Wager of a Lady” returned to New York and as this book begins he is in London awaiting the birth of Leo’s and Georgina’s second child. Ben and Olivia’s first meeting is at Elysium and I loved it, 2 strangers who won’t meet again means things can and do get extra spicy except they do meet again at a family dinner and boy do and the sparks fly.
Olivia was raised by Marcus and Amanda but longs for a connection with her true family and is willing to do anything to make a connection with her grandfather but her attraction and pull to Ben is so strong as is his to her. I think my favorite bit was when she referred to Ben as her greenhouse….. such a lovely sentiment. I loved this book so much as Ben and Olivia, although both were loved by the families who raised them they just never felt truly home until they found each other. This book was just “everything”.
May 23, 2024
Olivia is my least fav MFC in this series this far. She is hard to like in such a frustrating manner sometimes. I get it but I also don’t. I loved all the family scenes, reenforced my love of Haven and showed Leo and Tony’s very ass-ish ways. Ben was the toxic man I LOVE in my books. I’m sad I only have one left for now in this series. Oh Peter was great, I really liked him.
September 5, 2023
This series is so good!!
July 21, 2024
***CONTENT WARNING: On-page, descriptive flashback of when the Hero was a child and he had to pickpocket to survive. He witnessed a grieving, sick/dying mother in an alley and the dead body of her child behind her. This was at a time when rodents were especially numerous and that's all I'll say. ***
This was pretty good until the separation, when everything became so frustrating because of the interference and opinions of every single side character. I stopped at the make-up scene because everything felt SO messy that I couldn't enjoy it.
And I absolutely HATED Phaedra. I really enjoyed the scene where Olivia called out her behavior, even though Phaedra was still being a little shit during that talking-to. I'm going to guess that a lot of readers probably love Phaedra because she's the *quirky* one who really bucks convention, but she's just an annoying, interfering twat and I want to stab her with her throwing knives.
This was pretty good until the separation, when everything became so frustrating because of the interference and opinions of every single side character. I stopped at the make-up scene because everything felt SO messy that I couldn't enjoy it.
And I absolutely HATED Phaedra. I really enjoyed the scene where Olivia called out her behavior, even though Phaedra was still being a little shit during that talking-to. I'm going to guess that a lot of readers probably love Phaedra because she's the *quirky* one who really bucks convention, but she's just an annoying, interfering twat and I want to stab her with her throwing knives.
February 4, 2025
I rolled my eyes so many times over Olivia I nearly gave up. The supporting characters and family in general I enjoyed , I was drawn to the barringtons and I enjoy this time period with the mix of the old school aristocracy and the new money Americans.
There was some lovely moments however Olivia’s insistence at being supremely proper because of the most obvious manipulation going from her grandfather was really annoying and unbelievable. She was pretty awful to Ben and I therefore found no reason for him to like her other than lust. There was something missing in the lust to love transition that made it unauthentic. All she had done was tell him to sling his hook and now he loves her? A shame because I enjoyed some of the writing/settings and family relationships.
I felt the plants were designed to be a character quirk but it was a bit much.
There was some lovely moments however Olivia’s insistence at being supremely proper because of the most obvious manipulation going from her grandfather was really annoying and unbelievable. She was pretty awful to Ben and I therefore found no reason for him to like her other than lust. There was something missing in the lust to love transition that made it unauthentic. All she had done was tell him to sling his hook and now he loves her? A shame because I enjoyed some of the writing/settings and family relationships.
I felt the plants were designed to be a character quirk but it was a bit much.
January 1, 2023
This was my introduction to Kathleen Ayers and it didn't disappoint. Olivia and Ben had great chemistry and I love that the author used their conflict wisely, not letting things drag on forever. My only real drawback was that because this is book 6, there were a lot of references to other characters, and I spent a little bit of time trying to figure out who was who, and what their history was to our main characters. We also get a good taste of Phaedra and Morgan, who I would guess are to come next, and I think they look awesome too!
Olivia and Ben are well rounded and TALK to each other (among other things!) and I look forward to reading the other books to catch me up before the next Beautiful Barrington book!
Olivia and Ben are well rounded and TALK to each other (among other things!) and I look forward to reading the other books to catch me up before the next Beautiful Barrington book!
November 1, 2022
POSSIBLE SPOILERS!!!!!
Oh my! This is my favorite of this series! I absolutely loved Ben and Olivia. Watching her own her personality and not bend to her grandfather was splendid! There towards the end my heart was breaking and I shed a tear or two, but have no fear, they get their happily ever after.
I'm on pins and needles waiting for Phaedra's story. I kind of hop we met her guy in here. I think that would be interesting. Especially since Ben said he hadn't told Olivia the whole story.
Oh my! This is my favorite of this series! I absolutely loved Ben and Olivia. Watching her own her personality and not bend to her grandfather was splendid! There towards the end my heart was breaking and I shed a tear or two, but have no fear, they get their happily ever after.
I'm on pins and needles waiting for Phaedra's story. I kind of hop we met her guy in here. I think that would be interesting. Especially since Ben said he hadn't told Olivia the whole story.
June 4, 2023
Great story in this wonderful series. The h allows herself to be drawn into her grandfather's plans as she wants to do the right thing by him. But she soon sees the truth about him and the American H. He knows he's they don't suit but he falls in love with her. She's a great heroine who rescues herself and the H. Loved it.
November 2, 2022
Another great book! Love the Barringtons, their stories have kept me so entertained and always waiting for more.
Thank you Kathleen for such a wonderful series.
I had been waiting for this story because not only did I want to know more about Ben since he was introduced earlier on in the series but mostly because I have been very curious about Olivia.
We don't really get to know a lot about Olivia in the previous books, we get bits n pieces of her which has been intriguing. She always seemed rather quiet in a mischievous way, as though there was more to her than what we were seeing.
Olivia wants to be a proper lady unlike her Barrington "siblings" who are rather wild - which is what I love about the Barringtons.
It turns out Olivia has another side to her. As much as she is quiet and aiming to be the prim and proper lady trying to find her place in her world, she is rather funny, sweet, determined, and caring.
I really liked Ben. He isn't perfect which is why he is perfect. He's is honest, determined, gritty, and sweet. Swoon worthy hero.
Olivia and Ben have an instant connection upon meeting, it is filled with emotional and physical attraction - the tension between them can be felt.
Olivia has to decide, what is more important, Ben or her grandfathers approval?
Ben is obsessed with Olivia. He knows deep down its more than just physical, he wants her and he goes after what he wants.
Loved this story. Truly wonderful. It had everything; funny familial moments, steam, attraction, and HEA.
A MUST read.
I received an ARC for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own
Thank you Kathleen for such a wonderful series.
I had been waiting for this story because not only did I want to know more about Ben since he was introduced earlier on in the series but mostly because I have been very curious about Olivia.
We don't really get to know a lot about Olivia in the previous books, we get bits n pieces of her which has been intriguing. She always seemed rather quiet in a mischievous way, as though there was more to her than what we were seeing.
Olivia wants to be a proper lady unlike her Barrington "siblings" who are rather wild - which is what I love about the Barringtons.
It turns out Olivia has another side to her. As much as she is quiet and aiming to be the prim and proper lady trying to find her place in her world, she is rather funny, sweet, determined, and caring.
I really liked Ben. He isn't perfect which is why he is perfect. He's is honest, determined, gritty, and sweet. Swoon worthy hero.
Olivia and Ben have an instant connection upon meeting, it is filled with emotional and physical attraction - the tension between them can be felt.
Olivia has to decide, what is more important, Ben or her grandfathers approval?
Ben is obsessed with Olivia. He knows deep down its more than just physical, he wants her and he goes after what he wants.
Loved this story. Truly wonderful. It had everything; funny familial moments, steam, attraction, and HEA.
A MUST read.
I received an ARC for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own
November 2, 2022
Olivia strives to be a model of decorum despite growing up with the wild Barrington family. Her sister Phaedra thinks she is boring and takes Olivia to Elysium, which is a gambling den/pleasure palace. Olivia ends up alone in one of the pleasure rooms and it is here she meets Ben Cooke. There is some steamy business between the two while there. Olivia is amazed at the way Ben made her feel. Shortly after this encounter she meets him at the dinner table at the Duke of Averells. Ben knows he is definitely not good enough for someone like Olivia though he is drawn to her. He doesn’t even know who he is so he feels there is no hope for anything more between them. Though he cannot stay away from her and all her thoughts are for him they feel it’s just not their destiny to be together. He vows she is the only one for him but can’t have her. Olivia’s grandfather is a master manipulator who guilts her into agreeing to marry another man. She is determined to be a dutiful granddaughter and make her grandfather happy. Ben is the only one she really wants and she cannot get him out of her mind.
To say I loved this story is an understatement. Definitely one of my top 5. I could not put this book down.
Ben and Olivia have now become my new favorite couple. There were some funny parts and I also got a bit teary eyed near the end as Ben so loved Olivia. Thank you to Book Funnel and KA for the ARC. All thought and opinions are my own. And thank you to KA for bringing such a wonderful story to us.
To say I loved this story is an understatement. Definitely one of my top 5. I could not put this book down.
Ben and Olivia have now become my new favorite couple. There were some funny parts and I also got a bit teary eyed near the end as Ben so loved Olivia. Thank you to Book Funnel and KA for the ARC. All thought and opinions are my own. And thank you to KA for bringing such a wonderful story to us.
November 1, 2022
Kathleen did it again! I love these characters so much, every single barrington sibling has been so fun to read about and I love that we get to see them all together a lot with their partners in this book. I love seeing all the dynamics, the family is just so much fun! Olivia, an honorary Barrington, is trying to work out who see is and where her place is. Connecting with her estranged grandfather stires up her life but is nothing in comparison to chaos meeting Benjamin Cooke causes. Her accidental encounter with Ben is steamy and exciting and I loved how Olivia gives into her sexual side despite outwardly being the only ‘proper’ lady in the family. Ben ignites a fire in her and she in him.
Ben is dangerous and dashing, smooth and perceptive and I love that he doesn’t care about how others view him. He holds his past deeply and goes through his own struggles in this book and Olivia reminds him he has a heart and that it belongs to her.
Olivia is a delight and her motivations are divided mind are so understandable, she wants to belong and to make her grandfather proud but the past isn’t as simple as it seems. I love the journey she had and it gave her a chance to explore who she was and who she belonged to. Her and Ben’s relationship is full of passion, and gave them both something they didn’t know they needed. I binged this book in one sitting, as always got highly invested in their relationship and loved the angst and steam Kathleen delivered.
I also love that we got a lot of Phaedra in this story, her friendship with Olivia was beautiful and gave us a lot of insight into what will likely happen in Phaedras story - hopefully the next story! The secondary characters in this story were great and didn’t feel secondary at all, I even grew to really like buttercup and root for his own HEA.
I love the whole family and all their chosen partners, its a absolutely wonderful historical romance series full of wild and brave characters. The writing flows perfectly, invoking all the emotions as we follow the characters on their journeys. I always look forward to reading one of Kathleen’s book and this was no exception. I would highly recommend, an absolute delight.
Ben is dangerous and dashing, smooth and perceptive and I love that he doesn’t care about how others view him. He holds his past deeply and goes through his own struggles in this book and Olivia reminds him he has a heart and that it belongs to her.
Olivia is a delight and her motivations are divided mind are so understandable, she wants to belong and to make her grandfather proud but the past isn’t as simple as it seems. I love the journey she had and it gave her a chance to explore who she was and who she belonged to. Her and Ben’s relationship is full of passion, and gave them both something they didn’t know they needed. I binged this book in one sitting, as always got highly invested in their relationship and loved the angst and steam Kathleen delivered.
I also love that we got a lot of Phaedra in this story, her friendship with Olivia was beautiful and gave us a lot of insight into what will likely happen in Phaedras story - hopefully the next story! The secondary characters in this story were great and didn’t feel secondary at all, I even grew to really like buttercup and root for his own HEA.
I love the whole family and all their chosen partners, its a absolutely wonderful historical romance series full of wild and brave characters. The writing flows perfectly, invoking all the emotions as we follow the characters on their journeys. I always look forward to reading one of Kathleen’s book and this was no exception. I would highly recommend, an absolute delight.
November 1, 2022
Kathleen Ayers is one of my favourite authors. I could not pick out a favourite book as each one is a mini-masterpiece of their own. But I have loved the Beautiful Barringtons and recommend you read them all in order to fully appreciate the whole story. KA has the ability to make me laugh and cry in almost every book she writes. She wraps me up in warmth and makes worries and problems fade away as I become engrossed in her story and what a story this one is. The Making of a Gentleman is captivating from page 1. Olivia is such an interesting multi-faceted heroine who I loved reading about and I wanted her HEA with Ben from the beginning. KA writes the best sex scenes and this book has steam and heat to get us through a winter with power cuts. I felt bereft when I got to the end as I wanted more but what I love most about this series is I know that the next book will have the family all reappear and I can catch up with them all and wrap myself in the warmth again. Highly recommend this book, it was everything I wanted and more.
November 2, 2022
It’s complicated…
This sixth book of the Beautiful Barringtons series keeps the promises of the other books. It is racy, a bit scandalous, daring and hot. A very enjoyable story.
Olivia is the ward of the Dowager Duchess. She is the epitome of property and kindness. Phaedra Barrington dares her to go with her to Elysium, the gambling hell owned by her brothers, where she meets a handsome stranger.
During a walk in Hyde Park, she meets her estranged grandfather and that raises a whole slew of questions. Why has her mother given the guardianship to the Dowager Duchess and not to her grandfather? Why does her grandfather have such hatred for the Barringtons?
She wants to give her grandfather a chance, but the awakening is rude. And what should she do about her beautiful stranger? Is she going to let go of her one chance at love?
This sixth book of the Beautiful Barringtons series keeps the promises of the other books. It is racy, a bit scandalous, daring and hot. A very enjoyable story.
Olivia is the ward of the Dowager Duchess. She is the epitome of property and kindness. Phaedra Barrington dares her to go with her to Elysium, the gambling hell owned by her brothers, where she meets a handsome stranger.
During a walk in Hyde Park, she meets her estranged grandfather and that raises a whole slew of questions. Why has her mother given the guardianship to the Dowager Duchess and not to her grandfather? Why does her grandfather have such hatred for the Barringtons?
She wants to give her grandfather a chance, but the awakening is rude. And what should she do about her beautiful stranger? Is she going to let go of her one chance at love?
October 24, 2022
The Beautiful Barringtons are back!!!! I became hook on this series from the start, and this newest book didn't disappoint. I've been dying to find out Miss Olivia Nelson's story and how she came became Amanda's ward and all of my questions were answered. Olivia was treating with nothing but love and respect by her family, but she longed to know about her past. Her prayers are answered when her Grandfather. Lord Daring enters her life. I've hated Lord Daring since The Study Of A Rake. He feigns illness and tries to manipulate Olivia into a loveless marriage with her heir until Ben Cook enters the picture. Ben was the perfect hero! I love a self-made man who pulls himself up from the gutter and becomes successful. Ben is hiding a huge secret that could change everything. This book was such wonderful I loved Olivia's journey and her discovering the true meaning of family. There were no huge misunderstandings and the story flowed at a nice pace. I'm also glad that Kathleen Ayers didn't make Olivia's Grandfather a psychotic bad guy. I felt sorry for him in a way. He could have had a loving relationship with his Millicent and her daughter if he hadn't been so bitter and thirsty for revenge. I also loved seeing all of the Barringtons together again. The dinner scene was hilarious! The ending was perfect: the final scene with Amanda and the child of her heart made me cry. I'm looking forward to more books. Hopefully Lillian will get the happy ending that she deserves.
November 4, 2022
There are some characters who are likeable from the moment they make their first appearance. Ben is one of those rare Male lead.
He was brave ,resourceful,dangerous ,conflicted and so much believable.
I have mixed feelings about Olivia.
Don't want to write anything negative about her but am struggling to write positive as well.may be in my second reading I will change my opinion, who knows.
As usual the Barringtons siblings are all unique and unusual.
I love Amanda.
The chemistry between Ben and Olivia was great.
Kathleen Ayers has created a beautiful world which is believable and enjoyable and entertaining.
My only complaint is her steam level keeps changing in every book.its never too high.
In Leo 's book ,it was 3.5 to 4.
My request to the author to go all out in the next book.
It would suit the next sibling.
So looking forward to read the youngest Barrington 's story.
Well done Ms Ayers.
*forgot to mention the unforgettable Peter Tomlinson for breaking the mould.
He was brave ,resourceful,dangerous ,conflicted and so much believable.
I have mixed feelings about Olivia.
Don't want to write anything negative about her but am struggling to write positive as well.may be in my second reading I will change my opinion, who knows.
As usual the Barringtons siblings are all unique and unusual.
I love Amanda.
The chemistry between Ben and Olivia was great.
Kathleen Ayers has created a beautiful world which is believable and enjoyable and entertaining.
My only complaint is her steam level keeps changing in every book.its never too high.
In Leo 's book ,it was 3.5 to 4.
My request to the author to go all out in the next book.
It would suit the next sibling.
So looking forward to read the youngest Barrington 's story.
Well done Ms Ayers.
*forgot to mention the unforgettable Peter Tomlinson for breaking the mould.
November 2, 2022
Ben and Oliva, whom we both met in the previous books, come from 2 different paths in life but both are struggling to be someone they are not, trying to curb their true nature to make up for lack of a pedigree ( Ben ) or not to lose the only connection to her real family ( Olivia ).
Will duty prevail or will they follow their hearts?
An original page-turner full of wonderful characters ( Amanda, Olivia’s guardian, above all )
Will duty prevail or will they follow their hearts?
An original page-turner full of wonderful characters ( Amanda, Olivia’s guardian, above all )
November 1, 2022
Loved the characters that Ms. Ayers created. Their story was beautiful to watch develop. Olivia and Ben really grew and became better people as their story unfolded. Even though the book involves characters from other books in the series, I loved how the author keeps them in their place, not letting them distract from Ben and Olivia’s story. Well done!
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