Mae A. (Popster) reviewed Secret Desires of a Gentleman (Girl-Bachelor, Bk 3) on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
I liked the emotional richness of the book, but think the writer really went overboard with the class divide. I have read many books where titled man marries little nobody, but never have I seen a hero so snobby that he could/would resist the love he felt for 14 YEARS!
Despite the hero, the book worked. Loved the heroine, though I would have liked to have known more about her life during the 12 year period between the time she left the hero's estate and their reunion. As pretty as she is described, surely a serous suitor would have emerged in all of those years. There was indication she had been carrying a torch for the hero, so why was she a 29 year old spinster?
Despite the hero, the book worked. Loved the heroine, though I would have liked to have known more about her life during the 12 year period between the time she left the hero's estate and their reunion. As pretty as she is described, surely a serous suitor would have emerged in all of those years. There was indication she had been carrying a torch for the hero, so why was she a 29 year old spinster?
Michelle C. -
Helpful Score: 3
I agree with the first reviewer, in that the class divide was so frustrating. But at the same time it worked. You could actually feel the emotions through her writing. What a joy this author and this book were. This book will not disappoint someone looking for a rich, beautiful love story.
Shelly H. (shellym7) reviewed Secret Desires of a Gentleman (Girl-Bachelor, Bk 3) on + 28 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This was a wonderful read. I loved that the heroine was not your typical society "Lady". She had made something of herself and was determined to remain true to herself....but I did not find her to be obnoxious. The Hero was a jerk but you knew underneath he was just fighting a loosing battle with himself. The build up was fantastic and this author really can make just a kiss very steamy. I also liked that once they "did the deed" it was not all sunshine and roses...with heroione saying, "everything is just great and yes I will give up my hard earned independant life to be your wife". This one is on my keeper shelf and will be re-read in the future.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is great. I like how the author describes the experiences of both the hero and the heroine. It reminds me of Pride and Prejudice in respect to his feelings and falling in love despite of his beliefs.
Heather H. (harrhn0011) - , reviewed Secret Desires of a Gentleman (Girl-Bachelor, Bk 3) on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book strikes me as a cross between the movie "Sabrina" and the book "Pride and Prejudice". I liked the first half better, the "Sabrina" part if you will. The latter half I kept waiting for the hero to impress me and grow in my esteem, but he never did. I kept thinking of P&P, where Mr. Darcy starts out as rather unlikeable,but kept improving in my opinion, through his actions and his words, where this book never quite reaches that. Still, this is a good read, illustrating the strict social classes in 19th century England, but managing to be a light, feel good book. Despite my issues with the hero, this is still so much better than many of its contemporaries.
Robin M. (robinmy) -
Pastry Chef Maria Martingale is searching for a shop to open her own bakery when she runs into Phillip Hawthorne, Marquess of Kayne. Maria and Phillip, along with his brother Lawrence, grew up together. Her father was the cook at his father's manor house. Years ago, Maria and Lawrence planned to elope, but Phillip found out and put a quick stop to it. Phillip is not happy to see Maria at all. Since Lawrence is back from America and they're living in the same building as the shop that Maria is renting, Phillip is afraid that she will once again get her hooks into his brother. He may even go so far as sending Lawrence away on business to avoid her. But how will he keep himself away from the beautiful Maria when he sees her nearly every day?
This was an entertaining historical romance that reminded me of Pride and Prejudice. Maria is a smart heroine whose goal for the last twelve years has been to open her own bakery. She knows she must tread lightly with Phillip since he has the power to ruin her business. Phillip is a snob who is worried about what the public would say if his brother (or even Phillip himself) were to marry a Cook's daughter. He is also slow to admit that he has loved her for years and wants Maria for himself. Phillip may take a long time to see the light, but it still a very good romance. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
This was an entertaining historical romance that reminded me of Pride and Prejudice. Maria is a smart heroine whose goal for the last twelve years has been to open her own bakery. She knows she must tread lightly with Phillip since he has the power to ruin her business. Phillip is a snob who is worried about what the public would say if his brother (or even Phillip himself) were to marry a Cook's daughter. He is also slow to admit that he has loved her for years and wants Maria for himself. Phillip may take a long time to see the light, but it still a very good romance. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
I loved this book. It was such a great story that I could not put it down. I started it this morning and just finished reading it, only stopping to feed the children and then continue reading. I couldn't put it down!
