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Book Review of Secret Desires of a Gentleman (Girl-Bachelor, Bk 3)

Secret Desires of a Gentleman (Girl-Bachelor, Bk 3)
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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.