5 *****

I almost never read a book straight through in one sitting, but I did this one, with truly no awareness of time passing. I was completely caught up in the story.

Hardly A Gentleman is a historical romance in which our heroine runs away from a truly embarrassing incident during “the season” in London and manages to take a housekeeper position in Scotland (temporarily hiding her identity).

There are misunderstandings, and finding things in common; and mutual respect for each other’s capabilities, and intelligence, and substance. The characters are well introduced and then revealed over the course of the story. Their attraction and relationship develops naturally.

I’m already a fan of Eloisa James’ books and yet they never feel repetitive. Her characters are very clearly drawn individuals, often a bit different or outside the norm for their time and place.

If you’re already a fan, you’ll be very happy this latest release lives up to the high standards you expect from this author. If she is a new-to-you author, congratulations! She has a great backlist of other books for you to devour!

Hm. Eloisa. Hm. While I did enjoy this book, EJ holds a very special place in my heart and I really truly enjoy most things she writes, this book was a bit…odd…

So our MMC is a widower. So sad. And he’s a Scottish laird. There’s not a whole lot of Scottish language in here that I missed, I do love a Scottish brogue, and wished that he’d said more Highlander things. But anyway, our Scottish laird just can’t seem to get his village or his MIL to accept that he’s not truly mourning his wife anymore. It’s been two years, he’s not interested in remarrying but he’s also not throwing himself on his wife’s grave (that was an accident and misunderstanding.)

The FMC has been groped and is now fleeing scandal from London and of course she gets on a carriage headed for Scotland to become a maid but also she’s never cleaned anything in her life and we spend a heckuvalot of book space on her developing a friendship with the guy driving her there. Why? Idk. It just happens.

So our laird obvs is fishing naked when they first meet, obvs, and then a lot of cleaning happens. I mean a lot. And there is a lot of conversations about MMC’s dead wife. I mean, dear God. Why. Why is she mentioned so freaking much?

And that’s the book. I mean basically that’s it. It’s a lot of cleaning and a lot of dead wife talk. I could’ve done with substantially less wife talk and cleaning and it would’ve been five stars. But also there is some falling in love that happens added onto the dead wife talk. Which is nice, I did enjoy that. But I mean. STFU about this other lady pluuuhhlleeeeezzz.

I really enjoy Eloisa James. Her heroes are instalove studs. I mean, MMC is like “I’ll never marry,” takes one look at our FMC and is like “Jk, I want that one.” These are the vibes EJ brings to every romance book party and ya know what? I dig it. I love it. Even though Clara (name finally remembered!!) is pretty annoying when she refuses Caelen (MMC). Like, girl, why wouldn’t you want the protection of this dude? Don’t be stupid.

Thanks for the arc, Avon, always appreciate it. And thanks EJ, love you, girl. Even through dead wives and mold clean ups.

Some of the signature Eloisa James charm is still there, and there’s an undeniable chemistry and some fun banter between the couple, but the plot and pacing just didn’t hit quite right for me.

It starts off strong, with both our hero and heroine appearing very likable and sympathetic. The heroine’s impulsive decision to get into a different carriage and become a housekeeper is not THAT implausible by romance novel standards, and can be seen as highlighting her naïveté. My opinion of her decreased a bit with seeing her make such a stupid dangerous decision, but I’m willing to go with it for plot purposes.

The meet-cute scene was good, although the love story veered a little too close to insta-love for my taste. But after that it started to go off the rails a bit. At first, I thought the conflict was that she’s supposed to be a housekeeper, but knows very little about cleaning. But that doesn’t really last - the laird is entertained by her ruse instead of irritated, confused, or suspicious. I still don’t know what to make of that - on one hand, that was kind of a refreshing surprise that the story wasn’t proceeding how I expected. On the other hand, I felt a bit let down and confused that the central conflict was basically gone.

After it’s clear he doesn’t care that she isn’t a housekeeper, it felt like the story lacked tension or a clear direction. The “new” main conflict appears to be the misunderstanding that he was madly in love with his late wife and is still grieving her. His mother-in-law is set up in a way where I thought she would be a bigger source of conflict in this regard - at first I thought she would be opposed to the laird remarrying. But then the story kind of backs away from this conflict, and literally the only thing causing problems between the two of them is his inability to convey that his first marriage was not ideal and that he was not prostrate with grief. This kind of felt like a weak conflict to me - it’s one of the frustrating kinds where one good conversation between the two can clear it up. And they do have that conversation at the end, it’s just a little late in the story. Before that, there’s a sudden life-or-death scenario that forces feelings into the open. That’s a trope I usually enjoy, and I did like parts of it here, but at the same time it also felt like it came out of nowhere.

Also, I found it a bit confusing that some chapters began with an indication of the date or timing, but others didn’t. And the sheer speed at which everything happens according to these dates is a bit much. They meet on April 19, are married by April 23, and resolve the main story in the next week or so (with an epilogue set a few years later). It didn’t feel like the story really needed to be that rushed.

Still, the side characters are quite entertaining, the banter and chemistry is there for the most part (although I’ve seen better from Eloisa James), and the story is overall entertaining enough. Fans of Eloisa James will still probably like this new entry.

Hardly a Gentleman by Eloisa James

Setting:
Scotland 1803

Characters:
Clara
Caelan
Alfie
Isla
Fiona
Mr. Cobbledick
Mrs.Gillan

Tropes:
Scottish Laird, English Lady
Widower hero
He falls first
Second chance romance for hero
Passionate slow burn

Goodreads:
5 🌟

Spice:
2 🌟

Review:
I absolutely loved this book. I really enjoyed both Caelan and Clara. At first I was a bit worried because they don't actually meet one another until about 25% in the book. I loved the realness and messiness both characters had in the work. They were open, flawed, vulnerable, and dimensional. Really enjoyed the aspect of a widower hero that still was working through his grief. It was an aspect that you don't see a lot in romances. Loved that the novel Pamela was mentioned. I love that book. Overall a fantastic read with angst, emotion, and delectable sensuality. 5 🌟.

Content Warnings:
Loss of spouse

I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end! Eloisa James has taken us back to the Accidental Brides series and I couldn’t be more pleased with this addition to the series.
Honorable Miss Clara Vetry is in her fourth season and much to her mother’s dismay, still not married, all thanks to Prince George who has set his sights on making her his latest mistress. Clara wants no part of the Prince and takes every opportunity to avoid him. However she never dreams that her season will end so abruptly and disastrously and all thanks to the drunken Prince George!
Clara is used to being a disappointment to her mother but being exiled to Scotland to live with an elderly aunt and obtain a husband any way possible is not the life that Clara wanted! She just wants to be left alone and be able to read to her hearts content. She wants a castle and a library full of books and is in no hurry to even think about getting married. Luckily she has control of her own dowry, so she will have funds to live on and possibly buy her own small castle. When she happens upon a coach driver waiting for a housekeeper to deliver to Laird Caelan MacCrae in the Highlands, Clara jumps at the chance to be her own woman, even if it is a housekeeper. A housekeeper originally hired by the Laird’s sister Fiona.
Upon arrival at the castle Clara finds the widowed Laird, Caelan MacCrae, fly fishing in the loch without a stitch on! After all what good Scotsman wants to get his kilt pleats wet! Although shocked by the sight, Clara can’t help but be impressed with the view and her shout of Bravo when he catches a fish is just the start of their unusual relationship. Clara is the exact opposite of his first wife and Caelan can tell that she is definitely no housekeeper but that doesn’t stop him from being instantly attracted to her. Their instant friendship is one we would all like to have and their adventures spark joy to those reading about them.
Caelan decided early on that he wanted to make Clara his own but she wants none of it! She does rather like his kisses but she has no interest in being a wife. After all, she wants a castle and books of her own. Just because he can offer her his castle and his huge library of books, not to mention himself, is not enough to sway Clara from her path but he is determined, and when they attend church together and Clara runs into the sister of her dearest friend, the sparks fly when it is discovered that Clara has slept alone in the castle with the Laird. Even in separate bedrooms, why it can’t be allowed! Married before she knows what’s happening, Clara is now Lady of the castle and their married life begins. All is not perfect, Clara knows she is a far cry from being like his first wife. Little does she know that his first marriage wasn’t all it was cracked up to be and Caelan is more than happy with Clara just the way she is.
Their journey is a joy to read and I enjoyed every second and really hated for the book to end and I know it will be a keeper for me to read and enjoy time after time!
I couldn’t have been happier to have received an arc from NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishers for an honest review. Thank you!

This is a cute and fast read. Clara isn't my favorite Eloisa Jams heroine, but she is certainly different! She's one of those people who falls into trouble due to impulsive decisions and always seems to land in a bed of roses. However, she is one to put in the work! I did love the setting, the tertiary characters, and our hero.

This was definitely a situation where it felt like insta-lust-love. Not my favorite by Eloisa James, but still worth a read if you want that historical fiction formula with a cozy, easy read feel.

Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Harper Voyager for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

Omgggg Eloisa has outdone herself. This as an adventure, comedy and romance all rolled into one. I loved our MCs and their hearts and the wonderful Scottish setting.

I wished this never ended!!

Still pending. I accidentally submitted the review for another book under this title.

I will submit this review before the due date. I apologize for the error.

Another winner from one of my favorite authors. Caelan is just the sort of laird I’d want, being a simple man who falls in love with a curvy awkward girl. And Clara’s impulsive decisions followed by internal questioning is something I definitely connect with. I’ll have to remember her self-reminder that ‘this is an adventure’ and ‘would the woman who took an unknown carriage to Scotland be a ninny?’ Good reminders whenever I may be feeling insecure (obviously my adventures don’t include Scotland, but you know..,). The supporting characters were also fantastic, although I had just about had it with Mrs Gillan before she got straightened out. I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next Accidental Brides book!

2.5 DNF stars - I hate giving a low rating to one of my long time favorite authors, but...this book.

I'm a long time lover of Eloisa James but this entire book just felt like work. It took seven tries to get a decent way into it bc the first 26% is her mother is abusive...he loves his dead wife....her mother is abusive....he loves his dead wife....her mother is abusive....he loves his dead wife..............except, of course plot twist on all of that after making us listen to it for that long without a Romance in sight.

When they finally get on the page together after wasting 1/4th of the book on oversimplistic backstory that would have taken a smidge of that, we're underwhelmed. The do the dance lalala and then they're kind of like "oh, no" and then SURE! We love each other!

I keep seeing the word "silly" in reviews (from 2 stars to 5) and have to agree. I'm a huge James fan but I honestly am not sure what's going on with this book.

I mean, maybe skip to chapter 11 and you won't be as frustrated with the entire thing that you'll enjoy the rest?

Does not hold up against book one, really hope book three makes a comeback

Okay, I needed to set reality aside for a minute to read this book. It was utter chaos. Clara comes off a bit ditzy, but the poor girl is really a victim of the lech Prince of England. Running away from her scandal, she goes to Caelan, who is a self-assured Scot, unfortunately painted as the mourning Laird when actually he did not care for his ex-wife. He wants her. She's rich and independent and wants nothing more. Their tug of war and tension was funny. But before another scandal erupts, Clara and Caelan are forced to marry. I think the author could have made a better effort with Caelans' previous marriage story. While she does it, the references were so nuanced and opaque that they were lost.
It seemed like she just dumped it all in the latter half, more specifically in the last 10%, which seemed odd. Other than this, I enjoyed the book.

#netgalley #HardlyaGentleman

To say I loved this story would be an understatement. I have never laughed while reading a story as much as I did reading this story. The author wrote fantastic dialogues that made reading a great joy. I loved both Caelan and Clara and the banter between them was laughingly outrageous and entertaining throughout the story. Other characters that I loved were Alfie, Cobbledick and Fiona as they each added greatly to the story. This was a new author for me and I intend to read of her work. I highly recommend this story because it is definitely worth your time.
I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.

I'm a big fan of romance books by Eloisa James. Hardly a Gentleman is quick read about a young British Lady on an adventure who happens finds herself in the Scottish highlands. Upon arriving at a castle where is she posing as a housekeeper, she meets the widowed laird while he is naked fishing. Hijinks ensue as the young lady attempts to pretend she is a married housekeeper and the laird attempts to quickly woo her. While this not my favorite book by James, this was definitely an enjoyable way to spend a snowy afternoon and evening.

Thanks to Avon and Netgalley for this ARC.

I've been on a Historical Romance kick recently (very unusual for me) and HARDLY A GENTLEMAN hit just right. A nude fly-fishing Scotsman? Yesssss please.

I absolutely loved Clara and Caelan as they stumbled through a hilarious start with mistaken identity and Clara runs from everything she knows and pretends to be a Housekeeper for a hot Scottish Laird. HARDLY A GENTLEMAN does a great job of blending romance, grief, and personal struggles with both of these characters as they fall in love!

This book was a joy to read. I loved how these two worked side-by-side and I loved their chemistry. And the sweet kindness that this grumpy Scot gave to Clara was so epically swoony.

SPICE LEVEL: Rated PG-13 / non-detailed sex scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: unwanted sexual advances
FEELS: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person

There is a reason that I am such a huge fan of Eloisa James' books however this one that really tested my loyalty... at first. In the Dedication she shares that she ran her abstract idea of a "naked laird fly-fishing in the stream" to friends and readers (please add me to your list Eloisa!) who applauded her. To those who sent inspiring photo's, did you have to use Photoshop? ; ).
All kidding aside, E.J. has a writing style and sense of humor that makes the reader enter the story. Clara is quirky and lovable and challenged... by the quirkiness and a prince who is obsessed with her despite her disinterest and his married state. She is banished to a relative in Scotland but heads into an adventure on her terms. Caelan is at first sight, naked and obviously cold because he is fly-fishing au naturel. (you were warned in the Dedication). Her enthusiastic "Bravo" is not for him per se, but for the technique that he uses to yank a trout out of the water. This is the beginning of more than your usual pursuit of mutual satisfaction. There are obstacles and understanding and respect and an incredible merging of two characters who truly deserve a happily ever after. The timing is perfect. The chemistry undeniable. The support characters are lovable too.
I highly recommend readers to savor this book. I have not been a fan of Scottish romances but would entertain reading any written by Eloisa James!

Who doesn't love an adventure romcom, especially when it's written by Eloisa James?!

Hardly a Gentleman was such a delightfully funny and fun read. Clara is one that I feel a lot of readers will connect to. She's a reader (yay!) and has an impulsive streak. I found her character to be a lot of fun and easy to root for. Caelen was so sweet. I absolutely loved him. These two together were adorable. If you love opposites attract, this is the couple for you. Also if you love a quirky heroine and a hero that owns a castle, and like two shirts, this book is for you lol.

A fun time that historical romance lovers will enjoy!

This is a fun, quick read, a bit different than your typical historical fiction Highland Laird books. There was humor, some drama, and of course love. I did wish that the characters themselves were a bit more developed, especially Caedan, who I felt the reader didn't really get to know well during the first half of the book. Lots of literary mentions, sometimes a bit too many to keep the plot flowing.
Overall, a light, easy read.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Funny, sweet historical romance with a bookish heroine who runs away from a most ridiculous predicament straight to an equally bookish Scottish laird who is too wrapped up in fly-fishing and writing to maintain a castle. She’s hardly servant material, he’s hardly a gentleman and the two become friends.

They’re having fun cleaning up the place together until everyone in the village learns she’s been staying in his home without a chaperone and she’s unmarried… will this marriage of convenience become a love match after all?

Thanks to Avon and NetGalley for the eARC!

I adore Elosia James' books and this is another fantastic story.

Set in the Scottish highlands, Caelan is a widower that has gone back to basics and his estate is falling apart. The village believes its because he's still grieving his lost love - and his sister is trying to help with both the house and his love life. Clara is four seasons out and ostracized by the ton and her mother after an episode. She's being bundled off to an aunt's in Scotland but decides to take her future into her own hands and takes a carriage that was sent for a housekeeper instead of going to the aunt's. Clara and Caelan are wonderful characters, I loved them both and their story is interesting. I really enjoyed this book!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

This is a book with plenty of romance, some hot sex (eventually) and a good sense of humor. The heroine, Clara disgraces herself at a party when she hits a drunken, lecherous Prince of Wales with her reticule. Her cold hearted mother sends her off in disgrace to Scotland, where she meets the hunky but hapless widowed Caelan, who's allowed his castle to degenerate into a hovel after his wife died. Clara decides to help him out until she figures out what else to do with her life. From the time Clara meets Caelan fishing in the altogether, it's imediately obvious that these two fit together. The development of their relationship is moving as well as fun and I enjoyed reading it all.