A fun, heartfelt romp about an Englishwoman who flees London society—and the lecherous noble who accosted her & ruined her reputation—and winds up in the Highlands, posing as a maid to a laird with a picturesque but filthy castle. Locals tell of his broken heart from his first wife’s death, but he’s been yearning for someone to want the real him, not some fantasy that has no connection to real life. And brave, curvy, kind Clara feels like home. Romantic, sensual, and fun.

This book was absolutely delightful! It read like a historical romcom with banter and steam.
I loved Clara’s unabashed fascination and determination to make her own way. Despite her reticence about marriage, Caelan’s blunt persistence and dogged pursuit prove irresistible.
The push and pull between the main characters had me squealing and kicking my feet.
A definite re-read!

Thanks to Avon and Netgalley for this advance copy.

Eloisa James was my gateway to romance and I love her books so much. Her recent ones have been a bit hit or miss for me, and I'll admit that I struggle to think through how her series are connected within each other, but taking Hardly a Gentleman as a standalone, this book was a lot of fun. Clara is a hoot. Manhandled by the Prince of England, she escapes to the Highlands to maybe be a housekeeper, and why not? Caelan is supposedly heartbroken over the loss of his first wife, but all of a sudden Clara is far more interesting than his grief.

These two are fun and Clara in particular is a hoot. There is a some misunderstanding about grief but Clara keeps things moving and has hilarious ideas about housekeeping that everyone is just putting up with because she's such a nice person and so clearly NOT a housekeeper.

This was a great comfort read and kinda what I needed in the moment. Eloisa James forever.

3.5/5

Not grump/sunshine, but grump/woman-scorned.

The premise of this romance wasn't really unique, but something about its execution was elevated. The FMC was surprisingly strong, she really took her life's trajectory into her own hands and it was a pleasure to read because typically the women don't have much backbone or bravery to independently steer their lives. She really took drastic measures to save herself from an inappropriate pursuer, and a disappointment of a mother. The FMC held strong to her goals (when always expect the FMC to quickly capitulate to marriage when it seems she has no other practical option), and she showed maturity in evaluating the relationship with her mother.

On the part of the MMC, I always loved reading when reluctant ones fall hard and fall first. The author wrote a believable-not-complete-asshole grump, who really was a sweetheart in the end.

The couple got their HEA, of course, and I found it refreshing that in this romance, not all the loose ends for one character got tied up, making a commentary on mother-daughter relationships. It's really easy and expected to just make everything perfect in a romance, so I liked that little difference.

As is usually the case, I loved this book by Eloisa James. I'm really enjoying the whole Accidental Brides series so far, but a bookworm who ends up getting in a bit over her head in a Scottish castle? That's a perfect cup of tea for me! The book overall is relatively low stakes, which makes it a perfect palate cleanser or a return book when you're 'in a funk'.

If you love a delicious Scottish romance that includes naked fly fishing, a desire to live in a castle filled with books, a confession or two, and a few secrets go read this.

Caelan Eneas MacCrae never expected to find a woman who would sweep him off his feet after his wife died. Clara Vetry is not willing to marry for anything less than love and a man of her choosing. Will she find that in the highlands or have to make her way back home to a world that will suffocate her passion?

A spicy slow burn that can be read as a standalone read this is a must read series!

Hardly a Gentleman was a bit ridiculous and more than a little silly at parts, but overall was such a fun read!

Clara and Caelan were wonderful characters, and it was easy to root for the two of them to be together. The pure chance that actually brought them together, though? A bit mindboggling--how did she really think she could pass for a housekeeper (especially when she arranged for herself to have a personal maid a day or two into the trip there, because that's totally normal)? As if a few little cleaning tips and tricks gleaned in her 25 or so years above stairs will suffice for job knowledge and expertise IRL. Not gonna lie, though, I loved that she made sure her clothes arrived with the maid at a later time but kept her books with her. Priorities firmly in place!

Caelan's love of naked fly fishing was more endearing than I could have expected, honestly. The two of them competing to build a more effective fishing lure was just so darn cute.

My only real complaint is that the miscommunication over Caelan's first marriage could and should have been resolved so much earlier than it was--especially when we learn the truth of it, it's not totally clear why he continued to let Clara believe what she did about it for so long.

This is second in the Accidental Brides series, but it would work just fine as a standalone. Clara's BFF, the heroine of the first book, is mentioned a few times but doesn't actually show up on the page--though you should absolutely read her book too, because it was an absolute delight.

Bring on the next "Accidental Bride"--I'm ready!

CW: Clara is straight up assaulted by the prince in public and clearly suffers some PTSD afterward; death of spouse (off the page)

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

A really fresh take on our hero and heroine, I loved this! It was an interesting story, and our hero's development while somewhat typical was also surprising! I loved Clara, adored her, and her books. Her openness, her inability to keep a lie going, her willingness to make friends and be part of something. This was a great read!

This book was an utter delight. A Regency romp set in Scotland with a bookish heroine and an untamed laird for a hero. The premise along with Mary Jane Wells’ excellent narration made this a hilarious read/listen for me and I loved it. Caelan was a surprisingly layered character, and I loved seeing more of him revealed as he grew increasingly comfortable with Clara and showed her more of himself. I really enjoyed Clara’s growth as well as being able to seek the life she wanted for herself. I loved the Scottish setting and the fact that Clara is somewhat of an unconventional heroine and that Caelan is completely mad for her from the start even if it takes him an age to admit it. This has been one of my favorite reads of the month.

I voluntarily read and reviewed and listened to an audio advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A lonely Laird and a light-hearted London Lady find love after matrimony in the Scottish Highlands.
———
Miss Clara Vetry has a prince problem. Specifically a Prince of Wales problem, in which she catches the eye of the biggest cad in the kingdom and pays a hefty price socially.

After the worst happens, and she’s shat on by a bird and then groped in public, Clara’s mother decides the only way to handle the ruination is to send her daughter off to live with some random relative in the middle of nowhere.

Clara, however, isn’t the sort of gal to take this banishment lying down. She concocts a scheme to pose as a housekeeper at a random Scottish castle and takes her dowry on the run.

Caelan Eneas MacCrae, Laird of CaerLaven, has a people problem. Since his wife died shortly after their marriage everyone around him, including his sister and his former in-laws, believe he is distraught, depressed, and in need of constant managing.

Caelan is a nice guy, so he doesn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings by admitting the truth in that his marriage was not the love match people believe and it’s not really pining that’s causing him to shirk his duties as Laird.

When his sister hires a housekeeper to help Caelan manage his estate, he’s hardly thrilled at more meddling people. But when the young and lovely Clara lands at his door he suspects she’s more than meets the eye. First they strike up a frustrationship, then a friendship, and eventually an attraction that is impossible to deny.

But when the truth of her identity is revealed, the pair are forced to marry. This time the Laird will get a love match, even if she’s not at all what he thought he wanted. And this slightly flighty, cheerful, and impetuous lady will end up with a partner who loves her just the way she is, quirks and all.
_____

Series: Accidental Brides Book #2

Standalone: yes, can be read as a standalone easily, characters from Book #1 are lightly referenced

Themes/Tropes: ruination, Scotsmen in love, quirky heroines, widowers, ladies masquerading as working class, found family, meddling former in-laws

Steam/Spice Level: open door, in the bed, spicy/steamy

Setting: Scotland, 1803

POV: third person, past tense, dual POV (FMC & MMC)
__________

Thank you Avon for the Advanced Reader Copy. Expected publishing date April 29, 2025

Clara and Caelan were such a fun pairing to follow. Clara is smart, strong-willed, and clear about what she wants in life. Caelan, with his gruff loyalty and quiet steadiness, balances her well. Their meet-cute had me grinning, and their chemistry shines throughout the book. I also loved the openness in their conversations—refreshing and real. And let’s not forget the standout side characters… especially the nephew with a chicken best friend. Iconic.

The plot was solid, but the situation with Isla dragged on a bit too long. It felt like something that could’ve been resolved much earlier if Clara and Caelan had just had a full, honest conversation. The half-truths and interruptions got frustrating after a while, even though the payoff in the epilogue was sweet.

Overall, this was another enjoyable read from Eloisa James with characters I was immediately invested in. I’m already looking forward to whoever comes next in this world.

I was provided an ARC of this book via Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Hardly a Gentleman is not your typical historical romance. I really need to see Clara’s reticule collection as that sounded delightful. The miscommunication between Clara and Caelen was frustrating at times but it’s hard to put yourself out there so I got it. If he had been up front with her about his feelings for his late wife it would have saved a lot of heartache but the story wouldn’t have been as great

I don't read historical romance all the time, but when I do I'll be looking for a Scottish laird fly-fishing naked in his loch from now on!

This book was funny from start to finish, and not just because of the naked fly-fishing. Both Clara and Caelan were well-developed and I enjoyed reading their respective journeys to love, especially since I related to Clara's love of fairy tales and the fantastical. This was a different kind of romance with both a hero and a heroine that are 'out of the norm' for traditional historical romance leads and it was as refreshing and delightful as bathing in a loch first thing in the morning.

The author called her main characters anti~heroes which is a great way to describe them. Clara was bold, but had low self esteem because she did not fit the mold of young ladies of her time. Calean was a Scottish laird that fished naked, wrote books, and ran a profitable estate. James always has unusual and interesting characters which make any story fun to read. The “he loved his dead wife theme throughout the book gota bit annoying, but otherwise another great book.

Of course who wouldn’t love the start? A naked Laird fishing in the Loch! And a beautiful maiden, undercover as the new housekeeper. Except she can’t hide her upbringing and has decided since her mother has sent her away in disgrace she will make her fantasy come true. Live in a castle and read to her hearts content, but preferably her own castle. When she enters the Laird’s castle she is appalled at the state of total filth and disarray, definitely a challenge. Since she is stuck there for a few days till her transportation returns she starts to scrub and makes Caelan help….it is his castle after all.
Caelan sees the maid acting innocent but still peeking through her fingers at his naked body. He hates getting his kilt wet. When she states she is Mrs. Potts his new housekeeper he finds that hard to believe. He also is rethinking his vow to never remarry once he gets to know his bookish housekeeper. When out of the blue he proposes and she says no, it becomes a challenge to win her heart.
I just love the humor and banter between the characters. The narrator did such an amazing job between the Scottish brogue and English accent. I actually preferred listening to the audiobook over reading. Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I truly enjoyed reading and listening to this wonderful book. All opinions expressed are solely mine.

I don't know how to feel about this book. I love Eloisa James, but this new series seems to fall apart halfway through. I enjoyed the fact that we didn't need the phonetically written Scottish accent. But that might be because Eloise says husband is Scottish? Either way this weirdly modern for her. Historical romance aside, it felt like a common thread that I've been experiencing in some historical romances over the last year or two. They feel like cause playing regency instead of actual Regency. Which again is unusual for Eloisa. I still enjoyed it more than the first book in the series, but definitely not my favorite

I found this historical romance refreshing and entertaining. The characters did not fit society's expectations, but they still found love with each other. The book was a fun read and I enjoyed reading it from beginning to end. I always enjoy reading Eloisa James books and this one did not disappoint.

Hardly a Gentleman by Eloisa James is a steamy, charming romance full of wit, heart, and delightfully mismatched characters. It tells the story of Clara, a curvy, independent young woman whose fourth London Season ends in scandal after a humiliating encounter with the Prince Regent. Shamed and exiled to Scotland by her status-obsessed mother, Clara refuses to quietly accept her fate. Instead, she seizes the chance for an adventure—posing as a housekeeper and heading to the rugged Highlands.

Her unexpected arrival at Castle CaerLaven kicks off a spirited and funny clash with Caelan, a reclusive widower determined to live in peace with his books and whisky. Their first meeting—when Clara catches him fishing in the nude—is laugh-out-loud funny and sets the tone for their fiery and slow-burning romance.

Clara is spirited and refreshingly direct, winning over the castle’s neglected staff and dragging Caelan (grudgingly) into cleanliness and companionship. While both are wary of love—Clara, due to recent betrayal, and Caelan, due to lingering secrets—their chemistry is undeniable. Their banter, emotional push-pull, and eventual honesty make for a satisfying arc, even if a few miscommunications stretch on a bit too long.

Supporting characters add charm and humor, especially Caelan’s sister Fiona, the loyal staff, and Clara’s scene-stealing young cousin Alfie with his pet chicken, Wilhelmina.

Overall, Hardly a Gentleman is an entertaining read with richly drawn characters and heartfelt emotion. Readers who enjoy bold heroines, reluctant heroes, and a touch of Scottish chaos will find this story a delightful escape.

Sexual content - steamy

Language - 8 uses of the F word. 23 uses of D@mn,

I so enjoyed this story of two people who felt they weren't enough, until they found each other.

Clara, sent away from her London home in disgrace, decides to make her exile an adventure! Instead of haring off to her great-aunt, she gets in a carriage heading to Scotland to become a housekeeper! Upon arrival, she is met by a naked man fly-fishing!

Caelan, the naked fly-fishing man, is the Laird of the castle. He is a widower and everyone thinks he's mourning his wife, and that's why his castle is falling down around him!

Clara's ineptitude for housekeeping is found out quite early and Caelan's interest in Clara grows. As an unmarried young woman, Clara is found out by friends of her mother and she and Caelan are forced to marry. Hilarity ensues since Clara has no idea what the marital bed has in store for her!

Eloisa James is an auto-buy author for me! A fun and rollicking ride for Clara and Caelan as well as the reader. I enjoyed this book.

Low conflict but high heart. Easily one of the best HistRoms of 2025.

Listen, authors, we want the British lady to end up with the Scotsman. A Laird. A Blacksmith. Any Scot will do. But leave it to James to add near-feral fisherman to our list of acceptable Scottish suitors.

Truly, it’s been a long time since I’ve read a HistRom that delighted me the way James’ Hardly a Gentleman has.

Look I love a British Duke as much (okay more, I love them more) than the next reader - but they can be stuffy, aye?

Not so with Caelan. I loved him from the go (and not just because of the opening scene you are thinking about). I think it’s because it doesn’t give a [insert profanity he is not afraid to use].

And Clara ❤️. You can’t help but feel for this girl. Trapped by a near-scandal with a sleazy prince. No one, not even her mother, on her side. No choice but to abscond to Scotland. I mean thank heavens she ended up at a castle, am I right?

That should be enough to convince you, but in case it’s not, there is:
- Found family
- Marriage of convenience (or a quick scandal-avoiding, hands-tied decision to wed)
- Lots of fishing, mostly without lots of clothes
- An amazing cast of side characters
- A castle and much talk of the books that will fill it
- Super spicy and Scottish

You know how they say the best revenge is a life well lived? Clara took that to heart and I think historical readers are going to love hearing her story.