A lonely Laird and a light-hearted London Lady find love after matrimony in the Scottish Highlands.
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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.
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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)
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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.

Clara is done with England and polite society after the latest embarrassing season. She ends up taking a position as a housekeeper in Scotland, ready for a castle and adventures like in her books. Her boss is the laird, Caelan, who the village says locked himself away from heartbreak after his wife died a couple years before, though it's more from a general dislike of being around people. However, when they meet, he immediately wants her to stay with him and has to quash his desire for her. Clara feels that same disinclination to leave and possessiveness.

But even when Clara is found out and they must marry for properities sake, Clara doesn't want to live in the shadow of his first wife. She's used to dissapointing her mother and wants a true love with her husband. Similarly, Caelan wants his wife to desire him (which Clara has no issue with...all over the castle). They find a love that's passionate, possessive, and true.

Overall, I loved their chemistry and how into each other they were. There was good humor too, along with the sweet and the spicy. Get you a man who will make your dreams and desires come true like Caelan!

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for an arc in exchange for an honest review!

Read for: Scottish MMC, boss x employee, widower, year apart, he falls first, jealous, yearning, chemistry, humor

4 stars
2 spice

Adored this romance! Engaging characters (especially smart, independent, and bookworm Clara) A great summer read that I will 100% recommend to my library patrons.

Eloisa James is one of my favorite historical romance authors! I loved this storyline and themes! And the romance is always fire! Looking forward to more!

I adored this book! The heroine is the very definition of plucky, the hero is grumpy and totally baffled by this women who is definitely not a housekeeper who shows up at her door. They way they can't keep their hands off eachother is delightful, as is the side cast of characters. My one complaints it that there is moment that really accelerates the relationship that felts a tad sudden and the wording was odd but I will chock that up to this being an ARC! Overall, it's so sweet and enjoyable! Drink this book: grab yourself something with a smokey note like South African Pinotage if scotch is not your vibe.

1803. After a deeply humiliating experience, the Honorable Miss Clara Vetry jumps into a carriage waiting to take a housekeeper to the Scottish Highlands. Of course nobody mistakes her for anything other than a lady, least of all Caelan MacRae, Laird of CaerLaven, whom she encounters fishing naked in an icy stream by his (small) castle. They proceed to fall in love.

This is an ironic romance, and it gleefully and affectionately mocks the gothic romances which Clara reads so avidly. The plot is rife with convenient coincidences; Clara is as naïve as her favorite fictional heroines; beneath his blunt manners (and impressive physique), Caelan is a true Highland gentleman just waiting for the right lady with whom to fall in love; the Prince Regent and status-conscious English aristocracy comprise a suitably distasteful cast of villains; the Highlanders, by contrast, are welcoming, supportive, and pleasingly quaint. What more could a romantic bookworm require?

Hardly a Gentleman presents a plotline that I couldn't resist: after slapping the notoriously naughty Regent, our heroine flees to Scotland in search of a castle. No fairy tale needed. Good thing, since the castle she ends up at--somehow, as a housekeeper--is a domestic nightmare. Not that Clara has any idea of how to clean up said mess, being a lady herself.

Clara's only goal (though her plan stinks) is to land herself a castle to fill with books. She doesn't need a still-grieving widower, a disgusting mess, or interfering family members. Unfortunately (or fortunately?), she ends up with all of the above.

Sounds good. Sounds fun. However, the execution is in as bad of shape as the laird's woebegone castle. Clara is as stupid as her bovine name indicates. The laird, Caelan, never even liked his wife, let alone mourned her--but, despite lusting after his new "housekeeper"--doesn't mention this to Clara until the end of the book. So, she falls in love with a man who she perceives to still be in love with his dead wife. Let's just say that sparks aren't exactly flying.

Eloisa James always shows humor, which is the case in Hardly a Gentleman. Usually, she tackles some kind of societal issue, which also occurs here. But, by and large, this book fell flat.

A thoroughly satisfying and delightful read for fans of historical romance. James' addition to her Accidental Brides series offers a tale filled with wit, warmth, and a touch of whimsy.

I enjoyed this book and the the two leads had great banter. Now it takes place over the course of not even a week which was alittle hard to believe but the banter and other side characters were so great that it worked for me!

This second book in the Accidental Brides series is a captivating and entertaining forced marriage historical romance. The characters are beautifully written, and their interactions are enjoyable, fun, and, of course, at times, steamy. I especially loved it when they accepted their love for one another. The ending was delightful. I highly recommend reading!