Didn't thrill me as Eloisa James can🤔

I've long been an Eloisa James fan. Her Duke series totally delighted me. At her best she imbues her historical romance plots with whimsy and humor along with a touching romance.

But Hardly a Gentleman just didn't do it for me, despite some good secondary characters like the coachman and the hero's chicken-loving nephew. Clara's "disguise" as a housekeeper didn't hold water and her constant quotes and references to the gothic romances read in Regency times went on too long. The touches that I believe were meant to add whimsy, like Clara's strange choice of reticules (purses), just hit me as odd.

And I was disappointed by male lead Caelen who allows poor Clara to labor under a major misapprehension that affects her happiness through almost the whole story. He could have been as dreamy as his physique but he ended up silent about his feelings too often.

Thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

Review shared on 4/19/25 on Waterstones, Goodreads and Bookbub, and with Barnes & Noble and BAM. To be shared with kobo and Google Play upon publication.

Well! This book was anything but boring! It went from very unwanted advances from that troll Prinny, to wacky and zany as Clara runs off to Scotland. I appreciate it that Clara did not keep up the lie for too long that she was married. Caelan was a sad Laird, and I felt for him. Once he fell for Clara, he fell hard. I'm glad they found each other.
Thank you to Avon for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

Eloisa James was one of the first handful of historical romance authors I read, so I will always pick up what she writes. I really enjoyed the first installment of Accidental Brides, but thought this one was just ok.

The writing is great as usual and I even loved the plot, but the beginning of the book before the MCs met went on a bit too long and the ending felt a little rushed. There was definitely chemistry between the MCs to work with, but something about the pacing felt very chaotic to me? At several points I felt like I was flipping back to see if I had accidentally skipped over a few pages because something seemed to sort of happen unnaturally i.e. I felt like all of a sudden they were just kissing each other despite the impact of an assault that has plagued the FMC--which started out as (AND IS) A Very Big Deal and suddenly became a drop in the bucket. I was disappointed that what was very clearly PTSD disappeared but the incredibly frustrating "he could never love me like his first wife" storyline stuck around when it could have been solved with one conversation earlier in the book. Like...offer your new wife an ATOM of reassurance, bro.

This had so much potential to be an absolute banger, but ended up being a 35 for me overall.

Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for a copy of this eARC. All opinions are honest and my own.

For years, Prince George has pursued, harassed and humiliated Miss Clara Vetry making her social life a nightmare, but all that comes to a shocking end at a garden party in which Clara is pushed beyond her tolerance and she does the unthinkable, she hits the prince with her reticule. Her horrified mother decides to wash her hands of Clara, she sends her to live with a distant cousin and giving her control of her dowry. But while waiting for the carriage her mother hired, Clara decides to take control of her own future and enters a carriage bound for the highlands, claiming to be Mrs. Potts, the housekeeper the driver, Mr. Cobbledick was waiting for, never imagining how this would change her life. She arrives at Castle CaerLaven and is enchanted, she heads inside ready to assume the position of housekeeper, until she sees the state of the dwelling. She then decides that she will wait for Mr. Cobbledick to return from picking up his daughter and convince him to take her away – she will find her own castle and fill it with books and live happily ever after. As the castle seems abandoned, so she goes looking for the owners to inform them she is not staying, and she finds a very naked Caelan MacCrae, Laird of CaerLaven fishing in the loch. They return to the castle and Clara is even more horrified by the kitchen and makes it clear she isn’t staying. Convinced Caelan has let his house fall into disrepair because his is grieving for his late wife, whom everyone has told her is the love of his life. She agrees to stay for a few days and recruits help to clean the castle. Falling in love was never part of the plan, especially to a man who is still in love with his dead wife! When he proposes, she declines, but when her identity is uncovered, she doesn’t have a choice – but is determined not to lose her heart to a man who has sworn to never fall in love again.

Caelan MacCrae, Laird of CaerLaven is perfectly happy living alone in his castle, fishing, making whisky, writing books about fishing and whisky and improving his tenant’s lives. It is his sister Fiona who has decided he needs a housekeeper from England and informs him she is on her way. Everyone believes that Caelan is heartbroken and that the state of his castle is a reflection of that grief – but that isn’t quite right. When Clara arrives and starts bringing the castle back to life, Caelan who was at first was opposed to a housekeeper, is determined to keep her. Too bad she keeps saying no to his proposals – especially since he has everything she wants – A castle and books! When her true identity is revealed, Caelan is ecstatic that she will have to marry him and is sure they can be happy together, as long as she doesn’t want more than he is able to give.

I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book! It was the perfect book to segue into my spring reading, it was a fun well-written, nicely paced story with wonderful characters. I loved Clara and Caelan together, they have both had pain in their lives, but they don’t lock themselves away, instead they find new joy. This book has a bit of a grumpy/sunshine trope, amazing characters, steamyish love scenes, witty banter, laugh out loud moments, fabulous secondary characters; including a “rabbity chicken”, naked fishing, a dramatic rescue and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue. The book does touch on grief, loss of a loved one, and sexual abuse/harassment – but I felt like these subjects were handed respectfully and compassionately with plenty of levity to keep this book from becoming a dark read. This is the second book in the series, but they are very loosely connected and can definitely be read as standalone titles with no problems. Overall, if you are looking for your next favorite book – this is that book, which I happily and highly recommend to my fellow HR readers and can’t wait for the next installment in this outstanding series!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

4.5 Stars Hardly a Gentleman is the perfect historical romance for anyone who loves a Scottish MMC, a brave and feisty FMC, and cheers for the anti-heroes.

After a disastrous end to her Season, with no marriage proposal in sight, the Honorable Miss Clara Vetry boards a carriage bound for Scotland. Since her mother only sees her as a disappointment and she's running from scandal, she might as well become a housekeeper in a Scottish castle. Laird Caelan MacCrae sees no need to marry, despite his sister and his late wife's mother insisting that he still needs an heir. But when he sees his new housekeeper--who surely can't really be a housekeeper with how little she knows how to do--Caelan changes his mind and does everything he can to win Clara's hand. Except, Clara refuses, again and again. When her true identity is revealed and the two must marry to save her reputation, Caelan realizes he must convince his new wife that his feelings are true and try to win over her heart.

Caelan and Clara are a perfect match! Both introverted, well-read thinkers who enjoy solving problems and getting down to work. They prefer the realistic and comfortable to the fantasy and beautiful. Their chemistry leaps off the page and they form a friendship right from the start. It's easy for both Caelan and the reader to see how they fit together so well. Though this book has a few small references to the previous book in the Accidental Brides series, it can be easily read as a standalone. I really feel like I've never read a historical romance quite like this one and really enjoyed it!

Thank you Avon and Harper for the ARC!

Hardly A Gentleman is the second in the Accidental Brides series, but it's fine as a stand alone, with just a few references to the previous book. For once, a historical cover featuring a hunk without a shirt is actually a relevant plot point as Caelan, our gruff, taciturn and rather oblivious Scottish MMC spends a fair amount of his time naked fly fishing in the loch and this is the basis of the meet cute between him and Clara, our intrepid, impulsive, sunny, FMC.

Caelen's sister has hired an English housekeeper to take charge of his hot mess of a Scottish castle which Caelen has been ignoring ever since his wife died 2 yrs ago. After all, he's way to busy making whiskey and writing a book about fly fishing to care that the castle is falling to pieces around him. Clara is fleeing a major scandal in London in which she was assaulted, then blamed for the situation, and has been banished to live with an elderly aunt in Edinburgh by her overbearing, unsympathetic mother. When she impulsively decides to stand in for the housekeeper, who is an apparent no-show, she has no idea what she's getting herself into, but being both smart and optimistic, she has no trouble settling in and making the best of the situation.

Caelen and Clara are perfect together. Both are intelligent, well-read problem solvers, and are not the sort to sit around wringing their hands when confronted with difficulties. Their chemistry leaps off the page and makes the reader fully believe in their attraction. There are plenty of entertaining hijinks to propel the story forward. I was never bored and was rooting for them all the way to their happy ending. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

The story of "Hardly A Gentleman" itself was fine, I liked that it focused on a woman escaping her life in England - a life that wasn't turning out how her mother/society expected it to be. It was relatable having an imperfect FMC who was struggling with the expectations placed on her. Having her make choices for herself and ensuring that the reader knew she could take care of herself was really positive for me.

The thing about this book, though, I just that I don't think EJ's writing is for me! This is my second book of her's and I have a hard time focusing, wanting to finish. It felt like the story just slogged on endlessly and I up skimming/skipping a lot.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!

This was fun. Clara has to flee London because the Prince of Wales acted like a boor toward her at a party and she ended up smacking him. Her mother sends her away to Scotland and she ends up showing up as a housekeeper at a Scottish castle. There she makes lots of friends and wins over the Scots, including the laird, Caelen. She doesn’t know anything about being a housekeeper, but she has such a sweet personality that she ends up winning everyone’s friendship.

I enjoyed the story, unlikely as it all was. The characters were fun and likeable.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

I always love an Eloisa James book, and this one did not disappoint. It is a wonderful story, with lots of adventure, romance, spice and humor sprinkled throughout the story.
Clara is a strong woman, and Caelan is a hunky Scottish Laird, who have great chemistry between them from the beginning.
I loved the secondary characters, which included a chicken and a puppy.

This book gets the award for the absolute goofiest beginning of a historical romance. You are instantly pulled in laughing, getting mad and cringing for poor Clara and her unfortunate situation with the Prince. Eloisa James gives us humor but shows us the sad world these girls had to deal with in order to be put on display for the marriage market and how they had to endure horrible behavior. BUT Clara still is bright eyed and positive that she can turn her life around and have an adventure. That’s why her jumping into a carriage for Mrs. Potts the housekeeper bound for the Scottish Highlands is the chance she takes - even though no one will believe she’s a housekeeper.
Another funny scene is her meet cute with the laird of the castle she is suppose to be working at and then her less than knowledgeable cleaning skills are out to test.
I just love how being a lady doesn’t make Clara stuffy - she is willing to get her hands dirty and she’s willing to say no to marriage to finally have a chance at the life she’s always wanted. One of the most lighthearted books by Eloisa I’ve read was an absolute joy. Cute and funny moments kept me wanting to read well into the night. Pick this one up - historical romances are as fantastic as ever and I hope keep getting published!

Clara is being sent away. After being accosted by Prince George, and then smacking his hands away from her bodice, she has created a scandal. Her mother wants nothing to do with her, so she ships her out to a very distant aunt. Along the way, Clara decides that she is going to take control of her life and do things her way.
And that is how she ends up posing as a housekeeper in the Scottish Highlands of Castle CaerLaven.
Caelan is the Laird of Castle CaerLaven. He lost his wife two years ago and since then has totally neglected anything to do with his castle. He's let it go to rot and ruin. He just doesn't care. He takes care of his lands, his crofters, his whiskey business but household stuff doesn't interest him.
When the two meet, it's instant attraction. Caelan knows two things:
1. Clara is not a housekeeper, but a lady in disguise
2. He's never letting her go.
This was a very light hearted story that I really enjoyed.
It was so different from a typical historical romance book.
Once I started, I couldn't put it down.
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I want to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

Eloisa James never disappoints. A simple falling in love story, historically accurate and spicy,,…

A one click author for me.

Right off the bat, we learn that this is not going to be a conventional regency romance where everyone is carefully following the rules of society or even appearing to.  Clara hits a groping Prince Regent with her handbag and Caelan's sister finds him fly fishing naked near his castle... which may be how the unmarried Clara finds him a month or so later when she arrives poorly disguised as a housekeeper. Both Clara and Caelan have had bad things happen in the past - people wanting them for how they look or the title they hold but not wanting them for who they really are.  There are some misunderstandings and insecurities to work through of course. Clara wants the storybook romance of being first in her husband's heart. Caelan has some baggage from his first marriage and how the whole area thinks of him as a besotted widower. But the HEA is guaranteed of course and it is a fun journey to get there.

This was a wonderful time. It was sweet, cozy, fun, and steamy with a dash of angst. I was excited to read more about Clara after the glimpses of her in Viscount in Love. I loved that Clara was firm in who she was and that she was going to go for the life that she wanted. Caelan was a fantastic MC. I loved how these two complimented each other in their desire to pursue things outside of what the ton saw as appropriate. Also their banter was *chef’s kiss*. The cast of side characters was lovable. Overall had a great time reading!

Hardly a Gentleman by Eloise James is the second book in the Accidental Brides series. In this novel the main character is Clara, a woman who is determined not to be married. To top it off, she is constantly in trouble with her mother (a harridan if I ever heard of one).

Clara was being sent away to live with an ancient relative. Instead she jumps carriages and gets in one going to Scotland for a housekeeper. Obvious to everyone, Clara is no housekeeper, but a lady. However, everyone continues to maintain the fiction. When she gets to her final destination Castle CaerLaven, Clara is quite unprepared for seeing the Laird fishing in the loch, naked. It is from this introduction that a partnership was formed. Clara is going to help Caelan and he is going to allow her to stay, clean and organize his home. He knows she is the one, even though she keeps turning him down.

I always enjoy Eloise James’s books and writing. In this novel, I found I needed to suspend some reality with regard to Clara and her role as a housekeeper. The characters and the romance was fun to read. Hardly a Gentleman by Eloise James was a fun read.

What a delightful and delicious story, but that is to be expected with a wonderful author like this one. This story only disappoints in one way…the f-bomb used somewhat liberally which brings my level of enjoyment down ( thus the 4 stars- really a story can be good without that word!) I truly enjoyed Clara and felt deep pain for all she went through with no one to protect her. Caelan, bless his heart is just a man who wants to be loved for himself and not a fairy tale hero whom he could never emulate. Their journey to love was so sweet and as with most relationships, misunderstandings abounded. When he does reveal the truth, it made the story that much more touching. Would have loved to have had a scene between Clara’s mother and Caelan…would have been very satisfying to watch his protective instincts come into play! A precious story worth the time.

I received this story for free and these are my own views

Delightful take on the anti-hero and anti-heroine, protagonists who are not idealized prototypes. Lusty and daring to be different, rejecting the.roles of propriety for the times.

Clara has had the misfortune to be at the top of the Prince George's radar for the last three years. It has ruined her chances to find a match on the marriage mart. The straw that breaks the camel's back is when the Prince sees her at a part an begins singing a very off color song and then groping her! Clara is sent away to Scotland by her less than loving Mother - and this is where our true story begins. Clara decides to not go to her relative's home and instead gets in a carriage that is waiting for a housekeeper. When Clara arrives Scotland, she meets her new employer in unusual circumstances and both of them feel a pull towards each other. Caelan has been married before, though, to (as all of the town agrees) the love of his life. How can Clara compete with that. You'll have to read Hardly a Gentleman to find out!

I just loved this book. It is a unique take on a historical love story and so very well done. I am a big fan of Eloisa James, and was so very happy to be gifted with an advanced copy of this book for this 100% honest review. 5 stars!

From the pen of a master of historical romance. I jumped at the chance to read this latest Eloisa James book. I'm delighted Clara gets her story told. She was a lovely tragic figure in the previous book, Viscount in Love. Clara was the best friend of that heroine showing promise of having an interesting tale. The ton isn't nice to people who don't conform. Being quirky is a sure way to stand on the sideline while the other girls dance the night away. I loved Clara's handmade reticules although they were dangerous. She has imagination, brains, beauty and our hero, Caelan, sees her for the first time he knows she's special. They have a meet cute at his Scottish Castle, the romance begins and doesn't stop. Caelan has his own issues that make watching him bloom coming back to life is part of the moving way their relationship flourishes. I'm giving a rare, for me, 5 stars - that's how much I love Clara and her journey to happiness.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#NetGalley #Hardley a Gentleman #Accidental Brides #Eloisa James #Avon publishing #Harper Collins publishing #Harper Voyager #historical romance #romance #book review #regency romance #regency historical romance

Such a great read. Every time I read one of Eloisa's books I feel sucked into a whole new world. Amazing