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!!

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

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.

Eloisa James is always so good at balancing strong heroes and strong heroines. Her characters never lack depth and nuance.

I somehow always seem to be reading new Eloisa James books on redeye flights! Which means I always end up at my destination bleary-eyed from staying up the whole time reading. Another delightful romance from James who for me always balances swoony heroes with strong willed heroines.

Oh, Eloisa James, how I adore you! She’s hands down one of my all-time favorite authors, and whenever I spot one of her books on NetGalley, I practically break into a sprint to request the ARC. Fingers crossed, right? (It’s always a bit like hoping for a lottery win.)

Now, onto the book at hand… What a treat! This one was a total gem. It had such a sweet vibe to it, even though there were some deeper, more serious themes woven in. Honestly, it felt like the perfect balance—a delightful, easy read with just enough substance to keep things interesting. I could totally imagine curling up with this one after a long day, feeling the weight of the world just melt away.

The two main characters were a joy, but I have to say, the female lead really stole the show for me. She gave off major Lady Xenobia vibes (one of my all-time favorites from Eloisa’s other works), with her wit, charm, and that little spark of independence that I just can’t resist. If you’ve read any of her other books, you’ll know exactly what I mean—James has a knack for crafting unforgettable heroines.

That said, I did have one tiny hiccup, which is why I knocked off a star. The way the deceased ex-wife was portrayed didn’t sit perfectly with me. I get that her character served a narrative purpose, but the way she was painted felt a bit one-dimensional and, dare I say, unfair. I would have loved to see a bit more depth there. Still, this was such a satisfying read overall, and I couldn’t help but enjoy it despite that small quibble!

I devoured this book...and then went back to read the first in the series. Eloisa James does a great job of just writing a fun historical romance - this one is a head-empty one (not at all a comment on our protagonist). Our heroine, Clara, sees the world through the lenses of fairytales and somehow, is spontaneous enough to find a Scottish laird who sees her for who she is. I gotta say this tragic backstory of the first wife and how he always compared the two - I don't even know how I'd feel about that, but it's certainly in his POV too. I think if you have a thing about that, this book will rub you the wrong way. But, it's clear that our Scot prefers Clara (again, could rub you the wrong way!) and she kind of creates a bit of a found family (missing the cozy element) and we lean heavily into our MMC thinking first with lust before his heart. Fun & lighter-hearted than some of her other series!

Eloisa James is either hit or miss for me. Mainly because I think her humor when done well is SO GOOD. But when it’s not done well, it kinda tanks the whole book for me. Case in point: Hardly a Gentleman. The first 70% of this book is so zany and so ridiculous. And usually? I love zany and ridiculous. The more bonkers, the better! But Caelan and Clara had almost no depth to them (or really knew anything about each other) until the last little bit of the book.

I think at a certain point, it went from zany and fun to just kind of silly? The humor was holding up the whole story valiantly but it just wasn’t strong enough on its own to really invest me in either character. They felt extremely shallow and immature and I just wasn’t vibing.

That being said, the last 25% was incredibly good! We finally got more than the surface level silliness between Caelan and Clara and there was some solid heart to heart talk + a sick bed scene which always slaps for me. I just wish we’d gotten a bit more of that emotional depth earlier in the book. There was ample opportunity! Clara is SA’d by Prince George! We see a bit of PTSD from her needing to wash daily to get rid of the feeling of his hands on her. But it tapered off into nonexistence and I was a bit disappointed.

After smacking the prince with her reticule for getting grabby with her, Clara escapes London and embarks on an adventure away from London to Scotland. Her perfect dream home is a castle with many books. impersonating a housekeeper, she lands on the doorstep of a Scottish laird who owns a castle with many books. The laird, Caelan, is a widower, and the attraction between Clara and him is amusing to read. The humor is delightful and quirky / fun.

Rating a 4 out of 5 stars. There were references to things that didn't seem to fit with the time period, plus I expected some of Clara's issues to be tied up by the end of the story. Other than that, good read.