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Emily_K24
Posted May 16, 2012
Cecilia Gray has captured my heart again with An Illicit Engagement. It is the second novella in a series called The Gentlemen Next Door.
This time she gives us the story of a young woman who is desperate to help her father keep his company and his fortune by finding a wealthy, connected husband and her neighbor, a gentleman who has been engaged six times only for the women to end up with a friend, a family member or an acquaintance. While, I have read historical romances where the girl plans to marry out of duty and not love, I have never come across a story where the man has had such horrible luck in finding a bride! (Especailly not an attractive catch like the man in this story, Lucas Willoughby!)
The author writes characters that you can really connect with. I may not be from the era that they are, but I can understand their thoughts, feelings and wants. Without that connection, a book can be very hard to read, if you end up reading it at all!
Chastity Drummond is a smart, determined character. She knows what she wants and she will get it. She's a very strong female lead. Lucas is bitter and cautious. He does not want to be used. He wants to be loved, not to be used - even if the using isn't purposely done. And he has the stubbornness and determination that matches with Chastity's. They make a fantastic pair!Don't even get me started on how much I love Cassandra. She's isn't a major character in this story, but book three is all hers and I can't wait to read that one!
I love that Cecilia includes characters from the first book in the series. When I started this book, I was so hoping she would because I adored Francesca and Phillip! I hope I will see more of Franny, Phillip, Chastitiy and Lucas in book three!
This novella is a fast read. I finished it in under an hour, but loved it dearly. It was a nice, light romance that was perfect for a morning with nothing to do. I was bummed that it ended where it did, because I wanted so much more! It ended too quickly for my taste, but I loved the story very much.
Cecilia knows her romance. This is the third story of hers that I have read and I assure you it will not be the last. I don't know how she does it, but she manages to keep my attention and make me fall in love with her characters. Every. Single. Time. Especially her brooding, dutiful men!
Anne3
Posted April 19, 2012
Again a great book
I enjoyed so much Lord Willoughby character. The way he searches so hard to find the right person for him. The way he tries so hard to refuse the illicit engagement but can’t is so well written.
Chastity wants to put duty first has she always did but want to follow her heart. Who will she choose? You want to know therefore can’t stop reading.
The Gentlemen Next Door series is really good. I enjoyed the 3 books and can’t wait for the next one to be available. It’s good, quick, fun and witty regency novellas. The way they are written is true to the period it portraits but it’s still a refreshing reading.
I just love the characters in this book. The sisters definitely have more going for them in intellectual matters than any of their male counterparts. This was a fun book to read given the main focus of the plot. I can't wait for other books in this series. In one word, they are delightful!
Anonymous
Posted March 9, 2012
This story has all the workings for a great tale, instead it's very simple without much depth. Too bad it didn't have more meat to it.
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Posted December 14, 2011
Sweet and suitable for all ages. I really enjoyed this second book in this series.
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Posted February 18, 2012
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Anonymous
Posted May 6, 2012
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Overview
Lord Lucas Willoughby earned his moniker as the Matchmaking Baron after his six engagements ended with each lady happily wed - to someone else. He swears off marriage proposals, until his headstrong neighbor proposes something else entirely.Chastity Drummond has her sights set on a man who barely sees her as a woman much less a potential wife. She can't seem to get him on ...