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Rogue Hearts #6

Not a Fine Gentleman

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Margaret, the eldest of the misbegotten Amesbury family, is accused of murdering her jerk of a husband and then fleeing. Conner Jackson, a Bow Street Runner, is hunting her down to bring her to justice. Or so he thinks...

This romantic story of loss and betrayal, forgiveness and redemption, and strangers marrying, will leave you laughing, crying, and swooning. Sprinkled liberally with suspense, mystery, and heart-melting kisses, this is not your ordinary historical tale of an arranged marriage nor of redeeming the rakes. Fans of Victorian and Regency Eras, as well as those seeking clean and wholesome romance with plenty of chemistry, will love this story!

448 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 18, 2020

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About the author

Donna Hatch

38 books1,027 followers
Multi-award-winning author of more than twenty best-selling Regency Historical Romances, Donna Hatch is a hopeful romantic and an adventurer at heart. Each book she writes is filled with wit and heart and plenty of swoon-worthy romance. Donna sings, plays the harp, and loves to ballroom dance. Her family, including six children and two cats, recently left their native Arizona for the Pacific coast of the US. No matter where they live, she and her husband of over twenty years are proof that there truly is a happily ever after.

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5 stars
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27 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Kathy.
2,051 reviews588 followers
August 6, 2020
The Rogue Heart series is one of my favorites, so I've been looking forward to this book for quite some time. It was nice to finally get Margaret's story and to see her finally find a man who appreciates and treats her well. I liked her and Connor together and it was fun seeing their relationship develop. They come from very different walks of life, so they really have to figure out how their lives would mesh together. There is also a mystery running throughout the book and we get to catch up with Margaret's brothers and sister.

While I enjoyed the book, it wasn't my favorite in the series. Still an enjoyable read, and I look forward to more in this series.

Content: Clean mild romance, and mild violence

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Profile Image for Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...).
1,498 reviews439 followers
July 29, 2020
I always wondered why Margaret was unhappy in the previous books, so it was wonderful to have her story! It starts off with a bang and stayed exciting throughout. The author did a good job of showing the hardships and coping mechanisms of Margaret in her marriage, and how her perceptions get turned on their head when she is finally free. Connor is from humble beginnings and is proud of his accomplishments, even if they are still beneath the level of Margaret and upper society. They had fun banter as they work to solve the mystery of who killed her husband- sometimes together, and sometimes against or in spite of the other. They sure kept each other on their toes! I loved when they began to soften and develop romantic feelings that added to their attraction and chemistry. The scenes with Margaret's siblings (from the previous books) were great, revisiting them with their strengths and loyalties. An exciting addition to the Rogue Hearts series!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Profile Image for Carrie Schmidt.
Author 1 book341 followers
June 22, 2020
I really enjoyed the first 4 books in the Rogue Hearts series by Donna Hatch & I’ve been eager for the two sisters to have their own happily-ever-afters too. Not a Fine Gentleman was well worth the wait.

Amesbury sister Margaret Hennessey has the misfortune of being married to a vile man who winds up dead rather quickly into the story. Further misfortune ensues as she’s unfairly accused of killing him (a mostly stupid assumption, I thought, considering that no murder weapon was found on scene or on her person) and is turned over to the night watchman, another vile man from whom she escapes into the darkness & proceeds to flee for her life. Enter swoony Bow Street Runner Connor Jackson who’s asked to find her by her brother.

Sparks fly the moment they meet – as Margaret clearly demonstrates her ability to fend for herself when needed. I loved that she was a strong heroine even in the face of the unimaginable, but I also loved that when wounded the most deeply she still gave in to her pain. This kept her realistic and added an extra dose of humanity to her character. For his part, Connor had his own complex emotions to deal with, not the least of which involved his growing love for Margaret – a seemingly impossible match given the disparity in their social classes. Cue some tender touches, husky voiced sentiments, toe-curling kisses & barely restrained passion nonetheless.

One thing I most love about the Amesbury brothers is how they rally around each other without question – a trait that applies even more when their sisters are threatened. The scene with the magistrate is fondly comical in the face of all the protectiveness surging through the room – but mostly it’s just really sweet to see how these very manly men love so fiercely. Makes them all the swoonier, in my opinion.

Bottom Line: A plucky heroine with more strength than she’s given credit for & a swoony hero with more class than he’s given credit for. Intrigue. Suspense. Romance. A well-constructed plot. Charming writing style. What more could you ask for? Even though it’s been a while since the previous Rogue Hearts book released, Hatch hasn’t lost her touch with this series or characters in the least. Her writing voice achieves a delightful balance of tender affection, dry wit, and intense feelings that proves ‘clean fiction’ doesn’t have to be boring or staid at all! Regency intrigue fans, don’t miss this series!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
Profile Image for Katie (Hiding in the Pages).
2,918 reviews218 followers
June 25, 2020
Great characters in a fun Regency romance with intrigue

I've really enjoyed this series and love how each sibling gets a story of his or her own. It was a treat to see glimpses of the family and to check in with them to see how they're doing. I absolutely loved how they rally together in tough times and the murder of the eldest sister's husband, with her as the prime suspect, is definitely a good reason.

Margaret comes across as cold, but there's definitely more to her than that mask. Watching her spark to life, especially with Connor Jackson, was entertaining and my favorite moments were the forbidden attraction, moments of danger, and loyalty. Things were a lot different in this time and it was harder for different classes to mesh. Both Margaret and Connor had challenges and weaknesses to overcome and they each tackled them in realistic ways.

I felt like I was in the game of Clue at times, although we know where and with what weapon the murder took place. I loved the cat-and-mouse mystery and watching the puzzle pieces slip into place, and I thought this element was well done.

This is a story for lovers of intrigue and romance to settle in with, with its thrilling plot and enchanting characters.

Content: mild romance; mild violence

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Profile Image for Aimee (Getting Your Read On).
2,966 reviews243 followers
June 25, 2020
I really had a fun time with this book. I'm loving these Amesbury siblings because they are such a diverse group of characters but at the heart of it, they are all strong, loyal and brave. Enter Margaret, accused of murdering her louse of a husband and on the run. Conner Jackson is out to retrieve her but boy does he get more than he bargained for!

The mystery and intrigue started right off the bat, throwing me into the thick of things right along with Margaret. I loved how the whole story played out because between the mystery and the sparks between Conner and Margaret, I was entirely engaged from beginning to end. Margaret is feisty and determined but also so vulnerable and hurt. I really loved her. Bridging the gap in station between Conner and Margaret was tricky at times, especially for Conner, but thankfully Conner wised up about certain things. Good thing, because I was about ready to smack him upside the head too. :)

Donna Hatch is definitely a favorite of mine. Her books have vibrant characters and excellent pacing with so much going on to entertain my brain. This book was exactly what I was hoping for.

This is book six in this series but I believe it can stand alone. However, you will probably enjoy this series best if you read it in order.

Content: mild violence, peril, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
3 reviews
June 27, 2020
I received a copy of the book from Loving The Book in exchange for an honest review. This book can be read as a stand-alone or as part of the series. Each book in the series is about the romance of each sibling in the family. This is about Margaret, who we learn from previous books is in an unhappy marriage. In a shocking turn of events, her husband is murdered and she is accused of the crime. The story is a captivating narrative of her and her family's efforts to prove her innocence and keep each other safe - all while she is accidentally falling in love. Donna Hatch does an amazing job at writing sweet romances and I love how both of the main characters have flaws that they help each other overcome. I loved learning Margaret's story and I can't wait for Rachel's!
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,556 reviews5 followers
September 7, 2021
Absolutely loved it!!

Connor - an illegitimate son, captain in army, now a Bow street runner/ constable.
Margaret/Meg- was in a real bad marriage now accused of her husband's murder.

I enjoyed reading and listening to this captivating emotional roller coaster that is fantastically written with unforgettable characters. Best part more story, more character development and less ( to none) steam but romantic, passionate kisses and moments. Their story has a magnificent and loving HEA!

This story I read through kindle unlimited and is also ( together on ku) audio so I never had to put it down!! When eyes became tired or had to do dishes just switch to audio. The story is narrated by Gwyn Olson who did a wonderful job with making the voices characters distinctive and was pleasing to listen to.
Profile Image for Richelle .
374 reviews31 followers
July 21, 2020
Romance - Clean with a zing
Language - None
Violence - Mild not graphic
Series - Book 6
***These books should be read in order***

I love this author and this series so much. The first book, "The Stranger She Married", is one of my absolute favorite books. This book was every bit as good as the others in the series. I hope we will eventually get to see Rachel's happily ever after also.

I won't give spoilers, but I really felt like the author did a great job of explaining what Lady Margaret was dealing with and feeling. Also, the mixed emotions that Connor was struggling with as well.

This is a murder mystery story, and while I did have the murderer figured out early on, it in no way ruined the story, All the loose ends tied together at the big reveal and the ending was done well.

I highly recommend reading this series 📚 . It is fantastic! They are not your typical Regency Romance stories.

And now I must go back and binge-read the entire series ♡
Profile Image for Kelly-Ann ~ Sassy Bookish Mama.
506 reviews50 followers
May 26, 2020
This was my first book by Donna Hatch and my first in the Rogue Hearts series. I must say I do enjoy a good Regency/Victorian era type story and this one did not dissapoint! I was thoroughly engaged from the first page.

Full Review will be up on my blog on June 26th :) So make sure you visit and check it out! www.musingsofasassybookishmama.com

FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of this book as part of the Prism Book Tour for this author for my honest review and opinions. All opinions and view are my own.
Profile Image for Annette.
Author 15 books445 followers
July 21, 2020
I feel like I've been waiting for this book for quite a while. I'm glad I was finally able to read one of the sister's stories, and I anxiously await the next.
This was a sweet romance with some good intrigue and plenty of regency goodness.
Donna's books are always reliably clean.
Profile Image for zaki.
22 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2021
i couldnt get past the first couple of chapters i think my interest in british historical romance books is waning. finally!!!
Profile Image for Christy.
854 reviews35 followers
June 23, 2020
Regency romance has been one of my favorite genres since junior high. I remember reading a few of them during my early teens, but then I got away from them when the Janette Oke “boom” began. There’s only so much time in a day, especially when you’re in high school! But in the past several years, I’ve gotten back into this genre and have found many more Regency books to love. Not a Fine Gentleman is the latest to join my list. I haven’t read the others in the series, but this can easily be read as a standalone.

Not a Fine Gentleman is what I call a steamy clean romance book. There is no sex and no closed door scenes. However, t does have some very passionate kissing scenes, and Connor does confess to Lady Margaret that his past included love affairs. I’m just throwing that out there in case that type of thing bothers you.

I loved that there is an exciting mystery in Not a Fine Gentleman. As you can see from the book’s synopsis, Lady Margaret’s husband is murdered, and she is accused of the crime. She knows how the courts work and that her husband has friends in high places. So, she makes a run for it! I think I would have done the same. So, there’s this mysterious thread that runs throughout the book. For a time, Connor isn’t sure if Lady Margaret is lying to him about the murder because he sees no other alternative. It’s fun following the clues and figuring out who the real culprit is.

As I’ve said, I love the time period in which this takes place. The setting is also a plus for me as the story doesn’t take place in just one location. Connor and Lady Margaret are both strong-willed characters, and they’re very well-developed. They both grow throughout the book, so that makes them seem more believable. I love the side characters in the story and not just Margaret’s family. I won’t tell you who they are because I wouldn’t want to spoil anything for you!

Not a Fine Gentleman is a highly enjoyable read, and I recommend it to those of you who enjoy exciting romance books.
Profile Image for Robyn Echols.
Author 7 books24 followers
June 23, 2020
What a delightful story! This is not only a sweet romance, but also quite the murder mystery. Lady Margaret Hennessy, a disillusioned romantic, is in the wrong place at the right time and becomes a suspect in the murder of her odious and unfaithful husband. Faced with the threat of ending up in the hands of a lecherous night watchman, she flees.

I loved how the author portrayed the characters, including Connor, the constable, or Bow Street Runner, whom her family hires to find her and bring her safely home until the matter is cleared up. A man born on the wrong side of the blanket, but educated as a gentleman, he does the job for he was hired out of loyalty to her brothers, men he knew as a result of serving in the military. However, overall, he has no love for the gentry and their high-minded ways. That includes the lady he must find and return to the safety of her family’s home until the mystery surrounding her husband’s murder is sorted out. Then, he is assigned to investigate the murder. Will he search for the real killer, or only search for proof she is the guilty party?

Why did several of her late husband’s servants hold such animosity toward her, evidently, from the time of her marriage to Hennessy? Who is the strange man she saw leaving the room in which she found her dying husband? Who is trying to frame her? What did the last word her husband spoke before he died mean? Such great clues resulting in engaging suspense.

As always, this author tells a wonderful tale with enough description that allows the reader to picture the characters and setting. She is a master at dialogue. I felt like I was right in the story. This book is a must-read for those who love historical romance filled with suspense.
Profile Image for Marissa.
975 reviews3 followers
July 18, 2020
Intrigue and Murder and Romance - perfectly combined

Although I did end up loving this book, it was honestly my least favorite of the series. I absolutely adore the Amesbury family, but Margaret was always the most offish of everyone - even more than Grant. So it took me a while to warm up to her and I did come to like her, but certainly not at first. Margaret finds her husband murdered fairly early on in the book and she is accused of committing the crime. She finds herself on the run from accusers who don’t give her any benefit of the doubt. Connor Jackson is asked by her family to find her and bring her back to London. Connor does not believe her innocent, but consents to track her down and bring her back. They encounter multiple trials along the way, but eventually find safety. Connor does not having feelings develop for Lady Margaret and does everything to dissuade any type of connection, but sometimes the heart has more persuasion than anything.
Lady Margaret fights to prove her innocence and is supported by her loving family. Their support keeps her steady in the tumultuous times and controversy surrounding her husband’s death. She finds herself falling for the Constable assigned to her late husband’s case. She tries to protect her heart from being rejected again, but it’s hard when the heart won’t listen...
There is always some excitement in the lives of the Amesbury family. I like the excitement and intrigue as well as the romance. Such a fun series!;
Profile Image for Leah.
384 reviews
June 28, 2020
I’ve loved this series about each of the Amesbury brothers and was very excited for this new book about their sister Margaret to come out!
Margaret is married to a Marchess who is a complete rake. She’s unhappy and feels unlovable when she hears a commotion in her husband’s office, only to enter and find him dead. He’s been murdered and the whole house staff believes she did it.
Connor Jackson is a constable who’s been hired to find Lady Margaret. So far, all the evidence points to her being the one who killed her husband but his friendship with the Amesbury brothers gives him reason to hope she’s innocent.
Connor and Margaret are attracted to each other but come from different worlds. Their relationship was a bit of a rollercoaster ride.
I enjoyed the story and wanted to see the outcome, however, it went all over the place. Margaret kept doing the exact opposite thing she was told to do which I find a bit annoying. So much trouble could have been avoided if she would have just listened.
All the characters from the previous books were in this one which was fun and the ending was perfect.
Now, we just need a story about Margaret’s twin sister, Rachel. :-)
Profile Image for Pam.
190 reviews
July 15, 2021
Something about a persistent Bow Street constable just makes a story hum for me. Even better when his duty conflicts with his fast friendships and his new tender and sometimes lustful feelings for his fleeing murder suspect who happens to be his best friend's sister!

This book flows not so much with the romance but with the unmasking and capture of a murderer. Lovely Lady Margaret's philandering husband was no great loss to her or her family. However protecting her from prosecution for the crime definitely qualifies as a family matter. I love that we get to revisit all the prior couples in this series! Family based series always delight me.

The other factor in this story that for me elicits a deep connection with Lady Margaret is her conclusion that she is unlovable because she tried so hard to meet her husband's and eventually her true love's desires, yet they rejected her. Of course, our hero Connor has his own personal demons to overcome before he can consider himself worthy of her society status.

I recommend this book to historical romance readers who like a sort of Cinder-fella story and the excitement of a Bow Street murder investigation. I enjoyed this series!
Profile Image for Suzie Waltner.
Author 7 books109 followers
June 22, 2020
While Not a Fine Gentleman is book five in Donna Hatch’s Rogue Hearts series, it is the first one I’ve read. And, while I wasn’t at all lost in Margaret and Connor’s story, I’ve added the previous four books to my tbr.

Hatch transports readers to the Regency era with the murder of a Marquis and his wife’s quest to prove her innocence in said murder when all evidence points to her. Enter Connor Jackson, a Bow Street Constable, intent on seeing justice served.

The mystery in this book is engaging and flows well with the personal aspects. Margaret’s family adds another layer to the story (and I’m sure those who have been following the series will enjoy visiting the brothers again).

With a heroine whose dons a façade of strength to hide her vulnerability, a hero who admires said strength but tries not to become enamored by her, and plenty of chemistry between them, A Fine Gentleman is a diverting romp.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Bethany Swafford.
Author 14 books79 followers
June 22, 2020
Margaret witnesses the man who murdered her husband and, fearing that her distant relationship with her brute of a husband will condemn her, she flees the scene. A Runner from Bow Street is on her heels. Can she discover the truth before the danger catches up to her?

While it was lovely to return to this family, I found it hard to get behind the romance of Margaret and Conner. I was sympathetic to Margaret, and I wanted her to see justice done. Then Conner Jackson is on the scene. He's agreed to keep an open mind about the situation and goes after Margaret to return her to her brothers. 

These two. It felt like every conversation was an argument, and that is a poor environment for romance. I fully believed they were wrong for each other, so the happily ever after sat wrong with me.

I did enjoy seeing the rest of the family. The book was well written, and the plot moved at a good pace. I just wished it had inspired the same feeling of romance that the first four books had.

I received a free copy through Loving the Book and all opinions expressed are my own.
34 reviews
June 20, 2020
The excitement with the Amesbury family continues in this story. Always a wonderful romance. There's also mystery and intrigue. Again the heartache was very touching.
The characters are well-developed and it's easy to feel their emotions. I love Connor. He's rough and strong and yet has a loving heart. Margaret being the oldest sibling finally has her life going in the right direction after all the hard things she has endured.
The story flows well from chapter to chapter and is easy to follow along.
The book cover and title are a perfect match for the story.
I highly recommend this book to all who love to read a good story.
Profile Image for Jillian.
703 reviews23 followers
August 12, 2020
A fine man

Still enjoyable but I did like the brothers stories more. The first half of the book had Margret making so many stupid fool hardy choices to put herself unnecessarily at risk that I almost gave up reading the book completely. But I kept hoping that it would get better and it did. I really enjoyed the second half of the book and the conclusion.
Rating: PG, clean, talk of past mistakes of marital infidelity on the part of the murdered husband. Some violence, but nothing graphic.
Profile Image for Cara Devlin.
Author 18 books72 followers
October 5, 2021
A romantic, adventurous, and often humorous Regency romance that I really enjoyed! Margaret is in the wrong place at the wrong time and is accused of murdering her husband. Panicking, she goes on the run, but her loving and very powerful family hire Connor, a Bow Street constable to hunt her down and bring her home safely. This is most definitely a fun and mysterious romp, though the murder mystery element and investigation was a bit protracted. Still, a great light read that also shows the power of love despite class differences.
516 reviews3 followers
December 16, 2021
I’ve read all of the books in this series and I have LOVED them all. Once I start reading I can’t stop till I'm done.
I've got to admit I wasn’t sure if this one would end happily… but it did.
I loved seeing all the brothers and other characters from previous books as well as some new ones. The plot line was fantastic and unpredictable. I was sad when the story ended and can’t wait for more from this author.
This book was clean but very slightly spicy- nothing I would be uncomfortable getting caught reading though.
August 10, 2021
This was another great book, it is actually not the next in the Rogue Heart Series, I skipped a book, this book is about Margaret, the oldest sister of the Amesbury brothers. This is a sad book and Margaret is beautiful but her husband is a monster, when she is accused of his murder, she goes on the run and a bow street constable Conner Jackson is assigned to bring her back to her family to face the murder charges. This book was cute, romantic, mysterious and I really enjoyed reading it.
2 reviews
June 19, 2020
I have read and loved all of the books in the Rogue Hearts series. Once again this one did not disappoint. It grabbed me from the first page and I could not put it down. It was lovely reading about the Amesbury family again and especially finding out what happens to Margaret. This book was exciting and had many plot twist and turns. I wonderful clean read.
348 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2020
4 and a half stars

Quite a good book. Like all of the others, it’s never boring, quick paced and full of adventure and swoon worthy kisses. I highlighted a few typos and at least one misused homonym that the editors didn’t catch. I liked both of the main characters and loved seeing the other characters from the previous books. Love those Amesbury boys!
1,483 reviews2 followers
March 20, 2021
Nice clean read

I really enjoy the read of what I assume was the last of this series. I am disappointed that the story of Rachel was left unanswered. They alluded to her heartbreak and even mentioned him in at least two books but then he just disappeared a d her life remained unfinished. That’s the reason I only rated it a three.
Profile Image for Nancy Baker-krofft.
106 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2023
Meg Perseveres and learns that she is not unlovable

I enjoyed all the rogue series, and hate to say goodbye to the Amesbury clan. The struggle to accept those not of the same class is a heart wrenching theme, as is opening oneself to forgiveness and starting anew after heartache. What now will become of Rachel...is a 6th book possible?
Profile Image for Clarissa Kae.
Author 14 books353 followers
June 24, 2020
Read this as an ARC with the loving the book blog tour. I loved the ending (I'm a sucker for a happy ending). I'm a Donna Hatch newbie but will definitely be checking out her other books. This is a great read for historical romance fans (esp regency era).
5 reviews
June 27, 2020
Really love this series!

I love this whole series! I love the way the characters continue from one book to the next. I think it feels like a much deeper story that way. I can't wait to read Rachel's story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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