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The Notorious Nightingales #2
An Imperfect Gentleman
Ruined in the eyes of society, and removed from the only world they’d ever known, the Nightingale siblings vow never to be victims again. They will build their new life on what they’d once ignored. Being a clairvoyant is an excellent survival skill.
A power he vows will not control him…
After society turned its back on the Nightingales, Alexander knew it was time to face what he’d always denied. From a young age, he’d shut out the voices inside his head, but now being able to talk to the dead was a skill he could no longer ignore.
When a persistent voice from the past insists he approach an angry protester, he gets more than he’d bargained for. Dragged into the melee, he is soon holding a placard beside the intriguingly lovely Harriet Shaw.
A woman with strong convictions and a burning need for change. Harriet was also determined to set right the wrongs of her past, and Alex was just the man to keep her safe.
To go forward, she must first look back…
Raised with wealth and privilege in America, Harriet arrived in London, excited for her family’s new adventure. Desperate to be the perfect society miss, her parents allow her to attend a private school for young ladies.
After a year of torment that ends in scandal, she was sent home, and in that moment, truly understood how controlled a woman’s life could be. She vows to do something to change that.
Harriet is stunned when Alexander Nightingale tells her an old friend from the past has a message for her. Will she finally find the truth about her friend's disappearance, and can she trust the enigmatic Alex to help?
Can Alex break through Harriet’s barriers and help her solve a mystery while convincing her to take a chance on love?
Books in The Notorious Nightingales Series
The Disgraced Debutante
An Imperfect Gentleman
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 9, 2024
350 people are currently reading
2453 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Vella
96 books831 followersWendy Vella is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of historical romances filled with mystery, intrigue, unconventional heroines, and dashing heroes.
Connect with Wendy in her Facebook reader group facebook.com/groups/wendyvellareaders or sign up for her reader newsletter at WendyVella.com to get goodies, exclusive excerpts and behind-the-scenes peeks.
Wendy also writes small town contemporary romances under the name Lani Blake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
July 29, 2024
4.5 stars 🌟
Alex finds Harriet to tell her , that her friend has been in touch with him. This brings them together to find her killer.
Another good story plenty of humour and old friends from other books appear.
Alex finds Harriet to tell her , that her friend has been in touch with him. This brings them together to find her killer.
Another good story plenty of humour and old friends from other books appear.
May 15, 2024
A lovely HEA story with Harriet Shaw and Alexander Nightingale.
Loved it! Great characters and storyline. A real favourite from Wendy Vella. 5☆
Loved it! Great characters and storyline. A real favourite from Wendy Vella. 5☆
March 14, 2024
This is my 40th book by Wendy Vella and I've been reading her since 2016. I do consider her a favorite but have to say this series is not my favorite.
Unfortunately, I feel the same thing I did with the first book in this series. I thought Book 1 might have been because I didn't feel the characters chemistry but now I'm not sure. Just like with book 1, I'm on the fence on how I feel about this book. Again, it had the great intrigue and mystery but just something seemed off. I think it has something to do with the confusion on who the characters were and how they would pop in and out and how they related to each other. I think there were just too many characters. Maybe it's me and I since I read fast maybe my brain wasn't registering or keeping track of who was who. Don't really know.
There were some big sections that I totally skipped because it wasn't relevant to the story anyway. So maybe that was the issue. Maybe it was just too long a book with areas that weren't important.
I also didn't feel much chemistry between Alex and Harriet. It won't stop me from reading her though.
Unfortunately, I feel the same thing I did with the first book in this series. I thought Book 1 might have been because I didn't feel the characters chemistry but now I'm not sure. Just like with book 1, I'm on the fence on how I feel about this book. Again, it had the great intrigue and mystery but just something seemed off. I think it has something to do with the confusion on who the characters were and how they would pop in and out and how they related to each other. I think there were just too many characters. Maybe it's me and I since I read fast maybe my brain wasn't registering or keeping track of who was who. Don't really know.
There were some big sections that I totally skipped because it wasn't relevant to the story anyway. So maybe that was the issue. Maybe it was just too long a book with areas that weren't important.
I also didn't feel much chemistry between Alex and Harriet. It won't stop me from reading her though.
March 13, 2024
Well done Wendy! First I am not a fan of gothic or people talking to the dead etc! But this was different! Alex hears voices and actually smells things from a person long gone! Thank goodness in this story it’s lemons!
Harriet left a finishing school in disgrace as her friend that “reached” out to Alex was murdered and she was blamed!
Alex is tired of the smell and the voices when they lead him to Women’s suffrage rally and to Harriet! Definitely an unlikely pair! Harriet doesn’t even use her real last name!
But Harriet in her assistance at an orphanage knows far more than she thinks and someone is unhappy! When danger is near its Alex to the rescue all these rub each other the wrong way until they don’t!
There is of course danger, villains, bullies and meddling family members! Guest appearances from the Sinclair and Ravens and you have an all nighter! Can’t wait for the next one! Bravo
Harriet left a finishing school in disgrace as her friend that “reached” out to Alex was murdered and she was blamed!
Alex is tired of the smell and the voices when they lead him to Women’s suffrage rally and to Harriet! Definitely an unlikely pair! Harriet doesn’t even use her real last name!
But Harriet in her assistance at an orphanage knows far more than she thinks and someone is unhappy! When danger is near its Alex to the rescue all these rub each other the wrong way until they don’t!
There is of course danger, villains, bullies and meddling family members! Guest appearances from the Sinclair and Ravens and you have an all nighter! Can’t wait for the next one! Bravo
March 4, 2024
I was immediately caught up in this book. I didn’t want to put it down for any of life’s necessities, not even food or sleep. I loved these two together. Watching them spar their way to getting to know one another was such a delight. Alex and Harriet were powerful examples of why it’s so important to see the heart of another person, and how transformative loving yourself exactly as you are can be. The mystery they were working to solve led everyone on a merry chase and it gave us some delightful cameo appearances by our favorite Sinclair & Raven regulars. I can’t wait to discover what the author has for us next.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
March 14, 2024
Favorite author!
Wendy Vella's books never disappoint!! They get better and better and I love seeing familiar characters come back into each book!
Wendy Vella's books never disappoint!! They get better and better and I love seeing familiar characters come back into each book!
March 17, 2024
Mystery entangled with a touch of paranormal intrigue and sizzling chemistry...a Vella tale is always a treat to behold!
A past mysterious death comes back to haunt Harriet and irredeemably entangles Alex in her fate. As the rumour of past ruination and the stigma it still causes will force truths finally into the light. Encapsulating AN IMPERFECT GENTLEMAN in a spot of character lead romance that heightens the sentiment and pulls you in.
Subtly the plot unfolded and sucked me in with the allure of encroaching danger seeming ever closer on the horizon. Where as always I am wrapped up so heartily in the characters at the centre and focus of Vella's stories. Which so delightfully becomes the driving force that adds rich colour, wonder and nonsensical madness and mixes it all with this all consuming love that the Nightingales' have for each other and the kooky welcoming neighbours who embrace them unquestioningly.
Where upon closer acquaintance, I couldn't help but be swept up by the generous helpings of heart, warmth, touches of romance and sweet intimacy as well as close call jeopardy that's injected with an interwoven thread of humour, that had me smiling and touched to tears.
Vella has this ability to capture people with such sincerity, insight and humour, I'm wrapped up in her characters everytime, whether they stand in the spotlight as leads, add wit, charm and heart as subcharacters...many such dear friends from past series...or as a steadfast champion against the foes, betrayals and manipulation at foot. As I quickly got drawn into needing to uncover what made Alex and Harriet tick, while delving into their deepest secrets and getting a front row seat into the delicious banter, bickering and undeniable connection that zaps them at first meet. Alongside this thrumming connection, building understanding and integral need to protect, as love slowly blooms between the pair, as much as, it transforms and empowers.
Love the Nightingales and where this series is going! Can't wait for the next sibling to fall besotted and satisfyingly hard!
~I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own~
A past mysterious death comes back to haunt Harriet and irredeemably entangles Alex in her fate. As the rumour of past ruination and the stigma it still causes will force truths finally into the light. Encapsulating AN IMPERFECT GENTLEMAN in a spot of character lead romance that heightens the sentiment and pulls you in.
Subtly the plot unfolded and sucked me in with the allure of encroaching danger seeming ever closer on the horizon. Where as always I am wrapped up so heartily in the characters at the centre and focus of Vella's stories. Which so delightfully becomes the driving force that adds rich colour, wonder and nonsensical madness and mixes it all with this all consuming love that the Nightingales' have for each other and the kooky welcoming neighbours who embrace them unquestioningly.
Where upon closer acquaintance, I couldn't help but be swept up by the generous helpings of heart, warmth, touches of romance and sweet intimacy as well as close call jeopardy that's injected with an interwoven thread of humour, that had me smiling and touched to tears.
Vella has this ability to capture people with such sincerity, insight and humour, I'm wrapped up in her characters everytime, whether they stand in the spotlight as leads, add wit, charm and heart as subcharacters...many such dear friends from past series...or as a steadfast champion against the foes, betrayals and manipulation at foot. As I quickly got drawn into needing to uncover what made Alex and Harriet tick, while delving into their deepest secrets and getting a front row seat into the delicious banter, bickering and undeniable connection that zaps them at first meet. Alongside this thrumming connection, building understanding and integral need to protect, as love slowly blooms between the pair, as much as, it transforms and empowers.
Love the Nightingales and where this series is going! Can't wait for the next sibling to fall besotted and satisfyingly hard!
~I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own~
March 2, 2024
What a thrill to have a new series from Wendy Vella. This is the second in the Notorious Nightingale series, featuring one of the brothers; the first in the series was The Disgraced Debutante. Once darlings of society, the Nightingale siblings are notorious for two reasons: their father ran up a huge amount of dept and shot himself, and each of the siblings have a paranormal ability. In the first book, the daughter Ellen had visions that told her of past and future events. In the newest book, Alex, the second brother, communicates with the dead. This time it’s a woman Frankie who has been murdered and wants her murder solved. She leads Alex to Harriet, who had been Frankie’s best friend and who not only hadn’t been believed when she claimed there had been foul play but had been accused of being at fault for Frankie’s. Harriet’s wealthy family had not supported her and isolate her from society.
I love the mystery Ms Vella has created and the continuation of the world of the Nightingales’ current circle of family and friends. The seriousness of the crimes that have been committed are leavened by the eccentricities of the Crabbett Close neighbors. I could visualize both the criminals and the “good guys” perfectly. It is one of Ms Vella’s gifts.
My only irritation was with the hero’s predictable but tiresome anger at Harriet’s actions; I guess that’s his imperfection. Not that Harriet doesn’t do some spectacularly stupid things.
Now I’m going to reread the first book in the series again and look forward to the next one. Five out of five stars as always.
I love the mystery Ms Vella has created and the continuation of the world of the Nightingales’ current circle of family and friends. The seriousness of the crimes that have been committed are leavened by the eccentricities of the Crabbett Close neighbors. I could visualize both the criminals and the “good guys” perfectly. It is one of Ms Vella’s gifts.
My only irritation was with the hero’s predictable but tiresome anger at Harriet’s actions; I guess that’s his imperfection. Not that Harriet doesn’t do some spectacularly stupid things.
Now I’m going to reread the first book in the series again and look forward to the next one. Five out of five stars as always.
March 10, 2024
Engaging
As we get the chance to visit with the Nightingales and their fabulous friends in Crabbett Close once again, Alexander gives in to the voice in his head and the scent of lemons. Will this combination lead him to the truth and his future? Secrets, deception and disappointment surround Harriet as she faces her fear that her friend was murdered and she might be next. This author has the talent of sprinkling our past favorite characters throughout her magical stories bringing a new book to love.
As we get the chance to visit with the Nightingales and their fabulous friends in Crabbett Close once again, Alexander gives in to the voice in his head and the scent of lemons. Will this combination lead him to the truth and his future? Secrets, deception and disappointment surround Harriet as she faces her fear that her friend was murdered and she might be next. This author has the talent of sprinkling our past favorite characters throughout her magical stories bringing a new book to love.
March 10, 2024
I look forward to new books from Wendy Vella b/c I know I can count on great characters, mysterious happenings, adventures, conflict and romance. An Imperfect Gentleman, the new book in The Notorious Nightingales series definitely lived up to my expectation. I love the Nightingales and all the characters surrounding them including some visits from the other great series by this author. Harriet and Alexander are a great couple and I enjoyed reading their story. I am looking forward to additional books in this series!
March 11, 2024
This second book in The Notorious Nightingales was much anticipated and as usual lived up to these expectations. The story of Alex and Harriet and how they met and fell in love. The gift Alex possesses leads him to Alex and the knowledge of her being in danger but Harriet who has been virtually shunned by most of her family continues to carry out her involvement with the suffragettes and orphans even though this places her in grave danger. I love the way Wendy weaves in the Sinclairs and Ravens in the story. Their cameo appearances remind me of how I enjoyed this series too. This book is totally unputdownable and I look forward to the next in the series
March 13, 2024
Her perfect gentleman
Absolutely loved Harriett and Alex’s story. She shunned by her family for something she did not do and he seeing spirits that need help. Can Harriett believe the man who has interrupted the womans right March. He tells her about her friend Frankie who had been killed 5 years earlier.
When meeting her a 2nd time Harriett starts to believe him. When she’s attacked after a woman’s meeting she realizes she needs to tell Alex everything.
A wonderful story about being accepted and loved.
Absolutely loved Harriett and Alex’s story. She shunned by her family for something she did not do and he seeing spirits that need help. Can Harriett believe the man who has interrupted the womans right March. He tells her about her friend Frankie who had been killed 5 years earlier.
When meeting her a 2nd time Harriett starts to believe him. When she’s attacked after a woman’s meeting she realizes she needs to tell Alex everything.
A wonderful story about being accepted and loved.
March 5, 2024
What a blast! We meet our heroine in the midst of a suffragette march, which provides an intriguing background to the beginning of this story. However, in true Wendy Vella style, we quickly move onto a murder mystery, in which our hero, Alex Nightingale, is uniquely equipped to assist with.
With his special, though reluctant, talent of connecting with the dead, it is our heroine's deceased best friend who brings this special couple together. Things escalate quickly, and layers of intrigue appear.
With her trademark humour, Ms Vella takes her characters on a marvellous romp, which finds them equally fruatrated and befuddled, and in short order, head over heels, while Alex's siblings smirk from the sidelines.
These are just marvellous, heartwarming stories filled with so many special characters. If you had the ability to travel back in time, this is the England I'd choose to visit!
With his special, though reluctant, talent of connecting with the dead, it is our heroine's deceased best friend who brings this special couple together. Things escalate quickly, and layers of intrigue appear.
With her trademark humour, Ms Vella takes her characters on a marvellous romp, which finds them equally fruatrated and befuddled, and in short order, head over heels, while Alex's siblings smirk from the sidelines.
These are just marvellous, heartwarming stories filled with so many special characters. If you had the ability to travel back in time, this is the England I'd choose to visit!
March 20, 2024
After the very interesting and engaging Sinclair & Raven series, I was not disappointed with this series as well. Wendy has again crafted very engaging endearing characters, families that we want to know and discover their stories along the way. The first book was a good introduction to the family and the dynamics.
This book also told a good story. Alexander was a likable character right from the first book. It took me a while to like Harriet. But by the end of the book, she now feels like the Sinclair and Ravens, like friends.
All of Wendy Vella's books are re-readable. I have re-read Sinclair and Ravens series, Langley Sister series, the Deville Brothers series. I especially love the crossovers between the various series making the entire Wendy Vella's characters one big happy family.
A great read again. Thank you Wendy.
This book also told a good story. Alexander was a likable character right from the first book. It took me a while to like Harriet. But by the end of the book, she now feels like the Sinclair and Ravens, like friends.
All of Wendy Vella's books are re-readable. I have re-read Sinclair and Ravens series, Langley Sister series, the Deville Brothers series. I especially love the crossovers between the various series making the entire Wendy Vella's characters one big happy family.
A great read again. Thank you Wendy.
March 11, 2024
Reaction
I loved this story! Another romance for someone with supernatural abilities. It is so good to see some of my favorite characters wandering through and helping. These will become my happy place novels to reread and regain my joy in reading when my TBR list is long and reading has become a chore. Thank you for writing.
I loved this story! Another romance for someone with supernatural abilities. It is so good to see some of my favorite characters wandering through and helping. These will become my happy place novels to reread and regain my joy in reading when my TBR list is long and reading has become a chore. Thank you for writing.
March 11, 2024
I sm so excited for more paranormal historical. Vella does an amazing job at writing these. Alex and Harriet have a beautiful slow burn as they deal with everything and everyone that seems to want to get between them. The tension smolders as the action and mystery take center stage. Honestly, their romance almost seemed to take them both by surprise as they both strive to be the people they want to be despite other peoples point of view.
And I loved the snippets of previous characters.
And I loved the snippets of previous characters.
March 9, 2024
Alex and Harriet couldn’t be more perfect for one another. He belongs to a family of outcasts and has found his way. She is an outcast from her wealthy family and longs to be loved and accepted. He’s drawn to Harriet, that’s to her deceased friend Frankie and what follows is a tell of danger, discovery and finding love where you least expect it. It’s a quick read, and a fun one.
March 11, 2024
Alex and Harriet’s story is a wonderful story. This new series has all the excellent characteristics of a book you don’t want to put down. If you enjoy great characters, suspense, intrigue and drama the this is the book for you. I was gifted this book as an ARC. This is my honest review.
March 17, 2024
I swoon for Alex
Harriet has been forced to become independent so when Alex Nightingale tries to protect her, the battles begin. A mystery is unfolded with Alex's gift and Harriet is the key component. To the reluctant and surprised Harriet and Alex, love blooms.
Harriet has been forced to become independent so when Alex Nightingale tries to protect her, the battles begin. A mystery is unfolded with Alex's gift and Harriet is the key component. To the reluctant and surprised Harriet and Alex, love blooms.
March 10, 2024
All I can say is wow wow I can't wait for the next book
March 17, 2024
Awsome book, great simple plot, great characters, Plus some of our favourite characters from previous books, fantastic read
March 12, 2024
A liberated lady, almost.
An exciting adventure for a shy, intelligent, overlooked woman where she meets a man wo refuses to let her self distruct.
An exciting adventure for a shy, intelligent, overlooked woman where she meets a man wo refuses to let her self distruct.
March 21, 2024
Another riveting Nightingale love story
Bold adventure, fabulous characters, lasting and powerful love, and some cameos from our favorite Racens and Sinclairs. Alex and Harry are such a caring and complementary couple who's characters develop along with their love!!
Bold adventure, fabulous characters, lasting and powerful love, and some cameos from our favorite Racens and Sinclairs. Alex and Harry are such a caring and complementary couple who's characters develop along with their love!!
March 2, 2024
Thankfully, the gang's back together to relieve some darker action. This skillfully woven story involves the supernatural abilities of the Nightingales and the Sinclairs as they meet an American heiress who has a spirit dogging her steps. The darker activities involved murder, kidnapping, rough-housing children, and poor living conditions for the lower classes. Highlights of the story were the Sinclairs, the strong support of the men for each other, and the inhabitants of the neighborhood where the Nightingales live. Vella remains a strong storyteller, and you will enjoy this novel.
March 14, 2024
once again a great story
Wendy’s stories are just so much fun. But intriguing too. Lots of mystery. I love how she brings all her stories into each book. I am a major Cam fan.
Wendy’s stories are just so much fun. But intriguing too. Lots of mystery. I love how she brings all her stories into each book. I am a major Cam fan.
July 16, 2024
I love, love, loved Alex and Harriet's story! I could not put it down ( I may or may not have nearly pulled an all nighter). This book has the perfect amount of mystery and romance. I love how Wendy is able to pull together the whole family and even supporting characters to really give the story that something extra. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!
March 10, 2024
I am always excited when Wendy releases a new book and this second book in the Notorious Nightingales was absolutely amazing! Each series just gets better and better. We were introduced to the Nightingale family in book one, each family member has a paranormal ability, this one features Alexander.
Alexander Nightingale has tried to ignore his clairvoyant abilities but it is impossible to do when dead spirits interrupt his thoughts. Communicating with the dead isn’t easy and his latest spirit Frankie is annoyingly persistent. Frankie wants his help to solve her murder and needs him to seek out Harriet Shaw.
Harriet Shaw was raised in America and is a member of a wealthy family. When Frankie was found dead they did not believe her when she said it wasn’t an accident, instead she is accused of being at fault and her family doesn’t believe her except for her younger sister. It was so sad, that her family choose to ignore her after this occurred and had her withdraw from society.
When she is approached by Alexander with a message from Frankie she doesn’t know what to think but as events start to occur she can no longer ignore Alexander or the message from her deceased friend. They realize that they have to look into events at both the orphanage and the school where Frankie died.
When Harriet is hurt Alexander realizes that Harriet is in danger and he can no longer deny his feelings for her or his need to protect her. She too has fallen for him even though she finds his protective nature infuriating. A few times, I wanted to shake her myself when was she recklessly put herself in dangerous situations so I understood how Alexander felt.
I loved Alexander and Harriet, two souls who didn’t quite fit into society but truly saw each other. What a thrilling and exciting story, the characters were great, we had some mystery, intrigue, danger, murder, conflicts, villains, wonderful family, friends, humor, and of course romance.
Wendy Vella had her devoted fanbase sad because the Sinclair Raven series came to an end but she has delighted us by finding a way to have them included in the Nightingale’s world. Bravo!
I highly recommend this series and can’t wait for the next book. I received an ARC (advanced review copy) from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily, all thoughts and opinions are my own
Alexander Nightingale has tried to ignore his clairvoyant abilities but it is impossible to do when dead spirits interrupt his thoughts. Communicating with the dead isn’t easy and his latest spirit Frankie is annoyingly persistent. Frankie wants his help to solve her murder and needs him to seek out Harriet Shaw.
Harriet Shaw was raised in America and is a member of a wealthy family. When Frankie was found dead they did not believe her when she said it wasn’t an accident, instead she is accused of being at fault and her family doesn’t believe her except for her younger sister. It was so sad, that her family choose to ignore her after this occurred and had her withdraw from society.
When she is approached by Alexander with a message from Frankie she doesn’t know what to think but as events start to occur she can no longer ignore Alexander or the message from her deceased friend. They realize that they have to look into events at both the orphanage and the school where Frankie died.
When Harriet is hurt Alexander realizes that Harriet is in danger and he can no longer deny his feelings for her or his need to protect her. She too has fallen for him even though she finds his protective nature infuriating. A few times, I wanted to shake her myself when was she recklessly put herself in dangerous situations so I understood how Alexander felt.
I loved Alexander and Harriet, two souls who didn’t quite fit into society but truly saw each other. What a thrilling and exciting story, the characters were great, we had some mystery, intrigue, danger, murder, conflicts, villains, wonderful family, friends, humor, and of course romance.
Wendy Vella had her devoted fanbase sad because the Sinclair Raven series came to an end but she has delighted us by finding a way to have them included in the Nightingale’s world. Bravo!
I highly recommend this series and can’t wait for the next book. I received an ARC (advanced review copy) from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily, all thoughts and opinions are my own
March 9, 2024
An Imperfect Gentleman is the second book in Wendy Vella’s Notorious Nightingale’s series. Following the Nightingale siblings as they rebuild their lives after the suicide of their father as well as coping with their paranormal abilities, book two is Alexander’s story.
Having suppressed his ability to communicate with the dead all his life, Alexander Nightingale finds that he can no longer ignore the voices that come to him. When one of the more persistent voices leads him to a protest march for the Women’s Suffrage Movement and the intriguing Harriet Shaw, Alex knows there is a mystery he must solve.
An American heiress, Harriet spent a miserable year in a ladies finishing school which ended with being accused of being complicit in her best friend’s death. Returned to her family, instead of being comforted, Harriet is largely ignored and told to never mention the incident again. When Alex says he has a message from her deceased friend, Harriet does not know if she can trust him. As Alex and Harriet get further embroiled in the mystery of Frankie’s death can they defeat a killer and acknowledge their love?
I enjoyed this second instalment in Wendy’s world. Alex and Harriet are likeable characters and it was lovely to see them achieve their happy ever after. I felt for Harriet who has always been made to feel she is a disappointment by her mother and has never been protected as she should by her father. I found her to be brave and resourceful.
Alexander has had to live down the shame of his father’s actions and it took time for him to realise that he still has friends despite the people that shunned him and his family. Instead of suppressing his abilities he learns to embrace them.
The story is fast paced and we get to meet the eccentric characters of Crabbet Close. It was great to see the Sinclair/Raven/deVilles included. I love Wendy’s world and it always feels like meeting old friends.
I did feel like it was a bit of a lost opportunity that Harriet didn’t really get to have a conversation with her best friend through Alex since it was Frankie’s ghost that led Alex to Harriet. It would have been nice to have that resolution.
I received an ARC of this book in return for my honest opinion. I'd definitely recommend reading this and the rest of the series.
Having suppressed his ability to communicate with the dead all his life, Alexander Nightingale finds that he can no longer ignore the voices that come to him. When one of the more persistent voices leads him to a protest march for the Women’s Suffrage Movement and the intriguing Harriet Shaw, Alex knows there is a mystery he must solve.
An American heiress, Harriet spent a miserable year in a ladies finishing school which ended with being accused of being complicit in her best friend’s death. Returned to her family, instead of being comforted, Harriet is largely ignored and told to never mention the incident again. When Alex says he has a message from her deceased friend, Harriet does not know if she can trust him. As Alex and Harriet get further embroiled in the mystery of Frankie’s death can they defeat a killer and acknowledge their love?
I enjoyed this second instalment in Wendy’s world. Alex and Harriet are likeable characters and it was lovely to see them achieve their happy ever after. I felt for Harriet who has always been made to feel she is a disappointment by her mother and has never been protected as she should by her father. I found her to be brave and resourceful.
Alexander has had to live down the shame of his father’s actions and it took time for him to realise that he still has friends despite the people that shunned him and his family. Instead of suppressing his abilities he learns to embrace them.
The story is fast paced and we get to meet the eccentric characters of Crabbet Close. It was great to see the Sinclair/Raven/deVilles included. I love Wendy’s world and it always feels like meeting old friends.
I did feel like it was a bit of a lost opportunity that Harriet didn’t really get to have a conversation with her best friend through Alex since it was Frankie’s ghost that led Alex to Harriet. It would have been nice to have that resolution.
I received an ARC of this book in return for my honest opinion. I'd definitely recommend reading this and the rest of the series.
March 3, 2024
ANOTHER great series by this author. This is a standalone story, but you will end up wanting to read the first one. Of course, my favorite is the Sinclair and Raven series. Some make appearances in this story too and it will put a smile on your face because all her characters just jump off the page.
My heart went out to both the H/h. For the H how society treated his family because of what his father did. They were fortunate to have a loving uncle and aunt who gave them what they needed. They each have special gifts and that makes this story unique, as are her other series.
The h is from a family that believed the worse about her. Very honest and passionate dialogue was with the h and her family about betrayal. If I could stand on a table and do a dance, I would have. It was a bravo moment for sure.
The h's dead friend speaks to the H and they are thrown together and love builds very slowly. I loved all the quirky characters on their street. Everyone has each other's backs, and it added such a sweetness to the story. There is sadness with what happens at an orphanage, so the sweetness rounded out the sadness.
Foreplay outside of marriage - heat level 2 out of 5. Lord's name used in vain several times.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romantic, small tad of spice, great main and secondary characters. This is not your cookie cutter romance story. So if you want something different, I highly recommend this author.
You will want to download the extended epilogue 8 years in the future, because it has a lot of good closure. I'm not a fan of having to download epilogues but I will recommend with this author. You will be signing up for her newsletter which is often very funny, especially her conversations with Mr. V.
I received an ARC from Bookfunnel/Author, and all opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
My heart went out to both the H/h. For the H how society treated his family because of what his father did. They were fortunate to have a loving uncle and aunt who gave them what they needed. They each have special gifts and that makes this story unique, as are her other series.
The h is from a family that believed the worse about her. Very honest and passionate dialogue was with the h and her family about betrayal. If I could stand on a table and do a dance, I would have. It was a bravo moment for sure.
The h's dead friend speaks to the H and they are thrown together and love builds very slowly. I loved all the quirky characters on their street. Everyone has each other's backs, and it added such a sweetness to the story. There is sadness with what happens at an orphanage, so the sweetness rounded out the sadness.
Foreplay outside of marriage - heat level 2 out of 5. Lord's name used in vain several times.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romantic, small tad of spice, great main and secondary characters. This is not your cookie cutter romance story. So if you want something different, I highly recommend this author.
You will want to download the extended epilogue 8 years in the future, because it has a lot of good closure. I'm not a fan of having to download epilogues but I will recommend with this author. You will be signing up for her newsletter which is often very funny, especially her conversations with Mr. V.
I received an ARC from Bookfunnel/Author, and all opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
February 28, 2024
An Imperfect Gentleman by Wendy Vella is me jumping into the middle of a series. And Wendy Vella writes so well that it happened with out a hiccup. Alex Nightingale is a somewhat unwilling spiritualist who communicates with the dead...when they choose. At the beginning of the book he is besieged by a woman named Frankie, who is worried for her friend, Harry (Harriet). Harry is an interesting character. She has withdrawn from society after being implicated in Frankie’s death and pretty much does as she likes, unbeknownst to her family. She is currently involved with a march for women’s rights, but she also volunteers at an orphanage, and other “unsavory” pursuits. Alex and Harry run into each other again, in the middle of the night, as she has come to treat a young girl, at the behest of another orphan who has come to fetch her out of worry for his friend. Harry interests Alex (or vice versa) in Frankie’s death, the cause of which she had decided to pursue.
Where Harry’s family is bigoted and dull, Alex’s family is anything but. Crabbett Close is the name of the (cul-de-sac?) street where they live, Alex and his siblings with his uncle and aunt. Crabbett Close is full of interesting people who do interesting things, like games/competitions for all in the area. Their life is fun and interesting. Most interesting is his sister, Ellen’s husband, Gray, who is a policeman and spends much of his time rolling his eyes at their antics. He can be very helpful, however, and was as this mystery came to a close. I loved this book. Entertaining characters, interesting situations, and a good life. Perfect! Thanks, Wendy Vella!
I was invited to read An Imperfect Gentleman by the author. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
#WendyVella #AnImperfectGentleman
Where Harry’s family is bigoted and dull, Alex’s family is anything but. Crabbett Close is the name of the (cul-de-sac?) street where they live, Alex and his siblings with his uncle and aunt. Crabbett Close is full of interesting people who do interesting things, like games/competitions for all in the area. Their life is fun and interesting. Most interesting is his sister, Ellen’s husband, Gray, who is a policeman and spends much of his time rolling his eyes at their antics. He can be very helpful, however, and was as this mystery came to a close. I loved this book. Entertaining characters, interesting situations, and a good life. Perfect! Thanks, Wendy Vella!
I was invited to read An Imperfect Gentleman by the author. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
#WendyVella #AnImperfectGentleman
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