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Gentlemen of Disrepute #6
The Gentleman Rogue
Inescapable, undeniable and impossible to resist!
In a Mayfair ballroom, beautiful Emma Northcote stands in amazement. For gazing at her, with eyes she'd know anywhere, is Ned Stratham—a man whose roguish charm once held her captivated.
But that was another life in another part of London.
With their past mired in secrets and betrayal, and their true identities now at last revealed, Ned realizes they can never rekindle their affair. For only he knows that they share a deeper connection—one that could make Emma hate him if she ever discovered the truth….
"It's witty, wicked and wonderful!" —RT Book Reviews on Mistress to the Marquis
In a Mayfair ballroom, beautiful Emma Northcote stands in amazement. For gazing at her, with eyes she'd know anywhere, is Ned Stratham—a man whose roguish charm once held her captivated.
But that was another life in another part of London.
With their past mired in secrets and betrayal, and their true identities now at last revealed, Ned realizes they can never rekindle their affair. For only he knows that they share a deeper connection—one that could make Emma hate him if she ever discovered the truth….
"It's witty, wicked and wonderful!" —RT Book Reviews on Mistress to the Marquis
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 19, 2014
3 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Margaret McPhee
87 books51 followersThere is more than one author with this name
Margaret McPhee lives on the West Coast of Scotland with her husband and her pet rabbit called Gwinnie who, at eight years of age, is a grand old lady of the rabbit world. Margaret trained as a scientist, but was always a romantic at heart. She met her husband quite literally between science labs, on a staircase, which was an advantageous first meeting place given their difference in heights—Margaret is small—her husband, tall. It was love at first sight, despite the voluminous white coats, and they're still together fifteen years later.
As a child Margaret spent much of her time in an imaginary world. Her family always said she would grow out of it; she's still waiting. Romance entered the equation when she chanced upon one of her gran's Mills & Boon Historicals, and she never looked back. She's still reading them, but at least she now buys her own! Fortunately for Margaret her school library held a shelfful of old donated Georgette Heyer books. Be still her beating teenage heart. Her view on romance was skewed forever—dashing rakes in buckskin pantaloons and riding boots figure in it somewhere!
Margaret wrote two manuscripts and suffered numerous rejections from publishers and agents before joining the Romantic Novelists Association. A further two manuscripts later and with help from the Romantic Novelists Association's new writers' scheme, the regency romance The Captain's Lady was born.
Margaret enjoys cycling, tea and cakes (although not necessarily in that order), and loves exploring the beautiful scenery and wildlife of the islands of Scotland with her husband. She is ever hopeful that one day she will be lucky enough to see a basking shark in the Firth of Clyde, and a sea eagle in Skye.
Margaret McPhee lives on the West Coast of Scotland with her husband and her pet rabbit called Gwinnie who, at eight years of age, is a grand old lady of the rabbit world. Margaret trained as a scientist, but was always a romantic at heart. She met her husband quite literally between science labs, on a staircase, which was an advantageous first meeting place given their difference in heights—Margaret is small—her husband, tall. It was love at first sight, despite the voluminous white coats, and they're still together fifteen years later.
As a child Margaret spent much of her time in an imaginary world. Her family always said she would grow out of it; she's still waiting. Romance entered the equation when she chanced upon one of her gran's Mills & Boon Historicals, and she never looked back. She's still reading them, but at least she now buys her own! Fortunately for Margaret her school library held a shelfful of old donated Georgette Heyer books. Be still her beating teenage heart. Her view on romance was skewed forever—dashing rakes in buckskin pantaloons and riding boots figure in it somewhere!
Margaret wrote two manuscripts and suffered numerous rejections from publishers and agents before joining the Romantic Novelists Association. A further two manuscripts later and with help from the Romantic Novelists Association's new writers' scheme, the regency romance The Captain's Lady was born.
Margaret enjoys cycling, tea and cakes (although not necessarily in that order), and loves exploring the beautiful scenery and wildlife of the islands of Scotland with her husband. She is ever hopeful that one day she will be lucky enough to see a basking shark in the Firth of Clyde, and a sea eagle in Skye.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 20, 2014
Originally posted
HERE
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Sometimes I just randomly download a review book because I can’t think of anything I’m in the mood to read. I don’t even bother worrying about the plot or the blurb.
I did it with this one and was so surprised. It is one of the best historical romances I’ve read in a long time – one of the most entertaining books I’ve read in a long time. I was worried when I realised this was part of a series I hadn’t read, but you would never know it was. It’s a perfect standalone read.
The Regency era sometimes seems tired because it’s so overused, but this author found so many new, interesting things to cover. I think I’ll just do some dot points of what I liked, or I’ll be going on forever:
•Characters who live and work in the East End, not just Mayfair.
•A genuinely good hero who is “tortured” for legitimate reasons.
•A villain who is only a villain in some ways, and a decent guy in others.
•An interesting heroine with an interesting story and future.
•Great research.
•Familiar (even tired) settings reworked and made interesting again.
•Some real drama and some huge conflicts for the relationship, and major obstacles in the way of a happy ending for the characters.
One thing I didn’t like was how the characters kept saying way instead of far . It made them sound like 21st century teenagers with poor grammar. e.g. Way too far .
I can’t really go into details of the plot without ruining things, but if – like me – some of the historical romance tropes are starting to seem a little boring, then you might want to read this book.
Review copy provided by NetGalley.
Sometimes I just randomly download a review book because I can’t think of anything I’m in the mood to read. I don’t even bother worrying about the plot or the blurb.
I did it with this one and was so surprised. It is one of the best historical romances I’ve read in a long time – one of the most entertaining books I’ve read in a long time. I was worried when I realised this was part of a series I hadn’t read, but you would never know it was. It’s a perfect standalone read.
The Regency era sometimes seems tired because it’s so overused, but this author found so many new, interesting things to cover. I think I’ll just do some dot points of what I liked, or I’ll be going on forever:
•Characters who live and work in the East End, not just Mayfair.
•A genuinely good hero who is “tortured” for legitimate reasons.
•A villain who is only a villain in some ways, and a decent guy in others.
•An interesting heroine with an interesting story and future.
•Great research.
•Familiar (even tired) settings reworked and made interesting again.
•Some real drama and some huge conflicts for the relationship, and major obstacles in the way of a happy ending for the characters.
One thing I didn’t like was how the characters kept saying way instead of far . It made them sound like 21st century teenagers with poor grammar. e.g. Way too far .
I can’t really go into details of the plot without ruining things, but if – like me – some of the historical romance tropes are starting to seem a little boring, then you might want to read this book.
Review copy provided by NetGalley.
December 31, 2022
Ned and Emma first met in a chop house tavern in Whitechapel. Then later meet again in the ballroom of the ton. This story revolves around her missing brother. Interesting.
October 16, 2020
2.5, rounded up.
I genuinely enjoyed the first 25% when they were in Whitechapel—that is, when it was without the endless f’ing balls & boringness of ton social commentary. I mean, whaaat? A Regency romance about a bar maid & street tough?! Sounds intriguing!
...Except then it reverted to the same old f’ing balls & ton social commentary, & became a romance about a rich dude in Trade (gasp!) & a penniless gentle-born lady. Zzzzzz. How original. It also bled dry any potential conflicts by not having any hurdles to speak of—literally the only thing preventing these two from their HEA was Ned telling Emma that her brother cheated & Emma accepting that her baby bro was an adult who made his own stupid choices. Really? I ended up feeling more for the “villain” Devlin than the MCs, which is inexcusable given Ned’s initial appeal. (Tho I do give tiny props for keeping Ned untitled, as opposed to dragging out the magical-long-lost-heir-to-title or acknowledged-bastard-son-of-duke-accepted-in-society tropes.)
So, in the end, there was no danger, no conflict, & very little originality to the wafer-thin story...plus the endless musing over Feels & blatantly Gary Stu hero. If you like romances that take no chances with anything, knock yourself out—but if you want something fresh or intense, look elsewhere.
I genuinely enjoyed the first 25% when they were in Whitechapel—that is, when it was without the endless f’ing balls & boringness of ton social commentary. I mean, whaaat? A Regency romance about a bar maid & street tough?! Sounds intriguing!
...Except then it reverted to the same old f’ing balls & ton social commentary, & became a romance about a rich dude in Trade (gasp!) & a penniless gentle-born lady. Zzzzzz. How original. It also bled dry any potential conflicts by not having any hurdles to speak of—literally the only thing preventing these two from their HEA was Ned telling Emma that her brother cheated & Emma accepting that her baby bro was an adult who made his own stupid choices. Really? I ended up feeling more for the “villain” Devlin than the MCs, which is inexcusable given Ned’s initial appeal. (Tho I do give tiny props for keeping Ned untitled, as opposed to dragging out the magical-long-lost-heir-to-title or acknowledged-bastard-son-of-duke-accepted-in-society tropes.)
So, in the end, there was no danger, no conflict, & very little originality to the wafer-thin story...plus the endless musing over Feels & blatantly Gary Stu hero. If you like romances that take no chances with anything, knock yourself out—but if you want something fresh or intense, look elsewhere.
January 2, 2016
A 3.5 star is more likely
The settings from Whitechapel to high-end of London society, Ned & Emma are fated to be with each other. And when we thought that everything progresses as its course, an event occurs that change everything.
The settings from Whitechapel to high-end of London society, Ned & Emma are fated to be with each other. And when we thought that everything progresses as its course, an event occurs that change everything.
September 6, 2016
I've given this a B- at AAR, so 3.5 stars
Margaret McPhee packs a surprising emotional punch into the pages of The Gentleman Rogue, the story of a young, well-born woman whose fortunes have taken a downward turn and a self-made man who, despite his wealth is still relegated to the outskirts of the society to which the heroine once belonged.
Emma Northcote was brought up a lady but after her brother Kit staked – and lost - the family fortune in a game of chance, she and her father have been forced to move to a much less salubrious area of London and take employment in order to keep body and soul together. (How realistic it is for two ex-Mayfair residents who probably never worked a day in their lives to be able to do such a thing is something I question, but they’ve been working for some time when the book opens.)
One of the more recently arrived regulars at the Whitechapel chop house in which Emma works is a young, shabbily dressed man who exudes an aura of quiet strength and keeps himself very much to himself. Emma can’t help noticing that despite his worn trousers and jacket, his shirts are fine - and that he’s possessed of a very striking pair of blue eyes and a roguish scar through one eyebrow. He’s called Ned Stratham – and that’s all anybody knows about him.
Their interactions are limited – until one night, he saves Emma from the unwanted advances of a lascivious sailor, and shows himself to be a very dangerous man indeed when he single-handedly despatches not only the lothario himself but several of his gang.
After that, Emma and Ned strike up an acquaintance, but with a strong pull of attraction between them, it’s not long before this friendship leads to their exchanging passionate kisses each night when Ned walks Emma home to the shabby boarding house she inhabits with her father. Ms. McPhee sets up the central relationship really well in this early part of the book. Even through the prose is fairly sparse, it thoroughly conveys the intensity of the sexual attraction between Ned and Emma, and communicates that combination of nerves and wonder that accompanies the first flush of infatuation and attraction very well.
One of the things I liked immediately about the story is that Ned is as much caught up in the sudden rush of feeling as Emma is. There’s none of the desperation to avoid entanglements or attempt to conceal his feelings so often shown by heroes in historical romances – he’s found the woman for him and he can admit it to himself and is prepared to do so to her. But he’s not the man she thinks he is – he may have been born and bred in the City, but he’s worked hard to amass a fortune, owns many businesses and owns a residence in one of the most highly sought-after locations in Mayfair. Despite his almost indecent wealth, Ned is well aware that the people who are keen to know him in order to do business with him merely tolerate him and that were they not desperate to gain something from their association, they would cut him dead.
When Emma receives an offer of alternative employment as companion to the dowager Lady Lamerton, she is reluctant to take it up. She wants to obtain information as to her brother’s whereabouts and knows that her best chance of doing that is to mingle amongst her former circle – but her eagerness to return to that world has diminished since she met Ned. Yet her father’s anxiety – and her own – on Kit’s behalf are too great to ignore and she takes the position while Ned is out of town.
Ned is devastated when he discovers that Emma has left her job and that she and her father have removed from the boarding house – but as he has so often had to do before, he locks his feelings away and returns his focus to his current business deal, which he regards as the most important of his life. Marrying for love had never been his intention anyway – up until he met Emma, Ned had been angling to find himself a titled wife to smooth his way into society in order to pursue his business interests.
High Society being a relatively small group of people, it’s not long before Emma, accompanying her employer to an event, spies a well-dressed, well-built man with striking blue eyes in the company of a viscount’s daughter. But Ned isn’t the only one who has been keeping secrets – and while Emma’s is more of a sin of omission, it’s still something guaranteed to drive a wedge between them.
Yes, it’s a well-worn plot and yes, the reasons behind Ned’s actions are perhaps a little too idealistically altruistic, but what kept me reading this book was the depth of emotion on display. I can forgive much in the plotting department when an author tugs at my heartstrings, and Ms. McPhee certainly does that towards the end of the story. There are a small number of instances when the prose tends toward the purplish, usually in the moments of heightened emotions, but the principals are likeable and taken as a whole, The Gentleman Rogue is a well-written, enjoyable read.
Margaret McPhee packs a surprising emotional punch into the pages of The Gentleman Rogue, the story of a young, well-born woman whose fortunes have taken a downward turn and a self-made man who, despite his wealth is still relegated to the outskirts of the society to which the heroine once belonged.
Emma Northcote was brought up a lady but after her brother Kit staked – and lost - the family fortune in a game of chance, she and her father have been forced to move to a much less salubrious area of London and take employment in order to keep body and soul together. (How realistic it is for two ex-Mayfair residents who probably never worked a day in their lives to be able to do such a thing is something I question, but they’ve been working for some time when the book opens.)
One of the more recently arrived regulars at the Whitechapel chop house in which Emma works is a young, shabbily dressed man who exudes an aura of quiet strength and keeps himself very much to himself. Emma can’t help noticing that despite his worn trousers and jacket, his shirts are fine - and that he’s possessed of a very striking pair of blue eyes and a roguish scar through one eyebrow. He’s called Ned Stratham – and that’s all anybody knows about him.
Their interactions are limited – until one night, he saves Emma from the unwanted advances of a lascivious sailor, and shows himself to be a very dangerous man indeed when he single-handedly despatches not only the lothario himself but several of his gang.
After that, Emma and Ned strike up an acquaintance, but with a strong pull of attraction between them, it’s not long before this friendship leads to their exchanging passionate kisses each night when Ned walks Emma home to the shabby boarding house she inhabits with her father. Ms. McPhee sets up the central relationship really well in this early part of the book. Even through the prose is fairly sparse, it thoroughly conveys the intensity of the sexual attraction between Ned and Emma, and communicates that combination of nerves and wonder that accompanies the first flush of infatuation and attraction very well.
One of the things I liked immediately about the story is that Ned is as much caught up in the sudden rush of feeling as Emma is. There’s none of the desperation to avoid entanglements or attempt to conceal his feelings so often shown by heroes in historical romances – he’s found the woman for him and he can admit it to himself and is prepared to do so to her. But he’s not the man she thinks he is – he may have been born and bred in the City, but he’s worked hard to amass a fortune, owns many businesses and owns a residence in one of the most highly sought-after locations in Mayfair. Despite his almost indecent wealth, Ned is well aware that the people who are keen to know him in order to do business with him merely tolerate him and that were they not desperate to gain something from their association, they would cut him dead.
When Emma receives an offer of alternative employment as companion to the dowager Lady Lamerton, she is reluctant to take it up. She wants to obtain information as to her brother’s whereabouts and knows that her best chance of doing that is to mingle amongst her former circle – but her eagerness to return to that world has diminished since she met Ned. Yet her father’s anxiety – and her own – on Kit’s behalf are too great to ignore and she takes the position while Ned is out of town.
Ned is devastated when he discovers that Emma has left her job and that she and her father have removed from the boarding house – but as he has so often had to do before, he locks his feelings away and returns his focus to his current business deal, which he regards as the most important of his life. Marrying for love had never been his intention anyway – up until he met Emma, Ned had been angling to find himself a titled wife to smooth his way into society in order to pursue his business interests.
High Society being a relatively small group of people, it’s not long before Emma, accompanying her employer to an event, spies a well-dressed, well-built man with striking blue eyes in the company of a viscount’s daughter. But Ned isn’t the only one who has been keeping secrets – and while Emma’s is more of a sin of omission, it’s still something guaranteed to drive a wedge between them.
Yes, it’s a well-worn plot and yes, the reasons behind Ned’s actions are perhaps a little too idealistically altruistic, but what kept me reading this book was the depth of emotion on display. I can forgive much in the plotting department when an author tugs at my heartstrings, and Ms. McPhee certainly does that towards the end of the story. There are a small number of instances when the prose tends toward the purplish, usually in the moments of heightened emotions, but the principals are likeable and taken as a whole, The Gentleman Rogue is a well-written, enjoyable read.
June 23, 2025
3,75 - La famiglia nobile di Emma è stata rovinata dalla valanga di debiti accumulata dal figlio maschio, Kit. Ora lei fa la cameriera nei bassifondi, mentre il padre lavora al porto.
E se la passano molto male, finché un cliente dell'osteria non inizia a proteggerla e ad aiutarla.
Ned non sa che Emma è una lady, mentre lei non sa che Ned frequenta la Londra bene.
Godibile, pur sorvolando su qualche passaggio forzato: diciamo che lui giganteggia per bontà, altruismo, rispetto e sensibilità.
Mentre lei è la solita miope che non si accorge dell’immensa fortuna a portata di mano.
E se la passano molto male, finché un cliente dell'osteria non inizia a proteggerla e ad aiutarla.
Ned non sa che Emma è una lady, mentre lei non sa che Ned frequenta la Londra bene.
Godibile, pur sorvolando su qualche passaggio forzato: diciamo che lui giganteggia per bontà, altruismo, rispetto e sensibilità.
Mentre lei è la solita miope che non si accorge dell’immensa fortuna a portata di mano.
July 9, 2014
A lovely historical romance that spanned the best and worst parts of London, The Gentleman Rogue was a great read. It was sweet, enjoyable, and I quite liked it.
Emma was a good heroine. She was a resilient person who dealt with falling into poverty with dignity and managed to make her way back up. My issue with her, though, was that she had an annoying tendency to judge without even allowing for an explanation. However, she did see the error of her ways and make up for them, so I ended up liking her fine.
Ned was absolutely wonderful. Born and raised in the streets of London, he made his way up to the height of wealth. But, no matter his circumstances, he remained an honorable man who was kinder than he let on. He was very sweet and I totally adored him.
The romance was good. It was clear that Emma and Ned were meant to be together, even though they were hesitant about it. There was some chemistry between them, but it was on a lower level. I thought they were a lovely couple.
The plot was well paced and I was kept interested the entire way through. There were some secrets in the past that I never saw coming. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was perfect.
The Gentleman Rogue was a wonderful historical romance that I really liked. From start to finish, it was a sweet romance that I enjoyed reading. Romance lovers, this is a book you'll want to check out.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Emma was a good heroine. She was a resilient person who dealt with falling into poverty with dignity and managed to make her way back up. My issue with her, though, was that she had an annoying tendency to judge without even allowing for an explanation. However, she did see the error of her ways and make up for them, so I ended up liking her fine.
Ned was absolutely wonderful. Born and raised in the streets of London, he made his way up to the height of wealth. But, no matter his circumstances, he remained an honorable man who was kinder than he let on. He was very sweet and I totally adored him.
The romance was good. It was clear that Emma and Ned were meant to be together, even though they were hesitant about it. There was some chemistry between them, but it was on a lower level. I thought they were a lovely couple.
The plot was well paced and I was kept interested the entire way through. There were some secrets in the past that I never saw coming. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was perfect.
The Gentleman Rogue was a wonderful historical romance that I really liked. From start to finish, it was a sweet romance that I enjoyed reading. Romance lovers, this is a book you'll want to check out.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
April 4, 2015
Excellent!
September 3, 2025
Nice historic romance, almost exactly how I like them!
I liked both Ned and Emma, although at some point, it felt like Emma's character was washed out. At the beginning, she was this strong woman, keeping it together with, and for, her father as she was trying to find a way to look for her brother, and I wish we could have seen more of that even when made her comeback to society. I would have loved to see her having more agency in looking for her brother (which is an unresolved plot point at the end of the book, but who cares I guess?), but I also understand it was the 19th century, and she would not have been able to do that.
I do think that after marrying Ned, he could have given her the space to investigate and having Kit confront the men he cheated would have saved us from the 'misunderstanding plot' that came up at the end. I really wasn't interested in the truth coming out of Devlin's mouth, what I imagine is supposed to be his redemption arc.
Still enjoyed the reading! I definitely recommend it, especially for the readers who are not fans of heavy spicy scenes!
I liked both Ned and Emma, although at some point, it felt like Emma's character was washed out. At the beginning, she was this strong woman, keeping it together with, and for, her father as she was trying to find a way to look for her brother, and I wish we could have seen more of that even when made her comeback to society. I would have loved to see her having more agency in looking for her brother (which is an unresolved plot point at the end of the book, but who cares I guess?), but I also understand it was the 19th century, and she would not have been able to do that.
I do think that after marrying Ned, he could have given her the space to investigate and having Kit confront the men he cheated would have saved us from the 'misunderstanding plot' that came up at the end. I really wasn't interested in the truth coming out of Devlin's mouth, what I imagine is supposed to be his redemption arc.
Still enjoyed the reading! I definitely recommend it, especially for the readers who are not fans of heavy spicy scenes!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2018
4.5 Stars. Margaret McPhee is up there amongst my favourite authors and she did not disappoint. The premise was not so very original though, the heroine's brother having lost the family fortune in a gambling debt, and maybe it is only me, but I thought there was a massive hole in the plot, hence I have dropped half a star. Surely our heroine and her father knew the name of the man who ruined them. Yes, it was kept from the ton, but for legal reasons and transfer of properties, the family at least would have known his identity. All the same, it was well written and enjoyable so I was able to blink a blind eye at it. Both characters were likeable and even the semi villain adds a little twist to the tale.
A very good read.
A very good read.
January 2, 2021
McPhee is a good writer and I liked the main characters and storyline of this book. It was a bit too long and dragged at parts, lots of repetitive scenarios that felt like filler. But the story felt at least somewhat more original than a lot of other books in this genre. The sex is fade to black which surprised me for this genre and even for this author if I recall her other books I've read. Overall I did enjoy most of it and the intrigue kept me interested and wanting to know all the details of what happened with Ned and Emma's brother. Ned is a super swoony hero to boot! 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
July 31, 2020
4.5 stars. I quite liked this story. While one mystery I had figured out pretty soon, the other was a nice surprise, realistic as its not coming totally out of left field, yet I hadn't guessed it. I loved the characters, they both had some great positives, but also some flaws. I liked that it was also part atypical to most regency romances, but still had some of the those qualities that make a regency a regency. Overall, a great story.
May 25, 2018
started and ended a 5 star story
Ned and Emma meet at a tavern where she is a server. They both have secrets of who they are. Emma has her dignity, Ned his honor and they complement each other. Their story takes them from a tavern in a rough neighborhood to the upper echelons of society. A lovely romance.
I’ve read this book twice and will, no doubt, be reading it again.
Ned and Emma meet at a tavern where she is a server. They both have secrets of who they are. Emma has her dignity, Ned his honor and they complement each other. Their story takes them from a tavern in a rough neighborhood to the upper echelons of society. A lovely romance.
I’ve read this book twice and will, no doubt, be reading it again.
August 3, 2018
I was happy to discover the whole story of Emma and Ned. I thought they were interesting and their love believable.
December 1, 2018
I mean, we all know this is bad literature. But it is not problematic and pretty enjoyable so...
January 9, 2019
Extremely well written.
August 4, 2025
extremely predictable!! but beautiful and addictive nonetheless!
September 4, 2016
I received this book as an e-ARC free from Netgalley. Below is my review.
Color me impressed. I've loved Regency romances for a long time. But I have also been looking for something different in the time period. Eventually, all the balls and clothing and manners get a bit tiresome.
McPhee develops two wonderful characters in Ned and Emma. Ned is a self-made man who by all rights should not be hobnobbing with the elite of the ton. But, he has money, lots and lots of money, which gives him entr_e that he otherwise would not have. This sets a tone for timeframe as well as sets a tone for life as a cit and tells a heartbreaking tale of loss. Emma is a survivor in a different way than Ned. Ned grew up with nothing and then gained a fortune. Emma came down in the world in a big way, going from lady to serving maid. Her goal is to make it back to her world without too many people finding out the truth.
While I am a bit uncertain of how historically accurate either Ned's rise or Emma's fall and rise would be, it made for a dramatic and wonderful story. Our antagonist, Devlin, is something else altogether and he was the one character who stood out for me as screaming for his own book. Ned and Emma's road to love is through redemption, for both of them, and through a great deal of soul searching. They are altogether human: pride, anger, humiliation mix with love, sacrifice, honor.
I really enjoyed the deeper themes of this book and the touch of populism embodied in the characters actually works in the book's favor. That's unusual since in general when a book brings more modern sensibilities to the characters it doesn't work for me. I think it worked well here because of the context of the characters' situations, which are unusual.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will definitely be keeping an eye on this author for other out of the box" historicals."
Color me impressed. I've loved Regency romances for a long time. But I have also been looking for something different in the time period. Eventually, all the balls and clothing and manners get a bit tiresome.
McPhee develops two wonderful characters in Ned and Emma. Ned is a self-made man who by all rights should not be hobnobbing with the elite of the ton. But, he has money, lots and lots of money, which gives him entr_e that he otherwise would not have. This sets a tone for timeframe as well as sets a tone for life as a cit and tells a heartbreaking tale of loss. Emma is a survivor in a different way than Ned. Ned grew up with nothing and then gained a fortune. Emma came down in the world in a big way, going from lady to serving maid. Her goal is to make it back to her world without too many people finding out the truth.
While I am a bit uncertain of how historically accurate either Ned's rise or Emma's fall and rise would be, it made for a dramatic and wonderful story. Our antagonist, Devlin, is something else altogether and he was the one character who stood out for me as screaming for his own book. Ned and Emma's road to love is through redemption, for both of them, and through a great deal of soul searching. They are altogether human: pride, anger, humiliation mix with love, sacrifice, honor.
I really enjoyed the deeper themes of this book and the touch of populism embodied in the characters actually works in the book's favor. That's unusual since in general when a book brings more modern sensibilities to the characters it doesn't work for me. I think it worked well here because of the context of the characters' situations, which are unusual.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will definitely be keeping an eye on this author for other out of the box" historicals."
December 19, 2014
This is my first book from this author, who has become a new favorite for me. The writing was immediately engaging and compelling from the first chapter.
The hero is eminently swoon worthy. In fact, I kind of pictured him as a bit like a younger Daniel Craig, including the tortured look behind his eyes. Great backstory and a strong, gritty, noble character.
The heroine is also incredibly likable, a gentlewoman whose family has lost everything, strong and practical enough to get a job as a barmaid in Whitechapel despite her exalted background.
The writing was incredibly emotional and elegant, making for complex characters and dynamic relationships. The setting was almost like another character.
Note: This isn't a "sweet" Regency, there is a bit of sex in it, although it didn't bother me. But this is just a note in case a reader wants to know. The sensuality level was about the same as perhaps a Harlequin Special Edition, or maybe a Harlequin American Romance.
Absolutely fantastic story and characters. This author is now an auto-buy for me.
Much thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for this e-ARC.
The hero is eminently swoon worthy. In fact, I kind of pictured him as a bit like a younger Daniel Craig, including the tortured look behind his eyes. Great backstory and a strong, gritty, noble character.
The heroine is also incredibly likable, a gentlewoman whose family has lost everything, strong and practical enough to get a job as a barmaid in Whitechapel despite her exalted background.
The writing was incredibly emotional and elegant, making for complex characters and dynamic relationships. The setting was almost like another character.
Note: This isn't a "sweet" Regency, there is a bit of sex in it, although it didn't bother me. But this is just a note in case a reader wants to know. The sensuality level was about the same as perhaps a Harlequin Special Edition, or maybe a Harlequin American Romance.
Absolutely fantastic story and characters. This author is now an auto-buy for me.
Much thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for this e-ARC.
August 13, 2017
A nicely written story about two people that meet and fall in love in one circumstance, are separated, and then meet again only to discover that neither one who they first appeared to be. Our hero Ned has a terrible secret that would cause Emma to hate him. They try to avoid the attraction they feel, but end up in a marriage full of secrets.
I enjoyed the book. The conflicts felt genuine and the characters were likable and sympathetic. This is my first read from this author and I look forward to reading more in the future.
I enjoyed the book. The conflicts felt genuine and the characters were likable and sympathetic. This is my first read from this author and I look forward to reading more in the future.
Read
January 12, 2016"McPhee crafts a classic Regency when a one-time lady loses her place in society and a man from the rough docks poses as a gentleman. The wonderful characters and lively dialogue enhance a classic plotline as the characters seek justice and revenge and readers cheer them on" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).
Miniseries: Gentlemen of Disrepute
Miniseries: Gentlemen of Disrepute
April 23, 2015
Fairly good Harlequin (~280 pgs) Regency Romance; also fairly clean and few, if any, vulgar expressions.
Thought-provoking, even if somewhat predictable outcome. Hero and heroine have had opposite reversals of fortune.
Thought-provoking, even if somewhat predictable outcome. Hero and heroine have had opposite reversals of fortune.
Read
October 2, 2014Miniseries: Gentlemen of Disrepute
November 19, 2014
I was pleasantly surprised by this book.
February 7, 2016
Premier livre de l'auteure que je lis et j'ai beaucoup aimé. mon avis complet via le lien.
http://songedunenuitdete.com/2016/02/...
http://songedunenuitdete.com/2016/02/...
May 10, 2016
Meh, I have high expectation for the book. Thus, this one just fell short.
Mundane romance, mundane secret, mundane story line.
Mundane romance, mundane secret, mundane story line.
July 29, 2020
Rather bland.
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