A Anything But a Gentleman

by Amanda Grange

Sarah Davenport is a governess, but trouble looms with the return of the children's guardian, Lord Randall, who is furious to find the children are having fun under the outspoken rule of their feisty governess.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Regency, Historical, Historical Fiction, Fiction, British Literature

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Amanda Grange was born in Yorkshire and spent her teenage years reading Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer whilst also finding time to study music at Nottingham University. She has had twenty-five novels published including six Jane Austen retellings, which look at events from the heroes' points of view. She has also had two books published under different names: Murder at Whitegates Manor (as Eleanor Tyler; a Regency cosy crime murder mystery) and The Rake (as Amy Watson; a very light and frothy Regency romance).

Woman said of Mr Darcy's Diary: "Lots of fun, this is the tale behind the alpha male," whilst The Washington Post called Mr Knightley's Diary "affectionate". The Historical Novels Review made Captain Wentworth's Diary an Editors' Choice, remarking, "Amanda Grange has hit upon a winning formula."

Austenblog declared that Colonel Brandon's Diary was "the best book yet in her series of heroes' diaries."

Amanda Grange now lives in Cheshire. Her profile photo was taken at the Jane Austen House Museum, Chawton. The museum is well worth a visit!

You can find out more by visiting her website at http://www.amandagrange.com You can also follow her on Twitter @hromanceuk and find her on Facebook

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This started out good. I was enjoying it a lot. It had a good main character that had heart and strength. Nothing crazy, then a spy story was introduced out of no where and I thought ok well interesting way to spice it up a bit. Then we have an attempted rape? Then a kidnapping, then another misunderstanding between our love interests......I think this was the 3rd one. Then a death..Sadly I just wanted it to be done. Just too much nonsense at the end. Just tell me a simple story and make them have an awesome kiss:} Oh well.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up from the library due to the love I had of this author’s work with the Austen books she’s written (specifically, the Diary series she has, i.e. “Darcy’s Diary” which I loved) and when I was in the mood for some regency romance, I figured she’d be a good bet to go with. The result: it wasn’t bad. It’s not as good as her Diary series, but that’s mostly because it’s predictable. It didn’t have anything that I didn’t expect and I was never once in suspense as to how it would turn out. To be fair, one doesn’t read romances to be surprised by the twists and turns of the plot. Still, come next month or maybe even 4 months down the road, I probably won’t remember that I read this without picking it up and thumbing through it again. None of it is particularly memorable. Although, it was enjoyable enough and a pretty quick read

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was actually underwhelmed with this one, not sure how I pushed myself through it. The plot was okay and I did want to like it. I got a little tired of the POV changes so frequently and without any smooth transitions. I personally don’t mind a couple different POV if it’s rotating chapters, but when it’s done multiple times during a chapter it drives me crazy. I also felt like there were too many explanations, like James and Sarah would be having a conversation and then the conversation would be explained. It was just an okay read, but forgettable.

[Mo · Rating 2 out of 5]

NOTE: I have deleted my original review. I had made my remarks about the AUTHOR, as opposed to the BOOK, and for that I was “flagged” by GoodReads (and rightfully so).

Let me just say that I did not care for the book. It seemed to be a cliché of every other Regency Romance out there. I found it trite and banal.

[Cheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are looking for a CLEAN regency romance this one is it. Sarah Davenport is looking for a job as a companion to an older woman but is assigned the job of governess to Lucy a six year old instead. Sarah has always been one to speak her mind, will it get her into trouble this time?

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amanda Grange has come a long way as an author since she wrote this book. It was still a fun, enjoyable read.

[Bethany Swafford · Rating 4 out of 5]

With her younger brothers adopted by their uncle, Sarah Davenport must provide for herself by taking a position. Though she desired to be a companion, she takes on being a governess to Lord Randall's niece. Though she expects his arrogance, she doesn't expect to fall for the charming, handsome man when he reveals himself to be reasonable. Does a poor governess and a titled gentleman have a future together?

This started off as fun. Sarah Davenport is a forthright young lady who has never learned to curb speaking her mind. This puts her at odds with her new employer. Sparks fly between them from the moment they meet, and these sparks lead to attraction. A simple setup that has been done many times and is often enjoyable.

It was the last half of the tale that strained my belief. A spy plot comes out of nowhere and then a series of miscommunications that could have easily been avoided with an honest conversation.

I've enjoyed other books by this author, so I am siding on the side of generosity. Readers who enjoy sweet regency romance with a hint of adventure may enjoy this one.

[JANET SMITH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting Read

I have had this book for some time and have finally decided to read it. Amanda Grange is a very good author and her books are well written. Sarah Davenport is a 'Most Unusual Governess' and her love and care of Lord Randall's orphaned nephew's and niece are endearing. The plot is not fast paced but the story is a pleasant read, and Sarah's and James's developing love for one another is sweet, Sarah's older brother's interference needed him to get a swift kick in his pants but he obviously felt he was doing right by his sister who had been left to fend for herself when her 2 brother's had been adopted by their aunt and uncle when their parents died. There were some amusing moments in the story but the best was the happy ending. I would thoroughly recommend this book.

[Patrizia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Conoscevo Amanda Grange per i suoi 'retelling' austeniani, e ho pensato che una così lunga consuetudine con la più fine scrittrice in lingua inglese mai esistita costituisse una garanzia per questo romanzo. Purtroppo, lo stile, la storia, persino la conoscenza della società del periodo (con quel continuo ribattere sul tasto delle varie proprietà/improprietà...) si sono rivelati del tutto inadeguati.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the storyline but thought the conversations and events were too rushed, making them slightly unrealistic. I would have enjoyed reading both of our main characters struggle over their feelings and any suspense when adventure and danger came was too quickly resolved. Much potential exists but not written with enough depth to satisfy the plot. I felt like was reading a shorter version of Jane Eyre - so many similarities win the plot. It was a quick read and I enjoyed it but not a novel to go over countless times. Goodreads summary from the back of the novel is an accurate description.

[H2bourne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one. Found it compelling and it moved along at a good pace. There were a few twists thrown in to prolong the story but of course all is resolved by the end. The chemistry between Lord Randall and Sarah was good. The token villain, Mr Haversage, added some tension to the storyline. It was nice to see children being well regarded by their governess, Sarah, and eventually by their uncle, Lord Randall. I would say this is closer to 3-1/2 stars though, but an enjoyable way to pass the time nonetheless.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for a Jane Eyre-esque novel

synopsis from cover

When poverty forces Sarah Davenport to take up a position as a governess, she is warned that Lord Randall is arrogant and overbearing. But no one warns her that he is also devastatingly handsome and that she will find herself falling in love with him. Or that, when danger threatens, she will find herself having to trust him.

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one had a cute plot, but there was a few swear words and he grabs her bust.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely!! Really sweet story with a lovely heroine! A Darcy/Lizzie sort of hero and heroine as well! :D

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one, loved the hero and heroine, satisfying ending.

[Nicua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this regency story.

[Polo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but not absorbing.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun clean historical romance! Loved it!