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Gentleman #1
Her Shirtless Gentleman
Her heart is in his hands.
After her marriage ends in betrayal, Eleanora Howard finds herself struggling to navigate the dating scene as a thirty-one-year-old divorcee. Living alone in the house she once shared with her ex and feeling undesirable beside her younger coworkers is hardly the recipe for finding new love--until she meets Rob. He's just the kind of charming, old-fashioned guy she needs--but he's also eager for intimacy.
After serving in the Air Force and landing a well-paid civilian job, Rob Vanderhoff planned to settle down with the right woman and raise a family. But at thirty-six, he's still single and searching--until he meets Eleanora. She's everything he wants. All he has to do is draw her out of her shell. Soon he's taking her on the kind of dates she dreamed about as a teenager, fanning the flames of her desire--and helping Nora rediscover the sexy, adventurous woman they both know she really is.
Content warning: This is a steamy small-town romance. Clothes will come off. Satisfaction will be found. Declarations of love will be made. And there just might be a cuss word or five.
After her marriage ends in betrayal, Eleanora Howard finds herself struggling to navigate the dating scene as a thirty-one-year-old divorcee. Living alone in the house she once shared with her ex and feeling undesirable beside her younger coworkers is hardly the recipe for finding new love--until she meets Rob. He's just the kind of charming, old-fashioned guy she needs--but he's also eager for intimacy.
After serving in the Air Force and landing a well-paid civilian job, Rob Vanderhoff planned to settle down with the right woman and raise a family. But at thirty-six, he's still single and searching--until he meets Eleanora. She's everything he wants. All he has to do is draw her out of her shell. Soon he's taking her on the kind of dates she dreamed about as a teenager, fanning the flames of her desire--and helping Nora rediscover the sexy, adventurous woman they both know she really is.
Content warning: This is a steamy small-town romance. Clothes will come off. Satisfaction will be found. Declarations of love will be made. And there just might be a cuss word or five.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2015
About the author
M.Q. Barber
12 books299 followersI am a former Midwestern gal who well knows the joy of flopping down in a field for an afternoon and composing stories about the shapes in the clouds. As it turns out, adulthood doesn't have to be so different from childhood.
Sharing those stories is a new thing for me. I hope readers will love the characters as much as I do.
Sharing those stories is a new thing for me. I hope readers will love the characters as much as I do.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
August 22, 2015
What the hell did I just read? I’m trying to make sense of it considering it’s garnered so many five-star ratings. It did start off well only to take a nosedive soon afterwards.
- Not only did I find the story lacking any depth, both protagonists were both under-developed, and I have to say pathetic. There’s hardly anything mentioned about her relationship with her ex, and there’s barely anything after he left her. I feel as though the author shortchanged me on this one. More written about it would’ve made the story a little more interesting.
- The whole story about Nora’s ex is asinine. She’s going to lose the house, the one she can’t stand to live in, if she breathes a word about her ex’s infidelity. Her ex will also destroy her reputation at the bank she works at if she opens her mouth. Are you kidding me? Who cares? What is he? 60? Her boss knows she’s the best at her job, and would never get rid of her even if her ex makes up lies about her. Everything makes it sound like they’re all living in the sticks. She could temporarily live with her parents who love her instead of staying in the house she hates. It’s so stupid. She’s closed off the master bedroom, always sleeping in the guest room. Give me a break.
- For two people in their 30’s, it honestly felt like I was reading about two virgins, or a couple in their seventy’s. The story was so cheesy, as was the dialogue. Stupid even. It’s hard to believe that she’s educated.
- Nora’s naivety, shyness, lack of sexual knowledge was ridiculous; like she grew up in a strict home locked up in a closet. She has two younger sisters. She couldn’t connect with them? Talk about personal things like dating and sex? Did she not have a best friend growing up? She won’t even masturbate because of her ex? Whatever.
- I can understand how years of mental abuse can hurt, destroy one’s confidence and self-esteem, etc., but after two weeks with a new man she’s already telling her ex off. So predictable and so ridiculous.
- Nora can’t make a decision about dating without advice from the young 20-something girls she works with, people she had nothing in common with or even liked, yet would have drinks with them after work and listen to their immature crap.
- The whole book read like one very long and boring date that went nowhere.
I know I’m alone on this one, but everything I wrote is how I feel. I even started to skip through the pages just to end my misery. I was so glad when it ended. This is not one I’m going to recommend. I wish I had skipped this one altogether. I still can’t help but roll my eyes when I think about it. Cheesy, cheesy, cheesy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2015
Eleanora is freshly divorced but still very much in shock about it. not that she is sorry about the ending of her marriage more the way it happened. during a night out with some co-workers, she meets Rob ... and there are some serious sparks here.
this story was quite sweet and nice. told from both POVs we see how their feelings for each other develop and how they face their insecurities. despite the sex scenes (which are quite hot by the way) this is really a sweet story about two people who are looking for Mr. and Mrs Right
all in all, I quite enjoyed this story. this is the perfect book for a rainy afternoon or reading at the beach.
Disclaimer: an ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
this story was quite sweet and nice. told from both POVs we see how their feelings for each other develop and how they face their insecurities. despite the sex scenes (which are quite hot by the way) this is really a sweet story about two people who are looking for Mr. and Mrs Right
all in all, I quite enjoyed this story. this is the perfect book for a rainy afternoon or reading at the beach.
Disclaimer: an ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
October 19, 2019
I first have to say I love this author and have read everything she has written. I really enjoyed this story. I loved watching Rob draw her out & win her over by taking her out on all the high school type dates. In some stories jumping into bed is the way that fixes everything, this was so not the case, they waited and when they did come together it was tender and amazing. Her ex-husband was such an ass & I wanted to climb into my kindle and punch him. I loved when she met his parents for the first time, they were so open and accepting it was very sweet.
I received a copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I received a copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
June 28, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Divorced from a cheating and cold man, Eleanora still lives unhappily in the house she once shared with her husband. Trying to make a new life for herself, she goes out with the younger girls at work but hasn't connected with anyone, until she meets Rob. Since leaving the Air Force, Rob has been searching unsuccessfully for the right woman, one he can build a life and family with. When he meets Eleanora, he knows instantly that she is the one. Gently and patiently he brings out the strong sexy woman inside. I really enjoyed this book. Eleanora, and Rob, in particular, are great characters and their romance was sweet and sexy at the same time.
M.Q. Barber is the author of the wonderful Neighborly Affections erotic romance series and I was really happy to get an advance reader copy of Her Shirtless Gentleman. I love her writing style and the skillful way she evokes your emotions with her words. Her male main characters have integrity and a courtliness about them. Rob, like Henry in Neighborly Affections is a loving, nurturing person yet at the same time very sexual and dominant, blessed with the wisdom to know exactly how to fulfill his woman. Looking forward to this authors next book.
M.Q. Barber is the author of the wonderful Neighborly Affections erotic romance series and I was really happy to get an advance reader copy of Her Shirtless Gentleman. I love her writing style and the skillful way she evokes your emotions with her words. Her male main characters have integrity and a courtliness about them. Rob, like Henry in Neighborly Affections is a loving, nurturing person yet at the same time very sexual and dominant, blessed with the wisdom to know exactly how to fulfill his woman. Looking forward to this authors next book.
June 12, 2015
First off, I want to say I love this author. She is one of my few auto-buys, and I haven't read a book of hers that I did not like. This story is told from both POV, and is very much a "young love" book of discovery and relationship jitters, only with characters who are a little older and more mature. I liked that Rob knew what he wanted, and was more focused on getting the girl than he was getting her in the sack. Nora was willing to open up to him and trust even though her ex-husband was a horrible example of a partner in a relationship. This is a sweet story with very minimal, to almost non-existent, angst and/or conflict. I will say the writing is very elegant, to almost flowery in places (if that makes sense), and I wouldn't consider this "erotica" at all. It is a romance, and there are love scenes, but the focus is very much establishing a long-term and strong relationship. Their relationship does progress pretty quickly, with Rob very infatuated from the moment they met (which was a very funny scene) but their physical intimacy does not. Overall another good book by this author. If you are looking for an easy, romantic summer read, this is a great book for you!
~This book was provided to me via NetGally in exchange for an honest review.~
~This book was provided to me via NetGally in exchange for an honest review.~
June 21, 2015
Her Shirtless Gentleman by MQ Barber was a sweet, romantic, and quick read that I enjoyed.
It centers around Eleanora, a divorcee getting back in the dating scene after he ex-husband was a complete jerk. Luckily she meets Rob who is looking for someone to love and start a family with.
Nora and Rob are great characters and I enjoyed seeing them go through the beginnings of starting a new relationship and getting to know someone for the first time. Their dates were cute and the love scenes were steamy.
Overall, Her Shirtless Gentleman is a perfect romance for anyone looking for a happy, low-angst, and sexy romance book.
(Thanks to MQ Barber, Kensington Books - Lyrical Press, and NetGalley for a chance to read an ARC of Her Shirtless Gentleman for an honest review.)
It centers around Eleanora, a divorcee getting back in the dating scene after he ex-husband was a complete jerk. Luckily she meets Rob who is looking for someone to love and start a family with.
Nora and Rob are great characters and I enjoyed seeing them go through the beginnings of starting a new relationship and getting to know someone for the first time. Their dates were cute and the love scenes were steamy.
Overall, Her Shirtless Gentleman is a perfect romance for anyone looking for a happy, low-angst, and sexy romance book.
(Thanks to MQ Barber, Kensington Books - Lyrical Press, and NetGalley for a chance to read an ARC of Her Shirtless Gentleman for an honest review.)
July 5, 2015
This novel would not allow me to put it down. Another A++++ for M.Q. Barber. This book has a wonderful story plot that will keep you engaged and wanting more. It shows what people have to do to get out of their shell.
August 4, 2015
Down-home Romeo Removes Shirt; Romance Ensues
Fans of M. A. Barber’s Neighborly Affection series might wonder where the other guy is, but never fear! Nora and Rob generate plenty of steam for a whole bed-full.
Unlike Barber’s bestselling Neighborly Affection books, this one stands alone and starts her new Gentleman series. It’s a great start, let me tell you. I was hooked from the beginning by a level-headed career woman I could relate to and a hero who finds her attractive for all the right reasons.
Nora’s divorce has freed her from a man-sized lump of emotionally abusive, cheating, manipulative refuse. It has also left her with low expectations of men. She wants to date again but doesn’t have the experience or confidence to navigate the choppy waters of singleness. Readers who love a vulnerable woman will love Nora, but she will not disappoint readers who love a strong woman. Even in her lack of confidence, she has a boldness about her that rings with strength.
Enter Rob, who comes to the rescue when a drunk bar-goer barfs on Nora. Rob whips off his shirt so she can change out of her ruined blouse, and the sight of his hard-but-not-obscenely-ripped abs jump starts her sex drive. Rob is just as attracted to Nora as she is to him. Despite all her wariness about entering into a new relationship after her last and only, Rob turns out to be the gentleman antithesis to her lousy ex.
Rob has the patience, sweetness, and genuineness to coax Nora’s petals out of their tight, protective furl. Am I speaking figuratively or literally? You’ll have to pick this one up to find out. *winks salaciously*
Reading Barber is always fun for the steam factor. But I also find this author so refreshing for her unique author voice. I especially love how she writes in deep point of view so I can revel in the characters’ heads and really get to know them from the inside out.
Other elements of Barber’s voice that I love include her widely varied sentence structures, internals that are absolutely true to her characters, and her leisurely pacing that allows the story to unfold at a rate that compliments the growth of character.
You’ll want to curl up with a glass of wine or another favorite beverage and sip this story slowly. Read some of Barber’s amazing descriptions twice. Highlight your favorite passages to be re-read later. And most of all, lose yourself in Nora’s transformation from emotionally stunted divorcee to confident girlfriend under Rob’s tender assault of patience and gentleness.
Here are a few of the passages I adored enough to savor over and over again:
Her body jangled like a change jar spilling on tile.—Kindle Location 99.
She might embarrass easily, but she powered through it with courage and sass.—Kindle Location 465.
"All I can do is show up every day and demonstrate the kind of man I am. Make some new pathways here.” He tapped Nora’s forehead with a gentle finger.—Kindle Location 792.
The hours slipped by to the tune of the radio’s Christmas marathon under an unbroken dome of dull gray clouds.—Kindle Location 2572
If you like a strong, intelligent author voice, great writing, relatable characters, and a sweet story, You Gotta Read M. Q. Barber’s Her Shirtless Gentleman.
Review appears on You Gotta Read Reviews.
Fans of M. A. Barber’s Neighborly Affection series might wonder where the other guy is, but never fear! Nora and Rob generate plenty of steam for a whole bed-full.
Unlike Barber’s bestselling Neighborly Affection books, this one stands alone and starts her new Gentleman series. It’s a great start, let me tell you. I was hooked from the beginning by a level-headed career woman I could relate to and a hero who finds her attractive for all the right reasons.
Nora’s divorce has freed her from a man-sized lump of emotionally abusive, cheating, manipulative refuse. It has also left her with low expectations of men. She wants to date again but doesn’t have the experience or confidence to navigate the choppy waters of singleness. Readers who love a vulnerable woman will love Nora, but she will not disappoint readers who love a strong woman. Even in her lack of confidence, she has a boldness about her that rings with strength.
Enter Rob, who comes to the rescue when a drunk bar-goer barfs on Nora. Rob whips off his shirt so she can change out of her ruined blouse, and the sight of his hard-but-not-obscenely-ripped abs jump starts her sex drive. Rob is just as attracted to Nora as she is to him. Despite all her wariness about entering into a new relationship after her last and only, Rob turns out to be the gentleman antithesis to her lousy ex.
Rob has the patience, sweetness, and genuineness to coax Nora’s petals out of their tight, protective furl. Am I speaking figuratively or literally? You’ll have to pick this one up to find out. *winks salaciously*
Reading Barber is always fun for the steam factor. But I also find this author so refreshing for her unique author voice. I especially love how she writes in deep point of view so I can revel in the characters’ heads and really get to know them from the inside out.
Other elements of Barber’s voice that I love include her widely varied sentence structures, internals that are absolutely true to her characters, and her leisurely pacing that allows the story to unfold at a rate that compliments the growth of character.
You’ll want to curl up with a glass of wine or another favorite beverage and sip this story slowly. Read some of Barber’s amazing descriptions twice. Highlight your favorite passages to be re-read later. And most of all, lose yourself in Nora’s transformation from emotionally stunted divorcee to confident girlfriend under Rob’s tender assault of patience and gentleness.
Here are a few of the passages I adored enough to savor over and over again:
Her body jangled like a change jar spilling on tile.—Kindle Location 99.
She might embarrass easily, but she powered through it with courage and sass.—Kindle Location 465.
"All I can do is show up every day and demonstrate the kind of man I am. Make some new pathways here.” He tapped Nora’s forehead with a gentle finger.—Kindle Location 792.
The hours slipped by to the tune of the radio’s Christmas marathon under an unbroken dome of dull gray clouds.—Kindle Location 2572
If you like a strong, intelligent author voice, great writing, relatable characters, and a sweet story, You Gotta Read M. Q. Barber’s Her Shirtless Gentleman.
Review appears on You Gotta Read Reviews.
August 2, 2015
This is a sweet and sexy read with plenty of life after divorce vibes and an unexpectedly tender romance. Although it’s described as erotica, it’s definitely on the milder side of that genre, because although there’s plenty of raunchy thoughts right from the start, the actual relationship between Rob and Eleanora grows at a steady pace.
I really liked Eleanora. She’s a shy woman who’s only ever been with one man and has suddenly found herself thrust back into the dating scene in her early thirties, after ten years of marriage to a worthless man. The trouble is the only friends she has to go out with are in their twenties and their style of dating really doesn’t suit her. Eleanora is a numbers girl, she likes things straight forward and simple and she’s not used to flirting or putting herself out there. Add in the emotional battering she’s been subjected to throughout her marriage, and her confidence is non-existent at the start of this book.
Then along comes Rob. I loved how he treated Eleanora and also how serious he is about her from the moment they meet. He’s a man who knows what he wants – and it’s a lot more than flirting, dates and a quick hook up. The way he rebuilds her confidence, listens to what she wants and essentially takes their dating back to their teenage years is just adorable. He’s also hot, strong and protective, which doesn’t hurt, but he also gives her back the power she’s been missing for ten years and helps her find her own strengths once more.
Of course it’s not all plain sailing thanks to that jerk of an ex Eleanora has hanging around, but on the whole this is a sweet read with added heat to keep things ticking along. If you’re an erotica fan you might find this a little tame for your tastes, but if you like your romance with plenty of spice along with the sweet, then this could be for you. Especially if you like characters who have a few relationship battle scars and an honourable guy who isn’t afraid to go after what he wants, white picket fence and all, and likewise isn’t worried about taking his time over doing so. This is my first book by this author, but I’m pretty sure it won’t be my last.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
I really liked Eleanora. She’s a shy woman who’s only ever been with one man and has suddenly found herself thrust back into the dating scene in her early thirties, after ten years of marriage to a worthless man. The trouble is the only friends she has to go out with are in their twenties and their style of dating really doesn’t suit her. Eleanora is a numbers girl, she likes things straight forward and simple and she’s not used to flirting or putting herself out there. Add in the emotional battering she’s been subjected to throughout her marriage, and her confidence is non-existent at the start of this book.
Then along comes Rob. I loved how he treated Eleanora and also how serious he is about her from the moment they meet. He’s a man who knows what he wants – and it’s a lot more than flirting, dates and a quick hook up. The way he rebuilds her confidence, listens to what she wants and essentially takes their dating back to their teenage years is just adorable. He’s also hot, strong and protective, which doesn’t hurt, but he also gives her back the power she’s been missing for ten years and helps her find her own strengths once more.
Of course it’s not all plain sailing thanks to that jerk of an ex Eleanora has hanging around, but on the whole this is a sweet read with added heat to keep things ticking along. If you’re an erotica fan you might find this a little tame for your tastes, but if you like your romance with plenty of spice along with the sweet, then this could be for you. Especially if you like characters who have a few relationship battle scars and an honourable guy who isn’t afraid to go after what he wants, white picket fence and all, and likewise isn’t worried about taking his time over doing so. This is my first book by this author, but I’m pretty sure it won’t be my last.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
August 18, 2015
Her Shirtless Gentleman, M.Q. Barber
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance,Erotica.
Well, I adore M.Q.Barber’s books featuring Henry, Jay and Alice, so was keen to read this. Its similar in that once again its very sensual, with well written love scenes, and it’s not a conventional romance read, where a meets b and they have fun, get parted and find each other again to live HEA. No, this is more a journey for Eleanora, where she learns to live, to trust, to love again after her despicable ex left her. He’d sapped at her confidence, made her feel at fault for their marriage failing, he’d criticised everything about her from her looks, her job, her friends to their sex life. He claimed it was her frigidity that made him turn to another woman....Now they’re divorced but Eleanora just doesn’t know how to date, what to do or say, how to behave, it’s years since she needed to and everything seems so different. She hasn’t any friends to ask, the ex got rid of all those, and moved them to a place where she knew no-one except work colleagues. Then on a night out with them she meets Rob.
Rob can see she’s worth every bit of effort he’ll need to put in with her, that she needs careful handling to not frighten her away, that he needs to build her confidence. He reminds me of Henry in a way, where he puts Eleanora first, just as Henry always puts Alice and Jay first. Its a gentle, slow romance but that doesn't mean its without heat. They aren’t teens but adults with adult natures, and Rob has some brilliant ways of encouraging Eleanora out of her shell and into his hands – literally at times!!
Its a lovely gentle romance but though I love that with the H,J,A trio, its the combo of them together that makes the books such fun, along with the BDSM and the psychology, but in this there’s just the two of them, no extras and its just too sweet and gentle. I missed the drama that’s usually in a romance. I understand the way it played out, liked seeing the way Eleanora bloomed, gained confidence, and there’s a nice wrap up but though I enjoyed reading it I won’t re read as I do with H,J,A’s novels.
Stars: 3.5 I hovered between three and four, I did enjoy it but wasn’t riveted and won’t reread.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance,Erotica.
Well, I adore M.Q.Barber’s books featuring Henry, Jay and Alice, so was keen to read this. Its similar in that once again its very sensual, with well written love scenes, and it’s not a conventional romance read, where a meets b and they have fun, get parted and find each other again to live HEA. No, this is more a journey for Eleanora, where she learns to live, to trust, to love again after her despicable ex left her. He’d sapped at her confidence, made her feel at fault for their marriage failing, he’d criticised everything about her from her looks, her job, her friends to their sex life. He claimed it was her frigidity that made him turn to another woman....Now they’re divorced but Eleanora just doesn’t know how to date, what to do or say, how to behave, it’s years since she needed to and everything seems so different. She hasn’t any friends to ask, the ex got rid of all those, and moved them to a place where she knew no-one except work colleagues. Then on a night out with them she meets Rob.
Rob can see she’s worth every bit of effort he’ll need to put in with her, that she needs careful handling to not frighten her away, that he needs to build her confidence. He reminds me of Henry in a way, where he puts Eleanora first, just as Henry always puts Alice and Jay first. Its a gentle, slow romance but that doesn't mean its without heat. They aren’t teens but adults with adult natures, and Rob has some brilliant ways of encouraging Eleanora out of her shell and into his hands – literally at times!!
Its a lovely gentle romance but though I love that with the H,J,A trio, its the combo of them together that makes the books such fun, along with the BDSM and the psychology, but in this there’s just the two of them, no extras and its just too sweet and gentle. I missed the drama that’s usually in a romance. I understand the way it played out, liked seeing the way Eleanora bloomed, gained confidence, and there’s a nice wrap up but though I enjoyed reading it I won’t re read as I do with H,J,A’s novels.
Stars: 3.5 I hovered between three and four, I did enjoy it but wasn’t riveted and won’t reread.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
August 3, 2015
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ARC was provided by Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review.
Her Shirtless Gentleman is a contemporary romance novel from bestselling author, and a personal favorite of mine, M.Q. Barber. This is different from her ongoing Neighborly Affection series, which I adore, and it shows that she's able to do something separate from the books that have made her a favorite of many readers. Eleanora Howard is a female lead character trying to find her footing in the present, after having spent a decade with the same man only to discover that he had been unfaithful. When she meets Rob Vanderhoff at a bar, it's quickly obvious why the book's title is such and talk about making a first impression! Nora was often unsure of herself and while she wanted to spend time with Rob and get to know him better, the aftereffects of her ex's shabby treatment made her question Rob's and her actions.
Nora's transformation in the story showcases what a strong woman she is. It took some time for her to believe in herself and the fact that she had someone like Rob, whose belief in her went above and beyond, by her side was the kind of support system she needed. Rob was the ideal guy for someone like Nora, what with his patience and understanding, and his willingness to take things according to her pace makes you wish he actually existed in the real world. The story had those sweet moments that make you want to sigh in happiness but it also had the steam I've come to expect from the author. I loved reading about Nora's personal journey to self-belief and the journey she and Rob were on as they made their way to their much deserved happily-ever-after. Her Shirtless Gentleman was the highlight of my weekend and gets five stars! ♥
Note: This ARC was provided by Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review.
Her Shirtless Gentleman is a contemporary romance novel from bestselling author, and a personal favorite of mine, M.Q. Barber. This is different from her ongoing Neighborly Affection series, which I adore, and it shows that she's able to do something separate from the books that have made her a favorite of many readers. Eleanora Howard is a female lead character trying to find her footing in the present, after having spent a decade with the same man only to discover that he had been unfaithful. When she meets Rob Vanderhoff at a bar, it's quickly obvious why the book's title is such and talk about making a first impression! Nora was often unsure of herself and while she wanted to spend time with Rob and get to know him better, the aftereffects of her ex's shabby treatment made her question Rob's and her actions.
Nora's transformation in the story showcases what a strong woman she is. It took some time for her to believe in herself and the fact that she had someone like Rob, whose belief in her went above and beyond, by her side was the kind of support system she needed. Rob was the ideal guy for someone like Nora, what with his patience and understanding, and his willingness to take things according to her pace makes you wish he actually existed in the real world. The story had those sweet moments that make you want to sigh in happiness but it also had the steam I've come to expect from the author. I loved reading about Nora's personal journey to self-belief and the journey she and Rob were on as they made their way to their much deserved happily-ever-after. Her Shirtless Gentleman was the highlight of my weekend and gets five stars! ♥
August 5, 2015
I've been reading M's books for several years now and am in love with her other series, Neighborly Affections. I was scared going into this book that it wouldn't be as good.
But this book, Her Shirtless Gentleman, was amazing!! Rob and Nora are an amazing couple. Not only are they fantastic together but they are wonderful as separate characters.
Nora is only several months out of a particularly nasty marriage and divorce and doesn't trust her dating instincts. After all, she married her first boyfriend so she's not really had any practice dating. But she's putting herself out there, unfortunately, it's with the 20-somethings she works with and they're taking her to those meat market bars we all hate. But lucky for her, one Friday night, she gets thrown up on and her life is changed forever.
Rob has known for many years now he wants to settle down and do the whole marriage/children thing. But alas, he just hasn't met that woman he connects with, until that Friday night he's out with the guys. One look at Nora and he knows, he knows she is the one. But he discovers her history and realizes he must treat her with a little old fashioned courting. And he does! And what happens is true magic.
But while we're watching them become a couple, we also get to watch Nora become a strong woman, confident in herself and her sexuality. We get to watch Rob who is finally allowed to focus his love, his protectiveness, and his strength on that one special woman. So we get to watch them grow individually and together. It really is a special story that M has written for us.
But this book, Her Shirtless Gentleman, was amazing!! Rob and Nora are an amazing couple. Not only are they fantastic together but they are wonderful as separate characters.
Nora is only several months out of a particularly nasty marriage and divorce and doesn't trust her dating instincts. After all, she married her first boyfriend so she's not really had any practice dating. But she's putting herself out there, unfortunately, it's with the 20-somethings she works with and they're taking her to those meat market bars we all hate. But lucky for her, one Friday night, she gets thrown up on and her life is changed forever.
Rob has known for many years now he wants to settle down and do the whole marriage/children thing. But alas, he just hasn't met that woman he connects with, until that Friday night he's out with the guys. One look at Nora and he knows, he knows she is the one. But he discovers her history and realizes he must treat her with a little old fashioned courting. And he does! And what happens is true magic.
But while we're watching them become a couple, we also get to watch Nora become a strong woman, confident in herself and her sexuality. We get to watch Rob who is finally allowed to focus his love, his protectiveness, and his strength on that one special woman. So we get to watch them grow individually and together. It really is a special story that M has written for us.
July 11, 2016
Five satisfied stars for this seductively sweet story about love.
Sweet, intelligent, romantic exploration.
THAT is Barber's genre. If you’ve come to this standalone book because you’ve read her Neighborly Affection series, then you’re already a fan. We shouldn't narrow her writing or try to define it with labels like vanilla, ménage, or BDSM -- two of which aren't part of this book's story arc, which is kind of my point. Her characters are what make all of her books unique; the wit and turn of phrase embedded within the dialog, the attention to physical characteristics and details -- those are the bones on which her stories are laid.
Bowling lanes, restaurant scenes, relationship baggage, and rituals, those muscles pull this story wagon up the hill stride-by-stride with a few breath-stealing slips along the way. Piece-by-piece we bring together the puzzle of bits that make Rob and Eleanora tick on their own. Then, the characters emotional growth and relief at finding love are what send that same wagon careening downhill in a carefully controlled rush. Don't get me wrong, I am NOT implying the sex scenes aren’t hot, because they soooo are. Tautly controlled passion filled with a responsive connection is a superb thing to witness and experience, even second hand, through the pages of a book such as this. Barber's writing is so much more than the tab / slot that so many books offer, and regardless what category you find the book listed under, remember: sweet, intelligent, romantic exploration. Enjoy, I know I did!
Sweet, intelligent, romantic exploration.
THAT is Barber's genre. If you’ve come to this standalone book because you’ve read her Neighborly Affection series, then you’re already a fan. We shouldn't narrow her writing or try to define it with labels like vanilla, ménage, or BDSM -- two of which aren't part of this book's story arc, which is kind of my point. Her characters are what make all of her books unique; the wit and turn of phrase embedded within the dialog, the attention to physical characteristics and details -- those are the bones on which her stories are laid.
Bowling lanes, restaurant scenes, relationship baggage, and rituals, those muscles pull this story wagon up the hill stride-by-stride with a few breath-stealing slips along the way. Piece-by-piece we bring together the puzzle of bits that make Rob and Eleanora tick on their own. Then, the characters emotional growth and relief at finding love are what send that same wagon careening downhill in a carefully controlled rush. Don't get me wrong, I am NOT implying the sex scenes aren’t hot, because they soooo are. Tautly controlled passion filled with a responsive connection is a superb thing to witness and experience, even second hand, through the pages of a book such as this. Barber's writing is so much more than the tab / slot that so many books offer, and regardless what category you find the book listed under, remember: sweet, intelligent, romantic exploration. Enjoy, I know I did!
August 4, 2015
I received an ARC of this book in June and I think I've read and reread it at least 5 times by now (July 28) This is a wonderful book, just simply wonderful. It's the story of this couple's courtship, how they go from strangers to cautious friendship to so very much more. I love the fact that so much of the story is from Rob's POV; MQ Barber has a gift for writing the male POV, especially smart men who are both willing and capable of restraint in order to achieve their goals. I think Nora is a delightful heroine, funny and brave and smart. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of wooing and modern day courtship and I think Ms. Barber from the bottom of my heart for allowing the relationship between Rob and Nora develop over time and grow naturally. Of course, there are some steamy scenes, this is MQ Barber, after all. Sweet characters, strong storyline of the birth and growth of a relationship and the heat that comes with loving - I'll reread this again ... and again.
Read
August 10, 2015DNF @ 32%
Read
August 10, 2015DNF @ 52%
April 28, 2023
I know I put this book on my "themes-cheating" shelf, but the cheating was with the ex-husband of the heroine in this book. She has been divorced for over 3 months and is dealing with the emotional fallout of the cheating when she meets our hero - who is as safe as could be.
Her Shirtless Gentleman is a sweet, hot read that is just another example of what good romance should be. Yes, there is a bit of insta-love, but it comes in the form of love at first sight, not the alpha-male instalove we have come to associate with the term.
If there were ever a "safe" book to read in terms of your heart and soul, then this one would be it. It has scenes that are simply scorching hot, but there are all the feels that go with pretty much anything that M.Q. writes. I wish she had more books because I have read her catalogue and am still wanting more.
This book is about the meeting and forming of a relationship between Robin, a handsome, fit and trim 36-year old, marriage minded man who longs to fill his farmhouse with a wife and a passel of kids, and Eleanora, a 31-year old recently divorced loan officer, still dealing with the emotional fallout of her failed marriage.
After a meet-cute in a bar involving Robin's drunk 21-year-old little brother throwing up on Eleanora's shirt, Robin starts making plans to get to know the brunette beauty he had his eyes on from the moment he saw her across the bar that Friday night.
Eleanora is skittish, and understandably so, with her ex-husband still trying to control her from afar, always concerned more for his image that his wife (he keeps forgetting that they are divorced), but Robin is up for the challenge. He set his hat on Eleanora, and is very careful to make the right moves showing Elenora that she can trust him with her heart, body, and soul. While Eleanora is shy, and nervous about her ability to please a man, Robin has no doubts in her abilities, and just needs to be shown that not every man is like her ex. Either way, Eleanora's body has finally woken up, and she is ready to move on in life, and is looking at Robin as her new guide.
This isn't a very long book, but it was long enough to contain all the parts of a good romance that has been lacking in most books written today. Like all of M.Q.'s books the exasperating tropes in contemporary erotic romance are missing.
Our hero isn't an overly aggressive, possessive alpha male who pursues a virginal, barely legal heroine and declares love after two dates. Yes, he believes in "love at first sight" but it isn't written unrealistically. Robin has his eyes open, he isn't just seeing part of Eleanora, it's just she fit the image he had been holding in his mind about his future wife and mother of his kids. He has the job, the home, and the desire to get his life going and it just happened that Eleanora sent an instant spark in him that he had to peruse. Robin spends the book gently courting Eleanora, moving from coffee dates to lying in the bed of his pick-up truck at the local drive in, all while showing Eleanora how a man's touch should feel, and those scenes are hot.
M.Q. does sweet romance with one-handed read sex. I don't know how she manages it, but she does.
So, if you are looking for something to read that is both romance, real, and sexy, leaving you looking at the authors catalog for new books that you instantly one-click, you can't do wrong with Her Shirtless Gentleman, or any other of M.Q.'s books. They all follow the safe-romance, hot sex and no annoying tropes.
Yes, I am shameless promoting the author, but I do it so more people read her books thereby giving her reason to write new ones.
Check out her "Neighborly Affection"series for a Safe, feel-good BDSM MMF Romance that will change you "best series" shelf.
Her Shirtless Gentleman is a sweet, hot read that is just another example of what good romance should be. Yes, there is a bit of insta-love, but it comes in the form of love at first sight, not the alpha-male instalove we have come to associate with the term.
If there were ever a "safe" book to read in terms of your heart and soul, then this one would be it. It has scenes that are simply scorching hot, but there are all the feels that go with pretty much anything that M.Q. writes. I wish she had more books because I have read her catalogue and am still wanting more.
This book is about the meeting and forming of a relationship between Robin, a handsome, fit and trim 36-year old, marriage minded man who longs to fill his farmhouse with a wife and a passel of kids, and Eleanora, a 31-year old recently divorced loan officer, still dealing with the emotional fallout of her failed marriage.
After a meet-cute in a bar involving Robin's drunk 21-year-old little brother throwing up on Eleanora's shirt, Robin starts making plans to get to know the brunette beauty he had his eyes on from the moment he saw her across the bar that Friday night.
Eleanora is skittish, and understandably so, with her ex-husband still trying to control her from afar, always concerned more for his image that his wife (he keeps forgetting that they are divorced), but Robin is up for the challenge. He set his hat on Eleanora, and is very careful to make the right moves showing Elenora that she can trust him with her heart, body, and soul. While Eleanora is shy, and nervous about her ability to please a man, Robin has no doubts in her abilities, and just needs to be shown that not every man is like her ex. Either way, Eleanora's body has finally woken up, and she is ready to move on in life, and is looking at Robin as her new guide.
This isn't a very long book, but it was long enough to contain all the parts of a good romance that has been lacking in most books written today. Like all of M.Q.'s books the exasperating tropes in contemporary erotic romance are missing.
Our hero isn't an overly aggressive, possessive alpha male who pursues a virginal, barely legal heroine and declares love after two dates. Yes, he believes in "love at first sight" but it isn't written unrealistically. Robin has his eyes open, he isn't just seeing part of Eleanora, it's just she fit the image he had been holding in his mind about his future wife and mother of his kids. He has the job, the home, and the desire to get his life going and it just happened that Eleanora sent an instant spark in him that he had to peruse. Robin spends the book gently courting Eleanora, moving from coffee dates to lying in the bed of his pick-up truck at the local drive in, all while showing Eleanora how a man's touch should feel, and those scenes are hot.
M.Q. does sweet romance with one-handed read sex. I don't know how she manages it, but she does.
So, if you are looking for something to read that is both romance, real, and sexy, leaving you looking at the authors catalog for new books that you instantly one-click, you can't do wrong with Her Shirtless Gentleman, or any other of M.Q.'s books. They all follow the safe-romance, hot sex and no annoying tropes.
Yes, I am shameless promoting the author, but I do it so more people read her books thereby giving her reason to write new ones.
Check out her "Neighborly Affection"series for a Safe, feel-good BDSM MMF Romance that will change you "best series" shelf.
August 17, 2023
I know I put this book on my "themes-cheating" shelf, but the cheating was with the ex-husband of the heroine in this book. She has been divorced for over 3 months and is dealing with the emotional fallout of the cheating when she meets our hero - who is as safe as could be.
Her Shirtless Gentleman is a sweet, hot read that is just another example of what good romance should be. Yes, there is a bit of insta-love, but it comes in the form of love at first sight, not the alpha-male instalove we have come to associate with the term.
If there were ever a "safe" book to read in terms of your heart and soul, then this one would be it. It has scenes that are simply scorching hot, but there are all the feels that go with pretty much anything that M.Q. writes. I wish she had more books because I have read her catalogue and am still wanting more.
This book is about the meeting and forming of a relationship between Robin, a handsome, fit and trim 36-year old, marriage minded man who longs to fill his farmhouse with a wife and a passel of kids, and Eleanora, a 31-year old recently divorced loan officer, still dealing with the emotional fallout of her failed marriage.
After a meet-cute in a bar involving Robin's drunk 21-year-old little brother throwing up on Eleanora's shirt, Robin starts making plans to get to know the brunette beauty he had his eyes on from the moment he saw her across the bar that Friday night.
Eleanora is skittish, and understandably so, with her ex-husband still trying to control her from afar, always concerned more for his image that his wife (he keeps forgetting that they are divorced), but Robin is up for the challenge. He set his hat on Eleanora, and is very careful to make the right moves showing Elenora that she can trust him with her heart, body, and soul. While Eleanora is shy, and nervous about her ability to please a man, Robin has no doubts in her abilities, and just needs to be shown that not every man is like her ex. Either way, Eleanora's body has finally woken up, and she is ready to move on in life, and is looking at Robin as her new guide.
This isn't a very long book, but it was long enough to contain all the parts of a good romance that has been lacking in most books written today. Like all of M.Q.'s books the exasperating tropes in contemporary erotic romance are missing.
Our hero isn't an overly aggressive, possessive alpha male who pursues a virginal, barely legal heroine and declares love after two dates. Yes, he believes in "love at first sight" but it isn't written unrealistically. Robin has his eyes open, he isn't just seeing part of Eleanora, it's just she fit the image he had been holding in his mind about his future wife and mother of his kids. He has the job, the home, and the desire to get his life going and it just happened that Eleanora sent an instant spark in him that he had to peruse. Robin spends the book gently courting Eleanora, moving from coffee dates to lying in the bed of his pick-up truck at the local drive in, all while showing Eleanora how a man's touch should feel, and those scenes are hot.
M.Q. does sweet romance with one-handed read sex. I don't know how she manages it, but she does.
So, if you are looking for something to read that is both romance, real, and sexy, leaving you looking at the authors catalog for new books that you instantly one-click, you can't do wrong with Her Shirtless Gentleman, or any other of M.Q.'s books. They all follow the safe-romance, hot sex and no annoying tropes.
Yes, I am shameless promoting the author, but I do it so more people read her books thereby giving her reason to write new ones.
Check out her "Neighborly Affection"series for a Safe, feel-good BDSM MMF Romance that will change you "best series" shelf.
Her Shirtless Gentleman is a sweet, hot read that is just another example of what good romance should be. Yes, there is a bit of insta-love, but it comes in the form of love at first sight, not the alpha-male instalove we have come to associate with the term.
If there were ever a "safe" book to read in terms of your heart and soul, then this one would be it. It has scenes that are simply scorching hot, but there are all the feels that go with pretty much anything that M.Q. writes. I wish she had more books because I have read her catalogue and am still wanting more.
This book is about the meeting and forming of a relationship between Robin, a handsome, fit and trim 36-year old, marriage minded man who longs to fill his farmhouse with a wife and a passel of kids, and Eleanora, a 31-year old recently divorced loan officer, still dealing with the emotional fallout of her failed marriage.
After a meet-cute in a bar involving Robin's drunk 21-year-old little brother throwing up on Eleanora's shirt, Robin starts making plans to get to know the brunette beauty he had his eyes on from the moment he saw her across the bar that Friday night.
Eleanora is skittish, and understandably so, with her ex-husband still trying to control her from afar, always concerned more for his image that his wife (he keeps forgetting that they are divorced), but Robin is up for the challenge. He set his hat on Eleanora, and is very careful to make the right moves showing Elenora that she can trust him with her heart, body, and soul. While Eleanora is shy, and nervous about her ability to please a man, Robin has no doubts in her abilities, and just needs to be shown that not every man is like her ex. Either way, Eleanora's body has finally woken up, and she is ready to move on in life, and is looking at Robin as her new guide.
This isn't a very long book, but it was long enough to contain all the parts of a good romance that has been lacking in most books written today. Like all of M.Q.'s books the exasperating tropes in contemporary erotic romance are missing.
Our hero isn't an overly aggressive, possessive alpha male who pursues a virginal, barely legal heroine and declares love after two dates. Yes, he believes in "love at first sight" but it isn't written unrealistically. Robin has his eyes open, he isn't just seeing part of Eleanora, it's just she fit the image he had been holding in his mind about his future wife and mother of his kids. He has the job, the home, and the desire to get his life going and it just happened that Eleanora sent an instant spark in him that he had to peruse. Robin spends the book gently courting Eleanora, moving from coffee dates to lying in the bed of his pick-up truck at the local drive in, all while showing Eleanora how a man's touch should feel, and those scenes are hot.
M.Q. does sweet romance with one-handed read sex. I don't know how she manages it, but she does.
So, if you are looking for something to read that is both romance, real, and sexy, leaving you looking at the authors catalog for new books that you instantly one-click, you can't do wrong with Her Shirtless Gentleman, or any other of M.Q.'s books. They all follow the safe-romance, hot sex and no annoying tropes.
Yes, I am shameless promoting the author, but I do it so more people read her books thereby giving her reason to write new ones.
Check out her "Neighborly Affection"series for a Safe, feel-good BDSM MMF Romance that will change you "best series" shelf.
January 26, 2021
I think I wanted to like this more bc of the Neighborly Affection series, but I read that first. It was solid though. Falling in love, wanting a family. We never see her ex get what’s coming to him. But she definitely gets the better deal!
June 29, 2018
Sexy and fun.
May 11, 2019
Very different from other books I've read by this author. Loved the characters. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
January 15, 2020Gave up
September 6, 2022
I know I put this book on my "themes-cheating" shelf, but the cheating was with the ex-husband of the heroine in this book. She has been divorced for over 3 months and is dealing with the emotional fallout of the cheating when she meets our hero - who is as safe as could be.
Her Shirtless Gentleman is a sweet, hot read that is just another example of what good romance should be. Yes, there is a bit of insta-love, but it comes in the form of love at first sight, not the alpha-male instalove we have come to associate with the term.
If there were ever a "safe" book to read in terms of your heart and soul, then this one would be it. It has scenes that are simply scorching hot, but there are all the feels that go with pretty much anything that M.Q. writes. I wish she had more books because I have read her catalogue and am still wanting more.
This book is about the meeting and forming of a relationship between Robin, a handsome, fit and trim 36-year old, marriage minded man who longs to fill his farmhouse with a wife and a passel of kids, and Eleanora, a 31-year old recently divorced loan officer, still dealing with the emotional fallout of her failed marriage.
After a meet-cute in a bar involving Robin's drunk 21-year-old little brother throwing up on Eleanora's shirt, Robin starts making plans to get to know the brunette beauty he had his eyes on from the moment he saw her across the bar that Friday night.
Eleanora is skittish, and understandably so, with her ex-husband still trying to control her from afar, always concerned more for his image that his wife (he keeps forgetting that they are divorced), but Robin is up for the challenge. He set his hat on Eleanora, and is very careful to make the right moves showing Elenora that she can trust him with her heart, body, and soul. While Eleanora is shy, and nervous about her ability to please a man, Robin has no doubts in her abilities, and just needs to be shown that not every man is like her ex. Either way, Eleanora's body has finally woken up, and she is ready to move on in life, and is looking at Robin as her new guide.
This isn't a very long book, but it was long enough to contain all the parts of a good romance that has been lacking in most books written today. Like all of M.Q.'s books the exasperating tropes in contemporary erotic romance are missing.
Our hero isn't an overly aggressive, possessive alpha male who pursues a virginal, barely legal heroine and declares love after two dates. Yes, he believes in "love at first sight" but it isn't written unrealistically. Robin has his eyes open, he isn't just seeing part of Eleanora, it's just she fit the image he had been holding in his mind about his future wife and mother of his kids. He has the job, the home, and the desire to get his life going and it just happened that Eleanora sent an instant spark in him that he had to peruse. Robin spends the book gently courting Eleanora, moving from coffee dates to lying in the bed of his pick-up truck at the local drive in, all while showing Eleanora how a man's touch should feel, and those scenes are hot.
M.Q. does sweet romance with one-handed read sex. I don't know how she manages it, but she does.
So, if you are looking for something to read that is both romance, real, and sexy, leaving you looking at the authors catalog for new books that you instantly one-click, you can't do wrong with Her Shirtless Gentleman, or any other of M.Q.'s books. They all follow the safe-romance, hot sex and no annoying tropes.
Yes, I am shameless promoting the author, but I do it so more people read her books thereby giving her reason to write new ones.
Check out her "Neighborly Affection"series for a Safe, feel-good BDSM MMF Romance that will change you "best series" shelf.
Her Shirtless Gentleman is a sweet, hot read that is just another example of what good romance should be. Yes, there is a bit of insta-love, but it comes in the form of love at first sight, not the alpha-male instalove we have come to associate with the term.
If there were ever a "safe" book to read in terms of your heart and soul, then this one would be it. It has scenes that are simply scorching hot, but there are all the feels that go with pretty much anything that M.Q. writes. I wish she had more books because I have read her catalogue and am still wanting more.
This book is about the meeting and forming of a relationship between Robin, a handsome, fit and trim 36-year old, marriage minded man who longs to fill his farmhouse with a wife and a passel of kids, and Eleanora, a 31-year old recently divorced loan officer, still dealing with the emotional fallout of her failed marriage.
After a meet-cute in a bar involving Robin's drunk 21-year-old little brother throwing up on Eleanora's shirt, Robin starts making plans to get to know the brunette beauty he had his eyes on from the moment he saw her across the bar that Friday night.
Eleanora is skittish, and understandably so, with her ex-husband still trying to control her from afar, always concerned more for his image that his wife (he keeps forgetting that they are divorced), but Robin is up for the challenge. He set his hat on Eleanora, and is very careful to make the right moves showing Elenora that she can trust him with her heart, body, and soul. While Eleanora is shy, and nervous about her ability to please a man, Robin has no doubts in her abilities, and just needs to be shown that not every man is like her ex. Either way, Eleanora's body has finally woken up, and she is ready to move on in life, and is looking at Robin as her new guide.
This isn't a very long book, but it was long enough to contain all the parts of a good romance that has been lacking in most books written today. Like all of M.Q.'s books the exasperating tropes in contemporary erotic romance are missing.
Our hero isn't an overly aggressive, possessive alpha male who pursues a virginal, barely legal heroine and declares love after two dates. Yes, he believes in "love at first sight" but it isn't written unrealistically. Robin has his eyes open, he isn't just seeing part of Eleanora, it's just she fit the image he had been holding in his mind about his future wife and mother of his kids. He has the job, the home, and the desire to get his life going and it just happened that Eleanora sent an instant spark in him that he had to peruse. Robin spends the book gently courting Eleanora, moving from coffee dates to lying in the bed of his pick-up truck at the local drive in, all while showing Eleanora how a man's touch should feel, and those scenes are hot.
M.Q. does sweet romance with one-handed read sex. I don't know how she manages it, but she does.
So, if you are looking for something to read that is both romance, real, and sexy, leaving you looking at the authors catalog for new books that you instantly one-click, you can't do wrong with Her Shirtless Gentleman, or any other of M.Q.'s books. They all follow the safe-romance, hot sex and no annoying tropes.
Yes, I am shameless promoting the author, but I do it so more people read her books thereby giving her reason to write new ones.
Check out her "Neighborly Affection"series for a Safe, feel-good BDSM MMF Romance that will change you "best series" shelf.
November 1, 2015
As a fan of Barber’s Neighborly Affection series, I was both excited and nervous to read Her Shirtless Gentleman. Excited because I love the author’s writing style, yet nervous because the book is unlike the Neighborly Affection series and I worried that I would discover it was the series and characters and not actually the author’s writing I enjoyed. However, within mere pages my nervousness was obliterated as I fell under the spell of Rob and Nora and their unfolding romance.
We first meet Nora as she is out with the girls from work, and she means that literally as there is almost a decade between her and her 22 year-old coworkers. But as a divorcee, she doesn’t feel she can be too choosey if she wants to avoid hitting the dating scene alone. Even though she’s striking out when compared to her friends, an encounter with a young man who can’t hold his liquor insures that her evening will be memorable (<= that’s a serious understatement by the way). It was Nora’s ability to laugh off the incident that endeared her to me because I’m not sure I would have been as understanding. But this unfortunate incident leads to her meeting Rob and him offering her the shirt off his back … literally … so that she doesn’t have to suffer the indignity of the incident further. Unable to risk missing out on a chance with a woman that has finally caught his interest, they exchange numbers and a couple days later Rob invites her to lunch. And thus begins their courtship as Rob sets out to discover if Nora is all that she seems, if she could indeed be his forever girl.
Unlike the Neighborly Affection series, Her Shirtless Gentleman is a vanilla romance, but don’t for a minute think that equals a lack of steam. Barber reminds us what it’s like to discover new love and a new lover – the joys of kissing, touching, making out when it can only go so far, and finally embarking upon a new sexual relationship – and just how erotic it can be to learn someone new as they learn you, especially when that someone is invested in your pleasure. I loved watching Rob woo Nora, and that’s exactly what it was … a wooing. He paid attention to what she said, what she didn’t say, and how she reacted to him and situations, and because of this he realized rather quickly that his skittish Nora needed a soft touch. Fortunately for Rob, he was looking for a woman to settle down with for the long haul, not just a night or two, so he took his time with Nora. That he was also truly a gentleman made it that much easier for him to woo her because Nora’s ex-husband was so not a gentleman it wasn’t even funny. I loved the interactions between Rob and his parents and how inviting Rob’s family was of Nora. Her Shirtless Gentleman was a sweet romance with just the right amount of steam and a good dose of laughter. I cannot wait to read what Barber writes next!
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
We first meet Nora as she is out with the girls from work, and she means that literally as there is almost a decade between her and her 22 year-old coworkers. But as a divorcee, she doesn’t feel she can be too choosey if she wants to avoid hitting the dating scene alone. Even though she’s striking out when compared to her friends, an encounter with a young man who can’t hold his liquor insures that her evening will be memorable (<= that’s a serious understatement by the way). It was Nora’s ability to laugh off the incident that endeared her to me because I’m not sure I would have been as understanding. But this unfortunate incident leads to her meeting Rob and him offering her the shirt off his back … literally … so that she doesn’t have to suffer the indignity of the incident further. Unable to risk missing out on a chance with a woman that has finally caught his interest, they exchange numbers and a couple days later Rob invites her to lunch. And thus begins their courtship as Rob sets out to discover if Nora is all that she seems, if she could indeed be his forever girl.
Unlike the Neighborly Affection series, Her Shirtless Gentleman is a vanilla romance, but don’t for a minute think that equals a lack of steam. Barber reminds us what it’s like to discover new love and a new lover – the joys of kissing, touching, making out when it can only go so far, and finally embarking upon a new sexual relationship – and just how erotic it can be to learn someone new as they learn you, especially when that someone is invested in your pleasure. I loved watching Rob woo Nora, and that’s exactly what it was … a wooing. He paid attention to what she said, what she didn’t say, and how she reacted to him and situations, and because of this he realized rather quickly that his skittish Nora needed a soft touch. Fortunately for Rob, he was looking for a woman to settle down with for the long haul, not just a night or two, so he took his time with Nora. That he was also truly a gentleman made it that much easier for him to woo her because Nora’s ex-husband was so not a gentleman it wasn’t even funny. I loved the interactions between Rob and his parents and how inviting Rob’s family was of Nora. Her Shirtless Gentleman was a sweet romance with just the right amount of steam and a good dose of laughter. I cannot wait to read what Barber writes next!
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
September 24, 2015
Eleanora's insecurities stem from years of emotional abuse by her ex-husband, leaving her a virgin even though she isn't one. She flounders in the dating pool, unsure of how to test the waters and move forward. But her uncertainty isn't the problem. The memories of her ex, his voice, his ridicule, his demands, are the problem.
She hears him when she shouldn't, and those moments tape her mouth closed and make her brain shut down. As if she's a robot or a slave, someone who needs permission to do, speak or think for herself.
Rob sees those things. He notices the way she holds back, the embarrassment she feels when she feels others are watching, criticizing. But he also sees a woman eager to break free of the chains her ex bound her with. He sees a passionate woman that any decent man would love to come home to, talk to, make love to. He sees in her the woman he's wanted since his teenage years, the woman who'll stand beside him and build a home and family with him.
But they have to deal with her past first and the break the hold it has on her.
That takes patience from both. Give and take. For Rob, that's how it's always supposed to be. For Eleanora, that's now how it always was. Learning to give as well as take requires reprogramming her brain because, as Rob thought it:
The passion between them lukewarm at first. It grows as they spent time together, explore one another. But the culmination of this story isn't when they finally have sex. It's when Eleanora confronts her past, lets the ghosts out of the master bedroom, puts her ex in his place. The freedom she experiences jumps off the page and I laughed at how joyful she was to finally be rid of those awful chains.
I can't guarantee if you will enjoy this story as much as I did. Eleanora's timidity might be irritating to those looking for a strong heroine. Rob's old-fashioned ideals might not be what some consider an alpha trait. I'll admit, I wasn't sure those traits would appeal to me--I'm usually submerged in stories about women who speak their mind and men who take charge--but I'm happy to say they did. I was reminded that a timid woman can be strong when the right man lends her his strength, that a modern-day old-fashioned man is sometimes what a woman needs to remember she is more than just a warm body to lay with.
Lovely story, Ms. Barber. I hope to read more of whatever you plan to write.
(Received from Pump Up Your Book for an honest review)
She hears him when she shouldn't, and those moments tape her mouth closed and make her brain shut down. As if she's a robot or a slave, someone who needs permission to do, speak or think for herself.
Rob sees those things. He notices the way she holds back, the embarrassment she feels when she feels others are watching, criticizing. But he also sees a woman eager to break free of the chains her ex bound her with. He sees a passionate woman that any decent man would love to come home to, talk to, make love to. He sees in her the woman he's wanted since his teenage years, the woman who'll stand beside him and build a home and family with him.
But they have to deal with her past first and the break the hold it has on her.
That takes patience from both. Give and take. For Rob, that's how it's always supposed to be. For Eleanora, that's now how it always was. Learning to give as well as take requires reprogramming her brain because, as Rob thought it:
...he wouldn't have her thinking of herself as a tradeoff. A burger and fries for a night fondling her tits. A steak with wine for her lips around his dick. (ARC, Kindle, Page 47)
The passion between them lukewarm at first. It grows as they spent time together, explore one another. But the culmination of this story isn't when they finally have sex. It's when Eleanora confronts her past, lets the ghosts out of the master bedroom, puts her ex in his place. The freedom she experiences jumps off the page and I laughed at how joyful she was to finally be rid of those awful chains.
I can't guarantee if you will enjoy this story as much as I did. Eleanora's timidity might be irritating to those looking for a strong heroine. Rob's old-fashioned ideals might not be what some consider an alpha trait. I'll admit, I wasn't sure those traits would appeal to me--I'm usually submerged in stories about women who speak their mind and men who take charge--but I'm happy to say they did. I was reminded that a timid woman can be strong when the right man lends her his strength, that a modern-day old-fashioned man is sometimes what a woman needs to remember she is more than just a warm body to lay with.
Lovely story, Ms. Barber. I hope to read more of whatever you plan to write.
(Received from Pump Up Your Book for an honest review)
September 21, 2015
Review for Her Shirtless Gentleman by M.Q. Barber
M.Q. Barber proves once again that book boyfriends can be nice guys and still be completely sexy alpha men. Her Shirtless Gentleman will make you fall head over heels in love with a hero that makes you swoon without having to redeem himself for some atrocious act he’s done.
Barber’s writing style is so refreshing. The characters she creates are so real that when the relationships start to develop you get swept away in the swirl of emotions with them. All of their hopes, dreams, insecurities, fears, love, and all the feelings in between are yours as much as they are theirs.
Nora is such a warm, caring character. She’s floundering about the single life, trying to find a way to meet someone while constantly being beat down by her ex-boyfriend. My heart ached for her. Then she meets Rob and I’m jumping up and down while holding my Kindle thinking HIM HIM don’t chicken out! HIM!! To say I was rooting for her would be a serious understatement.
I know I said this earlier, but Rob is completely swoon worthy. He is confident and thoughtful of Nora’s needs. His down-home mannerisms and mama-raised-me-right ways easily made him one of my favorite heroes of 2015. I would rather read a hundred alpha heroes just like Rob than even one of the typical a-hole alphas that are so popular. Don’t get me wrong, I still like those types of anti-heroes, but it has to be said that a real hero can be just as potent as those anti-hero jerks we normally swoon for.
The way Nora and Rob come together so naturally, the relationship building like a real relationship should, kept me entranced. I couldn’t get enough of this book. Barber proved yet again why I will scoop up every one of her books without even reading the synopsis. Pure perfection.
If you need your faith restored in the powers of true romance, Her Shirtless Gentleman will do that for you. It was a joy to read this novel and I pray that Barber will write more characters like Rob and Nora in the future. Five Plus Heart Stealing Stars and Five Deliciously Wet Panties. A Mommy’s a Book Whore must read now!
ARC Review by Miranda at Mommy’s a Book Whore.
M.Q. Barber proves once again that book boyfriends can be nice guys and still be completely sexy alpha men. Her Shirtless Gentleman will make you fall head over heels in love with a hero that makes you swoon without having to redeem himself for some atrocious act he’s done.
Barber’s writing style is so refreshing. The characters she creates are so real that when the relationships start to develop you get swept away in the swirl of emotions with them. All of their hopes, dreams, insecurities, fears, love, and all the feelings in between are yours as much as they are theirs.
Nora is such a warm, caring character. She’s floundering about the single life, trying to find a way to meet someone while constantly being beat down by her ex-boyfriend. My heart ached for her. Then she meets Rob and I’m jumping up and down while holding my Kindle thinking HIM HIM don’t chicken out! HIM!! To say I was rooting for her would be a serious understatement.
I know I said this earlier, but Rob is completely swoon worthy. He is confident and thoughtful of Nora’s needs. His down-home mannerisms and mama-raised-me-right ways easily made him one of my favorite heroes of 2015. I would rather read a hundred alpha heroes just like Rob than even one of the typical a-hole alphas that are so popular. Don’t get me wrong, I still like those types of anti-heroes, but it has to be said that a real hero can be just as potent as those anti-hero jerks we normally swoon for.
The way Nora and Rob come together so naturally, the relationship building like a real relationship should, kept me entranced. I couldn’t get enough of this book. Barber proved yet again why I will scoop up every one of her books without even reading the synopsis. Pure perfection.
If you need your faith restored in the powers of true romance, Her Shirtless Gentleman will do that for you. It was a joy to read this novel and I pray that Barber will write more characters like Rob and Nora in the future. Five Plus Heart Stealing Stars and Five Deliciously Wet Panties. A Mommy’s a Book Whore must read now!
ARC Review by Miranda at Mommy’s a Book Whore.
October 1, 2015
I really enjoyed reading Her Shirtless Gentleman - and the way the book gets its title is just too darn cute ... like a lot of the book actually. Eleanora is out of an emotionally abusive marriage, really insecure but hoping she is ready to start dating again. But it has been so long she isn't sure of the rules anymore and her confidence is severely dented, thanks to her husband.. She's also out there with younger women, coworkers who really aren't anything like her, so they aren't exactly on the same page when it comes to looking for men. Luckily for her, because of unfortunate circumstances she's thrown together with the absolutely awesome (and gentlemanly) Rob.
Rob is in his mid-30s & way past flings and Eleanor is just the kind of woman he can see himself spending the rest of his life with. Because she's still dealing with issues from her marriage, though, he has to take it slow and put a lot of thought into wooing her ... which he does beautifully. His dates show imagination and care and that he pays attention to the woman he's with. I loved it! We could all be so lucky :)
If I have any complaints, it is with Rob actually. As wonderful as he is, I think that he comes off just a little desperate for a wife. If it had just been Eleanor that he was like that with then I would be OK with it, but he mentions that some of his previous relationships ended because he started talking marriage too quickly. I've got nothing against a man who is interested in commitment, but that just didn't sit all that well with me. But it was minor and the only thing I had a problem with so it was easy to get over.
Sweet and full of emotion, Her Shirtless Gentleman gives readers a uplifting story about a woman discovering herself again and the man who supports her while she finds her confidence.
(Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review)
Rob is in his mid-30s & way past flings and Eleanor is just the kind of woman he can see himself spending the rest of his life with. Because she's still dealing with issues from her marriage, though, he has to take it slow and put a lot of thought into wooing her ... which he does beautifully. His dates show imagination and care and that he pays attention to the woman he's with. I loved it! We could all be so lucky :)
If I have any complaints, it is with Rob actually. As wonderful as he is, I think that he comes off just a little desperate for a wife. If it had just been Eleanor that he was like that with then I would be OK with it, but he mentions that some of his previous relationships ended because he started talking marriage too quickly. I've got nothing against a man who is interested in commitment, but that just didn't sit all that well with me. But it was minor and the only thing I had a problem with so it was easy to get over.
Sweet and full of emotion, Her Shirtless Gentleman gives readers a uplifting story about a woman discovering herself again and the man who supports her while she finds her confidence.
(Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review)
August 18, 2015
So first off the bat I don’t think this is erotica by todays standards. It’s hot…don’t get me wrong but I think it’s more of an adult romance or new adult. That being said I really loved it. I can’t wait for the next book!!!!
Eleanora is shy and only ever been with one man. She’s now dating, in her early thirties after being married for ten years to a terrible man. Her problem is that all her friends are in their twenties. Twenty year olds are used to dating and flirting and Eleanora isn’t used to this or putting herself in “club” and “dating” situations. Her awful x-husband left her emotionally raw and her self-confidence…well it just doesn’t exist. Until she meets….
Rob. He’s great and he treats her how she should have been treated all along. He’s serious with her and he doesn’t mince words. He wants her and he’s not going to put up with any standoffishness on her part. He’s going to have her. But he’s nice about it and he builds her confidence in a positive way. I really enjoyed that part. Also, the part where he’s hot, possessive, protective and helps her find her own power and strength. Yes, he’s that amazing.
It’s not completely perfect as it would be a little boring if it was. Her ex is hanging around and becoming even more of an ass. But he’s there for her and with him she’s found her voice and her confidence to stand up to him. This is a really great, sweet, read. Again, it’s definitely for the person who likes romance with a lot of spice but if you are more of a hardcore Erotica reader this might be a little tame for you.
Highly Recommend!!!
Eleanora is shy and only ever been with one man. She’s now dating, in her early thirties after being married for ten years to a terrible man. Her problem is that all her friends are in their twenties. Twenty year olds are used to dating and flirting and Eleanora isn’t used to this or putting herself in “club” and “dating” situations. Her awful x-husband left her emotionally raw and her self-confidence…well it just doesn’t exist. Until she meets….
Rob. He’s great and he treats her how she should have been treated all along. He’s serious with her and he doesn’t mince words. He wants her and he’s not going to put up with any standoffishness on her part. He’s going to have her. But he’s nice about it and he builds her confidence in a positive way. I really enjoyed that part. Also, the part where he’s hot, possessive, protective and helps her find her own power and strength. Yes, he’s that amazing.
It’s not completely perfect as it would be a little boring if it was. Her ex is hanging around and becoming even more of an ass. But he’s there for her and with him she’s found her voice and her confidence to stand up to him. This is a really great, sweet, read. Again, it’s definitely for the person who likes romance with a lot of spice but if you are more of a hardcore Erotica reader this might be a little tame for you.
Highly Recommend!!!
August 19, 2015
In her thirties now, Eleanora Howard found herself unexpectedly back in the dating world. At thirty-six, Rob Vanderhoff had thought he would be married for years already and well on his way to having the family he always wanted. They both were searching for something that seemed elusively out of reach until they found each other. For Eleanora, meeting Rob was a breath of fresh air especially given the circumstances were, well, rather unusual.
“Making that man put his shirt back on would be a crime.”
I LOVED Nora and Rob’s story! Nora’s ex-husband had isolated her in the town she spent her married life in and she felt “stuck” both financially and emotionally. Rob saw in her a woman he could spend the rest of his life with but he understood she was still struggling. Trying not to go too fast, and not wanting to be the rebound, their courtship had an old-fashioned flair that endearingly showed Rob’s vulnerability as well as his romantic side. At the same time things were moving rather sedately there were still scenes between them that sizzled the sheets. Watching Rob's support of Nora as she regained the strength and independence she had buried for so long was a treat to watch. Even if it was painful for him to not pay the check once in a while!
A mix of wooing and woo that ticked all the boxes for an emotional, sexy and satisfying read. This is the second book I’ve read by this author and has me eagerly looking for more!
August 10, 2015
Freshly divorced and still reeling, Eleanora is trying to find her footing in a life very different from the one she always imagined. But, her marriage wasn’t perfect: her husband was distant and remote, and a philanderer, and like all in her situation, her self-esteem took a serious hit.
Rob has been searching for ‘the right woman’, unsuccessfully, since leaving the Air Force. He’s got a solid idea of what he wants, now the time is to find his who.
A night out with work friends finds Eleanora a touch uncomfortable, but hoping to have a good time. And then she meets Rob, and sparks fly. Different from her husband, Rob is kind, interested in what she thinks and feels, and he is willing to gently encourage her to embrace who she is in this new incarnations, that potentially holds a relationship for the two of them.
Told in alternating points of view, the characters relationship develops and grows, and readers see the dates and together time, as well as the changes in the interior monologues about the relationship. These two are on the same page: they both want a person to love them, to be honest with, to explore life and pleasure together. And those moments are sweet, steamy and honest. A wonderful start to a new series, and a perfect read to reclaim your belief in relationships.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Rob has been searching for ‘the right woman’, unsuccessfully, since leaving the Air Force. He’s got a solid idea of what he wants, now the time is to find his who.
A night out with work friends finds Eleanora a touch uncomfortable, but hoping to have a good time. And then she meets Rob, and sparks fly. Different from her husband, Rob is kind, interested in what she thinks and feels, and he is willing to gently encourage her to embrace who she is in this new incarnations, that potentially holds a relationship for the two of them.
Told in alternating points of view, the characters relationship develops and grows, and readers see the dates and together time, as well as the changes in the interior monologues about the relationship. These two are on the same page: they both want a person to love them, to be honest with, to explore life and pleasure together. And those moments are sweet, steamy and honest. A wonderful start to a new series, and a perfect read to reclaim your belief in relationships.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
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