A Gentleman's Vow

Saints and Sinners #2

by Heather Boyd

Return to the regency countryside for a summer fling that will melt your heart in the brand-new novel in Heather Boyd's Saints and Sinners series.

Jaded by the experience of dodging fortune hunters during her first season, Lady Jessica Westfall returns home to the estate she loves expecting peace... until the biggest fortune hunter of all follows her from London. To keep Lord James at bay, Jessica enlists the aid of her neighbor, Gideon. As her lifelong friend, Giddy can be trusted to help thwart James' pursuit, while also satisfying Jessica's budding interest in things of an intimate nature...things like the kisses she'd missed out on during her season.

Gideon Whitfield's quiet bachelorhood is interrupted by the arrival of a marriage-minded widow to the nearby village, with her sights set on him as her savior. But the greater threat to his peace proves to be his dear friend's daughter, Lady Jessica Westfall. Gideon has always adored Jessica, and had expected the headstrong beauty to marry well in her first season. When she comes to him for help avoiding the unwanted advances of a fortune hunter, and also lessons in love--he may prove utterly incapable of helping her while guarding his own heart in the process.


Saints and Sinners series:
Book 1: The Duke and I (Nicolas and Gillian)
Book 2: A Gentleman's Vow (Gideon and Jessica)
Book 3: An Earl of Her Own (Adam and Rebecca)
Book 4: The Lady Tamed (Jeremy and Fanny)

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Regency, Historical

298 pages, Paperback

First published November 8, 2018

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Heather Boyd believes every character she creates deserves their own happily-ever-after—no matter how much trouble she puts them through. With that goal in mind, she writes steamy romances that skirt the boundaries of propriety to keep readers enthralled until the wee hours of the morning. Heather has published over sixty regency romance novels and shorter works full of daring seductions and distinguished rogues. She lives north of Sydney, Australia, with her trio of rogues and a four-legged overlord. To learn more visit www.Heather-Boyd.com

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a bit awkward how the hero has known Jessica since she was a baby and even remembers holding her when she was crying. Also awkward is the heroine's desperation to get involved with Gideon.

The first book was free and good enough, so now I'm trapped with this family. Because of that, I'll try to be more positive in my reviews, so: I liked the hero not giving up, the forbidden romance, and how Rebecca is being less bitchy now.

[Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW another Excellently written story in the Saints and Sinners series!!

I loved the older gentlemen and young debutante storyline. There are not enough of these types storylines. But they are true to the Era.

Lady Jessica Westfall is the youngest daughter of the Nicholas the Duke of Stapleton. She is 18 years old and has left her first London season and return to there country home. Jessica is tired of being pursued by fortune hunters. She has a very large dowry.

Gideon Whitfield is a 35 year old wealthy gentlemen. His is good friends with the Duke of Stapleton. He has know Jessica since she was born. The two have had an very close friendship with each other. Gideon has watched Jessica grow into a beautiful women.

They soon realize there long term attachment to each other has grown into more. Love in a very romantic and sexual way.

I really loved Jessica she is smart, kind and determine to have Gideon as her husband. She is relentless in her pursuit of him.

The only think I didn't like was I think Gideon's house was way to small. Four bedrooms are just to small for a man of wealth with a staff.

This is a very good story and extremely romantic.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jaded by the experience of dodging fortune hunters during her first season, Lady Jessica Westfall returns home to the estate she loves expecting peace…until the biggest fortune hunter of all follows her from London. To keep Lord James at bay, Jessica enlists the aid of her neighbor, Gideon. As her lifelong friend, Giddy can be trusted to help thwart James’ pursuit, while also satisfying Jessica’s budding interest in things of an intimate nature…things like the kisses she’d missed out on during her season.

Gideon Whitfield’s quiet bachelorhood is interrupted by the arrival of a marriage-minded widow to the nearby village, with her sights set on him as her savior. But the greater threat to his peace proves to be his dear friend’s daughter, Lady Jessica Westfall. Gideon has always adored Jessica, and had expected the headstrong beauty to marry well in her first season. When she comes to him for help avoiding the unwanted advances of a fortune hunter, and also lessons in love—he may prove utterly incapable of helping her while guarding his own heart in the process.

My Thoughts:

I have read and enjoyed other books by this author including the first book of this series but this one frankly disappointed me.
The age difference was not a problem. My own maternal grandparents were much more than a decade apart in age.
For some reason there was a lack of intimacy between our heroine and hero. I know most people of this era would not have engaged in pre-marital relations but a little bit of spice is expected in this type of book.
It seemed that Gideon found it difficult to even kiss Jessica. There was just no obvious chemistry with these two.
I gave this book 2.75 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and a low sensual rating of 2 of 5 flames.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book by invitation to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
Jaded by the experience of dodging fortune hunters during her first season, Lady Jessica Westfall returns home to the estate she loves expecting peace until a fortune hunter & his father follow her from London. To keep Lord James at bay, Jessica enlists the aid of her neighbour, Gideon who has been her lifelong friend, Giddy can be trusted to help thwart James' pursuit, while also satisfying Jessica's budding interest in things of an intimate nature like the kisses she'd missed out on during her season.
Gideon Whitfield's quiet bachelorhood is interrupted by the arrival of a marriage-minded widow to the nearby village, with her sights set on him as her saviour. But the greater threat to his peace proves to be his dear friend's daughter, Lady Jessica Westfall. Gideon has always adored Jessica, and had expected the headstrong beauty to marry well in her first season.
I have mixed feelings about this book Gideon is thirty five & a close friend to the Nicholas Westfall Duke of Stapleton, he's known Jess since she was a baby & been the person she turns to & confides in all her life so for them to go from friends to lovers seemed a bit incestuous. Gideon also changed his mind from very confirmed bachelor to willing / wanting to marry very quickly. Jessica is eighteen mature in some ways but immature in others, she's however very determined to get her own way. The story flowed well & held my interest all the way through, not my favourite book by the author but still a very enjoyable read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Stefica · Rating 2 out of 5]

This could be the best romance book in the world and I’d still give it 2 stars. I spent the entire time reading this just worrying about their ages and how predatory this felt. He has literally known her since she was an INFANT. Look I can understand in these books when a fresh debutant falls for an older man she meets at a ball. But, give me a break. This man was 18 when she was born. He watched her grow up.
The only reason this doesn’t have a 1 star rating is because the female lead was the one to initiate and push for the relationship. Other than that this relationship was uncomfy at best.

[Letschat1974 · Rating 4 out of 5]

my personal markers for a great read...1. smart and engaging writing, 2. Humorous, 3. sexy interactions 4. stories with family/friends 5. badass woman 6. will reread the book/series yearly.

2/5 romance along with hotness and steam

——————————————————

(4 stars rating has all the above)

(5 stars rating has HIT all the markers by 🤯...that good)

[Rosemary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was uncomfortable with one. I'm like what in the Woody Allen is this? Knowing her since she was an infant and being around her all the time as she was growing up and then falling in love with her at 18 is weird.

[Helena#bookdreamer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novel was a huge disappointment. I was expecting more from such a well known author of historical romance. The plot and the romance was so boring, my eyes kept closing every time I turned the page. I had to force myself to get through it. Gideon and Jessica acted like shy children with secret crushes on each other. He spends a quarter of the book wanting to kiss her but barely doing so. The books was stuffed with so much back story and fluff that it took a while before the actual plot picks up. Just not my type of novel.

Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lori D · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful romance that brings two people together who have know each other forever. The heroine Jessica, is done with the London season. It seemed all the men were fortune hunters and did not take her into consideration. Going back home she sees her neighbor Gideon, who she has know since she was a baby. Older than her, Gideon does not see himself ever marrying but has a hard time when Jessica begins to entice him with kisses and wants him to teach her all about love.
How can he resist her? A sweet story that will entertain you until the end! Looking forward to the next one!!

[Lily Young · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestamente, de todos los libros de la saga este fue el que menos me gustó. O más bien, el que más me incomodó. Los protagonistas me gustan mucho como persona, pero definitivamente no como pareja. El hombre es prácticamente un tío para la chica, la conoce desde que es una bebé (si no es desde que nació, la verdad no lo recuerdo). Imagina ser el duque y que uno de tus amigos mas cercano, que es incluso tu vecino, a quien le has dado la confianza de entrar a tu circulo familiar libremente porque confías en él, se está metiendo con tu hija, y no cualquier hija, sino que la más joven. Eso se sentiría como una puñalada en la espalda para mí.

Siento que la historia sería perfecta si no hubieran tenido los protagonistas ese vínculo casi familiar. La diferencia de edad entre ambos ya es bastante grande como para sumarle el hecho de que son prácticamente tío y sobrina (aunque no sea de sangre).

Fue la experiencia mas rara de mi vida, especialmente porque sentía la química entre ambos, pero también me sentía super incómoda.

[Lenna Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

No drama really happens, no cheating just a sweet romance between a 38 year old Gideon with no title but very wealthy has been saying that will will be a forever at being a bachelor and never will father a child because he won’t make a good father because he do t want to become a monster like his father was to him and his mother. Jessica the youngest of her father (his book was #1 in The series) children from his beloved 1st wife has just not back for her season in London and is glad no man wanted her but the fortune hunters wanting her very large (total with 4 or more zeros) but in her heart the only man she has ever loved was her neighbor, her father’s best friend Gideon. Mostly a clean but with 1 sex scene but loads of kissing, a trick Jessica will use on him to get said kisses. A fortune hunter and his purse string holding gruff father will be in her house finding, bribing and convince Jessica’s father to give her to the boy, a coward and a jerk.

[Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the previous book of this series. I cannot say that about this story. I found this story dragged a bit and I got a little bored with it. Although I read all of it, it took me quite a few hours to get through it. This is my one and only Heather Boyd book that I am not particularly fond of. I didn't like the characters at all, and I am quite startled at myself for not liking it, because I love reading HB.
2☆

[Kimberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet romance ...Gideon and Jessica have literally grown up together..he has always been her protector and confidant...now they 💡realize they are in love! Cute trying to convince her father , his friend that should be together.. enjoyable read..
Rebecca is next in family to fall...

[Nancy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading Book 3.

[Martine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again a bit of a cringeworthy pairing with the male protagonist having watched the female one grow up. But again it was treated in such a way that I didn't mind as much as I'd expected.

[Book Gannet · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

This is a sweet, if slightly unusual Regency romance with a slow-burn relationship that deepens from a lifelong friendship into something a little different. I enjoyed it, but there is an age gap and the history between Gideon and Jessica will not appeal to everyone. He’s in his mid-thirties, she’s an eighteen-year-old debutante, which is a pretty big gap but not unusual for the time.

More unusual is the fact that Gideon has known her since she was a few days old. He’s been there throughout her life, her biggest supporter, closest confidant and most indulgent friend. Despite all this neither one ever expresses any kind of sibling feeling towards the other. Yet somehow, and I’m not quite sure how, the way the story is told never felt weird. At least to me. Others may feel differently, so YMMV. But there’s definitely no sense of predatory feelings or grooming from Gideon. Jessica is the one in control of their relationship and what boundaries they decide to push.

I liked it. I liked Jess and her general commonsense and the way she pursued Gideon for all the right reasons (even if her habit of calling him Giddy was excruciatingly childish and kind of uncomfortable given everything else). I liked how sweet and generous Gideon was, even if his father issues and bachelorhood were a little cliché. I also felt those same things were removed incredibly swiftly and without any fanfare simply because the chapters were ticking along and an ending had to happen at some point. I also feel like things heated up a bit too swiftly between him and Jess for exactly the same reason, especially considering the slow burn up until that point. One moment he’s barely able to bring himself to kiss her, then, boom, off to bed. Their chemistry really isn’t given any time to develop, despite the book being slow enough to have allowed for it.

Which is a shame, because uneven pacing aside, this is sweet and steady and all kinds of adorable in many ways. Gideon and Jess are really cute together, and I enjoyed the slow build towards the change in their relationship. It’s not perfect, but I found it undemanding and enjoyable, and I’ll definitely be looking out for the next one.

(ARC provided by the author via NetGalley.)

[Sieravonne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not really a fan of daddy's or mommy's best friend and daughter or son romance. I find it incentous and pedophilic. It was like uncle and niece romance or auntie and nephew romance.

Anyway, that is not the real reason of such rating. Many things just didn't make sense. At least to me. Every turn around is quick that I find it huh?---Jessica's and Gideon's realization on their feelings and Gideon's decision to suddenly court Jessica when he was adamant not to do anything about his feelings.

I thought Jessica disliked Natalia Hawthorne. It was implied in book 1 (The Duke and I) because Jessica didn't like it when Natalia was chasing after her father. However, in here, they were like best friends.

I wonder why this story started on April 1 and on a funeral. It feels like that the author was implying something. Like this is the story of the end of Gideon's bachelorhood and all women in the town were mourning for it in advance. Hehehe... And Jessica's birthday also fell on April 1. Weeell, she was immature when I read about her in the first book, was that the reason why the writer chose April Fool's Day as her birthday? Gideon must have pedophilic tendencies to fall in love with a woman child.

I have a feeling that there will be more stories in this series and I have theories on them.

- The new widow in town, Alice Beck, will be partnered-up with Samuel Westfall, Rebecca, Fanny and Jessica's widowed brother, who had twin boys. I read the book 3 (An Earl of Her Own) first. Either her or it'll be Natalia Hawthorne. For now, my bet is on Alice Beck.
- I think the hulking new fellow, Mr. Sweet, was Fanny's type. There's a chance that they'll be partnered-up. I think it'll start as a dalliance but eventually will fall in love and get married. I suppose it'll be their father, the Duke, or Rebecca who will be strongly opposed the match.

[Shelby · Rating 3 out of 5]

***ARC was provided to me for a fair and honest review***

Overall rating: 3/5 it moved a bit slower than I would have liked

Heroine (Jessica Westfall): 4/5 She is 18 years old and out for her first season. She is free spirited and takes what she wants. She’s a fun if not naive character.

Hero (Gideon Witfeild): 3/5 He is 35ish years old and is a neighbor of Jess’. I found him a tad boring, more of the deny himself of what he wants type and lay down ground rules type.

Plot: 2/5 Jess comes home in the middle of her first season in London due to her new stepmother’s pregnancy with a lack of suitors. Jess begins to employ her bachelor neighbor Gideon for help with intimacy lessons. Long suppressed feeling quickly begin to rise.

Personal Review: It was slow, they barely even touch for the first half of the book. Gideon is terrified of hurting someone that he keeps pushing Jess away. Jess feels well informed and very naive about intimacy at the same time, which felt just a little odd. Either she needs Gideon’s lessons or she doesn’t.

My biggest problem with the pairing is not the age gap itself, it’s that Gideon was there when Jess was a baby and helped raise her. He acted as something between a brother and uncle to her for her whole life up until now. He’s not family by blood but the rest of the family treat him as such.

Some plot threads seem to just get dropped, like Jess’ friend Natalia just disappearing after about the 50% mark. And we never find out why Rebecca is back at her childhood home, her book is the next to come but still.

There’s an implied villain or rather advisory but nothing really ever happens there. The guy is just in the background in a few group scenes. He doesn’t do anything. I don’t even think he’s a bad guy, he just was being forced to peruse Jess by his father.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Jessica has just come back from a season in London. All she found was fortune hunters and unsuitable men. When she gets home, one of the first people she wants to see is Gideon, a neighbor much older than she. They have known each other since she was a baby and he is a friend of her father's. When one of the fortune hunters follows her to their country estate, Gideon watches over her. Jessica wants to marry Gideon but there are problems with that. He doesn't want to marry anyone, her father thinks he is too old and she sees him kiss another woman. Will Jessica convince Gideon to marry her or will the other woman win his heart? I enjoyed this book, although I felt the maturity divide was very obvious. Jessica wasn't ready for marriage due to how young she acted. I received this book from Net Galley and the publisher for a honest review and no compensation otherwise. The opinions expressed are my own.

[SH · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lady Jessica Westfall has given up on the men in London, having come to the conclusion that they are all fortune hunters and shallow. She returns to her family home and soon convinces her neighbour, Gideon to introduce her to all the aspects of love, that she has missed out on during her season. Compounding this is that Lord James, a man who she had thought might propose to her but became engaged to another, has changed his tune and is determined in his pursuit of her.
This was a sweet romance between two people who had known each other for all of Lady Jessica’s life. This aspect was a bit of a challenge where a man in his late 30s could fall in love with an 18-year-old. Putting that aside, Gideon was definitely the adult in the relationship with Jessica, struggling to match him. Whilst I enjoyed the story, I did find Jessica’s lack of maturity a struggle.
I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Patrica Liebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and the author for an honest review.
Heather Boyd is one author that I look forward to reading her books. Her books always have a lovely cover and a very enjoyable story. This story has two very interesting characters who are very determined to avoid unwanted suiters. So they do what they must to avoid them. A very sweet story that has the Hero not wanting to marry or father children because of a nasty childhood experiences and a heroine who is hoping to avoid a pest of a suiter and she is also interested in getting more knowledge of the intimate kind and hopes the Hero will aid her by having a summer fling. This is the second book in the Saints and Sinners series. I have read the first book The Duke and I and although they can be read as a stand alone stories maybe it would be best to read them in order.
I recommend this book and author.

[Mary L H · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Gentleman's Vow, the second book in Heather Boyd's Sinners and Saints series, was an entertaining read. Lady Jessica Westfall has returned to her country home after her first season in London. The experience left much to be desired, as she continually dodged fortune hunters after her large dowry. She is looking forward to being home and seeing Gideon "Giddy" Whitfield, her lifelong friend who lives on a neighboring estate.

Jessica becomes jealous and realizes she has more than friendly feelings for Gideon when she witnesses a local widow flirting with him. Jessica is half Gideon's age but knows what she wants and is determined that they will be together and Gideon doesn't stand a chance.

The book features characters from the first book but reads well as a stand alone. Jessica's sister, Rebecca, was an interesting character and appears poised for her own story.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Debbie Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Jessica Westfall is done with this year’s London season and returns home to the estate she loves expecting peace that is until Lord James the biggest fortune hunter follower her home. Jessica decides to enlist her friend and neighbor Gideon Whitfield’s aka “Giddy” help. Can Gideon help to thwart the fortune hunter and not fall under the spell of Jessica and her interest in all things of an intimate nature? Giddy has always adored Jessica his good friend and neighbor’s daughter, but now the tides have turned as passions are awaken and explored. A captivating book about to head strong people who end up having have trouble guarding their hearts and not fall in love. This my honest opinions is resolved to build a school for ladies in after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, the cover – smoking hot! Having read and loved the first book in this series, I was looking forward to this book – Gideon and Jessica. While I liked Gideon, he was a little too much of a gentleman. I know this type of beta hero will appeal to lots of people, I just wanted more. Jessica who was adorable in the first book was a little too immature for me (i.e., calling Gideon “Giddy” and running around asking for kisses). The story itself was very nice and I did enjoy it, just not as much as I would have liked.

I am not sure who the next story is about but am hoping it is Rebecca and Rafferty. Yep, that would be explosive!

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Gentleman's Vow by Heather Boyd is book Two in the Saints and Sinners Series. This is the story of Gideon Whitfield and Jessica Westfall. I have read the previous book, but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Gideon and Jessica are friends and neighbors who are close. When Jessica returns home a would be fortune hunter follows her home to peruse her. Gideon is having a similar issue with a widow women who is perusing him. They team up to help each other other with their non-wanted pursuits. Jessica and Gideon start to feel more than just friendship with their closeness starts to grow into something else. Enjoyed their story!

[Amy Alvis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to enjoyed Jessica and Gideon's story since I really like them from the first book in the series. But it just felt really weird whenever it was brought up that Gideon has known Jessica since she was born and that he used to hold her as a baby as he was the only one that could seem to calm her down...just made me cringe. Also, Jessica just seemed so immature. How can a 35 yr old man be attracted to that?

Fingers are crossed that the next one in the series is better...

[Aisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy from netgalley and exchange for an honest review. A gentleman's that was a quick fun read about a friendship that turns into love. I actually did like the two main characters and their relationship however I was bothered a little bit about the age difference. 17 years is a big age difference especially since he has known her since she was literally a baby and he is also her father's best friend. Overall an enjoyable read.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy to read regency romance. A tale of a lady requiring some assistance, a handsome gentleman who was a childhood friend willing to offer his help, and then of course a romance. Pick this up if you need a few hours of relaxation.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lighthearted romance. Gideon is an older neighbor who has watched Jessica grow up. She has shared her deepest secrets with him. Coming home half way thru her first season, he finally faces a truth. A quick read. Enjoy!

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good historical read for me. The story had plenty of drama and I found it entertaining, this is the second book in the series and a stand-alone. My only wish is that it was a bit more fast-paced and Gideon was a bit to weak for me. Overall the story held my interest throughout.