A Gentleman's Bargain

by Patricia Waddell

A Scandalous Offer
Longing for a new life, Claire Aldrich arrives in a San Francisco of gaslights and grand opportunities expecting to stay with her brother. But her sibling has vanished in the huge city, and now Claire is desperate. Where can she possibly find a job suitable for a girl with a pretty face, genteel upbringing, and no skills? Then wealthy banker Garrett Monroe, a man handsome enough to be every woman's dream, proposes something scandalous—a pretend engagement!

A Dangerous Desire
To convince his dying grandmother that he is settling down, Garrett, a confirmed bachelor, promises Claire he will find her brother, pay her well, and dress her like a princess—if she agrees to take part in a sham betrothal. Claire accepts his proposal, with the understanding that their arrangement remains strictly business. But as the hunt for her brother leads to dangerous schemes, sparks fly between them. And passion, once ignited, respects no bargains.

Genres: Romance

348 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Patricia writes for the pure joy of escaping the day to day confines of reality. The reason she thinks most of us pick up a book. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati, Pat grew up in the Mid-West, where old fashioned values grow like corn. After a full day as a professional accountant, she races home to her keyboard and walks through the looking glass into the world of romantic fiction.

Pat currently resides in Florida with her husband, Phillip.

Reviews

[♡Karlyn P♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Started great and I loved the San Francisco historical setting. I also love the storyline of fake engagements turning into real love. The tension builds and relationship evolves into a deep passion, but about halfway the story starts to become overly predictable and the hero/heroine's relationship quit evolving forward. Although both were very interesting in their own right, as a couple they peaked too soon in the story so it felt like they were just going in circles around each other until the big-finish ending kicked things back into play. The end was a bit over-the-top and syrupy sweet, but there was a clever twist or two to enjoy. This was my first read by Patricia Waddell and I must say I enjoyed her writing style quite a bit. It just didn't 'wow' me. But it was a fun read. Overall, a really good historical set in 1886 San Francisco.

[JaneiruChan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the ending.I didnt expect the twist in the story.Love it!

[Leah]

Ew

[Laurie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Updating my "read" books. I reviewed this for All About Romance years ago. The review is archived HERE

[Lina]

very nice

[Alisha]

3.72

[Cherry-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!