The Gentlemen's Club Book 2: He Said No
Author: Patricia Waddell
Publisher: Zebra Books
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: February 2004
Genre: Romance: Historical
Format: Paperback
Price: $5.99
ISBN: 0-8217-7501-4
Author Email/Website: www.patriciawaddell.com
Reviewer: Sharyn McGinty
Norton Foxhall, the Earl of Granby was bored. Well, not exactly bored with his life or most of his pleasures. A bit of a rascal, he enjoyed cards, horses and women and therein laid his problem. He had grown tired of women. Tired of trying to find another mistress, tired of getting bored with her too easily. At this point in his life, he didn't know what he wanted; he just knew his life was missing something. While at race with his friend the Viscount Rathbone, he noticed a particular filly and decided to visit the stables that had produced her. His visit proved to be the answer to his boredom.
Catherine Hardwick had no desire to marry. Rather, she had no desire to marry a man for love, only to learn after the wedding his so-called love turn into nothing. Watching her best friends marry and find their husbands not what they had expected had soured her on marital relationships. Unfortunately, her aunt Felicity Forbes-Hammond was determined to see Catherine wed and to that end was planning to introduce her at the next Season. A grimmer task Catherine couldn't name and tried hard to wheedle her way out of it. But when her aunt and father joined forces, nothing she said would change their minds. Fortunately, the Season was a bit far off and she would have plenty of time to ride.
Growing up as the only child to a stable owner, she spent most of her life on a horse and was an accomplished rider. Rarely had she heard the word "no" and was quite accustomed to getting her away. Today, while out riding the stable's prize stallion, Storm Dancer, she met her match when she almost ran someone over.
Granby was furious. First the little chit was riding a beautiful stallion as if the hounds of Hell were after her, then she refused to acknowledge she was completely in the wrong. He was determined to teach her lesson. So why then could he not get the woman out of his mind afterwards? Catherine was everything he wanted in a woman: strong, independent not to mention a damned-fine rider. Of course, she was a virgin and off limits to seduction, unless he wanted to marry her. Which of course was out of the question, right?
What will happen when these two strong-willed people learn they are incapable of saying no to the desires of their heart?
Another winner from the immensely talented Patricia Waddell. He Said No is the second in her Gentleman's Club series, each novel focusing on one of a group of friends. Granby is a bit high-handed at times and I wanted to shake him or knock him upside the head when he became too demanding and overbearing. These moments notwithstanding, I did fall in love with his character; he was quite a treat. Catherine is his equal in all things, and her desire to marry only for love quite admirable in a time when women were expected to marry and make the most of their lives afterward. I enjoyed every moment of He Said No, especially the moments where Granby's friend the Viscount Rathbone made an appearance. I'm really looking forward to his story.
Don't miss Patricia Waddell's latest offering; it's definitely a keeper.
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Added July 14, 2003
The Gentleman's Club Book 1: He Said Yes
Author: Patricia Waddell
Publisher: Zebra Books
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: August 2003
Genre: Romance: Historical
Format: Paperback
Price: $5.99
ISBN: 0-8217-7500-6
Author Email/Website: www.patriciawaddell.com
Reviewer: Sharyn McGinty
In town for the Season, Marshall Beford, the Marquis of Waltham, wanted nothing more than to find his sister a husband. Normally, chaperoning his sister during her first Season would have been his stepmother's job, but his father's death had sent his stepmother into an extended period of mourning. Adding another female to his life was madness; yet having a mistress would ease his tension. Where to find her, though?
Evelyn Dennsworth couldn't believe it. The Marquis of Waltham had smiled at her. Her, a mere Bond Street shop girl. Just a smile and she knew she was falling in love. Could anything dull her excitement? She was inclined to say no, that is until a rich noblewoman accused of her stealing a brooch, her employer fired her, and the police arrived to take her away. What would she do? Nobody would believe the word of shop girl over a noblewoman, even if the shop girl had been a vicar's daughter.
He had to have her. Marshall knew from the moment he saw Evelyn he wanted her for his mistress. Persuading her to leave her position, as couturier's assistant to become his mistress would be a bit difficult. Then again... her current predicament might prove to be the very thing he was looking for. Besides, he couldn't let her rot in prison, could he?
Stunned by Marshall's generosity, Evelyn thanks him kindly and promises to reimburse him for all monies spent on her person. The realization that he wants her for his mistress causes her to state she will willingly offer him friendship, but she will not be his mistress. Marshall bides his time, confidant he will change her mind. In the meantime, he will consent himself with friendship. Time passes and Evelyn knows she will never love another as she loves Marshall. But will his peers' opinion or his heart rule the Marquis?
What a wonderful love story. He Said Yes contains all the accoutrements one expects to find in a romance, the main difference being the journey. I loved the way Evelyn remained true to herself and upbringing, not allowing herself to be swept away by Marshall's sensual assault or as a way to repay his kindness. Marshall was a wonderful hero, willing to abide patiently by Evelyn's conditions instead of rushing out to find another woman. Ms. Waddell has already earned my loyalty and respect and He Said Yes is the perfect example why. Don't miss this keeper.
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