Hardly a Gentleman

By Eloisa James

Rating: 3* – Cute and Cozy

Publishing Date: April 29, 2025

Publisher’s Synopsis:

“Desperate after her Season comes to a spectacularly disastrous end, the Honorable Miss Clara Vetry jumps into a carriage hired to take a housekeeper to Scotland. The laird of Castle CaerLaven has no interest in a wife, especially a love match—but when Caelan sees his new housekeeper, he changes his mind. Marriage to a delectable bookworm strikes him as a perfect arrangement.

To his surprise, Clara refuses his proposal once…and again…yet again. When her true identity is revealed, and they’re forced to marry, Caelan realizes he has a far more crucial challenge. 

He finally has Clara’s hand—but how will he ever win her heart?”

REVIEW

This is a cute and fast read. Clara isn’t my favorite Eloisa Jams heroine, but she is certainly different! She’s one of those people who falls into trouble due to impulsive decisions and always seems to land in a bed of roses. However, she is one to put in the work! I did love the setting, the tertiary characters, and our hero.

This was definitely a situation where it felt like insta-lust-love. Not my favorite by Eloisa James, but still worth a read if you want that historical fiction formula with a cozy, easy read feel.

Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Harper Voyager for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!