Limecello’s review of Secret Desires of a Gentleman (Girl-Bachelors, Book 3) by Laura Lee Guhrke
Historical romance released by Avon on 30 Sep 08

I really like Laura Lee Guhrke’s books, and have been following her Girl-Bachelors series from the start. Secret Desires of a Gentleman is number three (after And Then He Kissed Her and The Wicked Ways of a Duke). I’m wondering how far the series will go, but I found the newest installment very enjoyable. The characters are fun and creative, and the story is quite snappy and cute.

Maria Martingale is a likable character, and I know a lot of people are sick of the stereotypical gorgeous heroine, but honestly, it works here. Another important aspect is that Maria has depth and is layered. I liked her personality, and how ornery Maria was. Yes, at times she was contrary and could (or did) shoot herself in the foot. But, Maria stayed true to herself, and it was nice she stayed strong. Maria was also rather devious and pert, and was simply entertaining to read.

Phillip Hawthorne, the Marquess of Kayne, is a great hero. He’s the one we all love to hate. He’s stodgy, honorable, uptight, and well, dull. At least on the surface. Add to that the fact that Phillip separated Maria and his brother, Lawrence, years ago when the two fancied that they were in love with each other. Phillip paid Maria off and threatened to cut off Lawrence. In fact, Phillip is “the villain who becomes heroic.”  However, Phillip, has unplumbed depths. He’s extremely conscious of class, and being esoteric has stunted him slightly, but I love that we get to see Phillip soften and develop “tolerance” throughout the course of the novel.

I will say that the scenes where Maria and Phillip become amorous were not very interesting to me. They just… didn’t seem to flow naturally, and weren’t engaging. What does draw the reader in is when both Phillip and Maria are working through their emotions for each other individually. One of my favorite things was how naturally, and realistically they end up together. The tension between the two of them, and Phillips hidden/unrequited love is simply delicious. It’s extremely well written, and certain glimpses into how he feels about Maria are precious and very touching.

A major aspect of Ms. Guhrke’s writing that I enjoy is her pragmatic, yet playful tone. Maria has to start her bakery with a loan from a friend. She’s a working girl, and must focus on a way to not only provide for herself, but thrive. Then there’s the relationship between Maria and Phillip and how society will react to it. Of course “love conquers all” – but we all know that it’s not that simple. I like the attention to reality, and the nod that yes, this is fiction, but not fantasy. The characters are all well developed – including the secondary ones. It was nice to see cameo appearances by characters from previous novels, but I loved that Ms. Guhrke put the attention firmly on Phillip and Maria. I definitely felt that they got a full, and complete love story.

I’ve read most of Ms. Guhrke’s backlist, and have not been disappointed. I’m very much so enjoying the Girl-Bachelor series, but I can’t wait to see what new books Ms. Guhrke has next. If you’re a fan of historicals, or like a well told story with a lot of humor and wit, I definitely recommend picking up Secret Desires of a Gentleman.

Grade: B+

Read reviews of the other books in this series by clicking on the Girl-Bachelors series tag.

Summary:

Once Upon a Time…

Maria Martingale was going to elope. But Phillip Hawthorne, Marquess of Kayne, put a stop to those plans when he learned his younger brother intended to marry a cook’s daughter. Now twelve years later, Maria discovers that the man who holds her fate in his hands is none other than the haughty gentleman who sent her packing – and he’s as handsome and arrogant as ever.

Happily Ever After?

Always the proper gentleman, Phillip will do anything to protect his family from scandal, and when Maria dares to move in right next door, he knows scandal will surely follow. She is as tempting as he remembered… and the more he sees her, the harder it is for Phillip to hide his own secret desire for her…

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in the series: