Stevie‘s review of A Gentleman Never Keeps Score (Seducing the Sedgwicks, Book 2) by Cat Sebastian
Historical Gay Romance published by Avon Impulse 10 Jul 18
Having come slightly late to this series, I was more keen to read this book than its predecessor, mainly on the basis of its blurb. I liked the descriptions of the contrasting central characters and was keen to find out what brought them together. As a boy Hartley Sedgwick endured sexual abuse by his godfather, in return for the old man bestowing gifts and advancement on his brothers and subsequently inheriting a townhouse and a place in society for himself. Now, however, the ‘truth’ of their relationship has been exposed due to rumours regarding letters found in the old man’s possessions by his son. Shunned by those who once clamoured for his company, Harley has become a virtual recluse, visited only by his brothers, until the night he catches a would-be burglar loitering outside.
Sam Fox has built up a business as a respected publican following his retirement from boxing; however, his would-be sister-in-law is reluctant to set a date for her wedding, knowing that a painting of her in a scandalous pose – commissioned by Hartley’s godfather – may one day be revealed to the world by its owner. Sam offers to steal the painting for her and ensure that it is destroyed, but then runs into Hartley.
Once the two have established that neither means the other harm, and that Hartley doesn’t currently know where the painting is hidden, they hatch a scheme to work together and retrieve not one but two paintings: the other being a portrait of Hartley himself. A series of not entirely successful capers ensues, in the course of which Hartley and Sam develop a relationship, in spite of Hartley’s aversion to being touched, and Sam’s worry that he is not properly respected as a black working-class ex-boxer.
I loved all the characters in this book, even though I wanted to bang Harley’s and Sam’s heads together at times and tell them not to be so obstinate and just talk to each other about the issues that were respectively bothering them. Although, as in the previous book in the series, there are some overarching plot threads left over at the end, this book stands alone almost as well as it constitutes part of a continuing saga. I’m looking forward to the next book now, and hoping we learn a bit more about Will and Martin, as well as revisiting the other brothers of the Sedgwick family.
Grade: B
Summary:
Once beloved by London’s fashionable elite, Hartley Sedgwick has become a recluse after a spate of salacious gossip exposed his most-private secrets. Rarely venturing from the house whose inheritance is a daily reminder of his downfall, he’s captivated by the exceedingly handsome man who seeks to rob him.
Since retiring from the boxing ring, Sam Fox has made his pub, The Bell, into a haven for those in his Free Black community. But when his best friend Kate implores him to find and destroy a scandalously revealing painting of her, he agrees. Sam would do anything to protect those he loves, even if it means stealing from a wealthy gentleman. But when he encounters Hartley, he soon finds himself wanting to steal more than just a painting from the lovely, lonely man—he wants to steal his heart.
No excerpt available.
Other books in this series:
