THE DISADVANTAGED GENTLEMAN by Lesley-Anne McLeod REVIEWS |
From CoffeeTime Romance Rating: 4 Cups Rebecca has spent the last year abroad, trying to escape her old life and trying to figure out what she will do next. She returns to England and decides to travel around a bit but never expects to add a child to her household. Bennet Kelmarsh has overcome his humble beginnings to become a prominent member of local society, and he can never overlook the plight of a child. An abandoned child brings together a scandalous lady of the Ton and a secretive gentleman in a small village. The search for her parents and the delightful child herself brings out the best in the couple and the people of the village. This is a truly outstanding Regency. Most of this genre is pleasant enough, but this story has real meat to it. Rebecca has been let down by most everyone tasked to take care of her in her life and thus has become a self-centered and selfish woman. Bennet hides his past but is very philanthropic, with a special affection for small children. Maudie gives Rebecca someone to think of other than herself, and allows her to become the woman she should have been if circumstances had been kinder. The other characters in the story are well developed and very real and the author's description of the setting and time period are excellent. Though the romance between the two main characters is inevitable, it is definitely not an easy one and there is no certainty that everything will work out. I recommend that you read this one to see how it all comes out. Maura Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance June 2007 |
From: Romance Reviews Today Besides her masterful portrayals of uncommon characters, Leslie-Anne McLeod excels in creating unique plots. One can always count on her for fresh slants on life in Regency England. At the start of THE DISADVANTAGED GENTLEMAN, Rebecca isn't a terribly likable heroine, but give her time and the magic wrought by a sweet innocent child and she'll grow on you. No such wait is needed for Bennet; he's admirable and lovable right away, even with his reserved demeanor and lack of response to Rebecca's automatic flirtation. Bennet's neighbors play a large part in Rebecca's transformation as well. They are good, honest folk, except for two notable exceptions. But if Rebecca is skilled at anything, it's handling those in need of a set-down. If you aren't a Regency romance reader because you have heard the nasty rumor that they are all alike, rest assured that THE DISADVANTAGED GENTLEMAN -- and any other of Ms. McLeod's masterpieces -- will prove otherwise. Check out this outstanding author at www.lesleyannemcleod.homestead.com Jane Bowers Romance Reviews Today |
The Disadvantaged Gentleman is a regency romance with a hint of humor and more than its share of witty dialogue. The delightfully disaffected and wordly heroine has deep emotions behind the surface. She finds herself attracted to an indeed attentive (and terribly attractive) gentleman. However, he is something of a mystery, and he is far from the perfect man. One must admit there is something terrifically compelling about an "attractive but irritating, domineering and postively puritanical gentleman." The opening seems very original - the discovery of a child, followed by an effort to help her. Compassion is an important emotion in this tale. The storyline is immediately intriguing. The handsome gentleman is a bit of an enigma, so stern and seemingly untouchable, yet so concerned with the proprieties our heroine feels of little note. The curiosity he engenders in Miss Valance, our haughty and occasionally outrageous heroine, gives us an idea of her softer side. Dialogue is well done, with clever hints of humor often interspersed. Surprisingly strong characters make up the cast, even some of the more minor roles. Several of the servants have some strong opinions and one maid in particular has interesting interactions with the main character. Settings are straightforward, but thoughtfully described; "The windows opened as doors onto the terrace and provided a view of autumn leaves drifting to a finely scythed lawn beyond the stone promenade." One can easily imagine the sweep of a lady's skirt in the hallways of Greythorn Court. The expression on the coachman's face, the pleasantly English countryside, all can be so easily visualized from Ms. McLeod's mood-evoking descriptions. This has such wonderful and terrifically 'regency' settings and scenes, it is a great fun to read and I am sure, will be fun to re-read. (Can't wait to start it again!) Rating: 4 books Reviewed by: Snapdragon http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/ |
The Disadvantaged Gentleman is a sensitivie, endearing story of loss and redemption. Lesley-Anne McLeod has written a wonderful plot, filled with characters that will touch your heart and linger long after the last page. This is one of the best romances I have read this year. The Disadvantaged Gentleman is a real keeper, and one you'll want to read over and over again to experience the true meaning of unselfish love. Linda Myshelf.com |
