A Fine Gentleman Author: Sarah M. Eden
Series: Jonquil Brothers #5
Genres: Historical Romance
Format: Audio, eBook, Print
Pages: 256
Date: March 1, 2017
Publisher: Covenant
London barrister Jason Jonquil has spent his entire life working to establish his identity as a gentleman, a man of refinement like his father and brothers. But when fiery Spanish beauty Mariposa Thornton walks into his office, he finds himself losing his grasp on his dignified character. The woman is infuriating, pushing him to the limit of his legendary patience. However, her case seems simple enough—a small matter of inheritance. Or so he believes.
Once a well-born lady, Mariposa fought to survive the brutalities of Napoleon’s war on Spain. She braved horrific perils and undertook dangerous missions on behalf of those fighting against the invading French army. But her greatest battle still lies ahead: after being separated from her family, Mariposa sets in motion a plan to reunite with her loved ones in England. To avoid drawing the attention of the French, Mariposa dons a carefully crafted persona to conceal her true purpose.
As Jason and Mariposa are drawn together by the case, they come to know the people beneath the masks they both wear. When the truth of Mariposa’s quest is revealed, the couple is pulled into a mystery that will test the limits of their courage—and expose the true desire of their hearts.
[bctt tweet=”Jason and Mariposa are pulled into a mystery that will expose the desires of their hearts #regency @sarahmeden A FINE GENTLEMAN”]
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About Sarah M. Eden
Sarah M. Eden read her first Jane Austen novel in elementary school and has been addicted to historical romance ever since. With a degree in research and a fascination with history, Eden loves delving deep into history. She is the author of multiple historical romances.
In the previous books in the Jonquil Brothers series Jason has been pretty straight-laced and even stern. The bond between him and his brothers is obvious, but his harsh criticism of the oldest brother Phillip’s facade of an empty-headed dandy created a wedge between them. Mariposa also presents herself to Jason with a mask, and her patronizing treatment of him aggravates him to his wit’s end. I think he takes it so personally because she’s poking at a particularly sore vulnerability he’s struggling with- living up to the examples of his brothers and expectations of his late father. Mariposa’s tragic history is unfolded to the reader and then as Jason becomes aware of her fight for survival he is seriously humbled. Learning not to condemn others so quickly is a lesson he then applies to his relationship with his brother, and I appreciated that he came to accept Phillip before learning the truth of why he has been putting on an act for so many years. I loved seeing the continuation of Phillip and Sorrel’s story and the way he also helped resolve some of Mariposa’s fears. Once Jason and Mariposa let their guard down with each other they have hilarious banter and great romantic chemistry. I love how he becomes her hero and the confidence it gives him of his purpose in life. I also appreciated that Mariposa finds an important purpose as well, one that is close to her heart as a survivor of war. Highly recommend this book and the entire series! They read well as stand alones but of course I recommend reading them in order for maximum enjoyment.
Oh my goodness! This story took me by surprise! I was captivated on the first page. Their character development throughout the book made me giddy to read more! This has to be one of my favorites by Sarah M. Eden! So cute! And it keeps you on your toes! LOVED IT!
I adore this book. One of my favorites in the series. It makes me laugh and cry both. Mariposa’s cover persona is hilarious and I chuckle the whole time she confounds Jason. So well written. And his cover story on the post ride is hilarious as well. I laughed so hard the first time I read it. Subsequent readings have made me smile and sometimes I go back to read that part just to enjoy it a second time.
Jason is one of the brothers that you don’t really get to know in previous books. He is too busy with his career to spend much time with his family. And when we do see him he is pretty stuffed shirt. It is fun to see him relax and become his old cheerful self again. And it is wonderful to see him get a long better with Phillip.
Mater always seems to be able to give pointed insight and she is very wise in her sights for Jason. I love Mater. And even without ever meeting him, since he died long before the series begins, I love Mater’s husband. His impact on the lives of his boys is very clear.
And in this book Jean is also a wise voice who give Jason wonderful advice and a sense of hope. Love him too.
While there is a great deal of laughter in this book, there is also a good deal of sorrow. Mariposa is dealing with what the war has done to her and her family and Jason is still dealing with the loss of his father. But even in the sorrow there is a sense of hope.
I love all the Jonquil brothers and even though I have a TBR list that is getting close to 200 books long, I craved to read about the Jonquils again so I’m reading the series yet again. I just love them. And I look forward to the next one coming out. It can’t be soon enough to suit me.