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Gentlemen of Disrepute #2
A Dark and Brooding Gentleman
Sebastian Hunter has shown his last hand at the card table. Nights once spent womanizing and gambling are now spent in the dark shadows of Blackloch Hall, staring out onto the wild windswept Scottish moors.That is, until the mysterious Phoebe Allardyce-his mother's new and far-too-pretty companion-interrupts his brooding. After catching her thieving, the master of the house has no choice but to keep a close eye on this provocative little temptress�.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2011
9 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Margaret McPhee
84Ìýbooks51ÌýfollowersThere is more than one author with this name
Margaret McPhee lives on the West Coast of Scotland with her husband and her pet rabbit called Gwinnie who, at eight years of age, is a grand old lady of the rabbit world. Margaret trained as a scientist, but was always a romantic at heart. She met her husband quite literally between science labs, on a staircase, which was an advantageous first meeting place given their difference in heights—Margaret is small—her husband, tall. It was love at first sight, despite the voluminous white coats, and they're still together fifteen years later.
As a child Margaret spent much of her time in an imaginary world. Her family always said she would grow out of it; she's still waiting. Romance entered the equation when she chanced upon one of her gran's Mills & Boon Historicals, and she never looked back. She's still reading them, but at least she now buys her own! Fortunately for Margaret her school library held a shelfful of old donated Georgette Heyer books. Be still her beating teenage heart. Her view on romance was skewed forever—dashing rakes in buckskin pantaloons and riding boots figure in it somewhere!
Margaret wrote two manuscripts and suffered numerous rejections from publishers and agents before joining the Romantic Novelists Association. A further two manuscripts later and with help from the Romantic Novelists Association's new writers' scheme, the regency romance The Captain's Lady was born.
Margaret enjoys cycling, tea and cakes (although not necessarily in that order), and loves exploring the beautiful scenery and wildlife of the islands of Scotland with her husband. She is ever hopeful that one day she will be lucky enough to see a basking shark in the Firth of Clyde, and a sea eagle in Skye.
Margaret McPhee lives on the West Coast of Scotland with her husband and her pet rabbit called Gwinnie who, at eight years of age, is a grand old lady of the rabbit world. Margaret trained as a scientist, but was always a romantic at heart. She met her husband quite literally between science labs, on a staircase, which was an advantageous first meeting place given their difference in heights—Margaret is small—her husband, tall. It was love at first sight, despite the voluminous white coats, and they're still together fifteen years later.
As a child Margaret spent much of her time in an imaginary world. Her family always said she would grow out of it; she's still waiting. Romance entered the equation when she chanced upon one of her gran's Mills & Boon Historicals, and she never looked back. She's still reading them, but at least she now buys her own! Fortunately for Margaret her school library held a shelfful of old donated Georgette Heyer books. Be still her beating teenage heart. Her view on romance was skewed forever—dashing rakes in buckskin pantaloons and riding boots figure in it somewhere!
Margaret wrote two manuscripts and suffered numerous rejections from publishers and agents before joining the Romantic Novelists Association. A further two manuscripts later and with help from the Romantic Novelists Association's new writers' scheme, the regency romance The Captain's Lady was born.
Margaret enjoys cycling, tea and cakes (although not necessarily in that order), and loves exploring the beautiful scenery and wildlife of the islands of Scotland with her husband. She is ever hopeful that one day she will be lucky enough to see a basking shark in the Firth of Clyde, and a sea eagle in Skye.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 17, 2020
This was okay. I enjoyed it well enough, though it lost a star due to the onslaught of Feels in the last third.
Despite the smarmy douche on the cover (seriously, I'd like to punch that guy in the face), this leans toward Ye Old Gothic Romance with fleeing maids in nightgowns, particularly in the first half. Sexual tensions are high as the MCs stare & think inappropriate thoughts, but there's little physical contact for most of the book. My favorite scene was when Phoebe searches Hunter's bedroom -- the use of candlelight & mirrors made for lovely cinematic visuals.
Unfortunately, such tensions were weighted down by required HEA formula. An abrupt turn at the midpoint has our dark & brooding hero proclaiming his undying love even before he figures the heroine's angle. His attitude leaps from (justified) mistrust to wholehearted support, & such a sudden shift didn't fit his previous attitude. Another problem: Phoebe’s innocence was too unbelievable. While it's probable she'd be a virgin, she shouldn't be THAT sheltered—she's 23, her father is a scientist, her sister died in childbirth, & she's assisted in the birth of another baby; this girl should know how human bodies work, in theory if nothing else. Also, the cheesy "Order of the Wolf" subplot feels wedged in to provide token villainy. Black robes & secret societies can make for a fun Scooby Doo-type story (see: Lord Libertine by Gail Ranstrom), but they can also make for an eyerolling snort o' disbelief. This example was the latter.
That said, McPhee's writing was decent & she frequently relied on atmosphere to augment the tension between characters—so while it wasn't quite successful, I appreciated that she gave a nod to old-school gothics.
Despite the smarmy douche on the cover (seriously, I'd like to punch that guy in the face), this leans toward Ye Old Gothic Romance with fleeing maids in nightgowns, particularly in the first half. Sexual tensions are high as the MCs stare & think inappropriate thoughts, but there's little physical contact for most of the book. My favorite scene was when Phoebe searches Hunter's bedroom -- the use of candlelight & mirrors made for lovely cinematic visuals.
Unfortunately, such tensions were weighted down by required HEA formula. An abrupt turn at the midpoint has our dark & brooding hero proclaiming his undying love even before he figures the heroine's angle. His attitude leaps from (justified) mistrust to wholehearted support, & such a sudden shift didn't fit his previous attitude. Another problem: Phoebe’s innocence was too unbelievable. While it's probable she'd be a virgin, she shouldn't be THAT sheltered—she's 23, her father is a scientist, her sister died in childbirth, & she's assisted in the birth of another baby; this girl should know how human bodies work, in theory if nothing else. Also, the cheesy "Order of the Wolf" subplot feels wedged in to provide token villainy. Black robes & secret societies can make for a fun Scooby Doo-type story (see: Lord Libertine by Gail Ranstrom), but they can also make for an eyerolling snort o' disbelief. This example was the latter.
That said, McPhee's writing was decent & she frequently relied on atmosphere to augment the tension between characters—so while it wasn't quite successful, I appreciated that she gave a nod to old-school gothics.
January 21, 2015
Good book. After the death of his father, Sebastian has left his rakish ways behind and is devoting his time to the care of his estate. When his mother and her companion arrive to spend time, he is surprised by the identity of the companion. Phoebe had been accosted by highwaymen and rescued by Sebastian, but they had not exchanged names. Phoebe became a companion when she needed to find work after her father was imprisoned. Now someone is threatening her father if she doesn't find and steal a particular item from Blackloch Hall. When Sebastian catches her during one of her searches, he decides the best thing to do is keep a close eye on her. He can't figure out what she is looking for, since she hasn't taken anything like money or jewels. As time goes on and he gets to know her, he realizes that things just don't make sense. Except for this one thing, she appears to be an honest, compassionate and loving person. He is also strongly attracted to her, as she is to him. When they move to London, he comes to realize that it is more than attraction he feels for her, and tries to convince her to let him help. There are a couple of surprises at the climax of the story. I liked Phoebe and the way she was doing her best to help her father. I also liked the way that she was able to help Sebastian deal with the death of his father. She also wanted to protect her father and Sebastian from the threats of those after her. I liked Sebastian and the way he came to love and want to protect Phoebe.
June 26, 2018
audible romance. another black mail story. Threats to father in prison. Lady's companion, black mailed to find wolf ring and steal it. She falls in love with rings owner and he her. The wolf ring leads to a hidden room and a secret society. In the end all is well and they marry.
September 23, 2020
This title was stupid but the story was not. The guilt over the death of his father and estrangement with his mother is the cause of his attitude. He begins to change after getting to know Phoebe, his mother's companion and trying to figure out what she is hiding.
August 16, 2022
I must remember not to take anymore recommendations from the Overdrive app. It knows me not.
January 16, 2012
QUICK TAKE
If you enjoy historicals with a dark, brooding hero that stands and looks out the window over the Scottish misty moors holding a glass of brandy or riding his black stallion recklessly over said misty moors, then this book is for you!
Sebastian Hunter is very much like the brooding heroes in Jane Eyre and Rebecca, he has a secret and a prickly relationship with his mother who seemingly dislikes him intensely.
Phoebe Allardyce arrives at Blackloch Hall (love that name) as a companion to Sebastian's mother. She attracts his attention immediately and his suspicion. Phoebe it seems, is up to no good.
I found her likeable enough and her reasons for lurking about Blackloch are sound. The relationship and attraction works and Sebastian is suitably brooding and interesting. However, by the last third of the book, it got bogged down in too much secondary plotting and the 'secret' when revealed lacks real impact. Other than that, the characters are strong. Personally I would have preferred the focus stay on the couple until the end, but oh well. I enjoyed this read and I LOVE the cover! He is even holding a snifter of brandy~
I also recommend the first book in this duet 'Gentlemen of Disrepute'~UNMASKING THE DUKE'S MISTRESS.
If you enjoy historicals with a dark, brooding hero that stands and looks out the window over the Scottish misty moors holding a glass of brandy or riding his black stallion recklessly over said misty moors, then this book is for you!
Sebastian Hunter is very much like the brooding heroes in Jane Eyre and Rebecca, he has a secret and a prickly relationship with his mother who seemingly dislikes him intensely.
Phoebe Allardyce arrives at Blackloch Hall (love that name) as a companion to Sebastian's mother. She attracts his attention immediately and his suspicion. Phoebe it seems, is up to no good.
I found her likeable enough and her reasons for lurking about Blackloch are sound. The relationship and attraction works and Sebastian is suitably brooding and interesting. However, by the last third of the book, it got bogged down in too much secondary plotting and the 'secret' when revealed lacks real impact. Other than that, the characters are strong. Personally I would have preferred the focus stay on the couple until the end, but oh well. I enjoyed this read and I LOVE the cover! He is even holding a snifter of brandy~
I also recommend the first book in this duet 'Gentlemen of Disrepute'~UNMASKING THE DUKE'S MISTRESS.
January 23, 2015
WOW! What a very great masterpiece from Miss Margaret McPhee herself! Captivating and extraordinary in its every sense within every word, page, and chapter!
You see, one important thing about writing is that the writer should make the reader SEE what she wanted them to see and from the first sentence in this book until the last, I SAW everything with my very eyes. I saw Richard Armitage in my mind portraying Sebastian Hunter and Evangeline Lilly as Phoebe. Oh but they were stuck in my head even now! If ever this was to be made a movie, Richard Armitage is suited for the role of our hero. He has this silent, calm, gaze that always looked like brooding, but deep inside, he is gentle and caring. He wanted to be love. When it comes to our heroine on the other hand, she is a loving daughter, sweet and innocent, and Evangeline Lilly is only for the role. Of course if there ever will be.
All in all, the mystery, the action, hidden secrets, and the conquest of our heroine and the hero in fighting for true love is what I deem as the bonuses if this novel. GREAT READ! I am impressed and grateful for this was the kind of hero and heroine I could imagine as I was writing my own. Only with a different place, a different time, and different set of events.
Cheers!
You see, one important thing about writing is that the writer should make the reader SEE what she wanted them to see and from the first sentence in this book until the last, I SAW everything with my very eyes. I saw Richard Armitage in my mind portraying Sebastian Hunter and Evangeline Lilly as Phoebe. Oh but they were stuck in my head even now! If ever this was to be made a movie, Richard Armitage is suited for the role of our hero. He has this silent, calm, gaze that always looked like brooding, but deep inside, he is gentle and caring. He wanted to be love. When it comes to our heroine on the other hand, she is a loving daughter, sweet and innocent, and Evangeline Lilly is only for the role. Of course if there ever will be.
All in all, the mystery, the action, hidden secrets, and the conquest of our heroine and the hero in fighting for true love is what I deem as the bonuses if this novel. GREAT READ! I am impressed and grateful for this was the kind of hero and heroine I could imagine as I was writing my own. Only with a different place, a different time, and different set of events.
Cheers!
January 31, 2015
I enjoyed this read. It was fast and easy, just the ticket when waiting around at the doctors for my appointment.
I enjoyed the plot, the honour that Hunter showed. I liked how hard he worked to fulfil the promise he had made his father. It was also nice to see the son and mother come together and make up their differences.
She was a little more difficult to like. I found her a bit stupid really, she was falling for him, she could see his honour, and yet she lies to him, steals from him and is incapable of trusting him. But it did its job in furthering the plot.
I enjoyed the plot, the honour that Hunter showed. I liked how hard he worked to fulfil the promise he had made his father. It was also nice to see the son and mother come together and make up their differences.
She was a little more difficult to like. I found her a bit stupid really, she was falling for him, she could see his honour, and yet she lies to him, steals from him and is incapable of trusting him. But it did its job in furthering the plot.
June 20, 2015
I'll start by saying that I have not read the first book in this series and most probably will not be reading it afterward either. Nor will I read the rest of the books in this series. Compared to my other recent regency romance finds this one's a disappointment.
A couple more sentences about my experience can be found
A couple more sentences about my experience can be found
September 15, 2013
I read this novel in a couple of hours, it was exactly what you look for in a Regency Romance - A sweet, budding romance, a bit of tension and very well-developed characters and plot.
Good Read but not light your world on fire.
Good Read but not light your world on fire.
November 29, 2014
After reading this book again I've changed my rating from 3 to 4 stars. I was a little harsh the first time, probably because I didn't like the secret society stuff much, but that's actually a small part of the novel and the story and characters are solid and enjoyable.
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February 1, 2012Miniseries: Gentlemen of Disrepute
Read
December 27, 2014Miniseries: Gentlemen of Disrepute
January 9, 2012
The romance was lovely (as in all her other books); the only thing that didn't quite make this a 4star book was the plot when revealed seemed a bit flat.
August 3, 2012
4 1/2 stars
June 17, 2013
Sweet story with a wonderful happy ending.
March 10, 2015
Read for Book Riot Read Harder challenge: A romance novel.
September 15, 2016
Average but contained too many tropes that annoy me. All the interesting parts happened at the end of the last chapter.
February 14, 2021
Slow getting started, but develops and comes together.
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