Gentleman of Substance

this was was of the best Harlequin Historical romances I've read. After reading this book, I would not be surprised to see Miss Hale starting to write mainstream historical romance as this book was as good as anything bigger authors like Lisa Kleypas or Johanna Lindsey put out. The storyline was an intriguing one-a naive vicar's daughter, Lucy, who gives her innocence to the fair haired and charming blue blood who promised marriage-only to have the man die in battle and the heroine quickly realizes she is pregnant. Luckily, the mans older brother, Drake discovers this and asks Lucy to marry him and he will pass the child off as his own. What ensues is a wonderfully written, three dimensional love story. Drake is a fantastic hero! I love that he's not written as most romantic leads. From his dark, austere and somewhat lanky looks to his brooding, no nonsense manners to his obvious inexperience with women-Drake is such a well written character he fairly leaps off the page. Lucy is a great character in her own right-but different as we get to see the character grow and mature and realize that her foolishness over her dead lover has cost her quite a bit of time with her husband-who is a true gentleman. While it's great to read about "reformed rakes" it's just as appealing to read about such an obvious "nice guy" like Drake. While the love scenes are minimal-the few there are are hot enough for the whole book:)-but tastefully written as well. 5 stars and highly recommended!

Drake has no intention of siring his own heir, so when he discovers his younger brother impregnated the local vicar's daughter before getting killed in battle, he offers to solve both of their problems by marrying her and legitimizing her child.Lucy had every intention of remaining faithful to her lover's memory. She certainly did not expect to feel affection for her dark, rather dour, husband, in spite of his chivalrous behavior in taking responsibility for her and her child. But as time passes and she discovers her husband's true character, a more mature Lucy realizes that her feelings for his brother were little more than a schoolgirl crush compared to her deep love for Drake.But Drake made it clear from the start that their marriage would be in name only. Lucy must endeavor to keep her love for her husband hidden, in accordance with the bargain they made prior to marrying.Throw in a few villains determined to break up the marriage, and you end up with a truly gripping romance, guaranteed to elicit tears and raw emotion.I don't know why it's taken me so long to read this book, which has been at the bottom of my huge "to be read" pile for several years. Needless to say, I was so engrossed in this one that I read the other Deborah Hale book in the pile, with equally happy results. I would definitely consider purchasing any other books by this author. . . after I whittle the pile down a bit more, that is.Deborah Hale is definitely a name to remember!

I read the excerpt from this book, and it was EXCELLENT! I do not usually read the Historical romances, but I had decided I definitely needed a change of pace. I have been reading Harlequin romance(intrigue, silouette,temptation) novels for years. For something different, I decided to give Historical romance a try. I read the excerpt from "A Gentleman Of Substance". Well, I certainly wasn't disappointed! It captured my attention from the very first line! Drake is such a strong-willed, no nonsense person, and I look for that type of character in the books I choose to read.I haven't had a chance to purchase the book as of yet, but I am certainly looking forward to it. If the entire book holds my interest like the excerpt did, well, I think I will definitely be sold on historical romances.Keep up the EXCELLENT work, Deborah! I look forward to many, many hours of enjoyable reading from your books!

Having read her stellar first book, I ran to the store to pick up Deb Hale's newest release, A Gentleman of Substance. It did not disappoint! Hale writes vivid characters and a rich story.

I loved Deborah Hale's book, A Gentleman of Substance. As a matter of fact, I don't usually read Historicals, but after reading this one, I'm a convert. Besides the fact that the story is compelling, it is also very visual, romantic and a real page turner. The historical detail was excellent in her book. It was extremely well written and I can't wait to read her next book.