She stole the marriage license. He’s determined to win her heart. One runaway bride, one stammering suitor, and a whole lot of Regency chaos.
By No Means a Gentleman is the second book of the Ladies Who Dare. Many of the events occur at the same time and immediately after the events of Almost A Scoundrel. So I suggest reading the series in order.
Overview
Harriet can’t believe it. Her father wasn’t even going to tell her that he was going to marry her off to someone she’s never even talked to. After confronting her parents, she storms off to her room, but runs straight into her “betrothed”. He’s holding the special license so they can be wed immediately. Yeah, that’s not happening; he has to work for it. She grabs the license and runs.
Will has been drawn to Harriet since last year, but every time he tries to talk to her, he chickens out. Now, with the list out, he knows an immediate marriage is the best way to protect her. Hopefully, once they’re wed, he can woo her and convince her that he will do anything for her.
Positives
By No Means a Gentleman is a lovely romance. Harriet is full of fire. Will is so sweet; he has a stutter that he was picked on for, so talking is a little scary for him. They both came a long way in their development.
Because most events coincide with the plot about the list, this is a story focused on their romance. There are some continuations of the series plot, but the groundwork comes from Almost A Scoundrel.
Negatives
Harriet’s relationship with her father is bad, and it doesn’t really get resolved. He apologizes for not telling her, and they all just go about their lives. I would have liked more development there.
Harriet’s relationship with her childhood friend appears good, but it seems to be toxic by the end. Her brushing it off doesn’t sit well with me.
Recommendations
The romance is five stars, but the relationships between Harriet and her father and childhood friend take it down to four stars overall. If you have another perspective, let me know in the comments. I really want to love the whole book.
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