THE DISCERNING GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE by @VirginiaHeath_ @HarlequinBooks #TuesdayBookBlog

The Discerning Gentleman’s Guide by Virginia Heath
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Discerning Gentleman’s Guide is a Georgian historical romance from the Harlequin stable. The book is set in London in 1816.

Amelia Mansfield is a companion to Lady Worsted, they are travelling from Bath to spend a month with her nephew in London, once the daughter of a Viscount, Amelia suffered a terrible loss when he turned both her mother and Amelia out, in a cold-hearted move. Left penniless, they did the best they could on the streets of London. When Amelia’s mother died in the work-house, Amelia became determined to improve her position and worked hard to get a job and a place to live. But her interest and support of those wanting radical change in the city got her into trouble. Her luck changed when she applied for the job as ladies companion, but it took her away from London.

Returning now to the city Amelia has plans to visit her old haunts and help the poor at a local soup kitchen whenever possible. She’ll need to be discreet as they’ll be staying with the sixteenth Duke of Aveley.

Bennett Montague was a Duke and a politician. Dedicating his whole life to follow the plans and footsteps of his father, his life is rather lonely. The need for a wife has lead to him make a list of potential candidates. His guidelines for suitability of a wife-to-be are from a book he once wrote from lessons learnt from his own father, and there is a long line of ladies who would love to make the final cut.

Amelia has read Bennett’s book describing it as “drivel”, she’d never marry an aristocrat, they are pompous and out of touch with reality and she shows no qualms at voicing her opinion and challenging Bennett about his.

Bennett’s search for the perfect bride are soon turned upside-down with Amelia’s presence in his life, but how could a Duke ever consider marrying a mere ladies companion?

There were some great sub-characters in this book; Lovett, the butler, Bennett’s Uncle George and Lady Worsted, to support Bennett and Amelia is this charming rags to riches romance.

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Book Description

“Choosing a wife is not a task that should be undertaken lightly.” 

Bennett Montague, sixteenth Duke of Aveley, is seeking the perfect bride. He’s narrowed his search to five worthy “Potentials”…until the arrival of his aunt’s companion unravels his carefully laid plans. 

Having fought for everything she has, Amelia Mansfield is incensed by Bennett’s wife-selection methods. But as she’s forced to spend time in his company, she begins to see another side to Bennett—and that man is infinitely more tantalizing and enticing… 

About the author

I live on the outskirts of London with my understanding husband and two, less understanding, teenagers. 

After spending years teaching history, I decided to follow my dream of writing for Harlequin. 

Now I spend my days happily writing regency romances, creating heroes that I fall in love with and heroines who inspire me. 

When I’m not doing that, I like to travel to far off places, shop for things that I do not need or read romances written by other people.