Customer Reviews

Almost A Gentleman (Brava Historical Romance)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

WOW! When I read reviews and see such opposing viewpoints on a book I often find myself intrigued and want to see for myself what could cause such opposing viewpoints and after reading the book myself, I tend to think that the negative reviews were from people who either did not read the entire story or just `didn't get it'!

After four years as a `trophy' wife Phoebe, Lady Claringworth, had by way of a carriage accident caused by her hateful husband, been released from a marriage of misery and degradation - but at a terribly high price that also cost her the life of her son and unborn daughter. Finding herself widowed and emerging from injuries her way of life would be forever changed. With the help of a dear friend, she lay to rest Lady Claringworth and reemerged disguised as a young man, Philip "Phizz" Marston. Phizz would be the impeccable dandy who would over the next three years reign over the ton as the new "Beau" Brummel - who would dictate fashions that would set the standard and whose censure could destroy a persons reputation. Those early years would see her cold and unfeeling. Then one day feelings Phoebe once thought were dead would reemerge in startling intensity when the Earl of Linseley, David Hervey, came to Almacks one evening. The widowed Earl, thinking to find himself a new wife found, much to his chagrin, that the only person at Almacks that he was attracted to was a man - the beautiful androgynous Phizz Marston. Days later, and not very successful erasing Phizz's image from his mind, David would overhear a plot against Phizz and make an appointment with him to warn him and offer his assistance. Soon to his great relief David discovers that Phizz is, thankfully a woman and he must find a way to help her uncover the person behind the vile threats and drop her disguise to begin a new life with him.

For a debut novel I found this to be an outstanding as well as a sizzling and very erotic romantic love story. The plot which I originally thought might have been something on the comic side, I soon found to be thought provoking and original. I found the writing to be very graceful and appealing in it's sensuality. While quite hot, there is also a definite feeling of reverence and honor David felt for Phoebe that I found most appealing in this very unselfish love story! Very sensual writing and artfully poetic - this is an author who bears watching!

Like most of the reviewers of this novel below, I found this a delightful, charming book, a rewarding debut. Unlike some of the other reviewers I am not a great devourer of Romance novels. I am, however, a great devourer of historical fiction, namely of literary historical fiction, and I especially favor books about strong-willed women who, often through cross-dressing, manage to outwit and challege their contemporary society's rules. Some of these books include Patricia Duncker's confoundingly beautiful novel "The Doctor," and all three Victorian-Gothic novels by Sarah Waters.

But the true reason I loved this novel was not only because, as I said before, it has a heroine who is not afraid to brook social customs and rewrite her past through dressing and living as a man. The true reason I loved this novel is because it artfully plays with two literary conventions-- the Romance novel convention, and the late 18th, early 19th century novel of manners (perhaps Jane Austen is best known for these, but certainly the canon ought to include two earlier works by women, Charlotte Lenox's delightful and satirical "Female Quixote," and Elizabeth Inchbald's bitingly clever "A Simple Story"). Rosenthal's novel makes gentle nods to Austen numerous times, but it is in the series of misunderstandings and the emotional rapport that the brilliance of her writing illuminates her project.

Phoebe/Phizz and David, the heroine and hero, both lead lives that are lacking in one way or another. By becoming "Phizz" Marston, Phoebe shuts out any capacity for love and vulnerable emotions from her life. By assuming that women want only a strong (patriarchal, hegemonic) man to rescue them and marry them, David is handicapped with misogynism. Some readers below might find it difficult to believe that a Regency hero could be considered chauvinistic, or a Regency heroine who dresses as a man be realistic for the period (perhaps this reader is not familiar with the well known literary genre of cross-dressing women in 19th century lit-- Gautier's Mlle du Maupin, for instance, or George Sand herself), but in fact feminism had already begun to make its mark on English culture-- Mary Wollestonecraft's "Vindication of the Rights of Woman" had already gone through several printings, and her daughter Mary Godwin Shelley was making a name for herself as a novelist with "Valperga" and "Frankenstein." So yes, it is understandable that Phoebe would want more equality for women. What makes this novel such a delightful read is that its author is thoroughly aware that the dynamic of a romance/comedy of manners involves the education of both hero and heroine-- Elizabeth Bennett needs to learn that Darcy is a good person, and Darcy needs to learn to act more kindly to her. etc. etc. Likewise, Phoebe/"Phizz" needs to learn to allow love and uncertainty into her heart, and David needs to learn not to be so sexist. The sentimental education in this novel is both David teaching Phoebe to love, and Phoebe teaching David to respect women on their own terms. I found this both refreshing and believable.

I loved this book because it took great risks with the novel of manners and Romance novel conventions, but nevertheless managed to treat its readers gently. Somehow, perhaps because of the narrator's older, experienced and somewhat wry tone (channelling Austen, perhaps?), I knew that nothing horrible was going to happen to the characters, and that depiste the dangers they faced, everyone would end up happy in the end. But I still kept turning the pages, because I wanted to find out exactly *how* the characters did end up, because I developed a genuine affection for the characters. I loved that both Phoebe and David recognized the brilliance of the poet and printer William Blake long before any of his contemporaries did (that's the fun thing about historical fiction-- you can rewrite history!), and I felt like Phoebe's laconic but precocious son reminded me of other kids I knew, wise beyond their years, and especially so from adults' perspectives.

The only thing I missed was the frisson produced by cross-dressing. Why did Shakespearean audiences lie to see boys dressed as girls pretending to be boys? Because of the excitement of not knowing which was which. When David thinks he is falling for a boy for the first time (which *is* believable, and has been for time immemorial!), he struggles with his confusion, and is relieved to find out Phoebe is indeed a girl. Perhaps there are too many conservative, homophobic Romance readers out there who wouldn't appreciate erotic variety, but I know I would have liked to read more about David's assumed homosexual attraction-- maybe a David/Phizz kiss (rather than David/Phoebe) would have made this book even more exciting.

Can't wait for "The Bookseller's Daughter"!

... the twist being a very fine, simplistic, poetic writing style rarely employed to tell stories of this type. While most romance authors spend paragraphs trying to explain to the reader how the hero or heroine are feeling, Rosenthal captures Phoebe and David's feelings with a comment or a gesture, and leaves the paragraphs to do what they're supposed to - tell the story.

For the first time in ages I found myself unable to skip through a book. There are no wasted words in this novel, and despite its description as an "erotic romance," it is decidedly more tame than many other erotic novels I've read.

Almost a Gentleman is an all-in-all good bet, a clear indication that something new can be done with the format of historical romance. Bravo!

There was much interest when this novel first appeared and although it took a while for it to get to the top of the TBR pile, I did enjoy it. However, there were some issues in the story that did not work for me.

Although the "cross dressing" sub-genre does not particularly appeal to me, I have read better examples (cf Georgette Heyer's These Old Shades or The Masqueraders) wherein the cross dressing and masquerading as a man seems to have some believeable raison d'etre. However, I felt in reading Almost a Gentleman that it was not wholly a credible action on the part of our heroine, Phoebe. There was never a fully acceptable explanation for her to do this and it seemed a somewhat strange reaction for her following the death of her husband and children. Instead, it appeared to be more of a device used to examine the reactions and behaviour of the hero, Lord Linseley. This was the best aspect of the book - the way he reacts to "Philip" and the soul searching it causes him.

I compliment the author on her prose; excellent quality although she does let the odd Americanism slip in (e.g. "vacation" instead of "holiday") but overall, she is easy and delightful to read.

With respect to the sexual aspects of the story, although her language is, in my view, too frank for the timeframe of the story, nonetheless it was galaxies ahead of the deplorable Emma Holly.

I look forward to reading this author again. I don't think this was a 5 star effort but for a first novel I was very impressed and recommend this to the discerning reader.

Elegantly written, tender and sexy. If you like Judith Ivory and Christina Dodd, give this new author a try. I was skeptical about the premise - How could an attractive, heterosexual woman live an active social life disguised as a man, without people suspecting that he is a she? But Rosenthal's poignant characterization of Marston makes "him" entirely believable. Abused by her late husband, traumatized by the death of their little son, and having learned that she can no longer conceive, Phoebe determines that she no longer has any social worth as a woman. So she creates an elaborate deception that allows her enjoy the social freedom of a man. The ruse is a success only as long as "his" friendships are limited to a shallow, catty, fashion-obsessed social set who share no real connection. It's a lonely life, but the isolation is exactly what Phoebe wants. Until David comes along...One of the most lovable romantic heros I've come across. Particularly charming is David's confusion and embarassment when he finds himself feeling a sexual attraction to "Mr. Marston." This situation could have been overplayed by another author, but it's sensitively handled here and you will quickly find yourself wanting these two lonely souls to find and heal each other. Some hot sex would be nice, too! And Rosenthal doesn't disappoint. Enjoy! I can't wait for her next book.

For ANY author, much less a new one, this was a wonderfully written and entertaining book. I read it non-stop because the hero and heroine's touching love story totally captivated me. This book has real depth. For the reader that complained it wasn't erotic enough, I guess they prefer their sex scenes to be more raw, explicit and unemotional. The sex scenes in this book are erotic love scenes because the author took the time to develop the characters and show us how they fell in love with each other. I have recently read a few of Thea Devine's books and they get pretty boring because the 'hero' and 'heroine' are one dimensional characters who actively dislike/hate each other and have sex anyway for page after page, then realize at the end of the book they really love each other when the Ms. Devine never showed us why or how they got to that point (other than banging each others' brains out!) Ms. Rosenthal takes the time to create a beautiful love story with sympathetic characters. I look forward to more from her - hopefully soon!

"Almost a Gentleman" is Pam Rosenthal's debut novel, and if her subsequent efforts are half as good as this first work, she is bound for literary stardom. The story-line is unique and somewhat reminiscent of Gerogette Heyer's "The Masqueraders." Phoebe Browne thought she had left her old life as Lady Claringworth behind after a carriage accident killed her abusive husband, her toddler son and her unborn daughter. With the help of her best friend, Kate Beveridge, "Lady Claringworth" fakes her own death and is reborn as the cool, cynical arbiter of society known as Philip "Phizz" Marston. Marston is sought after by men and women alike for his male beauty, but when "he" encounters Lord David Hervey, Earl of Linseley, "he" has met his match. David is disturbed by his unnatural attraction to Marston, but when Marston's life is threatened by an enemy from "his" past, David comes to the rescue and is relieved to discover that Marston is really Phoebe in disguise. Phoebe and David embark upon a torrid affair, but the scars from Phoebe's sad past (including her inability to bear more children and David's desire for children) keep them apart until David is able to convince her that their love can be a healing balm. However, can even David's love save Phoebe from a mortal enemy bent upon revenge?

I loved the way that Phoebe as Marston was able to beat 19th Century London Society at its own game--to be a woman, and yet be strong, independent, and a maker of her own rules. David is an adorable hero, a genuinely "nice" guy but with plenty of sizzle when the lights go out. My only peeve about the book, and it is a small one, is that the ending seemed to come too quickly and too neatly, almost as if the author were in a rush to finish the story by a deadline. This is one novel that could have used another 30 pages of exposition. With that caveat, I recommend this book highly...

This story begins with Phoebe Claringworth who having been abused by her husband and although is death should be a relief. It comes at even greater cost to Phoebe the loss of her 3 year old son and an unborn child. Distraught over the loss of her children she is consoled by her best friend Lady Kate Beverredge.

Phoebe and Kate have been friends for years. Kate born into a title but through a childhood illness left less than perfect in the eyes of many. Phoebe stood up for her and their friendship began. However, she learned there was more to her friend. Phoebe was born a beauty although untitled and to the Claringworth's she appeared to be the perfect wife because she was so beautiful. Her husband didn't appreciate the mind that Phoebe had. It made him insecure and feel small so the abuse began. In an effort to prove his superiority over Phoebe he raced their carriage causing the accident that killed him and the children. Phoebe heart broken and refusing to allow another man to be in control over her or to be at the mercy of her own looks cuts off all of her hair.

The story picks up 3 years later with Philip "Phizz" Marston the epitomy of grace and style, but also the man who makes things happen. Those of the Ton want to join his club only Phizz makes nothing easy. Turning down man after man for anything from his shoes, mistress, the cut of his suit has Phizz on the short end of many a man's list. And someone wants Phizz dead. Threatening notes have been coming to Phizz on regular basis, but they can't be real no one would want to harm someone over such matters.

Enter David Hervey, Earl of Linseley, An aristocrat farmer who stands for the people. David sees Phizz and can't take his eyes off of him. Convinced there is something wrong with him he begins to question his own reasoning. Why would he be attracted to another man, he'd never had those feelings before. David had a very comfortable marriage of friendship and caring, but not true love. His wife and he had a son and a passion they enjoyed sharing on occasion. Since her death though he sought comfort in prostitutes and debauched himself regularly. When he sees Phizz though he can't imagine anyone else. Confused and unsure he is shocked and elated to discover that Phizz isn't a man but a woman, a very attractive woman and she's been masquerading as Phizz for reasons he doesn't understand yet. What he does know is that someone is threatening Phizz who although he doesn't know her name is actually Phoebe. I'm not giving away anything by telling you that much.

In order to find out who is threatening Phizz/Phoebe, David and she devise a plan for the enemies of Phizz to seek David out for possible alliances against Phizz.

I can't tell you more because I don't want to give away more than I already have. I read a random scattering of books from no specific genre, but I have found that I love the Brava/Kensington books set of Historical fiction they are usually erotic romances some set in historical times. Almost A Gentleman was a wonderful surprise for me because it has the story of a woman who is distraught not over the loss of the husband but her children. Rather than put up with societies mask and having to live as a polite woman who can do nothing. She chose to live her life as a man. She'd experience many of the things as a man in hopes that she could fill the void left by the loss. It's actually very heart breaking when I think back. Phoebe tries to deny all of those things that she thinks will hurt too much. No children, no love, no commitment. Still the hurt is there though and nothing can take away her pain.

The friendship of Kate and Phoebe was wonderful they were like pieces of a puzzle and each of them filled the void for the other. As Phizz, Phoebe played an adoring suitor to Kate offering her friend entry into the world she'd avoided for so long.

David and Phoebe have a magical attraction and chemistry that no matter what is brought out and very hot too!

I loved this book! Can't wait to read it again. Now, I'll be looking for other works by this author.

In 1819, Lady Kate Beverredge consoles her distraught best friend Phoebe Claringworth over the death of her three-year-old son and unborn daughter. Phoebe is lucky to be alive though she might think otherwise as her husband was DUI causing the coach to crash killing him and their two children. Vowing she will never again be under the thumb of a male, Phoebe cuts off her hair.

Three years later, Mr. Philip "Phizz" Marston is considered the heir apparent to Brummell as the arbiter of style. When aristocratic farmer David Hervey sees Phizz for the first time ever, he wonders about himself, as he cannot keep his eyes off the man. When Mr. Marston leaves, David can't forget him. This somewhat disturbs David because he has always favored women and has a near adult son born out of wedlock. Soon David realizes why he is so attracted to a male, as Mr. Marston is actually a masquerading female. David begins to "court" Phoebe, disguised as Mr. Marston. Soon they fall in love, but he must persuade her that they belong together beyond just the pleasures of the flesh as she knows the tyranny of marriage.

This is an entertaining Regency romance starring a delightful lead protagonist and an intrepid heroine. The reactions of Mr. Marston and Lord David upon first seeing one another is priceless, especially that of the confused earl. Though his learning of a plot to harm her seems stretched, fans will appreciate this charming tale.

Harriet Klausner

William Blake makes a cameo appearance in this romance which touches all the bases and social classes of Regency England. There are grand balls, country houses, foggy London lanes, gambling clubs, country inns, and lots of steamy sex and even a little violence. Thanks to Pam Rosenthal's literary style which features multiple narrative arcs, including the political issues of the day, "Almost a Gentleman" is a great read even for readers, like myself, who are not addicted to the genre.