Customer Reviews

He Said Yes (Gentleman's Club, Book 1)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"He Said Yes" is really the second installment in Patricia Waddell's new romance series, focusing on the lives of a group of bachelor peers in Victorian England who meet each Wednesday for cards at Brook's Club in London under the aegis of their elderly mentor, the Duke of Morland. The first story in the series, that of Viscount Sterling, is beautifully related in the short story collection, "Cupid Calling," which I also highly recommend. In her latest effort, Ms. Waddell introduces us to thirty-two year old bachelor, Marshall Bedford, Marquis of Waltham. Marshall is not ready for marriage but decides that he wants a long term relationship with a mistress. He thinks he has found the perfect candidate in Evelyn Dennsworth, a 26 year old, well-spoken woman he finds working in the dress shop patronized by his sister. However, while on his way back to the shop to pick up his sister after her fitting, he sees Evelyn being hauled into the constable's wagon, charged with stealing a ruby brooch. Without quite knowing why, Marshall comes to Evelyn's aid, bribing her jailor to make her comfortable for the night, arranging for her bail, and paying for her successful legal defense. Evelyn is free but now indebted to Marshall. He makes no secret of his desire that she become his mistress to "re-pay" that debt, but she is a vicar's daughter, fallen on difficult times, and her strong sense of morals and her innate independence rebels against becoming any man's plaything. A true gentleman, Marshall will not force her, but courts her gently until she finds herself wanting very much to say, "Yes." As she finds herself falling in love with her gallant rescuer, she resolves to become his lover--not his mistress--for one summer only, knowing that the difference in their stations in life will mean that their realtionship can never lead to marriage, or can it?

Evelyn and Marshall are beautifully drawn characters that I adored from page 1. Both are unconventional for their time and are very caring, unselfish people. I was impressed with the way that Ms. Waddell skillfully allowed their love for each other to bloom in a very natural way, with no contrived "misunderstandings" or false notes. The love scenes are steamy, but the devotion of Evelyn and Marshall to each other elevates their physical passion to an almost spiritual level. Even the secondary characters in the book, particularly the Duke of Morland and Marshall's grief-stricken stepmother, Constance, are well-developed and "real." In short, this is a terrific story by a talented writer, and you should not miss it. I was so impressed by Ms. Waddell's writing in this book and in "Cupid Calling," that I immediately ordered the other titles on her backlist. Say "yes" to this book. You will not be sorry.

Marshall Hanley Bedford, Marquis of Waltham, looks forward to settling his family comfortably so he can one day marry. In the meantime, a mistress could easily meet his needs. But a simple seamstress captures his imagination and throws his plans, his future and his reputation into a tizzy. He intends to make Evelyn Dennsworth his mistress. Then she stands unjustly accused of theft, and Marshall feels compelled to come to her rescue. He hires a lawyer and has her released from prison under his protection until her innocence can be proven.

In the meantime, Marshall sets Evelyn up in her own house. Despite tantalizing kisses, Evelyn makes it clear that she will never become his mistress. However, she does become his stepmother's assistant. During the days, Evelyn's influence draws Lady Waltham out of her deep mourning and helps her to live again. Nights Evelyn spends in Marshall's arms as his lover. Then horribly, she accused of theft once again.

Author Patricia Waddell begins a wonderful new series with the Gentleman's Club. These fast paced Victorian romances begin with HE SAID YES, to be followed by February 2004's release of HE SAID NO. In HE SAID YES, author Waddell once again demonstrates her gift for matching a strong, intelligent, determined heroine with a strong, honorable, and extremely passionate hero. Indeed, Marshall and Evelyn's unconventional verve and remarkable honesty cannot help but capture reader's hearts. Moreover, their story absolutely sparkles, striking just the perfect note between tender and passionate, impossible and believable. Secondary characters are likewise believable, lending the novel wonderful depth. HE SAID YES comes very highly recommended.

If ever there were a man to champion my needs, please let it be the Marquis of Waltham, Marshall Hanley Bedford. Even his flaws gleam with the polished perfection of his peerage. The intelligent and witty Marquis of Waltham will have a mistress and sets his mind on the lovely seamstress, Evelyn Dennsworth. Fate falls at his feet when Evelyn is accused of steeling. Already a captive of her beauty, the marquis saves her from the horrors of London's Victorian prisons. Like playing a long slow game of poker, the Marquis uses his finely honed aristocratic skills to seduce her. Though the lovable Evelyn may be vulnerable to his charms, she is far too smart to be tricked by his seduction. With every play of his hand they come closer to being exposed to a society as binding to class as the corsets that bound their women.

Ms Waddell is a gifted writer. She has an uncanny ability to write one line dialogues and events that speaks volumes about her characters. I roared with laughter, screamed with their triumph and cried at their defeat. I'm so glad "He Said Yes" is the beginning of a series because I do not want this to end.

I thought this book had a lot of promise. I enjoyed a previous book by this author. But, shortly after beginning this book, I started to get a bad feeling. I feel that it went too long with Marshall only wanting Evelyn as a mistress. In other books with the same premise, (and I can't think of a good example right now), it didn't go clear until the end before the hero realized he loved his mistress. I don't enjoy books such as this one where there is only a physical bond. I know he did wonderful things for Evelyn, but Marshall never looked at her as a future wife until the end. I know this book has received high marks so many people have enjoyed it. I may just be too fussy and picky, but I felt Evelyn was a victim and had to be too grateful to her rescuer. I guess I should stick to books where the two leads are a little more equal in status. It might leave a better taste in my mouth.

HE SAID YES is a very good historical. I enjoyed reading about a shop girl who finds her Knight in Shining Armor disguised as a Marquis. The hero in this book is delicious, strong and compassionate at the same time. The story and characters are compelling. A very enjoyable, well-written read.

I understand what disappointed reader meant when he/she said that it dragged out too long with Evelyn needing to feel thankful. I agree that I enjoy it more when love is reciprocated sooner. Even if he is not willing to admit it to her yet, I at least want him to admit it to himself! I hated seeing Evelyn selling herself short. EVEN SO, I did enjoy the book. It was the first Waddel book I have read and I look forward to "He Said No". I would recommend this book!

THIS WAS A WONDERFULLY WRITTEN LOVE STORY, BETWEEN LORD MARSHALL AND EVELYN. A GOOD READ, BUY IT!!!!

Another excellent tale written by Patricia Waddell. I have read her previous three He Said books, and of course just 'had' to read this one also.. and am glad I did. Well-written..fast-paced.. but the story of Evelyn, and Marshall..(Marquis of Waltham) kept my interest from beginning to end.. This is a Must Read book...and a definite recommend..

Also recommended: He Said No, He Said Never, He Said Now

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I recommend it to everyone who enjoys a well written and exciting story of love. Pat writes believable characters and all of her books are sensual and hard to put down. I can hardly wait for the next 3 installments of this series.

HE SAID YES by Patricia Waddell was a wonderful read. I enjoyed the whole book, from the interesting plot to the shining secondary characters, and of course, the hero and heroine. Marshall and Evelyn make a wonderful pair, even though the road to their happiness isn't always paved with gold. This book left me with a big smile on my face and the feeling that love can truimph over all.