A Scholarly Gentleman (Zebra Regency Romance)

Rating:
Summary: Blair's Best Yet!
Review: "A Scholarly Gentleman" makes full use of the BIG MISUNDERSTANDING plot; and normally, I'm not a really big fan of this device. Perhaps it's because it's not that easy to make this plot device work in an interesting and gripping manner. But I'll admit, I thought about this novel long after I'd finished it. Catherine Blair did a fairly good job of sustaining my interest even though I did grow rather tired of all the misunderstandings that Phoebe (the heroine) and Jordan (the hero) fairly reveled in.

Seven years ago, beautiful Phoebe Granville threw over Jordan Blakley DeVaux in order to marry his richer and titled cousin, Arthur. Now, however Arthur is dead (he was killed in a duel) and Jordan, an astronomy professor at Cambridge University, has now inherited the title, all the entailed properties ... and all the unpaid debts that Arthur and Phoebe had run up during their stay in London. In order to prevent Phoebe from running up more bills, Jordan forces her to leave London and to take up residence with his sister, Hilary, and her family in Cambridge (and so that he can keep an eye on her. For while Jordan is still angry and bitter at the manner in which he was jilted, he still happens to be as much in love with as he was all those years ago.)

Saddened by the death of her husband (even though they had not been dealing very well with each other of late), Phoebe is furious with Jordan for forcing her leave London and come to such a backwater town. But when she learns about the debts, she firmly resolves to try and repay Jordan the money, and to learn to manage her limited income more efficiently so that she can move back to London as soon as possible. For Phoebe cannot bear to live so near Jordan, to see him everyday and to be reminded of what might have been. And all that churning emotion (anger, resentment, confusion and love) is making her feel quite bilious. Unfortunately, associating with each other is the one thing that neither Phoebe nor Jordan can avoid. The past keeps intruding in all their dealings with each other. Can Phoebe and Jordan learn to deal with each other without allowing for all that accumulated hurt and pain to affect them more? The past must definitely be dealt with. But will it bring them closer together or tear them apart? And what of the love they still feel for each other?

"A Gentlemanly Scholar" is a much more angst driven and somber book than what one would expect from Zebra. And truth to tell, I did grow a little tired of all the anger and misunderstandings that Phoebe and Jordan seem to enjoy indulging in. At the same time I grew to really care for both characters and was fairly anxious for both Phoebe and Jordan to work out all their misunderstandings and get down to living happily ever after! The book, however, is a little slow moving, and the relationship between Phoebe and Jordan seemed to operate a lot on the one-step-forward-two-steps-backward school of thought. There is a lot of anger and pain in this novel, and it did (at times) get in the way of a brisk and tight unfolding of the novel -- esp since Blair does not really go into why both characters are so angry with each other, but rather doled out bits of information judiciously throughout the book. However, I'd encourage all readers to stick it out, as the effort pays off. "A Scholarly Gentleman" is not quite the usual Regency fare. But what a read. And the relief when Phoebe and Jordan finally work everything out!

On the whole I'd say that while I did like this novel quite a bit, I was a tad disappointed. Because from the plot synopsis at the back of the book, I was expecting quite another kind of romance novel -- not one full of tragic misunderstandings and the general white-washing of the principal characters's motives and actions. Still "A Scholarly Gentleman" was quite the read, and should not be missed. A strong 3 1/2 stars.

Rating:
Summary: a thought-provoking romance
Review: I really enjoyed this book. It was one of those that keeps you thinking a long time after you've finished it. I like mature heroines, and Phoebe handles her damaged past and her uncertain future in a real and compelling way. This was far more than the usual arrogant-alpha-male-meets-lovely-innocent-miss Regency romance. I recommend it for those who enjoy something a bit more serious. That said, though it's more drama than fluff, it is still a deeply romantic story.

Rating:
Summary: Blair's Best Yet!
Review: Ms Blair's stories have gotten progressively better with each one. This one is truly the best so far. The character development and dialogue are outstanding as always in her books. Cambridge and the academic/scientific interactions make for a refreshing setting. This one clearly is at the top in terms of its complexity and surprizes.

Rating:
Summary: If you love a scientist, this wil hit home!
Review: While this is not my favorite of Ms. Blair's many books (I mean, we have to choose a favorite, right?), I felt a special resonance with the issues Phoebe faced when dealing with Jordan and his scientific idiosyncracies and stubbornness. He's a very true-painted character! I suspect many of Ms. Blair's readers will recognize some aspect of the men in their lives in Jordan DeVaux. I believe it is his characterization that marks this book as unique and a must-read. It flows differently than her books, at times seeming surprisingly unhindered, and at other times impossibly so, which kept my interest up. Ms. Blair's always-interesting side characters did not disappoint either!
I can't wait to see her next book!