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book_gremlin42's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Pregnancy, Homophobia, Racism, Adult/minor relationship, and Classism
Minor: Outing
elskabee's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
[nearly a 4!] Finally got around to finishing this after putting in on pause forever ago, and while at the time I thought it was because I was just not in the mood for historical romance, I think it was more than that. I still really enjoyed this book, but this is also the lowest I've rated a Cat Sebastian book and it may be a case of 'it's not you, it's me'.
I don't prefer steamy romances and this one was just a little much for me (I did not realise you could make HR kinda kinky lol). I felt like their physical connection was emphasised over their romantic connection or friendship which may be fine for some readers, but I personally needed a bit more of an emotional connection. It's still there, and I think their relationship development was really well done for what the author was trying to do (hence that this is just a me problem) but I found myself a bit more engaged in the other relationships in the book; particularly between Hartley and his staff turned friends/found family.
The ending was super sweet and that twist I was NOT expecting and is making me really excited to read the next in the series as soon as I can
I don't prefer steamy romances and this one was just a little much for me (I did not realise you could make HR kinda kinky lol). I felt like their physical connection was emphasised over their romantic connection or friendship which may be fine for some readers, but I personally needed a bit more of an emotional connection. It's still there, and I think their relationship development was really well done for what the author was trying to do (hence that this is just a me problem) but I found myself a bit more engaged in the other relationships in the book; particularly between Hartley and his staff turned friends/found family.
The ending was super sweet and that twist I was NOT expecting and is making me really excited to read the next in the series as soon as I can
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Adult/minor relationship
Occasional mentions of one of the main characters (Hartley) having previously been in a relationship as a minor with an older man. The relationship was not abusive, but was manipulative.sls0369's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Lovely story. I love how this series gently explores the "flaws" of the characters and how others help them to realize that they aren't flawed at all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Homophobia
Minor: Rape
fran's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Child abuse, and Homophobia
attolis's review
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Child abuse and Racism
Minor: Sexual assault
onlyonebookshelf's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Adult/minor relationship
pvbobrien's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia, Pregnancy, and Racism
Minor: Animal cruelty and Adult/minor relationship
cheye13's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Much like its predecessor in the series, this is a pleasant little story. Probably contrary to most romance readers, I wish there had been more of the previous book's characters in this one; I had forgotten this would take place in London. That being said, I really enjoyed the side characters in this one, and loved the found family they seemed on the verge of building. Lovely story to lift the spirits and pass the time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship and Pregnancy
Minor: Death, Racism, Violence, and Death of parent
vague discussions of period-compliant (& unregulated) sex work; the adult/minor relationship was in the past; the majority of the book addresses the emotional difficulties resulting from the death of one's abuseranalenegrace's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I read the first and third of this series before this one, so it was so nice to get an insight into Hartley and his life. I liked Sam, and I liked all of the side characters as well. I thought Sebastian did a decent job of handling an interracial gay relationship in the nineteenth century but in the end it still felt a bit fantastical simply due to the time period.
Same as in Ben's book (the first in the series), I thought the characters moved to quickly in their relationship; I personally don't like books where they say I love you after a month of knowing each other.
Same as in Ben's book (the first in the series), I thought the characters moved to quickly in their relationship; I personally don't like books where they say I love you after a month of knowing each other.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Sexual content, and Racism
Moderate: Pedophilia, Adult/minor relationship, and Classism
Minor: Slavery
_isabel_'s review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
4.5
LOVELY. Another gem from Cat Sebastian.
"A Gentleman Never Keeps Score" was as angsty and sweet as I hoped: this book was a peculiar mix of heart-warming and absolutely gut-wrenching, and I couldn't get enough!
Hartley and Sam stole my heart. Hartley with his wounded, prickly heart and his subtle kindness, and Sam, with his endless patience, his gentleness and in general, his dreamboat-ness; both of them were unforgettable protagonists and I loved them together to absolute bits.
Their relationship made me cry and swoon and sigh: it was utterly lovely, realistic, and the frustrations, real life issues and misunderstandings getting in the way of their love, made their final HEA even sweeter.
I also completely adored all side characters: from Kate and Nick to Alf and Sadie, and even those brief appearances of both Ben and Will, made up a cast of priceless, vivid and unforgettable side characters.
Cat Sebastian has a gift: she uses snark and light-heartedness to mask difficult themes, complex dynamics and heart-wrenching backstories and wounds, and needless to say, this second book of the Sedgwick brothers trilogy simultaneously broke my soul and made it whole.
I can't wait to read Will's story: I have no idea what to expect, but I'm sure it will be fantastic.
"A Gentleman Never Keeps Score" was as angsty and sweet as I hoped: this book was a peculiar mix of heart-warming and absolutely gut-wrenching, and I couldn't get enough!
Hartley and Sam stole my heart. Hartley with his wounded, prickly heart and his subtle kindness, and Sam, with his endless patience, his gentleness and in general, his dreamboat-ness; both of them were unforgettable protagonists and I loved them together to absolute bits.
Their relationship made me cry and swoon and sigh: it was utterly lovely, realistic, and the frustrations, real life issues and misunderstandings getting in the way of their love, made their final HEA even sweeter.
I also completely adored all side characters: from Kate and Nick to Alf and Sadie, and even those brief appearances of both Ben and Will, made up a cast of priceless, vivid and unforgettable side characters.
Cat Sebastian has a gift: she uses snark and light-heartedness to mask difficult themes, complex dynamics and heart-wrenching backstories and wounds, and needless to say, this second book of the Sedgwick brothers trilogy simultaneously broke my soul and made it whole.
I can't wait to read Will's story: I have no idea what to expect, but I'm sure it will be fantastic.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Racism, Adult/minor relationship, Homophobia, and Pregnancy