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Romance of the Turf #1
A Gentleman's Game
Suave Nathaniel Chandler can just as easily talk himself into a willing lady's embrace as he can broker a business deal. But no amount of charm is sufficient to cloak a chilling, recent discovery: every one of his award-winning racehorses has suddenly and mysteriously fallen ill.
Determined to discover the source of the problem, Nathaniel searches for all possible explanations. His suspicions fall on the alluring Rosalind Agate, his father's new secretary. But for the sake of both their livelihoods - and his recent attraction - Nathaniel sets aside his suspicions. Instead, he decides to use Rosalind's wit and her wiles as key components of his investigative team.
As the upcoming race draws near, Nathaniel and Rosalind must use every trick up their sleeves to not only catch the culprit, but also satisfy the desire that burns between them…
Determined to discover the source of the problem, Nathaniel searches for all possible explanations. His suspicions fall on the alluring Rosalind Agate, his father's new secretary. But for the sake of both their livelihoods - and his recent attraction - Nathaniel sets aside his suspicions. Instead, he decides to use Rosalind's wit and her wiles as key components of his investigative team.
As the upcoming race draws near, Nathaniel and Rosalind must use every trick up their sleeves to not only catch the culprit, but also satisfy the desire that burns between them…
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 2, 2016
82 people are currently reading
1147 people want to read
About the author
Theresa Romain
41 books661 followersTheresa Romain is the bestselling author of more than 20 historical romances, including the Holiday Pleasures series, the Matchmaker trilogy, the Royal Rewards series, and the Romance of the Turf series. Praised as “one of the rising stars of Regency historical romance” (Booklist), her books have finaled for the RITA® award, received starred reviews from Booklist, and been named to the Best Books of the Year list by NPR. Theresa is hard at work on her next book from her home in the Midwestern USA.
To keep up with all her book-release news, please visit her online at theresaromain.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter, or find her on BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/there....
To keep up with all her book-release news, please visit her online at theresaromain.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter, or find her on BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/there....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
March 22, 2016
3.5 stars
"Anyone who could manage impropriety beside a colicky pony is more determined than I am."
He grinned. "Well put. This is hardly a spot for seduction."
Now, why had he said that? Because once he said that word, her thoughts took wing. Where could one pursue a seduction, if one were perfect and unmarred and blithe? Ought it to be in a bed draped with silks? On the velvet squabs of a bespoke carriage? Would there be perfume and rose petals?
Curled against Rosalind, Sheltie took another drink, then let out a low animal sigh--- and shuddering burst of flatulence.
Such was always the the fate of rose-petal dreams, was it not?
Each time I read a book by this author I rate it a little higher than the last. I would call this a babbling brook read, the pace is slower and the tone is pretty gentle. I've seen others have complaints about too much "horse-y" things but I know absolutely nothing about horse racing and never felt overwhelmed (I do still harbor a little girl desire for a pony, so maybe that was helpful). I felt this was a book you sink into and the not overly intrusive, to me anyway, horse details added to the characters' world and thus to the atmosphere of the story.
I will say thinking back on the story as a whole, I think I liked the tone I felt while reading it more than the actual storylines. I don't know if that makes sense, lol. Most of the storylines, Rosalind being a spy for her "Aunt Anne" and the mystery behind that and why Nathaniel's father was targeted, are suddenly ignored for most of the middle of the book. The Aunt Anne spy thread comes back at the end but the explanation (maybe some continuing story here?) was pretty lacking and felt like a big disjointed piece of the books puzzle.
The best part of this book was our hero and heroine's relationship and their slow growth. I rarely say this, as I'm a perv, but their first sex scenes felt forced in and I would have rather done without or had an ending one. Their relationship forms from friendship and had a wonderful gentleness to it that felt rushed into unnecessary salaciousness to check a box on a list of things needed in a romance story. They felt more like an after marriage kind of couple.
I feel a little all over with this review but the relationship between the leads makes this a recommended read, especially if you like cute, charming, and good-natured heroes. I'll definitely be on the lookout for the next in the series.
"Anyone who could manage impropriety beside a colicky pony is more determined than I am."
He grinned. "Well put. This is hardly a spot for seduction."
Now, why had he said that? Because once he said that word, her thoughts took wing. Where could one pursue a seduction, if one were perfect and unmarred and blithe? Ought it to be in a bed draped with silks? On the velvet squabs of a bespoke carriage? Would there be perfume and rose petals?
Curled against Rosalind, Sheltie took another drink, then let out a low animal sigh--- and shuddering burst of flatulence.
Such was always the the fate of rose-petal dreams, was it not?
Each time I read a book by this author I rate it a little higher than the last. I would call this a babbling brook read, the pace is slower and the tone is pretty gentle. I've seen others have complaints about too much "horse-y" things but I know absolutely nothing about horse racing and never felt overwhelmed (I do still harbor a little girl desire for a pony, so maybe that was helpful). I felt this was a book you sink into and the not overly intrusive, to me anyway, horse details added to the characters' world and thus to the atmosphere of the story.
I will say thinking back on the story as a whole, I think I liked the tone I felt while reading it more than the actual storylines. I don't know if that makes sense, lol. Most of the storylines, Rosalind being a spy for her "Aunt Anne" and the mystery behind that and why Nathaniel's father was targeted, are suddenly ignored for most of the middle of the book. The Aunt Anne spy thread comes back at the end but the explanation (maybe some continuing story here?) was pretty lacking and felt like a big disjointed piece of the books puzzle.
The best part of this book was our hero and heroine's relationship and their slow growth. I rarely say this, as I'm a perv, but their first sex scenes felt forced in and I would have rather done without or had an ending one. Their relationship forms from friendship and had a wonderful gentleness to it that felt rushed into unnecessary salaciousness to check a box on a list of things needed in a romance story. They felt more like an after marriage kind of couple.
I feel a little all over with this review but the relationship between the leads makes this a recommended read, especially if you like cute, charming, and good-natured heroes. I'll definitely be on the lookout for the next in the series.
January 17, 2016
I think Theresa Romain is starting to really find her stride. She is a fresh voice in the genre with her consistent ability to create emotional romances with character who are relatable, nice, and easy to root for.
I am not a huge fan of horse racing so the details in the first 30% of the book were difficult to slog through for me, but once Nathaniel and Rosalind took center stage, well, let's just say I was in heaven! Therefore, one less star for the tough beginning, but 5 stars for the excellent character development.
Nathaniel Chandler, son of Sir William Chandler, is an adorable character. He might just be one of the sweetest heroes I have encountered in a long time. He travels throughout Europe transporting, selling, and purchasing horses for his wheelchair-ridden father for two reasons: 1) because he is good at it, and 2) because he hates being at Chandler hall, which never quite feels like home. In this story, Nathaniel wants to take two leading thoroughbreds to London for the Derby. However, despite all Nathaniel has done, his father does not trust him completely to transport the horses (which have been mysteriously falling ill) to the Derby without some sort of supervision. Enter Rosalind. Rosalind Agate has been functioning as a secretary for Sir William for a few months and is requested by Sir William to accompany Nathaniel on the trek and provide regular updates. Rosalind is a woman with many secrets, which Nathaniel steadily reveals through his kindness, ability to handle problems and delays (which he jokingly refers to as milkmaid), and sense of fun. Rosalind sees this early and reflects on his appeal:
After a few scenes with sick horses and Chandler hall, Rosalind and Nathaniel begin traveling together to London to deliver the horses. Theresa Romain then delivers some touching scenes with a village fête and a reunion with Rosalind's family. In this, we see Romain really shine. She deftly reveals Rosalind's troubles and how she is drawn to Nathaniel. In turn, Nathaniel is also drawn to Rosalind as she reveals her true self and experiences happiness for the first time in 10 long years:
This was a beautiful love story about two people who are warm, compassionate, and burdened with self doubts just like anyone else. I could strongly relate to these two and it was a joy watching them fall in love and open their hearts to each other. There are moments of sweetness, playfulness, and pain, all woven together to create a romance that keeps me returning to Romain again and again.
While the beginning was slow for me, it picked up after the 30% mark and I didn't put it down until it was over. I loved Nathaniel and Rosalind. I loved how the conquered their problems. I loved how they communicated with each other and teased each other. I loved how they interacted and cared for other. I. Just. Loved. Them.
While the horse racing is not my favorite theme (there is a racing scene at the end that I did like a lot though), I still pick up Romain's books because I love what she does with character development. I was not disappointed here. Once again, Romain created a romance that is poignant, compelling, and beautifully written. (5 star book, less one star for a slow beginning)
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review.
Note: For those who have not read The Sport of Baronets, the prequel novella to this, I would highly recommend it. It is currently available on Amazon for free (as of 1/16/15) and provides a nice introduction to the Chandler family and the horse racing world and it will help you decide whether the horse racing scene is for you.
I am not a huge fan of horse racing so the details in the first 30% of the book were difficult to slog through for me, but once Nathaniel and Rosalind took center stage, well, let's just say I was in heaven! Therefore, one less star for the tough beginning, but 5 stars for the excellent character development.
Nathaniel Chandler, son of Sir William Chandler, is an adorable character. He might just be one of the sweetest heroes I have encountered in a long time. He travels throughout Europe transporting, selling, and purchasing horses for his wheelchair-ridden father for two reasons: 1) because he is good at it, and 2) because he hates being at Chandler hall, which never quite feels like home. In this story, Nathaniel wants to take two leading thoroughbreds to London for the Derby. However, despite all Nathaniel has done, his father does not trust him completely to transport the horses (which have been mysteriously falling ill) to the Derby without some sort of supervision. Enter Rosalind. Rosalind Agate has been functioning as a secretary for Sir William for a few months and is requested by Sir William to accompany Nathaniel on the trek and provide regular updates. Rosalind is a woman with many secrets, which Nathaniel steadily reveals through his kindness, ability to handle problems and delays (which he jokingly refers to as milkmaid), and sense of fun. Rosalind sees this early and reflects on his appeal:
In every line of his handsome face, in every angle of his body, there was the promise of adventure. Escape. Exploration.
After a few scenes with sick horses and Chandler hall, Rosalind and Nathaniel begin traveling together to London to deliver the horses. Theresa Romain then delivers some touching scenes with a village fête and a reunion with Rosalind's family. In this, we see Romain really shine. She deftly reveals Rosalind's troubles and how she is drawn to Nathaniel. In turn, Nathaniel is also drawn to Rosalind as she reveals her true self and experiences happiness for the first time in 10 long years:
She had taken on a glow of more than prettiness, and it had nothing to do with the limelight. No, it was a feeling welling up from within. She looked happy. Proud, maybe. All sorts of good things that made him want to look, look some more, and hope for a smile to flower over her features when she felt his gaze.
This was a beautiful love story about two people who are warm, compassionate, and burdened with self doubts just like anyone else. I could strongly relate to these two and it was a joy watching them fall in love and open their hearts to each other. There are moments of sweetness, playfulness, and pain, all woven together to create a romance that keeps me returning to Romain again and again.
While the beginning was slow for me, it picked up after the 30% mark and I didn't put it down until it was over. I loved Nathaniel and Rosalind. I loved how the conquered their problems. I loved how they communicated with each other and teased each other. I loved how they interacted and cared for other. I. Just. Loved. Them.
While the horse racing is not my favorite theme (there is a racing scene at the end that I did like a lot though), I still pick up Romain's books because I love what she does with character development. I was not disappointed here. Once again, Romain created a romance that is poignant, compelling, and beautifully written. (5 star book, less one star for a slow beginning)
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review.
Note: For those who have not read The Sport of Baronets, the prequel novella to this, I would highly recommend it. It is currently available on Amazon for free (as of 1/16/15) and provides a nice introduction to the Chandler family and the horse racing world and it will help you decide whether the horse racing scene is for you.
September 17, 2016
I've given this a B+ at AAR, so 4.5 stars.
Even though Theresa Romain is one of my favourite historical romance authors, I did raise my eyebrows when I learned that she was writing a series of books which would be based around the Sport of Kings (horse racing). I know nothing about it – or horses - and wasn’t quite sure I’d be interested in reading stories about horse-mad people… but Ms Romain has never steered me wrong yet and I trust her to tell a good story in which the characters are front and centre. And indeed, A Gentleman’s Game, the first novel in her new Romance of the Turf series, once again showcases her ability to tell a good story and to create strong, likeable characters with whom readers can engage and empathise.
Nathaniel Chandler is the younger son of Sir William, formidable patriarch and owner of the family horse training business and stud farm. Owing to a misjudged act of rebellion when Nathaniel was just fifteen, father and son have an uncomfortable relationship; and even though Nathaniel travels the country buying and selling horses and taking care of various aspects of the business, Sir William doesn’t really trust him and believes him to be irresponsible. Knowing his father’s opinion, Nathaniel finds himself almost unconsciously playing up to the view of him as a flippant, devil-may-care sort who doesn’t take anything seriously.
Returning from his latest trip, Nathaniel again encounters his father’s new secretary, Rosalind Agate, whom he quickly realises is intelligent, competent and possessed of a dry wit – and finds her to be much more appealing than he remembers. He has also returned to bad news; three of their horses (two of which are slated to run in the upcoming Derby at Epsom) have gone down with bad cases of colic for no apparent reason. Together, Nathaniel and Rosalind attempt to discover the cause – but Rosalind fears that she already knows.
She has come to work at Chandler Hall, but not primarily as Sir William’s secretary. Instead, she is there to spy and to go through his papers in order to ferret out information for Aunt Annie, the woman to whom Rosalind owes her life. When she was just thirteen, Rosalind was burned in a fire, and it was Aunt Annie who paid for the medical care that saved her. After her recovery, Rosalind was only too pleased to do whatever Annie asked of her, moving from place to place and job to job, never able to make friends or a real life for herself, and believing that she was working off the monetary debt occasioned by the cost of her care and treatment. She suspects that the horses have been deliberately poisoned by Annie or someone she knows in order to ensure Rosalind’s continued compliance with her plans to find material with which to blackmail Sir William.
When the horses have recovered, it is time to travel to Epsom, and this year, Nathaniel wants to be the one to plan and make the journey with the large numbers of staff, grooms and outriders needed to accompany two incredibly valuable pieces of horseflesh from Newmarket to Surrey. But his father doesn’t trust him enough to undertake such an enterprise alone and will allow it on one condition; that Rosalind accompanies him and reports back regularly on their progress. And, of course, on Nathaniel’s actions. Much of the story is devoted to the journey and to the friendship and romance that develop between Rosalind and Nathaniel, with the sub-plot concerning Aunt Annie and her hold over Rosalind a constant background presence. Rosalind has reached a point when she longs to break free of her decade-long link to Annie and to live a normal life. She is lonely, her life of lies and deceit meaning she has had to keep herself apart from others; yet with Nathaniel, she allows herself a little glimpse of what things could be like for her once she is free, no matter that she knows full well that allowing herself to fall for her employer’s handsome son is a bad idea.
Nathaniel is lonely, too, part of a family and yet not part of it because of his fractured relationship with his father. Behind the charming façade is a young man searching for himself and a purpose in life; one who wants his father’s respect but is not sure how to bridge the gap between them.
Both protagonists are appealing characters, although Nathaniel totally steals the show from the minute he appears on the page. He’s utterly adorable – funny, kind, sensitive and endearingly self-deprecating, he’s a delicious beta-hero who isn’t afraid of his feelings for Rosalind and isn’t shy about revealing them to her. He is also far more competent and knowledgeable than his father believes him to be, surprising even Rosalind with his ability to organise, fix and generally keep things moving when they’re on the road.
I enjoyed the book very much, although I wasn’t completely convinced by the blackmail/Annie sub-plot which I found somewhat confusing. Perhaps it will be picked up in future books, but as it stands, it left me with a number of questions: Why Rosalind? Was she just one of many “indebted spies”? Was the reason given for Annie’s enmity towards Sir William genuine? Maybe I missed something, or am overcomplicating things, but while the plotline provided a plausible background for Rosalind’s deception, it doesn’t quite hold up on closer inspection.
But really, this is a beautifully written and tender love story about two lonely people finding each other and finding the strength through their love for one another to break through the barriers that have been holding them back from making their lives their own. The later scenes between Sir William and Nathaniel are touchingly honest and Rosalind’s lively, messy family are an utter delight; and through it all, Ms Romain has made good use of the backdrop of horse breeding and training and has incorporated a lot of detail that is interesting without becoming overwhelming.
A Gentleman’s Game is a great start to this new series, and I’m looking forward to reading more about the Chandlers and the Crosbys.
Even though Theresa Romain is one of my favourite historical romance authors, I did raise my eyebrows when I learned that she was writing a series of books which would be based around the Sport of Kings (horse racing). I know nothing about it – or horses - and wasn’t quite sure I’d be interested in reading stories about horse-mad people… but Ms Romain has never steered me wrong yet and I trust her to tell a good story in which the characters are front and centre. And indeed, A Gentleman’s Game, the first novel in her new Romance of the Turf series, once again showcases her ability to tell a good story and to create strong, likeable characters with whom readers can engage and empathise.
Nathaniel Chandler is the younger son of Sir William, formidable patriarch and owner of the family horse training business and stud farm. Owing to a misjudged act of rebellion when Nathaniel was just fifteen, father and son have an uncomfortable relationship; and even though Nathaniel travels the country buying and selling horses and taking care of various aspects of the business, Sir William doesn’t really trust him and believes him to be irresponsible. Knowing his father’s opinion, Nathaniel finds himself almost unconsciously playing up to the view of him as a flippant, devil-may-care sort who doesn’t take anything seriously.
Returning from his latest trip, Nathaniel again encounters his father’s new secretary, Rosalind Agate, whom he quickly realises is intelligent, competent and possessed of a dry wit – and finds her to be much more appealing than he remembers. He has also returned to bad news; three of their horses (two of which are slated to run in the upcoming Derby at Epsom) have gone down with bad cases of colic for no apparent reason. Together, Nathaniel and Rosalind attempt to discover the cause – but Rosalind fears that she already knows.
She has come to work at Chandler Hall, but not primarily as Sir William’s secretary. Instead, she is there to spy and to go through his papers in order to ferret out information for Aunt Annie, the woman to whom Rosalind owes her life. When she was just thirteen, Rosalind was burned in a fire, and it was Aunt Annie who paid for the medical care that saved her. After her recovery, Rosalind was only too pleased to do whatever Annie asked of her, moving from place to place and job to job, never able to make friends or a real life for herself, and believing that she was working off the monetary debt occasioned by the cost of her care and treatment. She suspects that the horses have been deliberately poisoned by Annie or someone she knows in order to ensure Rosalind’s continued compliance with her plans to find material with which to blackmail Sir William.
When the horses have recovered, it is time to travel to Epsom, and this year, Nathaniel wants to be the one to plan and make the journey with the large numbers of staff, grooms and outriders needed to accompany two incredibly valuable pieces of horseflesh from Newmarket to Surrey. But his father doesn’t trust him enough to undertake such an enterprise alone and will allow it on one condition; that Rosalind accompanies him and reports back regularly on their progress. And, of course, on Nathaniel’s actions. Much of the story is devoted to the journey and to the friendship and romance that develop between Rosalind and Nathaniel, with the sub-plot concerning Aunt Annie and her hold over Rosalind a constant background presence. Rosalind has reached a point when she longs to break free of her decade-long link to Annie and to live a normal life. She is lonely, her life of lies and deceit meaning she has had to keep herself apart from others; yet with Nathaniel, she allows herself a little glimpse of what things could be like for her once she is free, no matter that she knows full well that allowing herself to fall for her employer’s handsome son is a bad idea.
Nathaniel is lonely, too, part of a family and yet not part of it because of his fractured relationship with his father. Behind the charming façade is a young man searching for himself and a purpose in life; one who wants his father’s respect but is not sure how to bridge the gap between them.
Both protagonists are appealing characters, although Nathaniel totally steals the show from the minute he appears on the page. He’s utterly adorable – funny, kind, sensitive and endearingly self-deprecating, he’s a delicious beta-hero who isn’t afraid of his feelings for Rosalind and isn’t shy about revealing them to her. He is also far more competent and knowledgeable than his father believes him to be, surprising even Rosalind with his ability to organise, fix and generally keep things moving when they’re on the road.
I enjoyed the book very much, although I wasn’t completely convinced by the blackmail/Annie sub-plot which I found somewhat confusing. Perhaps it will be picked up in future books, but as it stands, it left me with a number of questions: Why Rosalind? Was she just one of many “indebted spies”? Was the reason given for Annie’s enmity towards Sir William genuine? Maybe I missed something, or am overcomplicating things, but while the plotline provided a plausible background for Rosalind’s deception, it doesn’t quite hold up on closer inspection.
But really, this is a beautifully written and tender love story about two lonely people finding each other and finding the strength through their love for one another to break through the barriers that have been holding them back from making their lives their own. The later scenes between Sir William and Nathaniel are touchingly honest and Rosalind’s lively, messy family are an utter delight; and through it all, Ms Romain has made good use of the backdrop of horse breeding and training and has incorporated a lot of detail that is interesting without becoming overwhelming.
A Gentleman’s Game is a great start to this new series, and I’m looking forward to reading more about the Chandlers and the Crosbys.
August 29, 2024
⭐
1 star.
👎
DNF @ 40%.
Underwhelming.
Slow/dragged.
Repetitive.
Uninteresting main characters.
Romance/chemistry unconvincing.
1 star.
👎
DNF @ 40%.
Underwhelming.
Slow/dragged.
Repetitive.
Uninteresting main characters.
Romance/chemistry unconvincing.
February 11, 2016
A Gentleman's Game - the first book in Theresa Romain's new
Romance of the Turf
series - has a freshness and quirkiness in style that sets her apart from a lot of others out there at present. I confess to knowing nothing whatsoever about the world of horse racing, which is the basis for the series, but even though I had to concentrate hard to get into the story, my lack of knowledge didn't actually cause me any problems while reading.
The characters, however, I adored immediately. Was there ever a more charmingly disarming, completely-unaware-of-his-own-attractiveness hero than Nathaniel Chandler? For me he steals the show; and his treatment of and kindness to, his father's secretary - the unfathomable Rosalind Agate - with her mysteriously secret agenda, is the kind of treatment and kindness any woman would give her eye teeth for. Rosalind too is an extremely likeable character, modest, no nonsense and efficient. "her accent as tidy and crisp as the angled streets of Mayfair". She suffered horrific scarring to her body after a childhood accident and bears it all in a pragmatic and non-self pitying manner, preferring to dwell on the positives rather than the negatives, in that the scars remind her to be thankful that she is alive.
Nathaniel is forever trying to please his critical, overbearing father, but is always found wanting and left frustrated by his inability to please him. Sir William Chandler does not trust his son to carry out any really important task on his own, despite the fact that Nathaniel travels the length and breadth of the country at his Father's bidding, successfully carrying out his orders. Although there is a family of four siblings, the only two who have any closeness to speak of are Nathaniel and his younger sister Hannah. The family fragmented when their mother died and Sir William left his young and grieving children to travel on the continent before contracting an illness that left him wheelchair bound and eventually brought him home; albeit still very much in control of his faculties and unwilling to share the running of his horse training and stud farm business. Father and son have never quite recovered from this episode in their lives and I thought it clever of Ms. Romain to introduce the subject of alcoholism into the story as a possible result of their estrangement. Nathaniel's lack of self worth and loneliness is astutely picked up by Rosalind, herself having being all but alone since her accident at age thirteen.
I loved the journey and funny little stories surrounding the horses and the young couple on the road to Epsom where two of the Chandler's thoroughbreds are to compete in the Derby. However, I felt that there was too much going on to allow me to completely enjoy the delightful love story developing between Rosalind and Nathaniel. And too, quite a complicated 'espionage' plotline which didn't quite add up with too many odd character names, threads and loose ends. Perhaps the rest of the series will reveal more. I did, however, adore Theresa Romain's beautifully drawn characters - especially the divine Nathaniel, and her very compelling style which has definitely wetted my appetite for more of her work in the future.
The characters, however, I adored immediately. Was there ever a more charmingly disarming, completely-unaware-of-his-own-attractiveness hero than Nathaniel Chandler? For me he steals the show; and his treatment of and kindness to, his father's secretary - the unfathomable Rosalind Agate - with her mysteriously secret agenda, is the kind of treatment and kindness any woman would give her eye teeth for. Rosalind too is an extremely likeable character, modest, no nonsense and efficient. "her accent as tidy and crisp as the angled streets of Mayfair". She suffered horrific scarring to her body after a childhood accident and bears it all in a pragmatic and non-self pitying manner, preferring to dwell on the positives rather than the negatives, in that the scars remind her to be thankful that she is alive.
Nathaniel is forever trying to please his critical, overbearing father, but is always found wanting and left frustrated by his inability to please him. Sir William Chandler does not trust his son to carry out any really important task on his own, despite the fact that Nathaniel travels the length and breadth of the country at his Father's bidding, successfully carrying out his orders. Although there is a family of four siblings, the only two who have any closeness to speak of are Nathaniel and his younger sister Hannah. The family fragmented when their mother died and Sir William left his young and grieving children to travel on the continent before contracting an illness that left him wheelchair bound and eventually brought him home; albeit still very much in control of his faculties and unwilling to share the running of his horse training and stud farm business. Father and son have never quite recovered from this episode in their lives and I thought it clever of Ms. Romain to introduce the subject of alcoholism into the story as a possible result of their estrangement. Nathaniel's lack of self worth and loneliness is astutely picked up by Rosalind, herself having being all but alone since her accident at age thirteen.
I loved the journey and funny little stories surrounding the horses and the young couple on the road to Epsom where two of the Chandler's thoroughbreds are to compete in the Derby. However, I felt that there was too much going on to allow me to completely enjoy the delightful love story developing between Rosalind and Nathaniel. And too, quite a complicated 'espionage' plotline which didn't quite add up with too many odd character names, threads and loose ends. Perhaps the rest of the series will reveal more. I did, however, adore Theresa Romain's beautifully drawn characters - especially the divine Nathaniel, and her very compelling style which has definitely wetted my appetite for more of her work in the future.
May 11, 2017
Buddy read with Andrea! :) you can find her review here https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This was a really enjoyable book! after a slow start, it picked up and became interesting. Although I don't know anything about horses, it didn't bother me at all and I loved the change from the usual london season in other books. I liked the writing and the characters especially Nathaniel who's the sweetest man ever! The thing I loved most in this book, is the developement of the relationship between the hero and heroine. I loved that they talked and got to know each other and developed a friendship before anything happend. It's a nice change from the usual thing in Historical Romances (where they're instantly in lust with each other).
So all in all, I really liked it and plan to read more by this author :)
This was a really enjoyable book! after a slow start, it picked up and became interesting. Although I don't know anything about horses, it didn't bother me at all and I loved the change from the usual london season in other books. I liked the writing and the characters especially Nathaniel who's the sweetest man ever! The thing I loved most in this book, is the developement of the relationship between the hero and heroine. I loved that they talked and got to know each other and developed a friendship before anything happend. It's a nice change from the usual thing in Historical Romances (where they're instantly in lust with each other).
So all in all, I really liked it and plan to read more by this author :)
February 10, 2017
“'I pray you, do not fall in love with me, for I am falser than vows made in wine.'” So said Rosalind in As You Like It. She never expected to live out these words.
“I’m not asking anything of you, Rosalind. I know better than to ask for things I cannot have. Stating what I want is risk enough.” His arm slid over her belly, her waist, then up her ribs. Just touching; he liked to touch things. Maybe they seemed more real when he did, an anchor to the world.
When his hand settled, he sighed. “You push back every time I come close, but not so hard that I think you want to break me. Just hard enough that I think you want to see if I’ll stay.” He lifted his head to press a kiss to her temple. “I’ll stay.”
3.8 stars!
As per usual with Theresa Romain’s books, A Gentleman’s Game was slow but steady in pace and featured characters that were so much more than what they appeared to be on the surface. Once again I loved the world of horse racing, secrets, lies and romance previously established in The Sport of Baronets. But what really helped to sell the story was its two oh so likable leads.
Nathaniel and Rosalind made a charmingly imperfect pair. I loved their easy rapport and the positive effects they had on each other such as Rosalind finally growing a spine and Nathaniel gaining self confidence. Every little moment they shared was special but most especially was their time spent at the fete in Kelting; the sugared almonds, the crown of red flowers, Nathaniel’s medal, Rosalind’s green ribbon that matched her eyes exactly and, of course, their first kiss. Le sigh.
I could see how the main plot involving Rosalind’s bumbling attempts of espionage involving her creepy benefactress and Nathaniel’s father would have bored some readers, and honestly it did me as well at times. But there’s just something about Theresa’s writing that keeps my interest until the end no matter what. Now I just wonder which of the remaining Chandler siblings will get the next book treatment.
P.S. I really, really, REALLY wish there had been an epilogue. I may be alone in this, but I just feel like the epilogue is the cherry on top of the HEA cake.
January 26, 2016
Following a glorious prequel, A GENTLEMAN’S GAME is the real first instalment of Theresa Romain’s Romance of the Turf series, and it is every bit as brilliant as I’d hoped it would be. Nathaniel Chandler travels all over England to buy and sell horses; it’s something he’s good at, and just about the only thing his curmudgeon father lets him do, but still he doesn’t get any respect from his pater, the Baronet. The Chandlers will enter horses in the Epsom Derby, but nearing the date of the race, some horses fall ill. Sir William Chandler’s secretary, Rosalind Agate is as competent as they come, and knowledgeable when it comes to horses. Sir Chandler seems to listen to her more than to his own son, and he entrusts her to find out who is aiming to sabotage the chance of one of their horses of becoming a two-time champion, she is to travel to Epsom as well. Nathaniel needs to go to Epsom so that his father acknowledges him at last, and he has to make a deal with Rosalind, who absolutely doesn’t want him to come along.
A GENTLEMAN’S GAME is a magnificent foray in the horse racing world of the Regency era, and Ms. Romain’s extensive knowledge – and obvious love – of her subject enlightens as well as entertains. There is a dreamy quality to the writing, an attention to those minute details that make the English countryside come alive in all its beauty. Rosalind and Nathaniel are exceedingly complex people; Rosalind is burdened with so many secrets that she barely exists. Both seek acceptance, respect, freedom, trust, although their issues and families are quite dissimilar. Rosalind and Nathaniel find in each other the strength to break free from the chains that keep them from living a fulfilling life. A GENTLEMAN’S GAME is a character study, a sublime romance, as well as an intricate, multilayered mystery: the ailing horses are but a small part of an extraordinary story woven around a web of lies, greed and deception.
A GENTLEMAN’S GAME is a riveting book filled with sorrow, humour, and love in all its forms. Once again, Theresa Romain demonstrates her immense talent and crafts a captivating story, where fascinating characters find love against all odds.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A GENTLEMAN’S GAME is a magnificent foray in the horse racing world of the Regency era, and Ms. Romain’s extensive knowledge – and obvious love – of her subject enlightens as well as entertains. There is a dreamy quality to the writing, an attention to those minute details that make the English countryside come alive in all its beauty. Rosalind and Nathaniel are exceedingly complex people; Rosalind is burdened with so many secrets that she barely exists. Both seek acceptance, respect, freedom, trust, although their issues and families are quite dissimilar. Rosalind and Nathaniel find in each other the strength to break free from the chains that keep them from living a fulfilling life. A GENTLEMAN’S GAME is a character study, a sublime romance, as well as an intricate, multilayered mystery: the ailing horses are but a small part of an extraordinary story woven around a web of lies, greed and deception.
A GENTLEMAN’S GAME is a riveting book filled with sorrow, humour, and love in all its forms. Once again, Theresa Romain demonstrates her immense talent and crafts a captivating story, where fascinating characters find love against all odds.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2016
5.5 stars out of 10 for me
I really enjoyed the author's previous books To Charm and Naughty Countess and It Takes Two to Tangle. If you have not read this author, I can recommend either of those two books.
This latest offering, though, I found to be slow and lacking in any sort of interesting tension. I felt like I was watching paint dry, and the book's 340-ish pages took me 4 days to finish.
The heroine here is keeping secrets--we vaguely know what is going on because we are told about it ad infinitum--but it just is not that interesting. And the ending--when there should have been some sort of compelling reveal as to just why our heroine has been doing what she's doing--was just a pfft event, IMHO.
The hero and heroine are attracted to each other from the start. There is no tension, really--just the heroine being unable to give herself to anyone (those pesky secrets, you know) and our hero, with his poor self esteem, trying to be worthy of the heroine and also kind of waiting for her to show signs of interest.
Lots of filler in this book--descriptions that are unnecessary and much repetition (of the "I can never give myself to anyone because my life is not my own..." variety) that got boring very fast. I see I had this very same complaint about Romain's previous book, Secrets of a Scandalous Heiress. The difference is that in that book, there was an interesting story amidst all the filler. Not so in A Gentleman's Game, at least not for me.
Obviously this book has its fans, if you look at other reviews. But I found the characters and plot line (as it turned out) flat and uninteresting.
I really enjoyed the author's previous books To Charm and Naughty Countess and It Takes Two to Tangle. If you have not read this author, I can recommend either of those two books.
This latest offering, though, I found to be slow and lacking in any sort of interesting tension. I felt like I was watching paint dry, and the book's 340-ish pages took me 4 days to finish.
The heroine here is keeping secrets--we vaguely know what is going on because we are told about it ad infinitum--but it just is not that interesting. And the ending--when there should have been some sort of compelling reveal as to just why our heroine has been doing what she's doing--was just a pfft event, IMHO.
The hero and heroine are attracted to each other from the start. There is no tension, really--just the heroine being unable to give herself to anyone (those pesky secrets, you know) and our hero, with his poor self esteem, trying to be worthy of the heroine and also kind of waiting for her to show signs of interest.
Lots of filler in this book--descriptions that are unnecessary and much repetition (of the "I can never give myself to anyone because my life is not my own..." variety) that got boring very fast. I see I had this very same complaint about Romain's previous book, Secrets of a Scandalous Heiress. The difference is that in that book, there was an interesting story amidst all the filler. Not so in A Gentleman's Game, at least not for me.
Obviously this book has its fans, if you look at other reviews. But I found the characters and plot line (as it turned out) flat and uninteresting.
March 30, 2016
Despite not having read the 0,5 (my mistake) I really liked the world Theresa has showed us in this book. Its not your typical HR, since both our hero and heroine are both working class (more or less).
I love the world of the horses and derby and just how likeable our otp was. The daddy issues were
handled correctly and even if Rosalind's conflict with her "Aunt" wasn't as good, the book never got to be too boring. Now I'm curious about the other siblings and ofc I'll read Hannah's story, even if its out of order lol
I love the world of the horses and derby and just how likeable our otp was. The daddy issues were
handled correctly and even if Rosalind's conflict with her "Aunt" wasn't as good, the book never got to be too boring. Now I'm curious about the other siblings and ofc I'll read Hannah's story, even if its out of order lol
February 4, 2016
Full review at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
Theresa Romain basically created a series just for me, and the first full-length book just confirms it. She reached into my head and found the references and plot that would make me happiest, and gave those thoughts a beautiful cover and said, “Here!”
The thing that delighted me NO END was the fact that Nathaniel, upon hearing Rosalind’s name, quoted Shakespeare: “Just as high as my heart” and I went “WAITASECOND” and asked Romain if she was deliberately referencing Rosalind, the famous trotting mare immortalized in Marguerite Henry’s Born to Trot. She was and was SUPER IMPRESSED that I got there. Basically, her reading material in her youth and my reading material in my youth are very similar (Marguerite Henry and Walter Farley).
I loved this and it totally lived up to the promise shown in The Sport of Baronets. Now to train for the next fight over the next ARC (which I will win because I have a rider’s thighs and I can break necks).
- Redheadedgirl
Theresa Romain basically created a series just for me, and the first full-length book just confirms it. She reached into my head and found the references and plot that would make me happiest, and gave those thoughts a beautiful cover and said, “Here!”
The thing that delighted me NO END was the fact that Nathaniel, upon hearing Rosalind’s name, quoted Shakespeare: “Just as high as my heart” and I went “WAITASECOND” and asked Romain if she was deliberately referencing Rosalind, the famous trotting mare immortalized in Marguerite Henry’s Born to Trot. She was and was SUPER IMPRESSED that I got there. Basically, her reading material in her youth and my reading material in my youth are very similar (Marguerite Henry and Walter Farley).
I loved this and it totally lived up to the promise shown in The Sport of Baronets. Now to train for the next fight over the next ARC (which I will win because I have a rider’s thighs and I can break necks).
- Redheadedgirl
February 12, 2016
„A Gentleman’s Game“ by Theresa Romain is the first novel in a series called “Romance of the Turf”. In the beginning I wasn’t sure if I’d like it because I am absolutely not into horses. I wouldn’t say I dislike them, just don’t care about these.
When Nathanial Chandler comes home from another tour through England to buy horses and meet “milkmades” he meets Rosalinde Chandler, his father’s new and female secretary. He’s the younger son and nobody really cares about his whereabouts, not even his father.
But they have a problem at home – there is an illness in the stables that make the horses be colic and as we all know they can die because of it. The stable boys have no clue why they are sick because there is no mold in the expensive hay etc. Rosalinde has a gift, she knows how to sooth the animals down, talking to them, touching them. It’s her calm attitude that does the magic. And Nathanial gets more and more attracted to her but she is a secretary, only a secretary who obviously has secrets.
Again and again Rosalind writes letters to her “aunt” using pseudonyms. In the beginning I had no clue where this is going but slowly it gets clearer – Rosaline is writing daily reports to this person and she is looking through older files, looking for something.
Nathanial’s father doesn’t trust him and not with the horses, so he “sends” Rosalind off to the derby with Nate, to write him daily reports. On the other side Nate and Rosalind have kind of a bet – she gets a lot of money if she helps him stay in his father’s graces.
So they head, with the expensive horses and a group of grooms towards the derby.
On the one hand I really enjoyed most of the story because it seemed believable and further to the end it got really unbelievable. Rosalind’s past is hunting her because when she was a teen she got burnt pretty badly and her parents gave her to this “aunt”, who took care of her. This one paid for medicine and things and tells Rosalind later on, that she paid her “dept” to somebody, a man, who now controls their life by handing out assignments to pay off the dept. But this aunt is also the former lover of Nate’s father and they had a child together she gave into care. I mean isn’t that a little much? And this woman doesn’t want Rosalind to be happy, especially not with Nate. And Nate’s father doesn’t want to see his son with Rosalind because he is from another social state and he doesn’t trust Rosalind anymore because they attended a celebration on their way to the Derby and she didn’t report about it …
It was a little too much. The story was cute, the way Nate met Rosalind’s family but the mystery was too mysterious, too unrealistic in my personal opinion.
That’s why it’s only a 4* novel in my opinion.
When Nathanial Chandler comes home from another tour through England to buy horses and meet “milkmades” he meets Rosalinde Chandler, his father’s new and female secretary. He’s the younger son and nobody really cares about his whereabouts, not even his father.
But they have a problem at home – there is an illness in the stables that make the horses be colic and as we all know they can die because of it. The stable boys have no clue why they are sick because there is no mold in the expensive hay etc. Rosalinde has a gift, she knows how to sooth the animals down, talking to them, touching them. It’s her calm attitude that does the magic. And Nathanial gets more and more attracted to her but she is a secretary, only a secretary who obviously has secrets.
Again and again Rosalind writes letters to her “aunt” using pseudonyms. In the beginning I had no clue where this is going but slowly it gets clearer – Rosaline is writing daily reports to this person and she is looking through older files, looking for something.
Nathanial’s father doesn’t trust him and not with the horses, so he “sends” Rosalind off to the derby with Nate, to write him daily reports. On the other side Nate and Rosalind have kind of a bet – she gets a lot of money if she helps him stay in his father’s graces.
So they head, with the expensive horses and a group of grooms towards the derby.
On the one hand I really enjoyed most of the story because it seemed believable and further to the end it got really unbelievable. Rosalind’s past is hunting her because when she was a teen she got burnt pretty badly and her parents gave her to this “aunt”, who took care of her. This one paid for medicine and things and tells Rosalind later on, that she paid her “dept” to somebody, a man, who now controls their life by handing out assignments to pay off the dept. But this aunt is also the former lover of Nate’s father and they had a child together she gave into care. I mean isn’t that a little much? And this woman doesn’t want Rosalind to be happy, especially not with Nate. And Nate’s father doesn’t want to see his son with Rosalind because he is from another social state and he doesn’t trust Rosalind anymore because they attended a celebration on their way to the Derby and she didn’t report about it …
It was a little too much. The story was cute, the way Nate met Rosalind’s family but the mystery was too mysterious, too unrealistic in my personal opinion.
That’s why it’s only a 4* novel in my opinion.
January 19, 2016
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Theresa Romain is a new-to-me author, but one whose name isn't completely unfamiliar. And although this was my first Theresa Romain historical romance, it certainly won't be my last.
A Gentleman's Game was slow to start, but once it gained speed and traction, it was difficult to stop. (Possibly why I finished it in an afternoon.) I had to see the story through, figure out who was behind the mysterious illness of Nathaniel's horses, and read the conclusion to Rosalind and Nathaniel's romance.
Perhaps part of why A Gentleman's Game felt slow to start was that the characters' back stories unfolded over time, so the focus was on learning more about the characters in addition to figuring out what was going on with the horses. From the start, it was easy to see that Rosalind was hiding something, but we don't learn the extent of it until a good portion of the way into the book. I would have preferred a bit more tension right away, but that's me...
The presence of family is woven throughout A Gentleman's Game, both in Nathaniel's interactions with his father (which influenced who his character was and how he acted) and in Rosalind's family. There's something special about books with a strong family presence or complicated family relationships a character strives to patch up.
The mystery behind the horses' illnesses wasn't exactly a complete mystery, but still, I would have liked to see the culprit play a larger role earlier (or rather, play a steady role throughout the book) so that some things that happened at the end didn't seem so rushed together. (The slow start to the book could have affected my feelings of this, too.)
As the first book in a new series, A Gentleman's Game has me interested in future books -- as well as the prequel novella. Looking forward to more!
Theresa Romain is a new-to-me author, but one whose name isn't completely unfamiliar. And although this was my first Theresa Romain historical romance, it certainly won't be my last.
A Gentleman's Game was slow to start, but once it gained speed and traction, it was difficult to stop. (Possibly why I finished it in an afternoon.) I had to see the story through, figure out who was behind the mysterious illness of Nathaniel's horses, and read the conclusion to Rosalind and Nathaniel's romance.
Perhaps part of why A Gentleman's Game felt slow to start was that the characters' back stories unfolded over time, so the focus was on learning more about the characters in addition to figuring out what was going on with the horses. From the start, it was easy to see that Rosalind was hiding something, but we don't learn the extent of it until a good portion of the way into the book. I would have preferred a bit more tension right away, but that's me...
The presence of family is woven throughout A Gentleman's Game, both in Nathaniel's interactions with his father (which influenced who his character was and how he acted) and in Rosalind's family. There's something special about books with a strong family presence or complicated family relationships a character strives to patch up.
The mystery behind the horses' illnesses wasn't exactly a complete mystery, but still, I would have liked to see the culprit play a larger role earlier (or rather, play a steady role throughout the book) so that some things that happened at the end didn't seem so rushed together. (The slow start to the book could have affected my feelings of this, too.)
As the first book in a new series, A Gentleman's Game has me interested in future books -- as well as the prequel novella. Looking forward to more!
March 20, 2016
4.5* rounded up.
I adored this book. This Regency is set among the backdrop of horse racing. In addition, neither of the two leads are titled. Rosalind is the daughter of innkeepers. Nathaniel is the second son of a baronet, whose father got his title somewhat recently for military service to the Crown. Both of these set this apart from most of the historical romance I've read.
Rosalind was burned at 13. To save her life, her parents sent her to live/stay with a family friend. This friend paid for her care. As a result, Rosalind has spent the last 10 years in service, at various assignments, to pay off her debt.
Nathaniel continuously tries to win back his father's trust. He made a mistake as a teenager to turn to alcohol to cope with his mother's death. Ever since, Sir William has treated Nathaniel as irresponsible and untrustworthy. He learned from the mistake and I liked the struggle the book showed with Nathaniel and alcohol.
Both a little lost, they find each other. At first acquaintances, then friends, and then lovers. Their relationship was gradual and natural. Both are likable, strong, complex characters that complement and "get" each other.
The mystery was well developed and I had fun seeing if my theory was correct.
A new author for me, I had previously read the novella "The Sport of Baronets," in preparation for this one. I like her writing style and plan to check out her back-list! "The Sport of Baronets" is currently free at Amazon and B&N. (As of Jan 15th)
Release date Feb 2, 2016
eARC received in exchange for review from Sourcebooks/NetGalley.
I adored this book. This Regency is set among the backdrop of horse racing. In addition, neither of the two leads are titled. Rosalind is the daughter of innkeepers. Nathaniel is the second son of a baronet, whose father got his title somewhat recently for military service to the Crown. Both of these set this apart from most of the historical romance I've read.
Rosalind was burned at 13. To save her life, her parents sent her to live/stay with a family friend. This friend paid for her care. As a result, Rosalind has spent the last 10 years in service, at various assignments, to pay off her debt.
Nathaniel continuously tries to win back his father's trust. He made a mistake as a teenager to turn to alcohol to cope with his mother's death. Ever since, Sir William has treated Nathaniel as irresponsible and untrustworthy. He learned from the mistake and I liked the struggle the book showed with Nathaniel and alcohol.
Both a little lost, they find each other. At first acquaintances, then friends, and then lovers. Their relationship was gradual and natural. Both are likable, strong, complex characters that complement and "get" each other.
The mystery was well developed and I had fun seeing if my theory was correct.
A new author for me, I had previously read the novella "The Sport of Baronets," in preparation for this one. I like her writing style and plan to check out her back-list! "The Sport of Baronets" is currently free at Amazon and B&N. (As of Jan 15th)
Release date Feb 2, 2016
eARC received in exchange for review from Sourcebooks/NetGalley.
March 8, 2016
... horses, hearts and hurts!
I had such high hopes for the romance between Nathaniel Chandler and his father's secretary, Rosalind Agate. The beginning started well with Nathaniel and Rosalie working together, helping to cure the sickness developed by some of the thoroughbreds trained by the stables of Nathaniel's father. Nathaniel knows that his father doesn't trust him. It's obvious. It takes us some time and a heap of hints for us to discover the cause. And it takes a long time for the story of Rosalie to come to the fore. Rosalie is trapped in a web of deceit not of her own making, but to which she is beholden.
Nathaniel is a rather wonderful man, who has grown beyond his childish actions yet is hampered by his father's outdated view of him. Hence the rather inane reference to 'milkmaids', Nathaniel's code for problems he comes across as he travels England and beyond on missives for his father. I grew heartedly tired of those references.
There is mystery, romance and family secrets, the excitement of Derby Day at Epsom, the simple pleasures of an English village fete and a story of three people, each in their own way, learning to trust.
A NetGalley ARC
I had such high hopes for the romance between Nathaniel Chandler and his father's secretary, Rosalind Agate. The beginning started well with Nathaniel and Rosalie working together, helping to cure the sickness developed by some of the thoroughbreds trained by the stables of Nathaniel's father. Nathaniel knows that his father doesn't trust him. It's obvious. It takes us some time and a heap of hints for us to discover the cause. And it takes a long time for the story of Rosalie to come to the fore. Rosalie is trapped in a web of deceit not of her own making, but to which she is beholden.
Nathaniel is a rather wonderful man, who has grown beyond his childish actions yet is hampered by his father's outdated view of him. Hence the rather inane reference to 'milkmaids', Nathaniel's code for problems he comes across as he travels England and beyond on missives for his father. I grew heartedly tired of those references.
There is mystery, romance and family secrets, the excitement of Derby Day at Epsom, the simple pleasures of an English village fete and a story of three people, each in their own way, learning to trust.
A NetGalley ARC
February 1, 2016
A Gentleman's Game was quite charming, with two protagonists both with secrets, both attracted to one another, with differing stations in life forming an unusual bond that grows as the story progresses. I love the way that Nathaniel and Rosalie just kind of grew into their relationship and how the secrets that they've been keeping from other people seems to just easily spill out when they've been in each others company and aren't held against them in anyway. They felt so wonderfully ordinary in their romantic courtship and their flirtations developing into something deeper.
This book has more a character and emotional development type of plot although there is some sort of mystery going on in Rosalie's past. This felt just a little anticlimactic and not really a compelling subplot, dragging the pacing of the story to an almost slow pace. In the end the mystery just felt a little bit tacked on with no convincing reason as to why it unfolded that way. However, this did not detract overall in the books romantic storyline. In fact, Nathaniel and Rosalie is one couple where love's redemptive quality subtly comes into play.
*ARC provided thru NetGalley by the publisher*
This book has more a character and emotional development type of plot although there is some sort of mystery going on in Rosalie's past. This felt just a little anticlimactic and not really a compelling subplot, dragging the pacing of the story to an almost slow pace. In the end the mystery just felt a little bit tacked on with no convincing reason as to why it unfolded that way. However, this did not detract overall in the books romantic storyline. In fact, Nathaniel and Rosalie is one couple where love's redemptive quality subtly comes into play.
*ARC provided thru NetGalley by the publisher*
February 14, 2016
The air of mystery is what sold me. The romance is just an added bonus. I received a copy of Ms. Romaine's latest story in exchange for an honest review. Nathaniel is trying to live down past actions and show he has grown into a responsible businessman. Yet with obstacles that include a doubting father, mysteriously ill horses and a daring infatuation with a woman he doesn't trust, he may not stand a chance. In all I feel that Theresa Romain did a pretty good job of crafting her story around two very misunderstood characters. A Gentleman's Game is the first historical romance that didn't completely sell me on the love story but drew me to the puzzle inside.
January 20, 2016
I received this from Netgalley/ Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. This is a story about a woman with some secrets. We have Rosalind who is working for the Chandler family as a secretary and Nathaniel who is trying to prove himself to his father. They embark on a journey to try to when a derby race. The story was so slow. It took me forever to get into. I usually love a good historical but this one needed more action well more speed.
February 29, 2016
LOVED the verbal banter between these two!
April 14, 2018
First of all, I loved Nathaniel and Rosalind. They had a great connection and witty banter. Nathaniel, the younger son of Sir William Chandler, is trying to earn back his father’s trust after losing it when he was younger. Rosalind is, well, that’s the part I couldn’t get into. She is indebted to a woman she calls “Aunt Annie” who she works for by finding out information for her. Basically, like a private spy. This part of the story completely annoyed and frustrated me. The more we find out about Aunt Annie, the less sense it makes. I tried to ignore this part but it comes more into play towards the end of the book. The resolution of the situation I thought was strange and pretty anticlimactic.
But, as I said, I loved Rosalind and Nathaniel. The parts where they were together were fantastic and I thought their romance ended very nicely. I hope to read more about them in future books in this series.
But, as I said, I loved Rosalind and Nathaniel. The parts where they were together were fantastic and I thought their romance ended very nicely. I hope to read more about them in future books in this series.
December 7, 2018
This poor book did suffer a bit reading wise, I got a review book that had to be read, I got another review book that had to be read. So there was this break in the middle, but honestly, it was so easy jumping right back in!
Rosalind is not who she say she is (and I did wonder about that whole spy thing, secrets! I mean there must be more in other books I guess). Anyway, she was a good woman, just she had this debt, and she never did anything horrible. She told secrets.
Nathaniel was a gentleman. I liked his wit. Oh that humour of his *shakes head and smiles*
Horses have colic. They are going to a race. They fall in love. That is the book. Fun and light and like I said, a bit away did not make a different. And I liked that.
Nice.
Rosalind is not who she say she is (and I did wonder about that whole spy thing, secrets! I mean there must be more in other books I guess). Anyway, she was a good woman, just she had this debt, and she never did anything horrible. She told secrets.
Nathaniel was a gentleman. I liked his wit. Oh that humour of his *shakes head and smiles*
Horses have colic. They are going to a race. They fall in love. That is the book. Fun and light and like I said, a bit away did not make a different. And I liked that.
Nice.
August 14, 2017
3.5 out of 5 stars
Want to read
November 7, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/7/2019)! 🎁
May 20, 2023
DNF @ 47% 20/05-23
Unfortunately this book never really caught my attention, and I skipped more pages than I read.
Unfortunately this book never really caught my attention, and I skipped more pages than I read.
February 9, 2016
A new historical romance that features the horse racing community. I enjoyed the setting and the characters that are introduced, a wonderful start to a new series.
Nathaniel Chandler has wanted to be a part of his father’s life for years, yet they are often at odds. Sir William is in a wheelchair, still proud and able to run a successful horse farm, but Nathaniel was a wild one in his younger days, drinking to excess and his father does not trust him. While visiting, they realize several of his father’s prized horses they plan to race in the Derby are sick with colic, they are desperate to solve the mystery and form a tentative truce.
Rosalind Agate is Sir William’s secretary, an unusual job for a woman, but she comes with good recommendations and is working out well. She has had many jobs in the past ten years, often leaving in a hurry and rarely saying goodbye to friends she has met. She hides several truths about herself and is constantly corresponding with a woman she calls Aunt Anne, someone who is not a relative and is a mystery herself. She saved Rosalind’s life ten years ago and since then Rosalind has worked for her, paying off a debt with spying and lies. When Rosalind meets Nathaniel she is in hopes that she can get the money she needs to break free from Anne, and they make a wager that turns into much more.
I enjoyed this first book in a new series, it is a bit different from what I have been reading in historicals lately and I liked the change. The characters are not from the aristocracy, no dukes or earls in the bunch; Nathaniel’s father is a Baron, almost working class.
Rosalind is in a bind, she is grateful to Aunt Anne for saving her life, but she is ready to move on and Anne is not very trustworthy. Rosalind has lived a lonely life since leaving her family, having to move so often because of the lies she has told and the information she has gathered, but when she meets Nathaniel she believes she might be able to dream of a future.
Nathaniel wants to please his father, as a middle child he feels like he has been lost in the shuffle. He brothers and sister are accomplished and set in life and he has not found his place yet. While staying with his father, he tries in every way to do something for him, but gets brushed aside, however it takes Rosalind’s introspective on the relationship to throw some light on what they are both doing wrong and I like how things end.
Nathaniel and Rosalind have an unremarkable relationship in the beginning, yet they are thrown together to solve the mystery of the sick horses. Nathaniel talks his father into letting him travel with the horses to race in the Derby, and when he asks Rosalind to come with him, she agrees on one condition, one that will set her free. I enjoyed their adventures while they traveled, seeing her family for the first time in ten years, it is apparent how much she has missed them. The two also become very close and discover their attraction is mutual and the relationship grows beyond friendship. They are both full of self-doubt and I love watching them become more confident throughout the story.
The pace starts slow and seems to drag in the beginning but picks up and I enjoyed their travel adventure and the people they meet along the way. I was waiting for more scenes at the horse track but I think with a mystery to solve and relationships that need mending, it kind of fell to the side. I liked many of the secondary characters that played important roles including siblings from both their families and even liked his father in the end. A delightful first book in the series and I look forward to more.
Review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Copy from the publisher for an honest review
Nathaniel Chandler has wanted to be a part of his father’s life for years, yet they are often at odds. Sir William is in a wheelchair, still proud and able to run a successful horse farm, but Nathaniel was a wild one in his younger days, drinking to excess and his father does not trust him. While visiting, they realize several of his father’s prized horses they plan to race in the Derby are sick with colic, they are desperate to solve the mystery and form a tentative truce.
Rosalind Agate is Sir William’s secretary, an unusual job for a woman, but she comes with good recommendations and is working out well. She has had many jobs in the past ten years, often leaving in a hurry and rarely saying goodbye to friends she has met. She hides several truths about herself and is constantly corresponding with a woman she calls Aunt Anne, someone who is not a relative and is a mystery herself. She saved Rosalind’s life ten years ago and since then Rosalind has worked for her, paying off a debt with spying and lies. When Rosalind meets Nathaniel she is in hopes that she can get the money she needs to break free from Anne, and they make a wager that turns into much more.
I enjoyed this first book in a new series, it is a bit different from what I have been reading in historicals lately and I liked the change. The characters are not from the aristocracy, no dukes or earls in the bunch; Nathaniel’s father is a Baron, almost working class.
Rosalind is in a bind, she is grateful to Aunt Anne for saving her life, but she is ready to move on and Anne is not very trustworthy. Rosalind has lived a lonely life since leaving her family, having to move so often because of the lies she has told and the information she has gathered, but when she meets Nathaniel she believes she might be able to dream of a future.
Nathaniel wants to please his father, as a middle child he feels like he has been lost in the shuffle. He brothers and sister are accomplished and set in life and he has not found his place yet. While staying with his father, he tries in every way to do something for him, but gets brushed aside, however it takes Rosalind’s introspective on the relationship to throw some light on what they are both doing wrong and I like how things end.
Nathaniel and Rosalind have an unremarkable relationship in the beginning, yet they are thrown together to solve the mystery of the sick horses. Nathaniel talks his father into letting him travel with the horses to race in the Derby, and when he asks Rosalind to come with him, she agrees on one condition, one that will set her free. I enjoyed their adventures while they traveled, seeing her family for the first time in ten years, it is apparent how much she has missed them. The two also become very close and discover their attraction is mutual and the relationship grows beyond friendship. They are both full of self-doubt and I love watching them become more confident throughout the story.
The pace starts slow and seems to drag in the beginning but picks up and I enjoyed their travel adventure and the people they meet along the way. I was waiting for more scenes at the horse track but I think with a mystery to solve and relationships that need mending, it kind of fell to the side. I liked many of the secondary characters that played important roles including siblings from both their families and even liked his father in the end. A delightful first book in the series and I look forward to more.
Review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Copy from the publisher for an honest review
December 22, 2019
A historical romance where the love interest isn't a rake; doesn't smirk, brood or manipulate; and isn't possessive and constantly trying to push boundaries....is that even allowed??
December 2, 2015
Rosalind and Nathaniel become acquainted when he returns to his father's home and meets his father's secretary.
Sir William is a horseman who trains horses. Even though Sir William is confined to a wheeled chair, he is in charge of every aspect of the training and conditioning in the stables. Nathaniel has worked for his father traveling the country and generally doing whatever needs to be done. The relationship between father and son is not a good one. Sir William treats Nathaniel as if he does not deserve respect. That treatment makes Nathaniel believe he does not deserve respect.
Rosalind has come to work for Sir William because she believes that he holds information and secrets which will help her true employer. For 13 years she has been going from job to job to gather information. It has all been for a woman who makes Rosalind believe that she owes her life to Aunt Annie.
The first of the book gets off to a slow start but before too long we are moving along, figuratively and literally. There is a slow trip from Sir William's estate to Epson, and an important horse race. The traveling party is made up of Rosalind, Nathaniel, grooms and out riders, a carriage filled with equipment and many horses. Two of the horses will compete in the race and hopefully bring glory to the Chandlers.
Rosalind at first seems difficult to admire. But, as the reader becomes more familiar with her sense of duty and obligation it is easy to see she is a good woman.
Nathaniel is a terrific man. He has a strong sense of duty and even though he makes jokes, he is well aware of what his responsibilities are to everyone around him. He has led a lonely life and as he learns to admire and then care for Rosalind, the loneliness becomes even more obvious.
The character development is as always very good. Ms Romain is a talented author who allows her readers to feel as though her characters are dear friends. The secondary characters provide texture and color to this story. As the story progresses, the reader can become an observer of the lives of everyone from hard working families to wealthy land owners.
The plot is a departure for historic romances. We are immersed in horses and racing as well as travel and coaching inns. In short, what we learn the most about is life in another time and place. That life was populated by real people and at the end of the book I felt as though I had met many of them.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in the hope that I would provide a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Sir William is a horseman who trains horses. Even though Sir William is confined to a wheeled chair, he is in charge of every aspect of the training and conditioning in the stables. Nathaniel has worked for his father traveling the country and generally doing whatever needs to be done. The relationship between father and son is not a good one. Sir William treats Nathaniel as if he does not deserve respect. That treatment makes Nathaniel believe he does not deserve respect.
Rosalind has come to work for Sir William because she believes that he holds information and secrets which will help her true employer. For 13 years she has been going from job to job to gather information. It has all been for a woman who makes Rosalind believe that she owes her life to Aunt Annie.
The first of the book gets off to a slow start but before too long we are moving along, figuratively and literally. There is a slow trip from Sir William's estate to Epson, and an important horse race. The traveling party is made up of Rosalind, Nathaniel, grooms and out riders, a carriage filled with equipment and many horses. Two of the horses will compete in the race and hopefully bring glory to the Chandlers.
Rosalind at first seems difficult to admire. But, as the reader becomes more familiar with her sense of duty and obligation it is easy to see she is a good woman.
Nathaniel is a terrific man. He has a strong sense of duty and even though he makes jokes, he is well aware of what his responsibilities are to everyone around him. He has led a lonely life and as he learns to admire and then care for Rosalind, the loneliness becomes even more obvious.
The character development is as always very good. Ms Romain is a talented author who allows her readers to feel as though her characters are dear friends. The secondary characters provide texture and color to this story. As the story progresses, the reader can become an observer of the lives of everyone from hard working families to wealthy land owners.
The plot is a departure for historic romances. We are immersed in horses and racing as well as travel and coaching inns. In short, what we learn the most about is life in another time and place. That life was populated by real people and at the end of the book I felt as though I had met many of them.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in the hope that I would provide a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 10, 2019
A sllllloooowwww burner of a romance. I loved the main couple as both individuals and as a couple, but man it took a while for the plot to get going. I read the prequel novella to the series and enjoyed it - maybe because it was shorter and therefore didn't need all this unnecessary puff.
Nathan Chandler is the son trying to do good in his dad's eyes and ends up falling short. He has the chance to prove himself but needs his dad's secretary, Rosalind, to go with him as a way to get his dad on his side. Rosalind isn't just a secretary, she is also spying on the Chandler family (especially the dad) due to a blackmail scheme she is a victim of. They go on the road to deliver two racing horses to Epsy for the big race. They have a crew, so their flirting with and confiding in each other has a little audience. The race lasts all of one page. Everything comes to a head when they start on the return trip to Newmarket. The sex scene is very tender due to Rosalind's past injuries, which I wonder how Ms. Romain was going to pull it off. A great read once your past the 25% mark, but it was a slog to get through that first part so have patience.
Nathan Chandler is the son trying to do good in his dad's eyes and ends up falling short. He has the chance to prove himself but needs his dad's secretary, Rosalind, to go with him as a way to get his dad on his side. Rosalind isn't just a secretary, she is also spying on the Chandler family (especially the dad) due to a blackmail scheme she is a victim of. They go on the road to deliver two racing horses to Epsy for the big race. They have a crew, so their flirting with and confiding in each other has a little audience. The race lasts all of one page. Everything comes to a head when they start on the return trip to Newmarket. The sex scene is very tender due to Rosalind's past injuries, which I wonder how Ms. Romain was going to pull it off. A great read once your past the 25% mark, but it was a slog to get through that first part so have patience.
February 5, 2016
Opening with a fresh perspective, Theresa Romain gives us the story of two ‘commoners’ who are functioning in the horse-racing world. Nathaniel has a gifted eye for horseflesh and training, and has spent years working to gain his father’s approval. His father received the title of Baronet as recognition, and he’s never wholly approved or trusted him. Sir William has a secretary, Rosalind, daughter of innkeepers and a knowledgeable and trusted employee. More importantly, Sir William treats Rosalind with the respect and attention that he doesn’t afford his son.
A big race is coming up on the horizon, and Nathaniel wants to participate: he’d need to transport the horses to the venue ahead of time, but two issues are cropping up. Horses are suddenly and unexpectedly falling ill with no real cause that can be found, and Sir William does not trust Nathaniel to manage alone. To that end, he assigns Rosalind to both supervise Nathan and the horses, and to discover what is causing the horses to fall ill.
Romain builds this story carefully if a bit unevenly, with information regarding horses and racing being prominent in the first quarter of the novel, setting up the story to come. Both Nathaniel and Rosalind are struggling with their own issues regarding acceptance, their own positions in society, and just whether or not they can take a chance and trust one another. Slowly these two reveal themselves to us and each other: there are secrets galore, insecurities and of course, who is making the horses ill. It was interesting to watch Romain’s process with these two, a gradual unfolding as each revelation builds on the next, fully coloring in the lines that are the characters. With lyrical and descriptive phrasing, an interesting series of issues surrounding more ‘working class’ minded people and their approaches to life and the obvious connection between them, it was easy to get lost and just enjoy the ride.
While the ending did feel a bit overstuffed with revealing the villain and sorting things between Rosalind and Nathaniel, I enjoyed the trip as we saw the gradual path into love.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
A big race is coming up on the horizon, and Nathaniel wants to participate: he’d need to transport the horses to the venue ahead of time, but two issues are cropping up. Horses are suddenly and unexpectedly falling ill with no real cause that can be found, and Sir William does not trust Nathaniel to manage alone. To that end, he assigns Rosalind to both supervise Nathan and the horses, and to discover what is causing the horses to fall ill.
Romain builds this story carefully if a bit unevenly, with information regarding horses and racing being prominent in the first quarter of the novel, setting up the story to come. Both Nathaniel and Rosalind are struggling with their own issues regarding acceptance, their own positions in society, and just whether or not they can take a chance and trust one another. Slowly these two reveal themselves to us and each other: there are secrets galore, insecurities and of course, who is making the horses ill. It was interesting to watch Romain’s process with these two, a gradual unfolding as each revelation builds on the next, fully coloring in the lines that are the characters. With lyrical and descriptive phrasing, an interesting series of issues surrounding more ‘working class’ minded people and their approaches to life and the obvious connection between them, it was easy to get lost and just enjoy the ride.
While the ending did feel a bit overstuffed with revealing the villain and sorting things between Rosalind and Nathaniel, I enjoyed the trip as we saw the gradual path into love.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
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