Growing up, the three of us were friends.He was the nerd.I was the playboy.She was the beauty.Deep down, I only ever wanted her.I kept it inside because Rory and I made a pact that our friend, Amber, was off-limits.He lied.I went off to college, and he got the girl.Amber never knew how I felt.They were together for years¿before he broke her heart.Through it all and across the miles, she and I … casually stayed in touch.
When my job sent me to Boston for a three-month contract position, Amber let me stay in her spare room. Still reeling from her breakup, she¿d sworn off men.
One night, I opened her computer to find the shock of my life. She¿d hesitantly contacted a male escort company. Afraid to date and get her heart broken again, she was looking for sex with no strings. Every emotion imaginable ran through me: protectiveness, jealousy¿curiosity.
Amber had chosen Gentleman Number Nine and sent him a message.She opened up to him, confessing, among other things, her physical attraction to her friend¿me. But she considered me off-limits¿and she thought I was a manwhore. (Ironic, considering the circumstances.)
Eventually, she set up a date to meet Gentleman Nine at a hotel.When she showed up several nights later to meet him, she was stunned to see me standing there¿with an offer I hoped she wouldn¿t refuse.
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I love all of Penelope’s books! This one is no different. I love her characters and the stories are so captivating. Gentleman Nine is no different. You can’t go wrong!
No one does love triangles like Penelope Ward. And there’s always a heartbreaking twist that makes you reevaluate what you *thought* was happening! Her books hit you in the gut because real love is just like that. Messy, complicated and beautifully overwhelming.
I loved this story, great characters and with a narrative that had some unexpected twists and turns. I got the audio version of it which was an entertaining listen. I will search out more of Penelope Ward’s books. There is some heat in this book and I noted some reviews didn’t like some of the language, but it wasn’t anything outside what I would expect in a book for adults.
Two best friends, connected by loss. Three friends, broken apart by shared love of the same woman.
Reconnecting years later, Channing and Amber can no longer deny what has been there for so long. Since that first kiss at the funeral of his sister; her best friend. Their youth and devastation in the face of loss, the moment was never again mentioned.
Rory, Channing and Amber were best friends. One was better at hiding his feelings for Amber than the other and he loses her.
Years later the one that walks away opens the door for the discovery of something beautiful, so long denied. Love blossoms and it’s truly beautiful. But the past is not done and hurts all three.
It hurt to read and I found myself trying to predict what would happen. Many things went through my mind. I cannot imagine being in Amber’s place. Two loves. Who makes her smile and lights her up? Who is going to be her future? Wonderful story!
GENTLEMAN NINE gets ten “holy heart eyes” for being hot, poignant and romantic. The characters created were so full of the what makes good people – compassionate, caring and accepting of special qualities people have.
The whole idea of Amber trying to acquire the services of Gentleman Nine, and Channing interfering to protect her was what drew me to read the book. That part did not disappoint, but the story is so much more than that. You will stay up late to finish reading this one.
I loved this story. It is the best of the best friends to lovers story. Channing, Amber, and Rory grew up as friends. He loved her but made a pact with Rory that she was off-limits. So Channing went away to college and Rory started dating Amber. After years of them dating, Rory broke up with Amber and left her heartbroken. When Channing got a chance to work in her city, he took it. It was a chance to see her again and make sure she was OK.
When Channing found out what really happened between Rory and Amber, he was really mad. And he wanted to tell Amber about the pact he made with Rory all those years ago. That meant he would have to tell her how he really feels about her.
Does Amber feel the same about him? Is there a chance she still has feelings for Rory?
This story has all the feels it takes to make s story great for me and I loved it. The narrators are awesome too.
h: Amber
H: Channing
(Dual POVs)
Channing and Amber are childhood friends who met through Lainey, Channing’s younger sister and Amber’s best friend. Channing and another boy, Rory, were friends and both had feelings for Amber. Neither acted on their feelings until Channing went to college. Flash forward nine years and Rory has ended the 9 year relationship with Amber because he states he wanted to see other people. Channing has a three month job contract in Boston, where Amber stays. Channing stays with Amber while he is working. Amber is desperate to get over her long term boyfriend and emails an escort service.
This story was so different than what I thought it was going to be. It was so original and unique. My only wish is that we could have gotten more from Channing and Amber’s past. In my opinion, this would’ve solidified how strong their feelings were towards the end of the book. Chapter 19 really throws things in a loop.
Favorite quotes:
“There’s no one like you. There’s no one who smells like you, tastes like you. There’s no one with the same wide eyes, the same perky nose, the same slight freckles, the same plump lips, the same curve of your ass, the same short but beautiful legs, the same toes I want to nibble on. I don’t care how many women I’ve been with. There’s only one you, and I can’t get enough.” -Channing pg 181
“The only thing you need to do for me… is to figure your heart out.” I placed my hand over her chest. “I know I’m in there somewhere. But I’m selfish and I want it all.”
She sniffled. “You deserve it all.” -Channing & Amber pg 243
I have heard so many amazing things about this book and I can’t believe it took me so long to read this book. Channing and Amber have been friends for a long time, bound together by a tragedy that no child should ever have to face. Over the years, they have grown apart but when Channing moves to Boston for a temporary job and moves in with Amber, they reconnect and it’s like no time has been lost between them. I love the easy banter between them and how they have this undeniable spark between them but are unsure how to proceed, after all Channing is Amber’s ex boyfriends good friend.
I loved the slow progression of their relationship. Channing and Amber tried to fight their growing attraction for one another but after awhile they couldn’t deny the spark between them anymore. I even felt bad for Rory (Amber’s ex) when he came back and revealed why he broke up with Amber. This book is full of heart and soul and I couldn’t put it down until I finished the whole book. Don’t miss out on this epic romance that will leave you wanting more.
You know when someone mentions a book and you can say without a doubt, “OMG you must read it!!”… well this is one of those books.
Channing and Amber had a bond and that was loss. Channing lost his sister while Amber lost her best friend.
The two of them became best friends and along with that friendship also came Rory who was Channing’s best friend, so the three of them went through their teenage years together.
Rory and Channing both developed feelings for Amber and so they made a pact to keep their friendship with each other and that meant neither of them would make a move on Amber and just be her friend, however when Channing went to college for a year he came home to discover Rory had broken that pact, a pact Amber knew nothing about. Channing was hurt and became the playboy of the school and backed off from his two friends altogether, it hurt too much to be around them.
Nine years later and Rory and Amber’s relationship has suddenly ended with Rory’s shocking admission that they should experience other people.
Amber is heartbroken and when Channing hears he news he is still there for his friend Amber and visits her in Boston.
Amber begins to move on, Channing is staying with her while he is temporary working in Boston but they very much try and stick to just being friends although Channing has always loved her, Amber is now only just having feelings for him.
The Gentleman nine comes about when Amber begins to feel horny with Channing around, she puts it down to not getting laid in a while and out of desperation contacts a dating agency to rid herself of these feelings, move on and begin her single life only it doesn’t go to plan and this is when and the plot really heats up..
I loved this story, I feel like I have been on a journey with these characters, I have shed a tear, felt the dilemmas and laughed along the way.
Gentleman nine is everything I love about a contemporary romance read, a friends to lovers romance with twists and revelations, there’s hotness in all the right places, and interesting plot, likable characters and a heartwarming hea.
I listened to this on audio and I loved the narrators who really brought the characters to life
Told in dual pov and leads to a hea.
* A review copy was provided by the author for the Blog Tour *
It never ceases to amaze me how Penelope Ward can continue to write such entertaining, original and fun stories. Every time I pick up one of her books I know it’s going to be great and I am never disappointed!!
Gentleman Nine was no different. I honestly expected one thing going into the story and got something so much better. This was definitely a fun and entertaining story but it was also full of emotion and some heartache. As always, in a PW book, I loved all the characters she introduced us to. They are always so relatable and loving. I also love that she touches on subjects that are things people face in everyday life….like dementia and autism. She shows us the inside truth of what it is like to live with someone or help someone with these diagnoses.
Gentleman Nine is a standalone novel told in Dual POV. This story will suck you in from the beginning and keep you intrigued until the very end. It’s a fairly quick read, but if you have read a book by Penelope, then you know it lacks for nothing!!
In this story we follow Amber and Channing. They have been friends since they were kids. Channing is actually the older brother of Amber’s best friend Lainey. Amber lives in Boston now after following her boyfriend of 9 yrs to the city. So color her surprised when out of the blue her boyfriend breaks up with her. Nursing a broken heart, Amber get another out of the blue call from her friend Channing. He is coming to Boston for a job and Amber rents out a room to him. Can these friends be come more? What happens when secrets are revealed? Will Amber and Channing get their HEA?? Read this book to find out.
I can never do Penelope’s books justice in my reviews. Her books are just those types of books you can’t get enough of and devour as soon as you start them. If you don’t believe me just pick up one of her books….you will be addicted!!! Gentleman Nine would be the perfect place to start your Penelope Ward journey.
Really lovely story line, predictable, but really
Lovely
Read: 5/27/18
Gentleman Nine was a standalone by Penelope Ward. No spoilers, but I’m hoping we’ll get an obvious spinoff soon.
Amber Walton had just gotten dumped by her long time boyfriend. She was beautiful and independent and never saw it coming. She was lonely and confused and decided to hire a professional to help her through this feeling.
Channing Lord was Amber’s ex’s former best friend and her childhood best friend’s big brother. Complicated. He was always gorgeous but also off limits. Now he was staying in her extra room while he was working temporarily in Boston.
To set the stage, Ward started us off with a single POV, Amber. However, as the story progressed, we began getting Channing’s. Additionally, she mixed in an outside POV as it was applicable. It was well written and well developed.
The premise of the story was intriguing. At first it was fairly predictable; however, Ward then began to weave in unexpected plot twists. In many ways it was a simple and quick read, but before wrapping up it took us through an emotional journey – not just the relationship development, but with outside influences as well. No spoilers here, but I enjoyed the depth and complexity Ward displayed.
From a rating standpoint, the first half was probably a 3 or 3.5 for me, with the last half a 5; therefore, a nice solid 4. As I mentioned above, I’m really hoping for a natural spinoff. No spoilers as to whose story, but one that would be well worth the read….
This book was everything I could have ever wished for. Definitely one of the best books I’ve ever read.
I never thought I would ever find another book that came close to the emotional and heartfelt state that only a few books ever did, but Gentleman Nine stole my heart instantly. The whole story between Channing, Amber and Rory is just breathtaking. I devoured this book in one sitting, I just couldn’t get enough of Channing and Amber.
I loved the dynamic between Channing and Amber. Their story is just so heartfelt and beautiful I couldn’t help but fall in love with them.
*4,5-5 stars*
Well you can never seem to go wrong with any book by Penelope Ward and this one is no different! Loved the chemistry between Amber and Channing. A funny, romantic and heartwarming story!
I’m so hoping for Annabelle’s story 🙂
Amber has been dumped by her boyfriend and is trying to heal her broken heart. When Channing needs a place to stay for a couple of months, she’ll let him stay with her. Although they’ve known each other for years and she’s hidden away her feelings, something changes and they get much closer. Channing’s always been a bit of a casanova and doesn’t feel like settling down anytime soon but staying at Amber’s house who he’s had feelings for a long time ago, seems to be changing his mind. But when Amber’s past seems to come back around, she’ll have a hard choice to make…
I absolutely loved this book!
Penelope Ward has the ability to transport her reader into the story. With Andi Arndt and Sebastian York’s narration, its impossible not to feel it. I may fangirl over all three of the key players in putting the Gentleman Nine audiobook together but it is 115% all them.
I felt like Annabelle in this story. Listening to the entire story play out with me as a witness. I want a listener sitting in my car. Nope. I was sitting in the livingroom over wine and cheese curls. (Despite my hatred for both! )
Amber and Channing made my listening an absolute pleasure but like this story and life in general- it wasn’t all rainbows. I caught myself fighting sobs on the highway and smothering my tears while cleaning the house. Penelope Ward has once again broken me in the best way possible!!
Overall it’s a good book except for the fact that the setup is almost exactly the same as the previous book I just read by this author’s writing partner, and the cost was one dollar more for a few extra pages. The setup: what starts off as a romance between two people turns into a love triangle at about the 75% mark and there is a tertiary character who has dementia. Yes, there were differences like role reversal, and the emotional struggle was more prominent then it was in the other book I read. It’s really hard not to compare the two books since I read them back to back. Note to self, never read these two author’s back to back, problem solved (hopefully).
The story starts with old friends reconnecting when Channing is coming to Boston for work reasons and needs a place to stay. The conversation between Channing and Amber is a great representation of when good friends come together after being separated for a long time and it all just flows like they never had been apart when they reconnect. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and Channing is no longer the player Amber remembers him being back in college. Amber’s emotion struggle between the two men in her life and not wanting to either one to be hurt seemed authentic, but became a little over the top towards the end. However, what drove it to be a little bit over the top, was the setup for what was a great ending to the story.
Amber Walton was best friends Lainey Lord. When Lainey unexpectedly dies, Amber starts hanging around her brother Channing and his friend Rory Calhoun. They become the best of friends bonding over the tragedy. Channing and Rory make a pact that neither of them will make a move on Amber. When Channing leaves to go away to college, Rory makes his move. Rory and Amber end up dating for 9 years until he breaks her heart because he needs a break. Enter Channing.
Channing hears the news and quickly calls Amber. He also has a favor to ask…can he rent her extra room at her place for a few months for a temp contractor job he just got. Amber hesitantly agrees. Problem is, she has always had a crush on Channing! What she doesn’t know is that Channing has always wanted her!
When Channing finds Amber’s laptop open he sees that she has contacted a male escort service for a sex with no strings type of night. She also sees that Amber has admitted that she is attracted to Channing. This causes Channing to make believe like he is the Gentleman Nine Amber wants to hook up with. She has a list of things she wants to try and Channing can’t wait! When Amber goes to meet Gentleman Nine, she runs into Channing. He convinces her to do those things with him instead. Of course, over the time they spend together, they start to realize there is more to their relationship than just sex.
I loved this book and couldn’t put it down! I really enjoyed these two characters too. They both deserved a happy ever after even if they had to wait a really long time for it. The ending was so perfect….and a big tearjerker!
Such a sweet story!!!
Friends to lovers story always worked for me. And once again Penelope Ward make me fallin’ in love again with her writing.
This book really sweet, cute, adorable and sexy as hell. From the description of the book they told Channing is playboy but in my eyes he’s still prince who can cooking (even if it’s weird food xD) but who can resist from that.
I really enjoyed this novel, this story was totally not what i was expecting i thought he story would go in a different direction but i am certainly not going to complain at all. There was everything in this book.
This would possibly be the first book where i actually felt sorry for the ex boyfriend i was a little confused of who i wanted to end up with even though you know who it will be it still had me hoping that they got there happy ending which they did.
There is so much to this book and so many characters that i love Annabelle is the best friend everyone wants. Milo was so special and i loved the scenes with him. Christine reminded me so much of look after my nan and how heart breaking it can be when they don’t know who you are my heart broke for her. Rory was a good character one that you wanted to hate but i had soft spot for. Oh and Boris he was such a wise old man.
Then there was channing and Amber lost best friends who reconnect and pretty much help each other learn life again especially with Laniey gone it helped to come to terms and deal with her death which helped them help each other through thier tough times. These two had a really nice connection throughout the book and some sexual tension that were burning up the pages.
This was a really awesome book and i really liked it. Penelope Ward is a one click author for me and whenever I’m in that reading slump she always brings me back and this book did not disappoint.
If your looking for a nice, sweet romance with drama and a fantastic story line then you need to read this one