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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This book was not at all what I expected and I enjoyed the story so much.
NO SPOILERS!
Gentleman Nine was phenomenal and I absolutely loved it! The storyline and characters were amazing, and I was hooked to this unique, sexy, emotional, and highly entertaining standalone friends-to-lovers romance from beginning to end. Penelope Ward is beyond talented and I have dearly loved each and every book I’ve read from her so far. Gentleman Nine has definitely been one of my top favorite novels from Ms. Ward to date, and I am so excited to read more!
Channing and Amber were wonderful and I loved them and their story so much. I loved their personalities and red-hot chemistry together, and how their relationship progressed throughout. I loved reading the book from both Channing and Amber’s POV, and I loved all of their banter and interactions with each other. As with every Penelope Ward book, there were plenty of shocking twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. Channing and Amber’s story was surprisingly more emotional and heartbreaking than I was expecting, but I truly loved it from start to finish. There were a few parts that I didn’t like all that much, but I understood why the author did what she did. The secondary characters were wonderful as well, and I immensely enjoyed their addition to the story. Gentleman Nine was honestly one of my top favorite books from Penelope Ward so far, and I was absolutely ecstatic with the conclusion to Channing and Amber’s unforgettable story.
Gentleman Nine was a unique, sexy, emotional, and addicting standalone friends-to-lovers romance, and I couldn’t have loved it more! Penelope Ward did an extraordinary job with this book, and I was so freaking happy with the outcome to Channing and Amber’s remarkable story. Penelope Ward is without a doubt one of my top favorite contemporary romance authors, and I can’t wait to devour more of her amazing and addicting books!
Awe. This story was really cute. There wasn’t a ton of drama aside from the smallish love triangle that came in the second half. The author did a really good at making my gut quiver with that. I loved Channing and Amber together. I could feel their passion and their need to just be. I had a few tears as the story went on, holding hop for how it was going to end and that ending was beautiful. I’m not really sure what more to say. It was a great friends to lover read that was hard to put down. 4 stars #2OCCJD
Devoured this! Hooked me from the get go and didn’t want to put it down. Channing is definitely sexy, swoon worthy and definitely a top ten book boyfriend! Loved the relationship, connection, banter and chemistry between Channing and Amber. Expect twist and turns, angst and your heart to swell. Penelope Ward will always be a one click author for me! Highly recommend this book.
I’m torn between 3 or 4 stars. I liked most of the story, but some parts where just meh. The whole thing with Rory got my eyes all rolling. I don’t know, I liked the first half, then the rest just really didn’t do too much for me.
I’m a tried and true fan of all of Penelope Ward’s stories. I cannot get enough. The characters are fun, but there’s also a somber quality behind them. Who would know that their lives would play out like this?! And watching the main characters tip toe around each other while trying to deny that they both feel more for the other is riveting.
Gentleman Nine by Penelope Ward
Audiobook Narrated by: Sebastian York and Andi Arndt
3.5 Stars – I have read a few books that Ms. Ward has co-wrote with another author, but I think this may be the first I have read by her as a solo author. I enjoyed the premise of the book. I love when childhood friends grow up and fall in love. I also loved the chemistry between Amber and Channing. The only downfall for me was the amount of sex (the act or the thought of the act). At points I felt like that was the only thing driving the story – which isn’t my favourite, however once the storyline filled in there was some really touching moments. The writing was good and in the end the story left me smiling. I would like to try more of her books.
As usual both these narrators did a great job.
~Paragraphs and Petticoats~
This book has EVERYTHING.
LOVE triangles are my thing and this did not disappoint.
I love that the blurb gives just enough of a tease of the story, but I can tell you that it doesn’t come close to telling the whole story. I want to do this review justice, but it’s hard to do that without out giving away all the little details that I enjoyed along the way.
I fell in love with Channing and Amber from the beginning. Childhood friends that reunite after not seeing each other after awhile. Channing is a happy-go-lucky kind of guy that doesn’t seem to miss a trick. Amber is getting over a broken heart and Channing was just the medicine that she needed. He temporarily stays with her in Boston for work and we watch them pick up their friendship after years. There were times when I was reading about these two, where I could physically feel the chemistry. I was getting warm and tingly! And ultimately for the last 30% of the book, I could feel how Amber was torn. Making a decision between her past and her future. My heart was breaking. It was one of those situations where any decision would be good, but which is the RIGHT choice. I feel like the takeaway from this story is that it only takes one decision to change the course of your life, so it’s best to follow your heart and not your head. <3 <3
While this story was not as angsty as some of Penelope's books, it was such a complete story about being selfless and devoted.
just an ok read……..nothing to write home about
I expected to love it, but it surprised me in unexpected ways. Those are what made it another remarkably and deeply satisfying read.
Gives you all the feels!
What. A. Ride.
I love me a good friends to lovers story and this one didn’t disappoint! Amber and Channing stole my heart in this story. I loved their history, their banter, their chemistry. Just everything about them made me smile. I don’t want to go into too much detail because I need you to experience this story the way I did. Ward writes books with such relatable characters and I loved how I connected with Amber in this story especially since we both worked in the same field.
“I may not have the past nine years to give you, but I can give you many more to come.”
Sighs.
This story was well written, packed with emotion and so many valuable life lessons.This story had me laughing, smiling, clutching my chest, tearing up and sighing with relief. It was such an emotional rollercoaster and I loved the ride!! I honestly don’t know how Ward does it but each book keeps getting better and better and better. Thank you so much for your beautifully written stories.
Gentleman Nine is the story of best friends—Rory, Amber, and Channing. A promise to not fall in love with the girl was made between the two guys but of course they still did. Only one made a move though and the other one was left watching from afar. And years later, fate decided to give who are meant to be the second chance they both deserve.
Penelope Ward slays the friends-to-lovers romance every time she publishes a new book. Where she gets her inspiration to write these pretties, that I don’t know. What I know is she could go on and on writing in this genre and I will still swoon like crazy over her words. Ward’s magical plotting and twisting of her stories are what makes her much loved by many.
I love this author so freaken much I can’t even word it properly BUT I just want to see Ward try a different sub-genre. I love how brave she was with Neighbor Dearest and Sins of Sevin. You know Those were very the greatest because you’d feel how much emotions she poured in them. I’m craving for something that’s forbidden and super angsty from this author because I know that’s what she does best.
3.5 Short review. I like how the friendship grew into love between Channing and Amber, they had good chemistry and cared a lot about each other even though they went about showing that the wrong way. None of the characters are perfect but some of them have more of a redeeming quality than others. Channing isn’t perfect by no means, he was player starting in his high school and college, witnessing the tragic death lead him to using sex as a way of not dealing with what happen, he also used sex as a way of lashing out.
*spoilers*
Which is what he did when he found out that his best friend Rory had reneged on the deal that he and Channing had made to not pursue Amber, he lashed out by sleeping with Amber’s friends. When I read that part I didn’t think I would like Channing at all but the Channing we meet at the throughout the book is different than the grieving/lashing out Channing we hear about. He has grown and regrets his behavior during high school and especially during college, he makes no excuses for what he did when Amber and Channing talk about it.
*Spoilers*
I spent the entire book disliking Rory even after the reveal I just couldn’t warm up to his character, I didn’t like how he threw away a nine year relationship because he found out he couldn’t have kids anymore do to an accident. It was like he didn’t trust that Amber really loved him and convince himself if she knew the truth she would only continue to be with out of obligation. Which is why I disliked his reappearance in the book towards the end and how it turn the last chapters into a triangle. *Spoiler end*
I won’t lie and say I didn’t like this book because on the contrary…I LOVED IT!
Penelope Ward has a way to hook and slay me with her books. She is the queen of angst!
Three unbelievable characters that will pull you in from the moment you start until you finish. You will get addicted with these characters.
I wasn’t sure which way I wanted to go but after a few chapters in, I was a goner and knew instantly who I was rooting for.
This story will leave you gasping and wondering throughout the book.
But Penelope always has a way to make you feel the feels with her books. There’s always something there that will pull your heart strings one way or another.
Another well written story. This one is going on my top read for 2018!!
5 STARS
Great book. Plan to read it again.
The blurb got my attention right away…. Afraid to date and get her heart broken, contacted male escort “Gentleman Nine” for a night of steamy sex without strings…I’m in!
“Gentleman Nine” is not the main part of the story. There are many many layers that are revealed. This is a story about love and loss, misunderstandings and heart ache.
Amber Walton and Lainey Lord are best friends. Secretly, 14 year old Amber crushes on Lainey’s 16 year old brother, Channing. Amber and Channing become close after tragedy strikes. Also in the mix is Channing’s best friend, Rory. They are known as the three musketeers. Unbeknownst to Amber both boys have a crush on her but make a pact not to peruse her. Channing heads off to college and all of that changes….
Fast forward nine years. Amber is heartbroken. Rory has broken up with her after a nine year relationship. He wants to “sow his wild oats” leaving Amber devastated. She and Channing had kept in touch over the years but it had been awkward after she began dating Rory.
“I didn’t want Channing to know how badly the breakup had devastated me.”
Amber gets a call from Channing out of the blue. He has business in Boston and asked about renting a room from her. They get together and reminisce about old times. Amber’s old crush has not extinguished. In fact it has become an inferno leaving her sexually frustrated. After a conversation with a friend Amber decides to peruse a male escort for one night of no-strings-attached, hot sex. She’s never been with anyone else so she wants to build up her confidence before entering the dating world.
Channing discovers Amber’s email to ‘Gentleman Nine’ describing her desire to be with her secret crush Channing. He takes matters into his own hands…..
Now come the layers. What happens when two people combust? Hot hot sex! I must say there will be a lot of happy husbands out there after their wives read this. Incredibly smoking hot sex. There. I said it! It seems that the attraction between Amber and Channing was mutual. It only took a spark to start the inferno.
Her thong was wet from the moment I first touched it.
“They’re soaked. How long have you been wet like this?”
…..”Since you moved in.”
But everything is not as it seems. There are secrets, misunderstandings and someone will walk away broken hearted. I loved the characters. They are so well written. The story has an emotional side to it as well. It is a very emotional story of love, loss and coping.
Penelope Ward can weave a story that will pull your heart strings and leave you spinning. And, since I am an Epilogue junkie I say THANK YOU! I LOVED the epilogue! What a great way to end the book.
Gentleman Nine was not quite what I was expecting but did not disappoint.
4 stars
Channing & Amber for the win!
Their story of childhood friends reconnecting as adults was a pleasure to read.
Channing had me cracking up as soon as he was introduced and I could relate to why Amber was smitten with him.
And yes that cover is the perfect image of who Channing is. Also I am a sucker for a good looking man in a Beanie.
Who isn’t right?
Oh & he can cook & is a wonderful listener and again he is totally hot!
Loved the friendships, the heartache, the angst, the love, and the sexiness that this story brought.
Wasn’t expecting the twists of both Amber & Channing’s past and present.
This book will keep you entertained and fall in love with being in love.
4.5 popped!
Another one knocked out of the park by Penelope!
Channing.
Man, I loved his character. He was not perfect, but his love for Amber, his sister and his Mom earned him major kudos from me! He made a couple moves that had me “side eye” him, but what man doesn’t?
“I may not have been your first love, but you’re mine.”
How does your heart not melt at that? My heart was pulled in so many directions trying to root for the underdog, but who was the underdog? The ex, the friend, or….the gentleman.
I give Channing a nine.
I’m sad to say that I never heard or read any of this author’s stories until Baby Maker. I saw it on Netgalley and loved the enticing blurb so I figured why not give it a try. Well let me tell you that this is an AMAZING 6 star story.
Dane wants a baby without the wife, Stella wants a baby without the husband. So they make a deal. Co-parenting. Both in their 30’s and have never been or even believe in love. The jokes on them.
I didn’t know what to expect from this author, not knowing her writing style. Well the jokes on me because I was so captivated by this story that I basically read it in a day. An unique storyline that held me captive until the very last page. I was sucked in so deep in the heart of these wonderful characters that nothing else mattered around me. What I look for in the stories I read are the characters. These ones were perfectly created for this story, they stood out among thousands of characters I’ve encountered in the past.
This story had everything to make it a perfect 6 star. Dane was a retired football player with a potty mouth that made me laugh so much. Alpha, protective, loyal and selfless. Stella was married to her work but wanted a baby. The uptight, serious woman was at the same time insecure. Both held on to parents that have abandoned them.
It was lighthearted, funny but at the same time it was heartbreaking. If I even get to shed one tear while reading a story, it deserves all the stars in the sky. There was never a dull moment. It was not overly dramatic but just enough for my likes. Perfectly written with a seamless plot that flowed well. Bottomline is this is a must read and one that I will be thinking about for a while.
Standalone told in a dual POV with an HEA that had me laughing. I STRONGLY recommend this story. This is one author that will stay on my radar. I will be checking out her previous reads.