The first rule of the Spinsters Club is: You do not talk about the Spinsters Club.The second rule of the Spinsters Club is: You do not talk about the Spinsters Club.The third rule…Well, Merry understands the rules of the Spinsters Club fully, considering it was her idea in the first place. When one of her good friends loses her heart to an utter rogue and is ruined forever, she’s determined … she’s determined that the life of a spinster is for her. Thankfully, she’s not alone. Her three dearest friends have had their share of heartbreak and resolve to join her. No matter what the demanding mamas and papas of the world say, they will not give up their spinsterhood.
Particularly not to the handsome Lord Harcourt Easton, the Earl of Langley. Merry has always liked Harcourt-after all he is her brother’s best friend-but she cannot fathom his sudden interest in her. After all, he was well known to be quite the rogue at times and she’s hardly the sort to attract the attention of a rake. But Harcourt has loved Merry for some time now. And he’s determined to make her see that. If only he could get past this stubborn determination that she should never marry and convince her he’s the man for her.
The death of her father and some strange incidents that put Merry in danger might not be ideal circumstances to woo a woman, but Harcourt is willing to make the best of a dire situation-especially while Merry needs a shoulder to cry on.
Harcourt could well be the most amazing man she knows, and Merry cannot help but be grateful for his support, but she cannot very well turn her back on the Spinsters Club so soon…can she?
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I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I really enjoyed reading Gentlemen Prefer Spinsters. The story and characters were great. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Gentlemen Prefer Spinsters by Samantha Holt is a fantastic historical romance. Ms. Holt has once again delivered a well-written book. The characters in this book are outstanding and a perfect fit for this story. Merry and her friends have formed the Spinster Club as they have no expectations or wishes to marry. Harry is Merry’s neighbor and her brother’s best friend. Their story is loaded with drama, humor, action, suspense and sexy bits. I loved this book from cover to cover and look forward to my next book by Samantha Holt. Gentlemen Prefer Spinsters is book 1 of the Spinster Club Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Gentlemen Prefer Spinsters is a wonderful introduction to a new series. Four friends, each with a different reason for wanting to stay away from men, make a vow not to marry or allow men to control their lives. They become the Spinsters Club.
The first story features Merry Bradford, who desires nothing more than to be independent and left alone, and Harry Easton, her brother’s rakish best friend. When Merry’s father dies while her brother Daniel is sway on his wedding trip, Harry, who, by the way, has fallen head over heals with her, comes to help and protect her. Well, Merry will have nothing to do with that. Will Harry be able to convince her to let him help her? Will he be able to convince her that his rakish days are over, that he loves her, and that they belong together? She will not make it easy on him.
The characters in this story are great. The girls are so different from each other, yet are true friends. Their friendship is beautifully portrayed. Harry is strong and determined, the perfect hero for this story. Harry’s friend Grif is a typically Ton gentleman. I don’t think we’ve seen the last of him. Harry’s mother is funny and not so subtle in her effort to help both gentlemen find a bride. The story moves along at a steady pace and has a bit of mystery and danger, and a lot of humor (the girl’s attempt at renovating the dower house is hilarious). There is a bit of sadness, but this is a happy story. I think the other stories in the series will follow suit, and I look forward to them all.
I own 36 novels by this author and this was just ok. I got tired of the h pretty fast even after she felt something for the H she resisted.
We are led down a path that someone is trying to harm the h and our H is like a knight in shining armor. I won’t give spoiler’s but…..didn’t like how it ended up.
The H and she have been friends for years. I understand how she didn’t think he could change his ways being a rake. But, she doesn’t see how the things he was doing for her.
We have lovemaking outside of marriage DURING A PARTY full of people – WHAT! Heat level 4 out of 5 described once. Lords name used in vain once.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, some romance and a tad of spice. (ljb)
I loved it & can see so much more coming from these Spinsters; – maybe Bella & Griff? Four good friends from upstanding families vow to never marry after one of their acquaintances is ruined & the family shipped her off to Ireland. None of them enjoy balls, morning calls or teas, so they will keep one another safe from the rakes & rogues & never marry. Harcourt “Harry” is an Earl & is Merry’s older brother’s friend & has been for years but all of a sudden Harry sees Merry all grown up & not as Daniel’s little sister. He comes to the realization that he will give up his London reputation as a rake to pursue Merry for his wife – he loves her & must keep her safe. Merry can’t fall for him – see made vows to her friends to remain a spinster plus Harry is her brother’s friend & she has known him for years! Their journey to a HEA has humor, romances, spice & a great supporting cast. I highly recommend this book & cannot wait for Book 2!
I do not like novels where the male lead is constantly asking the female lead to marry him, and she declines over and over again. The authors never seems to give a compelling reason for her to say no. In fact, it is just the opposite. Her circumstances scream she should say yes but, she says no, even though her situation would be greatly improved, and she actually does want him.
This is a sweet little romance between self-proclaimed spinster Merry Bradford, daughter of Viscount Bradford and her brother’s best friend Harcourt/Harry Easton, Earl of Langley. At twenty, Merry is a very young woman inexperienced with men. She has only heard horror stories from her three friends. One a widow, another abandoned, another exasperated of men, especially her older brothers that do not treat her kindly or respectfully. Merry developed an attitude that all men were like her father and the other men she had heard about. They were not kind men. The only kind man she knew was her brother Daniel. So, as a result of all this she invented the Spinster’s Club with her three friends. They all vowed to protect each other from men breaking their hearts. At thirty, Harry had given up his roguish life because he suddenly realized his attraction to Merry. He decided to win her hand and nothing would stop him. He was in for a battle. Both he and Merry were like stubborn mules and constantly butted heads. When Daniel left for his honeymoon, Harry thought it was a good time to spend more time around Merry as her protector. She became completely unglued around him and she did not want to admit she wanted him. Harry is a good and kind man always gentle and thoughtful. The more time Harry spent with Merry he became more determined to have her and she dug her heels in to keep him away from her. The story covers the back and forth between them. But then there were troubling things happening around Merry that caused Harry to think she was in danger. He was constantly worried about her and Merry thought it was ridiculous that someone was trying to harm her. Then there is Harry’s friend Griff, Michael Griffin, heir to the dukedom of Harington. He insisted on joining Harry going from London to his country estate. Griff knew that Harry had changed but did not know why. Now that Griff was in the country he became attracted to Arabella/Bella Lockhart, one of Merry’s close friends. In the book it made a point to present this new angle to the story but it failed to follow through to any conclusion. This is a sweet and cute story but did not keep me deeply engaged. The overall story has potential but there is room for improvement.
4.5 Stars
Lady Merry Bradford understands the rules of the Spinsters Club fully, considering it was her idea in the first place. When one of her good friends, Lucy loses her heart to an utter rogue and is ruined forever, she’s determined that the life of a spinster is for her. Thankfully, she’s not alone. Her three dearest friends, the two Arabellas & Sophia have had their share of heartbreak and resolve to join her. Lord Harcourt Easton, the Earl of Langley is Merry’s brother Daniel’s best friend & he’s well known to be quite the rogue at times and she’s hardly the sort to attract the attention of a rake but Harry has loved Merry for some time.
Another delightful read from the author, the story flows so well. The characters are well portrayed & have plenty of depth. Harry & Merry have been friends for years but Harry has fallen hard for Merry & after a kiss Merry can’t get him out of her mind. There are some incidents that worry Harry & he strives to protect the independent Merry whilst also trying to win her. The other members of the Spinsters club & Griff all deserve their HEAs as vowing to remain a spinster is certainly tempting fate
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
It moved too slowly for me and seemed a bit repetitive with the interactions between characters.
I loved the way Historical Romance gets a twist here. From being ‘on the shelf’ to the ‘toast of the season’, this is one heroine you will NOT forget. Samantha Holt is a true Master (or should that be Mistress?) of writing books that make you want to curl up in a comfy spot with tea, biscuits and get lost in her characters and World. Perfect to read anywhere you want to feel good at the end,
An enjoyable read!
Loved the story of Merry and Harcourt! Wonderful start to what can only be a great series!
Really enjoyed this book. Great fun
Boring. I quit reading – lost interest.
This book had great characters. The two main characters were very enjoyable to read and get to know.
Nice romance story without any history.
It’s always interesting to read about the challenges that women of this time period faced. A great read about a woman who overcame her own expectations to find the life she wanted.
Entertaining but not much substance. The suspenseful mid-plot was messy and made little sense.
A fun read.
A book to enjoy.