Scan barcode
jg1987's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars
[b:A Gentleman Never Keeps Score|51020600|A Gentleman Never Keeps Score (Seducing the Sedgwicks #2)|Cat Sebastian|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1565419219l/51020600._SX50_SY75_.jpg|56993511] is book two in the Seducing the Sedgwicks series by [a:Cat Sebastian|15171247|Cat Sebastian|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1487439203p2/15171247.jpg]. I quite liked book 1, and the little taste of Hartley we got in it only made me more excited to read his book. I absolutely loved Hartley, he was just delightful. It was obvious from the start that he would do anything for the people he cared about. From the sacrifices he made for his brothers, to the way he made sure his Alfie and Sadie were safe and happy in his home, and even his affection for the dog, Hartley had such a generous and loving heart hidden behind his cool and aloof demeanor. Sam was lovely as well. A rough and tough guy with a soft heart just wanting to live a life he can be proud of. His desire to care for and protect his family and close friends was something he and Hartley shared in common and they both brought that to their relationship with each other as well. I have a soft spot for men who experienced the type of trauma that Hartley had, and seeing Sam help him through dealing with his past made me all melty inside. Not to mention how Hartely’s aversion to touch seemed like no problem at all for Sam and their bedroom activities were surprisingly sweet while also being insanely hot. Especially the scene featuring a certain gift Hartley received to cheer him up; oh boy was that ever hot. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish and am eager to read about the next Sedgwick brother.
[b:A Gentleman Never Keeps Score|51020600|A Gentleman Never Keeps Score (Seducing the Sedgwicks #2)|Cat Sebastian|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1565419219l/51020600._SX50_SY75_.jpg|56993511] is book two in the Seducing the Sedgwicks series by [a:Cat Sebastian|15171247|Cat Sebastian|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1487439203p2/15171247.jpg]. I quite liked book 1, and the little taste of Hartley we got in it only made me more excited to read his book. I absolutely loved Hartley, he was just delightful. It was obvious from the start that he would do anything for the people he cared about. From the sacrifices he made for his brothers, to the way he made sure his Alfie and Sadie were safe and happy in his home, and even his affection for the dog, Hartley had such a generous and loving heart hidden behind his cool and aloof demeanor. Sam was lovely as well. A rough and tough guy with a soft heart just wanting to live a life he can be proud of. His desire to care for and protect his family and close friends was something he and Hartley shared in common and they both brought that to their relationship with each other as well. I have a soft spot for men who experienced the type of trauma that Hartley had, and seeing Sam help him through dealing with his past made me all melty inside. Not to mention how Hartely’s aversion to touch seemed like no problem at all for Sam and their bedroom activities were surprisingly sweet while also being insanely hot. Especially the scene featuring a certain gift Hartley received to cheer him up; oh boy was that ever hot. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish and am eager to read about the next Sedgwick brother.
electricjuicebox's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A delightful little romance - I loved the characters' vulnerability with each other, it was really touching. And a fun plot with interesting side characters. Some cheesy or unbelievable details, but that comes with the territory.
___tamara___'s review against another edition
4.0
Cat Sebastian's writing was excellent & Joel Leslie's narration did it justice. Hartley & Sam were very sweet and their growth throughout the book was well done, especially Hart's. The thing with Martin was kind of ridiculous, but *shrug* everything can't be perfect.
Spoiler
being found in the atticwormringers's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
sara11_reads's review against another edition
3.0
This is not as fluffy as the first book in the series. There's a lot going on with these characters - Hartley was molested by his godfather as a teenager, Sam's dealing with racism and class issues as a black man in London. The side characters are all great. My biggest problem is that I just didn't understand Hartley - he has self-esteem and touch issues relating to his godfather. But he likes sex? I don't see how he came out of that situation unable to handle being touched but still likes sex.
just_icecream's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
moonshineforest's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
2.5
how does cat sebastian keep writing these completely uninteresting romance novels and why do I keep reading them
amieib's review against another edition
5.0
The most tender, most loving and sexiest book there ever was. One thing Cat Sebastian is always going to do is make me root for not only the main love interests but their loved ones too. She does love, consent and acceptance like nobody else, in the best possible way.
Hartley and Sam have both been through so much and the most beautiful aspect of this story is how much they hold space for one another. I judge the health and strength of a relationship by how far each member of the couple is able to love their partner according to their individual needs without sacrificing themselves in the process.
Sam in his infinite kindness and Hartley still being the loveliest human being despite what he has been through. I also adored all the side characters on both Sam and Hartley's sides.
Cat Sebastian's books are incredibly character-driven and by the end of it, there is always so much development not only between the characters but also within themselves. The growth is always realistic. There is no pointless miscommunication. Only realistic problems and ways forward.
I also really appreciate an author that is able to put in the work necessary when you're writing about characters of a different race, religion, culture etc. which Cat did beautifully without the story revolving all around that.
It's honestly getting so difficult to continue reviewing her books because it feels like nothing I could ever write could do them justice. There is just so much beauty in the way she writes that I find it difficult to convey just how much her words have completely altered my brain chemistry.
If love is what you're after, please read her books.
Hartley and Sam have both been through so much and the most beautiful aspect of this story is how much they hold space for one another. I judge the health and strength of a relationship by how far each member of the couple is able to love their partner according to their individual needs without sacrificing themselves in the process.
Sam in his infinite kindness and Hartley still being the loveliest human being despite what he has been through. I also adored all the side characters on both Sam and Hartley's sides.
Cat Sebastian's books are incredibly character-driven and by the end of it, there is always so much development not only between the characters but also within themselves. The growth is always realistic. There is no pointless miscommunication. Only realistic problems and ways forward.
I also really appreciate an author that is able to put in the work necessary when you're writing about characters of a different race, religion, culture etc. which Cat did beautifully without the story revolving all around that.
It's honestly getting so difficult to continue reviewing her books because it feels like nothing I could ever write could do them justice. There is just so much beauty in the way she writes that I find it difficult to convey just how much her words have completely altered my brain chemistry.
If love is what you're after, please read her books.
erickabdz's review against another edition
3.0
“You do look tired. But you also look . . . I don’t want to say happy, because you plainly have a lot on your mind. But you look as if you’ve been living. As if you’ve been feeling things. Your heart seems lived in.”
When I read reviews of this book, I saw quite a lot of "it's actually x, but rounding up". And you know what? Same. I get it now. This is not quite a 3-stars read -but I'm rounding up because Cat Sebastian always manages to soothe me and make me believe in healthy, cute romances and sometimes it's exactly what I need from life.
I have the recurrent habit of reading a Cat Sebastian book when I'm stressed (and I'm actually scared because I'm running out of books), as they always leave me with a warm, comfy feeling. A Gentleman Never Keeps Score was no exception: the relationship is portrayed in a healthy way with a very nice development towards good communication. All the characters are well-rounded, with witty and natural dialogues that made me laugh out loud several times.
Still. Still. It is difficult to rate this book because it is not bad-written; the contrary, really. But the whole thing with Sam makes me a little itchy. On one hand, I'm really, really glad we get to see a black male lead in this kind of books. But Sam, his life as a black man, is often written in details and is a big part of his story-line and character, and I don't think it's the place of a white woman to write about this. But, at the same time, I would not feel okay by having a black mc and having this entire background ignored. So, what is the best option? I certainly don't know. But in the time it takes me to learn from the opinions of black people, I'll make sure to look up for historical romances written by black people.
As a note, it is important not to ignore the content warning from the author. One of the main characters was sexually abused in the past when he was a teenager, and he struggles with how to cope with this awful thing that was done to him for the entire book.
In general, I enjoyed this book, and still, it certainly deserves a critical read. In the end, I'm happy with the ending we got and I can't wait to for the rest of the books in the series.
buttermellow's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Outing
Moderate: Child abuse and Sexual assault
Minor: Animal cruelty and Racism