Conduct Unbecoming a Gentleman by Wareeze Woodson is a Soul Mate Publishing release. This is a 2013 copyright. I receive a copy to this book from Long Ago Love and Vicki Hopkins in exchange for an honest review. Laurel's husband left her in a bind when he died. His sister, Rhonda, was remembered in his will, and their son was to be his cousin Lord Adron's ward. So, when Laurel attempts an escape, she is chased down and her son stolen from her by Adron's men. Once she locates Lord Andron's estate, he sees she is determined to stay with her son. So, he offers her a deal. She can become an unpaid member of the staff and be a nanny to her son and other children that are currently on estate. Having no choice by law, Laurel takes what she can get in order to be with her son.
Lord Adron believes the worst of Laurel. He was led to believe she brought his cousin to the ultimate despair that caused him to take drastic measures. But, Laurel surprises Lord Adron by being a caring, hands on mother and having a wonderful way with children. No matter what he throws at her, she is able to withstand it. But, he can not withstand his attraction to her.
In the middle of this drama, there are some valuable jewels that Laurel's husband, Robert had hidden somewhere. Rhonda and her cohorts are desperate to find the jewels. In the process, Rhonda continues the plot against Laurel, insinuating that Laurel may be a jewel thief. She is even more determined to get rid of Laurel with she notices the attraction Lord Adron has for Laurel. Rhonda has set her heart on marrying Lord Adron herself. With each passing day, Laurel and Lord Andron fall deeper in love with each other. But, there are issues with women that Lord Andron will have to overcome before he can win Laurel over. But, first the jewel thief must be caught and the jewels found.
This was a really entertaining Regency period historical romance. Lord Andron is terrible in the beginning. He is terrified of being duped by a beautiful woman, which is what led, in part, to his bad attitude toward women. Laurel was innocent is all things, but was admittedly naïve when she first married and her husband didn't do the right thing by her from the start. But, as worldly as the men in the story liked to think themselves, they too were rather naïve. They were deceived time and time again, but were too blind to see. So, Lord Andron was easily led to believe whatever he was told about Laurel and usually it wasn't good.
You will get frustrated with Adron a great deal. I didn't have much empathy for his side of things except maybe his bad experiences in the past. But, with a certain conniving woman that had everyone twisted around her little finger, you will become quite annoyed. Laurel isn't as naïve as she once was though and shows a little backbone. Will Lord Andron finally wake up and smell the coffee? Will the jewel thief be discovered? There were lots of twist in the story. A shocking reveal will set you back on your heels and really get you thinking about the jewel thief mystery.
A quick entertaining read that is unique to most Regency romances. But, I couldn't help but wonder if maybe a great deal of pain couldn't have been avoided by making some changes in those horrible British laws in regards to women's rights. What do you think?
4 Crowns - Princess of a Charming Story (Countess Julie)
