Lily of the Valley

The Gents, Book 2

By: Sarah M. Eden

Narrated by: Luone Ingram

Cumberland, 1786

Amateur inventor Kester Barrington prefers the peace and quiet of his estate to the bustle of Society. But when his tight-knit group of friends, the Gents, descends on Livingsley Hall for their annual gathering, he stoically joins in their activities. It all seems exhausting - until an unexpected addition to the party catches his eye: his new neighbor, the lovely Violet.

Violet Ridley longs to make friends in this new corner of the country, but her family’s fortune was made through investments rather than inheritance, and Society can be fickle. So when tragedy forces her family to shelter at neighboring Livingsley Hall, Violet is delighted to receive a warm welcome from the Gents. In particular, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to Kester.

The pair is a study in contrasts: Violet, with her sunny disposition, and Kester, with his prickly facade. Their connection is impossible to deny, but both Kester and Violet harbor heavy constraints. As their association becomes increasingly tangled and confused, their only hope of pursuing a life together is to trust one another with the very truths that could tear them apart.

©2022 Covenant Communications, Inc. (P)2022 Covenant Communications, Inc.

it's way better than the 1st one

I hated the 1st book so so much. but this one is much better. Violet doesn't act like a teen girl falling in love with her older brothers friend. Violet actually has something going on in her head besides boys and wondering if anyone likes her enough to stay with her. I usually enjoy Sarah Eden.

Love it!

This book and it’s previous installment have made me laugh so hard that everyone around me thinks I am crazy… I hope there is no end to the gents series. It would be quite a shame to lose out on the camaraderie, competitive nature, and complete hilarity of this series. I also really appreciate that it dives into real issues and insecurities that people carry into relationships that go on addressed and cause Failures in those relationships.… Whether it be friendship, marriage, or family. It is good to see how those issues can be addressed in loving ways that help people move forward without instantaneous change.

Kisses only Regency Era romance

This is the 2nd book in The Gents series. It is a kisses only Georgian romance. It could technically be read as a standalone, but these characters were introduced in book one and will continue to be featured throughout this series. Read them on order for the most enjoyment.

Kester is reserved and has the entire group at his house along with the new family in the neighborhood.

I can relate to Kester's personality. Seeing how his friends care about him and how Violet understands his moods, was something I really appreciated.

I still don't love the audiobook narrator, but she was more tolerable in this book than the first. I think she drove me crazy trying to convey Lucas.

Wonderful!

WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Amateur inventor Kester Barrington prefers the peace and quiet of his estate to the bustle of Society. But when his tight-knit group of friends, the Gents, descends on Livingsley Hall for their annual gathering, he stoically joins in their activities. It all seems exhausting—until an unexpected addition to the party catches his eye: his new neighbor, the lovely Violet.

Violet Ridley longs to make friends in this new corner of the country, but her family’s fortune was made through investments rather than inheritance, and Society can be fickle. So when tragedy forces her family to shelter at neighboring Livingsley Hall, Violet is delighted to receive a warm welcome from the Gents. In particular, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to Kester. The pair is a study in contrasts: Violet, with her sunny disposition, and Kester, with his prickly facade. Their connection is impossible to deny, but both Kester and Violet harbor heavy constraints. As their association becomes increasingly tangled and confused, their only hope of pursuing a life together is to trust one another with the very truths that could tear them apart.

MY TAKE
Oh, my! The story is so sweet. I love when kindred spirits find each other, even when they have to go through some adversity before their happily ever after.

Violet is a delight, and I was glad she had a loving and supportive family. It's nice to see that in literature because so many are not. It was great to learn more about Kess and to see even more of the Gents and learn of their escapades. It totally made me want to go back and read the Charming Artemis and that scene where the Gents come for the letters.

But even more, I was struck at learning why Julia still wears black even after all these years that Lucas has been gone. Even writing this now, it makes me want to cry.

Eden is such a fantastic writer!

The narrator, Luone Ingram, is fabulous as always.

Love the Gents!!!!!

I love the whole series and can’t wait to see which Gent the next story will be about. Although after I listen to the Gents, it’s so very sad that Lucas is gone in “The Jonquil Brothers” series. Heartbreaking.