A Gentleman Undone

Blackshear Family Series, Book 2

By: Cecilia Grant

Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Lydia Slaughter understands the games men play - both in and out of the bedroom. Not afraid to bend the rules to suit her needs, she fleeces Will Blackshear outright. The Waterloo hero had his own daring agenda for the gaming tables of London's gentlemen's clubs. But now he antes up for a wager of wits and desire with Lydia, the streetwise temptress who keeps him at arm's length.

A kept woman in desperate straits, Lydia has a sharp mind and a head for numbers. She gambles on the sly, hoping to win enough to claim her independence. An alliance with Will at the tables may be a winning proposition for them both. But the arrangement involves dicey odds with rising stakes, sweetened with unspoken promise of fleshly delights. And any sleight of hand could find their hearts betting on something neither can afford to risk: love.

©2012 Cecilia Grant (P)2012 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Luscious, erotic, and emotionally intense.... Cecilia Grant is a fresh, unforgettable voice in historical romance." (Madeline Hunter)

disappointed with this one

This seemed like a long drawn out story. They argued too much and struggled with themselves too much. A little on the boring side for me as I struggled to finish this.

Narration was excellent as I find all of the Audible books.

Loved the ending.

Not Your Usual HR

I struggled through this book. Usually it takes me 1 1/2 to 2 days to complete a book, this one took a whole week. I just wasn't drawn to finish it; it was almost a chore. The problems Lydia and Will had seemed as if they would never come together. One thing I did like, was the ending. It was realistic. Of course Susan Ericksen was great. Her narration kept me coming back to finish it.

Horrible

I don't know if it is just me or if it is the author but this book was horrible, long and unappealing in every way. I read Book 1 and just barely got through it but Book 2 was no better. I was going to read Book 3, but I honestly don't know if I can put up with it. The story made little sense to me and it was drawn out too long before you can even try to like it. I don't think I am making much sense but that is because of the book. I can't even blame the narrator even though she is also very dull and I hate listening to her voice. Absolutely not worth listening to unless you have nothing meaningful to do!

A very unique historical romance

Where does A Gentleman Undone rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top 15

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Gentleman Undone?

So many,but I believe the story changed midway through the book in a week long house party scene.

What does Susan Ericksen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Susan voice bring such emotion to all the books she narrates, but I believe she really enjoyed this book.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes , it was a little slow in the beginning,but progressed quickly to the end.

Any additional comments?

If you love damaged, but loveable characters, math and card playing, you'll love this book.

Undone by such an unusual romance

Would you consider the audio edition of A Gentleman Undone to be better than the print version?

YES!! The written version is excellent. Susan Ericksen's audio version is breath-taking. I cannot get over how fabulous she is.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lydia is such a remarkable heroine. Well, she's not really a heroine. She's a realistic survivor. No "heart of gold'' prostitute. Just a steely courtesan who tries to deal with the cards she's dealt. And she knows when to fold 'em, knows when to hold 'em. Knows when to walk away. Knows when to run..The sort-of happy ending may not be realistic for the Regency age, but it feels realistic. No miraculous recoveries. Just survivors who recognize when it makes sense to hang on to each other.

What about Susan Ericksen’s performance did you like?

Everything. She is a virtuoso, especially with such beautiful writing on the page. Like listening to poetry.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes..

Any additional comments?

Wish the book, and its STELLAR predecessor by Cecelia Grant -- "A Lady Awakened" -- had more accurate names. These books are not the typical bodice-rippers. The sex is part of the story, not just tacked on. These books are about the human condition, and how women -- and men -- seek love amid the rubble.

My favorite Cecilia Grant book

Where does A Gentleman Undone rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of my very favorite. It is so well written and very well performed.

What did you like best about this story?

Absolutely the best thing about this story is the writing. It is not an easy story to tell. There is a lot of tension between the characters, but they are so well written and compelling.

Slow moving

I almost stopped reading this one. I kept hitting the chapter skip button waiting for "interesting" to happen. Finally the middle of part 2 got interesting.

2nd Book of the series is just as wonderful

This is the 2nd book I've listened to from Cecilia Grant and I am a huge fan of her writing. The book combines adult and sometimes dark themes, adult reactions and witty writing. I don't know how Ms Grant is going to top this installment but I'm anxious to see if she can.

excellent excellent excellent

I cannot believe that EVERYONE doesn't see how fantastic a writer she is. Straight 5 stars, an automatic purchase. Susan Erickson narrating is the icing on the cake. You'll laugh and cry and be gobsmacked by the books ability to portray the human condition.

Excellent narrator, boring book 

Other than the narrator, there was nothing that I liked about this book. One of the two main characters is unlikable, and the story became extremely boring.