A Gentleman Never Keeps Score

A Gentleman Never Keeps Score (2018) Cat Sebastian (Seducing the Sedgwicks)

Set in London in 1817.

Hartley Sedgwick has been hiding in the house left to him by his godfather–a house he earned, that is now almost a prison as rumors have swirled about just what Hartley did to earn that house, and the livings for his brothers.

Sam Fox retired from boxing after almost killing a man. He and his brother now keep a pub that is a safe space for London’s Free Black community. But his friend (and the woman his brother wants to marry) worries that a painting she posed for will cause problems for her, so Sam sets out to find that painting.

Like the first book, this story has a marvelous supporting cast.

“Did you see a rat?” Kate was watching him with her head tilted. She must have come in while he was polishing the bar.

“What?” Oh God, rats were the last thing they needed. Rat catchers didn’t come cheap.

“Or a fire? A masked bandit?” When he continued to stare blankly at her, she gently smacked the side of his face. “Because something must have happened to make you look like that.”

“It’s just what my face does. If you don’t like it, go look at something else.”

It’s very clear from the story that Bad Things have happened to Hartley in the past.

Hartley’s chest tightened at the desire in Fox’s gaze. Other men’s desire had historically not worked out well for Hartley, and it was hard to look at Fox while remaining optimistic.

Luckily, we only get hints and allusions to what happened to Hartley. Which is more than enough.

It’s another good story, and I really liked the glimpse at how the Free Black community in London might have been.

Publisher: Avon Impulse
Rating: 8/10

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