REVIEW: A Gentleman’s Game by Theresa Romain

In A Gentleman’s Game (Romance of the Turf #1) by Theresa Romain, When the cherished horses that Nathaniel Chandler’s family owns begin falling ill, threatening their chances at winning this year’s Derby, he sets out to find out if the cause is natural or malicious. Aiding in his search is his father’s secretary, Rosalind Agate. Nathaniel finds her charming and smart, if not a bit mysterious. And surprisingly, Rosalind is tempted for the first time to let her personal life interfere with her job.

‘With Rosalind Agate at his side, everything seemed fresher and brighter. He didn’t have to solve problems alone–and that meant, for now, there seemed to be no problem the travelers couldn’t solve.’

As they journey to the Derby with their motley crew of handlers and animals in tow, romance begins to spark between Rosalind and Nathaniel. He’s still not sure if he can fully trust her as he has a feeling she’s hiding something important from him. Rosalind is growing more and more suspicious that things she’s been told in the past and that has shaped her life may not be exactly true. While their lives continue to change around them, Nathaniel and Rosalind find solace together and dream of creating an exciting, fulfilling life together in the future.

‘In darker days, Rosalind had wondered if her life was worth the layers of debt she had incurred to save it. But now, for the first time in a decade, she saw the promise of choice ahead of her… A life that was real.’

A Gentleman’s Game was an absolutely sweet historical romance set in the world of horse racing during the Regency period. With a great combination of everyday hardworking people and titled nobility, this story was an entertaining twist on a standard tale.

I think this is a romance that will touch all different types of readers. The main characters, Nathaniel and Rosalind, were both troubled in their own way so there was an element of personal growth that was bound to happen and which is always fun to read. And as an animal lover myself, it was great that they had a natural affinity to animals being that they were surrounded by horses, dogs and other critters. Author Theresa Romain did a fantastic job conveying Nathaniel’s ability to handle the horses’ illness while showing Rosalind’s compassion for animals and people alike as she assisted him.

Romain also was successful in creating a wonderful rapport between Rosalind and Nathaniel without losing the chemistry that sparked immediately between them. I felt like their relationship realistically morphed from acquaintances to friends to romantic partners over the course of their journey. And what a journey it was! Nathaniel learned more about who he really was and what he was capable of as a man and as the son of a grumpy baronet. Rosalind found out that blindly trusting and not asking questions could lead to heartache and trouble. But she also learned to trust herself more and to make decisions that could not only help others, but that could bring herself comfort and joy in the process. Loved that.

Heartwarming and lively, book one in the new Romance of the Turf series has set the bar high for future installments. I look forward to seeing if the next bunch of characters are just as well defined and if the story is as captivating as this was.

Book Info:

 Published February 2nd 2016 | by Sourcebooks Casablanca | Romance of the Turf #1

Suave Nathaniel Chandler can just as easily talk himself into a willing lady’s embrace as he can broker a business deal. But no amount of charm is sufficient to cloak a chilling, recent discovery: every one of his award-winning racehorses has suddenly and mysteriously fallen ill.

Determined to discover the source of the problem, Nathaniel searches for all possible explanations. His suspicions fall on the alluring Rosalind Agate, his father’s new secretary. But for the sake of both their livelihoods – and his recent attraction – Nathaniel sets aside his suspicions. Instead, he decides to use Rosalind’s wit and her wiles as key components of his investigative team.

As the upcoming race draws near, Nathaniel and Rosalind must use every trick up their sleeves to not only catch the culprit, but also satisfy the desire that burns between them…