My Fair Gentleman

by Nancy Campbell Allen

Overview

In this Regency twist of My Fair Lady, Jack would rather be at sea than fixing the mistakes of his grandfather, the late Earl of Stansworth. Instead, he finds that inheriting his grandfather's wealth and title—and securing the welfare of his sister and mother—means joining the ranks of high society and living with the aristocracy. Luckily, Ivy Carlisle, the granddaughter of a dear friend of Jack's late grandmother, is willing to teach him etiquette and properly introduce him into society. Jack soon learns that his challenge isn't surviving his new lifestyle but surviving the conspiracies against him—as well as keeping himself from falling madly in love with his new tutor.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781629720951
Publisher:	Shadow Mountain Publishing
Publication date:	01/05/2016
Series:	A Proper Romance
Pages:	256
Sales rank:	1,030,160
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.90(d)
Age Range:	16 - 18 Years

About the Author

Nancy Campbell Allen is the author of eleven published novels, which span genres from contemporary romantic suspense to historical fiction. In 2005, her work won the Utah Best of State award. She has presented at numerous writing conferences and events since her first book was released in 1999.

Nancy received a BS in Elementary Education from Weber State University. She loves to read, write, travel and research, and enjoys spending time laughing with family and friends. She is married and the mother of three children.

Read an Excerpt

"Someone—a lady—says she's here to take you back to Stansworth house."

"What the devil," Jack cursed and threw an armload of personal objects into his trunk. He'd said his farewells earlier in the day to his shipmates, and had already spent a fair amount of time the night before with his captain, complaining about his lot and attempting to drown his sorrows in stiff drink. All it had gotten him was a blazing headache and a shorter fuse.

"Let her in, then," Jack said over his shoulder to Pug, who finally turned with a shrug. The boy returned moments later with a delicate vision of loveliness in a light spring dress and a beribboned and lacy bonnet. She had no business being dockside, let alone aboard The Flying Gull. A young maid and tall footman hovered just outside the cramped cabin in the equally cramped companionway.

This should be most interesting.

Jack straightened to his full height and had the momentary satisfaction of seeing his guest's eyes widen slightly before she recovered herself and managed a smile.

"Mr. Elliot, then?" She stepped forward and extended her gloved hand. "My name is Lady Ivy Carlisle, daughter of Lord and Lady Carlisle, and I have been asked by your grandfather to…to…"

"Make a gentleman out of me?" he said flatly.

"Well, I'm certain you are already well on your way," she said and swallowed visibly. "Perhaps you might benefit from a few tips and suggestions. I understand your launch into society will formally occur at a ball once the Season is in full swing in one month's time."

The lady was smooth, he'd give her that much. She was clearly nervous but managed to deliver her little speech with all the polish he would expect of a person of quality. It irritated him to no end.

Editorial Reviews

11/09/2015
Fans of sweet Regencies will enjoy this fun romance, in which proper lady Ivy Carlisle plays Professor Higgins to merchant sailor Jack Elliot’s Eliza. Jack needs to enter high society as John Weldon Elliot, the new Earl of Stansworth. He’s the old earl’s legitimate grandson, newly reinstated into the family at the earl’s dying request, but he knows nothing about being a gentleman. While Jack wants to reject the title and high society, he wants a better life for his sister, Sophia, and their mother, so he needs Ivy to teach him how to speak properly, dress, and carry himself. Despite a reputation for circumspect behavior, Ivy is no demure Regency debutante. Her independent streak comes in handy when someone tries to kill Jack, as well as when they face the challenges of setting up a halfway house for prostitutes. Her desire to make a difference infuses the story with excitement and action. Despite social restrictions, Ivy, Jack, and Sophia forge strong friendships and figure out ways to do good with the power and money behind Jack’s title, while avoiding the endless cycle of vapid gossip, petty jealousies, and idle pursuits. Pygmalion stories are common in the genre; this is one of the better ones. Agent: Pam van Hylckama Vlieg, D4EO Literary Agency. (Jan.)

Publishers Weekly

"Delightful, sweet Regency will remind readers of classic Marion Chesney titles. In this twist on My Fair Lady...They spar and flirt while both chafe against their circumstances...The intrigue plotline showcases stellar minor characters, including Jack's 12-year-old valet, Pug. Allen's excellent and thoroughly enjoyable Regency will delight both longtime and new fans of the genre."

Booklist

"This clever twist on Pygmalion reverses roles, not only with the principles, but with the actions of others in the cast. This compelling insight into human emotions reveals the effects of greed and the power of love."

Romantic Times

"Everything one would like to see in a regency piece is found here.  Nancy Campbell Allen does a nice job of making her characters likeable and believable. This is an easy read that gives readers the opportunity to imagine living in an earlier time. Get comfortable and enjoy getting to know its characters and their stories!"

Compass Book Ratings

"Delightful, sweet Regency will remind readers of classic Marion Chesney titles. In this twist on My Fair Lady...They spar and flirt while both chafe against their circumstances...The intrigue plotline showcases stellar minor characters, including Jack's 12-year-old valet, Pug. Allen's excellent and thoroughly enjoyable Regency will delight both longtime and new fans of the genre."

Booklist