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No Ordinary Men #1
No Ordinary Gentleman
The duke, his brother, and the lie. Or in other words, how I came to be trapped between two men in a remote castle in Scotland.
Once upon a time, in a more carefree life, I met a man.
Our gazes connected over the top of his newspaper as he watched me suffer through the most embarrassing moment of my life.
Older, sophisticated, and so very hot, he saved me from that awkward encounter,
Then tried to send me away with a pat on my head.
But I wasn’t going anywhere . . .
And the rest, as the saying goes, is history.
Passionate, heart-stopping, the night of my life kind of history.
There was just one tiny problem. I lied to him.
I told him I was a tourist and only in town for one night.
So he wasn’t too impressed when I turned up again.
In his Scottish castle.
Yes, his freakin’ castle.
His killer suit traded for a kilt, and his seductive smile for a frown,
When he glowers my way, I don’t know if I should be worried or turned on.
Because the Duke of Dalforth has secrets he’s not sharing.
And a brother who’d like nothing more than to cut in on him.
When I do the wrong thing for the right reason,
I have to believe it’ll work out in the end.
Because the duke is No Ordinary Gentleman.
And I’m just a normal girl, fighting not to fall in love with him.
No Ordinary Gentleman is a standalone title featuring a brutally handsome and curmudgeon-y duke, a sunshine-y girl who doesn't baulk at telling a fib or two, a castle in a remote part of Scotland, a crazy cast, lots of love, laughter, steam, and a happily ever after!
Once upon a time, in a more carefree life, I met a man.
Our gazes connected over the top of his newspaper as he watched me suffer through the most embarrassing moment of my life.
Older, sophisticated, and so very hot, he saved me from that awkward encounter,
Then tried to send me away with a pat on my head.
But I wasn’t going anywhere . . .
And the rest, as the saying goes, is history.
Passionate, heart-stopping, the night of my life kind of history.
There was just one tiny problem. I lied to him.
I told him I was a tourist and only in town for one night.
So he wasn’t too impressed when I turned up again.
In his Scottish castle.
Yes, his freakin’ castle.
His killer suit traded for a kilt, and his seductive smile for a frown,
When he glowers my way, I don’t know if I should be worried or turned on.
Because the Duke of Dalforth has secrets he’s not sharing.
And a brother who’d like nothing more than to cut in on him.
When I do the wrong thing for the right reason,
I have to believe it’ll work out in the end.
Because the duke is No Ordinary Gentleman.
And I’m just a normal girl, fighting not to fall in love with him.
No Ordinary Gentleman is a standalone title featuring a brutally handsome and curmudgeon-y duke, a sunshine-y girl who doesn't baulk at telling a fib or two, a castle in a remote part of Scotland, a crazy cast, lots of love, laughter, steam, and a happily ever after!
668 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2021
About the author
Donna Alam
39 books1,815 followersDonna Alam is a #7 Amazon Kindle store and USA Today bestseller. A writer of love stories with heart, humour, and heat, she aspires to sprinkle a little joy into the lives of her readers. When not bashing away at her keyboard, she can often be found hiding from her responsibilities with a book in her hand and a mop of a dog at her feet.
Hear all the news by joining her newsletter below or pop in and say hello in her private reader group, Donna Alam's Lambs.
Lambs - https://bit.ly/DALambs
Donna's Newsletter - https://subscribepage.com/e6z5p6
Hear all the news by joining her newsletter below or pop in and say hello in her private reader group, Donna Alam's Lambs.
Lambs - https://bit.ly/DALambs
Donna's Newsletter - https://subscribepage.com/e6z5p6
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
October 21, 2021
Oh how I loved this book!! I’m a sucker when Mr Grumpy falls for Ms Sunshine. When it’s a grumpy Scottish duke I’m even happier.
In No Ordinary Gentleman you get witty dialogue, sexy men in kilts and the kind of chemistry that might just make you blush. The duke gives very good dirty talk, among other things…
And if you like your heat with some humour this one’s got you covered. I genuinely LOLd a lot.
I’m going to be impatiently waiting on stories for Isla, Griffin, Van and more. You’re spoiled with the supporting characters in this one 👏👏
Beta read
In No Ordinary Gentleman you get witty dialogue, sexy men in kilts and the kind of chemistry that might just make you blush. The duke gives very good dirty talk, among other things…
And if you like your heat with some humour this one’s got you covered. I genuinely LOLd a lot.
I’m going to be impatiently waiting on stories for Isla, Griffin, Van and more. You’re spoiled with the supporting characters in this one 👏👏
Beta read
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Shelved as 'dnf'
June 29, 2022DNF 3%
I just don't get a good vibe from the h. It feels like this 600+ pages book will be tedious for me to read as she is already getting on my nerves lol
Also, the beginning is just so weird, I can't get into it. No way two strangers would act that way together.
I just don't get a good vibe from the h. It feels like this 600+ pages book will be tedious for me to read as she is already getting on my nerves lol
Also, the beginning is just so weird, I can't get into it. No way two strangers would act that way together.
October 25, 2021
5 stars ⭐️
What can I say, I love Donna Alam’s books. Her characters are so real, and her stories carry you away. I love, love, loved Alexander and Holland. Theirs was a love story that had many obstacles to overcome. A totally engaging tale, with humour thrown in throughout, I finished this story feeling good.
What can I say, I love Donna Alam’s books. Her characters are so real, and her stories carry you away. I love, love, loved Alexander and Holland. Theirs was a love story that had many obstacles to overcome. A totally engaging tale, with humour thrown in throughout, I finished this story feeling good.
October 21, 2021
Don't you just love it when Love softens the grumpiest of men, and makes true heroines of the gentlest of lasses? Even better when Donna Alam is at the helm for the voyage.
Because you're assured of everything this story promises...a hearty chuckle-fest, plenty of steam and chemistry for days, a colourful cast of some of the craziest side characters and of course, a HEA that's so worth waiting for!
I was tickled pink to see Donna was taking us back to Scotland for a sexy frolic around in the Highlands with her newest contemporary romance.
And she does not hold back the heat, or the heart, with Holland and Alexander.
The chemistry and the sexual tension between these two is instant, but circumstance and station, and a meddlesome half-brother, make this quite the turbulent journey.
I loved where this story started. You really get to meet the real Holland and Alexander (or should I say "Olive" and "Lyle"), unshackled by their real worlds for the briefest interlude, and then we must watch them work to fight back to that joy as the story unfolds.
In a way, I think it unfair that Alexander is portrayed as the stiff aristocrat, for that is by no means who he is. As Duke of Dalforth however, it is who he believes he needs to be.
And it takes a "quirky bird" from Mookatill, Oregon to undo him in spectacular fashion.
Although a standalone, this story reintroduces some of Donna's previous characters, and one of my absolute faves from her Hot Scots series, the most incorrible granny ever, June, and introduces a host of other wonderful new and unforgettable characters too. Lord knows, I could willingly spend a day in a Scottish pub with Emma and Allie!!!
There are a few hints in here too, that we will see more of some of them in coming books, and I cannot wait!
But for me, I just can't go past Alexander.
Donna just keeps trumping my favourite heroes with every new book she pens, and with each new sexy alpha, I fall madly in love (and lust) with them, to the point where I think I've become quite the romance town slut!!
You can't help but fall for her heroes and her heroines, and cheer their hard earned and heart warming HEAs, and this one, I think, is her most satisfying yet!
Because you're assured of everything this story promises...a hearty chuckle-fest, plenty of steam and chemistry for days, a colourful cast of some of the craziest side characters and of course, a HEA that's so worth waiting for!
I was tickled pink to see Donna was taking us back to Scotland for a sexy frolic around in the Highlands with her newest contemporary romance.
And she does not hold back the heat, or the heart, with Holland and Alexander.
The chemistry and the sexual tension between these two is instant, but circumstance and station, and a meddlesome half-brother, make this quite the turbulent journey.
I loved where this story started. You really get to meet the real Holland and Alexander (or should I say "Olive" and "Lyle"), unshackled by their real worlds for the briefest interlude, and then we must watch them work to fight back to that joy as the story unfolds.
In a way, I think it unfair that Alexander is portrayed as the stiff aristocrat, for that is by no means who he is. As Duke of Dalforth however, it is who he believes he needs to be.
And it takes a "quirky bird" from Mookatill, Oregon to undo him in spectacular fashion.
Although a standalone, this story reintroduces some of Donna's previous characters, and one of my absolute faves from her Hot Scots series, the most incorrible granny ever, June, and introduces a host of other wonderful new and unforgettable characters too. Lord knows, I could willingly spend a day in a Scottish pub with Emma and Allie!!!
There are a few hints in here too, that we will see more of some of them in coming books, and I cannot wait!
But for me, I just can't go past Alexander.
Donna just keeps trumping my favourite heroes with every new book she pens, and with each new sexy alpha, I fall madly in love (and lust) with them, to the point where I think I've become quite the romance town slut!!
You can't help but fall for her heroes and her heroines, and cheer their hard earned and heart warming HEAs, and this one, I think, is her most satisfying yet!
October 24, 2021
I was enjoying the book for the first few chapters but it slowly became too tedious and lengthy. I skipped a few pages tbh.
I don’t even know if I’m going to finish it.
I don’t even know if I’m going to finish it.
November 11, 2021
LIKE A GAME OF “WOULD YOU RATHER” …
“Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.” ~~ Robert Frost
HOLY HOTNESS. What a great quote from the introspective mind of American poet Robert Frost. I never thought it would be a tease for most of the book though. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting for a pair of compelling lovers that make terrible sense on paper, but are perfect magnets for each other IRL, to get their act together. Reading this book was like playing a game of “Would You Rather …”, and I’m impossibly torn in a love-hate way. The “meet cute” of this age gap couple was unusually creative for jilted American schoolteacher Holly (with a side hustle as a food/travel blogger) and a gentlemanly British stranger who simply introduces himself as Sandy (aka Alexander), instead of the 13th Duke in his family’s royal lineage. It charmed my socks off. But that single scene was 13% -- 84 pages – of the book. I nearly DNF’d, but the MCs were so cosmically captivating that I hung in til the very end for every crumb of their time together, which wasn’t enough. More on that later …
668 pgs is ridiculously long for monotonous pages of meandering, extended dialogue by side characters, and idiotic, random situations that the heroine gets herself into for no reason, while pretending there’s no easy way out. Like the predatory older couple propositioning her for a threesome at an outdoor café, or the obnoxious couple pestering her at a bar. She’s mouthy enough to get into these conversations, but too stupid to realize she can just walk away. The absurdly complicated getaways were unnecessary, with passive behavior that contradicted her normal behavior. The entire book overindulged in overlong scenes, droning conversations about everyday dribble, and scenes that just cut off without closure. Too much filler.
BACK TO THEIR MEET-CUTE: Jilted Holly ran off to London to lick her wounds. She’s been nannying and traveling to her heart’s desire, when Alexander eavesdrops on that café conversation and saves her from the pushy, threesome couple. After an unforgettable day and night together that ends in mind-blowing sex, Holly ghosts him in the morning. She doesn’t know he’s a Duke with crushing family obligations. The nanny job falls through and Sandy next sees her as a catering server at a soiree. Convinced that he can’t have a relationship, he gives her a referral for a better job, coincidentally at his family’s remote Scottish castle, which is a tourist hot spot and makes him her employer. He can’t seem to stay away and becomes a fixture at the castle to be near her which then reveals his true identity and name.
The rest of the book is them hooking up or in denial about feelings, with Holly running from him every chance she gets. Why the F didn’t he just sit down and have an adult conversation with her? Still, the quirky family setup had seriously entertaining moments and humor. I loved how the castle folk embraced Holly as one of their own, and the connection between the couple together was strong, in and out of the sheets. The development of their relationship could have been much more gratifying though than just the repetition of them having sex, her running, and him chasing her. All that rejection killed his confidence and he came off as scrambling and bumbling. Know what was fantastic? Their inner thoughts! I could have survived on those alone.
The Cinderella ending is a foregone conclusion, but all that silly chasing and evading was resolved way too fast with a few groveling words at the end compared to the grueling build-up. I like this author. She writes some really amazing dialogue, characters, and emotions. Some of the phrases are brilliant. But, I kept thinking this was a first draft without an edit, especially given inconsistencies in the story or descriptions from one page to the next. This would have been a 5 star read for me, edited and half the length.
“Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.” ~~ Robert Frost
HOLY HOTNESS. What a great quote from the introspective mind of American poet Robert Frost. I never thought it would be a tease for most of the book though. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting for a pair of compelling lovers that make terrible sense on paper, but are perfect magnets for each other IRL, to get their act together. Reading this book was like playing a game of “Would You Rather …”, and I’m impossibly torn in a love-hate way. The “meet cute” of this age gap couple was unusually creative for jilted American schoolteacher Holly (with a side hustle as a food/travel blogger) and a gentlemanly British stranger who simply introduces himself as Sandy (aka Alexander), instead of the 13th Duke in his family’s royal lineage. It charmed my socks off. But that single scene was 13% -- 84 pages – of the book. I nearly DNF’d, but the MCs were so cosmically captivating that I hung in til the very end for every crumb of their time together, which wasn’t enough. More on that later …
668 pgs is ridiculously long for monotonous pages of meandering, extended dialogue by side characters, and idiotic, random situations that the heroine gets herself into for no reason, while pretending there’s no easy way out. Like the predatory older couple propositioning her for a threesome at an outdoor café, or the obnoxious couple pestering her at a bar. She’s mouthy enough to get into these conversations, but too stupid to realize she can just walk away. The absurdly complicated getaways were unnecessary, with passive behavior that contradicted her normal behavior. The entire book overindulged in overlong scenes, droning conversations about everyday dribble, and scenes that just cut off without closure. Too much filler.
BACK TO THEIR MEET-CUTE: Jilted Holly ran off to London to lick her wounds. She’s been nannying and traveling to her heart’s desire, when Alexander eavesdrops on that café conversation and saves her from the pushy, threesome couple. After an unforgettable day and night together that ends in mind-blowing sex, Holly ghosts him in the morning. She doesn’t know he’s a Duke with crushing family obligations. The nanny job falls through and Sandy next sees her as a catering server at a soiree. Convinced that he can’t have a relationship, he gives her a referral for a better job, coincidentally at his family’s remote Scottish castle, which is a tourist hot spot and makes him her employer. He can’t seem to stay away and becomes a fixture at the castle to be near her which then reveals his true identity and name.
The rest of the book is them hooking up or in denial about feelings, with Holly running from him every chance she gets. Why the F didn’t he just sit down and have an adult conversation with her? Still, the quirky family setup had seriously entertaining moments and humor. I loved how the castle folk embraced Holly as one of their own, and the connection between the couple together was strong, in and out of the sheets. The development of their relationship could have been much more gratifying though than just the repetition of them having sex, her running, and him chasing her. All that rejection killed his confidence and he came off as scrambling and bumbling. Know what was fantastic? Their inner thoughts! I could have survived on those alone.
The Cinderella ending is a foregone conclusion, but all that silly chasing and evading was resolved way too fast with a few groveling words at the end compared to the grueling build-up. I like this author. She writes some really amazing dialogue, characters, and emotions. Some of the phrases are brilliant. But, I kept thinking this was a first draft without an edit, especially given inconsistencies in the story or descriptions from one page to the next. This would have been a 5 star read for me, edited and half the length.
October 28, 2021
Oh how I so enjoyed Alex and Holland. I love when a stoic closed off grump of a gentleman crosses paths with an out going fun loving quirky heroine. A chance meeting in a little restaurant set these two unlikely individuals on a one night adventure that neither one will forget. Now of course you know that fate has stepped in and they now find themselves face to face and so much to explain. Neither one is what they appeared and it is about to come to light!
This couple is funny, sexy, has wonderful witty banter and are just so filled with surprises.
~~Michele McMullen ~~
This couple is funny, sexy, has wonderful witty banter and are just so filled with surprises.
~~Michele McMullen ~~
August 3, 2022
Freakin’ addictive read! Tension, pursuit, humour, and fire-alarm hotness!!
”His gaze pins me to the wall as a current leaps in the air between us, white hot and electric. It feels powerful. And daring.”
When American Holland Harper is rescued from a very awkward situation by quintessentially English Alexander, she insists on buying him a coffee to thank him. One coffee leads to drinks which leads to the hottest night of their lives. They’re both fine with that. Holly was looking to break her dry spell and Alexander has no intention of committing to anyone ever again. Both were happy with their little lies about who they really were. Another chance meeting leads to Holly landing a job in the wilds of Scotland. Both were shocked to find out that, in essence, Alexander is her employer.
”Something almost primeval had stirred inside me, drawing the very fibres of my being taut. She’d be so tiny under me. So malleable. So sweet. Yet spirited.”
Alexander is completely obsessed with the memory of Holland. When he finds out that she works on his estate in Scotland, he knows that he can’t let her go. Their interactions are SCORCHING! No matter how hard Holly tries to keep the Duke of Dalforth at arm’s length, he continually pursues her. Throw into the mix his annoying brother, Griffin, and things become really quite complicated!
”My mind was a haze of pure red, the need to own her something darker and harder than I’ve ever felt.”
Gaah! This story was a compelling read. I couldn’t get enough of Alexander and Holly. His obsession with her was a tangible thing. He ached for her, dreamed of her, and ultimately fought hard for her. He was a total alpha with a dirty mouth, and possessive attitude. I had to admire Holly. She was a grafter. She was willing to do what she needed to avoid going home to the small town she grew up in. I admired her for her efforts to keep things professional, although Alexander pretty much bulldozed over them. Their connection and chemistry was so darn hot and utterly undeniable. Alexander was determined to be alone but I loved how much life, laughter and joy she brought into his life. She threw his orderly existence into disarray and he thrived on it. In turn, he made her feel desired, precious and vital to his existence. I loved this book so much and I absolutely need to make more time to read more of this author’s works.
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/R1UDB9B...
”His gaze pins me to the wall as a current leaps in the air between us, white hot and electric. It feels powerful. And daring.”
When American Holland Harper is rescued from a very awkward situation by quintessentially English Alexander, she insists on buying him a coffee to thank him. One coffee leads to drinks which leads to the hottest night of their lives. They’re both fine with that. Holly was looking to break her dry spell and Alexander has no intention of committing to anyone ever again. Both were happy with their little lies about who they really were. Another chance meeting leads to Holly landing a job in the wilds of Scotland. Both were shocked to find out that, in essence, Alexander is her employer.
”Something almost primeval had stirred inside me, drawing the very fibres of my being taut. She’d be so tiny under me. So malleable. So sweet. Yet spirited.”
Alexander is completely obsessed with the memory of Holland. When he finds out that she works on his estate in Scotland, he knows that he can’t let her go. Their interactions are SCORCHING! No matter how hard Holly tries to keep the Duke of Dalforth at arm’s length, he continually pursues her. Throw into the mix his annoying brother, Griffin, and things become really quite complicated!
”My mind was a haze of pure red, the need to own her something darker and harder than I’ve ever felt.”
Gaah! This story was a compelling read. I couldn’t get enough of Alexander and Holly. His obsession with her was a tangible thing. He ached for her, dreamed of her, and ultimately fought hard for her. He was a total alpha with a dirty mouth, and possessive attitude. I had to admire Holly. She was a grafter. She was willing to do what she needed to avoid going home to the small town she grew up in. I admired her for her efforts to keep things professional, although Alexander pretty much bulldozed over them. Their connection and chemistry was so darn hot and utterly undeniable. Alexander was determined to be alone but I loved how much life, laughter and joy she brought into his life. She threw his orderly existence into disarray and he thrived on it. In turn, he made her feel desired, precious and vital to his existence. I loved this book so much and I absolutely need to make more time to read more of this author’s works.
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/R1UDB9B...
October 24, 2021
No Ordinary Gentleman
Written by: Donna Alam
Donna, thank you so much for giving me my new Duke book Boyfriend. You, Holly and Alexander are now in my top 10 books read in 2021!
Don’t we all want to meet a handsome Duke, a gentleman, a philanthropist, a pillar in the community and a man who makes one crazy hot when he kisses, when his fingers touch your skin, when he whispers in your ear and when he is dirty in bed! Ladies, I’d like you to meet the 13th Duke of Dalforth, Henry Charles Alexander Theodore Dalforth. He is all of the above and so much more.
Holly (Holland Harper), an American, a teacher by trade currently a tutor/social secretary for the tween daughters of an American couple while living and working in London. She has one more night of holidays left before going back to work little does she know she’s about to meet her Duke!
Their eyes meet over a lowered newspaper, followed by a hand (part of a beautiful strong wrist); leading to a cup of coffee and a night of drinking, smoldering eyes meeting each other, all because of a mix up with a pair of swingers, pretend names and a night they can’t forget.
This dear readers/reviewers of books, this is where I give you just a few more hints, the Duke has a half-brother, a sister and a six year old and eight year old nephew. Not to take away from the Duke and his teacher but these boys, honestly I swooned over them as well.
Through the magic of an author they all end up in Scotland at Kilblair Castle, where their story continues to “heat up.”
I love reading Donna Alam books! In No Ordinary Gentleman she gives readers witty retorts, the slyest of glances in crowded rooms, a Duke you can’t help but fall in love with and a teacher who you would want to teach your own children. She makes you laugh out loud and grumble under your breath while giving her characters advice and a twist you never saw coming.
Author Donna Alam is a one-click author for me. In the end, both Donna Alam and Holly Harper are right, Sandy (Alexander) the Duke, is No Ordinary Gentleman.
Written by: Donna Alam
Donna, thank you so much for giving me my new Duke book Boyfriend. You, Holly and Alexander are now in my top 10 books read in 2021!
Don’t we all want to meet a handsome Duke, a gentleman, a philanthropist, a pillar in the community and a man who makes one crazy hot when he kisses, when his fingers touch your skin, when he whispers in your ear and when he is dirty in bed! Ladies, I’d like you to meet the 13th Duke of Dalforth, Henry Charles Alexander Theodore Dalforth. He is all of the above and so much more.
Holly (Holland Harper), an American, a teacher by trade currently a tutor/social secretary for the tween daughters of an American couple while living and working in London. She has one more night of holidays left before going back to work little does she know she’s about to meet her Duke!
Their eyes meet over a lowered newspaper, followed by a hand (part of a beautiful strong wrist); leading to a cup of coffee and a night of drinking, smoldering eyes meeting each other, all because of a mix up with a pair of swingers, pretend names and a night they can’t forget.
This dear readers/reviewers of books, this is where I give you just a few more hints, the Duke has a half-brother, a sister and a six year old and eight year old nephew. Not to take away from the Duke and his teacher but these boys, honestly I swooned over them as well.
Through the magic of an author they all end up in Scotland at Kilblair Castle, where their story continues to “heat up.”
I love reading Donna Alam books! In No Ordinary Gentleman she gives readers witty retorts, the slyest of glances in crowded rooms, a Duke you can’t help but fall in love with and a teacher who you would want to teach your own children. She makes you laugh out loud and grumble under your breath while giving her characters advice and a twist you never saw coming.
Author Donna Alam is a one-click author for me. In the end, both Donna Alam and Holly Harper are right, Sandy (Alexander) the Duke, is No Ordinary Gentleman.
November 1, 2021
No Ordinary Gentleman by Donna Alam is a hefty 668 pages and took me over two days to finish. Of course I knew that our hero, Alexander, and heroine, Holland, would have a happy ending, but it’s their journey that kept me engaged and reading until the wee hours of the night. Kudos to the author, who currently lives in the UK, for her very thorough and convincing portrayal of Scots in her latest contemporary romance.
I have never been to Scotland and found it fascinating exploring the world and customs of Britain’s nobility through her eyes. We were introduced to Dukes, Duchesses, Earls, Lords, Marquises, Viscounts, as well as Hollywood’s elite and the working class.
I loved how enigmatic Alexander met Holly by chance and went out of his way to help her. The writing drew me in from page one as our girl Holly has quite the sense of humor and no filter. I admired how this elementary school teacher took a chance and came to the London to explore new possibilities, and how her backstory unfolded throughout the pages.
She met her match with Alexander, who was undeniably handsome and her knight in shinning armor. With his sarcastic wit and sexy smolder, he charmed her panties right off. This is an age gap, he’s 15 years older, but she didn’t know his station in life and neither expected to see the other again after their one night of smokin’ hot passion!
Donna can sure bring on the steam and it was so hot that neither Alexander nor Holly could forget one another. Even their daydreams were erotic! During this time we are introduced to his half-brother Griffin, her sister and nephew in America, and his twin sister, Isla, and her two adorable sons.
There are many chapters in this book in which the hero and the heroine are not featured together, as the author really delves into the life in a day. For example, when she first lands in Scotland for a new job, or when he’s with his brother. There are many specific details that create tension and desire for these two, and when they meet again, everyone better watch out, because the Duke has his eyes on one woman only, and he is all alpha.
As the prologue states, there is drama with his half-brother, Griffin who is an attorney/barrister, his sister as she is filing for divorce, and his best friend, Van, who is keeping secrets of his own. He also has bitter memories of his ex-wife and feels falling in love is not worth the pain. I know others may think of him as broody or grumpy, but I don’t see that at all. I think he was just overworked and overtired, with little time for a personal life as he has a great responsibility to maintain and finance the entire estate and village as the Duke of Dalforth.
I absolutely loved how Alexander longed for her, pursued her, yet gave her the space she needed. He let her know in no uncertain terms his feelings and that he wanted more with her than just their sexy times. Spoiler: This is where Holly lost major points with me. I understand her reluctance due to their vastly different upbringing and social status, but I didn’t like how she played games, deliberately avoided him, plotted with his unscrupulous brother, and lied. She didn’t communicate her true feelings until the end, which were minimal, and for such a long book, it tied up a little too quickly for me.
It all worked out in the end, and I am elated the Duke never gave up. He believed in their love enough for the both of them, was a true romantic at heart, and had me swooning on repeat. I really enjoyed the extended epilogue into the future, and hope their love story continues. I loved Isla! Even though she was vulnerable, she was strong and smart as well as a survivor, and am hoping she gets her own HEA, too.
I have never been to Scotland and found it fascinating exploring the world and customs of Britain’s nobility through her eyes. We were introduced to Dukes, Duchesses, Earls, Lords, Marquises, Viscounts, as well as Hollywood’s elite and the working class.
I loved how enigmatic Alexander met Holly by chance and went out of his way to help her. The writing drew me in from page one as our girl Holly has quite the sense of humor and no filter. I admired how this elementary school teacher took a chance and came to the London to explore new possibilities, and how her backstory unfolded throughout the pages.
She met her match with Alexander, who was undeniably handsome and her knight in shinning armor. With his sarcastic wit and sexy smolder, he charmed her panties right off. This is an age gap, he’s 15 years older, but she didn’t know his station in life and neither expected to see the other again after their one night of smokin’ hot passion!
Donna can sure bring on the steam and it was so hot that neither Alexander nor Holly could forget one another. Even their daydreams were erotic! During this time we are introduced to his half-brother Griffin, her sister and nephew in America, and his twin sister, Isla, and her two adorable sons.
There are many chapters in this book in which the hero and the heroine are not featured together, as the author really delves into the life in a day. For example, when she first lands in Scotland for a new job, or when he’s with his brother. There are many specific details that create tension and desire for these two, and when they meet again, everyone better watch out, because the Duke has his eyes on one woman only, and he is all alpha.
As the prologue states, there is drama with his half-brother, Griffin who is an attorney/barrister, his sister as she is filing for divorce, and his best friend, Van, who is keeping secrets of his own. He also has bitter memories of his ex-wife and feels falling in love is not worth the pain. I know others may think of him as broody or grumpy, but I don’t see that at all. I think he was just overworked and overtired, with little time for a personal life as he has a great responsibility to maintain and finance the entire estate and village as the Duke of Dalforth.
I absolutely loved how Alexander longed for her, pursued her, yet gave her the space she needed. He let her know in no uncertain terms his feelings and that he wanted more with her than just their sexy times. Spoiler: This is where Holly lost major points with me. I understand her reluctance due to their vastly different upbringing and social status, but I didn’t like how she played games, deliberately avoided him, plotted with his unscrupulous brother, and lied. She didn’t communicate her true feelings until the end, which were minimal, and for such a long book, it tied up a little too quickly for me.
It all worked out in the end, and I am elated the Duke never gave up. He believed in their love enough for the both of them, was a true romantic at heart, and had me swooning on repeat. I really enjoyed the extended epilogue into the future, and hope their love story continues. I loved Isla! Even though she was vulnerable, she was strong and smart as well as a survivor, and am hoping she gets her own HEA, too.
October 27, 2021
Slow
There was too much immaturity. The story line was not there. Then literally at the end of the book another issue occurs and is solved in a matter of pages? Not well thought out
There was too much immaturity. The story line was not there. Then literally at the end of the book another issue occurs and is solved in a matter of pages? Not well thought out
February 11, 2024
"Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired."- Robert Frost
This book was recommended in a number of FB book groups, but I couldn't understand the hype for it. It was so slow, there wasn't much of a plot and the pages content could have been halved. Holly(main heroine) gets into so many situations she didn't even need to be in with ways out. But she acted like their was no ways out. Holly was also always running away from Alexander whenever he ever expressed his feelings towards her. All Holly needed to do to prevent a lot of things that happened was just to talk and have an adult conversation.
I felt the ending was very rushed and we find out more about the characters in the last 10% than the rest of the book. The twist near the end (even though I had an inkling when boat was mentioned) was resolved very quickly- why was it even there?
My favourite part of the book was Alexander's nephews and the Outlander references.
"And Scotland has kilts. And men who look like Sam Heughan. Do it for the Outlander fantasy, if nothing else."
"Lord be praised. Kilts are Scottish formal wear! Blue with white plaid, blue with yellow. Green with red, green with blue, and black, and seemingly every other colour in between! Long socks and shiny shoes, jackets with sparkling buttons. Some mean wear bow toes, others neckties, and almost all of them wear a vest. It's not exactly a scene from Outlander."
This book was recommended in a number of FB book groups, but I couldn't understand the hype for it. It was so slow, there wasn't much of a plot and the pages content could have been halved. Holly(main heroine) gets into so many situations she didn't even need to be in with ways out. But she acted like their was no ways out. Holly was also always running away from Alexander whenever he ever expressed his feelings towards her. All Holly needed to do to prevent a lot of things that happened was just to talk and have an adult conversation.
I felt the ending was very rushed and we find out more about the characters in the last 10% than the rest of the book. The twist near the end (even though I had an inkling when boat was mentioned) was resolved very quickly- why was it even there?
My favourite part of the book was Alexander's nephews and the Outlander references.
"And Scotland has kilts. And men who look like Sam Heughan. Do it for the Outlander fantasy, if nothing else."
"Lord be praised. Kilts are Scottish formal wear! Blue with white plaid, blue with yellow. Green with red, green with blue, and black, and seemingly every other colour in between! Long socks and shiny shoes, jackets with sparkling buttons. Some mean wear bow toes, others neckties, and almost all of them wear a vest. It's not exactly a scene from Outlander."
October 20, 2021
No Ordinary Gentleman by Donna Alam is a five-star of a thrilling ride of a read. Wow, what can I say, I adore this author and everything they write, but ahhh man I love Olive, sorry Holly even more than I expected! ((I will never admit this if questioned in real life, but she may have knocked Natasha off her perch!!! Not our sweet beloved June, but still the shock) (Insert shocked awe here)). This has it all, hotties, thirsty traps, talent, and sweeties that just don’t give up. Do yourself a favor and grab this story, get sucked into the Holly’s (shockingly similar to my) love of the oldies as this one kicks off with a bang. (The oldies rule, just maybe not in the way they want to). Anyhow, I digress, PICK this sucker up, as you will not be disappointed, you will love the people and the setting, and the heat….. oh the heat, you will be so warm you can turn the heating down. Now get reading, you know you want to.
October 22, 2021
Oh how i LOVED this book. From the moment you meet Holly in the hotel bar speaking to a older couple trying to have a three way and Alexander saving her.I loved where this story started. You really get to meet the real Holland and Alexander aka "Olive" and "Lyle. by their real worlds for the briefest interlude, and then we must watch them work to fight back to that joy as the story unfolds.
I totally love when the grumpiest man goes soft for his women. Donna has a way with her story that
assures you of everything this story promises...a hearty chuckle-fest, plenty of steam and chemistry for days, a colourful cast of some of the craziest side characters and of course.
I totally love when the grumpiest man goes soft for his women. Donna has a way with her story that
assures you of everything this story promises...a hearty chuckle-fest, plenty of steam and chemistry for days, a colourful cast of some of the craziest side characters and of course.
October 22, 2021
GRUMPalious HOT Teddy BEAR!
This story is is just Fantastic. It instantly got me hooked with a GRUMPalious panty drippy hottie that made my hormones rage with delight. It's hot, exciting, edgy from start to finish with gripping twists and emotions that stick with lasting feels and fun laughs. The humour is witty and definitely keeps the pages turning. A brilliant story that I've added to my favorites list and my re-read shelf because it's definitely that good and will need to read it again.
This story is is just Fantastic. It instantly got me hooked with a GRUMPalious panty drippy hottie that made my hormones rage with delight. It's hot, exciting, edgy from start to finish with gripping twists and emotions that stick with lasting feels and fun laughs. The humour is witty and definitely keeps the pages turning. A brilliant story that I've added to my favorites list and my re-read shelf because it's definitely that good and will need to read it again.
December 3, 2021
Absolutely loved this story!!!
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
February 3, 2022
cover misleading
I really had no idea what I was getting myself into when I started this book, knowing that it was 660pgs on my kindle put me off for a long while. I kept seeing it on my TBR list and thought delete it or read it.
I find it a challenge to read more than 300 pgs, so I went into it thinking of a duet…. If i get to half way then I can decide if I want to continue.
Looking at this cover I am thinking mafia, hot billionaire, dirty talker but never imagined the direction this took.
Well, Think historical romance! If that’s your thing then read this. That aside, I did enjoy both Alexander and Holly, but struggled with the slowness and unnecessary words, I tried to skim, then found I lost interest. At the half way point I decided I had enough. Hard to rate this, gave 4 stars only because I cannot blame the author for my dislike of a long book, and there were some great moments along the way.
I really had no idea what I was getting myself into when I started this book, knowing that it was 660pgs on my kindle put me off for a long while. I kept seeing it on my TBR list and thought delete it or read it.
I find it a challenge to read more than 300 pgs, so I went into it thinking of a duet…. If i get to half way then I can decide if I want to continue.
Looking at this cover I am thinking mafia, hot billionaire, dirty talker but never imagined the direction this took.
Well, Think historical romance! If that’s your thing then read this. That aside, I did enjoy both Alexander and Holly, but struggled with the slowness and unnecessary words, I tried to skim, then found I lost interest. At the half way point I decided I had enough. Hard to rate this, gave 4 stars only because I cannot blame the author for my dislike of a long book, and there were some great moments along the way.
November 18, 2021
4 stars
This book was recommended to me. This is a new to me author. The book was different than I initially thought it would be. That's not a bad thing, just different. The book was enjoyable but I do wish that certain areas had been expanded on. The primary one being the person from the past that who needed money. I also would have liked more to the discussion with Holland explaining that person.
Ill look for more from this author in the future.
This book was recommended to me. This is a new to me author. The book was different than I initially thought it would be. That's not a bad thing, just different. The book was enjoyable but I do wish that certain areas had been expanded on. The primary one being the person from the past that who needed money. I also would have liked more to the discussion with Holland explaining that person.
Ill look for more from this author in the future.
October 26, 2021
Fabulous
This lady writes the best books. From start to finish the wit and saucy innuendo have me giggling and blushing all the way through. As a Scot I can confirm she has done her homework. Spot on with the Scottish jargon. Her stories are beautifully written and every time I'm thoroughly entertained. Her characters are just fabulous. Brilliant read. Bring on the next one.
This lady writes the best books. From start to finish the wit and saucy innuendo have me giggling and blushing all the way through. As a Scot I can confirm she has done her homework. Spot on with the Scottish jargon. Her stories are beautifully written and every time I'm thoroughly entertained. Her characters are just fabulous. Brilliant read. Bring on the next one.
October 24, 2021
Absolutely remarkable!!
A positively engaging and passionate book! Alexander and Hollands story is tempting, heartwarming and consuming. Undeniably one of my best reads of the year. These characters are compelling and alluring with a storyline that will have your mind travelling into a Scottish land where tantalizing and desirable characters come to life.
Congratulations Donna this book is outstanding👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
A positively engaging and passionate book! Alexander and Hollands story is tempting, heartwarming and consuming. Undeniably one of my best reads of the year. These characters are compelling and alluring with a storyline that will have your mind travelling into a Scottish land where tantalizing and desirable characters come to life.
Congratulations Donna this book is outstanding👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
January 8, 2022
the beginning was great and sucked me in but unfortunately the rest of it wasn't for me :( I hope others can enjoy it though!
July 16, 2023
OM Gosh, this book made swoon with happiness. I would even say, Alexander und Holly´s story
topped again the other books by this author.
Becauser who doesn´t love some grumpy duke, right? And I don´t even start about the gorgeous cover...le sigh.
I don´t get all the reviews about this book being too slow or too long, because let´s be honest, if you want some faster read, then look the lenght of a book before you buy it. And about being slow ...if you read it properly, you can only love everything und everyone, the backrounds, the whys - it´s exactly as it should be. And I am sure there are so many others that enjoy the slow pace because let´t be honest, everything in the "today´s world" is way too fast. So why not enjoy something, that is slow in eyes of someone else?
Maybe the twist did come a bit too deep into the story but it was a great one and in my eyes it made this book just a lilttle bit different.
To sums it all I loved every single second of No Ordinary Genleman, because it was my pace, it made my heart just bit warmer and it was just a book I needed at that moment.
topped again the other books by this author.
Becauser who doesn´t love some grumpy duke, right? And I don´t even start about the gorgeous cover...le sigh.
I don´t get all the reviews about this book being too slow or too long, because let´s be honest, if you want some faster read, then look the lenght of a book before you buy it. And about being slow ...if you read it properly, you can only love everything und everyone, the backrounds, the whys - it´s exactly as it should be. And I am sure there are so many others that enjoy the slow pace because let´t be honest, everything in the "today´s world" is way too fast. So why not enjoy something, that is slow in eyes of someone else?
Maybe the twist did come a bit too deep into the story but it was a great one and in my eyes it made this book just a lilttle bit different.
To sums it all I loved every single second of No Ordinary Genleman, because it was my pace, it made my heart just bit warmer and it was just a book I needed at that moment.
October 23, 2021
Alexander and Holly are like fire and gasoline together: completely explosive. And on multiple occasions they made me want to explode, in good and bad ways. I spent so much of this book swinging wildly between wanting to hug one or the other of them tight, promising to make all the pain go away, and wanting to badly smack them both upside the head in an attempt to knock some sense into the pair of them. Most of their friends and family seem to have firmly come down on the side of option 2. For two people from such different backgrounds, Alexander and Holly have so much in common. It hurt my heart when all they could focus on was their differences. I adored the ending this pair finally got, and I think I spotted the potential starting points for a couple of future stories that I’m already itching to get my hands on.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
October 24, 2021
NO ORDINARY GENTLEMAN by Donna Alam. This is the story of Holland Harper 'Holly' and Alexander the Duke of Dalforth. Holland is an American in London when she happens to meet Alexander. Holland tells him she is leaving and they have a one night stand. But Holland actually isn't leaving and ends up meeting Alexander again much to his surprise. Alexander is a Duke and feels he has to maintain a certain attitude and appearance which leads him to appear to be a stiff person. Holland is a quirky school teacher who is the total opposite of Alexander. Really enjoyed their story and I will be looking for more books from this author.
Read
November 6, 2021"Naughty Forties"
No Alexander is no ordinary gentleman, he's deliciously dirty perfectly filthy and absolutely wonderful. On the other hand, I wanted to smack Holly upside her stubborn head. Good grief that girl caused me so much unnecessary stress and all because she's a bit insecure (what girl isn't) and has a silly motto she lives by. I loved the boys and have a would've high-fived Archie after his perfect hit with the cricket bat. Oh gosh, what an amazing story!
No Alexander is no ordinary gentleman, he's deliciously dirty perfectly filthy and absolutely wonderful. On the other hand, I wanted to smack Holly upside her stubborn head. Good grief that girl caused me so much unnecessary stress and all because she's a bit insecure (what girl isn't) and has a silly motto she lives by. I loved the boys and have a would've high-fived Archie after his perfect hit with the cricket bat. Oh gosh, what an amazing story!
October 23, 2021
No Ordinary Gentleman - Donna Alam
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Take one grumpy Duke, mix in a helping of sweet Miss Sunshine and you have one amazingly wonderful story with a fabulously colourful cast of characters and plenty of steam, laughs and chemistry making this a definitely joyous read.
Definitely a story I will return to again and again with its witty and charming quirkiness. Love it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Take one grumpy Duke, mix in a helping of sweet Miss Sunshine and you have one amazingly wonderful story with a fabulously colourful cast of characters and plenty of steam, laughs and chemistry making this a definitely joyous read.
Definitely a story I will return to again and again with its witty and charming quirkiness. Love it.
October 26, 2021
No ordinary Gentleman is another great book by this author. I loved both Alexander & Holland and their chemistry was off the charts! Donna always has a way of pulling you into the world she creates with amazing main characters ( and just as important sub characters) with a perfect mix of humor, romance and smoldering dirty talk! Would highly recommend this book!
October 26, 2021
Wow, what's not to love about this book. The author did a wonderful job with the character development, the story line and the location. It won't take you long to fall in love with Holland/Holland and The Duke Alexander. A great older man, younger woman romance that is hard to put down once you start reading. I read a free advance copy via Bad Boy Update and voluntarily chose to review it.
October 25, 2021
I love Donna's books. I love her characters. They're always so believable. This book didn't disappoint. Easy 5 stars
November 13, 2021
It was amazing! Just a little slow in the starting pages but as you read more it becomes so good! Loved it
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