Gentleman Nine

Amber was heartbroken when Rory walked away from her after a nine year relationship. He was first boyfriend, first love… pretty much her first everything. He claimed that his recent near death experience in a car accident made him realize they both needed to explore other people because they had gotten together too young and didn’t have the chance to date others.Channing’s job leads him to reappear in her life just when she needs a friend the most, and he is shocked to discover that she and Rory are no longer together. When they were younger, the three of them were pretty inseparable, but when they reached the age that both boys saw something more in the girl that was part of their lives they both made a pact to stay away from her- a pact that Rory broke and destroyed his friendship with Channing in the process. Amber was Channing’s sister Lainey’s best friend so the two of them always shared a special connection, and it doesn’t take too long before they are back on even ground and sharing that instinctive understanding of each other that hasn’t dissipated over the years.When Amber lets her best friend talk her into trying out a discreet escort service, she decides to send Gentleman Nine a message after having a bit to drink to work up the courage to do something so far out of her comfort zone. Channing can’t believe his eyes when he accidentally sees the message, and he decides to take steps to protect her from herself. Then he just keeps digging himself a deeper hole until he has no choice but to come clean to her and hope that she doesn’t hate him for it.Channing is sexy as hell, and once he lays all the cards on the table, he does not lie to her again no matter how difficult the truth may be. They definitely work as friends, but it took me a little while to buy into the love aspect between them. He is a reformed manwhore without a doubt, and I am not sure how I feel about his teenage decision to get over Amber choosing Rory by getting under all her friends. As always, the author adds in a few layers of depth to the story that bring out the feels like Channing’s impulsive adoption of a stray kitten that chooses him as her human when he arrives in town, Amber’s work with the autistic Milo who becomes a part of her and Channing’s routine, and the issues Channing’s mom is facing that prompted him to take a quick assignment in Boston before he has to return to Chicago long term to help her. Then there is the complication of Rory. Of course he didn’t tell Amber the real reason he was breaking up with her, and when he comes to his senses to ask her for a second chance, he is horrified to realize that Channing is now in the picture again as well. Amber has to make a decision between the two men she now loves, and it is not an easy choice to make.Gentleman Nine was definitely worth the wait and anticipation, so go grab yourself a copy and get to know Channing!

It took me two days to read the first 25% of this book and about three hours to finish the rest. I had a hard time connecting with the characters in the beginning, and I kept hoping there was going to be *that* moment, the one that finally made me NEED to read the rest of the book. I can’t vouch for a hugely impactful event that made me start to love the story; it happened slowly, as they became vulnerable and real, I found myself needing to know how their story played out.Gentleman Nine is a standalone novel. It’s told in dual first-person perspective, narrated by Amber and Channing. Mostly.When I started this book, I was sure Amber was going to be the character with whom I connected most. By the end, I somehow had the shallowest connection with her. Not that the connection was weak, there was just something about Channing and a few of the other characters that spoke to me on a deeper level. They needed my affection more than Amber; she didn’t know how strong she was or how much everyone else relied on her unwavering care and support.Like all of Penelope Ward’s books, this is a much more emotional book than is hinted at in the blurb, it’s a hallmark of her work, for me. She draws me in with fun, flirty cover copy then hits me with feelings I’m never prepared for. Gentleman Nine wove several intense situations, primarily different types of loss into its storyline. Some of them so intense it made my heart ache. One of the tertiary characters, Boris, that old man, he broke my heart, and his message was so profound; he may have been my favorite person in the entire novel.The big reveal, the climax of Gentleman Nine completely took me by surprise. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I was not prepared for what happened, and it changed everything for me. I questioned everything, much like Amber. I’m still a little taken aback by it; and honestly, I’m not sure I know how I wanted the storyline to play out after that. I was torn, devastated by all the information I had. It was wholly unique and heartbreaking.My only wish for this novel would be the beginning be more intriguing. I know there was a lot of things that needed a delicate set-up in this book, but so much time was taken getting all of those little pieces put in place, my attention was lost. Had this been another author, one I wasn’t as familiar with, I may have given up before the story even started.Penelope Ward is a great storyteller; as I said earlier, she always weaves fantastically powerful themes into stories that could otherwise be very light. She usually draws me in from the first sentence, and I knew she’d deliver on this book, so I stuck it out and am so happy I did. Her characters are wonderfully surprising and never quite what I expected. Ms. Ward’s books are what they’re talking about when they tell you not to judge a book by its cover because they are always so much more.

Penelope Ward did it again! She put me under her spell. I stayed up until 1 am to finish this amazing story. I neglected everyone and everything around me. It was simply unputdownable. Friends to lovers has always been one of my most favorite tropes. And let me tell you that Penelope totally nailed this one! There is much more though to this story than you might expect. Gentleman Nine isn't only a super sexy and funny book. It has sad and heart-breaking moments too. At times I was laughing like crazy to only cry my eyes out later. To be honest, I never saw the big jaw-droping moment coming. After that turn everything changed. My heart and mind were constantly at war. Only a few authors manage to make me feel so much! This is why Penelope is on my one-click automatic buy list since years. Her exceptional writing and heartfelt stories have long gotten under my skin. What I love most about her books are the different story lines and complex characters. Every book is different! I often wonder how she comes up with all these ideas. Amber, Rory and Channing were friends since childhood. While Rory was the nerdy guy, Channing was the playboy. They couldn't have been more different from each other. But they had one major thing in common: their love and adoration for Amber, their friend.Rory and Channing made a pact that Amber was off-limits. But Rory lied and made a move on her as soon as Channing went off to college. Amber never knew how Channing felt. She was the only girl he has ever loved. After several years together Rory breaks Amber's hart.When Channing's job sends him to Boston for a three-month contract position, Amber lets him stay in her spare room. Still suffering from her breakup, she’d sworn off men. Or so Channing thought until one night he opens her computer and finds a shocking message. Afraid to date and get her heart broken again, Amber decided to contact a male escort company. She is looking for sex with no strings attached and sets up a date to meet Gentleman Nine at a hotel. Channing feels torn about that knowledge. His feelings are all over the place. He feels jealous and wants to protect Amber, but at the same time he is curious if she would let him give her what she is looking for. When Amber shows up several nights later to meet Gentleman Nine, she is left speechless. Instead of him Channing is standing in front of her with an offer he hopes she won't refuse...I can't give away more from the plot but let me assure you that you've probably never read a story like this one before. I sure have not! In terms of hotness I would say that this book is Penelope's most steamiest. The chemistry between Amber and Channing was palpable on every page! They shared such a special and bone deep connection. Nothing could compare to that! Once their friendship turned into more my kindle was about to burst into flames.I have a huge crush on Channing. He was the perfect package of great looks and an amazing personality. He was self-less, compassionate and protective of the people he loved. This all makes him one of my most favorite heroes Penelope has ever written!Amber had a heart of gold. I loved that she was a loyal person and great friend.  She wasn't even aware how beautiful she was inside and out. Her working with special needs people made me adore her even more!I can't recommend this book enough. I want to shout it from the rooftop: Grab it people and give it a try. It's absolutely worth it!!! Thank you dear Penelope for this gem of a book that I'm putting on my most favorite reads shelf. You trully never disappoint! 5+stars

I loved it!! PENELOPE IS MY FAV AUTHOR ❤️ I have read all her books and hope to read more and more ❤️❤️

Gentleman Nine was good. Not my favorite by Penelope Ward book but good. The main characters were a little too perfect.

This very readable book explores several tropes including 'friends-to-lovers', 'forbidden romance' and 'love triangle'.When Channing Lord accidentally discovers that his childhood friend Amber is set to pay an escort for sex (Gentleman Nine) he decides to redirect her online emails to himself. But more to the point, he needs to find out why she is prepared to take such a drastic and potentially dangerous action.Now, Amber has got in a rut after a nine year relationship with Rory, also a childhood friend of her and Channing, had come to an abrupt end. This left her lonely and in need of adult company.What happens when Channing learns that Amber has feelings for him? How will she react when he presents as Gentleman Nine?Read and find out.

I'm feeling so mushy and wonderful and so many feels. The best falling in love with your friend book.Amber has just gotten her heart broken by the man who has been her many firsts. She is devastated and doesn't know how to cope with it. Yet she's trying to live her life and take each day as it comes.Her childhood best friend's brother who's also her friend happens to move for sometime in her town for a new job and as fate had it they end up as roommates.But long forgotten attraction seems to arise as Amber finds that channing is not just a womanizer but a wonderful person who is caring and understanding. But Amber can never go there due to their being friends.So she finds a different solution to get back in the game. What she hasn't anticipated was the twist to come.This was one of my absolute favorite scenes. But honestly there are so !any scenes I loved. The conflict Amber has to go through and the heartbreak that is bound to happen because of her choice and irrespective of it.Made me fall completely in love with channing.💖💖 Loved loved this one.💗💗💗💗💗💗💗