City Threads - Shop now
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$0.99 with 92 percent savings
Print List Price: $11.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Penny Hampson
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

A Gentleman’s Promise: A Regency Romance (Gentlemen Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Penny Hampson (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 947 ratings
A docile wife is what he wants. A husband is the last thing she needs. Can a quest for a killer teach them that they are both wrong?

Emma Smythe and her brother arrive at Easterby Hall to discover that a handsome stranger has laid claim to their ancestral home and the family title. Have her relatives been murdered, and is her brother next? Determined to find the answers, she has no option but to trust the gentleman who insists that he will help. But danger appears in many guises, and for a woman intent on remaining single, her intriguing protector may prove the biggest threat of all.

The attempts on Richard Lacey’s life begin when he inherits a title and a rundown estate. A coincidence? He’s not so sure. Problems multiply with the unexpected arrival of Jamie and Emma Smythe. Long thought dead, they too are potential targets. Richard thinks he wants a docile, obedient wife, but will the task of keeping headstrong Emma safe from danger change his mind?

Embroiled in a sinister mystery, can Richard and Emma work together to catch a killer? And will this dangerous quest teach them that what they both wish to avoid is exactly what they need?

Filled with intrigue, unexpected twists, and faultless period detail, this slow-burn romance is a must-read for lovers of classic Regency fiction.
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 1 of 4
    Gentlemen
  2. Print length
    322 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    March 11, 2021
  6. File size
    2.7 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details
Unwell Hydration from Alex Cooper
Hydrate & focus with every sip Shop now

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 4 books in this series.

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
Next page
Loading...

From the Publisher

Book covers
woman smiling

Penny Hampson

The Gentlemen Series book covers
The Gentlemen Series

The Gentlemen Series

‘A gripping, fast-paced romance adventure’ Cathie Dunn bestselling author

'It’s clear that Hampson has not only done the research but is passionate about history' Dinipandareads

'Hampson is clearly on a first-name basis with the era. She conveys the setting details and the linguistic style of that century with ease.' Anna Legat -author

‘I want to thank Hampson for her insight and inclusiveness.’ Mybookishbliss

Penny Hampson

Writing History, Mystery, and Romance

Penny Hampson writes mysteries and because she has a passion for history you’ll find her stories also reflect that. A Gentleman’s Promise, a traditional Regency romance, was Penny’s debut novel and the first of her Gentlemen Series. Penny also enjoys writing contemporary mysteries with a hint of the paranormal, because where do ghosts come from but the past? The Unquiet Spirit, a spooky mystery/romance set in Cornwall, was a contender for the Joan Hessayon Award 2021.

  • A Gentleman's Promise (Regency Romance)
  • An Officer's Vow (Regency Romance)
  • A Bachelor's Pledge (Regency Romance)
  • An Adventurer's Contract (Regency Romance)

Editorial Review

'The meticulous attention to historical detail in this novel is truly admirable; Hampson clearly dedicated significant time to accurately portraying this era. Every aspect of the character’s appearance, behaviour, and interaction with their surroundings has been extensively studied and flawlessly brought to life. From start to finish, An Adventurer’s Contract by Penny Hampson is an electrifying tale that holds the reader’s attention throughout.' Yarde Reviews

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08XZBQ2QF
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ PP&M Publishing
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 11, 2021
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 2nd
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.7 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 322 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1916024557
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 4 ‏ : ‎ Gentlemen
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 947 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Penny Hampson

Penny Hampson

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Penny Hampson writes mysteries and because she has a passion for history, her stories also reflect that. A Gentleman’s Promise, a Regency romance, was Penny’s debut novel and the first of her Gentlemen Series.

Penny also enjoys writing contemporary novels with a hint of the paranormal because where do ghosts come from but the past?

The Unquiet Spirit, a spooky mystery/romance set in Cornwall, the first of the Shades, Shadows, and Spectres Series, was a contender for the Joan Hessayon Award 2021.

Penny lives with her family in Oxfordshire, and when she is not writing, she enjoys reading, walking, and the odd gin and tonic (not all at the same time).

Penny posts about what she gets up to and interesting snippets of historical research on her blog: https://pennyhampson.co.uk/category/blog/

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
947 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the book's storyline engaging, with one mentioning it keeps readers guessing throughout. They appreciate the strong female characters and consider it a well-written, enjoyable read. However, the pacing receives mixed feedback, with several customers noting it is somewhat slow-paced.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

15 customers mention "Storyline"15 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, which features an interesting mystery and clean romance elements, with one customer noting that it keeps readers guessing throughout.

"...Murder plots are plentiful and mystery abound. Emma and Caroline are very strong female characters. They give the men gender growing pains for sure...." Read more

"...This hits the spot nicely. A well-written, entertaining story with engaging characters. Very enjoyable!" Read more

"This is a really interesting mystery and clean romance story. The plot is good and the story well developed with interesting characters...." Read more

"I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a great mystery. The book will keep you guessing as it goes on." Read more

10 customers mention "Character development"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly noting the strong female characters.

"...Emma and Caroline are very strong female characters. They give the men gender growing pains for sure...." Read more

"...A well-written, entertaining story with engaging characters. Very enjoyable!" Read more

"...The plot is good and the story well developed with interesting characters...." Read more

"...general, romp of two opposites inevitably attracted with many heart warming characters paving the way." Read more

9 customers mention "Readability"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a very enjoyable reading experience, with one customer noting it's a light read.

"...Don't forget about the love story of Emma and Richard. A very enjoyable reading experience!" Read more

"...A well-written, entertaining story with engaging characters. Very enjoyable!" Read more

"Fun, feel good about life in general, romp of two opposites inevitably attracted with many heart warming characters paving the way." Read more

"A light read, somewhat slow paced...." Read more

6 customers mention "Writing quality"6 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book.

"...well written characters and historical fiction traits its well worth the read. Murder plots are plentiful and mystery abound...." Read more

"...This hits the spot nicely. A well-written, entertaining story with engaging characters. Very enjoyable!" Read more

"I really enjoyed this story. It's well written and well paced without falling into the standard regency romance tropes...." Read more

"...book I read by this author and all I can say is in praise for a well written, historically accurate story. Clever, fast moving plot...." Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"0 positive3 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book somewhat slow.

"A light read, somewhat slow paced...." Read more

"...But, for some reason, the book took me forever to read. Probably because it was during the Christmas season and not through any fault of the author...." Read more

"This book had a good ending and an interesting plot. However it got slow in the middle.the heroine was ridiculous with her ideas of men and views on..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Jennifer A.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great strong female characters!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I absolutely loved this book. With a great storyline of intrigue, well written characters and historical fiction traits its well worth the read. Murder plots are plentiful and mystery abound. Emma and Caroline are very strong female characters. They give the men gender growing pains for sure. Don't forget about the love story of Emma and Richard. A very enjoyable reading experience!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Élodie Nicoli
    4.0 out of 5 stars A classic regency romance
    Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Will she let her fears blind her to possible happiness...

    I discovered the author with the launch of her previous book, the third in this series. Why I did not hesitate when I was offered the opportunity to read the first book.
    As it is a rerelease, I do not know if it has additional material or was altered.

    I loved Richard, he is a man who adapts to any situation or circumstance. When as a young man, he became head of his family, he did his duty and helped expend his kin’s business all the while improving the working conditions of its employees. He also sustained to his siblings and never was overbearing with them, always listening to them. He might be a man loving order and control of his environment, he does not play master and commander. So when he finds himself offered an unexpected title which comes with threat to his life, he does not shout murder but search for a solution out of this mess.
    And when his status changes again, he does not turn his back and go away, he stays and stands by to help.
    Emma is more a domineering person, because of one bad example, she made a rule of men’s high-handed way in life. And while I can not fault her for it. She lives in an era where she has no right, not even the one of thinking by herself. She should have acknowledged much early Richard is really on top of the basket. Listening, letting her speak her mind and even take part in his investigation, against everything he wants and believes.
    Hopefully she slowly realizes he is not like the portrait painted by her mother of the male genre.
    Up to her, to determine what counts more for her, freedom but limited with loneliness as a spinster or companionship, and maybe more autonomy with the right man.
    4 stars

    𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses
    7 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kate Braithwaite
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ticks all the boxes
    Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I am forever on the lookout for Georgette Heyer quality regency romances. This hits the spot nicely. A well-written, entertaining story with engaging characters. Very enjoyable!
    Helpful
     Report
  • Patti Mac
    3.0 out of 5 stars A great mystery story
    Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This is a really interesting mystery and clean romance story. The plot is good and the story well developed with interesting characters. I really did not like the obnoxious, over-confident and overbearing character Emma !!! She was so determined to place herself and therefore others in danger just so she could be "in control" .
    Some modern phrases were used and by the way, it is a TURKISH rug ,NOT a Turkey rug !!!! Be sure to research these things carefully. It is very off putting to read those out of place phrases in a book written about times of long ago.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • ADM
    4.0 out of 5 stars Engaging though predictably boilerplate
    Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Fun, feel good about life in general, romp of two opposites inevitably attracted with many heart warming characters paving the way.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • HollyLiz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good story with HEA
    Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this story. It's well written and well paced without falling into the standard regency romance tropes. I look forward to reading more from the author.
    Helpful
     Report
  • mary n
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a great mystery. The book will keep you guessing as it goes on.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Sharyn McQuaid
    4.0 out of 5 stars Cover doesn't match story
    Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A light read, somewhat slow paced. Emma had cut her hair short to travel as a boy, so the cover is not representative of a central feature of the story. The resolution of the mystery was a bit ho-hum--or at least Richard's reaction to it.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • f. h.
    3.0 out of 5 stars Unrealistic
    Reviewed in Canada on February 22, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    If a man has been attacked by someone shooting a gun on several occasions; does it make an ounce of sense for a young woman to thrust herself forward, stating that she can take care of herself referring to her self-defense abilities, but no mention of any ability with a gun? NO.
    Report
  • Cathie Dunn
    5.0 out of 5 stars An intriguing historical romance
    Reviewed in France on May 15, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    A murderous plot, a feisty heroine, and a hero who doesn't know how to enjoy the good things in life...

    A Gentleman's Promise is an unusual Regency romance.

    To his surprise, Richard Lacey, a landowner in Cornwall, has inherited Easterby Hall and its title when he is found to be the only living – if somewhat distant – relative of the late marquis. But shortly after his arrival to his new estate, two urchins land on the doorstep. On closer inspection by the staff, they are found to be the granddaughter and grandson of the previous owner, children of one of his two dead sons.

    Emma and Jamie Smythe survived a perilous journey from war-torn Greece back to England. To be safe, Emma – a slim, petite girl – dressed as a boy. At 24, she took responsibility for her 13-year-old brother, and having arrived at their ancestral home, she's not going to let an intruder ruin Jamie's chance at his inheritance.

    To her surprise, Richard is very happy to relinquish the title he didn't really want in the first place, but several attacks on him prior to taking up residency at Easterby Hall made him suspicious, and they agree they should keep the arrival of the true heir a secret until the riddle of the attempts is resolved.

    I immediately warmed to Emma. No shrinking violet, she's inventive and daring – she had to be – and is reluctant to consider giving up her independence, even when she begins to fall for the quiet Richard. Her mother's warning – the last words she'd exchanged with her mother before her death by drowning – rings in her ears. So whilst she's happy for Richard to investigate, she also wants to play her part in discovering who was behind the attempts at his life, and if that person was also responsible for the death of her parents.

    Richard is a bit of an anti-hero, reluctantly cast in that role. He's happy poring over his accounts and leaving the clubs and high life to others. But his concern for Jamie, and his growing feelings for Emma, force him out of his comfort zone, and he passes with flying colours. Richard's learning curve through this story is the greatest. His life is turned upside down, and he has to learn that the quiet life he so long coveted – at home with a quiet, biddable wife – is not really what he wants. He discovers what he really wants is an impulsive young lady who survived a perilous journey and whose headstrong views intrigue him.

    But the path to their happy end is littered with political intrigues, dastardly deeds, and a quest for revenge. Only when they confront the culprit does Emma learn about the dark side of her family history.

    A Gentleman's Promise is a wonderful romantic adventure with fascinating main characters; a fast-paced Regency whodunit that ticks all the right boxes. Highly recommended.
    Report
  • Aries Cat
    5.0 out of 5 stars Nice change
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    How refreshing to read an historical romance written by a Brit based author who goes to the trouble of including geographical and historical accuracy and parlance of the time. I love historical novels but often struggle with those that are poorly researched. American authors who write Regency fiction often include U.S. colloquialisms and modern vernacular that would never be found in a 17th or 18th century setting. Penny Hampson has done her research well and whilst I would question the likelihood of the slightly built heroine’s insistence that she is capable of facing the suspected antagonist on her own - without giving anything away - I thought the defence and explanation of the relationship between the two men was sympathetically done.
    Report
  • Toots Sullivan
    4.0 out of 5 stars interesting
    Reviewed in Australia on June 17, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Having just this second finished this book, interesting is the only word I can come up with to describe it.
    It has a decent backgrounds and likeable enough characters, yet it is at its centre a story of twisted love, mentally twisted, emotionally stunted views and also great generosity in the face of scandal.
    You will make up your own mind of course, I found it blatantly championed male to male relationships.
    Not my kind of book.
    Report
  • Wandering Star
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed it
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 21, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    A Gentleman's Promise is a nice story with strong lead characters and a likeable cast.
    The romance is gentle and sweet . The mystery and intrigue is subtle. I love the fact that the relationship between the Duke and his secretary is discussed with such empathy and understanding.
    This is the first book in the series and introduces characters we will meet again. I would recommend reading this first if you can. I didn't but it is a few months since I read the other two books so I think I will read them again. Especially Nate's story because I know I really enjoyed it.
    I am so glad Penny Hampson released this story again.
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report