Thirteen years ago, Henri Fortier left a tumultuous life in France to begin anew in England. His adopted country has become home, and his dearest friends, the Gents, are family. Unfortunately, ties to the past still plague him, and he’s forced to live in near destitution. Henri secretly publishes his poetry to supplement his meager income, but it is both insufficient and risky. A house party with the Gents promises a welcome distraction until he realizes that one of the guests is none other than Nicolette Beaulieu, the woman who stole―and broke―his heart years ago. Nicolette has traveled to England for reasons far more pressing than a house party. As part of the Marquis de Lafayette’s secret network, she has been tasked with preparing for revolution. Though she has a pristine track record with the organization, her romantic history is far from perfect. This is particularly evident when she is reunited with Henri, the man who once declared his love for her. Drawn together through adventures the Gents have devised, the couple begins to tiptoe toward more tender feelings. But as sinister threats loom from all quarters, it may be too late for Henri and Nicolette’s second chance at love.
Henri has been one of my favorite characters in the Gents series since the beginning, so I was super excited when this book was announced. And let me just tell you - it did not disappoint. Fleur-de-Lis is a wonderful addition to the series.
There are so many things I loved about this book - the touch of intrigue and suspense given Nicolette's work in helping to prepare for the French Revolution, Henri's poetry, the camaraderie of the Gents and the larks they come up with (cue the exclamations of "Digby, you traitorous coward!" 😂), the villains who deserve a kick to the shins, and most importantly, the sweetest second chance romance that deserves all the heart eyes. With all of that put together there's no way you can go wrong.
Many thanks to the author for the earlier copy; all thoughts are my own :)
I’ve said it once, and I will keep saying it, Sarah Eden truly is a gifted author. I enjoy every book she writes and this book is another treat. Henri, being my favorite of the The Gents, I was thrilled for his story. Henri and Nicolette are wonderful. I loved the circumstances that brought them together. Nicolette’s story especially was wonderfully entertaining and mysterious. I received an ebook from the author. All views and opinions are my own.
There are reasons why Sarah M. Eden has quickly become an absolute favorite author of mine since discovering the treasure that her books are in 2023. One is the humor in her stories that make me laugh every time. Two are the Lancasters/Jonquils and the universe Sarah has created with these characters and their friends. I love this literary world she has created! This latest installment was a lovely story where we get to know Henri better and see Lucas, Julia and all their friends and a few not so friends at a house party where secrets abound. I could not put this one down! Henri is a great character and it was so fun to see all the Gents again. Great read!
It's been fun learning more about the Gents! Henri is a sweetheart and Nicolette is very gracious. I enjoyed hearing all of the French accents with the audiobook!
3.5 As has become the norm in Eden novels of late, characters seem to be either black or white. I liked it anyway. The friends are fun to be around and ridiculously supportive of one another, though I do think that the author could spend a bit less time pointing that out when she actually demonstrates it quite well. The final solution we arrived at felt a bit too easy considering the intensity demonstrated earlier in the book. Finally, I find myself increasingly baffled that at the end of the previous series Julia's children did not know these Gents.
So far I haven't read a Sarah M. Eden book I didn't love and I doubt I will because she writes stories like no one else can. The characters are so well done the reader feels as if they know them so we're happy when they're happy and sad when they struggle. I felt all of Henri Fortier's struggles as I learned his story.
Henri's story had me feeling so many things. Upset at how his brother treated him, sad that he didn't have home of his own and how he hated relying on his friends, proud when he confronted his brother about his shrinking allowance and that he stayed true to himself when deciding his future.
Second-chance romances are one of my favorites so Henri's second chance with Nicolette added to my enjoyment of this book. I loved Nicolette! I thought she and Henri had wonderful chemistry and worked well together. One of my favorite parts were the games especially the scavenger hunt!!
Things I loved about this book: ⚜ Second chance romance ⚜ Found/chosen family ⚜ Shenanigans from The Gents ⚜ Scavenger Hunt ⚜ Element of suspense & mystery ⚜ Seeing all of the Gents, Violet, Julia & baby Philip
Each book in this series makes me love these men more and more. I can't wait for the next book in the series so I can get to know these wonderful men even better.
I received a complimentary digital copy. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
This book was perfection! Really, I mean it. I love this author and her books, and I truly love this series. I was so looking forward to Henri's story. He's been one of my favorite "Gents" for a while. This second chance romance bloomed in such a beautiful and sweet way. The chemistry was strong between Henri and Nicolette. Reading their romance does crazy things to your heart.
I also have to say how much it feels like coming home when all of The Gents gather. Sarah Eden has created such distinct and unique characters that you grow to love them easily. They are as close or closer than a family. They help each other through life's trials and stand up for each other. Here is a quote from the book that really explains this fun group of men and women,
{He nodded, “The Gents are the very best sort of people. They try very hard to be fair-minded. And they are deeply loyal. And they have good hearts.”}
I also love how Lady Jonquil called The Gents "An Endless Puzzle."
Here is where I say PLEASE read the previous books before this one. Yes, it could be enjoyed as a stand-alone but why do that to yourself? The experience is more rich and warm when you know the characters and a little about their pasts.
Things I loved in Fleur de Lis: Henri coming into his own by believing in and standing up for himself and others, Nicolette showing courage with the help of her new friends, and Aldric getting something he so rightly deserved.
I love this author's eloquent writing. There is something that Henri remembers their friend Stanley once said to him about forgiving ourselves. The powerful words hit me strongly and I'm grateful for Sarah Eden sharing these words at just the right moment for me to hear.
“We too often wrongly think forgiveness looks like absolution,” Stanley had once said. “But I think forgiveness is becoming the person the one who hurt us would have prevented us from being. Forgiveness is never about the one who inflicted the pain but rather is the gift we give ourselves: permission not to be the proof of their hateful prophecies.”
I love The Gents and getting to know them better through their house parties and growing numbers. Little Phillip makes his debut, and we get to know our favorite Frenchman, Henri Fortier, on a much deeper level.
I also love getting to know Stanley Cummings so much better through the memories shared-he was such a force for good and the glue that keeps them strong even after his death.
I love seeing the women that join the ranks and how they connect so well and lovingly while also being their own strong forces for good.
As always, I also love the reference to flowers for each of these books, and look forward to what the future titles will be
A slow burn romance set just between the American and French Revolutions, “Fleur De Lis” matches a pair of French aristocrats and leads them in a slow dance that pairs them neatly together and leaves the reader sighing in contentment.
Is there anything more satisfying than a second chance romance?
Henri is the Gent I’ve been the most interested in and I was thrilled to get his story. Fleeing his home country must have been difficult, but it was so heartwarming that this group took him right in. I love the teasing banter these friends have with one another, even though Henri is the quiet one.
I completely understand how Henri feels he must hide an important piece of himself–even from his chosen family (these friends). He’s quiet and sensitive, yet smart and dreamy, and it was so much fun to watch him at the house party.
Yes, there is a house party (I love those!) in this story and it was so entertaining to watch it unfold, especially as it didn’t quite go as planned. Nicolette and all her delicate secrets are invited and Henri wants to avoid her at all costs, but the interactions are unavoidable and the chemistry is undeniable.
Things I loved: ❣️second chance romance ❣️friends who are more like family ❣️intrigue, mystery, and suspense ❣️all the French ❣️the swoon ❣️THE SCAVENGER HUNT
Sarah Eden is a master storyteller, crossing over her series and connecting characters and families in brilliant and creative ways and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!
Years ago, Henri lost his heart to a young woman in France named Nicolette. He declared himself, and she . . . declared her intentions to marry a man with property.
Under the financial thumb of his critical older brother, Henri finds his prospects shrinking rather than expanding. His yearly visits with the Gents, a group of close former school chums, usually provide him with solace, a sense of true family, and hope for the future.
But this year, the Gents' gathering includes several unanticipated guests. Among them a young woman from France named Nicolette.
I enjoyed this novel, particularly getting to know Henri better and seeing Nicolette strive to untangle her former life while growing as a human being within her present.
Henri Fortier has spent thirteen years away from his homeland of France, claiming his friend group—‘The Gents’ as they are affectionately called—as his family in England. But when he is invited to a Gents’ house party and his estranged brother and younger sister are also there, as well as Nicolette, the woman who broke his heart three years ago, he is at a loss as to how to proceed. But as the house party progresses, his traitorous heart begins to fall for the lovely Nicolette again. Nicolette is in the midst of a mission for a secret group in France, however, and a looming scandal regarding a broken engagement. Can these two people find a way to overcome the defenses around their hearts and let love in?
Fleur de Lis is a gentle romance filled with French phrases and mannerisms, coupled with a proper British house party that features a streak of mischievousness. Nicolette and Henri are both complicated characters with the past holding onto their futures as they get reacquainted. Read the rest of my review on Meridian Magazine https://latterdaysaintmag.com/book-ch...
This book was like reconnecting with a bunch of old friends! The characters that make up this series group of friends have such an easy banter and make you feel good. There were a few parts of the plot that were predictable and a few that surprised me. Overall not my favorite book by this author, but still a good book. Again the characters are my favorite part of this series!!!
I loved returning to the Gents. The addition of a spy element is intriguing. The love/hate relationship between the English and the French is palpable. Bravo once again, Sarah
i absolutely love Sarah M Eden's books. This one is no exception. I adore her attention to details and all the little things that ties the characters in her world together. I love when I see characters from other books and the details just add so much to the story.
Fleur de Lis is such a beautiful story, Front and center is Henri who is looking for a home. He and Aldric are meant to be hosting the Gents gathering on the year, when Aldric's brother takes over. What ensues is a reunion with Henri's brother and his wife, his sister, and a woman he fell in love with long ago, Nicolette.
i adore these two, Nicolette and Henri are well matched and their chemistry is undeniable. Henri is facing money troubles and feels that he has lost his chance with her. Nicolette is trying what she can to create a network of safehouses under the guidance of the Marquis de Lafayette.
The story is well written, engaging and well paced with the relationships and with the conflict. As it is a Gents book, it is not without mischief. It is romantic in the best ways, Sarah Eden has outdone herself once again.
"Let me offer a bit of hard-earned wisdom," Lucas said. "When a remarkably intelligent woman offers you a bit of very intelligent advice, you would do well to take it."
I love it whenever I get to step back into this world that Sarah M. Eden has created! She has an amazing gift when it comes to creating worlds and characters that just draw you in and make you wish you could know them in real life. This is Henri’s story, and I loved getting to know him more. And I always love seeing Lucas and Julia. I just finished this book, and I’m already anxious for the next one in this series!
I LOVE Sarah M Eden's books but this series may be too slow or it may just not have enough going on. I don't need tons of drama, but conspired to Lucas and Julia's book, the last too were a little too sedate in pace and plot. I cannot wait for Digby's book and hope that one will have a flair of drama we deserve.
Sarah Eden is one of my favorite local (to my area) authors. This is the third in her Gents (Georgian Era) series that focuses on a group of male friends who met at school. The Gents, as the group is known, try to gather together once a year for a house party. Two are married (first two books) and the rest single. There is a couple of storylines happening in this book but the main romance is for Henri Fortier. Henri is from France and came to England to study and has not returned home in three years. His father has died and his older brother is cutting his income hoping to force him to return to France. One of Gents is a second son of a Duke and they’ve gathered at his invitation at one of his fathers country homes. To everyones surprise the Duke invites two families who are prominent in Paris hoping to building alliances. Henri’s brother and younger sister are guests as is Nicolette Beaulieu who broke Henri's heart three years before. Nicolette has her own back story and has secret ties to Lafayette.
Eden writes clean books but knows how to convey passion between people. It can be though a kiss on the hand, eyes meeting across a room or a touch of the cheek or hair. I also like the complexity of her characters. There is clear background and motivation for both mains and important side characters. There is intricacy in having a large group of core friends. The author gives everyone lines and moments to show their personalities. I love that they enjoy silly games together like a scavenger hunt or Hide and Seek. One small annoyance is keeping track of all the names. Each man can be called by his first or last name or honorary title. And then each as a nickname as well. Henri is the Archbishop. Add in the French names in this book and it is a lot to keep straight.
I really enjoyed this story and it may be my favorite in the series so far. The bits of historical information on Lafayette, medicine and even contract law enhance the book. Now I will have to wait another year for the next adventure. Luckily for me I already have another book from Eden’s other series on my TBR pile. Thank you to Covenant Communications for the ARC via NetGalley and I am leaving a voluntary review. (4.5 Stars)
Sarah has done it again! Another amazingly written novel that kept me turning the pages. Besides, Lucas and Julia's book, this one might be a favorite from the Gent's series.
If you enjoy these things below, this might just be the book for you! ⚜️Georgian Era ⚜️Lucas and Digby shenanigans ⚜️A little mystery ⚜️Second chance romance ⚜️He falls first
I loved being able to dive back into the world of the Gents and read about Henri and Nicolette's story. They get a second chance to renew their friendship and have it develop into more. And in the process, they help each other out with their difficulties, along with the Gents support, to be able to make a life for themselves.
I love the brotherhood and the sense of family that you find in this series. All so accepting of each other. There is teasing and banter but they also support each other and are loyal to the end. Its a beautiful thing. Another favorite thing I enjoyed throughout this book was the little tidbits on what the other gents are going through in their lives. It was icing on the cake. Made me curious as well as excited to what will happen in their stories.
Thank you so much for letting me read and review this book Sarah. It was a joy to be on this launch team as well.
I was given a complimentary earc of this book for my honest review. These are my words.
The late eighteenth century is an era that has always intrigued me but one I have read little about in fiction, so it was exciting to visit that time in Fleur de Lis. I enjoyed getting to know the Gents even more and get a bit of set up for future stories. Plus, it’s always fun to see the young Jonquil brothers. I will admit that parts of the story started to feel a bit slow, as sometimes happens with books centered on a house party, but Henri and Nicolette were very sweet and endearing characters to follow. I’m excited for more in this series. 4/5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Henri's story is a bit heartbreaking between his past love and his finances and his home situation and his family. It was difficult to see how he would get a happy ending. His love of others saw him through as well as his chosen family. Nicolette also has secrets. She has a lot going on and so much could go wrong. Add in a few horrible brothers who want to control things and a big bad duke, and it's an amazing house party with the Gents. I loved Henri and how he took care of the children, especially when ill. Beautiful story, very fitting for a poet like Henri.
Sarah Eden is one of those authors that I know I’ll enjoy every story she writes. There were so many things that I loved about this book. Henri and Nicolette both had compelling backstories. Their romance was easy to root for, and they were both likeable characters.
I really enjoyed the way this set up for the French Revolution. It was intriguing to watch the beginning of this history unfold. I’m excited to see how this plays out in subsequent books.
As always, the friendships are some of the best. The side characters are loveable and bring humor to the story. I’m looking forward to more of their stories.
I did find the inner dialogue of both Henri and Nicolette to be repetitive, and I wished that it had not been so prominent. I still enjoyed the story, but found myself wanting to get past those parts. I wanted more of Nicolette and Henri together, more of the friends, and more mischief.
I listened to the audio, and I think it impacted my feelings negatively. Lately, it seems like the proper romance books are using the same narrator. I’ve gotten a bit tired of her. Her accents are well done but every book she narrates sounds the same. I suggest reading the physical copy.
Sarah M. Eden weaves another fantastic tale. Having such diverse characters is something that only adds to the magic of her novels. The characters are complex and the Gents themselves are ridiculously delightful. Fleur-de-lis was no different and I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it.
This is not exciting or intense and the ending was a little lacking but I just love the Gents and hence the 4 star rating. I did like both Henri and Nicolette’s characters. This is a slow but tender story that leaves a bit unresolved at the end but definitely worth reading.
Another masterpiece by Sarah M. Eden! This newest addition to the Gents series has intrigue, romance, espionage, and of course the much-loved shenanigans of the Gents. I absolutely loved Henri’s story and coming to know his role with his friends, and how he courageously stands on his own, was immensely enjoyable. The struggle between his desire to free himself from the negative impact of his father and the power of that influence created a believable character arc. He tries to hard to not let his past define his future, and thankfully there are some exceptional characters to help him. First there is Nicolette, and she is fantastic. She’s learned the hard way not everyone is as they seem, and has even come to use that knowledge to her advantage. While she tries to help a noble cause she must navigate the many nuances of society and glean information however she can. These skills help her truly see Henri when she’s in England and in turn help encourage him to be himself. The dynamic between these two characters was so well done, and the chemistry was sweet. Their love story progressed believably and you can’t help but cheer for them and anxiously wish for their happily ever after. Other characters who help Henri, and even Nicolette, are the Gents. This group of fictional young men (and women) is so special. They’re friendship, loyalty, and never ending joviality are part of what makes this book, and every book in this series, so wonderful. Together they not only lift each other but provide a solid foundation and sounding board for whoever needs help. Long story short, I completely adored this newest Gents book. Seeing old characters made my heart so happy and getting to know new ones was exciting. Plus all the Easter eggs for many of Sarah’s other books/series made this story so much fun.
I received an ARC from the author. A positive review was not required but happily given.
I loved this third installment of the Gents series about Henri Fortier, the one the Gents call the Archbishop. Henri left France thirteen years ago, and as a young boy, he became friends with other members of the group called the Gents. Henri's brother has withheld funds left to Henri in their father's will; as a result, Henri is nearly penniless. The Gents come together at a house party along with friends of Henri's family. I liked that this book was suspenseful. Another great book by Sarah M Eden. I can't wait for the next book in the series.