Just finished Gentleman Jim by Mimi Matthews — I need more Lord Allendale!

I need more characters like St. Clare’s grandfather, Lord Allendale, in my life! His grumpy, hilariously blunt, no-nonsense attitude was one of the highlights of the book. Similarly, I adore Violet Crawley, the Dowager from Downton Abbey for the same reason!

I’m on the hunt for HRs featuring side characters (or even main characters) like Allendale and the Dowager, who give:

• Dry, witty, and blunt
• Proudly aristocratic, with the “I’m too old and rich to care what you think” attitude
• Delivers unsugarcoated, hilarious commentary on the plot
• Rough exterior but secretly deeply care for their family

PS: I’m not a big fan of enemies-to-lovers tropes, and I prefer closed-door romances. Bonus if the writing style is similar to Mimi Matthews. Don’t really like the writing style of Julie Klassen, Martha Keyes, or Kristi Ann Hunter (don’t mean to offend anyone).

Thank you so much!