A Gentleman's Honor by Stephanie Laurens

ISBN: 0060002077
Disclaimer: I don't read romance novels normally, but when they are given to me i give them each a good read, usually with a bowl of popcorn.

This is the second book in the Bastion Club series. The Bastion Club is a private residence owned by friends who are all ex-agents for the government. They needed a last bastion from the dowagers of the ton.

Alicia is a capable, intelligent woman who after her family died had to pretend to be a widow to chaperon her sister to the ton. They could not afford to hire maids or other things that two young women who should be launched into society should have. Their hope is that she marries well and that they can pay off their debts, have money so their younger brothers can go to school and grow up well. They decide that they will not try to fool a man into thinking they are wealthier than they are and hope for a love match.
They design and sew their own gowns and are in general resourceful.
Tony is an ass, he has this moment of wounded male pride where he wants to force a confession from our heroine and has an intimate night with her. yeah... um ok whatever.

I was fine with the brooding hero but after that I barely finished the book. I felt let down by an author who has given better plot twists than this.