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The Secret Series #1
Lady Belling's Secret
Lady Francesca Bellings has been madly in love with her older brother’s best friend for as long as she can remember and, of course, the object of her affection never considered her much more than an annoyance in braids. But while Thomas Wallingham was off fighting Napoleon, she grew up. Now her life is moving along in all the expected directions of a well-bred lady of the ton, but a chance encounter with her first love throws everything into turmoil.
From a young age, Thomas Wallingham escapes the crushing apathy of his own parents by spending as much time as possible with his best friend’s family. In order to avoid a messy scandal, he enlists in service of the Crown, disappointing his adopted family by going off to war. When he unexpectedly inherits a title, the new Earl of Harrington returns to London desperately hoping five years of estrangement can be forgiven. All his plans are cast asunder when he rediscovers Francesca. Thomas finds that he can think of little else than the willowy flame haired beauty.
After a heated encounter and giddy with romantic feelings, Thomas plans to ask for her hand in marriage but is devastated when a nearly hysterical Francesca tells him she is already engaged to be wed to the Marquess of Dalton in less than two weeks. Loving him more than she ever thought possible, Francesca is terrified of repeating a scandal that nearly destroyed her family. But if she thinks that Thomas is going to go away quietly, she is sadly mistaken. Endeavoring to be in her presence as much as possible, Thomas chips away at her resolve to honor her family and her commitments, and they find it nearly impossible to keep their hands off each other even as her wedding date draws devastatingly nearer.
The problem of a fiancé who won’t disappear is compounded by the discouraging fact that Thomas comes to discover the man is not the evil, lecherous brute he’d imagined, rather a great fellow he comes to genuinely like and respect. But just as soon as Thomas can finally see a clear path to all he desires, the wrath of his best friend, Francesca’s brother, crashes down on them. As the date of the wedding draws menacingly closer, it’s only by the machinations of unexpected parties that clear the way for Thomas and Francesca to be together. But even then, it will only work if Thomas can overcome the diminished self-worth beaten into him by his father, and Francesca can accept the actions of a man who loves her - even if he can’t say the words.
From a young age, Thomas Wallingham escapes the crushing apathy of his own parents by spending as much time as possible with his best friend’s family. In order to avoid a messy scandal, he enlists in service of the Crown, disappointing his adopted family by going off to war. When he unexpectedly inherits a title, the new Earl of Harrington returns to London desperately hoping five years of estrangement can be forgiven. All his plans are cast asunder when he rediscovers Francesca. Thomas finds that he can think of little else than the willowy flame haired beauty.
After a heated encounter and giddy with romantic feelings, Thomas plans to ask for her hand in marriage but is devastated when a nearly hysterical Francesca tells him she is already engaged to be wed to the Marquess of Dalton in less than two weeks. Loving him more than she ever thought possible, Francesca is terrified of repeating a scandal that nearly destroyed her family. But if she thinks that Thomas is going to go away quietly, she is sadly mistaken. Endeavoring to be in her presence as much as possible, Thomas chips away at her resolve to honor her family and her commitments, and they find it nearly impossible to keep their hands off each other even as her wedding date draws devastatingly nearer.
The problem of a fiancé who won’t disappear is compounded by the discouraging fact that Thomas comes to discover the man is not the evil, lecherous brute he’d imagined, rather a great fellow he comes to genuinely like and respect. But just as soon as Thomas can finally see a clear path to all he desires, the wrath of his best friend, Francesca’s brother, crashes down on them. As the date of the wedding draws menacingly closer, it’s only by the machinations of unexpected parties that clear the way for Thomas and Francesca to be together. But even then, it will only work if Thomas can overcome the diminished self-worth beaten into him by his father, and Francesca can accept the actions of a man who loves her - even if he can’t say the words.
250 pages, Paperback
First published February 7, 2013
35 people are currently reading
483 people want to read
About the author
Amylynn Bright
36 books62 followersAmylynn read her first romance novel in 2008 after being a lifelong literary snob. By the time she was done, she was hooked.
She is an Arizona native and lives in the same house her husband owned before they were married. Amylynn fears she will never call another state home unless someone tells her husband there are forty-nine others to choose from. In reality, she'd settle for a walk-in closet.
Her family consists of the aforementioned husband, two beautiful children, two dogs, two cats, some fish, and a hankering for a panda. She'd like it mentioned she's never been in prison, but we'll see how that panda thing works out.
She is an Arizona native and lives in the same house her husband owned before they were married. Amylynn fears she will never call another state home unless someone tells her husband there are forty-nine others to choose from. In reality, she'd settle for a walk-in closet.
Her family consists of the aforementioned husband, two beautiful children, two dogs, two cats, some fish, and a hankering for a panda. She'd like it mentioned she's never been in prison, but we'll see how that panda thing works out.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 13, 2013
There's so much to like about this book - gorgeous cover, enticing title (who doesn't want in on a secret?!), a wonderfully written cast of characters, and sparkling dialogue laced with the author's fabulous sense of humor. I enjoyed Lady Belling's Secret just as much as I have all of Julia Quinn's books. The very best part? Knowing that Amylynn Bright is at work on another book and there will be more sure winners.
September 27, 2019
Me ha gustado bastante a pesar de ser una novela que parece haber sido escrita con premura y sin cuidar demasiado los detalles, ha conseguido engancharme.
April 30, 2013
Lady Belling's Secret is set in the days of Earls and Lords. In this book two childhood friends, Francesca and Thomas, are reunited after five long years of Thomas being away at war. One thing that I didn't like was the fact that Francesca all but ran into his bed the moment he got back. If someone had gone away for five years, you were engaged to someone else, and this person had gone away partly for you declaring your feelings for him wouldn't you take some time to figure out how he feels and what is going on rather then automatically sleep with him then think about the consequences. Another slightly unrealistic thing to me was the fact that Francesca's fiancé willingly let go of her because he and the man trying to steal her away got drunk and had a heart to heart. This just does not seem realistic to me. Then again this is a romance novel so realism isn't always necessary. I still fell as though the progression of Thomas and Francesca's relationship was very fast. Sleeping together (she was previously a virgin), her regretting it, doing it again, getting caught by the fiancé, and then married all in two weeks seems a little far fetched. As a quick read I did like it, I finished it in a matter of an hour or so. The sex scenes, yes there are sex scenes for those of you opposed to those, were not extremely cheesy as some romance novels tend to be and they didn't make me cringe as I read them. Overall this is a pretty good short read for someone who wants to take a break from life but doesn't have a lot of time to do so.
This book was sent to me through a giveaway.
This book was sent to me through a giveaway.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2013
Francesca is engaged to marry Dalton when Thomas, the man she's loved since childhood returns from the war...
I'm a sucker for fast-moving suspenseful reads. Now that I've confessed my reader bias, I'll say that despite the fact that this regency romance didn't deliver a big-time adrenaline rush, I thoroughly enjoyed it once it got rolling. Spoiler alert. The conflict dialogue between Christian and Thomas and Thomas and Dalton were fabulous. These scenes came across as authentic and highly entertaining. And I was practically rolling on the floor laughing when the Duchess and Anna were talking about what Thomas did "wrong" right in front of Thomas. This is a happily ever after story not to be missed!
I'm a sucker for fast-moving suspenseful reads. Now that I've confessed my reader bias, I'll say that despite the fact that this regency romance didn't deliver a big-time adrenaline rush, I thoroughly enjoyed it once it got rolling. Spoiler alert. The conflict dialogue between Christian and Thomas and Thomas and Dalton were fabulous. These scenes came across as authentic and highly entertaining. And I was practically rolling on the floor laughing when the Duchess and Anna were talking about what Thomas did "wrong" right in front of Thomas. This is a happily ever after story not to be missed!
July 24, 2013
Honestly, it was Ms. Bright's humor that snared me.
She created delightfully flawed characters. I adored Thomas and Frankie. Even the secondary characters, right down to Thomas's butler(and the dogs!)were truly likable.
So, there were a few historical inaccuracies. They certainly didn't detract from the clever dialogue, the hysterical introspection, or a beautifully crafted story. I found it to be a romping good romance.
I also enjoy a heroine who is vulnerable and is torn. That's real life.
Lady Belling's Secret was one of the most enjoyable books I've read all year.
She created delightfully flawed characters. I adored Thomas and Frankie. Even the secondary characters, right down to Thomas's butler(and the dogs!)were truly likable.
So, there were a few historical inaccuracies. They certainly didn't detract from the clever dialogue, the hysterical introspection, or a beautifully crafted story. I found it to be a romping good romance.
I also enjoy a heroine who is vulnerable and is torn. That's real life.
Lady Belling's Secret was one of the most enjoyable books I've read all year.
April 13, 2013
Extremely rare that I find a book that has me suspended and rereading parts just for the visuals. Truly some well written moments with such clarity of characters. Men, if you truly do wonder what a woman expects, needs, wants, and longs for, then truly READ this book. I wanted to toss it to my better half, a half dozen times or more. Truly a wonderful book with some really sweet moments and really sweet endings, or should I say beginnings?
March 23, 2016
Amylynn Bright's writing reminds me of an early Julia Quinn. She has the same light, humorous touch. A little more maturing and she will be a great writer.
The reason though that I couldn't award the fifth star is because of the odd historical mistake, and the most egregious is right in the title: the heroine of the story, the one with the secret, is not Lady Belling. Her mother is in fact Lady Belling. A better vetting is all that is required here and I will be happy to award the star.
The reason though that I couldn't award the fifth star is because of the odd historical mistake, and the most egregious is right in the title: the heroine of the story, the one with the secret, is not Lady Belling. Her mother is in fact Lady Belling. A better vetting is all that is required here and I will be happy to award the star.
April 16, 2013
This book so Amazing that I can't wait to read The Sea Rose. I love Ms. Bright's book.
May 28, 2013
This book grabs the reader from the first paragraph and never disappoints. Fantastic characters, clever dialogue sparkles with humor.
August 1, 2017
Let me start by pointing out the title of this book should have been Lady Francesca's Secret. As the unmarried daughter of a duke, our heroine would have been addressed as Lady Francesca, not Lady Belling.
This hero and heroine was a couple I couldn't warm up to. Lady Francesca was apparently allowed to roam London without a lady's maid or companion. She needed a lot more supervision, because clearly, she couldn't be trusted to make smart decisions. Our hero was far from honorable. Who has sex the first day they're reunited with their childhood love? And that scene when he helps her in the park! Instead of taking her home to her mother, he takes her to his house and has a bath prepared for her. Then, things get a bit steamy again. Her mother brings a clean dress over and waits in the drawing room while Lady Francesca changes. Not once do the servants gossip about the scandalous behavior of these two. Cause this is all perfectly normal behavior for this time period, right? I'm sorry but, nope. This was a hot mess that I didn't find entertaining at all. Too many social norms were broken and not dealt with severely.
This hero and heroine was a couple I couldn't warm up to. Lady Francesca was apparently allowed to roam London without a lady's maid or companion. She needed a lot more supervision, because clearly, she couldn't be trusted to make smart decisions. Our hero was far from honorable. Who has sex the first day they're reunited with their childhood love? And that scene when he helps her in the park! Instead of taking her home to her mother, he takes her to his house and has a bath prepared for her. Then, things get a bit steamy again. Her mother brings a clean dress over and waits in the drawing room while Lady Francesca changes. Not once do the servants gossip about the scandalous behavior of these two. Cause this is all perfectly normal behavior for this time period, right? I'm sorry but, nope. This was a hot mess that I didn't find entertaining at all. Too many social norms were broken and not dealt with severely.
December 8, 2024
Hermosa historia!!!
Esta historia tiene un inicio muy interesante que da lugar a desarrollar la trama de la misma. Podemos ver en la trama cierta intriga, sucesos del pasado cargados de tristeza, amistad y romance con unos personajes muy interesantes. Me gustó!!! 💜🩷💜
Esta historia tiene un inicio muy interesante que da lugar a desarrollar la trama de la misma. Podemos ver en la trama cierta intriga, sucesos del pasado cargados de tristeza, amistad y romance con unos personajes muy interesantes. Me gustó!!! 💜🩷💜
March 11, 2017
In some ways predictable, but a well-written story. Lady Francesca comes from a loving family, which has been more of a family to Thomas than his own - now deceased - parents and brother. This puts him in a difficult position when he wants to separate Francesa from her fiancé, fearing to lose the regard and friendship of her brother and mother. All this while Francesca's wedding day draws near.
March 10, 2017
Liked
This is part of a series. I liked it. The characters are fun. It's just that Francesca, in love with Thomas, wouldn't consent to marry him. And so it goes for a couple of chapters.
This is part of a series. I liked it. The characters are fun. It's just that Francesca, in love with Thomas, wouldn't consent to marry him. And so it goes for a couple of chapters.
March 4, 2016
Poor Frankie has been in love with the same boy/man since she was six years old. Such a long time to wait for someone to notice you! After a bit of a misunderstanding, Thomas goes to war and leaves Frankie with a great deal of grief and guilt. Two seasons she has withstood the onslaught of suitors, turning down marriage proposal after proposal. Until she finally relents and accepts a man that she genuinely likes, but has no hope of every loving. Surprise! Thomas returns only to notice what he should have noticed years ago. As troubling as it is, Frankie is engaged to be married and the date is two weeks away. Can he sway the woman to his side? Can he woo her family and convince them to accept a scandal in the name of true love?
November 11, 2015
I really didn't like either of the two main characters. I couldn't care less if they ended up toghether or not.
On top of that there were some mistakes as well. Frankie being the daughter of a duke should have been addressed as Lady Fransesca and not Lady Belling or Miss Belling. The dialouge was far too modern and it ruined the tone of the book that took place in the 1800s.
On top of that there were some mistakes as well. Frankie being the daughter of a duke should have been addressed as Lady Fransesca and not Lady Belling or Miss Belling. The dialouge was far too modern and it ruined the tone of the book that took place in the 1800s.
May 23, 2022
Lovely fun
I really was concerned a few times that the story wasn't going to be as fun and wonderful as it was because of the way those two main characters tumbled and fumbled their way through the plot. But it turned out to be a rather enjoyable read.
I really was concerned a few times that the story wasn't going to be as fun and wonderful as it was because of the way those two main characters tumbled and fumbled their way through the plot. But it turned out to be a rather enjoyable read.
Read
March 20, 2014Looking forward to the next book and the growth of these characters.
June 27, 2013
Rated 4.5
August 6, 2013
I said, "Just one more page", until my husband kicked me out of bed to read in the other room. This book was fun and unexpected. It takes a strong and caring matriarch to chose love for her daughter.
November 18, 2013
Childish. Silly. Boring. I think I might have liked it if I was 13 years old teen reading my first romantic book :/
The nicest thing about this book is its cover!
The nicest thing about this book is its cover!
May 26, 2014
Great story. Loved it. Looking forward to reading the next ones.
February 23, 2016
Cute story, love the characters
historical
January 4, 2019Lady Francesca Bellings has been madly in love with her older brother’s best friend for as long as she can remember and, of course, the object of her affection never considered her much more than an annoyance in braids. But while Thomas Wallingham was off fighting Napoleon, she grew up. Now her life is moving along in all the expected directions of a well-bred lady of the ton, but a chance encounter with her first love throws everything into turmoil.
From a young age, Thomas Wallingham escapes the crushing apathy of his own parents by spending as much time as possible with his best friend’s family. In order to avoid a messy scandal, he enlists in service of the Crown, disappointing his adopted family by going off to war. When he unexpectedly inherits a title, the new Earl of Harrington returns to London desperately hoping five years of estrangement can be forgiven. All his plans are cast asunder when he rediscovers Francesca. Thomas finds that he can think of little else than the willowy flame haired beauty.
After a heated encounter and giddy with romantic feelings, Thomas plans to ask for her hand in marriage but is devastated when a nearly hysterical Francesca tells him she is already engaged to be wed to the Marquess of Dalton in less than two weeks. Loving him more than she ever thought possible, Francesca is terrified of repeating a scandal that nearly destroyed her family. But if she thinks that Thomas is going to go away quietly, she is sadly mistaken. Endeavoring to be in her presence as much as possible, Thomas chips away at her resolve to honor her family and her commitments, and they find it nearly impossible to keep their hands off each other even as her wedding date draws devastatingly nearer.
The problem of a fiancé who won’t disappear is compounded by the discouraging fact that Thomas comes to discover the man is not the evil, lecherous brute he’d imagined, rather a great fellow he comes to genuinely like and respect. But just as soon as Thomas can finally see a clear path to all he desires, the wrath of his best friend, Francesca’s brother, crashes down on them. As the date of the wedding draws menacingly closer, it’s only by the machinations of unexpected parties that clear the way for Thomas and Francesca to be together. But even then, it will only work if Thomas can overcome the diminished self-worth beaten into him by his father, and Francesca can accept the actions of a man who loves her - even if he can’t say the words
From a young age, Thomas Wallingham escapes the crushing apathy of his own parents by spending as much time as possible with his best friend’s family. In order to avoid a messy scandal, he enlists in service of the Crown, disappointing his adopted family by going off to war. When he unexpectedly inherits a title, the new Earl of Harrington returns to London desperately hoping five years of estrangement can be forgiven. All his plans are cast asunder when he rediscovers Francesca. Thomas finds that he can think of little else than the willowy flame haired beauty.
After a heated encounter and giddy with romantic feelings, Thomas plans to ask for her hand in marriage but is devastated when a nearly hysterical Francesca tells him she is already engaged to be wed to the Marquess of Dalton in less than two weeks. Loving him more than she ever thought possible, Francesca is terrified of repeating a scandal that nearly destroyed her family. But if she thinks that Thomas is going to go away quietly, she is sadly mistaken. Endeavoring to be in her presence as much as possible, Thomas chips away at her resolve to honor her family and her commitments, and they find it nearly impossible to keep their hands off each other even as her wedding date draws devastatingly nearer.
The problem of a fiancé who won’t disappear is compounded by the discouraging fact that Thomas comes to discover the man is not the evil, lecherous brute he’d imagined, rather a great fellow he comes to genuinely like and respect. But just as soon as Thomas can finally see a clear path to all he desires, the wrath of his best friend, Francesca’s brother, crashes down on them. As the date of the wedding draws menacingly closer, it’s only by the machinations of unexpected parties that clear the way for Thomas and Francesca to be together. But even then, it will only work if Thomas can overcome the diminished self-worth beaten into him by his father, and Francesca can accept the actions of a man who loves her - even if he can’t say the words
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews