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Love by Proxy
A Chicago executive sets his sights on acquiring a free-spirited beauty in this classic romance by the New York Times–bestselling author.
Chairman of the board Worth Carson had been none too pleased when beautiful Amelia Glenn walked into his office wearing only a trench coat and belly-dancer costume. While revenge had been the primary goal in Worth's mind as he sought out the mystery woman, all thoughts of getting even soon vanished.
A free spirit who couldn't resist a dare, Amelia didn't know that baiting a man like Worth was rather like baiting a grizzly bear. Or guess that a tiny misunderstanding with the police and getting fired from her job were both part of an unorthodox strategy to get her into his lair . . .
First published in 1985.
Chairman of the board Worth Carson had been none too pleased when beautiful Amelia Glenn walked into his office wearing only a trench coat and belly-dancer costume. While revenge had been the primary goal in Worth's mind as he sought out the mystery woman, all thoughts of getting even soon vanished.
A free spirit who couldn't resist a dare, Amelia didn't know that baiting a man like Worth was rather like baiting a grizzly bear. Or guess that a tiny misunderstanding with the police and getting fired from her job were both part of an unorthodox strategy to get her into his lair . . .
First published in 1985.
148 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 1985
About the author
Diana Palmer
1,020 books3,138 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Diana Palmer is a pseudonym for author Susan Kyle.
(1)romance author
Susan Eloise Spaeth was born on 11 December 1946 in Cuthbert, Georgia, USA. She was the eldest daughter of Maggie Eloise Cliatt, a nurse and also journalist, and William Olin Spaeth, a college professor. Her mother was part of the women's liberation movement many years before it became fashionable. Her best friends are her mother and her sister, Dannis Spaeth (Cole), who now has two daughters, Amanda Belle Hofstetter and Maggie and lives in Utah. Susan grew up reading Zane Grey and fell in love with cowboys. Susan is a former newspaper reporter, with sixteen years experience on both daily and weekly newspapers. Since 1972, she has been married to James Kyle and have since settled down in Cornelia, Georgia, where she started to write romance novels. Susan and her husband have one son, Blayne Edward, born in 1980.
She began selling romances in 1979 as Diana Palmer. She also used the pseudonyms Diana Blayne and Katy Currie, and her married name: Susan Kyle. Now, she has over 40 million copies of her books in print, which have been translated and published around the world. She is listed in numerous publications, including Contemporary Authors by Gale Research, Inc., Twentieth Century Romance and Historical Writers by St. James Press, The Writers Directory by St. James Press, the International Who's Who of Authors and Writers by Meirose Press, Ltd., and Love's Leading Ladies by Kathryn Falk. Her awards include seven Waldenbooks national sales awards, four B. Dalton national sales awards, two Bookrak national sales awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award for series storytelling from Romantic Times, several Affaire de Coeur awards, and two regional RWA awards.
Inspired by her husband, who quit a blue-collar manufacturing job to return to school and get his diploma in computer programming, Susan herself went back to college as a day student at the age of 45. In 1995, she graduated summa cum laude from Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, with a major in history and a double minor in archaeology and Spanish. She was named to two honor societies (the Torch Club and Alpha Chi), and was named to the National Dean's List. In addition to her writing projects, she is currently working on her master's degree in history at California State University. She hopes to specialize in Native American studies. She is a member of the Native American Rights Fund, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Cattlemen's Association, the Archaeological Institute of Amenca, the Planetary Society, The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, and numerous conservation and charitable organizations. Her hobbies include gardening, archaeology, anthropology, iguanas, astronomy and music.
In 1998, her husband retired from his own computer business and now pursues skeet shooting medals in local, state, national and international competition. They love riding around and looking at the countryside, watching sci-fi on TV and at the movies, just talking and eating out.
Diana Palmer is a pseudonym for author Susan Kyle.
(1)romance author
Susan Eloise Spaeth was born on 11 December 1946 in Cuthbert, Georgia, USA. She was the eldest daughter of Maggie Eloise Cliatt, a nurse and also journalist, and William Olin Spaeth, a college professor. Her mother was part of the women's liberation movement many years before it became fashionable. Her best friends are her mother and her sister, Dannis Spaeth (Cole), who now has two daughters, Amanda Belle Hofstetter and Maggie and lives in Utah. Susan grew up reading Zane Grey and fell in love with cowboys. Susan is a former newspaper reporter, with sixteen years experience on both daily and weekly newspapers. Since 1972, she has been married to James Kyle and have since settled down in Cornelia, Georgia, where she started to write romance novels. Susan and her husband have one son, Blayne Edward, born in 1980.
She began selling romances in 1979 as Diana Palmer. She also used the pseudonyms Diana Blayne and Katy Currie, and her married name: Susan Kyle. Now, she has over 40 million copies of her books in print, which have been translated and published around the world. She is listed in numerous publications, including Contemporary Authors by Gale Research, Inc., Twentieth Century Romance and Historical Writers by St. James Press, The Writers Directory by St. James Press, the International Who's Who of Authors and Writers by Meirose Press, Ltd., and Love's Leading Ladies by Kathryn Falk. Her awards include seven Waldenbooks national sales awards, four B. Dalton national sales awards, two Bookrak national sales awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award for series storytelling from Romantic Times, several Affaire de Coeur awards, and two regional RWA awards.
Inspired by her husband, who quit a blue-collar manufacturing job to return to school and get his diploma in computer programming, Susan herself went back to college as a day student at the age of 45. In 1995, she graduated summa cum laude from Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, with a major in history and a double minor in archaeology and Spanish. She was named to two honor societies (the Torch Club and Alpha Chi), and was named to the National Dean's List. In addition to her writing projects, she is currently working on her master's degree in history at California State University. She hopes to specialize in Native American studies. She is a member of the Native American Rights Fund, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Cattlemen's Association, the Archaeological Institute of Amenca, the Planetary Society, The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, and numerous conservation and charitable organizations. Her hobbies include gardening, archaeology, anthropology, iguanas, astronomy and music.
In 1998, her husband retired from his own computer business and now pursues skeet shooting medals in local, state, national and international competition. They love riding around and looking at the countryside, watching sci-fi on TV and at the movies, just talking and eating out.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 18, 2017
A sweet cheesy romance that comes with the usual DP special blend but still has a fresh feel to it.
I find that after reading so many DP's cowboy books (that I love!), the urban H and setting makes for a refreshing change.
The H had the usual ex issues and hang-ups but wasn’t unnecessarily cruel, while the h was sweet and likeable without being either doormat-y or too pushy.
I find that after reading so many DP's cowboy books (that I love!), the urban H and setting makes for a refreshing change.
The H had the usual ex issues and hang-ups but wasn’t unnecessarily cruel, while the h was sweet and likeable without being either doormat-y or too pushy.
February 9, 2025
This is a case of shoot the messenger.
Except in this case the message is a belly dance (meant to be a joke from a colleague) and the messenger gets fired and humiliated in the news paper.
I have to say that it bothered me that he never apologized for getting her fired.
But she does get back at him by becoming his grandmother's assistant and so constantly underfoot.
I was not a fan of Worth, and so only 3 stars.
I loved the young at heart grandmother and Amelia was good but a bit feckless.
Of course Worth can't seem to keep his hands off Amelia but he's been hurt in the past by a gold digger and so yadda yadda yadda.
I enjoyed it but not really interested in re-reading it.
Safety is good though.
Except in this case the message is a belly dance (meant to be a joke from a colleague) and the messenger gets fired and humiliated in the news paper.
I have to say that it bothered me that he never apologized for getting her fired.
But she does get back at him by becoming his grandmother's assistant and so constantly underfoot.
I was not a fan of Worth, and so only 3 stars.
I loved the young at heart grandmother and Amelia was good but a bit feckless.
Of course Worth can't seem to keep his hands off Amelia but he's been hurt in the past by a gold digger and so yadda yadda yadda.
I enjoyed it but not really interested in re-reading it.
Safety is good though.
December 25, 2022
I can’t recall exactly but this is definitely NOT DP’s first book in which the h jokes about being an axe murderer. It is cringe beyond being able to get back in the book post reading that.
The h is a little erratic and one day agrees to play a joke for a friend. This friend’s husband is wanting to play a joke on his boss. So the friend asks Amelia and she agrees to put on a trollop costume of a belly dancer and deliver a sexy birthday wish to this boss man. I hated the h right there. Very cheap and tacky for an almost thirty year old woman.
The H is grumpy and is rightly mad at the woman for daring to work him up also when it’s not even his birthday. Basically the joke goes sour and now the H pulls a smart ass move and gets the h fired from her workplace.
The h is shocked but the H on encouragement from his grandma hires the h as a companion for her. The h and H are now in “close proximity”. I was expecting great angst which was delivered but not without working for it.
I thought the h was easy. She could’ve been more dignified with letting the H use her body but she said she was an old maid anyways. The H was just rude and unromantic. I totally disliked him and how he manipulated the h several times that she let him make out with her. The H would then say really ugly stuff to the h to cover up his disinterest for commitment.
There’s a baby in the picture soon enough and the H is still saying mean things to the h. I’d have liked the h to grow a spine and not be so weepy and needy. The H grovels quite a bit but I wasn’t sold. This was one of those you’ve read em all DPs.
The h is a little erratic and one day agrees to play a joke for a friend. This friend’s husband is wanting to play a joke on his boss. So the friend asks Amelia and she agrees to put on a trollop costume of a belly dancer and deliver a sexy birthday wish to this boss man. I hated the h right there. Very cheap and tacky for an almost thirty year old woman.
The H is grumpy and is rightly mad at the woman for daring to work him up also when it’s not even his birthday. Basically the joke goes sour and now the H pulls a smart ass move and gets the h fired from her workplace.
The h is shocked but the H on encouragement from his grandma hires the h as a companion for her. The h and H are now in “close proximity”. I was expecting great angst which was delivered but not without working for it.
I thought the h was easy. She could’ve been more dignified with letting the H use her body but she said she was an old maid anyways. The H was just rude and unromantic. I totally disliked him and how he manipulated the h several times that she let him make out with her. The H would then say really ugly stuff to the h to cover up his disinterest for commitment.
There’s a baby in the picture soon enough and the H is still saying mean things to the h. I’d have liked the h to grow a spine and not be so weepy and needy. The H grovels quite a bit but I wasn’t sold. This was one of those you’ve read em all DPs.
February 21, 2021
When Amelia Glenn walked into Worth Carson's boardroom wearing a trench coat and a belly dancer's outfit, Chicago's most powerful construction magnate was fit to be tied.
But that didn't stop Amelia from performing her entire act for the swarthy chairman of the board-complete with shimmering sequins and jingling bangles.
So after Worth had Amelia fired, the last thing she expected was to be offered a job as a companion for his mother. But Worth hadn't ignored her startling beauty. Now he was determined to bid for her on his own terms.
But that didn't stop Amelia from performing her entire act for the swarthy chairman of the board-complete with shimmering sequins and jingling bangles.
So after Worth had Amelia fired, the last thing she expected was to be offered a job as a companion for his mother. But Worth hadn't ignored her startling beauty. Now he was determined to bid for her on his own terms.
April 5, 2019
Alpha DP hero. Sweet, sassy heroine with untapped passion. HEA with a pregnancy.
March 1, 2020
Amelia Glenn ( Amy ), was asked by her closest friend's fiance to play a little birthday trick on his business partner, Worth. The trick was to wear a belly dancer's clothes and go to his company to deliver a personal birthday message! Unfortunately, Worth was not impressed nor happy and therefore turned the table on Amy by blackmailing her to play another trick on his partner! Because of extreme bad luck, her second trick caused her her dignity and her job! Amy headed straight to Worth to avenge herself, but by mere coincidence, she get to meet his lovely grandmother who immediately sympathized with her and gave her a job as her personal companion. Amy was determined to do her job to perfection if only to show Worth he's misjudged her, but her closeness to him all the time started playing funny things with her heart and decisions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2020
Very formulaic,, but a solid 3 5. He's a sulky crab, but his loneliness and need for connection are a constant theme in the second half of the book. The love declaration was quite sweet for a Diana Palmer book.
August 25, 2020
3.5 stars
July 24, 2022
H was 40 and his grandma was 75! That’s all I remember and finished it right now, lol
March 8, 2014
Funny sweet romance that will definitely cheer u up! Heroine is kind of crazy and sassy! Hilarious!
December 16, 2017
Holy!!!! OMG, I haven't read a DP book in ages. I missed it. I forgot I had this on my Kindle & was so happy to see it. I started reading & could not put it down. I loved every word. Amelia was my favorite MC of Diana's in a good while. The first chapter was stunning & hilarious.. that is actually what hooked me it started out so different than her books normally do. I love her writing she is one of my all time favorite authors in the history of the written word, but I was excited to see something I hadn't seen from her in quite a while. This plot has been done by her in I think one other book of hers I have read but it was still vastly different on many levels. Worth was typical DP but that is why I love her. He was big and masculine hated women.. but whatever its what I love in her writing. Amelia was so charming & funny though, I fell in love with her. She was witty & sarcastic & fought him at every turn.. You know until she just couldn't anymore lol.. typical but perfect. Jeanette Carson Worths' Grandmother was as nice character I enjoyed she was a feisty old lady, and made the story better. I was so happy by the time I was done reading. I actually may read it again once enough time has gone by, and I forget most of it which I usually do with her books that I love.
September 17, 2014
A fun crazy read. Diana Palmer is such a wonderful storyteller. She creates such fun lovable characters that you will have a hard time forgetting. She brings to life a few in this sweet moving love story that is loaded full of fun mischief. Amy our heroine is small, sassy, kind, & adventuress. Worth our hero is a mountain of man, tough, stubborn, & a teddy bear on the inside. Amy bursts into Worth's life in a belly dancer custome & a kiss. Worth seeks revenge & Amy gets arrested making the front page & loses her job. Amy then takes issue with Worth in his home & meets his lovable fun loving grandma Jeanette & her next job. Tension & friendship blossoms between our lovers leading to a night of passion. Then misunderstandings & heartache follow as Worth comes to realize love & his own heart. A wonderful read & the grandmother is such a hoot!
November 16, 2013
I loved it!
Mostly because there's enough angst in this book and it made me shivers. LOL. I really like Amelia, even though she's a bit weird but she's very funny. Though there's some of her actions that I disagree, like that one when she got humiliated? Why in the world she didn't angry at him? She just let Worth come inside her house and share her dinner! I was like whaa?
But in the end, I enjoyed. I want to read something drastic though, like her bleeding a bit or stuff like that. Hahaha, I'm the weird one here.
Anyway, good one, Diana Palmer!
Mostly because there's enough angst in this book and it made me shivers. LOL. I really like Amelia, even though she's a bit weird but she's very funny. Though there's some of her actions that I disagree, like that one when she got humiliated? Why in the world she didn't angry at him? She just let Worth come inside her house and share her dinner! I was like whaa?
But in the end, I enjoyed. I want to read something drastic though, like her bleeding a bit or stuff like that. Hahaha, I'm the weird one here.
Anyway, good one, Diana Palmer!
November 15, 2021
Por hacer un favor a una amiga ella le gasta una broma al socio del novio de esta como resultado es contagiada por este mismo y despedida por un escándalo publico.
Con un plan de venganza se presenta en su casa para decirle a la cara lo que piensa de el, lo que no espera es que la abuela de este le ofrezca trabajo con tal de librarse de su carcelero.
Las dos mujeres son buenas una para la otra, y el empieza a ser mas su amigo. Pero la inminente atracción de los dos y que alguien termine en el hospital son los aderezos para que Amelia salga corriendo para ocultar su nuevo secreto.
Con un plan de venganza se presenta en su casa para decirle a la cara lo que piensa de el, lo que no espera es que la abuela de este le ofrezca trabajo con tal de librarse de su carcelero.
Las dos mujeres son buenas una para la otra, y el empieza a ser mas su amigo. Pero la inminente atracción de los dos y que alguien termine en el hospital son los aderezos para que Amelia salga corriendo para ocultar su nuevo secreto.
September 19, 2025
I enjoyed the beginning humor.
I purchased a copy of the steamy novel Love by Proxy by Diana Palmer and this review was given freely. I enjoyed the beginning humor, the first grandma, and that the ending was happy. 18+ for intimate scenes. Amelia does a favor for a friend but it backfire. Contains multiple sad topics such as fortune hunters, elder falls and heart attacks, loneliness, and bitterness.
I purchased a copy of the steamy novel Love by Proxy by Diana Palmer and this review was given freely. I enjoyed the beginning humor, the first grandma, and that the ending was happy. 18+ for intimate scenes. Amelia does a favor for a friend but it backfire. Contains multiple sad topics such as fortune hunters, elder falls and heart attacks, loneliness, and bitterness.
November 20, 2018
Wonderful
Worth and Amy's relationship was one big misunderstanding after another! She dose a favor for her friend by dressing as a belly dancer which was all just a big mistake. Worth gets even by blackmailing her, that turns into an even bigger mistake. You actually feel sorry for both of them.
Worth and Amy's relationship was one big misunderstanding after another! She dose a favor for her friend by dressing as a belly dancer which was all just a big mistake. Worth gets even by blackmailing her, that turns into an even bigger mistake. You actually feel sorry for both of them.
November 29, 2022
I really liked this. Firstly, the starting scene of this book was interesting. I have not read another book that starts with belly dancing. Secondly, the banter between the hero and heroine was hilarious and entertaining to read. Also, I liked that both the hero and heroine had family members that cared for them. Overall, this was a fun time.
January 6, 2020
Love by Proxy
I have read this book before, once when it was first released and again a few years ago. It's one of my favorites because of the way Amy let's Worth have the sharp side of her tongue. She's sassy and he doesn't know quite how to handle her...
I have read this book before, once when it was first released and again a few years ago. It's one of my favorites because of the way Amy let's Worth have the sharp side of her tongue. She's sassy and he doesn't know quite how to handle her...
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March 21, 2020English
June 28, 2020
Love diana palmer
She writes very good stories I love all her books for years I read this book 5 times just loved it
She writes very good stories I love all her books for years I read this book 5 times just loved it
February 23, 2021
Entre malos y malos entendidos, dejamos pasar demasiado tiempo...
July 3, 2022
Muy linda historia corta
July 23, 2022
An ok story. Good characters, slow storyline.
March 28, 2023
Nice romance
I think this book is a good read for everyone. Enjoyed all of it. Kept my interest and I will look for another book by this author.
I think this book is a good read for everyone. Enjoyed all of it. Kept my interest and I will look for another book by this author.
October 14, 2023
Excellent
I have almost everyone of Diana Palmer's books. She is in my top five favorite authors. No one can spin a romance quite like she can. All heart and with a side of grit.
I have almost everyone of Diana Palmer's books. She is in my top five favorite authors. No one can spin a romance quite like she can. All heart and with a side of grit.
May 15, 2024
Awww fun and sweet
February 7, 2026
♥️ definitely feels like a different time and place
December 30, 2019
forse 4 sono troppe, in ogni caso è un 3 stelle abbondante. è un libro datato (pubblicato nel 1985) e si capisce soprattutto da alcune cose. prima di tutto dall'assenza di telefoni cellulari e quindi dal dover lasciare detto a segretarie o hall degli alberghi per essere rintracciati se assenti. poi dal fumo di sigaretta onnipresente, anche in sale d'attesa di ospedali. altra cosa che l'autrice rimarca molto come se fosse sexy è la "peluria" del protagonista, quando al momento ciò che va di più è un aspetto glabro, anche per il sesso "forte". infine dalla preoccupazione delle donne di avere figli da single (ai tempi si chiamavano "ragazze madri"). la protagonista femminile è un bel peperino, sotto la scorza acqua e sapone e tranquilla si nasconde una piccola ribelle avanti con i tempi. purtroppo la società di allora non le consentiva di esporsi quindi doveva per forza di cose imparare a contenersi. il protagonista maschile è una montagna d'uomo che pare un po' la bestia delle favole. alla fine diventerà una specie di agnellino, anche se ha degli atteggiamenti piuttosto misogini e prepotenti che lei riesce comunque a bypassare. mi è piaciuto e lo conservo per rileggerlo.
rilettura (da 3 a 1 stella)
non so come ho fatto a trovarlo piacevole. è una storia totalmente assurda. Lei fa uno scherzo di compleanno a Lui (da parte di un suo amico) sostituendo un'amica. lo scherzo consiste nel presentarsi davanti a Lui durante una riunione di lavoro facendogli una danza del ventre. Lui la ricatta spiegando che se non si vendicherà del suo amico allo stesso modo le farà perdere il lavoro? eh? e non era neanche il suo compleanno. ehh?? Lei non ribatte, dice ok. ehhh??? quando Lei si presenta, sbaglia ristorante (ehhhh????). inoltre viene presa in custodia dalla polizia con l'accusa di adescamento e Lei nemmeno spiega per bene che era uno scherzo. ehhhhh????? Lei si reca a casa di Lui per manifestare il suo disprezzo prima di tornare a casa dei genitori. il suo disprezzo? io minimo gli avrei sfasciato i fari della rolls e tagliato le gomme... nel mentre sbuca fuori la madre di Lui chiedendole di farle da dama di compagnia. fffffffffffffffffffffff addio.
rilettura (da 3 a 1 stella)
non so come ho fatto a trovarlo piacevole. è una storia totalmente assurda. Lei fa uno scherzo di compleanno a Lui (da parte di un suo amico) sostituendo un'amica. lo scherzo consiste nel presentarsi davanti a Lui durante una riunione di lavoro facendogli una danza del ventre. Lui la ricatta spiegando che se non si vendicherà del suo amico allo stesso modo le farà perdere il lavoro? eh? e non era neanche il suo compleanno. ehh?? Lei non ribatte, dice ok. ehhh??? quando Lei si presenta, sbaglia ristorante (ehhhh????). inoltre viene presa in custodia dalla polizia con l'accusa di adescamento e Lei nemmeno spiega per bene che era uno scherzo. ehhhhh????? Lei si reca a casa di Lui per manifestare il suo disprezzo prima di tornare a casa dei genitori. il suo disprezzo? io minimo gli avrei sfasciato i fari della rolls e tagliato le gomme... nel mentre sbuca fuori la madre di Lui chiedendole di farle da dama di compagnia. fffffffffffffffffffffff addio.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2021
When Amelia Glenn walked into Worth Carson's boardroom wearing a trench coat and a belly dancer's outfit, Chicago's most powerful construction magnate was fit to be tied.
But that didn't stop Amelia from performing her entire act for the swarthy chairman of the board-complete with shimmering sequins and jingling bangles.
So after Worth had Amelia fired, the last thing she expected was to be offered a job as a companion for his mother. But Worth hadn't ignored her startling beauty. Now he was determined to bid for her on his own terms.
But that didn't stop Amelia from performing her entire act for the swarthy chairman of the board-complete with shimmering sequins and jingling bangles.
So after Worth had Amelia fired, the last thing she expected was to be offered a job as a companion for his mother. But Worth hadn't ignored her startling beauty. Now he was determined to bid for her on his own terms.
August 23, 2016
I found this book quick and funny in places to read. amelia was naive but trusting and loved wentworth and his grandmother who she went to work for him. wentworth embarrassed her in print all because she did a birthday gram for a friend so he got her back by asking her to be somewhere and she was photographed and put in the paper and lost her job that is why she ended up working for him.
wentworth was either an icicle or volcano depending on which day.
wentworth was either an icicle or volcano depending on which day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews