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One Night with a Rake
Widow Amanda Clare awakes in a strange bed next to a strange, yet handsome man - knocked out in a stagecoach accident, their rescuers assume they are married! She has no idea who the obviously wealthy gentleman could be - but intriguingly, neither does he...
298 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2003
21 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Louise Allen
414 books334 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
This author also writes under the name Francesca Shaw.
I have had my nose buried in a history book - fact or fiction - for as long as I can remember, but even more important to me are the places and the objects that conjure up the past. My first attempt at historical fiction at the age of eight was three pages of improbable medieval drama set in the local castle.
With a degree in geography and archaeology I love to try and 'read' the landscape and the buildings in it for clues about the past. Virtually any place can trigger ideas for plots, but I am particularly inspired by Venice, Burgundy, Mediterranean islands and the Hertfordshire and Norfolk countryside.
I live in England in a village in Bedfordshire with my long-suffering husband. He is not sure whether to be flattered or alarmed to be told he is the inspiration for all my romantic heroes! Whenever possible we escape to our cottage on the North Norfolk coast where Percy, the bossy pheasant, allows us to share the garden.
My resolution every time I start on a new plot is to plan it carefully, make copious notes first and write lots of drafts in a disciplined and orderly manner. What inevitably happens is that the story starts to write itself in my head until it gets completely out of control - meanwhile my study floor becomes a sea of open books, prints and maps and I am found sitting in the car at traffic lights, muttering dialogue. At that point I have to start writing, knowing full well that the hero and heroine are going to take over and sabotage all my attempts at discipline. It is, after all, their story.
This author also writes under the name Francesca Shaw.
I have had my nose buried in a history book - fact or fiction - for as long as I can remember, but even more important to me are the places and the objects that conjure up the past. My first attempt at historical fiction at the age of eight was three pages of improbable medieval drama set in the local castle.
With a degree in geography and archaeology I love to try and 'read' the landscape and the buildings in it for clues about the past. Virtually any place can trigger ideas for plots, but I am particularly inspired by Venice, Burgundy, Mediterranean islands and the Hertfordshire and Norfolk countryside.
I live in England in a village in Bedfordshire with my long-suffering husband. He is not sure whether to be flattered or alarmed to be told he is the inspiration for all my romantic heroes! Whenever possible we escape to our cottage on the North Norfolk coast where Percy, the bossy pheasant, allows us to share the garden.
My resolution every time I start on a new plot is to plan it carefully, make copious notes first and write lots of drafts in a disciplined and orderly manner. What inevitably happens is that the story starts to write itself in my head until it gets completely out of control - meanwhile my study floor becomes a sea of open books, prints and maps and I am found sitting in the car at traffic lights, muttering dialogue. At that point I have to start writing, knowing full well that the hero and heroine are going to take over and sabotage all my attempts at discipline. It is, after all, their story.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 28, 2024
started off well
The first half of the book was a 5 star read with a smart, independent heroine and a likable, warm hero. In the second of the book, the story takes a turn and the intelligent heroine is emotionally immature and the hero is arrogant.
The first half of the book was a 5 star read with a smart, independent heroine and a likable, warm hero. In the second of the book, the story takes a turn and the intelligent heroine is emotionally immature and the hero is arrogant.
February 1, 2024
A clean story except right at the very end. A young widow wakes up with a strange man in a strange bed, and he has lost his memory.
I liked it. Some different twists and turns, and nice the the female lead to be a gentlewoman but untitled. Makes a changed from endless duchesses! I would have liked to see how her cousin behaved at the end when he found out she was getting married. Also what became of her companion, I suspect she would stay with her but be nice to know. Enjoyed it.
I liked it. Some different twists and turns, and nice the the female lead to be a gentlewoman but untitled. Makes a changed from endless duchesses! I would have liked to see how her cousin behaved at the end when he found out she was getting married. Also what became of her companion, I suspect she would stay with her but be nice to know. Enjoyed it.
September 11, 2017
A little slow in the beginning, though started to thoroughly enjoy it.
Great read, four stars from me. 😊
Great read, four stars from me. 😊
February 20, 2019
Liked the flow of the story yet the Diane component was confusing
December 4, 2013
Just the blurb with the heroine waking up next to a strange man, caught my eye. I read the first page, enjoyed Louise Allen's style of writing, so bought the Double story book. I read the book over the weekend & enjoyed the repartee between the two. Lighthearted, as I've been tired. But with enough of a storyline to keep me intrigued. The twist at the end was a lovely little surprise. Although some areas were typical romance Mills & Boon, so expected the happy outcome.
I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys regency romances with a heroine with some character.
I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys regency romances with a heroine with some character.
June 6, 2012
I liked this book. It had great characters, understanding, misunderstandings, humor, a little suspense, and a variety of emotions. I would enjoy reading this book again. This is a relaxing book and great for passing time. The ending was perfect, love the reflection of it. Enjoy
January 25, 2015
A fun, easy read. I enjoyed Amanda and the man she called Mr. Jay. I enjoyed seeing them come together. The truly awful Diana was a brilliantly done character. She tricks Amanda so well with her freshness and innocence. Who would expect it of such a beautiful seventeen year old.
April 20, 2011
Love it!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews