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Regency Rakes #1
A Proper Companion
Robert, the Earl of Bradleigh, is engaged to an unlikable woman when his grandmother decides he should find a husband for Emily, her paid companion--but the more Robert learns about Emily, the more he wants her himself.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1995
186 people are currently reading
1130 people want to read
About the author
Candice Hern
32 books250 followersCandice Hern is the award-winning, bestselling author of historical romance novels set during the English Regency period. Her books have won praise for the "intelligence and elegant romantic sensibility" (Romantic Times) as well as "delicious wit and luscious sensuality (Booklist). Candice's award-winning website (www.candicehern.com) is often cited for its Regency World pages, where readers interested in the era will find an illustrated glossary, a detailed timeline, illustrated digests of Regency people and places, articles on Regency fashion, research links, and much more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
March 2, 2017
Robert, Earl of Bradleigh, is engaged to be married. This infuriates his grandmother, who has a companion named Emily Townshed who is ripe for the marrying. DRAMA LLAMAS, ATTACK. Will Robert and Emily ever figure out how to untwist their annoyingly separate panties long enough to live happily ever after?
1. This was fine. (Long suffering sigh.) I've heard this one recommended several times and have enjoyed Hern's no-nonsense approach to romance in the past, but this was just... a bit expected and dull and flat.
Like, Emily and Robert aren't bad characters, and I thought their romance was sweet, but it was just unnecessarily dramatic because he's engaged and she's only a lowly companion and they can't, when obviously they can and will? I think part of it was the fact that Robert was too much of a gentleman to end his engagement (because gentlemen "didn't do that") but not enough of a gentleman to stop himself from flirting and befriending and falling for Emily? Like, draw a line dude? And he doesn't, and that made rooting for him very confusing.
2. The writing also really didn't do it for me either. There were a few phrases that were just so...wrong in the context of the story that I had to put it down, and then lay my head down on top of it, because whhhyyyyy was I doing this to myself? but I pressed on and did somehow finish. This could, honestly, be a case of "wrong day wrong book" but I think it was slightly more than that.
3. The glorification of Emily was a bit much. She's SO PRETTY and SO SMART and SO GOOD AT CONFLICT RESOLUTION and PARTY PLANNING but don't worry, OK, she's not like other girls and I don't know. It was just...the expected heroine of a regency romance. I yawned, Reader. I yawned.
4. I really liked Sedgewick? Like, he intrigued me as this "goofy on the outside, gooey on the inside" archetype and I would have been very happy if all the bits with Emily and Robery pining had been truncated, and Emily married Sedgewick and they ended up falling in love as they figured out their married life together? His humor hiding his vulnerability and her """"feelings"""" for Robert being revealed for the shallow nonsense they really were...
5. If I'm casting another man as your hero, you've got a problem.
1. This was fine. (Long suffering sigh.) I've heard this one recommended several times and have enjoyed Hern's no-nonsense approach to romance in the past, but this was just... a bit expected and dull and flat.
Like, Emily and Robert aren't bad characters, and I thought their romance was sweet, but it was just unnecessarily dramatic because he's engaged and she's only a lowly companion and they can't, when obviously they can and will? I think part of it was the fact that Robert was too much of a gentleman to end his engagement (because gentlemen "didn't do that") but not enough of a gentleman to stop himself from flirting and befriending and falling for Emily? Like, draw a line dude? And he doesn't, and that made rooting for him very confusing.
2. The writing also really didn't do it for me either. There were a few phrases that were just so...wrong in the context of the story that I had to put it down, and then lay my head down on top of it, because whhhyyyyy was I doing this to myself? but I pressed on and did somehow finish. This could, honestly, be a case of "wrong day wrong book" but I think it was slightly more than that.
3. The glorification of Emily was a bit much. She's SO PRETTY and SO SMART and SO GOOD AT CONFLICT RESOLUTION and PARTY PLANNING but don't worry, OK, she's not like other girls and I don't know. It was just...the expected heroine of a regency romance. I yawned, Reader. I yawned.
4. I really liked Sedgewick? Like, he intrigued me as this "goofy on the outside, gooey on the inside" archetype and I would have been very happy if all the bits with Emily and Robery pining had been truncated, and Emily married Sedgewick and they ended up falling in love as they figured out their married life together? His humor hiding his vulnerability and her """"feelings"""" for Robert being revealed for the shallow nonsense they really were...
5. If I'm casting another man as your hero, you've got a problem.
August 10, 2016
There isn't much to be said about this story that is not already in the blurb, except maybe the villain. There are no real spoilers there. The real story is in the interaction between the two characters and seeing the way they come to realize what they mean to each other.
Neither is annoying, imagine that. Emily is not some stupid wallflower whom anyone could trick and Robert, even with his reputation, is a truly good person.
The resolution is not something you haven't already seen, but it suits the story well.
Neither is annoying, imagine that. Emily is not some stupid wallflower whom anyone could trick and Robert, even with his reputation, is a truly good person.
The resolution is not something you haven't already seen, but it suits the story well.
February 21, 2019
Nothing worth writing or remembering here.
Very middle of the road.
Only thing I truly enjoyed is the writing/language. Newer HR writers cannot project the era quite like these earlier authors! :)
Very middle of the road.
Only thing I truly enjoyed is the writing/language. Newer HR writers cannot project the era quite like these earlier authors! :)
May 27, 2012
I liked the premise of this book,and was looking forward to a nice, kind of stodgy classic Regency. It definitely started out that way, although the prose had a tendency to sound like an imitation or parody of a Regency, rather than giving a sense of authentic character, with voice emerging naturally from that. For example,
Aside from the style, that quote also brings to mind another element - Emily is constantly smothering smiles and laughter when other people are being amusing. It struck me more than once while reading (being a person who enjoys making other people laugh) what a drag and how discouraging it would be to have a conversation with someone who thinks keeping a stone face is polite.
That's an aside, however. My main problem with this, besides style, was the plot, which went from being a nice and simple Regency to having a background family issue erupt into absurd melodramatic villainy. The artificiality of the style of narrative was quite enough - the book didn't need that as well.
Oh, and Anatole the cook was straight out of Wodehouse (not in a good way). And the heroine's magic in dealing with him was totally Mary Sue.
"My dear Emily," the dowager drawled, "you cannot begin to imagine how objectionable [the hero's new fiancee is]. Lord Windhurst [her father] can, of course, be disregarded as merely a spineless milquetoast, but Lady Windhurst is a harridan unequaled in all the ton. The very thought of her enlarging our family circle is enough to cause palpitations. She is the former Margaret Pinkerton, whose father was a captain in the army - the infantry, my dear - and whose mother was the daughter of a cit." The dowager snorted in a most unladylike manner. Emily bit her lower lip to stifle a giggle as she watched the dowager's face screw up as if she had just smelled something unpleasant.
Aside from the style, that quote also brings to mind another element - Emily is constantly smothering smiles and laughter when other people are being amusing. It struck me more than once while reading (being a person who enjoys making other people laugh) what a drag and how discouraging it would be to have a conversation with someone who thinks keeping a stone face is polite.
That's an aside, however. My main problem with this, besides style, was the plot, which went from being a nice and simple Regency to having a background family issue erupt into absurd melodramatic villainy. The artificiality of the style of narrative was quite enough - the book didn't need that as well.
Oh, and Anatole the cook was straight out of Wodehouse (not in a good way). And the heroine's magic in dealing with him was totally Mary Sue.
January 19, 2020
I really liked this book! I have to start off by saying I usually don't like interfering family trying to play matchmaker, but I love the eccentric Dowager Grandmother, she was funny and sly but lovable. I loved the battling chef's French verses English. Love a happy ending! Hate creepy , greedy family members that crept into the book (oh well). I hope to continue finding hidden gems like this one, I have so many books I want to read, so little time.
January 8, 2014
We know that we are in for a fun frolic when an author boldly begins the first chapter of a novel with a heroine climbing out a bedroom window to meet her lover during a runaway marriage. No sooner have we drawn another breath when we discover that Lady Gwendolyn Pentwick is not the heroine of A Proper Companion at all, but her mother, an earl’s daughter who has found herself in a family way and been pressured into a patched up marriage to a titled lord who lacks fortune and appeal. Phew. If this lively beginning is the forerunner of what is to follow, hold on to your bonnets and settle into a page-turner.
Flash forward twenty-seven years to 1812 and the Bath townhouse of the Dowager Countess Bradleigh, who while enjoying afternoon tea with her companion Emily Townsend, reads in the newspaper of the betrothal of Augusta Windhurst to her eldest grandson, Robert Cameron, ninth Earl of Bradleigh. Shocked and appalled by his choice of bride she is determined to intercede in this mésalliance. Moments later Robert surprises his grandmother by an unexpected visit to reveal his news only to find his grandmother in an uproar. Calmly he explains his logical reasons for choosing a wife after so many year of bachelorhood. He is feeling his age and wants an heir and Miss Windhurst is everything she desires in a wife: “elegant, cool, supremely aloof, does not giggle, chatter, whimper, swoon or cling.” She finds his attitude cold, calculating and unromantic asking him where the love is in the arrangement?
Lady Bradleigh actually thinks her companion Miss Townsend, an impoverished granddaughter of an earl, is an excellent choice for her grandson and against her former dictum decides to be the matchmaker for them. Standing in her way is Robert’s fiancée and her social climbing family who are thrilled for their daughter to marry an earl. Because no gentleman can break off an engagement, but a lady can, she must find a way for his betrothed to beg off—and convince Emily, a determined spinster, and her grandson, the consummate rogue, that they are a match made in heaven.
Even at the age of 78, no challenge is ever too difficult for the dowager and she sets her plan into action. Sharing Emily’s sad family story with her grandson, she convinces him to help this well-bred but impoverished young lady by introducing her to suitable prospects. The earl, whose reputation as womanizer is known by all, is attracted to his grandmother’s elegant and refined companion who the servants speculate is the daughter of royalty. She is flattered by his attentions, but determined to remain a spinster.
To get herself into the thick of things the countess will go to London and throw an engagement ball there for Robert and his fiancée. Emily is excited to go to London for the first time, but the countess is not happy with her appearance and decides her companion needs a make-over. Emily is very resistant to accepting charity from her employer after her hard-fought independence over the last seven years, but her pride must not jeopardize her continued employment and she accepts the countess’s offer of an updated wardrobe. When Robert sees her in her new frock and softer hair style, he is very taken with her. Maybe the speculation of her parentage is true? Is she a royal by-blow?
They travel to London and stay at the earl’s Grosvenor Square townhouse where future parties bring the reunion of his sister Louisa, the Viscountess Lavenham and her husband, Robert’s betrothed, the reserved and cool nineteen year-old Augusta Windhurst and her social climbing mama, and his many male friends who find the beautiful and intelligent Miss Townsend more than irresistible. Also in Town for the season is a member of Emily’s estranged family, her uncle the Earl of Pentwick and his son the Viscount of Faversham. Emily soon finds the serious attention of a beaux and an enemy from her past among her new acquaintance. Robert soon finds that love should be on the list of requirements for a bride.
What a delight it was to be back in the Regency world of the ton in London and Bath that I have so enjoyed during many Georgette Heyer and Lauren Willig novels. While I adore Jane Austen, she does not use much description of her characters physical appearance nor the setting like they do. This is one aspect of why I enjoy Candice Hern’s novels so much. We are treated to sumptuous detail about the Regency world, especially the clothing:
“It was a dusky rose lustering, with a high waist and low bodice edged with Brussels lace. A dark rose stain ribbon tied around the high waist, just under the bosom, and the ends floated down almost to the hem. The dress emphasized Emily’s tall, slender figure. New pink slippers peeked out from the scalloped hem.” p. 61
Lovely…Another aspect of her writing that I find so diverting is her humor.
“Dog and man collided with a force that sent Lord Bradleigh tumbling on his backside. Charlemagne growled accusingly at him, then made his way to the cherished fauteuil. The earl, thoroughly stunned, looked up at the grinning ladies in confusion.
“You see, Emily,” the dowager drawled, “I told you that gentlemen would be failing at your feet. Behold: your first victim!”” p. 63
Finery and hi-jinks aside, Hern has an elegant, engaging, and energetic way with character, dialogue, and plot development that would make any author green with envy. Her hero Robert was so charming, especially when he was indignant, and her heroine Emily a true diamond of the first water. The story is quickly paced and even though there were a few spots of predictability, there was no reason to repine from this Austen lover who is looking forward to reading all of her traditional Regencies this year during the Regency Romance Reading Challenge 2013 on Austenprose.com.
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
Flash forward twenty-seven years to 1812 and the Bath townhouse of the Dowager Countess Bradleigh, who while enjoying afternoon tea with her companion Emily Townsend, reads in the newspaper of the betrothal of Augusta Windhurst to her eldest grandson, Robert Cameron, ninth Earl of Bradleigh. Shocked and appalled by his choice of bride she is determined to intercede in this mésalliance. Moments later Robert surprises his grandmother by an unexpected visit to reveal his news only to find his grandmother in an uproar. Calmly he explains his logical reasons for choosing a wife after so many year of bachelorhood. He is feeling his age and wants an heir and Miss Windhurst is everything she desires in a wife: “elegant, cool, supremely aloof, does not giggle, chatter, whimper, swoon or cling.” She finds his attitude cold, calculating and unromantic asking him where the love is in the arrangement?
Lady Bradleigh actually thinks her companion Miss Townsend, an impoverished granddaughter of an earl, is an excellent choice for her grandson and against her former dictum decides to be the matchmaker for them. Standing in her way is Robert’s fiancée and her social climbing family who are thrilled for their daughter to marry an earl. Because no gentleman can break off an engagement, but a lady can, she must find a way for his betrothed to beg off—and convince Emily, a determined spinster, and her grandson, the consummate rogue, that they are a match made in heaven.
Even at the age of 78, no challenge is ever too difficult for the dowager and she sets her plan into action. Sharing Emily’s sad family story with her grandson, she convinces him to help this well-bred but impoverished young lady by introducing her to suitable prospects. The earl, whose reputation as womanizer is known by all, is attracted to his grandmother’s elegant and refined companion who the servants speculate is the daughter of royalty. She is flattered by his attentions, but determined to remain a spinster.
To get herself into the thick of things the countess will go to London and throw an engagement ball there for Robert and his fiancée. Emily is excited to go to London for the first time, but the countess is not happy with her appearance and decides her companion needs a make-over. Emily is very resistant to accepting charity from her employer after her hard-fought independence over the last seven years, but her pride must not jeopardize her continued employment and she accepts the countess’s offer of an updated wardrobe. When Robert sees her in her new frock and softer hair style, he is very taken with her. Maybe the speculation of her parentage is true? Is she a royal by-blow?
They travel to London and stay at the earl’s Grosvenor Square townhouse where future parties bring the reunion of his sister Louisa, the Viscountess Lavenham and her husband, Robert’s betrothed, the reserved and cool nineteen year-old Augusta Windhurst and her social climbing mama, and his many male friends who find the beautiful and intelligent Miss Townsend more than irresistible. Also in Town for the season is a member of Emily’s estranged family, her uncle the Earl of Pentwick and his son the Viscount of Faversham. Emily soon finds the serious attention of a beaux and an enemy from her past among her new acquaintance. Robert soon finds that love should be on the list of requirements for a bride.
What a delight it was to be back in the Regency world of the ton in London and Bath that I have so enjoyed during many Georgette Heyer and Lauren Willig novels. While I adore Jane Austen, she does not use much description of her characters physical appearance nor the setting like they do. This is one aspect of why I enjoy Candice Hern’s novels so much. We are treated to sumptuous detail about the Regency world, especially the clothing:
“It was a dusky rose lustering, with a high waist and low bodice edged with Brussels lace. A dark rose stain ribbon tied around the high waist, just under the bosom, and the ends floated down almost to the hem. The dress emphasized Emily’s tall, slender figure. New pink slippers peeked out from the scalloped hem.” p. 61
Lovely…Another aspect of her writing that I find so diverting is her humor.
“Dog and man collided with a force that sent Lord Bradleigh tumbling on his backside. Charlemagne growled accusingly at him, then made his way to the cherished fauteuil. The earl, thoroughly stunned, looked up at the grinning ladies in confusion.
“You see, Emily,” the dowager drawled, “I told you that gentlemen would be failing at your feet. Behold: your first victim!”” p. 63
Finery and hi-jinks aside, Hern has an elegant, engaging, and energetic way with character, dialogue, and plot development that would make any author green with envy. Her hero Robert was so charming, especially when he was indignant, and her heroine Emily a true diamond of the first water. The story is quickly paced and even though there were a few spots of predictability, there was no reason to repine from this Austen lover who is looking forward to reading all of her traditional Regencies this year during the Regency Romance Reading Challenge 2013 on Austenprose.com.
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
May 10, 2019
Sweet Regency Romance
Candice Hern writes wonderfully sweet romances with strong females with wit and intelligence. The hero always flawed and interesting. Of course there is also some suspense.
Candice Hern writes wonderfully sweet romances with strong females with wit and intelligence. The hero always flawed and interesting. Of course there is also some suspense.
August 17, 2013
A sweet romance featuring a strong heroine, non-brooding hero, and an incredible support cast that really made the book for me.
Yes, Emily Townsend is a lovely woman. Blonde, green eyes, beautiful, intelligent, well spoken, etc. She's a genteel lady, granddaughter of an earl, who is penniless so is working as a companion. Okay.
Yes, Robert, Lord Bradleigh, is handsome with a winning grin, great personality, and loves his grandmother sincerely. Which is nice. Okay.
And I got the romance. I did. No surprises at all, there.
BUT. The rest of the cast was fun. Anatole the chef. The Dowager (Emily's employer and Robert's grandmother) was adorable and I want more of HER. Lottie the new lady's maid. Sedgewick (who gets his own book, yay!) and so on. Even Robert's first fiancée, Augusta, had a colorful (if toadying) mother. These made the story entertaining.
So I give this four stars. Predictable romance. Fun cast. And a great emphasis on color. Worth the read.
Yes, Emily Townsend is a lovely woman. Blonde, green eyes, beautiful, intelligent, well spoken, etc. She's a genteel lady, granddaughter of an earl, who is penniless so is working as a companion. Okay.
Yes, Robert, Lord Bradleigh, is handsome with a winning grin, great personality, and loves his grandmother sincerely. Which is nice. Okay.
And I got the romance. I did. No surprises at all, there.
BUT. The rest of the cast was fun. Anatole the chef. The Dowager (Emily's employer and Robert's grandmother) was adorable and I want more of HER. Lottie the new lady's maid. Sedgewick (who gets his own book, yay!) and so on. Even Robert's first fiancée, Augusta, had a colorful (if toadying) mother. These made the story entertaining.
So I give this four stars. Predictable romance. Fun cast. And a great emphasis on color. Worth the read.
July 13, 2022
3.75 stars
I love the author's writing, but this could have been 30 percent shorter without any difference to the storyline. While I love her rich descriptions of ton life, I found myself skimming through quite a bit to move the plot along.
I love the author's writing, but this could have been 30 percent shorter without any difference to the storyline. While I love her rich descriptions of ton life, I found myself skimming through quite a bit to move the plot along.
August 5, 2021
I actually enjoyed this one so much, I bought the next one in the series. Might get the third one too if I really like the second one as well. This was a freebie ages ago. It isn’t free on the Kindle now, but it’s $2.99 and I would say well worth it.
Clean, with a reforming rake and a few heated kisses. Warning: he is engaged to a woman he doesn’t love and he kisses someone else while still engaged, so slight whiff of cheating. If you are sensitive to that, be aware.
4, I will be reading the next one, stars.
Clean, with a reforming rake and a few heated kisses. Warning: he is engaged to a woman he doesn’t love and he kisses someone else while still engaged, so slight whiff of cheating. If you are sensitive to that, be aware.
4, I will be reading the next one, stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2013
Emily Townsend is the paid companion of the dowager Countess Bradleigh. When the dowager's grandson, the Earl of Bradleigh, announces his engagement, the Countess sweeps her household to London to get a good look at the girl. There she finds that Bradleigh is planning on marrying for an heir, not because he has any real affection for his fiancée. To his surprise, the more time he spends with his grandmother's companion Emily, the more he feels for her--and he begins to suspect his engagement is a terrible mistake. Emily, meanwhile, has more suitors than she'd ever dreamed of and a scheming pair of relatives to deal with besides.
Workmanlike. There's nothing here I objected to, but also nothing I was excited by. It feels written by rote.
Workmanlike. There's nothing here I objected to, but also nothing I was excited by. It feels written by rote.
July 25, 2011
This book had a lot of potential. But I guess it just wasn't quite my style. I kept worrying after the first kiss, if there would be a sex scene. I was happy there wasn't one, but a little disappointed in the graphic nature of the kissing scenes. Just a little too much info for me in those parts. I like my romances COMPLETELY clean. Then I was a little bummed there wasn't more at the end after they got together.
April 12, 2014
Twenty-six years ago, an enceinte Lady Gwendolyn, daughter of the Earl of Pentwick, climbed out her bedroom window to elope with the unsuitable Walter Townsend. She was disowned by her family for her transgression, but happy enough with her husband and only daughter by her side. After her death, her husband lost his heart, his fortune, and finally, his life. Now their daughter Emily is companion to Countess Bradleigh and prefers to keep in the background. Lady Bradleigh is a kind employer and a good friend to Emily. She's a doting Grandmama but fiercely protective of her family and friends, so when she discovers through the newspaper that her grandson Robert, Lord Bradleigh, is to marry the very young and empty-headed Miss Augusta Windhurst. Worst of all, Lady Windhurst is an encroaching mushroom who would NOT be a welcome addition to the family. Dear Robert would be better off with someone more mature and sensible... like Emily! Lady Bradleigh then delves into a matchmaking scheme of grand proportions. She has to not only get her grandson to see her companion's worth, she has to make Miss Windhurst cry off. For that, Lady Bradleigh needs to visit London for the first time in many years. She endeavors to bring Emily Out into Society despite the young lady's protests. Lady Bradleigh's loyalties will be tested time and again as her wayward grandson sticks to his engagement promise. Emily's strength is tested as she faces suitors and villains and finds herself increasingly drawn to the irresistible, rakish Lord Bradleigh.
Take all your Regency cliches and put them in one novel and you have the plot of this book. I found it very formulaic and not all that interesting. The only time I enjoyed the plot was when Lady Bradleigh was on page scheming. The rest of the time I found myself rolling my eyes and skipping passages about the characters' physical attributes hoping to find some sort of redeeming factor in this novel. Sadly, I found none. The author includes way too many period details. I love period details but I don't need a description of every fashion plate, every piece of drawing room furniture, etc. etc. Emily is interested in politics and classical literature, yet those conversations are glossed over. The conclusion to the "romance" is too quick.
The characters are dreadful. Lord Bradleigh is a libertine. He admits that some of his reputation is based on gossip that he doesn't discourage because he hasn't wanted to be the target of matchmaking mamas. He confines his amorous exploits to matrons, widows and an occasional opera dancer, yet throughout the story he is continually frustrated because his engagement is hindering his usual way of life! He has decided to be a dutiful fiance but once the business of getting an heir is over, he'll resume his usual way of life and as long as Augusta is discreet, she can carry on with whomever she likes. This is the only way of life he has ever known. He grew up in a society that accepts such things, however, he discovers that middle class morality has crept up into the ton and his soon-to-be bride and her family will expect him to be a pattern card of propriety! He chafes against the idea and lusts after Emily. He flirts with her and wants her physically and feels anger towards any other man who wants her for himself. He doesn't really exhibit much growth by the end of the novel except realizing his own feelings. I guess we are to infer that now he has fallen in love, he will be a faithful husband? He also has a violent temper and uses his fists when he is angry. Needless to say, Lord Bradleigh is one rake I do not love.
Emily is a Mary Sue character or a Fanny Price with slightly more gumption. Actually, she's quite a lot like Jane Eyre. She's kind and caring; a good friend and excellent companion. She's too proud to accept charity and feels uncomfortable when Lady Bradleigh buys her new clothes and introduces her to Society. She is able to easily pacify the temperamental cook and is friendly to everyone she meets. Emily sticks to her convictions and chooses styles that she feels comfortable wearing and will suit her best. She can't help but be attracted to the seductive Lord Bradleigh but she's so sweet she can only see his good qualities. He's very close to his family members and loves his grandmother very much, he's caring and considerate and eager to help protect Emily against her enemies. She knows he's a rake and she knows he's engaged, but she can't help but fall in love with him. When she encounters the villain, her response is to cry. I would have been angry and defended myself. I did like that she is able to hold her head high in the face of gossip and she keeps a cool head when confronted with danger.
The two characters I liked best were Lady Bradleigh and Lottie, the maid. Both characters speak their minds and help direct the action. Lady Bradleigh is a kind-hearted lady but she can be the grande dame when she wants to be. She's a fun character, always meddling and manipulating so subtly that only those she has confided in know what she's up to. I liked that she wasn't your usual elderly dragon. Lottie is a young girl from the country so she doesn't have the airs that London servants do. She adds a lot of humor to the story. I also liked Anatole the temperamental French cook mainly because he was funny. His plot comes way out of nowhere and deserved a bit more explanation but it was cute.
The villains were so stereotypical. I guessed the motive even before they were introduced because the plot device has been used too often in these sorts of novels. The villains are truly despicable. One is the worst sort of villain. Both are rather weak and defeated too easily. I didn't like the way they were dealt with.
Technically the story is kisses only but there's a near seduction scene where the hero fondles the heroine's breast and also a shocking near ravishment scene that I did not like one bit.
Take all your Regency cliches and put them in one novel and you have the plot of this book. I found it very formulaic and not all that interesting. The only time I enjoyed the plot was when Lady Bradleigh was on page scheming. The rest of the time I found myself rolling my eyes and skipping passages about the characters' physical attributes hoping to find some sort of redeeming factor in this novel. Sadly, I found none. The author includes way too many period details. I love period details but I don't need a description of every fashion plate, every piece of drawing room furniture, etc. etc. Emily is interested in politics and classical literature, yet those conversations are glossed over. The conclusion to the "romance" is too quick.
The characters are dreadful. Lord Bradleigh is a libertine. He admits that some of his reputation is based on gossip that he doesn't discourage because he hasn't wanted to be the target of matchmaking mamas. He confines his amorous exploits to matrons, widows and an occasional opera dancer, yet throughout the story he is continually frustrated because his engagement is hindering his usual way of life! He has decided to be a dutiful fiance but once the business of getting an heir is over, he'll resume his usual way of life and as long as Augusta is discreet, she can carry on with whomever she likes. This is the only way of life he has ever known. He grew up in a society that accepts such things, however, he discovers that middle class morality has crept up into the ton and his soon-to-be bride and her family will expect him to be a pattern card of propriety! He chafes against the idea and lusts after Emily. He flirts with her and wants her physically and feels anger towards any other man who wants her for himself. He doesn't really exhibit much growth by the end of the novel except realizing his own feelings. I guess we are to infer that now he has fallen in love, he will be a faithful husband? He also has a violent temper and uses his fists when he is angry. Needless to say, Lord Bradleigh is one rake I do not love.
Emily is a Mary Sue character or a Fanny Price with slightly more gumption. Actually, she's quite a lot like Jane Eyre. She's kind and caring; a good friend and excellent companion. She's too proud to accept charity and feels uncomfortable when Lady Bradleigh buys her new clothes and introduces her to Society. She is able to easily pacify the temperamental cook and is friendly to everyone she meets. Emily sticks to her convictions and chooses styles that she feels comfortable wearing and will suit her best. She can't help but be attracted to the seductive Lord Bradleigh but she's so sweet she can only see his good qualities. He's very close to his family members and loves his grandmother very much, he's caring and considerate and eager to help protect Emily against her enemies. She knows he's a rake and she knows he's engaged, but she can't help but fall in love with him. When she encounters the villain, her response is to cry. I would have been angry and defended myself. I did like that she is able to hold her head high in the face of gossip and she keeps a cool head when confronted with danger.
The two characters I liked best were Lady Bradleigh and Lottie, the maid. Both characters speak their minds and help direct the action. Lady Bradleigh is a kind-hearted lady but she can be the grande dame when she wants to be. She's a fun character, always meddling and manipulating so subtly that only those she has confided in know what she's up to. I liked that she wasn't your usual elderly dragon. Lottie is a young girl from the country so she doesn't have the airs that London servants do. She adds a lot of humor to the story. I also liked Anatole the temperamental French cook mainly because he was funny. His plot comes way out of nowhere and deserved a bit more explanation but it was cute.
The villains were so stereotypical. I guessed the motive even before they were introduced because the plot device has been used too often in these sorts of novels. The villains are truly despicable. One is the worst sort of villain. Both are rather weak and defeated too easily. I didn't like the way they were dealt with.
Technically the story is kisses only but there's a near seduction scene where the hero fondles the heroine's breast and also a shocking near ravishment scene that I did not like one bit.
December 7, 2023
surprisingly very good, not unique but enjoyable
July 8, 2011
Emily Townsend is a paid companion to the dowager Countess Bradleigh. Lady Bradleigh is elderly, but by no means frail. She has taken a keen interest in Emily, who is not just another pretty face, but a quick-witted, even-tempered spinster fallen on hard times. When Robert, the current Earl of Bradleigh and Lady Bradleigh's grandson, announces his engagement, nothing will stop the dowager from quitting her home in Bath to finish out the season in London. Soon, Emily is the toast of the ton, and Robert's betrothal seems more like a noose. Although treachery threatens, eventually the meddlesome dowager slyly rearranges things to her own, and everyone's, satisfaction.
Emily is a likable character. She is not, like so many in the genre, a misfit in society because of her attitude or hunting for a husband to rescue her, but rather fits into the period. She is resigned to her station in life, but still enjoys the company of her eccentric employer and all of her relations. Robert's character is less well developed, he is the perfect hero for Emily. He admires her for her tact and her engaging conversations, and unobtrusively makes himself her protector from blackguards and their schemes.
It was a true romance, with things progressing almost without the character's acknowledgment. There weren't any long scenes dwelling on unrequited love or explicit bedroom scenes, which was kind of refreshing. While this was fairly standard fare, it was well done and enjoyable.
There were a handful of typos in the Kindle edition, mostly misspelled words where a "d" was replaced for a "t", but it wasn't too distracting, and wasn't regular enough to be frustrating.
Emily is a likable character. She is not, like so many in the genre, a misfit in society because of her attitude or hunting for a husband to rescue her, but rather fits into the period. She is resigned to her station in life, but still enjoys the company of her eccentric employer and all of her relations. Robert's character is less well developed, he is the perfect hero for Emily. He admires her for her tact and her engaging conversations, and unobtrusively makes himself her protector from blackguards and their schemes.
It was a true romance, with things progressing almost without the character's acknowledgment. There weren't any long scenes dwelling on unrequited love or explicit bedroom scenes, which was kind of refreshing. While this was fairly standard fare, it was well done and enjoyable.
There were a handful of typos in the Kindle edition, mostly misspelled words where a "d" was replaced for a "t", but it wasn't too distracting, and wasn't regular enough to be frustrating.
January 3, 2013
The plot of this regency is a little too predictable perhaps, but its strength lies in the characters and the dialogue (With a dash of Charlemagne, the french pug)
To steal from the great one:
“My idea of a good novel ...is the company of clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call a good novel.'
'You are mistaken,..... 'that is not a good novel, that is the best.”
Synopsis from cover:
Robert, Lord Bradleigh, is a rakish earl with a recently arranged betrothal to a lovely young woman he barely knows. Emily Townsend is an impoverished spinster employed as a companion to his grandmother, the formidable dowager countess. Robert agrees to help his grandmother find a husband for the beautiful Emily, but how is he to bear the thought of her in another man's arms? This sparkling tale will take you from the Pump Room at Bath to the ballrooms of London as the unexpected and undeniable attraction between Robert and Emily blossoms into something more … something that could put one of them in danger.
To steal from the great one:
“My idea of a good novel ...is the company of clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call a good novel.'
'You are mistaken,..... 'that is not a good novel, that is the best.”
Synopsis from cover:
Robert, Lord Bradleigh, is a rakish earl with a recently arranged betrothal to a lovely young woman he barely knows. Emily Townsend is an impoverished spinster employed as a companion to his grandmother, the formidable dowager countess. Robert agrees to help his grandmother find a husband for the beautiful Emily, but how is he to bear the thought of her in another man's arms? This sparkling tale will take you from the Pump Room at Bath to the ballrooms of London as the unexpected and undeniable attraction between Robert and Emily blossoms into something more … something that could put one of them in danger.
July 14, 2011
A sweet romance that I found more interesting than most. I felt like the plot twist/ villain at the end was kind of tacked on and unnecessary. The writing was well done enough that the plot didn't need anything extra in it.
There were a few places where I got tired reading the characters' reflections rather than the events as they unfolded.
Emily remembered this drive.
Emily pulls on her gloves.
Emily remembers another drive.
Emily grabs her parasol.
Emily prepares for her next drive.
And a strikingly similar scene with Robert as well.
It was really refreshing to have a heroine push away the (ENGAGED TO SOMEONE ELSE) guy when he tried to grope her. Seriously, I was getting tired of the unreal-ism in the past two romance books I read.
There were a few places where I got tired reading the characters' reflections rather than the events as they unfolded.
Emily remembered this drive.
Emily pulls on her gloves.
Emily remembers another drive.
Emily grabs her parasol.
Emily prepares for her next drive.
And a strikingly similar scene with Robert as well.
It was really refreshing to have a heroine push away the (ENGAGED TO SOMEONE ELSE) guy when he tried to grope her. Seriously, I was getting tired of the unreal-ism in the past two romance books I read.
September 7, 2015
This is a good old-fashioned (clean) Regency romance. It's got Bath, an earl, an impoverished companion with a practical bent, a wicked uncle, and a ball. Not to mention an abduction. Candice Hern always writes straightforward well-crafted books, and this is no exception.
I ought to like it more than I did, though, and I think I've marked it down because it did all feel a little formulaic. Writers like Eloisa James are taking the same ingredients and introducing a degree of realism to the relationships that means that Hern's approach now comes across as a bit artificial. I'll carry on reading what she writes, but I find myself not re-reading her books.
I ought to like it more than I did, though, and I think I've marked it down because it did all feel a little formulaic. Writers like Eloisa James are taking the same ingredients and introducing a degree of realism to the relationships that means that Hern's approach now comes across as a bit artificial. I'll carry on reading what she writes, but I find myself not re-reading her books.
May 31, 2011
Pleasant story about a young woman who is working as a companion to an older woman, who is very kind to her, and indulges in some matchmaking. The companion, Emily, is perfect for her employer's grandson but he is already engaged . . . Emily believes she is poor, but she actually is an heiress, which is why she is being pursued by her dastardly cousin.
Familiar Regency plot points but it was enjoyable. My first Candice Hern read . . . will read more.
Familiar Regency plot points but it was enjoyable. My first Candice Hern read . . . will read more.
January 5, 2012
This is a nice little story, but it seemed like a long short story rather than a novel. Candace Hern writes very well, and she presents interesting and entertaining characters, some of them very funny. I just wish she would flesh out the plot a bit more. (I suppose for 99 cents on Amazon, I really shouldn't ask for more, but I think she's truly talented.)
I notice that several reviewers express relief that her novels are so "clean," but I wish they were a bit hotter myself.
I notice that several reviewers express relief that her novels are so "clean," but I wish they were a bit hotter myself.
July 13, 2011
This was no Georgette Heyer book, but I still enjoyed it for the most part. There were a few instances where I thought it might turn out to be one of those (surprise!) harlequin romance novels but thankfully remained clean other than a few out there references.
March 12, 2013
I was unfamiliar with Candace Hern but agreed to the reading challenge posed on www.austenprose.com regarding this author. I wasn't disappointed either because she is a cut above most writers in this genre.'
January 8, 2015
A re-read. I love everything Candice Hern writes. I don't think she's written anything just lately, I may be wrong - that's why I have to read her books over and over.
This story is so well written, she really knows her Regency!
Love everything about this story.
This story is so well written, she really knows her Regency!
Love everything about this story.
October 29, 2013
Hern captures the Regency period perfectly. This eBook was a delightful, enjoyable read.
August 11, 2016
Cliché ridden regency. The story was pretty boring with weak and too simplistic characterization of main characters.
September 21, 2011
Loved it. Typical romance. Regency period.
July 4, 2017
This is a fun, light-reading Regency romance. Our heroine, impoverished and disowned granddaughter of an Earl, is long past her first bloom of youth, being relegated to the shelf at 26, and has no plans to marry, but she never has been to London. She is a paid companion to a racy old lady, dowager Countess of Bradleigh, who won't let such a situation stand. The two ladies are fond of each other, but Miss Townsend never forgets her humble position in the household.
Enter the Dowager's grandson Robert, the current Earl Bradleigh, who has incurred the old lady's ire for engaging himself to a perfectly eligible but undesirable young lady without first consulting and informing his grandmother. After years of carefully cultivating his rakish reputation to fend off scheming mammas of debutantes, he decided it was time to marry and produce an heir, so he looked around for a likely attractive candidate with whom he thought he could suit, being immune to Cupid's arrows.
The Dowager decides to remove from quiet Bath to London for the Season, to do what she can to undermine the Earl's betrothal and meanwhile find a deserving husband for her charming and capable, but reclusive companion. Thereafter we meet more of the Bradleigh extended family and circle of friends, a mixed and for the most part lovable clan, and some unknown but near relations of the orphaned Miss Townsend, not nearly so charming. As is the nature of these stories, the situation resolves satisfactorily, but the story is in the activities and misadventures along the way to that resolution.
Enter the Dowager's grandson Robert, the current Earl Bradleigh, who has incurred the old lady's ire for engaging himself to a perfectly eligible but undesirable young lady without first consulting and informing his grandmother. After years of carefully cultivating his rakish reputation to fend off scheming mammas of debutantes, he decided it was time to marry and produce an heir, so he looked around for a likely attractive candidate with whom he thought he could suit, being immune to Cupid's arrows.
The Dowager decides to remove from quiet Bath to London for the Season, to do what she can to undermine the Earl's betrothal and meanwhile find a deserving husband for her charming and capable, but reclusive companion. Thereafter we meet more of the Bradleigh extended family and circle of friends, a mixed and for the most part lovable clan, and some unknown but near relations of the orphaned Miss Townsend, not nearly so charming. As is the nature of these stories, the situation resolves satisfactorily, but the story is in the activities and misadventures along the way to that resolution.
April 17, 2021
Many of the Regency romances being written are mostly just excuses for steamy sex every 10-20 pages. I'm not a prude, but I am tired of it. I found it was getting in the way of the plots and I often just flipped past them. Candice Hern's romances are more traditional in that they concentrate on the emotional and societal journeys of the characters. This is not to disparage sexy books; they can be fun, but they are not what I was looking for. I associate Regency and Jane Austen with people living within strict codes of behavior who are trying to attain happiness, love, and purpose in spite of seemingly overwhelming cultural odds. Social maneuvers and intrigues, false friends and misunderstood enemies, introspection and sudden outbursts. These need room and patience in a story to build and resolve. This book has come closer to that spirit than most I have seen.
December 13, 2024
4 stars
The Earl of Bradleigh announces his engagement and his grandmother is fit to be tied, as she doesn’t like the girl’s family. However, Robert cannot break the engagement, so she schemes in order to have the girl break it. As Lady Bradleigh and her household move from Bath to London in order to enact said scheming, she also makes plans to marry off her companion, who was born into an acceptable family who disowned her mother. Emily is quite determined to make her own way, but fate and Lady Bradleigh have other plans. The Earl is enlisted to introduce suitable gentlemen to Emily.
I enjoyed this. Emily wasn’t a wilting miss who was all “woe is me”. She worked with what she had, made the best of things, and remained true to herself. Robert really came to see her clearly, and to admire her for all of her good qualities. Lady Bradleigh and her lack of subtlety when it came to her plans for Emily were amusing, especially compared with the machinations she employed when trying to set the Earl on the right path.
The Earl of Bradleigh announces his engagement and his grandmother is fit to be tied, as she doesn’t like the girl’s family. However, Robert cannot break the engagement, so she schemes in order to have the girl break it. As Lady Bradleigh and her household move from Bath to London in order to enact said scheming, she also makes plans to marry off her companion, who was born into an acceptable family who disowned her mother. Emily is quite determined to make her own way, but fate and Lady Bradleigh have other plans. The Earl is enlisted to introduce suitable gentlemen to Emily.
I enjoyed this. Emily wasn’t a wilting miss who was all “woe is me”. She worked with what she had, made the best of things, and remained true to herself. Robert really came to see her clearly, and to admire her for all of her good qualities. Lady Bradleigh and her lack of subtlety when it came to her plans for Emily were amusing, especially compared with the machinations she employed when trying to set the Earl on the right path.
November 12, 2025
I'm giving this four-stars. I know that it wasn't a great book; that it was kind of bland and forgettable. And yet, I loved it. It had everything I want in a regency romance: a likeable hero and heroine with quirky supporting characters; lots of balls and pretty clothes; no ridiculous sex scenes and, even better, no Big Misunderstanding to annoy me. Finally, the author knows she's not writing War and Peace and didn't feel the need to drag it out for 300 pages. In general, I disapprove of trilogies, but I can't wait to read the other two in this series.
Updated: After reading the second novel, I came back to note that in real life, how often does anyone actually throw back their head and laugh? Well, in Candice Hern's regency world, they do it every five minutes. And these are very short books!
"Threw back his/her head and laughed" total for Book #1: 5
"Threw back his/her head and laughed" total for Book #2: 6
Updated: After reading the second novel, I came back to note that in real life, how often does anyone actually throw back their head and laugh? Well, in Candice Hern's regency world, they do it every five minutes. And these are very short books!
"Threw back his/her head and laughed" total for Book #1: 5
"Threw back his/her head and laughed" total for Book #2: 6
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