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Liberated Ladies #2
The Earl's Marriage Bargain
A compromising situation… for an innocent lady!
After fending off ruffians with her parasol and hauling a battered man into her carriage, Jane Newnham finds herself unwittingly compromised with enigmatic Ivo Merton, Earl of Kendall! Jane always intended to become an artist, not a wife, and now she has no choice but to become betrothed. They strike a bargain that means she can continue to paint, but Ivo has awakened another passion in her—to uncover his secrets…
After fending off ruffians with her parasol and hauling a battered man into her carriage, Jane Newnham finds herself unwittingly compromised with enigmatic Ivo Merton, Earl of Kendall! Jane always intended to become an artist, not a wife, and now she has no choice but to become betrothed. They strike a bargain that means she can continue to paint, but Ivo has awakened another passion in her—to uncover his secrets…
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2020
90 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Louise Allen
424 books331 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 29, 2020
Charming!
A delightful romance with a lively leading lady whose impulsiveness drags her and her acquaintances into unchartered waters.
Jane Newnham has her life mapped out--even if her parents have other ideas! A talented artist she intends to set herself up as a portrait painter. Yes, it will be a struggle but one Jane's determined she'll win through.
That was before she hauled a man being attacked by some hefty thugs into her carriage and whisks him away to safety, much to her maids disgust.
Ivo Merton, recent Earl of Kendall, just back from the Napoleonic battlefields, recovering from a broken heart, and now a damaged shoulder, finds his would be rescuer a force to be reckoned with.
Which may be why these two at some time further along find themselves declaring they're engaged to bystanders after a heated argument in the middle of a Bath street. This news just ricochets around the place in a nano second and suddenly they're faced with an arrangement that confuses them both. What now of Jane's artistic dreams and Ivo's commitment to the love of his youth, even though that party is married to someone else?
Although, those shared kisses do hum in both their minds, even as their reasons for the betrothal have nothing to do with this!
An easy, humorous read with two endearing lead characters and a plot populated with various interesting secondary personalities.
A Harlequin - Romance ARC via NetGalley
A delightful romance with a lively leading lady whose impulsiveness drags her and her acquaintances into unchartered waters.
Jane Newnham has her life mapped out--even if her parents have other ideas! A talented artist she intends to set herself up as a portrait painter. Yes, it will be a struggle but one Jane's determined she'll win through.
That was before she hauled a man being attacked by some hefty thugs into her carriage and whisks him away to safety, much to her maids disgust.
Ivo Merton, recent Earl of Kendall, just back from the Napoleonic battlefields, recovering from a broken heart, and now a damaged shoulder, finds his would be rescuer a force to be reckoned with.
Which may be why these two at some time further along find themselves declaring they're engaged to bystanders after a heated argument in the middle of a Bath street. This news just ricochets around the place in a nano second and suddenly they're faced with an arrangement that confuses them both. What now of Jane's artistic dreams and Ivo's commitment to the love of his youth, even though that party is married to someone else?
Although, those shared kisses do hum in both their minds, even as their reasons for the betrothal have nothing to do with this!
An easy, humorous read with two endearing lead characters and a plot populated with various interesting secondary personalities.
A Harlequin - Romance ARC via NetGalley
April 6, 2025
My favourite trope - when the h saves the H. He sees her kindness when she rescues him but he continues to pine for the love he lost. The practical h saves the H's life and while he appeared mature, she's the hero of their story. Loved the plot and practical characters from a mature author.
September 11, 2021
What Happens in Bath Just Won't Stay in Bath
Something odd happens early in this book. Jane, a gifted artist who wishes to launch a career in Bath as a portraitist and live as an independent woman, rescues Ivo, a very traditional ex-soldier who has had his heart--and nearly the rest of his body--destroyed by the love of his life. Jane sees Ivo as rigid and rather stuffy. He sees her as a somewhat lunatic loose cannon.
*possible spoiler ahead* Soon after they meet, she realizes he is right--she can't make a living as an artist, and gives up that dream, while he becomes a supportive feminist.
Strangely, I didn't mind the abrupt changes, or the role of coincidences, nor improbabilities, nor a Big Misunderstanding. Usually, I would mind, but the prolonged pandemic and the world's current display of coincidences, improbabilities, vast number of national Big Misunderstandings and a general feeling of impending doom have causes me to crave stories that make me smile and are will written by authors who know how to put sentences together. Those books are increasingly difficult to find. This one kept me amused.
Something odd happens early in this book. Jane, a gifted artist who wishes to launch a career in Bath as a portraitist and live as an independent woman, rescues Ivo, a very traditional ex-soldier who has had his heart--and nearly the rest of his body--destroyed by the love of his life. Jane sees Ivo as rigid and rather stuffy. He sees her as a somewhat lunatic loose cannon.
*possible spoiler ahead* Soon after they meet, she realizes he is right--she can't make a living as an artist, and gives up that dream, while he becomes a supportive feminist.
Strangely, I didn't mind the abrupt changes, or the role of coincidences, nor improbabilities, nor a Big Misunderstanding. Usually, I would mind, but the prolonged pandemic and the world's current display of coincidences, improbabilities, vast number of national Big Misunderstandings and a general feeling of impending doom have causes me to crave stories that make me smile and are will written by authors who know how to put sentences together. Those books are increasingly difficult to find. This one kept me amused.
May 7, 2020
The Earl's Marriage Bargain by Louise Allen is book 2 of the Liberated Ladies series but it can be read as a stand alone. It tells the story of artist Jane Newnham, who pulls Ivo Merton the Earl of Merton into her carriage after witness him being viciously attacked. Her well meant actions may have saved his like but it has put both of them in a compromising position, one that can only be fixed by a betrothal. Can Jane give up her independence and dreams of being a business owner? And can Ivo get over a heartbreak buried in his past?
I found this historical romance to be utterly charming. It was so different from other Harlequin romances I have read. Firstly, it is a remarkably clean romance. A few kissing scenes and heavy bosoms but no passionate sex scenes. Secondly, it was remarkable funny, especially the first half which had me laughing out loud.
It was not only the witty writing and charming storyline that had me loving this book, it was also the characters. Jane and Ivo are some of the best characters I have read in this type of novel. Jane is wonderful in pretty much everyway. She is independent, intelligent, compassionate and witty. Ivo was charming and kind with a wickedly dry humour. Together they were brilliant and the dialogue between them was entertaining and fun.
I loved the romance. It was slow but not boring. There was a lot of chemistry between Jane and Ivo but it didn't overwhelm the storyline, it was well written and well judged.
This could have easily been a five star rating for me but unfortunately the book ran out of steam around the half way point. It lost some of its humour and whilst I still enjoyed it the second half didn't live up to the first. Despite that I have no hesitation in recommending this book to all romance readers.
I found this historical romance to be utterly charming. It was so different from other Harlequin romances I have read. Firstly, it is a remarkably clean romance. A few kissing scenes and heavy bosoms but no passionate sex scenes. Secondly, it was remarkable funny, especially the first half which had me laughing out loud.
It was not only the witty writing and charming storyline that had me loving this book, it was also the characters. Jane and Ivo are some of the best characters I have read in this type of novel. Jane is wonderful in pretty much everyway. She is independent, intelligent, compassionate and witty. Ivo was charming and kind with a wickedly dry humour. Together they were brilliant and the dialogue between them was entertaining and fun.
I loved the romance. It was slow but not boring. There was a lot of chemistry between Jane and Ivo but it didn't overwhelm the storyline, it was well written and well judged.
This could have easily been a five star rating for me but unfortunately the book ran out of steam around the half way point. It lost some of its humour and whilst I still enjoyed it the second half didn't live up to the first. Despite that I have no hesitation in recommending this book to all romance readers.
May 21, 2020
This story is perfect for curling up with outside on a nice day (or inside on a rainy day). With no scenes of an overly sexual nature (although there are scenes of kissing and some heavy touching), this isn't your average historical romance. The characters are witty and work well together with their romance developing slowly as the story goes on. Jane is definitely someone who not only knows her own mind and desires for her life, but is also intelligent enough to realize when her plan isn't necessarily the best one. Ivo, despite being a soldier and used to having his word taken as law, is patient with her (especially when he is exasperated not only with her, but with circumstances beyond his control).
Where this story lost it for me was in the constant reminder that Ivo had loved someone else. He consistently felt bad for having any type of interaction (or feelings) for Jane as it felt like a "betrayal" to Daphne, the girl he had loved in his youth (who fun fact was not only married now, but had also been the one behind the vicious attack on him). This continued on throughout the story, even when it was obvious to everyone (including Ivo) how much better for him Jane was. Jane was nearly as bad, knowing there could be more between them, but consistently worrying about "the other woman" without coming out and asking him for an honest answer as to where they stood.
And of course, when Daphne shows up later on it throws a wrench into everything for no reason other than to provide drama and the "tipping point" as it were between the characters. I could have overlooked this if I felt as though we got a reasonable ending to the entire Daphne/Ivo fiasco, but it felt like the author rather left things unfinished there as well. We don't know what happened between them once Jane left, and I for one, needed more closure to their relationship than I feel we got.
However, I know these things that lessened my enjoyment will be easily overlooked by others. I would read more from this author.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Where this story lost it for me was in the constant reminder that Ivo had loved someone else. He consistently felt bad for having any type of interaction (or feelings) for Jane as it felt like a "betrayal" to Daphne, the girl he had loved in his youth (who fun fact was not only married now, but had also been the one behind the vicious attack on him). This continued on throughout the story, even when it was obvious to everyone (including Ivo) how much better for him Jane was. Jane was nearly as bad, knowing there could be more between them, but consistently worrying about "the other woman" without coming out and asking him for an honest answer as to where they stood.
And of course, when Daphne shows up later on it throws a wrench into everything for no reason other than to provide drama and the "tipping point" as it were between the characters. I could have overlooked this if I felt as though we got a reasonable ending to the entire Daphne/Ivo fiasco, but it felt like the author rather left things unfinished there as well. We don't know what happened between them once Jane left, and I for one, needed more closure to their relationship than I feel we got.
However, I know these things that lessened my enjoyment will be easily overlooked by others. I would read more from this author.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
May 22, 2020
On her way to her cousin’s, Miss Jane Newnham witnesses an assault on a gentleman by 4 men and, parasol in hand, she rescues him from his attackers.
Ivo Merton, Earl of Kendall wakes up from a beating to find himself in a post chaise on his way to Lord knows where in the company of an unknown and much unescorted young woman. Hurt and without funds, he finds no other choice but to follow her game and escort her under the guise of being siblings on her travels.
After reaching their respective destinations, they’ll meet again and a few inconvenient situations and misplaced words later, the pair will find themselves betrothed and Jane will see her plans for emancipation and the freedom to pursue her artistic dreams thwarted by an unexpected marriage offer.
I hadn’t read a Louise Allen book in years and reading this story made me wonder why. I found this book fresh, fun, well written and quite enjoyable though it’s on the lighter side, IMO.
Ivo and Jane make a cute couple. A former Army man very keen on appropriate behavior and a woman who wants to live off her artistic exploits are always fun to read especially as they try to find a middle ground into their HEA.
#TheEarlsMarriageBargain #NetGalley
4 stars
*ARC received from the publisher via NetGalley*
Ivo Merton, Earl of Kendall wakes up from a beating to find himself in a post chaise on his way to Lord knows where in the company of an unknown and much unescorted young woman. Hurt and without funds, he finds no other choice but to follow her game and escort her under the guise of being siblings on her travels.
After reaching their respective destinations, they’ll meet again and a few inconvenient situations and misplaced words later, the pair will find themselves betrothed and Jane will see her plans for emancipation and the freedom to pursue her artistic dreams thwarted by an unexpected marriage offer.
I hadn’t read a Louise Allen book in years and reading this story made me wonder why. I found this book fresh, fun, well written and quite enjoyable though it’s on the lighter side, IMO.
Ivo and Jane make a cute couple. A former Army man very keen on appropriate behavior and a woman who wants to live off her artistic exploits are always fun to read especially as they try to find a middle ground into their HEA.
#TheEarlsMarriageBargain #NetGalley
4 stars
*ARC received from the publisher via NetGalley*
May 29, 2020
I found I quite enjoyed this book and got immersed right away.
Jane is an intrepid young woman who wants to be an artist.
Ivo is just back from the military, He's had a secret understanding with Daphne, his friends younger sister for years. He's infatuated with her, only, his friend is now dead and Daphne married a rake hell. Then she sent her goons to beat him up. Its as he's being beaten up that Jane rescues him.
What I liked? The amount of growth these two unlikely allies have to do. Jane with what she thinks she wants (to be a portrait artist) and Ivo, who thinks he's in love with Daphne, still. At first they bicker and fight, with Jane being a free spirit and Ivo being a buddy duddy with some very traditional patriarchal views. Can an engagement of convenience become something more?
I especially liked that they really got to know each other over time (though pretty quickly) and that they communicated well and laughed together. They rub along rather well. All in all, thoroughly satisfying.
Recommend.
Jane is an intrepid young woman who wants to be an artist.
Ivo is just back from the military, He's had a secret understanding with Daphne, his friends younger sister for years. He's infatuated with her, only, his friend is now dead and Daphne married a rake hell. Then she sent her goons to beat him up. Its as he's being beaten up that Jane rescues him.
What I liked? The amount of growth these two unlikely allies have to do. Jane with what she thinks she wants (to be a portrait artist) and Ivo, who thinks he's in love with Daphne, still. At first they bicker and fight, with Jane being a free spirit and Ivo being a buddy duddy with some very traditional patriarchal views. Can an engagement of convenience become something more?
I especially liked that they really got to know each other over time (though pretty quickly) and that they communicated well and laughed together. They rub along rather well. All in all, thoroughly satisfying.
Recommend.
March 26, 2021
The Earl's Marriage Bargain is book two of the Liberated Ladies series of Regency romances.
This is the story of artist Jane who rescues a gentlemen from a brawl. After getting him help, she travels with him on towards Bath. Ivo Merton, the Earl Of Kendall has recently returned from the army. He came home promising to stop the sister of his best friend from marrying a rake. However, he was too late.
Once his recent wounds have been tended Ivo realises that traveling alone with Jane is compromising her, but he can’t allow her to travel without a chaperone; an awkward situation, and one that they try to get around.
I enjoyed the artist theme of this story and the drawings that Jane sketched added wonderful little details to the narrative. The relationship between Jane and Ivo was tested to extremes but I am glad that they saw sense in the end. I haven’t read this series in the order in which they are written, but each is easily a stand-alone book.
This is the story of artist Jane who rescues a gentlemen from a brawl. After getting him help, she travels with him on towards Bath. Ivo Merton, the Earl Of Kendall has recently returned from the army. He came home promising to stop the sister of his best friend from marrying a rake. However, he was too late.
Once his recent wounds have been tended Ivo realises that traveling alone with Jane is compromising her, but he can’t allow her to travel without a chaperone; an awkward situation, and one that they try to get around.
I enjoyed the artist theme of this story and the drawings that Jane sketched added wonderful little details to the narrative. The relationship between Jane and Ivo was tested to extremes but I am glad that they saw sense in the end. I haven’t read this series in the order in which they are written, but each is easily a stand-alone book.
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October 17, 20253.5 stars
December 12, 2021
I liked how they grew into love.
June 12, 2020
Jack Ransome is an enquiry agent, but his new client’s assignment comes as a shock: she wants a husband. And not just any husband. Him.
Madelyn has been raised in a castle by her now-deceased father, who was obsessed with the Middle Ages. Since she has no objection to marriage, she is willing to honor his wish to wed the man he has chosen. Having lived isolated from the outside world, however, she has no experience of contemporary customs. Can she adapt not only to marriage with a complete stranger, but to a very different world from the one she has been used to?
Since this, despite the sub-title (“Secrets of a Victorian Household, Book 2”), is a Regency romance, a happy ending can be anticipated, but the path is fraught with difficulties, and not only for naïve Madelyn, who is viewed by many as the daughter of a madman. Jack has problems too, for even though he is the Earl of Dersington, his lack of an estate and unconventional conduct have attracted scorn and censure. These two social outcasts are sympathetic characters, but they must learn to trust each other and be honest about their true feelings. These are valuable life lessons. Recommended.
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Details
PUBLISHER
Harlequin Historical
PUBLISHED
2019
GENRE
Romance
PERIOD
Regency
CENTURY
19th Century
Review
APPEARED IN
HNR Issue 91 (February 2020)
Madelyn has been raised in a castle by her now-deceased father, who was obsessed with the Middle Ages. Since she has no objection to marriage, she is willing to honor his wish to wed the man he has chosen. Having lived isolated from the outside world, however, she has no experience of contemporary customs. Can she adapt not only to marriage with a complete stranger, but to a very different world from the one she has been used to?
Since this, despite the sub-title (“Secrets of a Victorian Household, Book 2”), is a Regency romance, a happy ending can be anticipated, but the path is fraught with difficulties, and not only for naïve Madelyn, who is viewed by many as the daughter of a madman. Jack has problems too, for even though he is the Earl of Dersington, his lack of an estate and unconventional conduct have attracted scorn and censure. These two social outcasts are sympathetic characters, but they must learn to trust each other and be honest about their true feelings. These are valuable life lessons. Recommended.
Find & buy on
Details
PUBLISHER
Harlequin Historical
PUBLISHED
2019
GENRE
Romance
PERIOD
Regency
CENTURY
19th Century
Review
APPEARED IN
HNR Issue 91 (February 2020)
June 1, 2020
*** I”ve received this ARC in exchange for an honest review ***
OK. I’m gonna admit, this was a guilty read for me. I haven’t read a lot of romance (but I’m dipping my toes as you can see from my recent read history), so this more falls in line with my Korean webtoon binge of historical romances. This manages to itch a spot.
You can quickly read through this, but looking back it’s interesting to see that there wasn’t a lot really going on — just a lot of talking, swooning, character development. In this case, it’s not a bad thing. Sometimes the talking was a bit much, but the descriptions weren’t overly wordy and didn’t detract from the romance or development going on.
I appreciate the fact that not everyone is a god/goddess on earth to woo every walking human being of age. It’s more realistic and I enjoyed the bits of culture for the time included in the story. If you’re looking for something to read, I would (guilty as charged) suggest this for an enjoyable read.
OK. I’m gonna admit, this was a guilty read for me. I haven’t read a lot of romance (but I’m dipping my toes as you can see from my recent read history), so this more falls in line with my Korean webtoon binge of historical romances. This manages to itch a spot.
You can quickly read through this, but looking back it’s interesting to see that there wasn’t a lot really going on — just a lot of talking, swooning, character development. In this case, it’s not a bad thing. Sometimes the talking was a bit much, but the descriptions weren’t overly wordy and didn’t detract from the romance or development going on.
I appreciate the fact that not everyone is a god/goddess on earth to woo every walking human being of age. It’s more realistic and I enjoyed the bits of culture for the time included in the story. If you’re looking for something to read, I would (guilty as charged) suggest this for an enjoyable read.
June 4, 2020
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Earl’s Marriage Bargain is standard sweet historical romance fare, and I loved it for it with two lead characters firm in their convictions. I particularly liked Jane, and her determination to make something herself outside of marriage. And while I did not read book one in the series, I did like the overall concept of the women’s club with all of them wanting to pursue their different talents, and wish there was more time spent on it (Ah, well, reason to pick up/look out for the others!)
I felt for Ivo as well, given how he was nursing a past heartbreak, but given how he bantered with Jane, I couldn’t help but wonder what it would take to get them together.
Ultimately, this is a nice fluffy read that gives exactly what you expect, and there’s nothing wrong with that. If you’re looking for a Regency escape in category romance form, I recommend this one.
The Earl’s Marriage Bargain is standard sweet historical romance fare, and I loved it for it with two lead characters firm in their convictions. I particularly liked Jane, and her determination to make something herself outside of marriage. And while I did not read book one in the series, I did like the overall concept of the women’s club with all of them wanting to pursue their different talents, and wish there was more time spent on it (Ah, well, reason to pick up/look out for the others!)
I felt for Ivo as well, given how he was nursing a past heartbreak, but given how he bantered with Jane, I couldn’t help but wonder what it would take to get them together.
Ultimately, this is a nice fluffy read that gives exactly what you expect, and there’s nothing wrong with that. If you’re looking for a Regency escape in category romance form, I recommend this one.
May 1, 2025
I'm shocked to find this book with merely 4 stars rating?! It shld be > 4.5 stars mind you. This book was sooo worth it. So hilarious even when I recall the pistol scene. The dry humour of it omg. Ofc it ventured into the serious stage later. I love the how direct the heroine was. How kind was she facing the possible rival for the hero's affection and she was calm, presenting a brave front when lesser woman wld be so offended. I love that she admitted her fault when she thought in hindsight what an honorable, responsible man was the hero to really care to give warning to her that she was out of her depth with her.... aspiration? Like he understood her passion but he fear for her well-being. As for the hero, although I was right to be side eyeing him when he kept thinking of his calf love, the heroine was a godsend to the hero of course. Other than that, he was a good man with a functioning brain. He defended the heroine when she needed it.
April 16, 2022
2.5 | This had a lot of promise for me because of the premise. I thought Jane was interesting at the beginning especially and I liked the setup of their needing to get engaged. But then I feel like it dragged in the middle and nothing really happened. I also feel like Ivo wasn’t really well developed.
As a portrait artist myself, the self-awareness of Jane talking about what she really wants and improvement as an artist to Violet and Althea really cut deep and true and is the main thing that makes me round the 2.5 up instead of down. As well as the humor in exchange with Ivo about a studio and her potential success.
I feel like it was almost there to something really fun and entertaining, but it just missed the mark a bit.
As a portrait artist myself, the self-awareness of Jane talking about what she really wants and improvement as an artist to Violet and Althea really cut deep and true and is the main thing that makes me round the 2.5 up instead of down. As well as the humor in exchange with Ivo about a studio and her potential success.
I feel like it was almost there to something really fun and entertaining, but it just missed the mark a bit.
February 8, 2024
A steamy story. A gentleman being sent to an Aunt in disgrace saves an Earl.
I liked the story. Okay slightly improbable dismissing her maid when travelling with the Earl, but I suppose she is down to earth and practical. Would she have forgotten the letter, I doubt it or would have found it sooner. I enjoyed the interaction between Ivo and her, and there was humour between them and their exchanges. I would have liked to have seen his horrible aunt at the wedding but we cannot have everything.
I liked the story. Okay slightly improbable dismissing her maid when travelling with the Earl, but I suppose she is down to earth and practical. Would she have forgotten the letter, I doubt it or would have found it sooner. I enjoyed the interaction between Ivo and her, and there was humour between them and their exchanges. I would have liked to have seen his horrible aunt at the wedding but we cannot have everything.
May 23, 2020
Very cute and very funny! Both leads are strong in their beliefs and noble and always trying to see the best in others... So naturally it’s a little heartbreaking toward the end until the big misunderstanding is made right. Content is not squeaky clean, but no naughty sex scenes either. Heavy petting? :)
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
December 19, 2021
This was the second book in the series and had a similar characterization. Jane Newnham wants to be a portrait painter but is in disgrace and on her way to her aunt. On the way, she rescues Ivo Merton, the new Earl of Kendall who has just been beaten up by an ex. The story ends up with them being compromised and slowly falling in love with each other. There weren’t too many misunderstandings before the HEA.
March 31, 2025
Louise Allen is usually a 5 star author for me. She's one of the best writing with M&B/Harlequin these days and I genuinely find her writing and stories to be so delightful and engaging.
This was heaps of fun. A road trip with some hilarious bickering, a heroine who is imperfect and a little unsure but always always brave and strives to do the right ting, and a hero who believes himself in love with another woman and needs his eyes opening.
This was heaps of fun. A road trip with some hilarious bickering, a heroine who is imperfect and a little unsure but always always brave and strives to do the right ting, and a hero who believes himself in love with another woman and needs his eyes opening.
September 16, 2020
This was a fun and enjoyable read. Jane is a refreshing main character. She is a determined to live the life she wants and she is quite unpredictable. The love between the characters takes its time to develop.
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May 17, 2020Categories
Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance
Miniseries
Liberated Ladies (Book #2)
Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance
Miniseries
Liberated Ladies (Book #2)
Read
June 1, 2020Categories
Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance
Miniseries
Liberated Ladies (Book #2)
Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance
Miniseries
Liberated Ladies (Book #2)
July 23, 2020
Louise Allen’s work is always enjoyable, this one is no exception. A really interesting and well rounded heroine, and a forced proximity leading to marriage of convenience plot.
October 21, 2020
Good love story. Slows down a bit in the middle. Really liked Jane and her aunts. Ivo grew on me eventually, he needed to grow up. Recommended.
August 15, 2021
I really liked the character of Ivo and thought he was a realistic regency hero. Enjoying this series overall.
April 29, 2022
It’s okay. Annoying how often he was “right” and she was innocent/naive. Etc.
May 28, 2022
This was really fun in the beginning, though the last half dragged a bit. The author has a great way with understatement and dry humor.
December 4, 2022
This series is such a breeze of fresh air from typical book heroines who are sheltered and lack ambition
March 25, 2024
It was really good!
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