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Under Her Alluring Spell
Working as a lady's maid is not the life that the alluring Hester Cooke dreamed of as a girl. Yet, her life turns upside down when her mistress sets eye on the enthralling Hugh Ridlington. In her effort to pursue the Earl, she offers Hester money to start working in his household and spy on him. Even when the fiery maid realises the danger of this orchestrated plan, she is forced to accept the scandalous proposal. Left with no other option, Hester agrees to spy on the tempting Earl. While Hester acts on her mistress's whims, she is prepared for anything but finding herself lusting for the touch of her enticing master. How will she, a simple maid, manage to fulfil her tantalizing dream despite all odds?
After his parent's dreadful marriage, Hugh Ridlington is convinced that love always ends in absolute disaster, so he fervently avoids it. Yet, when he meets his alluring new housemaid, he shockingly realises that she brings light to his cavernous estate and empty life. Even though there can be no future for them, a lustful affair is about to begin. However, when he discovers the shocking truth behind her actions, the enticing Earl is left with no choice... Feeling furious by her deception, he instantly fires the bewitching maid, losing the only woman he ever truly desired. Is a passionate love affair in the cards for him or will he choose a lonely life once again?
Beyond all the outrageous and deceitful lies, Hester and Hugh, discover a burning passion for each other that is about to completely shake up their worlds. While Hester is desperately trying to prove that her intentions were well-meant, Hugh draws back into isolation and builds his protective walls back up. Will she be able to break down these walls that threaten to end their sinful affair? Will they succumb to what can only be their salvation or will their wretched past destroy their flaming future?
After his parent's dreadful marriage, Hugh Ridlington is convinced that love always ends in absolute disaster, so he fervently avoids it. Yet, when he meets his alluring new housemaid, he shockingly realises that she brings light to his cavernous estate and empty life. Even though there can be no future for them, a lustful affair is about to begin. However, when he discovers the shocking truth behind her actions, the enticing Earl is left with no choice... Feeling furious by her deception, he instantly fires the bewitching maid, losing the only woman he ever truly desired. Is a passionate love affair in the cards for him or will he choose a lonely life once again?
Beyond all the outrageous and deceitful lies, Hester and Hugh, discover a burning passion for each other that is about to completely shake up their worlds. While Hester is desperately trying to prove that her intentions were well-meant, Hugh draws back into isolation and builds his protective walls back up. Will she be able to break down these walls that threaten to end their sinful affair? Will they succumb to what can only be their salvation or will their wretched past destroy their flaming future?
- GenresHistorical Romance
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2021
85 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Henrietta Harding
131 books66 followersHenrietta Harding was born in Atlanta, but she moved to Europe with her parents at the age of 7. She fell in love with France, and especially Paris, a city that inspired and continues to inspire her a lot.
No one is born a romance writer, but she got a good start. She has been writing since she was 4 years old; while other children had just started talking more fluently she had already written her first poem! She studied French literature at the University of Strasbourg where she met her husband during her second year in college.
Henrietta makes her home in Boston where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and chasing around her dog for long hours, without even noticing. She truly believes the most perfect heroes and heroines are imperfect, and she rather enjoys torturing them before giving them a well deserved happily ever after!
Henrietta loves to connect with her readers!
No one is born a romance writer, but she got a good start. She has been writing since she was 4 years old; while other children had just started talking more fluently she had already written her first poem! She studied French literature at the University of Strasbourg where she met her husband during her second year in college.
Henrietta makes her home in Boston where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and chasing around her dog for long hours, without even noticing. She truly believes the most perfect heroes and heroines are imperfect, and she rather enjoys torturing them before giving them a well deserved happily ever after!
Henrietta loves to connect with her readers!
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 19, 2023
The powerlessness of servants is highlighted in this story of a manipulative, nasty woman hellbent on securing herself a rich husband. Frederica is not in love with Hugh, but with his status and wealth. Sending her maid, Hester to spy on him and report back any tidbit that might help ensnare him, is scandalous and cruel to Hester, who has no choice but to obey. The unexpected friendship between Hugh and Hester complicates matters and leads to heartbreak for both.
I was a little disappointed in the extended epilogue that Hester's parents were not present at the breakfast table. Surely, they don't have separate lives under the same roof! Besides, as doting grandparents, I am sure they would have had hands-on time with little Henry. Also, setting it 3 years later, Henry would not have still been a babbling baby, saying 'Mama' for the first time.
This is an interesting story with a unique twist and I gave it a deserved 4 stars.
I was a little disappointed in the extended epilogue that Hester's parents were not present at the breakfast table. Surely, they don't have separate lives under the same roof! Besides, as doting grandparents, I am sure they would have had hands-on time with little Henry. Also, setting it 3 years later, Henry would not have still been a babbling baby, saying 'Mama' for the first time.
This is an interesting story with a unique twist and I gave it a deserved 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2021
What a interesting story. Hester Cooke and Hugh Ridlington the Earl of Ridlington, were great characters. Their romance was beautiful until but wasn't. Heather's boss, who shall remain nameless, on the other hand, was a horrible person. And the sisters, don't get me started.
I also loved Hester's relationship with Sara. The book itself was very well written. But I expect no less from Ms. Harding. Her novels really grab the my attention and made me care for all the characters. Except nameless. Another book recommendation. My only complaint was that it wasn't longer.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. My review is voluntary and honest.
I also loved Hester's relationship with Sara. The book itself was very well written. But I expect no less from Ms. Harding. Her novels really grab the my attention and made me care for all the characters. Except nameless. Another book recommendation. My only complaint was that it wasn't longer.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. My review is voluntary and honest.
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May 4, 2021Do authors not proofread their own books before publication? If the main male character was named Lord Ridlington, and he was introduced to another character named Lady Haddington...why would the author have him address her by HIS name and call her Lady Ridlington?
When a man or woman definitively tells another that they are in no way wanting to marry and for others to butt out of their business, it ticks me off when those others disregard what was said and deliberately lies to others and tries to set them up.
Nope...not finishing this book. Didn't even make it to the second chapter and already had enough.
When a man or woman definitively tells another that they are in no way wanting to marry and for others to butt out of their business, it ticks me off when those others disregard what was said and deliberately lies to others and tries to set them up.
Nope...not finishing this book. Didn't even make it to the second chapter and already had enough.
March 11, 2021
A spy got more than they expected.
She was sent there to spy on him and when he finds out well you can guess what happen or does our friend fate have other ideas. Hester's mistress wants Hugh Ridlington so Hester is forced to take a job as a maid in his household. Little did she know just what that was going to do to her life. The twists were great in this story and I enjoyed the characters they were awesome. I found this book to be entertaining. The one thing I really liked was the banter that went on between them. It was a very good book.
She was sent there to spy on him and when he finds out well you can guess what happen or does our friend fate have other ideas. Hester's mistress wants Hugh Ridlington so Hester is forced to take a job as a maid in his household. Little did she know just what that was going to do to her life. The twists were great in this story and I enjoyed the characters they were awesome. I found this book to be entertaining. The one thing I really liked was the banter that went on between them. It was a very good book.
May 8, 2021
Self-preservation
I think beyond all the circumstances, what truly provoked a lot of the actions of the characters was self-preservation. They found themselves backed into a corner and lashed out in different ways. It was truly scandalous and yet at the same time, quite innocent. Of course they entered the convoluted web with eyes wide open, knowing the possible consequences, but I found that their chemistry and attraction was nothing but innocent. The struggle was quite real.
I think beyond all the circumstances, what truly provoked a lot of the actions of the characters was self-preservation. They found themselves backed into a corner and lashed out in different ways. It was truly scandalous and yet at the same time, quite innocent. Of course they entered the convoluted web with eyes wide open, knowing the possible consequences, but I found that their chemistry and attraction was nothing but innocent. The struggle was quite real.
March 7, 2021
This is a beautiful rags to riches tale
This slightly spicy story is one that will keep you gripped from start to finish. The plot has plenty of intrigue and characters who are able to overcome their social differences to achieve their desires. The extended epilogue brings you a beautiful insight into their future lives brilliantly. I read an ARC copy.
This slightly spicy story is one that will keep you gripped from start to finish. The plot has plenty of intrigue and characters who are able to overcome their social differences to achieve their desires. The extended epilogue brings you a beautiful insight into their future lives brilliantly. I read an ARC copy.
March 7, 2021
Under Her Alluring Spell A Historical Regency Romance Book
A very good story about a young woman Hester that is a maid sent to workin the household as a spy but The plans backfired and Hugh ,The Earl of Ridlington fell in love with his maid The characters are determined and the extended epilogue shows happiness.A well written story and an amazing one
A very good story about a young woman Hester that is a maid sent to workin the household as a spy but The plans backfired and Hugh ,The Earl of Ridlington fell in love with his maid The characters are determined and the extended epilogue shows happiness.A well written story and an amazing one
March 24, 2021
Nice read
To work for a lady who would put a servant to spy on a man so she could worm her way in to marry him. For the servant to try and get info on him nut to find out that she is falling in love with. To learn the truth of why she is there hurt him but he came to realize he was in love with het. To find each other marry and have a home filled with love.
To work for a lady who would put a servant to spy on a man so she could worm her way in to marry him. For the servant to try and get info on him nut to find out that she is falling in love with. To learn the truth of why she is there hurt him but he came to realize he was in love with het. To find each other marry and have a home filled with love.
March 14, 2021
A must read!
Hugh and Hester are wonderful characters. The way their affection grows is truly the way of real life. Makes the story so much more 'real'. As always, love a happy ending!
Hugh and Hester are wonderful characters. The way their affection grows is truly the way of real life. Makes the story so much more 'real'. As always, love a happy ending!
September 22, 2025
Hester and Hugh
What a wonderful story of a housemaid and a Earl meeting and falling in love. Hugh was determined to never marry because of his father being mean and jealous of his wife. He fell in love with Hester and his life changed drastically.
What a wonderful story of a housemaid and a Earl meeting and falling in love. Hugh was determined to never marry because of his father being mean and jealous of his wife. He fell in love with Hester and his life changed drastically.
March 7, 2021
Instalove. DNF at 80%, kept waiting for it to get better
April 17, 2025
Recluse
From being a recluse to finding love can be enjoyed or frustrating. It is more complex when that love is not the same class. Now to convince her.
From being a recluse to finding love can be enjoyed or frustrating. It is more complex when that love is not the same class. Now to convince her.
March 22, 2021
A Quiet Story
"Under Her Alluring Spell" by Henrietta Harding Is a suprisingly quiet story. The female lead of the story is one very pretty Lady's maid
by the name of Hester Cooke. She is a loving daughter, a trusted employee, and in need of adequate funds to support her parents. Her employer is Lady Frederica, a woman with an unhealthy crush on Sir Hugh Ridlington, an earl. She convinces Hester to go into the Earl's domestic service in order to get information for her plan to marry the Earl. Of course, this was like Miles Standish sending John Alden to woo a maiden for him. It was a very bad decision. The rest of the novel untangles the mess made and it's consequences in an understated but quiet way with the author leading readers on a relaxed but interesting journey.
"Under Her Alluring Spell" by Henrietta Harding Is a suprisingly quiet story. The female lead of the story is one very pretty Lady's maid
by the name of Hester Cooke. She is a loving daughter, a trusted employee, and in need of adequate funds to support her parents. Her employer is Lady Frederica, a woman with an unhealthy crush on Sir Hugh Ridlington, an earl. She convinces Hester to go into the Earl's domestic service in order to get information for her plan to marry the Earl. Of course, this was like Miles Standish sending John Alden to woo a maiden for him. It was a very bad decision. The rest of the novel untangles the mess made and it's consequences in an understated but quiet way with the author leading readers on a relaxed but interesting journey.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews