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Arabella's Assistant
Lady Arabella Warwick possesses a passion for cuneiform, a wish to never marry, and an empty reticule. Unfortunately, she also has an ailing mother who needs expensive care. In Victorian England, there is only one way for a lady to raise much needed funds: marriage.
Gabriel, Baron Brynley, knows his nefarious cousin, the Viscount Justin Manning, would never court an impoverished bluestocking like Lady Arabella, no matter how lovely. She must figure into the lawsuit Gabriel has brought to claim his relative's titles. But how? He's determined to find out.
Soon Arabella and Gabriel bond over an obsession with the Epic of Gilgamesh. As their attraction to each other grows, so does the danger from those who oppose them. With so much at stake, do they dare risk love?
Gabriel, Baron Brynley, knows his nefarious cousin, the Viscount Justin Manning, would never court an impoverished bluestocking like Lady Arabella, no matter how lovely. She must figure into the lawsuit Gabriel has brought to claim his relative's titles. But how? He's determined to find out.
Soon Arabella and Gabriel bond over an obsession with the Epic of Gilgamesh. As their attraction to each other grows, so does the danger from those who oppose them. With so much at stake, do they dare risk love?
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2022
1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Judy Lynn Ichkhanian
10 books2 followersJudy is a sort-of-retired litigation attorney, a current
homemaker with a propensity to ignore any and all
domestic chores, and the mother of an outrageously
comedic teenage boy and a fur-baby named Chocolate- the-Dog, so named because he thinks he‟s a cat.
Judy has been writing since she first learned to read,
and has stories constantly going through her head. With a passionate interest in archaeology, most especially alternative archeology, she still hopes to one day uncover the true history of the world.
As a graduate of Mount Holyoke College with a
degree in Art History, when she ventures away from
books, it is to find the nearest art museum or purveyor of High Tea.
She has lived in four states and in France, and currently makes her home in North Carolina, which she loves, except for the bugs, snakes, and humidity.
Visit her at www.judylynnichkhanian.com for excerpts and information, tall tales and small ones.
homemaker with a propensity to ignore any and all
domestic chores, and the mother of an outrageously
comedic teenage boy and a fur-baby named Chocolate- the-Dog, so named because he thinks he‟s a cat.
Judy has been writing since she first learned to read,
and has stories constantly going through her head. With a passionate interest in archaeology, most especially alternative archeology, she still hopes to one day uncover the true history of the world.
As a graduate of Mount Holyoke College with a
degree in Art History, when she ventures away from
books, it is to find the nearest art museum or purveyor of High Tea.
She has lived in four states and in France, and currently makes her home in North Carolina, which she loves, except for the bugs, snakes, and humidity.
Visit her at www.judylynnichkhanian.com for excerpts and information, tall tales and small ones.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 6, 2022
I received a copy of this from BookSirens and this is my freely given opinion.
Lady Arabella Winslow is a the bluestocking daughter of an Earl who loves Assyriology, and wants to translate the the Sumerian cuneiform epic of Gilgamesh. She is, at 27 years old, making a belated debut as she must marry well to help her sickly mother, Glenda Winslow. Her father was a gambling wastrel who died leaving them impoverished. To improve their circumstances, her mother wants to marry her to a wealthy peer, ideally, because of the biased influence and advice of friends, to Viscount Justin Manning, the son and heir of the Earl of Kildare. He seems to be the most likely to offer for Arabella.
However, Manning has his own reasons for courting Arabella. He and his father are engaged in a dispute with his cousin, Gabriel, Baron Brynley over who is the true heir to the earldom, as Gabriel has evidence as to his claim to the earldom. Gabriel is suspicious of Manning's connection to Arabella and investigates as it is in someway connected to his claim to the earldom.
He does not trust Arabella, despite not finding any obvious connection to his dispute, and to try to find out more about how she is involved, he offers to "assist" her in her Assyriological studies and translation of the Epic. Arabella is fascinated by Gabriel and falls for him as they work together, despite the pointed attentions of Manning. Her mother and friends conspire and push her towards Manning and discourage her attentions to Gabriel, thinking that Manning is the better husband/match, and Glenda has a significant distrust and dislike of Gabriel. Despite her attraction to Gabriel and their growing connection, Arabella feels constrained to choose Manning, to help their finances, and her ailing mother.
This was a fun read with the tension between the drama of the two cousins, and their disputes, and how Arabella was involved - like a bone between two battling dogs. It had quite a gothic/romantic drama feel to it, especially as both the Earl and Manning, as they were drawn as villains, were quite overblown in their characterizations - it was almost farcical, but in a way that I rather found humorous enjoyment in. Not terribly complex or subtle, but a fun read.
3.25 stars out o 5.
Lady Arabella Winslow is a the bluestocking daughter of an Earl who loves Assyriology, and wants to translate the the Sumerian cuneiform epic of Gilgamesh. She is, at 27 years old, making a belated debut as she must marry well to help her sickly mother, Glenda Winslow. Her father was a gambling wastrel who died leaving them impoverished. To improve their circumstances, her mother wants to marry her to a wealthy peer, ideally, because of the biased influence and advice of friends, to Viscount Justin Manning, the son and heir of the Earl of Kildare. He seems to be the most likely to offer for Arabella.
However, Manning has his own reasons for courting Arabella. He and his father are engaged in a dispute with his cousin, Gabriel, Baron Brynley over who is the true heir to the earldom, as Gabriel has evidence as to his claim to the earldom. Gabriel is suspicious of Manning's connection to Arabella and investigates as it is in someway connected to his claim to the earldom.
He does not trust Arabella, despite not finding any obvious connection to his dispute, and to try to find out more about how she is involved, he offers to "assist" her in her Assyriological studies and translation of the Epic. Arabella is fascinated by Gabriel and falls for him as they work together, despite the pointed attentions of Manning. Her mother and friends conspire and push her towards Manning and discourage her attentions to Gabriel, thinking that Manning is the better husband/match, and Glenda has a significant distrust and dislike of Gabriel. Despite her attraction to Gabriel and their growing connection, Arabella feels constrained to choose Manning, to help their finances, and her ailing mother.
This was a fun read with the tension between the drama of the two cousins, and their disputes, and how Arabella was involved - like a bone between two battling dogs. It had quite a gothic/romantic drama feel to it, especially as both the Earl and Manning, as they were drawn as villains, were quite overblown in their characterizations - it was almost farcical, but in a way that I rather found humorous enjoyment in. Not terribly complex or subtle, but a fun read.
3.25 stars out o 5.
September 7, 2022
An ailing mother forces Lady Arabella to marry but when she meets Gabriel, love enters the picture. Some call her a bluestocking but Lady Arabella doesn’t mind. If she had her wish, she’d never marry. But her mother’s illness forces her to do whatever it takes to get the necessary funds: marry a rich man. When she meets Gabriel for the first time, it’s disturbing and off-putting. Sure, he’s handsome and appears to be wealthy but he’s also intelligent and that attracts her. Bonding over literature sends her heart into a tailspin. Everything is going smoothly until Gabriel’s relations get involved. Suddenly, the danger is very real, as is her love for Gabriel. Can she marry for money and love or is this just another conquest for Gabriel?
Arabella’s Assistant is a sweeping historical romance from start to finish. This is my first time reading from this author, so I didn’t know what to expect. From the very first page, I connected with the characters and was drawn in by the descriptive narration. The setting and historical accuracy took my breath away. The plot moved at a fantastic pace with a full cast of characters to interact with. The storyline with Gabriel vying for a title from his unscrupulous relatives was a very intriguing subplot. I whipped through the pages to see what would happen next. The element of surprise when the suspense hit its peak was quite unexpected but thoroughly enjoyable. The romance, though, was what made this such an exquisite reading experience. Two unlikely people bonding over literature…a book lover's dream. Judy Lynn Ichkhanian has an indelible talent for writing historical romance. The words leaped from the page and into my heart. Arabella’s Assistant is an exceptional historical romance. I look forward to reading more from this author. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it. My thoughts are all my own.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Arabella’s Assistant is a sweeping historical romance from start to finish. This is my first time reading from this author, so I didn’t know what to expect. From the very first page, I connected with the characters and was drawn in by the descriptive narration. The setting and historical accuracy took my breath away. The plot moved at a fantastic pace with a full cast of characters to interact with. The storyline with Gabriel vying for a title from his unscrupulous relatives was a very intriguing subplot. I whipped through the pages to see what would happen next. The element of surprise when the suspense hit its peak was quite unexpected but thoroughly enjoyable. The romance, though, was what made this such an exquisite reading experience. Two unlikely people bonding over literature…a book lover's dream. Judy Lynn Ichkhanian has an indelible talent for writing historical romance. The words leaped from the page and into my heart. Arabella’s Assistant is an exceptional historical romance. I look forward to reading more from this author. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it. My thoughts are all my own.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
August 15, 2022
Well… Be still my heart! Some romance books are like iced tea, drunk quickly for their refreshing powers and easily forgotten. Others are like aged spirits, mean to be sipped at, so that the taste lingers on your tongue. Arabella’s Assistant was like a fine, heady port. You could not help but savour every mouthful, or in this case, every word, every finely crafted sentence. As a fan of Georgette Heyer, I could not help but be reminded of the banter between the main protagonists, and I cannot think of a much better compliment.
The reader goes from one delight to an another. I loved the unusual premise – two people working together on a translation of an ancient Epic – the secondary characters, and above all, the rich language. The much anticipated scene when Gabriel and Arabella come together at last had me holding my breath, so vivid and evocative was the description.
This had everything I look for in a romance, including a villain as slimy as could be.
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable read! Highly recommended.
The reader goes from one delight to an another. I loved the unusual premise – two people working together on a translation of an ancient Epic – the secondary characters, and above all, the rich language. The much anticipated scene when Gabriel and Arabella come together at last had me holding my breath, so vivid and evocative was the description.
This had everything I look for in a romance, including a villain as slimy as could be.
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable read! Highly recommended.
August 3, 2022
Slow burn Victorian romance with a bluestocking heroine
A typical Victorian girl would not be interested in studying ancient languages and civilizations. Yet Arabella’s interest in Assyriology is topped only by Gabriel Darkwood, Baron Brynley, who helps her translate an ancient text. But she and her mother were left destitute by her father and she must marry for wealth. Viscount Manning, seeming heir to an earldom, courts her. He gives the appearance of wealth, but she cannot resist the pull of Gabriel. Only after a deflowering, kidnapping, forged documents and a sham marriage can Arabella find love.
This story was fast-paced with high heat but a slow burn – a special kind of torture not all authors can pull off. I loved the juxtaposition between the vapid girls at parties and Arabella. And the physical manifestation of secondary characters’ ugly souls, except the villain, whose beauty deceived Arabella until it was almost too late.
A typical Victorian girl would not be interested in studying ancient languages and civilizations. Yet Arabella’s interest in Assyriology is topped only by Gabriel Darkwood, Baron Brynley, who helps her translate an ancient text. But she and her mother were left destitute by her father and she must marry for wealth. Viscount Manning, seeming heir to an earldom, courts her. He gives the appearance of wealth, but she cannot resist the pull of Gabriel. Only after a deflowering, kidnapping, forged documents and a sham marriage can Arabella find love.
This story was fast-paced with high heat but a slow burn – a special kind of torture not all authors can pull off. I loved the juxtaposition between the vapid girls at parties and Arabella. And the physical manifestation of secondary characters’ ugly souls, except the villain, whose beauty deceived Arabella until it was almost too late.
July 25, 2022
I enjoyed reading Arabella’s Assistant. Arabella and Gabriel’s journey is one fraught with family deceit at every turn. The people whom you thought you’d be able to trust turn out to be the most deceitful. It is an interesting story.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 16, 2022
I liked this novel. The characters were well developed, sassy, and strong. I enjoyed watching them grow and I will happily continue reading this author’s work knowing I will be satisfied at the end. Great summer read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 23, 2022
Arabella’s Assistant by Judy Lynn Ichkhanian (Raised All Wrong, Book 1) blends a Victorian bluestocking obsessed with the cuneiform writing of the Assyrians to the exclusion of almost everything else, a dastardly plot to steal a title, and romance into a fun read. Who could possibly quit reading after the first line: “The capture of a wealthy lord was a blood sport.”
October 4, 2022
A page turner! A romance yes, but filled with suspense and action. 😉. I very much enjoyed Judy’s word crafting and the wonderful visuals it created within me. The characters were engaging and the plot develops with surprises. I especially enjoyed the subtle themes of love and affection and how complex they can be. Highly recommended for an enjoyable and uplifting reading experience. 😊
February 3, 2023
"Their door would always be open because somehow they had found the best of days…"
What a gorgeous story! I absolutely loved it. Arabella’s Assistant is a smart romance with a strong, scholarly heroine and a true gentleman of a hero. The historical details made me feel I was there, the suspense is almost unending, and the romance is exquisitely sweet.
Arabella and Gabriel are meant for each other, but in Victorian England, that isn’t nearly enough. Everyone and everything conspires against them, not least of which are their own insecurities. I was so worried about them that I couldn’t stop turning pages. I lost sleep! And it was worth it.
I thoroughly enjoyed the inclusion of The Epic of Gilgamesh – an unusual and interesting departure from Arthurian knights and Egyptology (both of which I very much appreciate). It’s a fascinating part of the story.
I’m glad this is a series because I’m rather in love with Gabriel’s best friend, Peter. I hope he gets his own book!
The story flows beautifully. It echoes with history and romance. Judy Lynn Ichkhanian is a true wordsmith and a brilliant storyteller.
What a gorgeous story! I absolutely loved it. Arabella’s Assistant is a smart romance with a strong, scholarly heroine and a true gentleman of a hero. The historical details made me feel I was there, the suspense is almost unending, and the romance is exquisitely sweet.
Arabella and Gabriel are meant for each other, but in Victorian England, that isn’t nearly enough. Everyone and everything conspires against them, not least of which are their own insecurities. I was so worried about them that I couldn’t stop turning pages. I lost sleep! And it was worth it.
I thoroughly enjoyed the inclusion of The Epic of Gilgamesh – an unusual and interesting departure from Arthurian knights and Egyptology (both of which I very much appreciate). It’s a fascinating part of the story.
I’m glad this is a series because I’m rather in love with Gabriel’s best friend, Peter. I hope he gets his own book!
The story flows beautifully. It echoes with history and romance. Judy Lynn Ichkhanian is a true wordsmith and a brilliant storyteller.
March 6, 2023
The author did a great job at capturing the characters and keeping me engaged. I love historical fiction, and this book did not disappoint. Highly recommend.
December 20, 2022
What a wonderfully written historical romance! The author crafts her words in a way that not only brings you back hundreds of years, but does so with humor and poetic like imagery. We travel into a society rigid with rules and stations, neither of which are meant to be challenged, but inevitable will be.
From the moment the hero and heroine meet, they take the reader on a journey filled with ups, down, twists, turns, heartache, fear and murder. I enjoyed how the author not only allowed her heroine to test societal norms of being a curious, intelligent woman looking to learn assyriology, but to have her partner with a hero that not only encourages these qualities but falls in love with her, not in-spite of them, but because of them.
The author did a wonderful job building the relationship between the hero and heroine as well as defining the relationships with the secondary characters. If you are a fan of historical fiction, I highly recommend Arabella’s Assistant.
From the moment the hero and heroine meet, they take the reader on a journey filled with ups, down, twists, turns, heartache, fear and murder. I enjoyed how the author not only allowed her heroine to test societal norms of being a curious, intelligent woman looking to learn assyriology, but to have her partner with a hero that not only encourages these qualities but falls in love with her, not in-spite of them, but because of them.
The author did a wonderful job building the relationship between the hero and heroine as well as defining the relationships with the secondary characters. If you are a fan of historical fiction, I highly recommend Arabella’s Assistant.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews