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The Emperor's New Clothes
Ophelia Kendrake had barely finished conning the coat off a cardsharp's back before she and her adopted sister stumbled into Dead End, Wyoming, and received a welcome fit for a queen. Mistaken for the Countess of Bridgewater, Ophelia saw no reason to reveal herself until she had stripped the hamlet of its fortunes and escaped into the sunset. Raised from grifter to gentlewoman, the fiery-haired actress couldn't help but chuckle at teaching a lesson to a town so sold on appearances. But the free-spirited beauty almost swallowed her script when she met Tyler, the town's virile mayor.
When Tyler Matthews returned from an Ivy League college and his year abroad, he simply wanted to settle down and enjoy the simplicity of ranching. But his aunt and uncle were set on making a silk purse out of Dead End, and Tyler was going to be the new mayor. It was a job he took with little relish—until he caught a glimpse of the village's newest visitor. And as Tye got to know the "Countess" Ophelia, he grew to love her. But trusting her was a different story, and Tye swore that before he was through, he'd uncover her deepest secrets—and teach her that it's what's underneath that counts in matters of the heart.
When Tyler Matthews returned from an Ivy League college and his year abroad, he simply wanted to settle down and enjoy the simplicity of ranching. But his aunt and uncle were set on making a silk purse out of Dead End, and Tyler was going to be the new mayor. It was a job he took with little relish—until he caught a glimpse of the village's newest visitor. And as Tye got to know the "Countess" Ophelia, he grew to love her. But trusting her was a different story, and Tye swore that before he was through, he'd uncover her deepest secrets—and teach her that it's what's underneath that counts in matters of the heart.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 7, 1997
17 people are currently reading
550 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Alexander
65 books1,332 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander was an award winning television reporter until she discovered fiction was much more fun than real life. She turned to writing full time and is still shocked it worked out.
Since the publication of her first book in 1995, she has written thirty-one full length novels and six novellas. The Perfect Wife—originally published in 1996 and reissued in March 2008—hit #1 on the New York Times list. Sixteen of her books are bestsellers hitting the New York Times, USA Today and/or Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. With books translated into more than a dozen different languages she has readers around the world and has twice been nominated for Romance's Writers of America prestigious RITA award. In 2009 she was given a Career Achievement Award from RT Bookclub and was named Historical Storyteller of the year in 2003. In 2008 she was the keynote speaker for the Romance Writers of American annual conference in San Francisco. Victoria credits much of her writing success to her experiences as a reporter.
Her years as a broadcast journalist were spent in two radically different areas of the country: Nebraska and West Virginia. In West Virginia, she covered both natural and manmade disasters. She was on the scene when a power plant construction accident in a small town left 52 men dead. She once spent the night on a mountain waiting to learn of the fate of coal miners trapped in a mine collapse. Victoria was producing a newscast when her husband (who worked at the same television station) and several other journalists were held hostage by a disturbed Vietnam veteran. In Nebraska, she reported on the farm crisis and watched people lose land that had been in their families for generations. She covered the story that was the basis of the movie BOYS DON’T CRY and once acted as the link between police and a gunman who had barricaded himself in his home. Her investigative work exposed the trucking of New York City garbage to a small town dump in rural Nebraska.
During her journalism career, Victoria covered every president from Ford to Clinton. She knows firsthand what it feels like to be surrounded by rising floodwaters and inside a burning building. She’s interviewed movie stars including Kevin Costner, ridden an elephant and flown in a governor’s helicopter. She’s covered a national political convention and Pope John Paul II’s historic visit to Denver as well as small town festivals celebrating everything from walnuts to Glen Miller. Her work was honored by numerous organizations including the Associated Press who called a feature about a firefighter’s school "story telling genius". It was the encouragement she needed to turn from news to fiction. She’s never looked back.
Victoria claims her love of romance and journalism is to due to the influence of her favorite comic book character: Lois Lane, a terrific reporter and a great heroine who pursued Superman with an unwavering determination. And why not? He was extremely well drawn.
Victoria grew up traveling the world as an Air Force brat. Today, she lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and her dogs. Victoria had two bearded collies, Sam and Louie (named from characters in one of her books). Sam (on the left), the best dog in the world for 13 ½ years, passed away in September 2010. Louie took on the position of loyal companion and did a fine job even though he doesn't understand that kitchen counter surfing is not allowed!
Now he's been joined by Reggie, also a faithful companion.
They all live happily ever after in a house under constant renovation and the accompanying parade of men in tool belts. And never ending chaos. Victoria laughs a great deal—she has to.
New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander was an award winning television reporter until she discovered fiction was much more fun than real life. She turned to writing full time and is still shocked it worked out.
Since the publication of her first book in 1995, she has written thirty-one full length novels and six novellas. The Perfect Wife—originally published in 1996 and reissued in March 2008—hit #1 on the New York Times list. Sixteen of her books are bestsellers hitting the New York Times, USA Today and/or Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. With books translated into more than a dozen different languages she has readers around the world and has twice been nominated for Romance's Writers of America prestigious RITA award. In 2009 she was given a Career Achievement Award from RT Bookclub and was named Historical Storyteller of the year in 2003. In 2008 she was the keynote speaker for the Romance Writers of American annual conference in San Francisco. Victoria credits much of her writing success to her experiences as a reporter.
Her years as a broadcast journalist were spent in two radically different areas of the country: Nebraska and West Virginia. In West Virginia, she covered both natural and manmade disasters. She was on the scene when a power plant construction accident in a small town left 52 men dead. She once spent the night on a mountain waiting to learn of the fate of coal miners trapped in a mine collapse. Victoria was producing a newscast when her husband (who worked at the same television station) and several other journalists were held hostage by a disturbed Vietnam veteran. In Nebraska, she reported on the farm crisis and watched people lose land that had been in their families for generations. She covered the story that was the basis of the movie BOYS DON’T CRY and once acted as the link between police and a gunman who had barricaded himself in his home. Her investigative work exposed the trucking of New York City garbage to a small town dump in rural Nebraska.
During her journalism career, Victoria covered every president from Ford to Clinton. She knows firsthand what it feels like to be surrounded by rising floodwaters and inside a burning building. She’s interviewed movie stars including Kevin Costner, ridden an elephant and flown in a governor’s helicopter. She’s covered a national political convention and Pope John Paul II’s historic visit to Denver as well as small town festivals celebrating everything from walnuts to Glen Miller. Her work was honored by numerous organizations including the Associated Press who called a feature about a firefighter’s school "story telling genius". It was the encouragement she needed to turn from news to fiction. She’s never looked back.
Victoria claims her love of romance and journalism is to due to the influence of her favorite comic book character: Lois Lane, a terrific reporter and a great heroine who pursued Superman with an unwavering determination. And why not? He was extremely well drawn.
Victoria grew up traveling the world as an Air Force brat. Today, she lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and her dogs. Victoria had two bearded collies, Sam and Louie (named from characters in one of her books). Sam (on the left), the best dog in the world for 13 ½ years, passed away in September 2010. Louie took on the position of loyal companion and did a fine job even though he doesn't understand that kitchen counter surfing is not allowed!
Now he's been joined by Reggie, also a faithful companion.
They all live happily ever after in a house under constant renovation and the accompanying parade of men in tool belts. And never ending chaos. Victoria laughs a great deal—she has to.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 7, 2021
After being accused of cheating at cards and needing to get out of town immediately, Ophelia Kendrake and her sister use stolen train tickets to escape to Dead End, Wyoming. Once they arrive, Ophelia is mistaken for the Countess of Bridgewater who was expected to arrive on that train. Seeing this as a way to lay low from the people that are hunting for her, Ophelia accepts the town's offerings while planning to fleece them out of their hard-earned dollars. Newly appointed Mayor Tyler Matthews is stunned by Ophelia's beauty. But he doesn't believe any of the lies that are coming out of her mouth. Now he has to figure out how to get to the truth.
This story is loosely based on the fairytale, The Emperor's New Clothes. Ophelia decides to sell her imaginary title, along with the lands and castle in England, to Tye's uncle. Tye knows she is lying. She has no memory for details and can't even remember the name of her late husband.
I wasn't a fan of Ophelia. She was a con woman taking advantage of the small town people who were helping her. She didn't seem to care what hardships she caused those people. I don't know why Tye fell in love with her. The story had some humor in it. There were a couple on-going jokes about Ophielia never remembering her late husband's name...Alvin? Alfred? Albert? But even that got old after a while. Except for a little surprise involving her sister near the end of the book, the story fell flat. My rating: 2.5 Stars.
This story is loosely based on the fairytale, The Emperor's New Clothes. Ophelia decides to sell her imaginary title, along with the lands and castle in England, to Tye's uncle. Tye knows she is lying. She has no memory for details and can't even remember the name of her late husband.
I wasn't a fan of Ophelia. She was a con woman taking advantage of the small town people who were helping her. She didn't seem to care what hardships she caused those people. I don't know why Tye fell in love with her. The story had some humor in it. There were a couple on-going jokes about Ophielia never remembering her late husband's name...Alvin? Alfred? Albert? But even that got old after a while. Except for a little surprise involving her sister near the end of the book, the story fell flat. My rating: 2.5 Stars.
April 24, 2013
stupid stupid stupid...the heroine is a con artist, liar and a thief and we are suppose to like her...i couldn't finish the book...I hated the heroine... too bad i wasted $7.99 on this book and i didnt even get to finish it..
January 13, 2024
los dos son un desastre 🤠👍
April 13, 2014
Couldn't get past the first fifty pages. Heroine's total lack of morals regarding stealing, cheating, lying etc was a complete turn-off.
August 4, 2016
The Emperor’s New Clothes by Victoria Alexander
I read this book a while ago and enjoyed it...
The description of the book I am listing below is from the back jacket of the book. I'm adding it because I believe the one on the Goodreads page does not depict this story.
Costumed Beauty
Ophelia Kendrake had barely finished conning the coat off a cardsharp’s back before she and her adopted sister stumbled into Dead End, Wyoming and received a welcome fit for a queen. Mistaken for the Countess of Bridgewater, Ophelia saw no need to reveal herself until she had stripped the hamlet of its fortunes and escaped into the sunset. Raised from grifter to gentlewoman, the fiery-haired actress couldn’t help but chuckle at teaching a lesson to a town so sold on appearances. But the free-spirited beauty almost swallowed her script when she met Tyler, the town’s virile mayor.
Naked Honesty
When Tyler Matthews returned from an Ivy League college and his years abroad, he simply wanted to settle down and enjoy the simplicity of ranching. But his aunt and uncle were set on making a silk purse out of Dead End, and Tyler was going to be the mayor. It was a job he took with little relish—until he caught a glimpse of the village’s newest visitor. And as Tye got to know the “Countess” Ophelia, he grew to love her. But trusting her was a different story, and Tye swore that before he was through he’d uncover her deepest secrets—and teach her that it’s what’s underneath that counts in matters of the heart.
I read this book a while ago and enjoyed it...
The description of the book I am listing below is from the back jacket of the book. I'm adding it because I believe the one on the Goodreads page does not depict this story.
Costumed Beauty
Ophelia Kendrake had barely finished conning the coat off a cardsharp’s back before she and her adopted sister stumbled into Dead End, Wyoming and received a welcome fit for a queen. Mistaken for the Countess of Bridgewater, Ophelia saw no need to reveal herself until she had stripped the hamlet of its fortunes and escaped into the sunset. Raised from grifter to gentlewoman, the fiery-haired actress couldn’t help but chuckle at teaching a lesson to a town so sold on appearances. But the free-spirited beauty almost swallowed her script when she met Tyler, the town’s virile mayor.
Naked Honesty
When Tyler Matthews returned from an Ivy League college and his years abroad, he simply wanted to settle down and enjoy the simplicity of ranching. But his aunt and uncle were set on making a silk purse out of Dead End, and Tyler was going to be the mayor. It was a job he took with little relish—until he caught a glimpse of the village’s newest visitor. And as Tye got to know the “Countess” Ophelia, he grew to love her. But trusting her was a different story, and Tye swore that before he was through he’d uncover her deepest secrets—and teach her that it’s what’s underneath that counts in matters of the heart.
December 29, 2014
slooow
September 8, 2021
— Trebuie să plecăm naibii din acest oraş!
Ofelia Kendrake smuci sertarul dulapului din camera de hotel, smulse cele câteva lucruri care-i aparţineau şi le aruncă într-o geantă mare din material textil care îi servea drept valiză, loc de depozitare şi cămin improvizat, totul asamblat într-un colet uşor decolorat.
Jenny Kendrake se ridică în capul oaselor în pat şi clipi, năucită din pricina strălucirii bruşte a lămpii cu gaz, stăpânită de confuzia totală a celui trezit dintr-un somn profund, în toiul nopţii.
— Ce-i asta? Ce naiba se întâmplă?
— Trebuie să plecăm de-aici, asta-i tot, rosti Ofelia înşfăcând singura rochie de călătorie prezentabilă a surorii ei şi azvârlind-o spre fata care o privea uluită. Îmbracă-te. Acum!
Jenny se zgâi la ea pentru un moment, apoi făcu ochii mari rând pricepu. Îşi ridică braţul şi aţinti un deget, într-un gest teatral, spre sora ei.
— Ai trişat, nu-i aşa?
Ofelia se îndreptă de spate, înălţându-se atât cât îi permitea destul de impresionanta statură de 1,70 metri şi îi aruncă surorii ei o privire semeaţă.
— Cu siguranţă, n-aş spune că am trişat.
Jenny îşi îngustă ochii, suspicioasă.
— Altcineva ar zice că ai trişat?
— Altcineva exact aşa a spus, rosti Ofelia cu asprime. Este un bărbat josnic, meschin şi de-a dreptul dezgustător şi de aceea trebuie să plecăm de aici. Traversă camera, se apropie de un şifonier ponosit
şi smuci uşa, murmurând: Nu am trişat.
Ofelia Kendrake smuci sertarul dulapului din camera de hotel, smulse cele câteva lucruri care-i aparţineau şi le aruncă într-o geantă mare din material textil care îi servea drept valiză, loc de depozitare şi cămin improvizat, totul asamblat într-un colet uşor decolorat.
Jenny Kendrake se ridică în capul oaselor în pat şi clipi, năucită din pricina strălucirii bruşte a lămpii cu gaz, stăpânită de confuzia totală a celui trezit dintr-un somn profund, în toiul nopţii.
— Ce-i asta? Ce naiba se întâmplă?
— Trebuie să plecăm de-aici, asta-i tot, rosti Ofelia înşfăcând singura rochie de călătorie prezentabilă a surorii ei şi azvârlind-o spre fata care o privea uluită. Îmbracă-te. Acum!
Jenny se zgâi la ea pentru un moment, apoi făcu ochii mari rând pricepu. Îşi ridică braţul şi aţinti un deget, într-un gest teatral, spre sora ei.
— Ai trişat, nu-i aşa?
Ofelia se îndreptă de spate, înălţându-se atât cât îi permitea destul de impresionanta statură de 1,70 metri şi îi aruncă surorii ei o privire semeaţă.
— Cu siguranţă, n-aş spune că am trişat.
Jenny îşi îngustă ochii, suspicioasă.
— Altcineva ar zice că ai trişat?
— Altcineva exact aşa a spus, rosti Ofelia cu asprime. Este un bărbat josnic, meschin şi de-a dreptul dezgustător şi de aceea trebuie să plecăm de aici. Traversă camera, se apropie de un şifonier ponosit
şi smuci uşa, murmurând: Nu am trişat.
June 1, 2017
The book, The Emperor's New Clothes by Victoria Alexander is one that is full of scandal, mystery, romance, and secrets. It's a romantic story about a girl with a false identity and a lot of secrets who falls in love with a very handsome, seductive mayor. The story goes on about how she hides her secrets and how he attempts to uncover them. Ophelia, the main character, and Tyler (Tye) the main male character fall more and more in love throughout the story with ups and downs here and there. This book was a lot of fun to read for the most part, but there were some parts that I felt as though were too descriptive and drug on for too long. Overall, it was a very good book and is one I would recommend to romance novel lovers. It is a book that if I had the time or interest, I would read again at some point.
November 12, 2018
Este o carte recitită,i-a lipsit atracția acea de a nu o putea lasă din mâna...
Ofelia,fiica de actor și jucătoare de poker,este nevoită sa aibă grija de “sora “ ei încă de la o vârsta frageda.
Doua bilete de tren,șterpelit de la un joc de poker ce nu s-a terminat ok,le duc pe fete intr-un orășel la”capătul lumii”
Dintr-o confuzie ,Ofelia își însușește rolul de contesa,iar sora de camerista și ajung in casa unui om minunat....
Nu mi a plăcut ca recunoașterea falsei indentitati a fost practic forțată de conjunctura,mi-ar fi plăcut sa vina de la ele...
Ofelia,fiica de actor și jucătoare de poker,este nevoită sa aibă grija de “sora “ ei încă de la o vârsta frageda.
Doua bilete de tren,șterpelit de la un joc de poker ce nu s-a terminat ok,le duc pe fete intr-un orășel la”capătul lumii”
Dintr-o confuzie ,Ofelia își însușește rolul de contesa,iar sora de camerista și ajung in casa unui om minunat....
Nu mi a plăcut ca recunoașterea falsei indentitati a fost practic forțată de conjunctura,mi-ar fi plăcut sa vina de la ele...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2019
Ophelia was traveling the American countryside as an actress but when she's mistaken for a Countess she's ready for the large con. Local mayor Tyler knows that something isn't quite right but his growing feelings for Ophelia are making it harder and harder to try and discover a truth that may break his heart. Ophelia thought she was going to have just a quick job and then leave but as her feelings for Tyler also grow she has to reevaluate what she wants. A sweet, fun, funny story with great characters and maybe a little bit of expected plot twists. Fun read!
December 10, 2016
Barely remember the plot to this, but I recall it being a fun romp, very much caper style with plot holes up the wazoo, massive suspension of disbelief and cringe worthy misuse of incorrect titles. It's a nice change in setting with larger than life personalities featured.
July 5, 2018
Well written lively, funny....but I lost patience with it quite quickly because I found the heroine so irritating! No feisty, not spirited, not 'an original' just plain selfish, manipulative, and careless of other people's feelings. And the hero was a bit bland. Not for me.
July 16, 2018
Agree with several other reviews! I could not finish it. I tried to go on to 100 pages and just gave up. The main character is a woman who tries to con the people of the western town. She considers herself smarter and the people gullible. I did not like this story as it just continued to get worst.
January 8, 2022
I usually love this authors writing but I had to make myself finish this book. I couldn't stand the female lead, she's a terrible person and Tye is a gullible human being who falls to fast in love.
November 4, 2023
Interesting plot and cute dialogue. I did not care for the characters, however, especially Ophelia. I just never did warm to her.
July 5, 2024
3.5 stars There was funny dialogue which was refreshing. I am not a big romance reader.
December 7, 2014
Emperor's New Clothes describes the emperor like to wear new clothes, day two swindlers, said he can weave not only beautiful but also be able to see what is stupid or incompetent ministers clothes. In order to express their smart, competent ministers have pretended seen. So the emperor gave a liar benefits liar proud that treasure to leave the palace. Emperor wearing this "dress" out. People who are proud of the emperor's new clothes, but the child's words to understand the emperor himself cheated.
This book told us vanity is actually already there, but our children's hearts are pure. With vanity will grow more and more strong. I would like to remind people: we want to maintain a sincere heart, not for vanity abandoned a sincere heart.
This picture book it's really eduated for chidlren. Not only the story but also th picture, it's really colorful. Simple words very suitable for youger children reads.
This book told us vanity is actually already there, but our children's hearts are pure. With vanity will grow more and more strong. I would like to remind people: we want to maintain a sincere heart, not for vanity abandoned a sincere heart.
This picture book it's really eduated for chidlren. Not only the story but also th picture, it's really colorful. Simple words very suitable for youger children reads.
January 12, 2015
Victoria Alexander has written a wonderful book loosely based on a fable. Con artist Ophelia is mistaken for the Countess of Bridgewater who is supposed to visit the little town of Dead End, Wyoming. Tyler Matthews, the newly appointed mayor, is trying to prove she is a fraud to his wealthy uncle. Ophelia has trouble remembering her "title" and "deceased" husband's name. The hilarity of following the contest between Tye and Ophelia keeps the reader entertained.
August 19, 2014
OMG LOVE THIS NOVEL!!!! It's such a breathe of fresh air from the norm cookie cutter style that historical novels tend to have!! Granted it is a romance so I love the cookie cutter style when it in ends with a HEA!!!! :) love this author so witty & her character dialogues are so clever...simply a joy to read this novel!!!!
May 13, 2014
I had trouble liking the heroine since she was swindling everyone. It was fun to see all of the Shakespeare references Alexander included.
April 30, 2015
AWFUL. Stereotypes galore. Dreadful dialogue. I couldn't stop wincing.
September 10, 2016
I really enjoyed this fun, romantic romp! I laughed throughout the entire story!
May 24, 2013
Victoria does it again!!!!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews