The Earl's Intended Wife (Harlequin Historical) [Mass Market Paperback]

Louise Allen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2006 | Series: Harlequin Historical (Book 793)

Would she be his bride?

Hebe Carlton had little idea of her own charm until Major Alex Beresford arrived on the island of Malta. She made no attempt to cast out lures and treated him with warm practicality, showing an insight and ability to read him that few others had managed. His attentions made Hebe blossom, and her stepmother began to entertain hopes of a wedding.

Then a letter arrived for Alex. The proposal of marriage he'd made to another before ever meeting Hebe had been accepted at last. He should be happy… But now Alex could only contemplate marrying one person—and it wasn't his betrothed!

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin (March 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373293933
• ISBN-13: 978-0373293933
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,220,788 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Louise Allen is the author of over twenty five Regency romances, published by Harlequin and Mills & Boon.

The Regency is her passion, an endlessly fascinating era full of contrast and change, danger and elegance, luxury and squalor. Women had freedoms that would shock their Victorian granddaughters, yet lived within social codes that both intrigue and appal us now. Men in Society could win fortunes at the turn of a card and lose their lives in the hazard of a duel all in the space of twenty four hours. It is all so different, with the glamour of the past gilding it - and yet the characters seem to reach out and touch us now.

She lives in England in a village in Bedfordshire with her husband. He is not sure whether to be flattered or alarmed to be told he is the inspiration for all her romantic heroes! Whenever possible they escape to their cottage on the North Norfolk coast or to London, exploring the streets with an 1808 guidebook in hand.

Every time Louise starts on a new plot she resolves 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 her head until it gets completely out of control - meanwhile the study floor becomes a sea of open books, prints and maps and she can be found sitting in the car at traffic lights, muttering dialogue. At that point she has to start writing, knowing full well that the hero and heroine are going to take over and sabotage all her attempts at discipline. It is, after all, their story.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Give this book a try!, March 25, 2006

By 

Dallas Reader (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Earl's Intended Wife (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)

I liked this book. It's not great literature but rarely is that found in a Harlequin historical! I liked the characters and their growing relationship. Both were admirable people who were perfect for each other. I liked that the hero saw beyond the surface to the true beauty of the heroine...even if she was named Hebe! Yes, the plot may have been somewhat contrived but I think the character development more than made up for it. Believe me, I've read many Regencies and this one is quite enjoyable. It's better than many Signet Regencies I've plodded through. Stalwart hero and plucky heroine. I'm a sucker for that everytime.

3.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable novel, November 30, 2010

By 

ReadingRaven (Orlando, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Earl's Intended Wife (Historical Romance) (Paperback)

This is an enjoyable novel. The scenes were never sluggish, and they were embellished with clear details. Their world came alive by the way Allen wrote this: the conversations were real and interesting, the relationship between Alex and Hebe (however delicate) took turns that were unexpected, and I ended up rooting for their future. Hebe seemed a little detached towards the end, but just when I thought I should give up on a happy ending, it turned the tides for a very acceptable finalization. The only reason I did not give the book 4 stars is because of the way Hebe reacted to a tragic incident towards the end. I didn't agree with her response, but the book as a whole was well-written.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent ...Except for the name "Hebe", February 24, 2007

By 

Cameo - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Earl's Intended Wife (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)

This was a wonderful story. Alex was the perfect hero-a gentleman to the end, handsome, honorable, wealthy, etc. I like a story that holds my interest from page one and this one did that. I'm not sure where the author came up with the heroine's name, but it was awful. [Sorry]