“Once again, the incomparable Quick has whipped up a delectable Regency romance” (Booklist)—about an ice-cold business agreement that turns into something far more heated… own agenda to pursue, and a false fiancée will keep the husband-hunters at bay while he goes about his business. The simplest solution is to hire a paid companion. After all, the sorry women who must accept such employment are sure to be grateful for any favor…
When he encounters Miss Elenora Lodge, he believes his problem is solved. Her dowdy attire and pinned-up hair cannot hide her fine figure and the fire in her golden eyes. And her unfortunate circumstances—and secret dreams of a life onstage—make the Earl’s offer undeniably appealing.
But St. Merryn is clearly hiding something, and things seem oddly amiss in his gloomy Rain Street home. Elenora is soon to discover that his secrets are even darker than his décor—and this lark will be a more dangerous adventure than she’d been led to believe. And Arthur, Earl of St. Merryn, will find that the meek and mild companion he’d envisioned has become both a partner in his quest to catch a killer—and an outspoken belle of the ball who stirs a bothersome passion in his practical heart…
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This was my first book by Amanda Quick, but I will definitely be looking for more! A page-turning romance, this was escapism at its best.
One of my favorite Amanda Quick books. There’s just something about the relationship and some of the messages and characters that resonate. Highly recommended.
I enjoyed reading it.
Romance and Mystery combined is Amanda Quick’s forte! I appreciate how she reflects on how difficult it was for the working class. I always appreciate how your characters are not perfectly beautiful but realistic in description of looks. She also knows smart is beautiful!
I quite like Elenora Lodge. This woman has had difficult times and has had to hide her light under a bushel basket, but that does not beat her down. I loved her conversation with Lord Hathersage – he found it uproariously funny and so do I. So many wonderful lines in this novel – you have to read and savour it.
Great book.
A pretty quick read, kept me interested. The main characters are pretty interesting, the story is somewhat different than the usual romance. You pretty know what will happen but it is an enjoyable read to get there.
Loved it
Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz continues to write adventurous, humorous stories that take us to Old England where young wives are bartered for and traded to the highest bidder. Arthur, Earl of St. Merryn has tired that route and it ended poorly. Miss Elenora Lodge suffered loss when her inheritance was taken from her.
For both, a paid companion was the answer. For Arthur, someone he could hire for a long as needed. Someone to distract Society, while he searched for a murder.
For Elenora, as a paid companion, she could save her wages and get out from under Societies’ rules.
Together, nothing can stop them. Except, …
Enjoyable vacation read. Amanda Quick is one of my favorite historical romance authors. 🙂
Great
I really enjoyed reading The Paid Companion.
I love the strong female characters.
Very well written!!!!! I really enjoyed it
Great read. Scary and romantic and witty
Amanda Quick never disappoints. Her strong heroines and wordcraft pull you in.
I love Amanda Quick. This was an entertaining read. Love the characters, strong women are always good to read about.
One of her best of this genre
I love Amanda Quick! This book was fast-paced and had really enjoyable characters. This author never fails to deliver an interesting plot and well-developed characters.
I alway enjoy Amanda Quick and all books under a different name