Status
Available
Series
Genres
Publication
Bantam (2000), 384 pages
Description
Fiction. Romance. Suspense. Historical Fiction. HTML:It isn't easy making a living as a lady's companion when one possesses a sharp tongue and an original mind. That's why Emma Greyson has gone through three such positions in six months. Her current post at a tiresome country house party has her bored to tears�??until an extraordinary encounter with the legendary Edison Stokes leads to a secret position as his assistant. Stokes is on a peculiar mission, searching for an anonymous thief who has stolen an ancient book of arcane potions. He suspects his quarry is among the party's guests�??and that the villain is looking for an intuitive woman on whom to test a certain elixir. A woman just like Emma... For Emma, the new post brings unexpected passion and chilling danger. But when murder strikes, she realizes the awful truth. Unless she and Edison devise a scheme to outwit a merciless killer, she could forever lose the man of her dreams�??and even her very… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
Emma lives as a ladies companion, having lost previous jobs because she's too opinionated. She's an interesting character and fun to read about particularly when she meets Edison Stokes. A man born illegitimate he's faught his way up through society and is now pretty much accepted.
Both of them are
Fun, light with some paranormal overtones.
Both of them are
Show More
hunting the same goal, but in different ways and they're not sure where they both fit into each other's worlds.Fun, light with some paranormal overtones.
Show Less
LibraryThing member drbubbles
This is a romance.
Fast read, simple (and totally predictable) plot, nominal suspense (which the predictability vitiates). It may be set in the Regency period, but the characters are more like 20th C. people time-warped back to then (scandalous language and behavior! Simply scandalous!).
In other
Fast read, simple (and totally predictable) plot, nominal suspense (which the predictability vitiates). It may be set in the Regency period, but the characters are more like 20th C. people time-warped back to then (scandalous language and behavior! Simply scandalous!).
In other
Show More
words, typical romance. The plot revolves around a mystery but I think if you read it for the mystery you'll be disappointed, because it's just a plot device for getting Mr. and Miss into each other's..."arms." Yeah, "arms." Show Less
LibraryThing member nicthechic
Enjoyed this light read. Liked the humour and the characters. The romance didn't make me want to vomit over it's mushiness like some of this genre does. Happy to read her again.
LibraryThing member MissJessie
This was an OK read, nothing more. Admittedly, none of the Vanda series is a classic read, since they all have the (essentially) same plot but they make good brain candy after a hard day.
This one, however, was BORING. The constant repetition of "I am your employee, sir" or some variation, page
There is no need to describe the plot in detail: woman in "reduced circumstances" meets rich Vanda man, finds herself in a precarious position, rescued by same and then finds herself in a plot of some complexity. Trouble is, I figured out this one almost at the beginning and it wasn't sufficiently interesting to keep me engaged.
It would make a pleasant enough beach read or airplane read but that's about it.
This one, however, was BORING. The constant repetition of "I am your employee, sir" or some variation, page
Show More
after page, was irritating. Give it a rest. There is no need to describe the plot in detail: woman in "reduced circumstances" meets rich Vanda man, finds herself in a precarious position, rescued by same and then finds herself in a plot of some complexity. Trouble is, I figured out this one almost at the beginning and it wasn't sufficiently interesting to keep me engaged.
It would make a pleasant enough beach read or airplane read but that's about it.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Azacia
While I enjoyed the book, it was not one of Amanda Quick's better novels. The beginning is interesting with the characters meeting while hiding entangled in a wardrobe. Edison Stokes is charming, eccentric and has some witty lines. Emma, on the other hand, is just down right annoying. All she seems
Show More
to ever talk about is needing money and references, and for the life of me I cannot figure out what about her Edison likes. She is stubborn, bossy, and all about herself and her post. She does not possess too many redeeming character traits. Most of her comments I found grating. I do like how Emma handles Edison's grandmother and the grandmother's role in the story. There were a few funny moments, but overall, I think the book was merely average and that Emma's character developed poorly. The love interest was weak and the Vanza scheme was weak. But it was an easy read and interesting enough for me to finish the book. Show Less
LibraryThing member jetangen4571
Sort of part of a series, but only loosely linked. Basically a stand alone, and one of her better ones, I think. Emma is quick witted and resourceful, Edison is wrapped too tight but driven. The blurb gives clues. I find it to be a nice, non-demanding read about once a year or so. Enough
Barbara Rosenblatt is a good audio performer and doesn't overplay the roles.
Show More
suspenseful and sensual tension to keep one's interest without being gory or a bodice-ripper.Barbara Rosenblatt is a good audio performer and doesn't overplay the roles.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Lauren2013
I Thee Wed
3.5 Stars
Series note: There is no tangible link between this book and With This Ring and it can be read as a standalone.
Emma Greyson is independent, intelligent and spirited, which makes her unsuitable for her chosen profession as a lady’s companion. The latest is a string of positions
The Vanzagarian storyline shares many similarities with Krentz/Quick’s Arcane Society series - a secret society, a strange formula, a villain with nefarious motives, etc. This in and of itself is not a bad thing, but for those who have read the Arcane books, the mystery ultimately lacks originality and the suspense is diminished.
The romance fares better as Emma and Edison have strong chemistry, their banter is witty and their relationship relatively angst free. Edison’s backstory adds depth to his character and it is impossible not to feel for him. Emma is an engaging heroine and her relationship with Edison’s grandmother is one of the highlights of the story.
All in all, a quick and pleasant read for those times when one just needs to relax with a bit of fluff. On a side note, the Kobo version has several typos and formatting errors.
3.5 Stars
Series note: There is no tangible link between this book and With This Ring and it can be read as a standalone.
Emma Greyson is independent, intelligent and spirited, which makes her unsuitable for her chosen profession as a lady’s companion. The latest is a string of positions
Show More
finds Emma at a country house party where the mundane activities of the ton take an interesting turn as she encounters the enigmatic Edison Stokes, a former member of the Vanzagarian society, who is in search of a secret manuscript and a killer who seems to have set their sights on Emma. The Vanzagarian storyline shares many similarities with Krentz/Quick’s Arcane Society series - a secret society, a strange formula, a villain with nefarious motives, etc. This in and of itself is not a bad thing, but for those who have read the Arcane books, the mystery ultimately lacks originality and the suspense is diminished.
The romance fares better as Emma and Edison have strong chemistry, their banter is witty and their relationship relatively angst free. Edison’s backstory adds depth to his character and it is impossible not to feel for him. Emma is an engaging heroine and her relationship with Edison’s grandmother is one of the highlights of the story.
All in all, a quick and pleasant read for those times when one just needs to relax with a bit of fluff. On a side note, the Kobo version has several typos and formatting errors.
Show Less
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1999
Physical description
384 p.; 6.8 inches
ISBN
0553574108 / 9780553574104