Husband List: Amazon.ca: V Alexander: Books

Product Description

From Publishers Weekly

Alexander (The Wedding Bargain) has a marvelous ear for witty dialogue and creates winning characters. Unfortunately, the plot of this otherwise terrific Regency rides includes twin clich?s: a will with an outrageous stipulation and a hero masquerading as another man (think Scarlet Pimpernel). Widowed Lady Gillian Marley persuades friends to draw up a list of bachelors so she can fulfill the condition of her uncle's will that she marry before her 30th birthday to inherit ?600,000. The money would augment her small income and enable her to fund a home for deserving female artists. Topping the list is the impoverished Earl of Shelbrooke, Richard Shelton, once a rake, now living a double life (he's an oil painter, a shocking calling for an aristocrat), trying to shore up the little that's left of the family fortune and provide dowries for four sisters. Will the earl lower himself for cold, hard cash? Will the lovely Gillian settle for a loveless marriage of convenience? The sex gets hot and heavy before the final answer in this delightful read. (Aug.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Warm, wise and witty!" -- Julia Quinn

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Where on earth was the blasted man? Read the first page

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Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover

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Customer Reviews

24 Reviews

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

Average Customer Review

3.9 out of 5 stars (24 customer reviews)

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5.0 out of 5 stars 4.5 stars--Charming read, Jun 21 2004

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V. Seaton "romance4me" (Southeast) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Husband List (Mass Market Paperback)

I really enjoyed this book. I've been reading romance novels for over 15 years now and was fascinated to find something different in this one. I love that the "lady" is the "rich hero" instead of the man this time. Also, Gillian and Richard's honesty and quick wit was quite enjoyable. I'm glad the couple wasn't caught up in some mystery or misunderstanding. The reader really has a chance to see the couple grow. This is my favorite thus far of the Effington books. I took away 0.5 a star because Richard's facade as the French artist got on my nerves a little. But, I have to give this author credit for acknowledging Gillian's common sense and allowing her to figure it out.

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4.0 out of 5 stars Lighthearted Romantic Comedy, May 3 2004

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"klpepsi" (Indiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Husband List (Mass Market Paperback)

The widowed Lady Gillian Marley never intended to remarry, but circumstances now lead her to search London for a suitable mate. A rather unconventional condition of her late uncle's will states she must be married, before her thirtieth birthday in two months, in order to inherit a sizable fortune. Her inheritance would include 600,000 pounds, eight ships, and land in America. Certainly an amount no one in her right mind would ignore.

Gillian turns to her two closest friends, who happen to be male, for assistance in choosing an appropriate husband. They each draw up a list of candidates for her to consider. She quickly decides upon the impoverished Earl of Shelbrooke, Richard Shelton. Inviting him to a gathering in her home, she proposes marriage, but in name only. Richard is stunned, but refuses to agree to a chaste marriage, no matter how badly he and his family could use the money. He wants to have children to carry on his name and title, and he quickly recognizes the spark of desire between he and Gillian.

But Richard has a deep, dark secret. He's been earning money by painting in oils under an assumed Frenchman's name. A great scandal for an aristocrat should his secret be revealed. During their courtship, Richard becomes curious to the extent of Gillian's feelings for him. To find out, he poses as the French painter (himself) and invites her to pose for him. What will the wicked Earl discover about his lady fair?

This was my first read by Ms. Alexander, but it won't be my last. THE HUSBAND LIST was a cute, warm, and humorous story. It's refreshing to sometimes read lighthearted romances that are just plain enjoyable, and don't send you on an emotional roller coaster. The only reason I didn't award this selection five stars is because while the book is very good, there are some occurrences that stretch the imagination for believability. The most blatant for instance would be Richard posing as the French painter, whose identity is actually Richard, to discover Gillian's true feelings for him. He doesn't even speak French, and she doesn't figure out who he really is. Even with scenes such as this, I was basically able to just accept it and continue enjoying the ongoing adventure. The humor was probably the biggest reason scenes such as this didn't take on the importance of a major flaw. If you like light, romantic comedies, then this book is for you!

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5.0 out of 5 stars I liked this book, Dec 11 2003

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Just a Dreamer "dreamer0@aol.com" (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Husband List (Mass Market Paperback)

This is the second Victoria Alexander book I have read, and I will be reading more in the future. Her writings are witty and warm, and I am so happy when I get to meet my heroes again in the next books, granted I do think I am reading them backwards. =) But I do know I will be seeing them again, I will be reading all this wonderful authors books. They are keepers.

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Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars The Husband List by Victoria Alexander
Wonderfully warm and entertaining story of two people afraid to fall in love for very different reasons. Read more

Published on Nov 9 2002 by Jody L. Schoth

4.0 out of 5 stars A Fun, Entertaining Regency
In order to receive an enormous inheritance of six hundred thousand pounds, land in America and some ships, Lady Gillian has to marry by her thirtieth birthday. Read more

Published on Sep 23 2002 by J. Wilson