Charlene D. (theditzydog) reviewed And Then He Kissed Her (Girl-Bachelor, Bk 1) on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 11
I typically don't read books in this genre, but I'm really glad I ordered this one from another PBS member and I will look for others from this author. It was great! The dialogue between the characters was warm, funny, and stimulating - and the love scenes were intriguing as well. But not enough to make you blush. It was a nice deviation from the standard stuffy English maidens and rakish lords.
Helpful Score: 9
One of my favorites!! Not the typical love at first sight, revenge someone, love/hate or pretending to be someone else. A real takes time to fall in love relationship. The Author shows true feelings as the relationship starts to develop and you connect with the characters. Laura Lee Guhrke has just become one of my favorite authors with this book.
Aemelia M. (Aemelia) reviewed And Then He Kissed Her (Girl-Bachelor, Bk 1) on + 21 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
Great story. I really enjoyed the characters. It was an original. You don't read to may storys about the Victorian office-working woman, nice change from all the governesses and maids.
Helpful Score: 5
This is the best book i've read in a long time. Beautiful characters, strong plot and very endearing story. I JUST COULDN"T PUT IT DOWN until the end. Then i wished it wasn't over, i just wanted to read it over and over again!!!
Dorthy H. (Blueiris) reviewed And Then He Kissed Her (Girl-Bachelor, Bk 1) on + 91 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Wonderful book. She's so proper and he's so improper. She's his secretary and keeps him on schedule and all his affairs in order, even consoling his dismissed mistresses. Then he, a publisher, won't even read much less publish her book. She takes her work elsewhere and then he realizes what he had and goes after her. An excellent book. The characters aren't predictable, but have real human emotions.
What an amazing romance! I finished it in just hours, and even thought about reading it again. The characters are some of the most well written that I have ever read. I'm going back for more from this awesome author!
Helpful Score: 3
I loved Guhrke's previous books Guilty Pleasures and The Marriage Bed. However the last two books I have read by her Breathless and She's No Princess have been disappointing. Unfortunately, this book falls into the latter category.
Emma and Harry's story has a different setting from the average romance novel - something typical of Guhrke's books. Emma is gainfully employed in a man's field. But while Guhrke is great at devising plots and unique stories, her romantic novels never seem that romantic. The ending is too quick and too neat, there is very little drama between Emma and Harry near the end. Harry finally woos Emma in a sweet way, but its not enough to overcome a basic lack of romance earlier in the story.
Get this book if you love Guhrke's work, but it might not be your favorite.
Emma and Harry's story has a different setting from the average romance novel - something typical of Guhrke's books. Emma is gainfully employed in a man's field. But while Guhrke is great at devising plots and unique stories, her romantic novels never seem that romantic. The ending is too quick and too neat, there is very little drama between Emma and Harry near the end. Harry finally woos Emma in a sweet way, but its not enough to overcome a basic lack of romance earlier in the story.
Get this book if you love Guhrke's work, but it might not be your favorite.
Kim H. (rubberducky) reviewed And Then He Kissed Her (Girl-Bachelor, Bk 1) on + 79 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
An absolutely delightful spin on the typical "Miss Jones and the Boss" films from the 50's and 60's, set in the late regency period. Emmaline is the perfect and indispensable secretary to Lord Marlowe, a powerful, womanizing publisher, but is very much taken for granted. When he once again refuses to publish some of her writing & Emmaline finally realizes that he has never actually read any of her work, she walks out on him, and Harry finds himself and his publishing empire in a mess. Determined to win her back, Harry sets out to charm Emmaline into returning to her job, but when he realizes in the process that he's extremely attracted to her, he decides to persuade her to have an affair with him instead...
A very sweet & touching love story. I gave it 5 stars - It's a keeper:)
A very sweet & touching love story. I gave it 5 stars - It's a keeper:)
Helpful Score: 3
Emma Dove, a practical, no-nonsense spinster, has been working for Harry Lord Marlow for five years as his secretary. She has always dreamed of writing etiquette books and feels that Harry is her best chance for publishing them. Harry, on the other hand, has been politely refusing to give them a chance because etiquette books won't interest readers. With a bit of dumb luck, Emma finds out that he hasn't even read her manuscript. She then decides she has had it with Harry and quits her job, leaving Harry to wonder how he will manage without his very capable secretary.
Emma is an awesome heroine. She is the historical equivalent to the modern day Martha Stewart (without the jail sentence, of course). She is intelligent, creative, and organized; there is no task she cannot complete. I was on Emma's side right from the beginning. Henry is pretty much a horse's ass. He's arrogant, selfish and downright thoughtless towards others and, because of this, I thought Emma was too good for him. (He did win a few points from me for taking such good care of the women in his family).
I will say that Guhrke has a very pleasant, easy-going writing style that kept me turning the pages despite my dislike of Harry. It takes, pretty much, the whole story for Emma and Harry to fall in love. That is a nice change of pace from romance novels where the couple jumps into bed after they first meet. The ending was very sweet and had me sighing, âAwwwwwâ. In a side note; I will never look at peaches and honey the same way again.
For more reviews visit http://romancerookie.blogspot.com
Emma is an awesome heroine. She is the historical equivalent to the modern day Martha Stewart (without the jail sentence, of course). She is intelligent, creative, and organized; there is no task she cannot complete. I was on Emma's side right from the beginning. Henry is pretty much a horse's ass. He's arrogant, selfish and downright thoughtless towards others and, because of this, I thought Emma was too good for him. (He did win a few points from me for taking such good care of the women in his family).
I will say that Guhrke has a very pleasant, easy-going writing style that kept me turning the pages despite my dislike of Harry. It takes, pretty much, the whole story for Emma and Harry to fall in love. That is a nice change of pace from romance novels where the couple jumps into bed after they first meet. The ending was very sweet and had me sighing, âAwwwwwâ. In a side note; I will never look at peaches and honey the same way again.
For more reviews visit http://romancerookie.blogspot.com
Helpful Score: 2
I loved this! Different premise, and so romantic at the end! Worthwhile reading!
Candace A. (icandyapple) reviewed And Then He Kissed Her (Girl-Bachelor, Bk 1) on + 26 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I have to say I was surprised by the very solid character development in this book. These are real people, relatable, likeable and fun. Loved it! Give it a rare romance 5 stars.
Helpful Score: 2
I really enjoyed reading this book. Not often you read about a 19th century woman who is independent and works doing something other than as a governess or as a maid. Great read. I will look for other books from this author.
Monica G. (champsmom) -
Helpful Score: 1
I did not think I was going to like this book but it definitely surprised me. Quite an enjoyable read with a great couple~!
Jan S. (Janjunebug) -
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first Laura Lee Guhrke book I've read, and I loved it! Emma Dove is not your typical heroine; she's a thirty-year-old spinster, and a strait-laced one at that.
This book is the first in a series about "girl-bachelors."
This book is the first in a series about "girl-bachelors."
Viscount Harrison Marlowe has caused a scandal among the peers of the realm: first with his divorce from his American wife, second with his decision to go into trade and work as a publisher, and third with his assertions that women should be treated equally to men and, accordingly, his employment of a female secretary. With the editorials he publishes in his newspapers that widely discredit the institution of marriage, and his firm proclamations that he will never wed again, Harry does not seem like the sort of gentleman that a lady would go after. To the contrary, however, the women of the ton see him as a challenge and each believes that she will be the one to finally bring this stray dog to heel.
Miss Emmaline Dove, Harry's female secretary, is usually the one who winds up being the bearer of bad news to the string of mistresses and broken hearts that Harry tends to leave in his wake. She organizes his schedule, runs a good deal of his business, as well as shops for the presents that he will eventually send his lady friends when he no longer requires their company. Though she is a lady in the truest sense of the word, and her propriety is her pride and joy, Emma continues to work for Harry in the hopes that he will eventually publish the line of etiquette books that she writes under the pseudonym of Mrs. Bartleby. When it becomes clear that he will never do so, and that he has in fact never even read her work and instead rejects it without review, Emma quits her position and throws Harry's entire world into a tailspin.
Miss Emmaline Dove, Harry's female secretary, is usually the one who winds up being the bearer of bad news to the string of mistresses and broken hearts that Harry tends to leave in his wake. She organizes his schedule, runs a good deal of his business, as well as shops for the presents that he will eventually send his lady friends when he no longer requires their company. Though she is a lady in the truest sense of the word, and her propriety is her pride and joy, Emma continues to work for Harry in the hopes that he will eventually publish the line of etiquette books that she writes under the pseudonym of Mrs. Bartleby. When it becomes clear that he will never do so, and that he has in fact never even read her work and instead rejects it without review, Emma quits her position and throws Harry's entire world into a tailspin.
Cute and charming, not terribly deep. The style and pacing were a bit old-school, the characters not even really attracted to each other until about 100 pages into the book, the sex scenes reserved for the last 70 pages or so.
The characters were fun, I liked Guhrke's take on the period and the characters attributes and foibles. I will read more by this authors.
The characters were fun, I liked Guhrke's take on the period and the characters attributes and foibles. I will read more by this authors.
This was the first time I'd read a book by this author and I was just enchanted. It was a refreshing lead up to a very romantic first kiss. It was sweet and sexy.
Robin M. (robinm953) reviewed And Then He Kissed Her (Girl-Bachelor, Bk 1) on + 26 more book reviews
An expert in etiquette, Emma takes her pristine reputation most seriously. But the devilish Lord Marlowe is determined to prove that some rules of proper behavior are made to be broken...
One of the best romances of 2007. Tender, funny and sexy
Anna L. (lovestonurse) reviewed And Then He Kissed Her (Girl-Bachelor, Bk 1) on + 11 more book reviews
"An expert in etiquette, Emma takes her pristine reputation most seriously. But the devilish Lord marlowe is determined to prove that some rules of proper behaviour are made to be broken. . ."
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Could not put it down.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Could not put it down.
E. L. (happyknitter) reviewed And Then He Kissed Her (Girl-Bachelor, Bk 1) on + 17 more book reviews
Very romantic book. I didn't want it to end.
I am loving this book. And I am so happy that it is the first of her new 4 book series. The way that Harry and Emma fall in love slowly and with surprises, makes me wish it always happened that way in real life. This book goes up there at the top of my favorites list.
This was a great book. I loved every page. I read this book in one day. You won't be sorry you read this one.
Angie S. (bookobsessed) reviewed And Then He Kissed Her (Girl-Bachelor, Bk 1) on + 17 more book reviews
I really enjoyed this book! It was really the something different I was looking for!
This was a bit slow in the beginning. The hero didn't even give a kiss till half way through the story but it moved right along building up in Guhrke fashion with an overall satisfying read. The heroine making her way in a man's world and being truthful to herself about what she wanted in her life and going for it.
Kinda slow but was good
Loved it!
Michelle D. (Michelle74) reviewed And Then He Kissed Her (Girl-Bachelor, Bk 1) on + 153 more book reviews
Regency 1893 setting where there is a Secretary / Employer romance.
He doesn't realize how much she does for him until she leaves and he is forced to cope without her. Story revolves around his plot to get her back as his secretary, but finds her as more.
He doesn't realize how much she does for him until she leaves and he is forced to cope without her. Story revolves around his plot to get her back as his secretary, but finds her as more.
Ruth S. (RuthTheLibrarian) reviewed And Then He Kissed Her (Girl-Bachelor, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
Supremely sensible Emmaline Dove wishes to share etiquette expertise with London's readers, and as secretary to Viscount Marlowe, emma knows she's in the perfect position to make her dream come true. Marlowe might be a rake with a preference for can-can dancers and an aversion to matrimony, but he is also the city's leading publisher, and Emma is convinced he's her best chance to see her work in print ... until she dicovers the lying scoundrel has been rejecting her manuscripts without ever reading a single page.
As a publisher, Harry finds reading etiquette books akin to slow plainful torture. Besides, he can't believe his proper scretary has the passion to write anything worth reading. The she has the nerve to call him a liar, and even resighs without notice, leaving his business in an uproar and his honor in question! Harry decides it's time to teach Miss Dove a few things that aren't proper. But when he kisses her, he discovers that his former secretary has more passion and fire than he'd ever imagined, for one luscious taste of her lips only leaves him hungry for more......
As a publisher, Harry finds reading etiquette books akin to slow plainful torture. Besides, he can't believe his proper scretary has the passion to write anything worth reading. The she has the nerve to call him a liar, and even resighs without notice, leaving his business in an uproar and his honor in question! Harry decides it's time to teach Miss Dove a few things that aren't proper. But when he kisses her, he discovers that his former secretary has more passion and fire than he'd ever imagined, for one luscious taste of her lips only leaves him hungry for more......
Barbara F. (daylilylover) reviewed And Then He Kissed Her (Girl-Bachelor, Bk 1) on + 768 more book reviews
Great book! 1st time I've read this author but I will be looking for more!
i enjoyed this book. I'll read the rest of the things she wrote - no better complement than that.
An enjoyable diversion!
Robin M. (robinmy) -
For four years Emmaline Dove has worked for Publisher Harrison Marlowe, typing his correspondence, making his coffee, and even buying gifts for his mistresses. But when she asks him to read her latest manuscript and he turns it down, she has had enough. Emma decides to quit her job and become a full time writer, knowing someone wants to read what she has to offer. Harry is stunned when Miss Dove tends her resignation. With his office in chaos, he begs Emma to reconsider. But her writing career is quickly taking off and she refuses. Her response surprises Harry. He sees the woman he has been taking for granted for years and suddenly wants to get to know her better.
This is the first book in Laura Lee Guhrke's Girl-Bachelor series. Emma is a thirty year old single woman who just wants her books on etiquette to be published. She is very prim and proper having been raised by her maiden aunt. Harry caused a scandal when he divorced his American wife. He has vowed never to remarry and keeps a revolving door of mistresses nearby. He feels no one will want to read anything about etiquette, but is surprised when his mother and sisters love Emma's newspaper column.
I loved Emma and Harry's relationship as they became friends and then lovers. Both characters are well drawn and their conversations are delightful. My rating: 4 Stars.
This is the first book in Laura Lee Guhrke's Girl-Bachelor series. Emma is a thirty year old single woman who just wants her books on etiquette to be published. She is very prim and proper having been raised by her maiden aunt. Harry caused a scandal when he divorced his American wife. He has vowed never to remarry and keeps a revolving door of mistresses nearby. He feels no one will want to read anything about etiquette, but is surprised when his mother and sisters love Emma's newspaper column.
I loved Emma and Harry's relationship as they became friends and then lovers. Both characters are well drawn and their conversations are delightful. My rating: 4 Stars.
Caitlin I. (caitlinireland) reviewed And Then He Kissed Her (Girl-Bachelor, Bk 1) on + 13 more book reviews
This is the first I've read of Laura Lee Guhrke but certainly not the last. I like her writing and her characters.
Melissa G. (Heloise-Abelard) reviewed And Then He Kissed Her (Girl-Bachelor, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
Great book.
See my review on www.megromancereviews.blogspot.com
Happy Ever Afters.
Heloise (& Abelard)
See my review on www.megromancereviews.blogspot.com
Happy Ever Afters.
Heloise (& Abelard)
