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Lady Ann's Excellent Adventure
This is an original, never-before-published Regency short story of approximately 12,000 words.
Fans of the traditional Regency romances of Georgette Heyer, Barbara Metzger, and Carla Kelly will enjoy this story of a highborn bride about to embark on an important arranged marriage. Before sacrificing herself on the altar of duty, Lady Ann decides to experience one last day of unchaperoned fun. Her attempted escape, however, appears to be foiled when she gets stuck in a tree. She is fortunate to be rescued by a gallant gentleman, who then accompanies her on a most excellent adventure. When she finds herself falling in love with her handsome rescuer, Lady Ann must now face an arranged marriage that not only tests her sense of duty. It might also break her heart.
Fans of the traditional Regency romances of Georgette Heyer, Barbara Metzger, and Carla Kelly will enjoy this story of a highborn bride about to embark on an important arranged marriage. Before sacrificing herself on the altar of duty, Lady Ann decides to experience one last day of unchaperoned fun. Her attempted escape, however, appears to be foiled when she gets stuck in a tree. She is fortunate to be rescued by a gallant gentleman, who then accompanies her on a most excellent adventure. When she finds herself falling in love with her handsome rescuer, Lady Ann must now face an arranged marriage that not only tests her sense of duty. It might also break her heart.
43 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 23, 2012
43 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Candice Hern
32 books250 followersCandice Hern is the award-winning, bestselling author of historical romance novels set during the English Regency period. Her books have won praise for the "intelligence and elegant romantic sensibility" (Romantic Times) as well as "delicious wit and luscious sensuality (Booklist). Candice's award-winning website (www.candicehern.com) is often cited for its Regency World pages, where readers interested in the era will find an illustrated glossary, a detailed timeline, illustrated digests of Regency people and places, articles on Regency fashion, research links, and much more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 25, 2017
Oh! This was a delight! It's very short and the whole story takes place in only 24 hours, but it's a wonderful romance and I fell into it gladly. Both Ann and Ev/Will are marvelous and seeing them develop a friendship with potential was just everything I wanted for a brief break tonight. All the stars for all the fun.
March 6, 2017
Will aka Lord Evesham is taking his new curricle for a spin when he finds a woman stuck in a tree. As he soon discovers, this woman is his soon-to-be arranged fiancee trying to have one last day of 'freedom' before she bows to her duty as the ultimate martyr. Many adventures later, they're feeling tingly about each other!!
This is another of Hern's quickies: it's a handful of pages but a fun little romp nonetheless. I almost suspect that Hern excels at these short bits because they don't allow her to get too mired in the love-them-hate-them back and forth I've found in a few of her longer length pieces: instead it's attraction and burgeoning feelings and it's cute and to the point and then over before it gets obnoxious.
This is another of Hern's quickies: it's a handful of pages but a fun little romp nonetheless. I almost suspect that Hern excels at these short bits because they don't allow her to get too mired in the love-them-hate-them back and forth I've found in a few of her longer length pieces: instead it's attraction and burgeoning feelings and it's cute and to the point and then over before it gets obnoxious.
February 26, 2019
Sweet and light Regency story that breaks the mold of dukes and earls by introducing a princess. Generally clean, though the hero does go on about the heroine's curves a few times. Overall I enjoyed it, though I think my favorite part was the end where the author explains why she called the book 'Lady Ann's Excellent Adventure' and not 'Princess Ann's...'.
Which says something about this short story.
Which says something about this short story.
April 9, 2017
Short but sweet and lots of fun.
January 8, 2014
Have you ever read a short story and wished it was a full length novel? That is how I felt after completing “Lady Ann’s Excellent Adventure.” Short and sweet at 43 pages, Candice Hern has introduced characters that I instantly loved and wanted to know more about. What grabbed me so immediately you ask? The humor and effervescent theme.
In this brief format an author must use every word and sentence to advance the narrative quickly to its conclusion. Hern wastes no time by introducing the two main characters in an outrageous and humorous way: our hero, the Earl of Evesham, is test driving his new curricle down Park Lane in London and spies a young woman perched in a tree attempting to make her way over a fence. Caught by her skirts on a branch, she is prevented from progressing and literally up a tree! The unusual sight of a finely dressed woman in such a predicament is quite intriguing to the lord, but the fact that she is attempting to escape from the garden of the royal owner that he was appointed to meet the next day to make a formal offer for his daughter’s hand is even more interesting. It is an arranged marriage since his boyhood and he has not seen his future fiancé since she was a child. Could this pretty young lady be his intended? No. It was highly unlikely that Lady Ann of Gloucester, daughter of Prince William Henry, Duke of Gloucester, and niece to the king would be dangling from a tree in the fashionable Mayfair district. Was she instead a housebreaker escaping with the family silver? Who could this “adorable sprite” be?
She quickly shares that she is running away from her life—for a day—her last day of freedom before her life changes forever and she sacrifices herself to the “altar of duty.” That cinched it. She was his intended. He offers to help her down on one condition: that he be allowed to escort her on her adventure. She agrees and an unlikely alliance begins: and before it’s merry conclusion we are take on a grand spree through several amusing sites in Regency London: to Hyde Park to watch a balloon accent, to Black Friars Bridge to eat oysters, to Ludgate Hill to admire the shops where he buys her perfume, to Pasternoster Row to browse print and book shops where he purchases The Picture of London for 1802, Being a Correct Guide to all of the Curiosities, Amusements, Exhibitions, Public Establishments and Remarkable Objects in and near London, for the use of Stragers, Foreigners, and all Persons who are not acquainted with the British Metropolis. In short, a tourist guide book! She is delighted with all that she experiences, and most importantly him.
Assuming a name to hide his true identity and the connection to her family, along the way they inadvertently run across his friends who want to meet this pretty young lady; one even thinks she is his new ladybird! But, he is determined to keep up the ruse. “As the day progressed and he’d grown increasingly fond of her, even a little infatuated, he’d begun to feel a tad guilty at his deception. Even so, he was oddly reluctant to give it up. He was enjoying himself too much.” And so are we.
What a fun romp through some unusual sites in London that the Ton may not have frequented – and that was the point. Lady Ann wanted to experience life of the common man; to see their entertainments and live her life as a commoner in one day. Lord Evesham is a capable and charming guide, enjoying her wide-eyed amazement with a fresh perspective and a growing appreciation for the woman who would hopefully become his wife. But now how will he ever transition into the earl who she is pledged to marry, and will she be too angry and embarrassed to accept him when she discovers his deception?
A delightfully breezy and upbeat glimpse at two aristocrats playing hooky from duty and decorum, “Lady Ann’s Excellent Adventure” is all that its title promised. It is Roman Holiday meets Georgette Heyer and I could not be more enchanted with this reverse fairytale of two strangers who climb down from the their high perch and enjoy the simple life and each other without inhibitions or preconceived assumptions. I was so captivated by each of the protagonists that I did not want their story to end. Like the conclusion of the delightful movie Roman Holiday, they do have to face the reality of their return to royalty, but their lives will never be burdened with regret.
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
In this brief format an author must use every word and sentence to advance the narrative quickly to its conclusion. Hern wastes no time by introducing the two main characters in an outrageous and humorous way: our hero, the Earl of Evesham, is test driving his new curricle down Park Lane in London and spies a young woman perched in a tree attempting to make her way over a fence. Caught by her skirts on a branch, she is prevented from progressing and literally up a tree! The unusual sight of a finely dressed woman in such a predicament is quite intriguing to the lord, but the fact that she is attempting to escape from the garden of the royal owner that he was appointed to meet the next day to make a formal offer for his daughter’s hand is even more interesting. It is an arranged marriage since his boyhood and he has not seen his future fiancé since she was a child. Could this pretty young lady be his intended? No. It was highly unlikely that Lady Ann of Gloucester, daughter of Prince William Henry, Duke of Gloucester, and niece to the king would be dangling from a tree in the fashionable Mayfair district. Was she instead a housebreaker escaping with the family silver? Who could this “adorable sprite” be?
She quickly shares that she is running away from her life—for a day—her last day of freedom before her life changes forever and she sacrifices herself to the “altar of duty.” That cinched it. She was his intended. He offers to help her down on one condition: that he be allowed to escort her on her adventure. She agrees and an unlikely alliance begins: and before it’s merry conclusion we are take on a grand spree through several amusing sites in Regency London: to Hyde Park to watch a balloon accent, to Black Friars Bridge to eat oysters, to Ludgate Hill to admire the shops where he buys her perfume, to Pasternoster Row to browse print and book shops where he purchases The Picture of London for 1802, Being a Correct Guide to all of the Curiosities, Amusements, Exhibitions, Public Establishments and Remarkable Objects in and near London, for the use of Stragers, Foreigners, and all Persons who are not acquainted with the British Metropolis. In short, a tourist guide book! She is delighted with all that she experiences, and most importantly him.
Assuming a name to hide his true identity and the connection to her family, along the way they inadvertently run across his friends who want to meet this pretty young lady; one even thinks she is his new ladybird! But, he is determined to keep up the ruse. “As the day progressed and he’d grown increasingly fond of her, even a little infatuated, he’d begun to feel a tad guilty at his deception. Even so, he was oddly reluctant to give it up. He was enjoying himself too much.” And so are we.
What a fun romp through some unusual sites in London that the Ton may not have frequented – and that was the point. Lady Ann wanted to experience life of the common man; to see their entertainments and live her life as a commoner in one day. Lord Evesham is a capable and charming guide, enjoying her wide-eyed amazement with a fresh perspective and a growing appreciation for the woman who would hopefully become his wife. But now how will he ever transition into the earl who she is pledged to marry, and will she be too angry and embarrassed to accept him when she discovers his deception?
A delightfully breezy and upbeat glimpse at two aristocrats playing hooky from duty and decorum, “Lady Ann’s Excellent Adventure” is all that its title promised. It is Roman Holiday meets Georgette Heyer and I could not be more enchanted with this reverse fairytale of two strangers who climb down from the their high perch and enjoy the simple life and each other without inhibitions or preconceived assumptions. I was so captivated by each of the protagonists that I did not want their story to end. Like the conclusion of the delightful movie Roman Holiday, they do have to face the reality of their return to royalty, but their lives will never be burdened with regret.
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
April 22, 2013
This is a short story, set in the Regency era. Lord Evesham is driving his carriage along when he spots something unusual; a young lady, stuck in a tree! The house is one he is due to visit the following day, to formally propose to the young lady of high birth as per a longstanding arrangement. Naturally, he is curious, and a little apprehensive that this lady might prove to be his intended. He finds that the young lady is just trying to enjoy a last day of freedom and decides to accompany her, to get to know her better.
The spelling in this novella is generally American English, but there weren't particularly any Americanisms that jumped off the page aside from the spelling, and I learned some words that they spell differently that I hadn't realised were different previously (mollusk?!) Although this is a short story I didn't feel it was too short, in fact I felt the adventure went on a bit longer than I felt was likely, but it was very enjoyable nonetheless.
The spelling in this novella is generally American English, but there weren't particularly any Americanisms that jumped off the page aside from the spelling, and I learned some words that they spell differently that I hadn't realised were different previously (mollusk?!) Although this is a short story I didn't feel it was too short, in fact I felt the adventure went on a bit longer than I felt was likely, but it was very enjoyable nonetheless.
July 15, 2018
I think Candice Hern is one of my favourite regency writers. In this short little novella we meet "Lady Ann" who is a Princess and "William" who is her betrothed. She is abiut to be formally engaged to him, but decides to escape her home for one day of "freedom". By chance she meets him, while he knows who she is, she doesn't know who he is. He offers to escort her on her day of adventures and they have a wonderful time.
It's a very sweet story!
It's a very sweet story!
September 21, 2020
A really short story, but fun. There was no angst or lurid sex scenes. Just a fun read with a happy ending. I love a break every once and a while and go back to classic romance. Candice Hern is one of my favorites.
March 24, 2019
Short and sweet, I enjoyed this very much.
September 6, 2013
After having been delighted with the latest Candice Hern book I read I was looking forward to start this one and was even a bit disappointed when I realised that this was a novella.
Due to its very short format there's no space for a lot of character development but this was a fun romp and it definitely made me realise that I should grab more books by the author. She comes up with fun plot ideas and the execution in her hands is both light, fun and a bit outrageous. In this one Lady Ann of Gloucester wants to spend a day enjoying her freedom before becoming engaged to be married to a dull man but ends up spending her day, unknowingly, with that same man, who is perfectly aware of who she is.
The characters were likeable and engaging and they fit in with the plot beautifully. The only thing that I didn't particularly care for was that Lady Ann is made a member of the Royal family and I always have trouble imagining that - somehow it always sounds fake. But that is indeed a minor flaw.
Grade: 4/5
Due to its very short format there's no space for a lot of character development but this was a fun romp and it definitely made me realise that I should grab more books by the author. She comes up with fun plot ideas and the execution in her hands is both light, fun and a bit outrageous. In this one Lady Ann of Gloucester wants to spend a day enjoying her freedom before becoming engaged to be married to a dull man but ends up spending her day, unknowingly, with that same man, who is perfectly aware of who she is.
The characters were likeable and engaging and they fit in with the plot beautifully. The only thing that I didn't particularly care for was that Lady Ann is made a member of the Royal family and I always have trouble imagining that - somehow it always sounds fake. But that is indeed a minor flaw.
Grade: 4/5
February 18, 2014
I've loved everything that Candice Hern has written and this delightful short story is no exception.
Lady Ann is to be betrothed to a man she has not seen since childhood and she is fearful. Lord Eversham is that man and she does not know it. They meet quite by accident as she is trying to run away from her home in London. Snagged in a tree trying to escape from the second story window, Eversham rescues her and a lengthy romp through the town ensues.
These two characters are so loveable and charming I wish the author would write an entire novel about them. If I say anything more, I'll be delving into spoiler territory. Read the story instead!
Lady Ann is to be betrothed to a man she has not seen since childhood and she is fearful. Lord Eversham is that man and she does not know it. They meet quite by accident as she is trying to run away from her home in London. Snagged in a tree trying to escape from the second story window, Eversham rescues her and a lengthy romp through the town ensues.
These two characters are so loveable and charming I wish the author would write an entire novel about them. If I say anything more, I'll be delving into spoiler territory. Read the story instead!
August 30, 2017
Very sweet novella about a couple getting to know each other through ordinary activities in a day. I would have rated 4* but I'm not a fan when one person knows who the other is and not vice versa.
December 2, 2018
Short and sweet; an arranged marriage, dutifully accepted as inevitable by both parties, who are hedged about by the manners and expectations of the ton. Once their official identities are stripped away, they are able to get to know each other as people. A light-hearted romp that can be read in a gulp.
February 23, 2024
Even though this was a short story, it bored me until a few pages after the second half.
The story was mostly predictable, but I enjoyed learning about carriage vocabulary, various places in London and activities there during the Regency era.
The likeable, compassionate, and sympathetic characters are a delight to read. The quotations about duty are especially touching.
The story was mostly predictable, but I enjoyed learning about carriage vocabulary, various places in London and activities there during the Regency era.
The likeable, compassionate, and sympathetic characters are a delight to read. The quotations about duty are especially touching.
April 6, 2025
A cute little Novella about a couple who are literally meant for each other.
Lady Ann has been betrothed to the Earl since childhood. And although she means to do her duty and marry him, she wants to experience a little freedom if just for one day.
She manages her little adventure with a very obliging and charming gentleman. Unbeknownst to her, he is her betrothed. 😁
❤️❤️❤️
Lady Ann has been betrothed to the Earl since childhood. And although she means to do her duty and marry him, she wants to experience a little freedom if just for one day.
She manages her little adventure with a very obliging and charming gentleman. Unbeknownst to her, he is her betrothed. 😁
❤️❤️❤️
June 8, 2017
Fluffy and fun, and works as a short story.
November 12, 2019
Enchanting!
What a sweet charming story! Charming characters and just a lovely quick read when you just want a sweet story to enjoy!
What a sweet charming story! Charming characters and just a lovely quick read when you just want a sweet story to enjoy!
May 11, 2021
Short, sweet, delightful and so much fun ... like a breath of fresh air. Loved it!
December 9, 2022
Sweet story, but attitudes and behaviors seemed very modern, I couldn't really believe this was happening in regency times. What is presented as fun and endearing would have actually been scandalous and shocking.
September 12, 2023
Delightful , light romantic short story
January 5, 2025
3.5 stars light hearted, sweet short story, well written, likable characters. Worth trying more of her books.
March 20, 2017
Quick and cute. :)
January 26, 2013
I really enjoyed this "last fling" story. Lady Ann is to be officially betrothed to a man she hasn't seen since she was 6 yrs old.. so on the day before the betrothal she sneaks out in search of an "adventure". Who should come by as she's stuck in a tree trying to get out of her father's house? You guessed it.. her intended, Lord Evesham. Of course she doesn't discover his true identity as he takes her on a day long adventure that neither will ever forget.
The things that I like about this story are that it's very fast paced, Lady Anne is a strong female character and there is no "high drama". I don't like when story lines where one or the other character is pretending to be someone else.. and there are too many lies that will lead to hurt feelings when the truth comes out. In this story it's just a wonderful tale of two people falling love when they least expected it to happen.
The things that I like about this story are that it's very fast paced, Lady Anne is a strong female character and there is no "high drama". I don't like when story lines where one or the other character is pretending to be someone else.. and there are too many lies that will lead to hurt feelings when the truth comes out. In this story it's just a wonderful tale of two people falling love when they least expected it to happen.
August 29, 2015
A cute, sweet story about Lady Ann, who is entering into a formal betrothal and wants one last adventure before giving in to duty. Evesham, her betrothed, happens upon her and decides to take the opportunity to get to know his intended (without telling her who he is) and shows her a grand time about London, gradually falling in love with her. It's a novella, so we don't learn too terribly much about the characters and there isn't much in the way of chemistry between them. This is more romance than passion. But I wasn't so fond of how it ended, that the hero lied to her for a whole day, sent her off alone believing she was letting love slip by her and then showing up and saying surprise. And she overlooks it as though she hadn't spent the entire night crying. I'd have been a bit angry about him not telling her the night before.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2013
Since Ms. Hern included an author's note regarding some of the characters and events in this story, it frees me to just speak about what I enjoyed.
Lady Ann is facing a marriage not of her choosing, and one she can't escape, so she slips away for a day just to experience life as those who aren't closely chaperoned might do.
Lord Evesham is out for a jaunt in his new curricle when he comes to the rescue of a pretty young lady. Never having met the woman he was betrothed to as child, he doesn't realize this is his fiancee. What follows during the next few hours is certainly most excellent adventure, Regency style.
Candice Hern is on my auto-buy list, and this book, while short, didn't disappoint.
Lady Ann is facing a marriage not of her choosing, and one she can't escape, so she slips away for a day just to experience life as those who aren't closely chaperoned might do.
Lord Evesham is out for a jaunt in his new curricle when he comes to the rescue of a pretty young lady. Never having met the woman he was betrothed to as child, he doesn't realize this is his fiancee. What follows during the next few hours is certainly most excellent adventure, Regency style.
Candice Hern is on my auto-buy list, and this book, while short, didn't disappoint.
July 23, 2013
Princess Ann of Gloucester is about to be betrothed. On her last day of freedom she climbs a tree to escape from her London home, in order to get out and have one last adventure. She gets stuck and is rescued by a handsome stranger, with whom she spends the day enjoying ordinary pleasures that are normally denied her. But is the stranger more closely involved in her life than she realizes?
This is a delightful look at the constrictions of high aristocratic life - for a female at least - where shoppin is a novelty. One can't help feeling sorry for Ann, but perhaps her life will take a turn for the better, not worse, with her betrothed.
This is a delightful look at the constrictions of high aristocratic life - for a female at least - where shoppin is a novelty. One can't help feeling sorry for Ann, but perhaps her life will take a turn for the better, not worse, with her betrothed.
October 27, 2015
Lady Ann is escaping her home for her final adventure before she becomes betrothed to someone she hasn't seen since she was six. Will, who rescues her from a tree in front of her house, is to be her betrothed. He keeps his identity a secret and they have a day and evening of wonderful adventures. She knows she needs to do her duty, though, and says goodbye to Will. The next day, imagine her surprise when she discovers that her savior and betrothed are one and the same. I loved this story. I loved both of the characters and thoroughly enjoyed this book.
November 30, 2018
This is a SHORT story and as fun as the title implies. I couldn't resist and am not disappointed. I'm so happy her back list is becoming available.
November 2018: The really good writers can produce a novella that has all the ingredients of a novel and yet not leave me feeling hungry except for more of the same.
November 2018: The really good writers can produce a novella that has all the ingredients of a novel and yet not leave me feeling hungry except for more of the same.
October 30, 2018
4.15 stars - rated heavy pg13/r-lite??
I'm very slowly going through all my bookshelves and trying to catalogue books bought and read in years gone by. Stars and ratings are mere guesses at this point. I'm assuming I enjoyed the book at some point in my life?
I'm very slowly going through all my bookshelves and trying to catalogue books bought and read in years gone by. Stars and ratings are mere guesses at this point. I'm assuming I enjoyed the book at some point in my life?
January 25, 2013
Such a sweet story. I wish it were a full-length book! The characters were so nice. It was a great, quick read. I recommend it highly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews