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Liberated Ladies #4
The Earl's Reluctant Proposal
When an eligible earl… Meets a plain music teacher…
Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
About the author
Louise Allen
412 books336 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
This author also writes under the name Francesca Shaw.
I have had my nose buried in a history book - fact or fiction - for as long as I can remember, but even more important to me are the places and the objects that conjure up the past. My first attempt at historical fiction at the age of eight was three pages of improbable medieval drama set in the local castle.
With a degree in geography and archaeology I love to try and 'read' the landscape and the buildings in it for clues about the past. Virtually any place can trigger ideas for plots, but I am particularly inspired by Venice, Burgundy, Mediterranean islands and the Hertfordshire and Norfolk countryside.
I live in England in a village in Bedfordshire with my long-suffering husband. He is not sure whether to be flattered or alarmed to be told he is the inspiration for all my romantic heroes! Whenever possible we escape to our cottage on the North Norfolk coast where Percy, the bossy pheasant, allows us to share the garden.
My resolution every time I start on a new plot is to plan it carefully, make copious notes first and write lots of drafts in a disciplined and orderly manner. What inevitably happens is that the story starts to write itself in my head until it gets completely out of control - meanwhile my study floor becomes a sea of open books, prints and maps and I am found sitting in the car at traffic lights, muttering dialogue. At that point I have to start writing, knowing full well that the hero and heroine are going to take over and sabotage all my attempts at discipline. It is, after all, their story.
This author also writes under the name Francesca Shaw.
I have had my nose buried in a history book - fact or fiction - for as long as I can remember, but even more important to me are the places and the objects that conjure up the past. My first attempt at historical fiction at the age of eight was three pages of improbable medieval drama set in the local castle.
With a degree in geography and archaeology I love to try and 'read' the landscape and the buildings in it for clues about the past. Virtually any place can trigger ideas for plots, but I am particularly inspired by Venice, Burgundy, Mediterranean islands and the Hertfordshire and Norfolk countryside.
I live in England in a village in Bedfordshire with my long-suffering husband. He is not sure whether to be flattered or alarmed to be told he is the inspiration for all my romantic heroes! Whenever possible we escape to our cottage on the North Norfolk coast where Percy, the bossy pheasant, allows us to share the garden.
My resolution every time I start on a new plot is to plan it carefully, make copious notes first and write lots of drafts in a disciplined and orderly manner. What inevitably happens is that the story starts to write itself in my head until it gets completely out of control - meanwhile my study floor becomes a sea of open books, prints and maps and I am found sitting in the car at traffic lights, muttering dialogue. At that point I have to start writing, knowing full well that the hero and heroine are going to take over and sabotage all my attempts at discipline. It is, after all, their story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 5, 2023
Introvert h has a passion for music, H is rather dour, wants to do the 'right' thing. But from their first meeting, he listened to her. Unusual for the times. I enjoyed it more on my 3rd read.
February 22, 2021
This was a most engaging read. I did like the main characters especially Lucy Lambert. She was determined to make her own way in life and ensured her independence by giving music lessons. Lucy had such a love of music but the joy of it had been taken away from her. Max, Lord Burnham, appears to be a cold and forbidding man, although very handsome. He engages Lucy’s help with his stepsister. I did enjoy the way that Max’s attitude changed through the story and he became a much more likeable character. I liked the fact that he understood Lucy’s feelings about music and helped her to appreciate it in a different way. Lucy had a loving group of influential friends who were determined she would find happiness in her life.
Read
February 2, 2021Categories
Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance
Miniseries
Liberated Ladies (Book #4)
:)
Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance
Miniseries
Liberated Ladies (Book #4)
:)
December 12, 2021
Fun and sweet story. Mainly about failed marriage proposals done until finally she said yes because they admitted they loved each other.
I loved how he called the doctor because he wasn’t feeling well. When he lists symptoms doctor told him he was in love. Doctor just laughs because he didn’t think it was what Max was feeling, but it actually was. 😂😂
I loved how he called the doctor because he wasn’t feeling well. When he lists symptoms doctor told him he was in love. Doctor just laughs because he didn’t think it was what Max was feeling, but it actually was. 😂😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2026
So much of the abuse against the FMC in this book goes unaddressed:
Her father broke all of her fingers, and MMC Pretends he will do something to him, but doesn’t. Then he tells FMC she should reconcile with her dad.
MMC’s sister DRUGGED FMC. Nothing was ever said to her about this
Her father broke all of her fingers, and MMC Pretends he will do something to him, but doesn’t. Then he tells FMC she should reconcile with her dad.
MMC’s sister DRUGGED FMC. Nothing was ever said to her about this
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2021
Fun book to read. The story opens as Lucy awakens from a drugged sleep, confronted by her pupil's irate stepbrother. It seems that Sophia used Lucy to hide her departure to a forbidden house party. After explaining the circumstances, Max hires Lucy to accompany him to the same house party to discover what unsuitable man Sophia imagines herself in love with.
I liked Lucy. She is intelligent and determined. Estranged from her parents after their actions resulted in the devastating loss of her music, she moved to London to become a piano teacher. I loved that Max doesn't intimidate her and how she stands up to him.
I had a more challenging time with Max. I liked that he takes his responsibility for his stepsister seriously and his protectiveness is understandable. I ached for him and the tragedy that had such a significant impact on his life. Max also comes across as cold and arrogant and doesn't consider what effect his plan could have on Lucy and her reputation.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Max and Lucy. It was simply a business arrangement at first, with neither anticipating anything else. It didn't take long for sparks to grow, jumpstarted by an episode of having to hide under a bed. Each is aware of the class gap between them, but that doesn't stop the attraction from growing. Lucy's ability to ferret out information impresses Max, and he finds himself more and more drawn to her. I thought he lacked empathy until the evening of the musical performances. It warmed my heart to see him comfort her on losing her ability to play and open her eyes to another way to feel the music. From this point, the feelings between them really started to grow. Max fought hard against them, wanting nothing to do with the idea of love. Lucy acknowledged hers to herself, but though she dreamed of the possibilities, was painfully aware of Max's opinion on the subject.
When Lucy discovers Sophia's secret, matters become far more complicated. Max is adamant that Sophia's feelings wouldn't outlast the difficulties and refuses to go along with her. Until this point, I thought Sophia was a spoiled brat, and her immediate reactions bear this out. Her attempt at revenge puts Lucy's reputation at risk, compelling Max to propose. I loved how Lucy stood up for herself and refused to give in to a life without love. I especially enjoyed how she avoided his attempt to convince her with an unusual method of leaving the house party. Max isn't finished, though, and tries yet again with predictable results from the stubborn Lucy in a great scene with her landlady. With their return to London, Max faced a changed Sophia and began to get an idea of the depth of her feelings. Thanks to her, he also began to accept his own feelings for Lucy but didn't know what to do.
Meanwhile, Lucy spent time with her happily married friends who offered her sympathy and assistance if she wanted it (and even if she didn't). There was an interesting discussion between Lucy's friend, Verity (the duchess), and Max, giving him more to think about. I ached for Lucy, who looked at a lonely life ahead of her. Her life took an odd twist when her estranged parents showed up, quivering with righteous indignation over her "disgrace." Max's timely arrival provided Lucy with unexpected support and unanswered questions after his departure. I loved her "aha" moment and what she did with it. The scene on the street was fantastic, and I loved seeing them fully open up to each other. The epilogue was terrific, and I loved the little part with Lucy and her friends. I'm looking forward to the final book with their friend Melissa.
I liked Lucy. She is intelligent and determined. Estranged from her parents after their actions resulted in the devastating loss of her music, she moved to London to become a piano teacher. I loved that Max doesn't intimidate her and how she stands up to him.
I had a more challenging time with Max. I liked that he takes his responsibility for his stepsister seriously and his protectiveness is understandable. I ached for him and the tragedy that had such a significant impact on his life. Max also comes across as cold and arrogant and doesn't consider what effect his plan could have on Lucy and her reputation.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Max and Lucy. It was simply a business arrangement at first, with neither anticipating anything else. It didn't take long for sparks to grow, jumpstarted by an episode of having to hide under a bed. Each is aware of the class gap between them, but that doesn't stop the attraction from growing. Lucy's ability to ferret out information impresses Max, and he finds himself more and more drawn to her. I thought he lacked empathy until the evening of the musical performances. It warmed my heart to see him comfort her on losing her ability to play and open her eyes to another way to feel the music. From this point, the feelings between them really started to grow. Max fought hard against them, wanting nothing to do with the idea of love. Lucy acknowledged hers to herself, but though she dreamed of the possibilities, was painfully aware of Max's opinion on the subject.
When Lucy discovers Sophia's secret, matters become far more complicated. Max is adamant that Sophia's feelings wouldn't outlast the difficulties and refuses to go along with her. Until this point, I thought Sophia was a spoiled brat, and her immediate reactions bear this out. Her attempt at revenge puts Lucy's reputation at risk, compelling Max to propose. I loved how Lucy stood up for herself and refused to give in to a life without love. I especially enjoyed how she avoided his attempt to convince her with an unusual method of leaving the house party. Max isn't finished, though, and tries yet again with predictable results from the stubborn Lucy in a great scene with her landlady. With their return to London, Max faced a changed Sophia and began to get an idea of the depth of her feelings. Thanks to her, he also began to accept his own feelings for Lucy but didn't know what to do.
Meanwhile, Lucy spent time with her happily married friends who offered her sympathy and assistance if she wanted it (and even if she didn't). There was an interesting discussion between Lucy's friend, Verity (the duchess), and Max, giving him more to think about. I ached for Lucy, who looked at a lonely life ahead of her. Her life took an odd twist when her estranged parents showed up, quivering with righteous indignation over her "disgrace." Max's timely arrival provided Lucy with unexpected support and unanswered questions after his departure. I loved her "aha" moment and what she did with it. The scene on the street was fantastic, and I loved seeing them fully open up to each other. The epilogue was terrific, and I loved the little part with Lucy and her friends. I'm looking forward to the final book with their friend Melissa.
August 18, 2021
I didn’t love this book but I think that was mainly down to the story trope. When a simple conversation would resolve the story I find the book becomes tedious. I liked the characters and the plot but just found the trope to be frustrating.
February 19, 2021
Lord Burnham and the fiercely independent Lucy
The icy Max Fenton and piano teacher Lucy join together in a scrupulously proper alliance to prevent what Max is convinced will be a scandal. Max's stepsister has fled his London house to attend a houseparty having drugged poor Lucy to get a good head start. Max's past is haunted by the nightmares that can come from an unequal match and in his efforts to save sister Sophia from an alliance she might live to regret he becomes close to the resourceful, quick witted Lucy. Lucy, with her lack of beauty and broken hands, has her own secrets, which very quickly come to include her feelings for the handsome, dashing Max. This story is a delightful addition to the Liberated Ladies series, I've read them all and this is a cracker. I loved Lucy's partner in crime, her maid Amy Pringle and their escape from the houseparty - a suitably daring and unpredictable exit giving the determined Max a timely lesson in underestimating the female sex. Brilliant.
The icy Max Fenton and piano teacher Lucy join together in a scrupulously proper alliance to prevent what Max is convinced will be a scandal. Max's stepsister has fled his London house to attend a houseparty having drugged poor Lucy to get a good head start. Max's past is haunted by the nightmares that can come from an unequal match and in his efforts to save sister Sophia from an alliance she might live to regret he becomes close to the resourceful, quick witted Lucy. Lucy, with her lack of beauty and broken hands, has her own secrets, which very quickly come to include her feelings for the handsome, dashing Max. This story is a delightful addition to the Liberated Ladies series, I've read them all and this is a cracker. I loved Lucy's partner in crime, her maid Amy Pringle and their escape from the houseparty - a suitably daring and unpredictable exit giving the determined Max a timely lesson in underestimating the female sex. Brilliant.
March 25, 2021
The Earl's Reluctant Proposal is an historical romance and book four of the Liberated Ladies mini-series. This is the first book that I have read in this series and it can easily be read as a stand-alone story.
Miss Lucy Lambert is a pianoforte teacher, but she finds herself being asked to help Max Fenton, the Earl of Burnham, to spy of his step-sister Lady Sophia. Sophia has gone to attend a house party after Max forbade her and his suspects she plans to meet her secret love. He need Lucy’s help to discover who Sophia’s admirer may be, so that he may judge his suitability for his sister.
The house party setting was very enjoyable and although there were lots of characters the author did a wonderful job of describing them all, so they were easy to imagine. I liked Lucy’s independence and her confidence with Max especially in what could have been awkward moments.
I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the others in the series.
Miss Lucy Lambert is a pianoforte teacher, but she finds herself being asked to help Max Fenton, the Earl of Burnham, to spy of his step-sister Lady Sophia. Sophia has gone to attend a house party after Max forbade her and his suspects she plans to meet her secret love. He need Lucy’s help to discover who Sophia’s admirer may be, so that he may judge his suitability for his sister.
The house party setting was very enjoyable and although there were lots of characters the author did a wonderful job of describing them all, so they were easy to imagine. I liked Lucy’s independence and her confidence with Max especially in what could have been awkward moments.
I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the others in the series.
October 27, 2026
La silenziosa Lucy si rivela la più decisa: in questo libro mi sono piaciuti molto i personaggi, la trama invece è stata un po' troppo stiracchiata, ma chi ama il genere regency non è che cerca molte novità: semplicemente ci piacciono i signori ben educati che non sanno gestire l'innamoramento verso ragazze più sovversive... Qui fila tutto e i due funzionano davvero bene, lettura piacevole
March 16, 2021
4.5 stars
March 22, 2021
This was a good book. I appreciated the point of view of the heroine. I appreciated her growth.
February 4, 2023
Well that was a surprise, this was great! First time reading the author, so no reflection on her, the next sentence explains why. I read the preview on amazon and bought it on sale 99p, and tried not to expect too much because most of the time, authors attempting this style ended up being anachronistic to the point of annoyance and over-caricatured for the period.
But other than one 'bitchy' word use which did jar a little bit, plus the fact that the hero and heroine would never be seen in a public area (Gunters) by themselves, I forgave that as it really was very consistent in the voice of the time with a modern aspect which was complementary most of the time with the flow of the read. Also I really like that it had more depth than the usual Mills & Boon (sorry M&B but it's true, other than Betty Neels of whom I am also a fan and a handful of others).
I'm definitely adding Louise Allen to my list of authors then! Thanks :)
But other than one 'bitchy' word use which did jar a little bit, plus the fact that the hero and heroine would never be seen in a public area (Gunters) by themselves, I forgave that as it really was very consistent in the voice of the time with a modern aspect which was complementary most of the time with the flow of the read. Also I really like that it had more depth than the usual Mills & Boon (sorry M&B but it's true, other than Betty Neels of whom I am also a fan and a handful of others).
I'm definitely adding Louise Allen to my list of authors then! Thanks :)
February 6, 2023
Very enjoyable. Had a touch of Georgette Heyer in the characterisation and dialogue. A good read.
June 12, 2021
Definitely a favorite. Slows down a bit in the last quarter. I would have liked an epilogue about Sophia and Anthony and their HEA. Lucy and Max were two stubborn people who took a long time to recognize their love. Lucy's parents did not receive their comeuppance as they should have. One steamy scene towards the end which cost it a star. Other than that, I recommend it.
March 21, 2021
An unusual story with a delightful heroine and redeemable hero.
April 5, 2021
I really didn’t connect with the love interests. I was never hooked into their romance. I didn’t believe in them.
July 10, 2023
After her hands are damaged by her father, Lucy leaves home to become a piano teacher in London. One lesson leaves her drugged and confused and awoken by Max, an Earl, who's step-sister has drugged Lucy in order to escape to her Aunt's home. Max employ's Lucy to go with him to follow Lucy and discover her love affair. During this trip, the two slowly develop feelings for each other.
The Good
I liked Lucy a lot. She had her own desire and wants and her lust/like for Max never caused her to abandon them. I loved when she said "“You would certainly not get the opportunity to, Max, believe me.” I wanted to stand up an cheer. I liked the plot because it was something I hadn't read that before.
The Bad
Max's character got better towards the end, but for the first half of this book I hated his character. I think the amount of comments on Lucy's appearance were unnecessary and made it so I was shocked a little when he wanted to kiss her. I also found his comment that she was "someone else who attracted violence" when it was clear someone had harmed her hands... she is a victim of something. It was hard for me to really root for him and care about his issues. I also did not enjoy the ending of them not just cutting off her parents.
The Rating
3/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2021
Louise Allen’s books are fun to read. She is so expert at handling this period that there just isn’t the fear that anachronistic attitudes or situations are going to jump out, turn on one’s inner critic and take one out of the story — this series with five independent heroines notwithstanding, although they do push the boundaries. I started the series with this one. (Considering that it is book four in the series, maybe not the best idea) Anyway, it seems that the heroines are not of the aristocracy and therefore it seems more realistic that they might find themselves in positions of needing to make their way in the world more independently. Certainly that is the case in this entry in the series.
The MC’s in this book, a prickly, rather confrontational spinster and an icily correct earl, manage to grow and change during the efficient course of this short novel to become perfect for each other. They accomplish this through self-reflection, conversation, confrontation, and the support of good friends. Pretty much real-world stuff. That makes this book very satisfying to read.
The MC’s in this book, a prickly, rather confrontational spinster and an icily correct earl, manage to grow and change during the efficient course of this short novel to become perfect for each other. They accomplish this through self-reflection, conversation, confrontation, and the support of good friends. Pretty much real-world stuff. That makes this book very satisfying to read.
December 31, 2024
Hugely enjoyable!!
I highly recommend this HMB Historical title by the accomplished and very talented Louise Allen, clearly one of the best authors writing for this series. As an author of Historical Fiction myself, I appreciate the importance of capturing the period with good research, and the author has achieved this along with giving us a challenging heroine, with a strong independent mind able to hold her own, and the novel starts with a impetus and continues in the same vein. Newcomers to Louise Allen's work won't be disappointed to be introduced to her via this title and her legion of fans who know what to expect won't be disappointed.
I highly recommend this HMB Historical title by the accomplished and very talented Louise Allen, clearly one of the best authors writing for this series. As an author of Historical Fiction myself, I appreciate the importance of capturing the period with good research, and the author has achieved this along with giving us a challenging heroine, with a strong independent mind able to hold her own, and the novel starts with a impetus and continues in the same vein. Newcomers to Louise Allen's work won't be disappointed to be introduced to her via this title and her legion of fans who know what to expect won't be disappointed.
February 11, 2024
A steamy story. 4th story in this series and is about Lucy, a gentlewoman, and an Earl.
I liked the characters. I did think that Lucy was perhaps too quick to agree to go with him to the house party, but otherwise she seemed another pragmatic, intelligent lady as have the rest of her friends. The Earl is focussing on sorting out his step sister. It did seem surprising who she had fallen in love with. Anyway I liked the book, not stunning but likeable and I think I will err on 4 stars
I liked the characters. I did think that Lucy was perhaps too quick to agree to go with him to the house party, but otherwise she seemed another pragmatic, intelligent lady as have the rest of her friends. The Earl is focussing on sorting out his step sister. It did seem surprising who she had fallen in love with. Anyway I liked the book, not stunning but likeable and I think I will err on 4 stars
March 24, 2025
I always find Louise Allen to be a consistently good writer for Mills & Boon. I just know I'm going to have a lovely time in one of her books. This was no exception. The heroine was really unique, a piano teacher with disabled hands. The hero was cold yet also quite ordinary. I really appreciate it when romance authors make their heroes like normal men and not all hulking 7 foot muscle bound behemoths with shoulders that go for miles.
January 18, 2022
The Reluctant Proposal is the perfect title.
Louise Allen's Regency novel The Earl's Reluctant Proposal is such an intriguing story to savor on a cool night. Lucy and Max create unique chemistry between each other along their path to discovering their true selves. Be sure to enjoy this fun worthwhile read!
Louise Allen's Regency novel The Earl's Reluctant Proposal is such an intriguing story to savor on a cool night. Lucy and Max create unique chemistry between each other along their path to discovering their true selves. Be sure to enjoy this fun worthwhile read!
December 12, 2021
Injured pianist finds Love
I enjoyed this romance. The main character, Lucy, is courageous and proud. She is also independent and intelligent. I also came to love Sophia, who at first seems to be a spoiled rich girl.
I enjoyed this romance. The main character, Lucy, is courageous and proud. She is also independent and intelligent. I also came to love Sophia, who at first seems to be a spoiled rich girl.
September 25, 2022
I thought this was a bit silly and it didn't do much for me. I think it teased the premise too much and didn't deliver on my expectations. I did like the fact the heroine demanded he propose out of love and not propriety at the end.
I liked the message about disability but also thought the example might fall short for some people but not most. She didn't lose the ability to earn money and livelihood doing something she enjoyed and was good at.
Though I love that the hero encouraged her to practice and just enjoy doing it at all. She didn't have to be as good as she was to still enjoy it or practice it with reasonable skill. I don't know how much this sentiment would be appreciated in reality by someone who had recently gone through a traumatising incident.
I love the way there is a 'mystery' they are working together to solve which is of course pretty obvious but they take their time... for reasons. This is an absolutely hilarious trope when done right and I feel like it was done right here!
I liked the message about disability but also thought the example might fall short for some people but not most. She didn't lose the ability to earn money and livelihood doing something she enjoyed and was good at.
Though I love that the hero encouraged her to practice and just enjoy doing it at all. She didn't have to be as good as she was to still enjoy it or practice it with reasonable skill. I don't know how much this sentiment would be appreciated in reality by someone who had recently gone through a traumatising incident.
I love the way there is a 'mystery' they are working together to solve which is of course pretty obvious but they take their time... for reasons. This is an absolutely hilarious trope when done right and I feel like it was done right here!
March 14, 2024
Good read
Glad he was able to look past her faults to the core of her.
How she didn't become bitter after her parents treated her poorly. The story talks about her forgiveness will prevent bitterness and resentment.
Glad he was able to look past her faults to the core of her.
How she didn't become bitter after her parents treated her poorly. The story talks about her forgiveness will prevent bitterness and resentment.
May 5, 2021
A little slow but cute story. There is a house party, a piano teacher pretending to be someone else to help an Earl and a cunning stepsister in love.
April 7, 2022
An interesting read.
April 26, 2022
I liked this one from the author. I liked the plot and the characters were aimiable.
July 12, 2022
I didn't like this one as much as others in the series. After about the first third, the story started to drag, and there wasn't a lot of chemistry between the main characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews