The Paid Companion

Description

“Once again, the incomparable Quick has whipped up a delectable Regency romance” (Booklist)—about an ice-cold business agreement that turns into something far more heated…  
The Earl of St. Merryn needs a woman. His intentions are purely practical—he simply wants someone sensible and suitably lovely to pose as his betrothed for a few weeks among polite society. He has his own agenda to pursue, and a false fiancée will keep the husband-hunters at bay while he goes about his business. The simplest solution is to hire a paid companion. After all, the sorry women who must accept such employment are sure to be grateful for any favor…
 
When he encounters Miss Elenora Lodge, he believes his problem is solved. Her dowdy attire and pinned-up hair cannot hide her fine figure and the fire in her golden eyes. And her unfortunate circumstances—and secret dreams of a life onstage—make the Earl’s offer undeniably appealing.
 
But St. Merryn is clearly hiding something, and things seem oddly amiss in his gloomy Rain Street home. Elenora is soon to discover that his secrets are even darker than his décor—and this lark will be a more dangerous adventure than she’d been led to believe. And Arthur, Earl of St. Merryn, will find that the meek and mild companion he’d envisioned has become both a partner in his quest to catch a killer—and an outspoken belle of the ball who stirs a bothersome passion in his practical heart… Praise for The Paid Companion“Once again, the incomparable Quick (Jayne Ann Krentz) has whipped up a delectable Regency romance that mixes humor, suspense, and tantalizing historical detail with the savory ingredients her fans have come to expect; a feisty, resourceful heroine; a hero with a decidedly dangerous edge; witty repartee; and strongly appealing secondary characters. Another winner from a hugely popular romance star.”—Booklist  
“A delectable romp from the deft pen of Ms. Quick.”—Kirkus Reviews   “Enjoyable…the banter is lively and entertaining.”—The Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN)
 
“Typical Quick—which is to say immensely entertaining—this Regency romance contains a mystery element, but as always with the author, her characters are the main attraction. The hero and heroine are bright, principled people…Fans of Stephanie Laurens will especially go for this.”—Library Journal  
“Thank you Ms. Quick for yet another moving, humorous, addictive read.”—Rendezvous Reviews Amanda Quick is a pseudonym for Jayne Ann Krentz, the author of more than fifty New York Times bestsellers. She writes historical romance novels under the Quick name, contemporary romantic suspense novels under the Krentz name, and futuristic romance novels under the pseudonym Jayne Castle. There are more than 35 million copies of her books in print. US