The Husband List

I absolutely loved this book. In some of the others in this series I found the heroes a little flighty and shallow - and the women truly silly and way too overbearing. These two were perfect. what could be better than Richard, a reformed rake, with deep dark secrets? He was everything that Gillian could want in a husband thus she had him at the top of her list. But she did not even begin to know why he was the most perfect man for her. In addition to being sexy, handsome, a truly good and decent person he also had his secret life as the artist Toussaint. And Gillian was such a patron of artists - she had no idea that her two worlds would truly come together by offering Richard to share her fortune if they would marry. Richard had had some really challenging years financially which is why he had reformed and put everything into restoring his lands, paying of family debts and trying to make a life for his 4 sisters. He had always been enchanted with Gillian, but felt she was totally out of his league. She wants a marriage in name only. Well Richard could never agree to that so he agrees to court/seduce her. Actually both of his characters himself and the artist Toussaint both decide to seduce her. This to me was so interesting. It really made this book different than others - and I loved watching Gillian react to both of them - she was actually falling for both men, and it was the same man. Somehow deep down her inner self must have instinctively known that. And of course Gillian being the observant one, realizes they are the same. And when she seduces Toussaint to pay him a lesson well that was beautiful. This was not a silly book at all. It was full of heartfelt emotions and Richard proved to be what a deep, caring, sexy sensitive man he truly was - throughout. I absolutely loved this book. I found it by far the best so far in this series which I think I have read 1/2 now. I think readers of this series will find this at the top!

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.

A wonderful book with great characters and a plot that keeps you turning the pages. Victoria Alexander is a master storyteller and she has another winner with this one!

For people who enjoy light-hearted regency romances, this is the book for you. It was wonderful to watch the romance unfold between a lonely widow and a poor but hard-working Earl. They were brought together by the common goal of financial security, but soon discovered that love was more important then money or security.Both Gillian and Richard were afraid of falling in love. Yet even when they fell for each other, they were both too afraid to admit it. Eventually they found their way to each other with a little help from Richard's many sisters and Gilian's family and friends. With Richard, Gillian found the passion and excitement that had been missing in her life. The author Victoria Alexander painted a vivid portrait of these characters. By the end of the book, I felt like I knew Richard and Gillian. This is a wonderful book to curl up with on a Saturday afternoon. It's a fun book that isn't bogged down with historical details or great tragedy. I would highly recommend it.

This was a terrific read. Fast, fun, and humorous, it is the perfect book to take to your last day at the beach before the kids start back to school.Gillian and Richard were fun, and tender. Ms. Alexander really knows how to write a hero that you would LOVE to meet. Non-stop action from beginning to end, this book will leave you with a smile!