The Lady in Question

by Judith Laik

Book Overview

Gambled away by her father during a game of cards, Charlotte Treadwell now 'belongs' to the Earl of Rayfield who, unknown to to Charlotte, is not the scoundrel she believes him to be, but a secret... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1502437651
• ISBN13: 9781502437655
• Release Date: September 2014
• Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 184 Pages
• Weight: 0.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A worthwhile lead

I really enjoyed both the writing style and the plot of this book immensly. I appreciated the LACK of cliche characters and deliberate and unrealistic misunderstandings. Charlotte is a strong lady, fallen on hard times but still willing to make her own way and help others as she goes. No crying puddle of "How will I ever survive!!!" drama. She is very easy to like and sympathize with. Rayfield is a nice, honest man!!! Hurray! Also a likeable character who doesn't bully and mistreat women even if he isn't sure they are honest. A spy, who sees Charlotte as a possible suspect, he is still honest and kind to her while he waits for proof. This was a great story that is held together by its own plot and doesn't need lots of deliberate misleads or contrived misunderstandings to carry it through to the end. It was full of unique characters and people who truly mean well and a villain that isn't too eay to guess early on in the story. This is a very well written book and the author has an open and fluid style that I would gladly recommend!

Traditional Regency with Zing

Hugh Boderick Brooks, the Earl of Rayfield is an undercover spy. His latest quarry is the elusive gamester Francis Treadwell, whom he suspects is fueling the recent Luddite attacks with the help of the French to cause a revolution in England and hopefully overthrow the government. When the habitually lucky gamester loses he proposes one more wager and Rayfield is amazed to discover that the prize is Treadwell's daughter Charlotte. Rayfield is astonished that Charlotte agrees to such a gamble and assumes she must be an accomplice in her father's treasonous activities to go along with the wager. Charlotte thought this only another of her fathers gambits to win a bet and is later stunned to discover that her father has left her high and dry with no place to go and no plans to rescue her. Now poor Charlotte has no option but to go along with Rayfield's plans to launch her into society in order to find her a suitable husband. Although, Rayfield still has her at the top of his suspect list as being a traitor, he couldn't help his attraction for her at bay whenever he was near her. Accordingly Charlotte felt the much of the same physical attraction but she certainly didn't want any gamester like her father for a husband! *** Rayfield was introduced in the Ms. Laik's debut THE LADY IS MINE, and while this follows more closely the formula of a traditional regency, lacking the raciness of the former, it is none the less a splendid read. This story's plot had more of an adventure and suspense tone allowing it to keep the pace moving forward in a fast clip making it a very quick, though thoroughly enjoyable read. Rayfield himself was an honorable man who was truly baffled by the seemingly suspicious behavior of Charlotte as he followed her movements. Being a master spy he seemed only to read her movements as suspect rather than trying to comprehend that they were innocent and giving acts of kindness. Being left high and dry by her rapscallion father, Charlotte knew her only option was to marry well and though she was genuinely attracted to Rayfield she thought him to be a gamester like her father and knew better than to pin any hopes of a future on him. With a lovely regency voice Ms. Laik fashions a sweet tale that fans of this genre should look forward to without the shock value that some authors utilize in spicing up their romances. Laik focuses more on character development and building a memorable love story which is very refreshing. This book should be put on all traditional Regency genre lovers shopping lists. Marilyn Rondeau, RIO - Reviewers International Organization

A Delightful Historical Romp, Filled With Spies And Wonderful Romantic Moments!

Is she a spy - a traitor in disguise? Could she just care for the ones in need, with sweet intentions we all see? You decide... Hugh Broderick Brooks, the Earl of Rayfield (a premier spy hunter), has just finished winning his hand in a card game with his suspect Francis Treadwell. The prize just happens to be Treadwell's daughter, Charlotte. Why would Treadwell discard his daughter so carelessly? Are these Treadwells in this plot together, or is there something more going on here? What is Hugh going to do with a helpless female in his midst? What will become of poor sweet Charlotte? Ms. Laik writes with a regal pen. She creates an adventure with splendid settings for the characters to gracefully parade through. Ms. Laik treads lightly with sexually innuendos. Though the allusions are no less potent; they are softly threaded throughout the story. This lends to an ageless and timeless appeal for the entire romance audience to enjoy. How completely refreshing! Hugh is a very honorable man that takes his high standing in the social realm of London's elite society very seriously. He is a man out for truth and justice, even if it means Charlotte Treadwell's downfall. If only Charlotte's sexual allure was not so strong toward Hugh. He is only human. Charlotte's kindness seems to be working against her. What should be taken as selfless deeds are turning into doubts concerning her whereabouts and motives. Charlotte is truly in the dark about what is going on in the backgrounds of her life. She only knows that her attraction to Hugh is strong - magnetic. If you are looking for an historical with adventure and romance without profanity or vulgarities, then you will want to read The Lady in Question by author Judith Laik! Reviewed by © Janalee Ruschhaupt, 2005 Courtesy of Love Romances www.loveromances.com

A Fun Read!

This book opens with a terrific hook--Charlotte Treadwell's father wagers her in a game of hazard and intentionally loses her to the rakish Earl of Rayfield. From there the complications and the fun begin as Charlotte seeks to escape from the handsome, but dangerous, Rayfield and continue her work with the poor. And Rayfield seeks to catch a traitorous spy. The book is peppered with lighthearted entries written by a modern day historian who has discovered Rayfield's case notebook and is using it as research for a book of his own. Ms Laik creates sympathetic and well drawn characters. The plot moves along and keeps the reader interested. Overall, a great read!