The Paid Companion

by Amanda Quick

The Paid Companion is an historical romance between Arthur, Earl of St. Merryn and Elenora with a good mystery thrown in. St. Merryn is an intelligent, stuffy hero with a rough exterior and a heart ready to be melted by the right woman. Elenora is a self-confident and resourceful woman who intrigues St. Merryn with her unconventional attitude. She is quite unlike any woman he has ever met in that she is considered over the hill at 26, unmarried and works for an employment agency that supplies paid companions.

The story is a touch like Pretty Woman in which a handsome, older man consumed with work is taken with the down and out woman who makes him realize that there are more important things is life, like sensual touches of the knee and delicate brushes of the arm.

The mystery unfolds with Arthur diligently trying to find the murderer of his great-uncle, a great alchemist. The investigation occurs during the Season, in which older stuffy men are looking for young, naïve women to marry. During the investigation throughout the city of London, Arthur decides he doesn’t need the hassle of young women and their mothers trying to impress upon him for a marriage contract thus he visits an employment agency to hire a paid companion. Arthur notices Elenora’s fiery temper and decides she will be perfect as his live-in “fiancée” for the Season. The witty banter between Arthur and Elenora makes this romance a great read. With phrases like “I vow” and “Damnation, woman” how could you not be entertained?

A fast-paced story and a quick read with two steamy love scenes and a lot of sensuality that reminds me of the times when you are flirting with a cute man but afraid to say anything too forward. This tale is filled with carriage rides, parasols and elegant gowns worn at the fashionable parties of the well to do. I love it. Arthur is sexy in that Richard Gere older gentleman I give this book 3 stars and look forward to the next Amanda Quick read.