I Thee Wed
3.5 Stars

Series note: There is no tangible link between this book and With This Ring and it can be read as a standalone.

Emma Greyson is independent, intelligent and spirited, which makes her unsuitable for her chosen profession as a lady’s companion. The latest is a string of positions finds Emma at a country house party where the mundane activities of the ton take an interesting turn as she encounters the enigmatic Edison Stokes, a former member of the Vanzagarian society, who is in search of a secret manuscript and a killer who seems to have set their sights on Emma.

The Vanzagarian storyline shares many similarities with Krentz/Quick’s Arcane Society series - a secret society, a strange formula, a villain with nefarious motives, etc. This in and of itself is not a bad thing, but for those who have read the Arcane books, the mystery ultimately lacks originality and the suspense is diminished.

The romance fares better as Emma and Edison have strong chemistry, their banter is witty and their relationship relatively angst free. Edison’s backstory adds depth to his character and it is impossible not to feel for him. Emma is an engaging heroine and her relationship with Edison’s grandmother is one of the highlights of the story.

All in all, a quick and pleasant read for those times when one just needs to relax with a bit of fluff. On a side note, the Kobo version has several typos and formatting errors. ( )

Sort of part of a series, but only loosely linked. Basically a stand alone, and one of her better ones, I think. Emma is quick witted and resourceful, Edison is wrapped too tight but driven. The blurb gives clues. I find it to be a nice, non-demanding read about once a year or so. Enough suspenseful and sensual tension to keep one's interest without being gory or a bodice-ripper.
Barbara Rosenblatt is a good audio performer and doesn't overplay the roles. ( )

Mistrně vyprávěný příběh plný napětí, důvtipu a romantický citů. Není snadné si vydělávat na živobytí jako placená společnice, když má jeden ostrý jazyk a bystrou mysl. Proto také Emma Greysonová musí často měnit místo. Nyní pracuje ve venkovském sídle plném nudných hostů, kde se otravuje až k smrti. Dokud nepotká legendárního Edisona Stokese, u nějž získá místo tajné asistentky. Stokes má právě nevšední úkol, vypátrat zloděje, který ukradl starobylou knihu o tajných lécích. Má podezření, že se zločinec nachází mezi hosty a že právě hledá vhodnou oběť, na níž vyzkoušel jistý elixír - někoho, jako je Emma. ( )

While I enjoyed the book, it was not one of Amanda Quick's better novels. The beginning is interesting with the characters meeting while hiding entangled in a wardrobe. Edison Stokes is charming, eccentric and has some witty lines. Emma, on the other hand, is just down right annoying. All she seems to ever talk about is needing money and references, and for the life of me I cannot figure out what about her Edison likes. She is stubborn, bossy, and all about herself and her post. She does not possess too many redeeming character traits. Most of her comments I found grating. I do like how Emma handles Edison's grandmother and the grandmother's role in the story. There were a few funny moments, but overall, I think the book was merely average and that Emma's character developed poorly. The love interest was weak and the Vanza scheme was weak. But it was an easy read and interesting enough for me to finish the book. ( )

This was an OK read, nothing more. Admittedly, none of the Vanda series is a classic read, since they all have the (essentially) same plot but they make good brain candy after a hard day.

This one, however, was BORING. The constant repetition of "I am your employee, sir" or some variation, page after page, was irritating. Give it a rest.

There is no need to describe the plot in detail: woman in "reduced circumstances" meets rich Vanda man, finds herself in a precarious position, rescued by same and then finds herself in a plot of some complexity. Trouble is, I figured out this one almost at the beginning and it wasn't sufficiently interesting to keep me engaged.

It would make a pleasant enough beach read or airplane read but that's about it.