Louise Allen (1) (1949–)
Author of The Lord and the Wayward Lady
For other authors named Louise Allen, see the disambiguation page.
About the Author
Louise Allen is the author of more than forty historical romances set in the Georgian and Regency period (www.louiscalIenregency.co.uk). She is also a collector of Regency prints and ephemera, a wide selection of which appear in this book.
Image credit: © A.J.Hilton
Series
Works by Louise Allen
Regency Slang Revealed: Grose's Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue & Later Versions - Organised & Indexed (2016) 18 copies
The Regency Lords & Ladies Collection Vol. 17 (One Night with a Rake / Dutiful Rake) (2008) 3 copies
Regency Reputations: Secrets and Scandal / Regency Rumours: Tarnished Amongst the Ton (2021) 2 copies, 1 review
Desert Rake 2 copies
The Viscount & The Virgin / Unlacing the Innocent Miss / The Officer & The Proper Lady / Taken by the Wicked Rake (2010) 1 copy
A Mistletoe Masquerade / Wayward Widow / The Wicked Gift / The Unmasking of Lady Loveless (2010) 1 copy
Practical Widow to Passionate Mistress / Vicar's Daughter to Viscount's Lady / Innocent Courtesan to Adventurer's Bride (2011) 1 copy, 1 review
Harlequin Historical September 2025 - Box Set 2 of 2 — Author — 1 copy
Associated Works
Together by Christmas (The Unmasking of Lady Loveless / Christmas Reunion / A Mistletoe Masquerade) (2009) — Contributor — 37 copies, 1 review
Married by Christmas (Silent Night Man / Christmas Reunion / A Mistletoe Masquerade) (2008) — Contributor — 10 copies
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Legal name
- Hilton, Melanie
- Other names
- Shaw, Francesca (in collaboration)
- Birthdate
- 1949
- Gender
- female
- Occupations
- romance novelist
- Organizations
- Romantic Novelists Association
- Short biography
- Melanie Hilton has been immersing herself in history, real and fictional, for as long as she can remember, and her first attempt at historical fiction at the age of eight was three pages of improbable medieval drama set in the local castle. Some considerable time later she joined forces with a friend and became one half of the writing partnership Francesca Shaw -- what began as a decidedly tipsy storytelling session in a Burgundian vineyard led on to a series of Historical Romances, all but one set in the Regency period. Career changes meant that the partnership had to end and she now writes as Louise Allen about her favorite historical period alone -- which means she can keep all her gorgeous heroes to herself.
She lives in England in a village in Bedfordshire with her long-suffering husband who is not only a wonderful cook, but also the perfect inspiration for every romantic hero imaginable. All their spare time is spent at their Norfolk cottage on the coast where, although they have no pets, they are permitted to share the garden with a very bossy pheasant called Percy. - Nationality
- UK
- Birthplace
- Norfolk, England, UK
- Places of residence
- Norfolk, England, UK
- Associated Place (for map)
- Norfolk, England, UK
Members
Reviews
Modern sensibilities in a heroine can be iffy in historical settings but it made sense here given Rose’s situation, her sisters need her to step up, to be the provider and protector for their family, even if society frowns upon her doing so. The author also wisely gave Marcus a background where you could buy into the possibility of him being more open to a woman’s independence than other men of that era may have been.
There isn’t a ton of spice in this one, to the point that when it show more arrives it felt almost out of place. But I’m not complaining, I’d rather have a slightly jarring tonal shift than what I’ve encountered too often in recent romances where there’s such an emphasis on sex that little room is left for story or developing emotion. The balance between those elements here was much more aligned with my preferences, the falling in love happened gradually enough and the plot is strong, there’s even actual solid reasons for a marriage of convenience, it isn’t just there because now every romance novel “needs” a trending trope.
Family plays a significant role here and I loved that. The younger sisters were endearing and dimensional and this did such a fantastic job of bringing Marcus into their fold, it really enhanced the reading experience to feel like this wasn’t just a couple uniting, it was a whole family. show less
There isn’t a ton of spice in this one, to the point that when it show more arrives it felt almost out of place. But I’m not complaining, I’d rather have a slightly jarring tonal shift than what I’ve encountered too often in recent romances where there’s such an emphasis on sex that little room is left for story or developing emotion. The balance between those elements here was much more aligned with my preferences, the falling in love happened gradually enough and the plot is strong, there’s even actual solid reasons for a marriage of convenience, it isn’t just there because now every romance novel “needs” a trending trope.
Family plays a significant role here and I loved that. The younger sisters were endearing and dimensional and this did such a fantastic job of bringing Marcus into their fold, it really enhanced the reading experience to feel like this wasn’t just a couple uniting, it was a whole family. show less
This was a good role-reversal story. Usually, the man picks a bride using practical reasoning, while the woman wants to marry for love. In this book, Jessica is a wealthy ironmaster's daughter. He hopes to gain a titled son-in-law and provides Jessica with a hefty dowry. Unfortunately, this attracts the wrong kind of suitor. Jessica looks around her and decides the honorable Alexander, Duke of Malvern, would suit her well. He has a good reputation, and he needs the money. The opening scene show more is intriguing, as she proposes to him.
Alex is surprised by Jessica's proposal, and though her reasoning is sound, he wants what his friends have - a marriage of love. He's kind but adamant in his refusal, and she leaves disappointed. However, they frequently cross paths in social settings and soon form an unusual friendship. Alex still hopes that that bolt of lightning will hit, but he discovers that he can't keep his mind off Jessica. There's a terrific scene where he comes to the rescue in an awkward situation.
Eventually, Alex realizes he can't wait any longer - he needs the cash influx to restore the castle and take care of his tenants. So he proposes to Jessica, believing they will get along well enough. Jessica is a little wary, worried that he will find his "soul mate" after they are married. Immediately after the wedding, they leave for his castle. Only after they arrived did she find out about the fires that devastated the village, and she believed that was why he proposed. It is a misunderstanding that dents their trust in each other.
I liked how Jessica rolled up her sleeves and got to work helping handle the crisis. This enabled her and Alex to get to know each other and deepen their friendship. That friendship grows into more, but Alex is still fixated on the lightning bolt and doesn't recognize that he's fallen in love. Jessica, too, has fallen for her husband but hesitates to say anything.
When a young woman from Alex's past shows up, Jessica fears her worst nightmare has come true. After the conversation she overheard, I ached for her and understood her need to get away. Alex doesn't know what sent her running and is hurt and confused by her actions. I loved the ending, where a combination of good advice and honest communication gives them the marriage both wanted and neither thought they could have. show less
Alex is surprised by Jessica's proposal, and though her reasoning is sound, he wants what his friends have - a marriage of love. He's kind but adamant in his refusal, and she leaves disappointed. However, they frequently cross paths in social settings and soon form an unusual friendship. Alex still hopes that that bolt of lightning will hit, but he discovers that he can't keep his mind off Jessica. There's a terrific scene where he comes to the rescue in an awkward situation.
Eventually, Alex realizes he can't wait any longer - he needs the cash influx to restore the castle and take care of his tenants. So he proposes to Jessica, believing they will get along well enough. Jessica is a little wary, worried that he will find his "soul mate" after they are married. Immediately after the wedding, they leave for his castle. Only after they arrived did she find out about the fires that devastated the village, and she believed that was why he proposed. It is a misunderstanding that dents their trust in each other.
I liked how Jessica rolled up her sleeves and got to work helping handle the crisis. This enabled her and Alex to get to know each other and deepen their friendship. That friendship grows into more, but Alex is still fixated on the lightning bolt and doesn't recognize that he's fallen in love. Jessica, too, has fallen for her husband but hesitates to say anything.
When a young woman from Alex's past shows up, Jessica fears her worst nightmare has come true. After the conversation she overheard, I ached for her and understood her need to get away. Alex doesn't know what sent her running and is hurt and confused by her actions. I loved the ending, where a combination of good advice and honest communication gives them the marriage both wanted and neither thought they could have. show less
One disappointing apple doesn't spoil this bunch, but it does bring down the overall star rating.
The Captain's Christmas Journey - Carla Kelly - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ms. Kelly is an icon in traditional Regency romance, and she doesn't disappoint with this story. Captain Everard makes the difficult journey to deliver one of his crew member's final moments to his family at Christmastime. The good Captain has no family of his own, and feels adrift during the holidays, so when he finds Davey Newsome's show more family as wonderful as the impish man himself was, he allows himself to be persuaded to stay for the holiday season. Verity Newsome, Davey's sister, is destined for a governess position on a faraway estate, and when she's called over early, Captain Evarard agrees to escort her. Everyone they encounter on the journey assumes that they are married, and they begin to wonder if there's something to that...
Though a bit contrived (and with very obvious matchmaking family members meddling in due course), this was a lovely, warm story about a man who realizes what he doesn't have, and a woman daring to wonder about what she could. It made me feel ooey-gooey on the inside, exactly what I want when reading holiday-set stories.
The Viscount's Yuletide Betrothal - Louise Allen - ⭐⭐⭐1/2
Captain Andrew Pagett Stanton, the 'Vagabond Viscount,' is at a loss. He has just inherited a wholly unwanted and impoverished title and he has no idea how he's going to come up with the money to restore the estate. Having no other family, he's staying with his friend in London when he comes across an interesting advertisement: a lady advertising for a holiday-season betrothed, complete with room, board, and payment in full at the end. Eleanor Jordan is the oldest of a set of siblings and is doing her best to wind their way through Society. Her younger twin sisters are due to come out next year, but more pressing is the matter of her younger brother, Theo. He has accepted a position at university against his guardian's wishes, and Ellie is hoping to find a man to pretend to be her betrothed who can help convince said guardian that university is the right path for Theo, instead of the Navy.
Drew leaves off the fact that he's just inherited a title when he interviews with Ellie; otherwise, they seem to fit each others' bill rather perfectly. Ellie has been burned by fortune hunters in the past and has no allusions about actually finding a husband. Drew moves into the Jordan household temporarily and plays his part to perfection for the various relatives, all the while falling in love with Ellie herself. All that's left is to convince her that their feelings for each other aren't merely a dream.
I knocked a couple of stars off of this because there was some unnecessary drama at the end. Said drama would've been more fitting if this was a full-length novel, but it was too much for the constraints of a novella. If not for that, it would've gotten at least 4 stars. Ms. Allen is a strong writer and I've enjoyed her work in the past because she pens the perfect blend of authentic historical detail and simmering passions.
One Night Under the Mistletoe - Laurie Benson - ⭐
This one was the stinker for me. I should've known I was in for a rough ride with the author's note, which was basically, "what would've happened if Romeo & Juliet hadn't run away together immediately?" I'm no fan of R&J as some sort of all-fired tragic romance, and unfortunately, I was not a fan of this story. Our heroine, Juliet, was a completely immature, petulant, childish wretch. She hates the hero, Monty, for romancing her for a week four years ago and then, when his proposal is shot down by her guardian, not agreeing to run off and elope with her 18-year-old self. Four years later, they are locked into a library at a ball together and compromised, thus completely ruining her reputation. Of course they must marry. (Of course!) No matter that her sister is married to his brother already, Society dictates, and whatnot. Juliet hangs on to her hatred and mistrust of Monty even though he's given her no reason that I can see for those hard feelings.
This novella is part of a series, and maybe if you're coming into it with that backstory, this will resonate for you. For me, it just fell flat. Most of the story is spent trying to get these two in the sack, but if they don't trust or even like each other, what is the point of that? Unless you're writing erotica, a novella of nothing but sexytimes just leaves me cold.
I skimmed this story, rolled my eyes at Juliet's antics after the sex, and decided that this author is not for me. show less
The Captain's Christmas Journey - Carla Kelly - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ms. Kelly is an icon in traditional Regency romance, and she doesn't disappoint with this story. Captain Everard makes the difficult journey to deliver one of his crew member's final moments to his family at Christmastime. The good Captain has no family of his own, and feels adrift during the holidays, so when he finds Davey Newsome's show more family as wonderful as the impish man himself was, he allows himself to be persuaded to stay for the holiday season. Verity Newsome, Davey's sister, is destined for a governess position on a faraway estate, and when she's called over early, Captain Evarard agrees to escort her. Everyone they encounter on the journey assumes that they are married, and they begin to wonder if there's something to that...
Though a bit contrived (and with very obvious matchmaking family members meddling in due course), this was a lovely, warm story about a man who realizes what he doesn't have, and a woman daring to wonder about what she could. It made me feel ooey-gooey on the inside, exactly what I want when reading holiday-set stories.
The Viscount's Yuletide Betrothal - Louise Allen - ⭐⭐⭐1/2
Captain Andrew Pagett Stanton, the 'Vagabond Viscount,' is at a loss. He has just inherited a wholly unwanted and impoverished title and he has no idea how he's going to come up with the money to restore the estate. Having no other family, he's staying with his friend in London when he comes across an interesting advertisement: a lady advertising for a holiday-season betrothed, complete with room, board, and payment in full at the end. Eleanor Jordan is the oldest of a set of siblings and is doing her best to wind their way through Society. Her younger twin sisters are due to come out next year, but more pressing is the matter of her younger brother, Theo. He has accepted a position at university against his guardian's wishes, and Ellie is hoping to find a man to pretend to be her betrothed who can help convince said guardian that university is the right path for Theo, instead of the Navy.
Drew leaves off the fact that he's just inherited a title when he interviews with Ellie; otherwise, they seem to fit each others' bill rather perfectly. Ellie has been burned by fortune hunters in the past and has no allusions about actually finding a husband. Drew moves into the Jordan household temporarily and plays his part to perfection for the various relatives, all the while falling in love with Ellie herself. All that's left is to convince her that their feelings for each other aren't merely a dream.
I knocked a couple of stars off of this because there was some unnecessary drama at the end. Said drama would've been more fitting if this was a full-length novel, but it was too much for the constraints of a novella. If not for that, it would've gotten at least 4 stars. Ms. Allen is a strong writer and I've enjoyed her work in the past because she pens the perfect blend of authentic historical detail and simmering passions.
One Night Under the Mistletoe - Laurie Benson - ⭐
This one was the stinker for me. I should've known I was in for a rough ride with the author's note, which was basically, "what would've happened if Romeo & Juliet hadn't run away together immediately?" I'm no fan of R&J as some sort of all-fired tragic romance, and unfortunately, I was not a fan of this story. Our heroine, Juliet, was a completely immature, petulant, childish wretch. She hates the hero, Monty, for romancing her for a week four years ago and then, when his proposal is shot down by her guardian, not agreeing to run off and elope with her 18-year-old self. Four years later, they are locked into a library at a ball together and compromised, thus completely ruining her reputation. Of course they must marry. (Of course!) No matter that her sister is married to his brother already, Society dictates, and whatnot. Juliet hangs on to her hatred and mistrust of Monty even though he's given her no reason that I can see for those hard feelings.
This novella is part of a series, and maybe if you're coming into it with that backstory, this will resonate for you. For me, it just fell flat. Most of the story is spent trying to get these two in the sack, but if they don't trust or even like each other, what is the point of that? Unless you're writing erotica, a novella of nothing but sexytimes just leaves me cold.
I skimmed this story, rolled my eyes at Juliet's antics after the sex, and decided that this author is not for me. show less
Fantastic story that kept me hooked from start to finish. Sophie is a young widow who has just finished her year of mourning. She looks forward to her independence and caring for her young son. She has no intention of marrying again and giving up her freedom but will devote her time to raising her son and caring for his estates until he is grown.
Her marriage wasn't happy, with her much older husband moving his mistress into their home. Even after his death, she was stuck with the woman show more until the year's mourning ended. On that day, Sophie discovered the mistress gone, along with several of the duke's diaries - diaries that would create an enormous scandal if they were made public. Desperate to prevent that scandal, she hires "problem fixer" Nicholas Pascoe to retrieve them.
I loved the first meeting between Sophie and Nick. He is handsome, confident, and not at all deferential. Something about him stirs her up, and she doesn't like it. Nick is equally drawn to her and just as dismayed. He doesn't need the distraction while he works to retrieve the diaries. I enjoyed the sparks that flew between them during that meeting as they wrangled over the details of the mission. Nick's methods are effective, and I had fun watching him work his wiles on Mrs. Sweeting. There are some tense moments when his search faces disaster, but quick-thinking Sophie saves the day.
At the same time, the attraction between Sophie and Nick continues to grow. Their chemistry is explosive, and they also find themselves becoming friends. Each finds themselves thinking of the impossibility of their growing feelings for each other. But Nick is hiding a secret that could change everything. I loved that he trusted Sophie enough to share his story and that she cared enough to help him. I loved seeing her play referee at the ball.
But the defeated mistress has one last card to play, and it is a doozy. The mayhem she causes forces Nick's hand regarding his future and his need to protect Sophie. I loved how cool and calm he was as he carried out his plans. I ached for both, as each was reluctant to confess their feelings, their fear of rejection creating distance between them. I could have shaken them both when miscommunication caused misunderstandings and harsh words. The ending was heartwarmingly emotional, with both admitting to their fears and mistakes and their love.
I loved Sophie's son Freddie. He's realistically portrayed for his age, with good and bad moments. Sophie doesn't spoil him and intends to ensure he grows into a responsible man. It was sweet to see how he took to "Pas!" and that Nick was equally enchanted with him. My favorite scene with them was the coach ride when Nick and Freddie went to ride on top to give Sophie a break. The two were adorable together.
#netgalley show less
Her marriage wasn't happy, with her much older husband moving his mistress into their home. Even after his death, she was stuck with the woman show more until the year's mourning ended. On that day, Sophie discovered the mistress gone, along with several of the duke's diaries - diaries that would create an enormous scandal if they were made public. Desperate to prevent that scandal, she hires "problem fixer" Nicholas Pascoe to retrieve them.
I loved the first meeting between Sophie and Nick. He is handsome, confident, and not at all deferential. Something about him stirs her up, and she doesn't like it. Nick is equally drawn to her and just as dismayed. He doesn't need the distraction while he works to retrieve the diaries. I enjoyed the sparks that flew between them during that meeting as they wrangled over the details of the mission. Nick's methods are effective, and I had fun watching him work his wiles on Mrs. Sweeting. There are some tense moments when his search faces disaster, but quick-thinking Sophie saves the day.
At the same time, the attraction between Sophie and Nick continues to grow. Their chemistry is explosive, and they also find themselves becoming friends. Each finds themselves thinking of the impossibility of their growing feelings for each other. But Nick is hiding a secret that could change everything. I loved that he trusted Sophie enough to share his story and that she cared enough to help him. I loved seeing her play referee at the ball.
But the defeated mistress has one last card to play, and it is a doozy. The mayhem she causes forces Nick's hand regarding his future and his need to protect Sophie. I loved how cool and calm he was as he carried out his plans. I ached for both, as each was reluctant to confess their feelings, their fear of rejection creating distance between them. I could have shaken them both when miscommunication caused misunderstandings and harsh words. The ending was heartwarmingly emotional, with both admitting to their fears and mistakes and their love.
I loved Sophie's son Freddie. He's realistically portrayed for his age, with good and bad moments. Sophie doesn't spoil him and intends to ensure he grows into a responsible man. It was sweet to see how he took to "Pas!" and that Nick was equally enchanted with him. My favorite scene with them was the coach ride when Nick and Freddie went to ride on top to give Sophie a break. The two were adorable together.
#netgalley show less
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