The Bargain

By: Jane Ashford

Narrated by: Nicola Barber

A scientifically minded nobleman, Lord Alan Gresham is the sixth son of the Duke of Langford and, as such, has been allowed to remain at Oxford to pursue his scientific studies. When the prince regent asks him to debunk the "ghost" of a dead actress haunting Carlton House, he cannot refuse, and is forced back to the Society he deplores. But upon meeting the daughter of the alleged ghost, his calm, logical investigation is disrupted.

Learns the breathless chemistry of desire. Ariel Harding doesn't believe in ghosts, but she's determined to investigate this haunting. Her mother recently committed suicide, and Ariel is desperate to find the reason. She'll work with Alan because he has access to Prinny's resources, but she never dreamed she'd make a perilous bargain with a man who's as maddeningly arrogant as he is confoundedly attractive....

©2014 Jane LeCompte (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Critic reviews

"A scintillating Regency adventure filled with...dark and dangerous action." (Affaire de Coeur)

"Charmingly written, by a deft hand." (RT Book Reviews

Fantastic Audio Upgrade for Entertaining Regency!

Any additional comments?

The Bargain by Jane Ashford is a very entertaining historical romance with well-developed characters and an intriguing plot set during the Regency period. Not only is there romance, but there are a few mysteries to solve and several perilous situations for our heroes. This was my first Jane Ashford novel and it will not be last!

The story centers around Lord Alan Gresham after he is summoned to Carlton House in London by the Prince Regent to get rid of a ghost that haunts Carlton House. Gresham is a light scientist at Oxford University who should be able to debunk the ghost quickly. The ghost appears to be the Prince's past mistress, Tess Harding, a famous actress who committed suicide a few weeks earlier. Lord Gresham teams up with Tess’s daughter, Ariel Harding, who is determined to uncover the truth behind her mother's death.

I can’t adequately express how much I loved these characters. Ariel is a very determined and persistent heroine with a strong sense of independence. She also has the gift of communication and ability to get information out of people who are otherwise reluctant to talk. Alan on the other hand is a man of science and reason who believes emotions and love are irrational. And of course, Ariel falls in love with him, despite Alan not having a clue about romance.

I listened to the Audible version of this audiobook narrated by Nicola Barber. She did a great job and really brought the characters to life, giving each character their own distinct voice. In short, I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook and definitely recommend it!

Fun Story, Excellant Narration

Great Narrator! one of the best I've listened to and I will look for other books narrated by her...as long as the story suits me of course !

really slow start

I almost gave up on this book, glad I didn't. The middle is quite enjoyable.

Decent listen

My most frustrating thing with this book is Nicola’s propensity to whisper. Therefore, the sound is always inconsistent, and the whispering gives the book a dreary feel. If not for that, she is very good with character voices.

Adorable Sweet Romance

I was surprisingly enjoy this kind of light and sweet romance from Jane Ashford.

And also Nicola Barber's performance is great, she can perform innocent Ariel's voice, I almost can see her and feel her pain. I would venture another from Nicola Barber's work.

Enjoyable Story

I realy enjoyed this story, lighthearted, romance and a bit of adventure, just a bit, not to much. I liked the Story. It truly entertained me.

Like this one.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Bargain to be better than the print version?

I am not sure, never read it before.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

The story was fine.

Which character – as performed by Nicola Barber – was your favorite?

Probably Ariel.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Don't jump to conclusions.

Any additional comments?

Nice romantic book.

A bit far fetched

A bit of a different twist although I wasn't greatly enamored of it. Not one of my favorites.

not a bargain!

I listened to this book for about 3/4 of the story and kept thinking it would get better. it never did!

BORING

I will NEVER listen to another book by this author. It kept putting me to sleep. The narrator, however, was the best I've heard.