Candice Hern | Romance Author

Romantic Times Bookclub awards 4 stars to A Proper Companion . Their review says: "Regency connoisseurs will hail the stylish debut of Candice Hern, a striking new talent of superior merit. What a joy to discover such a noteworthy new writer, one whose intelligence, wit, and craftsmanship are as impressive as her elegant romantic sensibility."

Under the Covers Book Reviews says: "Candice Hern's Regency, A Proper Companion, is a proper little gem. Each character is distinctly individualistic and beautifully crafted. She knows how to create characters along with the best. This is just one of her strengths. Her plotting is seamless and there is passionate care in her writing for each word, each raised eyebrow and jutting chin. Even the title has a dual nuance. Highly recommended."

NY Times Best-selling Author Mary Balogh says: "A wonderfully enjoyable read. It captured me at the start and held me to the end. This is a fine, gentle, warm romance."

A Proper Companion is out of print and new copies are unfortunately no longer available. To locate used copies, we recommend these online booksellers:

This was my first published book, and the first book I ever wrote. In its early stages, it won several local RWA contests. One of those contests, Romancing the Novel, sent the winners in each category to an editor. Mine went to Judy Stern Palais at Berkley/Jove. She liked the entry (two chapters) enough to request the whole book. Unfortunately, I had not yet completed the book. So I sent her the chapters I'd completed (about a third of the book) and she offered me a contract. I was extremely lucky to sell a book without a completed manuscript, and I will forever be grateful to Judy for jump-starting my writing career.

A Proper Companion I confess that the first character to be fully developed for this story was the dowager countess. In my head, she had the distinctive drawling voice of my friend's Great Aunt Ruth. And so the dowager came to life first as a voice, then as a complete character.

I created this story with sequels in mind. The hero, Robert, has two best friends and I planned a book for each of them. Jack's story became A Change of Heart and Sedge's story became An Affair of Honor.

Emily stared openly at the man of whom she'd heard so many tales. He was no doubt handsome enough for a rake, but there was also a certain boyishness about him that was most appealing.

"My dear boy!" exclaimed the dowager as she stretched out her arms to her grandson. In two quick strides Lord Bradleigh was at her side, clasped her to him in a fierce bear hug, and then swung her through the air like a young girl.

"Put me down, you fool! I am an old woman!" she snapped, although her eyes gleamed with delight.

Lord Bradleigh returned his grandmother to earth and planted an affectionate kiss upon her cheek. "Old woman?" He grinned. "You are forever young, my dear heart. You look wonderful."

"You have not lost your charm, I see." The dowager glared up at him, still somewhat breathless. Without warning, her eyes darkened, and she reached up and soundly boxed his ears. "How dare you!" she said.

Completely startled, Lord Bradleigh said, "Wh-what is this?" while he rubbed his stinging ears.

"As if you did not know. Emily, show him."

Emily had observed the unusual scene with amusement. Failing to completely suppress a smile, she handed the Gazette to Lord Bradleigh. He turned, and for the first time noticed Emily's presence. He hesitated a brief moment as their eyes met, then turned to the dowager with a questioning look.

"I beg your pardon, my dear," she said. "This is my companion, Miss Emily Townsend. Emily, meet my impudent and surprisingly foolish grandson, Lord Bradleigh."

Lord Bradleigh turned to Emily and bowed. "Your servant, Miss Townsend."

Emily nodded and dipped a tiny curtsy. "Lord Bradleigh." She smiled and proceeded to hand him the crumpled Gazette. He returned her smile with a look in his eye that caused her knees almost to buckle as he took the newspaper from her hand.

So, that's what it's like, she thought, to be stared at by a rake. It was a most unsettling experience.