Category: Part of a Series

The Countess by Sophie Jordan

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Non-Traditional Romance, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Countess (The Scandalous Ladies of London, #1)The Countess by Sophie Jordan

Tracy’s rating: 2.5/3 of 5 stars

Series: The Scandalous Ladies of London, #1

Release Date: March 28, 2023

WARNING – THIS REVIEW MIGHT BE SPOILERISH

Gertrude “Tru”, the Countess of Chatham has been married to the Earl for almost twenty years and has given him two children, but theirs is not a happy marriage and they basically live separate lives. At the ripe old age of 37, Tru is devoted to her children and her small circle of friends, she is faithful to her unfaithful husband and has earned the moniker of “the Cold Countess”, she believes that her chance for happiness is long past and is determined to make sure her daughter Cordelia “Delia” finds the happiness that eluded her. But apparently, her husband doesn’t have the same consideration for her, he wants a rich son-in-law to bankroll him and has set his sights on widower Jasper Thorne. Tru is not happy about this development and even more so when she realizes that Jasper is the man that propositioned her, the man she can seem to forget!

Jasper Thorne is a widower and father of a young daughter, he is a self-made man who wants a better life for his daughter and thinks that marrying a titled, society woman is the key to her being accepted by the ton. He originally sets his site on the current “diamond of the first water” Lady Delia, but then he realizes that her mother is the woman from the garden and changes course. He will stop at nothing to have Tru, the fact that she is a bit older and married doesn’t even matter, he always gets what he wants and he wants her – full stop. All he has to do is convince her that they are meant to be, easy right?

OK, this is a hard review to write because it is a very good book that is well-written and nicely paced with engaging characters and a wonderful primary couple – BUT – the heroine is married. I read the blurb and wondered how this was going to play out and hoped that she wouldn’t commit adultery and for the most part, she tries to resist – but eventually she gives in and sleeps with Jasper – it ruined the book for me because she became no better than her scummy husband. I know that cheating doesn’t bother many readers, but it bothers me, I don’t deny that her husband was a jerk, but that doesn’t excuse it for me – sigh. Anyway, other than that it was a very good book filled with emotion, second chances, steamyish kisses, great secondary characters, a bit of angst, forbidden love, and finally a HEA with an epilogue that nicely sets up the next book. For me, this book was a miss, but I will definitely read the next book in the series and would say that if adultery doesn’t bother you, you would probably love this book.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

Murder in PostScript by Mary Winters

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

Murder in PostScript

Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Series: A Lady of Letters Mystery #1
Publication Date: 3/28/23
Period: Victorian London (1860)
Number of Pages: 320

This is the first book I’ve read by Mary Winters and it definitely won’t be the last. The mystery was excellently done and the protagonists were likable and relatable. The story was also blessed with a number of excellent supporting characters that I hope we’ll get to spend time with in future books. The premise of the series is unique, interesting, and well thought out. Who better to learn the secrets of the people of London than someone who is anonymous and gives free advice?

Lady Amelia Amesbury guards her secret ferociously. As a widowed countess and guardian of Winifred, a lovely ten-year-old girl, she cannot afford for others to become aware that she is Lady Agony. She doesn’t care about her own reputation, but she has to think of Winifred’s future, and the ton would punish Winifred to get back at Amelia.

Amelia receives a letter telling Lady Agony that the writer has witnessed her employer being murdered and asking Lady Agony to meet in the park. Amelia decides to meet the person because if the claim is true, they need help. Except, when Amelia arrives, the letter writer is dead – murdered. Amelia knows she must uncover the murderer because she couldn’t be the one to report it to the police as they would quickly uncover her Lady Agony identity.

Simon Bainbridge, a marquess and heir to a duke, quickly becomes ensnared in the investigation – and perhaps becomes ensnared by Amelia as well. Simon is tall, handsome, and intelligent, and quickly comes to believe and trust Amelia.

Simon and Amelia know they must be getting close to identifying the murderer when Amelia begins getting threatening letters. Can they keep Amelia safe and still find the murderer? Should she just give up the investigation?

There are many suspects and many red herrings dropped along the path to the murderer’s identity. You will probably suspect who the murderer is (I did), but you won’t be sure until the very end when all is revealed.

I recommend this book because it is well-written, has an excellent mystery, and has the potential for an excellent romantic sleuthing team. I did find myself puzzled by a number of things, but I’m not as familiar with the Victorian period norms as I am with Regency. One thing that puzzled me is what happened to Amelia’s husband’s title. There is no mention of the title dying with her husband – and there is no mention of the new title holder. Maybe it will be cleared up in future books. Should you choose to read this book, I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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