Vanessa Kelly, My Favorite Countess

My Favorite Countess

Vanessa Kelly

Zebra, May 1 2011, $6.99

ISBN: 9781420114836

In 1817 Widow Bathsheba Compton cannot enjoy her new marital status as she cannot pay her abusive late husband's major debt nor pay for the care her mentally disturbed sister who she never sees. The aristocrat knows her only hope to pay the bills rests with marrying a wealth noble.

At a dinner party Lady Bathsheba and Dr. John Blackmore meet and are attracted to one another. She tries to ignore her suddenly awakened libido as he is not what she needs as a mate. He agrees with her assessment as he does not want Lady Shrew for a spouse. However, when she becomes deathly ill, John saves her life. As his patient heals under his care, he discovers she uses her shrewish personality to disguise her intelligence. They begin a tryst, but she rejects his proposal because she fears he will be hurt with his compassion to help poor people in dangerous neighborhoods and besides she needs a pliable wealthy social climber.

Continuing the community activism of Sex and the Single Earl, My Favorite Countess is a wonderful regency romance starring two intriguing lead characters whose passion for one another make for an engaging read. Fast-paced, Blackmore and Compton have ghosts that haunt each and lead to their current behavior of his recklessness and her need for money.

Harriet Klausner