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The London Underground #2
Counting on a Countess
For a shameless libertine and a wily smuggler in the London Underground, marriage is more than convenience—it's strategy...
Christopher "Kit" Ellingsworth, war veteran and newly minted Earl of Blakemere, buries his demons under every sort of pleasure and vice. His scandalous ways have all but emptied his coffers...until a wealthy mentor leaves him a sizeable fortune. The only stipulation? He must marry within one month to inherit the money. Kit needs a bride and the bold, mysterious Miss Tamsyn Pearce seems perfect.
Husband hunting isn't Tamsyn's top priority—she's in London to sell her new shipment of illicit goods—but she's desperate for funds to keep her smuggling operation afloat. When a handsome earl offers to wed her and send her back to Cornwall with a hefty allowance, Tamsyn agrees. After all, her secrets could land her in prison and an attentive, love-struck spouse could destroy everything.
But when an unexpected proviso in the will grants Tamsyn control of the inheritance, their arrangement becomes anything but convenient. Now, Kit's counting on his countess to make his wildest dreams a reality, and he plans to convince her, one pleasurable seduction at a time.
Christopher "Kit" Ellingsworth, war veteran and newly minted Earl of Blakemere, buries his demons under every sort of pleasure and vice. His scandalous ways have all but emptied his coffers...until a wealthy mentor leaves him a sizeable fortune. The only stipulation? He must marry within one month to inherit the money. Kit needs a bride and the bold, mysterious Miss Tamsyn Pearce seems perfect.
Husband hunting isn't Tamsyn's top priority—she's in London to sell her new shipment of illicit goods—but she's desperate for funds to keep her smuggling operation afloat. When a handsome earl offers to wed her and send her back to Cornwall with a hefty allowance, Tamsyn agrees. After all, her secrets could land her in prison and an attentive, love-struck spouse could destroy everything.
But when an unexpected proviso in the will grants Tamsyn control of the inheritance, their arrangement becomes anything but convenient. Now, Kit's counting on his countess to make his wildest dreams a reality, and he plans to convince her, one pleasurable seduction at a time.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2018
169 people are currently reading
957 people want to read
About the author
Eva Leigh
27 books1,456 followersEva Leigh is a USA Today bestselling romance author. A graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, her books have been featured by the New York Times, NPR, Oprah Daily, the Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly, Library Journal, Kirkus, Booklist, Self, Paste Magazine, and many more. Her work has also been translated into numerous languages. She lives on the Central California coast with her husband and cats. Visit her on the web at evaleighauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
April 25, 2018
I've given this a C+ at AAR, so that's 3.5 stars
I’ve been looking forward to Counting on a Countess, the second book in Eva Leigh’s London Underground series, which features a set of clever, independent heroines in unusual circumstances who have to make their livings in a somewhat unorthodox manner. I’m a fan of Ms. Leigh’s; she’s a great storyteller and she creates memorable, strong heroes and heroines – and the promise of the story of a marriage-of-convenience between an earl and a smuggler captured my imagination straight away. I began reading with high expectations, which were met up until around the seventy percent mark when things suddenly fell apart and the heroine went from one I liked to one I disliked intensely. She never really redeems herself and as a result, what I’d confidently expected to be a high-grade read turned into a disappointing one.
Kit Ellingsworth, Earl of Blakemoor, has been drifting since the end of his military service. The only thing that keeps his nightmares at bay are his long-held dreams of building a pleasure garden, somewhere that will make people happy and will also provide employment for veterans and their families. But he knows it’ll have to remain a dream as he’ll never have the funds to make it a reality.
Until, that is, Kit is informed that his former commanding officer Lord Somerby has bequeathed him a large sum of money in his will – but there is one stipulation. Kit must marry within thirty days of being advised of the bequest. Surprised, but determined to fulfil the terms, Kit thinks it won’t be difficult to find a bride. After all, he’s young, handsome, charming and titled – but the weeks fly by and he’s almost down to the wire without having found a single young lady he wants to wed. Until, that is, he nearly bumps into a lovely red-headed woman at a ball – and feels an almost unprecedented pull of attraction that makes him think she might just be the one.
Tamsyn Pearce has come to London in desperation. After the deaths of her parents years earlier, she took it upon herself to provide for the local village of Newcome which, owing to high taxation and fishing restrictions, was suffering serious privation. For the past eight years, she has run a successful smuggling operation, but her uncle’s plans to sell the family home, Chei Owr, mean the operation is under threat. Tamsyn’s purpose in London is therefore twofold – to find a fence to sell the brandy and lace from the last run, and to find a husband with enough money to purchase Chei Owr. Her ideal husband will be content to live in town while she goes back to Cornwall; even better, he’ll be unobservant and maybe even a bit dim.
So… Kit needs a wife and Tamsyn needs a husband. Both are set on a marriage of convenience, but the awareness and desire that thrums between them right from their first meeting bodes ill for both of them, and especially for Tamsyn, who worries that she might fall for Kit’s charm and good-nature – something she can’t afford to do if she is to keep her smuggling a secret.
The day after their wedding, Kit receives another shock. The money will indeed be his, but Lord Somerby was worried about his spendthrift ways and, in a codicil, decreed that all the money will be in his wife’s control and that Kit will have to apply to her for funds and account for every penny. Kit agrees to this, believing he will be able to talk Tamsyn into giving him the money he needs to finance the pleasure garden. (And here’s a big plot-hole; suppose Kit had married one of the simpering debutantes that populate the ton in most historical romances? That would have been no safeguard against his frittering the money away, as she’d probably have given it all to him the first time he’d smiled at her or paid her a pretty compliment!)
In order to get what he wants, however, Kit recognises he needs to get to know his bride better. She was skittish on their wedding night, asking for more time to become accustomed to their marriage, and he realises she needs time to get to know him, too. So he sets about courting her, making thoughtful gestures, taking her to the theatre, on outings and spending time with her at their new home, amazed at the fact he actually enjoys spending evenings in with just Tamsyn for company.
The sexual chemistry between Kit and Tamsyn is electric, and apart from an oddly jarring scene that seems to have been thrown in for the sake of a bit of extra titillation (and as sequel-bait), Ms. Leigh develops their relationship very well. What begins – for Kit – as a means towards getting his new wife into bed and into persuading her to sign over the money, very quickly turns into a real courtship born of genuine, deepening affection for his bride and a desire to make her happy. For the first three quarters of the book, I enjoyed the storyline, I liked Kit and I liked Tamsyn. Kit is one of those heroes who seems to have drifted into his libertine’s ways for want of something better to do; he’s handsome and charming, as so many romantic heroes are, but he’s also good-natured, funny, kind and thoughtful. Tamsyn is intelligent and spirited, but the little she’s told Kit about her life after her parents’ deaths reveals that life hasn’t been kind since, which just adds to his desire to make her feel wanted and to make her smile.
It’s difficult to be specific about what goes wrong with the book without giving too much away, but when Kit finally opens up to Tamsyn about his hopes and dreams, she dashes them all with one word, and then high-tails it back to Cornwall without a word of explanation. Regardless of the viability – or otherwise – of Kit’s scheme, or the altruism of hers, Tamsyn is prepared, without a word of discussion to use the money with which she has been entrusted, but which is rightfully Kit’s, for her own purposes without even consulting him – AND she jumps to a nasty conclusion about his attentions to her since their marriage. That’s when my opinion of her took a nose-dive – and after that, when I thought I couldn’t dislike her more, Ms. Leigh proved me wrong. Worse, when Kit discovers the truth about what Tamsyn has been up to – in spite of his own strong feelings about the fact that she’s breaking the law – he agrees it must continue and says he’ll help! I almost threw my kindle down in disgust at this point; the fact that Kit is prepared to disregard his long-held principles – no matter that Tamsyn’s motives are good – stuck in my craw and, together with her continued deception and ridiculous justification to herself that he’d deceived her first (which I’d dispute) pretty much ruined the book. After that, there was no way the author was going to be able to save it – I was pleased that it was Kit’s quick-thinking that saved the day, but was relieved to reach the end.
My thorough dislike of the way things turn out makes this a difficult book to grade, because I fully accept that other readers may not have the same issues I had with Tamsyn’s deception and the way she treats Kit. I’m a hero-centric reader, so I tend to see things from the hero’s PoV more readily, and if you prize a gutsy, take-no-prisoners heroine above all, then you may enjoy the book more than I did. In the end, I’m going with a C+; I can’t quite bring myself to recommend Counting on a Countess because of my heroine-issues and the plot-holes, but I want to acknowledge its strengths. It’s a very well written book – the prose flows beautifully, the dialogue sparkles – and Kit and Tamsyn are perfect for one another. Their relationship is well-done, and they’re both strongly drawn and engaging (mostly) – but I can’t deny that the way Tamsyn continued to deceive Kit, the way she was so willing to believe the worst of him and how he was prepared to abandon his principles, left a nasty taste in my mouth that even now, hasn’t quite disappeared.
I’ve been looking forward to Counting on a Countess, the second book in Eva Leigh’s London Underground series, which features a set of clever, independent heroines in unusual circumstances who have to make their livings in a somewhat unorthodox manner. I’m a fan of Ms. Leigh’s; she’s a great storyteller and she creates memorable, strong heroes and heroines – and the promise of the story of a marriage-of-convenience between an earl and a smuggler captured my imagination straight away. I began reading with high expectations, which were met up until around the seventy percent mark when things suddenly fell apart and the heroine went from one I liked to one I disliked intensely. She never really redeems herself and as a result, what I’d confidently expected to be a high-grade read turned into a disappointing one.
Kit Ellingsworth, Earl of Blakemoor, has been drifting since the end of his military service. The only thing that keeps his nightmares at bay are his long-held dreams of building a pleasure garden, somewhere that will make people happy and will also provide employment for veterans and their families. But he knows it’ll have to remain a dream as he’ll never have the funds to make it a reality.
Until, that is, Kit is informed that his former commanding officer Lord Somerby has bequeathed him a large sum of money in his will – but there is one stipulation. Kit must marry within thirty days of being advised of the bequest. Surprised, but determined to fulfil the terms, Kit thinks it won’t be difficult to find a bride. After all, he’s young, handsome, charming and titled – but the weeks fly by and he’s almost down to the wire without having found a single young lady he wants to wed. Until, that is, he nearly bumps into a lovely red-headed woman at a ball – and feels an almost unprecedented pull of attraction that makes him think she might just be the one.
Tamsyn Pearce has come to London in desperation. After the deaths of her parents years earlier, she took it upon herself to provide for the local village of Newcome which, owing to high taxation and fishing restrictions, was suffering serious privation. For the past eight years, she has run a successful smuggling operation, but her uncle’s plans to sell the family home, Chei Owr, mean the operation is under threat. Tamsyn’s purpose in London is therefore twofold – to find a fence to sell the brandy and lace from the last run, and to find a husband with enough money to purchase Chei Owr. Her ideal husband will be content to live in town while she goes back to Cornwall; even better, he’ll be unobservant and maybe even a bit dim.
So… Kit needs a wife and Tamsyn needs a husband. Both are set on a marriage of convenience, but the awareness and desire that thrums between them right from their first meeting bodes ill for both of them, and especially for Tamsyn, who worries that she might fall for Kit’s charm and good-nature – something she can’t afford to do if she is to keep her smuggling a secret.
The day after their wedding, Kit receives another shock. The money will indeed be his, but Lord Somerby was worried about his spendthrift ways and, in a codicil, decreed that all the money will be in his wife’s control and that Kit will have to apply to her for funds and account for every penny. Kit agrees to this, believing he will be able to talk Tamsyn into giving him the money he needs to finance the pleasure garden. (And here’s a big plot-hole; suppose Kit had married one of the simpering debutantes that populate the ton in most historical romances? That would have been no safeguard against his frittering the money away, as she’d probably have given it all to him the first time he’d smiled at her or paid her a pretty compliment!)
In order to get what he wants, however, Kit recognises he needs to get to know his bride better. She was skittish on their wedding night, asking for more time to become accustomed to their marriage, and he realises she needs time to get to know him, too. So he sets about courting her, making thoughtful gestures, taking her to the theatre, on outings and spending time with her at their new home, amazed at the fact he actually enjoys spending evenings in with just Tamsyn for company.
The sexual chemistry between Kit and Tamsyn is electric, and apart from an oddly jarring scene that seems to have been thrown in for the sake of a bit of extra titillation (and as sequel-bait), Ms. Leigh develops their relationship very well. What begins – for Kit – as a means towards getting his new wife into bed and into persuading her to sign over the money, very quickly turns into a real courtship born of genuine, deepening affection for his bride and a desire to make her happy. For the first three quarters of the book, I enjoyed the storyline, I liked Kit and I liked Tamsyn. Kit is one of those heroes who seems to have drifted into his libertine’s ways for want of something better to do; he’s handsome and charming, as so many romantic heroes are, but he’s also good-natured, funny, kind and thoughtful. Tamsyn is intelligent and spirited, but the little she’s told Kit about her life after her parents’ deaths reveals that life hasn’t been kind since, which just adds to his desire to make her feel wanted and to make her smile.
It’s difficult to be specific about what goes wrong with the book without giving too much away, but when Kit finally opens up to Tamsyn about his hopes and dreams, she dashes them all with one word, and then high-tails it back to Cornwall without a word of explanation. Regardless of the viability – or otherwise – of Kit’s scheme, or the altruism of hers, Tamsyn is prepared, without a word of discussion to use the money with which she has been entrusted, but which is rightfully Kit’s, for her own purposes without even consulting him – AND she jumps to a nasty conclusion about his attentions to her since their marriage. That’s when my opinion of her took a nose-dive – and after that, when I thought I couldn’t dislike her more, Ms. Leigh proved me wrong. Worse, when Kit discovers the truth about what Tamsyn has been up to – in spite of his own strong feelings about the fact that she’s breaking the law – he agrees it must continue and says he’ll help! I almost threw my kindle down in disgust at this point; the fact that Kit is prepared to disregard his long-held principles – no matter that Tamsyn’s motives are good – stuck in my craw and, together with her continued deception and ridiculous justification to herself that he’d deceived her first (which I’d dispute) pretty much ruined the book. After that, there was no way the author was going to be able to save it – I was pleased that it was Kit’s quick-thinking that saved the day, but was relieved to reach the end.
My thorough dislike of the way things turn out makes this a difficult book to grade, because I fully accept that other readers may not have the same issues I had with Tamsyn’s deception and the way she treats Kit. I’m a hero-centric reader, so I tend to see things from the hero’s PoV more readily, and if you prize a gutsy, take-no-prisoners heroine above all, then you may enjoy the book more than I did. In the end, I’m going with a C+; I can’t quite bring myself to recommend Counting on a Countess because of my heroine-issues and the plot-holes, but I want to acknowledge its strengths. It’s a very well written book – the prose flows beautifully, the dialogue sparkles – and Kit and Tamsyn are perfect for one another. Their relationship is well-done, and they’re both strongly drawn and engaging (mostly) – but I can’t deny that the way Tamsyn continued to deceive Kit, the way she was so willing to believe the worst of him and how he was prepared to abandon his principles, left a nasty taste in my mouth that even now, hasn’t quite disappeared.
March 30, 2018
3.5 stars. Counting on a Countess by Eva Leigh was a fun read with interesting characters and some twists in the plot that made it a light and easy read.
Both Kit and Tamsyn need a wife/husband and its not long before they meet up and the plotting and planning to tie the knot is done, making a perfect marriage of convenience. Kit is an ex soldier - a bit of a profligate and a pleasure seeker. He fought for his country and is rather black and white about anyone that might break the law of his beloved country.
Tamsyn on the other hand is altruistic and kind hearted, and she's a leader when it comes to some smuggling. I thought I wouldn't like a smuggler but this one was rather delightful and had her eye on the goal of helping others, a bit of a Robin Hood really.
When they marry the tables are turned on Kit when he discovers there is an addition to the will that has gifted him with an inheritance. And there is another shocking revelation for him on the way.
These two are perfectly suited for each other and if they can just stop circling each other and lay it all out for each other they are going to really make a difference.
A very light hearted enjoyable Regency romance.
Both Kit and Tamsyn need a wife/husband and its not long before they meet up and the plotting and planning to tie the knot is done, making a perfect marriage of convenience. Kit is an ex soldier - a bit of a profligate and a pleasure seeker. He fought for his country and is rather black and white about anyone that might break the law of his beloved country.
Tamsyn on the other hand is altruistic and kind hearted, and she's a leader when it comes to some smuggling. I thought I wouldn't like a smuggler but this one was rather delightful and had her eye on the goal of helping others, a bit of a Robin Hood really.
When they marry the tables are turned on Kit when he discovers there is an addition to the will that has gifted him with an inheritance. And there is another shocking revelation for him on the way.
These two are perfectly suited for each other and if they can just stop circling each other and lay it all out for each other they are going to really make a difference.
A very light hearted enjoyable Regency romance.
January 13, 2019
This my first book that I have read by Eva Leigh and thoroughly enjoyed it. What I liked about the author Eva Leigh is that she writes about smart women and sexy men. What I also realised while reading Counting on a Countless is that the Earl of Blakemere, Christopher Kit Ellingsworth who rarely entertained sober, is like some people in real life who have drinking problems. A solicitor visits Kit about a friend of his who has passed away. Kit has been left in his friends will ten thousand pounds for fifty years on the account that he must marry before he can inherit the money. With the clock ticking and only a week left to find himself a bride he visited a ballroom full of women that are looking for a husband. The question is will Kit find a bride in time? And would he make a good husband or a terrible husband taking on mistresses? Only time reading on will tell !!
January 18, 2019
5 Words: Convenience, attraction, scandal, survival, lust.
March 26, 2018
Counting on a Countess is the second book in Eva Leigh's London Underground series, which features noble heroes who become entangled with less-than-lawful women of the commoner class.
Our hero in this second installment is Christopher "Kit" Ellingsworth, who has returned home a war hero and been awarded an earldom for his service in the fight against Napoleon. Kit has the reputation of being a spendthrift and womanizer, and his new title hasn't added a penny to his coffers. But Kit's laissez faire lifestyle is really his way of coping with the horrors of war, and this vulnerability drew me into Kit's character and created a good emotional connection with his character. When Kit's mentor, Lord Somersby, dies and leaves him a fortune with some very unusual conditions, Kit's dreams are within reach if he can only find a willing and supportive wife.
Tamsyn Pearce has grown up in the wilds of Cornwall, and hasn't had the best life since the death of her parents when she was young. Tamsyn took up the mantle of responsibility at a young age, becoming a smuggler to support her impoverished fishing village. Now she's in London to sell her illicit wares and find herself a rich husband that will leave her to her own devices in the country. I really struggled with Tamsyn's character.
So this is where my heroine hater tendencies come out I suppose. I was definitely more forgiving of Kit's behavior than I was Tamsyn's. Because I had a connection to him, and I knew what was going on in his head, I didn't view his behavior to be as bad as Tamsyn's deception. I also didn't like how Tamsyn reacted and was somewhat sanctimonious given her own behavior, particularly when she knew how her war veteran husband could be impacted by her illegal activity.
The romance between these two was a fairly slow burn. While they married very quickly, the courtship began after the marriage and carried throughout most of the book. I felt like Tamsyn's secrets were a bigger obstacle to the relationship, and Kit was more invested in the relationship. I felt like this in the last book, From Duke Till Dawn, as well. So I think this series/trope may not necessarily be for me... but I am so dang interested in Langdon and Amina that I am sure I will keep reading.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Avon.
December 28, 2022
This was an obligatory read so I can complete the series before the year's end.
There's smuggling involved, which is not a favorite plot of mine.
There's smuggling involved, which is not a favorite plot of mine.
December 25, 2018
Miss Tamsin Pearce has been helping the locals in her Cornish village make enough money to live on by smuggling. Now, however, her Uncle is planning to sell the only home she’s known and their smuggling days are numbered. She travels to London for her season as a debutante but is really looking for a way to sell the brandy they have stored and hoping to find a suitable husband who will support her endeavours to help the villagers or be too unaware to notice her doing so.
The Earl of Blakemere, Christopher (Kit) Ellingsworth, has been left s considerable fortune but to access it he has just a month to get married. No one attracts this lethario until he meets Tamsin. With secrets and schemes aplenty can these two discover that marrying in haste means rejoicing at leisure or will they be repenting instead?
This is a fun historical romance that I thoroughly recommend. It has well developed characters, a plot full of intrigue and dilemmas and plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing right to the end. I’ll definitely be looking for more by this talented author in future!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
The Earl of Blakemere, Christopher (Kit) Ellingsworth, has been left s considerable fortune but to access it he has just a month to get married. No one attracts this lethario until he meets Tamsin. With secrets and schemes aplenty can these two discover that marrying in haste means rejoicing at leisure or will they be repenting instead?
This is a fun historical romance that I thoroughly recommend. It has well developed characters, a plot full of intrigue and dilemmas and plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing right to the end. I’ll definitely be looking for more by this talented author in future!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
February 24, 2019
I cannot recommend this series (and this book) enough. It's a romance but it's so much more. This is my particular favorite in this particular series as I really connected with the hero and the heroine. Again, this series is amazing. Don't miss it!
March 28, 2018
Kit: 3rd son without many expectations, distinguished himself in war and returned to find a newly-minted title of Earl. But that hardly sorts out his problems: the memories of war haunt him, his pursuits of pleasures to keep those memories at bay are expensive, and a bequest that could solve his money woes, allow him to fulfill a dream he relied on in war to keep him going forward. With a constant round of the ‘pleasures’ available, aftermath of war-time memories and losses, and a general ‘malaise’ that seems to dog his heels, he’s not only in need of something different – but Kit, the Earl of Blakemere is in need of a wife to gain the bequest and the money he needs to build his dreams and find some purpose in his life.
Tamsyn Pearce is the daughter of a Baronet, with a manor house in Cornwall, an Aunt and Uncle who have taken up residence, and a desperate need to care for the small fishing village of the estate. Now some 26 years of age, she has been the organizer of a smuggling operation, established when she was 16 to provide for the village. Now, with the house falling down, her uncle threatening to sell and Tamsyn’s options bleak, she’s off to London to sell the latest cache of French Brandy and Lace. She’s also on the hunt for a husband for a purely business relationship: she’s in need of the name, protection and the money to buy her family home.
These two are perfect for one another: Tamsyn’s beauty, her calm and forthright manner and curiosity spark something in Kit that has been long missing: and she’s quite amenable to a marriage of convenience: acquiring the title and freedom (after an heir) that Kit can provide. Never expecting real friendship, let alone love: the two are drawn to one another, even as situations change in unexpected ways. Growth, true feeling and tough decisions about one another, love, life’s journey and honesty all come into play here: showing maturity, heart, and both coming into their own in admitting their need for one another, and then finding a way to overcome obstacles in their desire to provide for others.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
August 9, 2020
After fighting at Waterloo, and returning home a hero, Kit Ellingsworth never expected anything but to return to life as a third son. However, his commanding officer, Lord Somerby, petitioned for him to be made Earl of Blakemoor, and following Somerby's death he's in line for a rather substantial inheritance. The only problem? He has to marry within the month to be able to claim the inheritance. Miss Tamsyn Pearce is new to London society, more used to her small Cornish town, but when her uncle announces he's going to marry the family home - and the one she runs her smuggling business out of - she knows she needs to find a wealthy husband to buy her house. It's a match made in heaven, but when the will reveals that Tamsyn is in sole control of the money, and Kit has to ask for an allowance, all their plans start falling apart. Can Tamsyn keep her smuggling a secret from her law abiding husband, and will Kit be able to convince Tamsyn to fund his dreamed for pleasure gardens?
I was intrigued by Kit in the first book, From Duke Till Dawn, especially with how mysterious he was. I loved reading his POV, as we really saw him as the man who was broken by Waterloo, and had fixated on a goal so long that nothing else seemed to do. He had layers upon layers, but with Tamsyn, these fell back to reveal the real Kit, and help him grow. Tamsyn reminded me so much of a sort of mix of Demelza and Ross Poldark, with her smuggling at night, and playing the lady by day. She loved her town, and would do anything for them after her parents died, and I just fell in love with her - she might be my favourite of Eva's heroines so far! Even though both went into the marriage as one of convenience, and with many secrets, the way they fell in love was perfect. It wasn't forced at all, and came so naturally, that they didn't even fully understand they were gone until it was too late. The ending was everything I could've dreamed of, and hopefully we'll see more of them in Dare to Love a Duke.
I was intrigued by Kit in the first book, From Duke Till Dawn, especially with how mysterious he was. I loved reading his POV, as we really saw him as the man who was broken by Waterloo, and had fixated on a goal so long that nothing else seemed to do. He had layers upon layers, but with Tamsyn, these fell back to reveal the real Kit, and help him grow. Tamsyn reminded me so much of a sort of mix of Demelza and Ross Poldark, with her smuggling at night, and playing the lady by day. She loved her town, and would do anything for them after her parents died, and I just fell in love with her - she might be my favourite of Eva's heroines so far! Even though both went into the marriage as one of convenience, and with many secrets, the way they fell in love was perfect. It wasn't forced at all, and came so naturally, that they didn't even fully understand they were gone until it was too late. The ending was everything I could've dreamed of, and hopefully we'll see more of them in Dare to Love a Duke.
July 5, 2020
Trigger warnings: PTSD, probably a ton of other stuff that I've forgotten...
So here's the thing: I read this nearly a month ago. And within a week, I'd basically forgotten everything about it. What I do remember is that it was cute but also utterly predictable. I think the most memorable part of it was the way things ended, and I really enjoyed all of that. I did like that it was a story where they got married and THEN fell in love, so there's that.
But yeah. At the time I enjoyed it enough to give it 4 stars. But now, nearly a month later? I got nothing.
So here's the thing: I read this nearly a month ago. And within a week, I'd basically forgotten everything about it. What I do remember is that it was cute but also utterly predictable. I think the most memorable part of it was the way things ended, and I really enjoyed all of that. I did like that it was a story where they got married and THEN fell in love, so there's that.
But yeah. At the time I enjoyed it enough to give it 4 stars. But now, nearly a month later? I got nothing.
March 28, 2018
The main plotline is supposed to be on the marriage of convenience between Tamsyn, a lady smuggler from Cornwall, and her rakehell but law-abiding war veteran husband Kit. Probably an equal amount of time and effort is dedicated to their relationship as it relates to his status as a very experienced rake and hers as a virgin. As a reader of Regency romances, most books of this genre I read involve a virgin leading lady and so I never both with the "virgin heroine" tag in my reviews. Her virgin status was made such a big deal out of in this book that I almost feel like I need to tag it as a "virgin heroine" romance because of it. It's definitely a large focus for at least a third of the book, I assume partially to introduce the reader to the Orchid Club, which one presumes will feature heavily in the third book in this series. I also appreciated the heavy focus on consent in this book, which is something you don't see much in historical romance (but does seem to be becoming more prevalent in the genre).
I do love a romance where the leads are married for the sake of convenience, and fall madly in love despite fighting it tooth and nail. Kit and Tamsyn both have ulterior motives for entering into their whirlwind marriage, so when they begin to develop genuine affection for each other those ulterior motives (which they were both so forthright about having even though they didn't really reveal precisely what said motives really were) of course come back to haunt them. And bit them in their rear ends. HA! Tamsyn is bold and fiery, and I love her country spirit, and that Kit doesn't try to change that about her. Kit is a bit of an enigma to me, being a war veteran who cares very much about the law, which would make you think he'd be a straight-laced stick in the mud but you would be wrong, because he's the veriest rakehell trying to drown out his demons by chasing pleasure. Both leading characters have their flaws and foibles, which just makes them that much more genuine and lovable (both to each other and to the reader). I really loved their witty banter, and look forward to hopefully seeing more of them in the next book in this series.
This is the second book in The London Underground series, but it can (as in most Regency romance series) be read as a stand alone. There is interaction with the couple from the first book, From Duke Till Dawn but no real spoilers for the first book. The author does sort of assume a familiarity with these side characters, who are Kit's friends, so I felt like I should know more about them than I did and was a bit lost as to some of their conversation. That being said, while this can be read as a stand alone, if you want the full experience it may be better to read From Duke Till Dawn first.
*I received a copy of this book from Edelweiss+ and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I do love a romance where the leads are married for the sake of convenience, and fall madly in love despite fighting it tooth and nail. Kit and Tamsyn both have ulterior motives for entering into their whirlwind marriage, so when they begin to develop genuine affection for each other those ulterior motives (which they were both so forthright about having even though they didn't really reveal precisely what said motives really were) of course come back to haunt them. And bit them in their rear ends. HA! Tamsyn is bold and fiery, and I love her country spirit, and that Kit doesn't try to change that about her. Kit is a bit of an enigma to me, being a war veteran who cares very much about the law, which would make you think he'd be a straight-laced stick in the mud but you would be wrong, because he's the veriest rakehell trying to drown out his demons by chasing pleasure. Both leading characters have their flaws and foibles, which just makes them that much more genuine and lovable (both to each other and to the reader). I really loved their witty banter, and look forward to hopefully seeing more of them in the next book in this series.
This is the second book in The London Underground series, but it can (as in most Regency romance series) be read as a stand alone. There is interaction with the couple from the first book, From Duke Till Dawn but no real spoilers for the first book. The author does sort of assume a familiarity with these side characters, who are Kit's friends, so I felt like I should know more about them than I did and was a bit lost as to some of their conversation. That being said, while this can be read as a stand alone, if you want the full experience it may be better to read From Duke Till Dawn first.
*I received a copy of this book from Edelweiss+ and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
March 25, 2018
Tamsyn needs a husband so that she can by her mouldy rotten estate and keep on smuggling. I get it, she wants to help the villagers. But if she gets caught then they will suffer, it would sure be better if they came up with a plan that made them all work and not just her smuggling and giving them money.
Kit needs a wife to inherit money, but he is picky, and hey, I mean he has got a whole month! But I get it, who wouldn't be picky. This is forever.
London underground, ehhh, not really, more Cornwall underground in this. London ton before we hit the seaside.
But, I never grew to like her. I felt like she was playing him until the end. He was besotted the poor fool, but she, nope, did not see an ounce of love there even though we are told at the end.
I also got mad at her because he was obviously hurting cos of the war and she was all forget it.
There is also a Smex club which frankly was just weird.
So no, I fear this one only gets an ok and that almost never happen with his rom. But she was just so unlikable.
Kit needs a wife to inherit money, but he is picky, and hey, I mean he has got a whole month! But I get it, who wouldn't be picky. This is forever.
London underground, ehhh, not really, more Cornwall underground in this. London ton before we hit the seaside.
But, I never grew to like her. I felt like she was playing him until the end. He was besotted the poor fool, but she, nope, did not see an ounce of love there even though we are told at the end.
I also got mad at her because he was obviously hurting cos of the war and she was all forget it.
There is also a Smex club which frankly was just weird.
So no, I fear this one only gets an ok and that almost never happen with his rom. But she was just so unlikable.
January 30, 2019
After reading ‘From Duke Till Dawn’ I was looking forward to reading this book, anyone who knows me will know how much I love a scarred soldier. So the minute I was introduced to Kit in the previous book, I knew that I needed read this one and I am so pleased that I got the chance as this is fabulous! Even though this is only the second book I have read by Ms Leigh I can instantly see that this lady has a skill with creating sensual, engaging and ultimately absorbing stories which will stay with you long after bedtime, or even keep you up way after your bedtime. All readers know what I mean by that, you start reading in bed, promising you’ll just read one more chapter and before you know it you’ve nearly finished the book.
Oddly enough with the previous book, it took an age for me to arm to the hero and yet the heroine instantly struck me and stayed with me. This time it was the complete opposite, I was instantly drawn to Kit, I wanted to shake him for his stupidity, hug when he was feeling blue and just be with him all the time, he has a mesmerizing quality about him that any woman with a pulse will instantly flock to. Anyone who has seen the film; Michael will know what I mean when I say, he was definitely my pie. ;-) Google Michael and you will understand!
Kit; Earl of Blackamoor is sort of stuck in a bit of a rut, since leaving the military with scars – which are definitely more psychological then physical – which make him want to loose himself to drink. He has received the title which he never wanted, and still doesn’t want and all the time flitting from one scandal to the next as he searches for a way to drown his sorrows, his memories, either in the bottom of a bottle, in the darkness of a gaming hell or in the arms of a willing woman. He is definitely on a road to self destruction, but unfortunately for him he has now squandered his inheritance and his now skint. Which really is no good especially as he had his heart set on building a garden where veterans and their families can go and have a little happiness.
But all isn’t doomed as he finds out he has been left a substantial sum from a former commanding officer who not only looked after Kit, but who Kit regarded as more family then officer, but there is one thing that is in the way of him getting his hands on the money; in the will, it states Kit must marry. But, old Lord Somerby was a sly old fox. He knew exactly what would happen to his money if Kit got his hands on it so he put yet another clause in the inheritance contract, not only must Kit find himself a wife, but said wife will ave full control of the money.
So with that in mind, Kit goes on the search when he suddenly and literally bumps into the staggering beautiful, mysteriously clever Tamsyn. But there is more to this fiery red-head then meets the eye. She has her own secrets and her own reason for being in London and her own reasons for suddenly needing a husband, can you seen were this is going? each need to marry, and standing before them is the person who could save both their lives. Match made in heaven! Sort of, that is until a certain smuggling secret rears it’s ugly head sending our couple on a tense, sexually charged and engaging journey which will see them go through so much.
I loved the plot, there seems to be so much going on within one story, a scarred hero and feisty heroine with a marriage of convenience, mixed with a smuggling scheme then you have you hands on a compelling, engaging, fast paced, sensual and very hot historical romance. Yet again this is another wonderfully written, captivating story that will keep the reader glued to the last page.
Highly recommended!
Oddly enough with the previous book, it took an age for me to arm to the hero and yet the heroine instantly struck me and stayed with me. This time it was the complete opposite, I was instantly drawn to Kit, I wanted to shake him for his stupidity, hug when he was feeling blue and just be with him all the time, he has a mesmerizing quality about him that any woman with a pulse will instantly flock to. Anyone who has seen the film; Michael will know what I mean when I say, he was definitely my pie. ;-) Google Michael and you will understand!
Kit; Earl of Blackamoor is sort of stuck in a bit of a rut, since leaving the military with scars – which are definitely more psychological then physical – which make him want to loose himself to drink. He has received the title which he never wanted, and still doesn’t want and all the time flitting from one scandal to the next as he searches for a way to drown his sorrows, his memories, either in the bottom of a bottle, in the darkness of a gaming hell or in the arms of a willing woman. He is definitely on a road to self destruction, but unfortunately for him he has now squandered his inheritance and his now skint. Which really is no good especially as he had his heart set on building a garden where veterans and their families can go and have a little happiness.
But all isn’t doomed as he finds out he has been left a substantial sum from a former commanding officer who not only looked after Kit, but who Kit regarded as more family then officer, but there is one thing that is in the way of him getting his hands on the money; in the will, it states Kit must marry. But, old Lord Somerby was a sly old fox. He knew exactly what would happen to his money if Kit got his hands on it so he put yet another clause in the inheritance contract, not only must Kit find himself a wife, but said wife will ave full control of the money.
So with that in mind, Kit goes on the search when he suddenly and literally bumps into the staggering beautiful, mysteriously clever Tamsyn. But there is more to this fiery red-head then meets the eye. She has her own secrets and her own reason for being in London and her own reasons for suddenly needing a husband, can you seen were this is going? each need to marry, and standing before them is the person who could save both their lives. Match made in heaven! Sort of, that is until a certain smuggling secret rears it’s ugly head sending our couple on a tense, sexually charged and engaging journey which will see them go through so much.
I loved the plot, there seems to be so much going on within one story, a scarred hero and feisty heroine with a marriage of convenience, mixed with a smuggling scheme then you have you hands on a compelling, engaging, fast paced, sensual and very hot historical romance. Yet again this is another wonderfully written, captivating story that will keep the reader glued to the last page.
Highly recommended!
March 25, 2018
Counting on a Countess by Eva Leigh is book Two in The London Underground series. This is the story of Christopher “Kit” Ellingsworth The Earl of Blakemere and Tamsyn Pearce. I have read the previous book but feel this is easily a standalone book.
Tamsyn is in the smuggling business to help her Village and to try to buy the house that her Uncle is wanting to sell. The house is the best location for her smuggling business and doesn't want to loose it.
But she hasn't been able to sell her goods to get the money for the down payment for the house. Kit has been on a goal since getting out of the War to enjoy the pleasure of life to try and help him forget the pain. With an ideal to do a pleasure garden to help others he is at a lost of how to get the money when he is giving the chance to marry to inherit the much needed funds. Kit and Tamsyn come together to meet the goal of marrying to get the inheritance but they soon look learn that Tamsyn is the one put in charge of the money..which puts Kt to wooing her to try to get her to fund her dream garden. Tamsyn hasn't told law-biding Kit what she actually does nor that she wants some of that money to help her goal with her smuggling scene.
But along the way of them trying to get to their own personal goals they seem to have started to fall in love.
Really enjoyed this story!! This is a hard to put down book for sure!
Tamsyn is in the smuggling business to help her Village and to try to buy the house that her Uncle is wanting to sell. The house is the best location for her smuggling business and doesn't want to loose it.
But she hasn't been able to sell her goods to get the money for the down payment for the house. Kit has been on a goal since getting out of the War to enjoy the pleasure of life to try and help him forget the pain. With an ideal to do a pleasure garden to help others he is at a lost of how to get the money when he is giving the chance to marry to inherit the much needed funds. Kit and Tamsyn come together to meet the goal of marrying to get the inheritance but they soon look learn that Tamsyn is the one put in charge of the money..which puts Kt to wooing her to try to get her to fund her dream garden. Tamsyn hasn't told law-biding Kit what she actually does nor that she wants some of that money to help her goal with her smuggling scene.
But along the way of them trying to get to their own personal goals they seem to have started to fall in love.
Really enjoyed this story!! This is a hard to put down book for sure!
February 2, 2019
Great storylines, wonderful characters.
January 7, 2019
My thanks to Net Galley and MILLS AND BOON for the opportunity to read COUNTING ON A COUNTESS.
I loved this sumptuous REGENCY tale of a marriage of convenience, intrigue...and hot sexy scenes. A real bodice ripper....made all the more sensuous because the main characters insist on keeping us waiting....
I loved this sumptuous REGENCY tale of a marriage of convenience, intrigue...and hot sexy scenes. A real bodice ripper....made all the more sensuous because the main characters insist on keeping us waiting....
January 24, 2019
Counting On A Countess is book two of The London Underground series of historic romances.
The story opens with an introduction to Kit, an ex-soldier from the Napoleonic war and a recently appointed Earl. Haunted by traumas of war, Kit spends his days wenching, carousing and gambling. But suddenly he’s informed that he can be the beneficiary of a large sum of money. All he must do to receive it is find a wife within thirty days. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-c8F
The story opens with an introduction to Kit, an ex-soldier from the Napoleonic war and a recently appointed Earl. Haunted by traumas of war, Kit spends his days wenching, carousing and gambling. But suddenly he’s informed that he can be the beneficiary of a large sum of money. All he must do to receive it is find a wife within thirty days. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-c8F
April 6, 2018
It's a shame that the second book in the series is worse than the first. First of all, I am still waiting for and Amira to end up together. It would be a great shame if they don't end up together since we have been teased about them since the first book. I was not happy with the book from the time I read the first couple of pages. The first time we meet Kip he is in bed with two women. Am I reading a modern romance? Nope. I am reading a historical novel and a threesome was one of the first things that were introduced to us. It didn't even make sense and it made me dislike the hero (not just the three-way, but the whole scene) because it made him seem like a lazy person with no care in the world. I grew to like Kip though, unlike Tamsyn who never got a spot, even a tiny one in my heart. I found her selfish and I never got the feeling that she actually loved Kip. The novel had a HEA just because it had to. That was the feeling I got. I couldn't connect to the story and the heroine, so I wouldn't recommend the book,
September 28, 2023
I love a marriage of convenience, of course. And I love a good smuggling plot. Throw in a reluctant virgin and a voyeuristic outing to a sex club to teach her that sex is normal? This was a lot of fun. There’s still something missing in this series that I felt in Eva Leigh's most recent work, and this relied a little too much on instalust overall, but again, I had fun.
January 28, 2019
I am absolutely LOVING this series! Although, I feel duty bound to point out that each book can be read as a standalone *coughs* but trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just the one *winks*
Right, so where were we? *taps chin* Ah yes, I am absolutely LOVING this series - crap! - I’ve already said that, haven’t I? Sorry! Let’s continue...
One of things I love most about this series is the juxtaposition of the characters. These are no meek and mild females *shakes head* Ooh no! These ladies won’t be constrained by the societal norms of their era.
And, Tamsyn Pearce is no exception. She dares to lift her head above the parapet, and put her very freedom, nay, her life, on the line to do what needs to be done for the greater good. I dare any of you to quibble with her reasons. Morally correct: yes. Legally? Well... I plead the fifth *whistles*
Given all she has already done, a little marriage of convenience is neither here, nor there when the survival of her village is at stake. Plus, if her betrothed is a little easy on the eye all the better, eh? *snorts*
And, Christopher “Kit” Ellingsworth is most definitely easy on the eye *winks* Furthermore, he is *clears throat* very knowledgeable when it comes to bed sports...
Phew!
Is it hot in here? *wafts top* No? Huh, must just be me then.
Following a distinguished career in the military, Kit has returned home to his old life amongst the ton. However, he has been forever changed by his experiences of war. Those experiences have given way to a dream. To all the world, he may look like (and have the behaviour of) a rake, but there is so much more to this man. The shadows are there to see for those that look closely enough. Now all he needs is the funds to make his dream a reality.
Recently awarded an earldom for his heroism, it doesn’t do much to change his fiscal situation until a bequest from an old friend readies to change all that. There is only one small snag... he needs a wife. Nothing really needs to change, does it? *smirks* Silly, delusional man.
Only, what starts as a marriage of convenience for both Kit and Tamsyn quickly changes as those pesky things called feelings rear their heads.
With secrets on both sides, will they both get their heart’s desires?
Let the games begin...
Oh my days. See what I mean? It’s just everything you could want in a read: romance, suspense, and sizzling hot chemistry. And I don’t say sizzling hot lightly! Overheating in 3, 2, 1...
Although, I have to say, with Kit’s exploits you would’ve thought it would have fallen off by now... whaaa? Apologies, I really need to learn to not say everything I think *giggles*
Okay, signing off now - Thomas is up next *mini fist pump* and I, for one, can’t wait.
Right, so where were we? *taps chin* Ah yes, I am absolutely LOVING this series - crap! - I’ve already said that, haven’t I? Sorry! Let’s continue...
One of things I love most about this series is the juxtaposition of the characters. These are no meek and mild females *shakes head* Ooh no! These ladies won’t be constrained by the societal norms of their era.
And, Tamsyn Pearce is no exception. She dares to lift her head above the parapet, and put her very freedom, nay, her life, on the line to do what needs to be done for the greater good. I dare any of you to quibble with her reasons. Morally correct: yes. Legally? Well... I plead the fifth *whistles*
Given all she has already done, a little marriage of convenience is neither here, nor there when the survival of her village is at stake. Plus, if her betrothed is a little easy on the eye all the better, eh? *snorts*
And, Christopher “Kit” Ellingsworth is most definitely easy on the eye *winks* Furthermore, he is *clears throat* very knowledgeable when it comes to bed sports...
Phew!
Is it hot in here? *wafts top* No? Huh, must just be me then.
Following a distinguished career in the military, Kit has returned home to his old life amongst the ton. However, he has been forever changed by his experiences of war. Those experiences have given way to a dream. To all the world, he may look like (and have the behaviour of) a rake, but there is so much more to this man. The shadows are there to see for those that look closely enough. Now all he needs is the funds to make his dream a reality.
Recently awarded an earldom for his heroism, it doesn’t do much to change his fiscal situation until a bequest from an old friend readies to change all that. There is only one small snag... he needs a wife. Nothing really needs to change, does it? *smirks* Silly, delusional man.
Only, what starts as a marriage of convenience for both Kit and Tamsyn quickly changes as those pesky things called feelings rear their heads.
With secrets on both sides, will they both get their heart’s desires?
Let the games begin...
Oh my days. See what I mean? It’s just everything you could want in a read: romance, suspense, and sizzling hot chemistry. And I don’t say sizzling hot lightly! Overheating in 3, 2, 1...
Although, I have to say, with Kit’s exploits you would’ve thought it would have fallen off by now... whaaa? Apologies, I really need to learn to not say everything I think *giggles*
Okay, signing off now - Thomas is up next *mini fist pump* and I, for one, can’t wait.
March 29, 2018
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 3/29/18.
In many ways, the second London Underground book is a cautionary tale of the dangers of marrying someone you barely know. Kit and Tamsyn both go into their relationship wanting the same thing--money--but each has their own need for it and their own secrets to hide. Even as they're growing to care for each other, each constantly goes back to the earlier conversations they'd had (Kit telling her he wouldn't be capable of fidelity, for example, and saying that once she'd given him an heir they could both pursue their own separate amorous entanglements, for example) and keep their budding feelings to themselves rather than mention them to the other.
And did I mention they have secrets? Honestly, at times reading this book was exhausting, watching them tiptoe around each other and knowing how each felt all the while knowing that they were hurtling themselves toward heartbreak...
Through it all, though, both Kit and Tamsyn were sympathetic characters who you can't help but hope will somehow manage to find an HEA in spite of themselves. They do, thank goodness, but OMG does Ms. Leigh make them work for it! I have to admit that there is a stretch of the book where I wasn't Tamsyn's biggest fan--in getting upset at what she discovers about Kit she really does expose herself as something of a hypocrite, even taking her difficult childhood into account--but when we finally see the reasons behind what she's been doing for eight years (when she finally tells Kit!) I'll admit she almost had me willing to jump into the fray beside her...even as I hoped that there'd somehow be a different way to do things.
Fortunately, Ms. Leigh had an even better solution in mind, giving everyone an HEA that was much more palatable than the one I was afraid we'd have to be happy with.
Now all we need is Langdon's story! ;)
(Counting on a Countess is second in the series but works fine as a standalone.)
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
In many ways, the second London Underground book is a cautionary tale of the dangers of marrying someone you barely know. Kit and Tamsyn both go into their relationship wanting the same thing--money--but each has their own need for it and their own secrets to hide. Even as they're growing to care for each other, each constantly goes back to the earlier conversations they'd had (Kit telling her he wouldn't be capable of fidelity, for example, and saying that once she'd given him an heir they could both pursue their own separate amorous entanglements, for example) and keep their budding feelings to themselves rather than mention them to the other.
And did I mention they have secrets? Honestly, at times reading this book was exhausting, watching them tiptoe around each other and knowing how each felt all the while knowing that they were hurtling themselves toward heartbreak...
Through it all, though, both Kit and Tamsyn were sympathetic characters who you can't help but hope will somehow manage to find an HEA in spite of themselves. They do, thank goodness, but OMG does Ms. Leigh make them work for it! I have to admit that there is a stretch of the book where I wasn't Tamsyn's biggest fan--in getting upset at what she discovers about Kit she really does expose herself as something of a hypocrite, even taking her difficult childhood into account--but when we finally see the reasons behind what she's been doing for eight years (when she finally tells Kit!) I'll admit she almost had me willing to jump into the fray beside her...even as I hoped that there'd somehow be a different way to do things.
Fortunately, Ms. Leigh had an even better solution in mind, giving everyone an HEA that was much more palatable than the one I was afraid we'd have to be happy with.
Now all we need is Langdon's story! ;)
(Counting on a Countess is second in the series but works fine as a standalone.)
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
December 22, 2018
3.5 Stars
Christopher “Kit” Ellingsworth, war veteran and newly minted Earl of Blakemere, buries his demons under every sort of pleasure and vice. His scandalous ways have all but emptied his coffers until a wealthy mentor Lord Somerby leaves him a sizeable fortune. The only stipulation being that he must marry within one month to inherit the money. Kit needs a bride and the bold, mysterious Miss Tamsyn Pearce seems perfect. Husband hunting isn’t Tamsyn’s top priority she’s in London to sell her new shipment of illicit goods but she’s desperate for funds . When a handsome earl offers to wed her and send her back to Cornwall with a hefty allowance, Tamsyn agrees.
Once they are married an unexpected proviso in the will grants Tamsyn control of the inheritance, their arrangement becomes anything but convenient. Now, Kit’s counting on his countess to make his wildest dreams a reality and he plans to convince her, one pleasurable seduction at a time.
This is the second book in the series however it could easily be read on its own. It was a slightly different twist on a marriage of convenience. I really liked Kit who was battling to mentally recover from his experiences as a soldier & he’d held onto a dream for so long & wanted to make it a reality. I found Tamsyn to be selfish & she wanted every single thing on her terms, I couldn’t quite make myself believe she actually loved Kit. The pace of the story was good & it held my interest all the way through. I look forward to Langdon's story.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Christopher “Kit” Ellingsworth, war veteran and newly minted Earl of Blakemere, buries his demons under every sort of pleasure and vice. His scandalous ways have all but emptied his coffers until a wealthy mentor Lord Somerby leaves him a sizeable fortune. The only stipulation being that he must marry within one month to inherit the money. Kit needs a bride and the bold, mysterious Miss Tamsyn Pearce seems perfect. Husband hunting isn’t Tamsyn’s top priority she’s in London to sell her new shipment of illicit goods but she’s desperate for funds . When a handsome earl offers to wed her and send her back to Cornwall with a hefty allowance, Tamsyn agrees.
Once they are married an unexpected proviso in the will grants Tamsyn control of the inheritance, their arrangement becomes anything but convenient. Now, Kit’s counting on his countess to make his wildest dreams a reality and he plans to convince her, one pleasurable seduction at a time.
This is the second book in the series however it could easily be read on its own. It was a slightly different twist on a marriage of convenience. I really liked Kit who was battling to mentally recover from his experiences as a soldier & he’d held onto a dream for so long & wanted to make it a reality. I found Tamsyn to be selfish & she wanted every single thing on her terms, I couldn’t quite make myself believe she actually loved Kit. The pace of the story was good & it held my interest all the way through. I look forward to Langdon's story.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
January 14, 2018
I received an e ARC of this book. Thank you to Harper Collins and Edelweiss for allowing me to read Counting on a Countess. All opinions and thoughts are my own and do not represent the publisher or author.
I love the cover art for Counting on a Countess. I love romances with beautiful covers and had I seen this in a book store I certainly would have picked it up for myself. The cover is what initially drew my eye and the synopsis sounded great. Overall Counting on a Countess was a nice light read. It was fast paced, easy to read and enjoyable. The characters were more engaging than most romances tend to be, and I was invested in their journey together. Historically set in the early 1800s this book flowed well and I found myself enjoying the story. At times I was a little frustrated with the characters, but they were a loveable pair. I would recommend this book if you like easy and quick light romances.
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I love the cover art for Counting on a Countess. I love romances with beautiful covers and had I seen this in a book store I certainly would have picked it up for myself. The cover is what initially drew my eye and the synopsis sounded great. Overall Counting on a Countess was a nice light read. It was fast paced, easy to read and enjoyable. The characters were more engaging than most romances tend to be, and I was invested in their journey together. Historically set in the early 1800s this book flowed well and I found myself enjoying the story. At times I was a little frustrated with the characters, but they were a loveable pair. I would recommend this book if you like easy and quick light romances.
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May 13, 2022
I wanted to like this book. I liked the first in the series, so I thought this might be good. But I have to give this a firm 3 stars. Wasn’t crap. But it took me nearly a week to read. Other HR books take me 3 days tops. And that’s not because I was busy. It was just that I didn’t really care about our heroine.
That’s all I’ll say. Otherwise I’m giving out spoilers while telling the areas I start to like her and then I’m back to rolling my eyes at her actions.
And, as others have said, in regards to the hero getting his inheritance but his wife being put in charge of the money - something he finds out AFTER wedding her - it’s a good thing his chosen bride ( that he had a month to find mind you) can do math. Not a lot could back then from other books I’ve read. It’s also good she isn’t frivolous and spending all the money on gowns and other girly things.
The premise was interesting, but the execution was wanting.
That’s all I’ll say. Otherwise I’m giving out spoilers while telling the areas I start to like her and then I’m back to rolling my eyes at her actions.
And, as others have said, in regards to the hero getting his inheritance but his wife being put in charge of the money - something he finds out AFTER wedding her - it’s a good thing his chosen bride ( that he had a month to find mind you) can do math. Not a lot could back then from other books I’ve read. It’s also good she isn’t frivolous and spending all the money on gowns and other girly things.
The premise was interesting, but the execution was wanting.
May 27, 2018
A very unorthodox female with a bit of a dilemma on her hands. Becoming a countess was not on her list of things to do when in town. A down and almost out male finds that he can get more of what he wants by just marrying. He never expect to find that woman and then find that she controls the whole thing. Falling in love with each other was in neither of their plans but that's how things go. I enjoy these types of romance, especially from the historical prospective but give me a little something different to bit in to. Have the romance read smoother and find connections. For me this one was just another read to occupy my time and gave me nothing more to hold on to have I had finished.
December 24, 2018
I must admit that at first I wasn’t keen on either Kit or Tamsyn. They both looked upon the marriage as using it for their own benefit. However as the story progress and their feelings for each other developed into something more meaningful, I began to like them better. At times the pace was a little slow and there was an odd visit to the Orchid Palace. Overall, though, I did enjoy reading this story and found it an entertaining read. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 18, 2019
Not for me sadly. There was just too much going on here for me to be able to feel like I got to know the hero and heroine and what made them tick. There were so many plot points to hit that there wasn’t any time to do character development what with smugglers and fortunes and sex clubs and evil relatives and business proposals and so much more. Never mind.
********copy from Netgalley in return for an honest review *******
********copy from Netgalley in return for an honest review *******
November 25, 2017
Fun read with a main character that had me rooting for her until the end. Tamsyn Pierce is a determined, spirited woman that won't let a man ruin the plans she has for herself and her town.
Thanks to HarperCollins for the ARC!
Thanks to HarperCollins for the ARC!
March 13, 2018
This book started out a bit slow but gained some momentum as it went along and turned out to be a nice read.
I really, really didn’t think I would like Kit at the beginning of the book. His whole, “I’ll marry and just continue with my bachelor lifestyle” attitude bothered me and I expected him to continue it. He turned out to be a great guy hiding behind shallow pleasures.
I like Tamsyn too, even if I felt like she was a hypocrite some of the time. I still felt like she had her heart in the right place and she was dealing with some difficult issues.
I did feel like the book got a little slow in a few places and like I had to force myself to keep reading. Those places were few and far between, though, and I enjoyed most of the book.
*I received an eARC from Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I really, really didn’t think I would like Kit at the beginning of the book. His whole, “I’ll marry and just continue with my bachelor lifestyle” attitude bothered me and I expected him to continue it. He turned out to be a great guy hiding behind shallow pleasures.
I like Tamsyn too, even if I felt like she was a hypocrite some of the time. I still felt like she had her heart in the right place and she was dealing with some difficult issues.
I did feel like the book got a little slow in a few places and like I had to force myself to keep reading. Those places were few and far between, though, and I enjoyed most of the book.
*I received an eARC from Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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