A Novel with Thoughts and Ponderings

SECRETS OF A PROPER COUNTESS

Author: Lecia Cornwall ISBN: 9780062018939 4/2011 HISTORICAL Publisher: AVON
Time Period: Regency

Secrets of a Proper Countess by Lecia Cornwall
Some secrets we take to the grave. Others we just take to bed . . .

Lady Isobel Maitland cannot afford to be caught doing anything even remotely scandalous, or she risks losing everything she holds dear. But one night, in a dark garden at a masquerade ball, Isobel gives in to temptation and lets an innocent flirtation with the notorious Marquess of Blackwood turn into passion.

The Marquess is no stranger to seduction or intrigue, and his rake's reputation disguises a deadly mission. When his mystery lover flees before he can learn her name, he knows he must find her. But all clues lead toward the prim and dowdy Isobel Maitland. It appears the lady has secrets of her own, secrets that Blackwood would dearly love to uncover . . .

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS: Top Pick

SECRETS OF A PROPER COUNTESS is a stunning debut by Lecia Cornwall! I devoured this one in a few hours and was so disappointed when it was over. It has been awhile since I have read something so riveting.

Seductive and passionate, SECRETS OF A PROPER COUNTESS is delicious. The hero is a spy and a rake; the heroine is under the thumb of her deceased husband's family. Together they make an unlikely pair, destined to go down as one of the most loved couples in this Cinderella-style historical romance.  Their story isn't perfect; the heroine is not as smart as I wish her to be, although her small bits of defiance make up for her lack of ingenuity. To be completely honest, some of the cloak and dagger scenes near the end are stretched to unbelievable limits, and the schemes of matchmaking siblings causes a bit of eye rolling. However, none of these things can take away the connection between the story's characters.

SECRETS OF A PROPER COUNTESS is engaging from the very first paragraph to the most welcome happily-ever-after on the last page.

Shannon Johnson

Close Window or Back to Previous Page