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Counterfeit Countess
John comes back to an inheritance he doesn’t want and a wife he didn’t know he had!
After Waterloo, John Dalkington-Smythe travelled overseas to Canada to find some peace and make his fortune. A frantic visit from his cousins, the Earl of Graywood and his brother brings him back home, but a tragic incident aboard ship leaves John the new heir.
In London, John meets the woman calling herself his widow. Except he isn’t dead and he’s not married. When he discovers the impostor is the woman he’s desired for years, he decides to persuade her to keep the position of Countess of Graywood.
Faith spent years trying to ignore the presence of Lieutenant-Colonel Dalkington-Smythe, her husband’s military commander. Finding herself in dire straits after Waterloo, she poses as his widow. She only ever meant it as temporary. To find that John is alive comes as a severe shock, but her feelings for him are as strong as ever. The passion John and Faith discover together is worth fighting for.
Someone is threatening to expose Faith’s deception and destroy John’s fortune and position in society. If they don’t discover the identity of their unknown enemy and thwart the schemes, John and Faith could lose everything—title, fortune and even their lives.
After Waterloo, John Dalkington-Smythe travelled overseas to Canada to find some peace and make his fortune. A frantic visit from his cousins, the Earl of Graywood and his brother brings him back home, but a tragic incident aboard ship leaves John the new heir.
In London, John meets the woman calling herself his widow. Except he isn’t dead and he’s not married. When he discovers the impostor is the woman he’s desired for years, he decides to persuade her to keep the position of Countess of Graywood.
Faith spent years trying to ignore the presence of Lieutenant-Colonel Dalkington-Smythe, her husband’s military commander. Finding herself in dire straits after Waterloo, she poses as his widow. She only ever meant it as temporary. To find that John is alive comes as a severe shock, but her feelings for him are as strong as ever. The passion John and Faith discover together is worth fighting for.
Someone is threatening to expose Faith’s deception and destroy John’s fortune and position in society. If they don’t discover the identity of their unknown enemy and thwart the schemes, John and Faith could lose everything—title, fortune and even their lives.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2013
3 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Connolly
130 books312 followersI was born in Leicester, England, and lived in our cobbler’s shop with my parents and sister. It was an old house and most definitely haunted, but I didn’t find out until I left that my great uncle had hung himself in the living room! But I think our ghost might have been older than that. It was built on the site of the old Roman cemetery, and the land had been constantly inhabited, being in the centre of town. Then, when the council bought the house from us to build a road, my grandfather retired and my father went and worked for the Post Office. My mother was a sample machinist; that is, she worked with designers on the prototypes (models or samples) of garments. So I was very well dressed! We bought a relatively modern house in the country, and my mother was blissfully happy. It’s all very well living in a large old house, but it’s a dreadful task to keep it clean and warm!
My mother's side of the family are Romany gypsies, although sadly we haven't any of the old trailers that are so astonishingly beautiful. I was taught to read the Tarot cards, and I usually use two packs; the Rider pack for simple readings and the Crowley Thoth pack for the complex stuff.
I've always had an interest in the paranormal and it's been a delight to be able to put some of this into my novels.
My mother's side of the family are Romany gypsies, although sadly we haven't any of the old trailers that are so astonishingly beautiful. I was taught to read the Tarot cards, and I usually use two packs; the Rider pack for simple readings and the Crowley Thoth pack for the complex stuff.
I've always had an interest in the paranormal and it's been a delight to be able to put some of this into my novels.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 18, 2013
Posted on Les Romantiques - Le forum du site
Reviewed by Fabiola
Review Copy from the Publisher
It’s my first Lynne Connolly book and it won’t be my last. She’s been published since 2002 with now more than 50 contemporary, paranormal and historical romances to her credit. None has been translated into French yet.
Counterfeit Countess is a stand-alone historical romance. The story takes place in England a little after Waterloo. The period is well-rendered, first because the heroes were part of the war against Napoleon, John Dalkington-Smith as a Lieutenant-Colonel in the army and Faith Smith as a soldier’s wife. Furthermore, the presence of the duke of Wellington in the novel doesn’t allow readers any doubt about the period in question.
The author also talks about a part of London our readers know well; Saint Gilles, which is the setting of the Maiden Lane series by Elizabeth Hoyt.
However, the History never overrides the story, which is very good.
I loved the book, especially the two main characters. They are very nice and determined. John and Faith encountered each other during the war while she was married to another man. They already were attracted to each other then, but never talked. So the real encounter takes place at the beginning of the book, when John is back in London after having inherited a title and realises that a young woman is pretending to be his widow. When he finds out that Faith is this woman, he decides not to expose her immediately; indeed, he wants to hear the truth from her and, perhaps, satisfy his desire, at last.
I loved the relationship between the heroes: John and Faith support, trust, respect, talk to each other and admit their feelings once they are certain of them. I think some readers might find this not intense enough, because there isn’t any conflict between them. But for me, it was very good. What’s more, there was some emotion and some real affection and shared moments.
The couple must also face the suspicion of High Society, because the hero inherits the title after the deaths of the previous count himself and the next heir in line, which occurred at the same time. As for Faith, well, she’s a “nobody” amongst the ton, and what’s more, she was the wife of a soldier.
The author also adds some suspense and I hesitated between several villains, one of them one of the hero’s close relations, during a long time.
The book contains a lot of sexual scenes, very well described, for that matter. It could be published by J’ai lu in the “Passion Intense” imprint. The scenes neither override the story and when I closed the book, everything was explained in a plausible way. What’s more, I believed in the heroes’ happy ever after.
Counterfeit Countess is a very good romance novel and it’s a stand-alone book. These are two reasons for readers who want to try this author to do it now.
And finally, here is a magnificent declaration of love:
“John : Why did you stay ?
Faith : Because it occurred to me you would be unhappy if I left.”
Reviewed by Fabiola
Review Copy from the Publisher
It’s my first Lynne Connolly book and it won’t be my last. She’s been published since 2002 with now more than 50 contemporary, paranormal and historical romances to her credit. None has been translated into French yet.
Counterfeit Countess is a stand-alone historical romance. The story takes place in England a little after Waterloo. The period is well-rendered, first because the heroes were part of the war against Napoleon, John Dalkington-Smith as a Lieutenant-Colonel in the army and Faith Smith as a soldier’s wife. Furthermore, the presence of the duke of Wellington in the novel doesn’t allow readers any doubt about the period in question.
The author also talks about a part of London our readers know well; Saint Gilles, which is the setting of the Maiden Lane series by Elizabeth Hoyt.
However, the History never overrides the story, which is very good.
I loved the book, especially the two main characters. They are very nice and determined. John and Faith encountered each other during the war while she was married to another man. They already were attracted to each other then, but never talked. So the real encounter takes place at the beginning of the book, when John is back in London after having inherited a title and realises that a young woman is pretending to be his widow. When he finds out that Faith is this woman, he decides not to expose her immediately; indeed, he wants to hear the truth from her and, perhaps, satisfy his desire, at last.
I loved the relationship between the heroes: John and Faith support, trust, respect, talk to each other and admit their feelings once they are certain of them. I think some readers might find this not intense enough, because there isn’t any conflict between them. But for me, it was very good. What’s more, there was some emotion and some real affection and shared moments.
The couple must also face the suspicion of High Society, because the hero inherits the title after the deaths of the previous count himself and the next heir in line, which occurred at the same time. As for Faith, well, she’s a “nobody” amongst the ton, and what’s more, she was the wife of a soldier.
The author also adds some suspense and I hesitated between several villains, one of them one of the hero’s close relations, during a long time.
The book contains a lot of sexual scenes, very well described, for that matter. It could be published by J’ai lu in the “Passion Intense” imprint. The scenes neither override the story and when I closed the book, everything was explained in a plausible way. What’s more, I believed in the heroes’ happy ever after.
Counterfeit Countess is a very good romance novel and it’s a stand-alone book. These are two reasons for readers who want to try this author to do it now.
And finally, here is a magnificent declaration of love:
“John : Why did you stay ?
Faith : Because it occurred to me you would be unhappy if I left.”
August 28, 2013
A nice, steamy historical romance read. I enjoyed this story, though I never felt fully engaged in the book. Regardless, I think Counterfeit Countess was a lovely read.
Faith was a strong heroine who went to unconventional means to survive after the death of her first husband. I thought I might dislike her because of her deception, but she was just a truly nice character who really didn't mean any harm, that I couldn't help but grow fond of her. She was a lovely, likable heroine.
John was also wonderful. He was a sweetheart. I really appreciated that he was willing to listen before passing judgement, particularly when he finds out a woman is posing as his widow. I really liked him. I thought he was a great hero.
The romance was sweet with a big helping of spicy. Faith and John had been attracted to each other since they were on the battlefield together and, when they meet again, the chemistry only grows. These two were definitely hot together. And they were also sweet. Their feelings for each other were obvious. I thought they were a lovely couple.
The plot was okay. The weak point about this book was that I never felt fully drawn into the story. Even though I liked the characters and the story itself was interesting. But, I never got completely hooked, for some reason. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed the story. And the ending was perfectly wonderful.
Counterfeit Countess was a lovely historical romance. Though I didn't feel fully engaged, I still liked the characters and enjoyed the story. I know others who read it really liked it, so I figure that it's just me who wasn't able to fully connect despite the wonderful elements of the story. I would definitely recommend that other historical romance lovers give this book a try because it was an enjoyable read.
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy!
Faith was a strong heroine who went to unconventional means to survive after the death of her first husband. I thought I might dislike her because of her deception, but she was just a truly nice character who really didn't mean any harm, that I couldn't help but grow fond of her. She was a lovely, likable heroine.
John was also wonderful. He was a sweetheart. I really appreciated that he was willing to listen before passing judgement, particularly when he finds out a woman is posing as his widow. I really liked him. I thought he was a great hero.
The romance was sweet with a big helping of spicy. Faith and John had been attracted to each other since they were on the battlefield together and, when they meet again, the chemistry only grows. These two were definitely hot together. And they were also sweet. Their feelings for each other were obvious. I thought they were a lovely couple.
The plot was okay. The weak point about this book was that I never felt fully drawn into the story. Even though I liked the characters and the story itself was interesting. But, I never got completely hooked, for some reason. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed the story. And the ending was perfectly wonderful.
Counterfeit Countess was a lovely historical romance. Though I didn't feel fully engaged, I still liked the characters and enjoyed the story. I know others who read it really liked it, so I figure that it's just me who wasn't able to fully connect despite the wonderful elements of the story. I would definitely recommend that other historical romance lovers give this book a try because it was an enjoyable read.
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy!
September 14, 2013
An interesting novel about how a lie can sometimes lead to true love. The characters are fun and interesting, and the chemistry between practically burns. I only wish that the resolve of the novel had been more drawn out. The antagonists just seemed to drop like flies. I woul have preferrered a bit more work on the part of the main characters. Also, John talks a lot about his intelligent wife, but then we rarely see this intelligence. He still seems to be the driving force, while she's constantly changing clothes.
September 4, 2013
I liked it, it was cute. And I loved how the characters supported each other.
March 6, 2017
“In the essence of truth, lies deceit.”
Dejan Stojanovic
Faith is one of ten siblings. Her father was a vicar and the large family barely survived. They were, however, all well educated and when an army lieutenant, John Smith asked for her hand in marriage, her parents almost pushed her out the door.
The life of an army wife during the reign of King George III is hard and insecure. When the army is sent abroad, most wives move back to their family’s home to await the return (or word of their demise) of their husbands. Faith didn’t have the luxury of choice. She followed her husband to Spain and traveled with Wellington’s army during the Peninsula Campaign against the French army.
In 1815 when Napoleon Bonaparte escaped from the island of Elba, the army is ordered to Holland (now Belgium) to meet on the fields outside of the village called Waterloo.
Lieutenant John Smith is killed during that fateful day, leaving his wife Faith, alone and desolate. A twenty-six-year-old widow has few options. So in an act of desperation, Faith takes on the role of the wife of another officer reported dead; Lieutenant-Colonel John Dalkington-Smythe. Returning to England, she draws on his modest pension and goes to live with his relatives.
Five years later, John Dalkington-Smythe returns from Canada to fulfill his newly acquired (and totally unexpected) role as the Earl of Graywood. He is also curious to meet the wife he never remembered marrying.
The Counterfeit Countess is an engaging romance with many twists and turns in the plot. It is the tale of two people, changed through the tragedy and horrors of war. Two lost souls are looking for an elusive comfort and safety they long to embrace. I’ve always had a weak spot in my heart for strong, intelligent, and resourceful women. Faith is this and much more. She may surprise you, she may shock you but in the end, she will steal your heart. Romance, lasciviousness and erotica twine together to create a very engaging read but I also found myself stuck in a quagmire of social etiquette, tradition and petty intrigues. This tale seems to be true to the period and the characters are both vibrant and authentic. It could use a little more romance, for my tastes. Nevertheless, this tale could prove me wrong and instead please and satisfy a large audience.
Dejan Stojanovic
Faith is one of ten siblings. Her father was a vicar and the large family barely survived. They were, however, all well educated and when an army lieutenant, John Smith asked for her hand in marriage, her parents almost pushed her out the door.
The life of an army wife during the reign of King George III is hard and insecure. When the army is sent abroad, most wives move back to their family’s home to await the return (or word of their demise) of their husbands. Faith didn’t have the luxury of choice. She followed her husband to Spain and traveled with Wellington’s army during the Peninsula Campaign against the French army.
In 1815 when Napoleon Bonaparte escaped from the island of Elba, the army is ordered to Holland (now Belgium) to meet on the fields outside of the village called Waterloo.
Lieutenant John Smith is killed during that fateful day, leaving his wife Faith, alone and desolate. A twenty-six-year-old widow has few options. So in an act of desperation, Faith takes on the role of the wife of another officer reported dead; Lieutenant-Colonel John Dalkington-Smythe. Returning to England, she draws on his modest pension and goes to live with his relatives.
Five years later, John Dalkington-Smythe returns from Canada to fulfill his newly acquired (and totally unexpected) role as the Earl of Graywood. He is also curious to meet the wife he never remembered marrying.
The Counterfeit Countess is an engaging romance with many twists and turns in the plot. It is the tale of two people, changed through the tragedy and horrors of war. Two lost souls are looking for an elusive comfort and safety they long to embrace. I’ve always had a weak spot in my heart for strong, intelligent, and resourceful women. Faith is this and much more. She may surprise you, she may shock you but in the end, she will steal your heart. Romance, lasciviousness and erotica twine together to create a very engaging read but I also found myself stuck in a quagmire of social etiquette, tradition and petty intrigues. This tale seems to be true to the period and the characters are both vibrant and authentic. It could use a little more romance, for my tastes. Nevertheless, this tale could prove me wrong and instead please and satisfy a large audience.
February 8, 2021
I really loved this one! It had some pretty steamy moments!
March 20, 2015
The hero is John Dalkington-Smythe. He wanted to escape his role as “just in case” heir to the title. He goes into the military and moves to Canada following the war. Unfortunately tragedy strikes and he must return to claim the title and produce an heir with his assumed “wife”. The assumed wife is Faith Smith. She is the real widow of John Smith. As John Smith’s widow Faith would have been destitute, but John Dalkington-Smythe’s widow would receive widow’s benefits. So she pretends to be the widow of John Dalkington-Smythe not knowing that her “husband” is still alive. This was a great storyline that just never took off. The characters were just sort of “blah”. I was never vested in the characters or the storyline. I did like that they had great chemistry and genuinely seemed to respect each other. Each wanted to do the “right” thing and worked together to resolve their plight.
There was no excitement to the storyline. The rejection from society seemed overblown even for a historical novel. Each plot twist fizzled even what I thought would be the main twist which was the man that wanted to blackmail Faith. He ended up being killed and that was that. The embezzlement from the estate was also easily solved. There wasn’t enough intrigue to keep you interested in the storyline.
There wasn’t anything spectacular or memorable about the book. The characters were just average and the pace of the storyline was slow
Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books
There was no excitement to the storyline. The rejection from society seemed overblown even for a historical novel. Each plot twist fizzled even what I thought would be the main twist which was the man that wanted to blackmail Faith. He ended up being killed and that was that. The embezzlement from the estate was also easily solved. There wasn’t enough intrigue to keep you interested in the storyline.
There wasn’t anything spectacular or memorable about the book. The characters were just average and the pace of the storyline was slow
Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books
September 9, 2013
Faith was married to a soldier who died…the same day a peer of the same name was thought to die as well. She assumes the peer’s widow status…successfully, until the peer was found in America and brought home. John finds out that he has a “widow” waiting for him and realizes it is the same “wife” he lusted after during the war. They make a pact to keep it quiet and formalize it should the need arise.
I enjoyed this fake wife plot and the feelings that radiated from both John and Faith. Their journey to the only possible ending was enjoyable and peppered with hot scenes. Whew! I enjoyed the peripheral characters as well…though I would have loved to have known his 2 cousins. Enjoyable read.
I enjoyed this fake wife plot and the feelings that radiated from both John and Faith. Their journey to the only possible ending was enjoyable and peppered with hot scenes. Whew! I enjoyed the peripheral characters as well…though I would have loved to have known his 2 cousins. Enjoyable read.
January 24, 2018
123/227 Started so good, with great suspense, touching story and strong female lead, a true survivor. They got together rather quickly and then the plot lost all steam. There is only so much "going shopping" I can handle in my romance, no matter what it represents.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews