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Those Very Bad Fairbanks #13
An Unlikely Countess
This is the final story in the Fairbanks family saga! Featuring Miss Julia Fairbanks and the Earl of Ashton!
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2024
About the author
Alyssa Clarke
49 books324 followersAlyssa Clarke writes steamy Regency Historical Romances featuring swoon-worthy heroes and sassy, sometimes unconventional heroines! Her debut novel, Love Me, If You Dare, came to her in a dream as a hot, fun enemy to lover romance where she played the leading lady who fell in love with a duke who looked remarkably like Henry Cavill.
When not writing, Alyssa enjoys hiking, games/movie night, with her husband and two beautiful children, and her Siberian Husky, Cronus. She is a lover of wine, cheesecake, and more wine.
When not writing, Alyssa enjoys hiking, games/movie night, with her husband and two beautiful children, and her Siberian Husky, Cronus. She is a lover of wine, cheesecake, and more wine.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 10, 2024
This was a nice story, with likeable characters. Last story in this enjoyable series.
Youngest daughter, meets widower with two daughters. And the chemistry starts between them.
Youngest daughter, meets widower with two daughters. And the chemistry starts between them.
January 17, 2025
4✨
2🌶️
CUTE! SOOOOOO CUTE!
I'm actually not sure what prompted me to read this, since it's the 13th and apparently last of this particularly series? And I definitely missed a lot of backstory, callbacks, and context, but I was actually able to slip in to this book with ease. Makes me wanna dive to the beginning of this series!
Romance, spice, and characters with banter based on chemistry. Sometimes a family is a widowed single dad and lady with a bad reputation.
2🌶️
CUTE! SOOOOOO CUTE!
I'm actually not sure what prompted me to read this, since it's the 13th and apparently last of this particularly series? And I definitely missed a lot of backstory, callbacks, and context, but I was actually able to slip in to this book with ease. Makes me wanna dive to the beginning of this series!
Romance, spice, and characters with banter based on chemistry. Sometimes a family is a widowed single dad and lady with a bad reputation.
February 12, 2025
The last Fairbanks sibling’s HEA. I was not engaged from the start compared to previous books in the series so that was a sign. You know I start to question the plausibility of events (or the historical inaccuracies) when I’m not invested.
1. The heroine leaves a ball in her brother’s carriage to go climb a tree in Hyde Park. Was it that safe at night for the heroine to be alone in the park?
2. The hero has a tendency (in 2-3 encounters) to just kiss her when she’s not prepared for it. (Non-con?) This is not an implausibility, just an observation that kind of irked me.
3. She runs away from home by riding a horse for four days to her family’s old home in the country (I think it’s called Penporth), dressed in men’s clothing so she can ride astride. Again, was it really safe for a lady to travel alone for four days. The author doesn’t mention at all if the heroine stops at inns to eat and rest nor if she changes horses during this first travel to Penporth. The second time the heroine runs away to Penporth, the author does mention the heroine made stops at inns.
1. The heroine leaves a ball in her brother’s carriage to go climb a tree in Hyde Park. Was it that safe at night for the heroine to be alone in the park?
2. The hero has a tendency (in 2-3 encounters) to just kiss her when she’s not prepared for it. (Non-con?) This is not an implausibility, just an observation that kind of irked me.
3. She runs away from home by riding a horse for four days to her family’s old home in the country (I think it’s called Penporth), dressed in men’s clothing so she can ride astride. Again, was it really safe for a lady to travel alone for four days. The author doesn’t mention at all if the heroine stops at inns to eat and rest nor if she changes horses during this first travel to Penporth. The second time the heroine runs away to Penporth, the author does mention the heroine made stops at inns.
August 26, 2024
I have read 31 books by Alyssa Clarke. I just started her in April, 2021 and she quickly became a favorite. I love her stories and she writes such good sex scenes.
I loved Julia and Rafe. I loved their personalities and I loved them together. I felt they made a fantastic couple. I appreciated how she took to the girls right off and embraced them as her own. Her zest for life was so carefree and wonderful. I also love how he couldn’t keep his hands off her. 😊 And I love how they loved each other.
I loved Julia and Rafe. I loved their personalities and I loved them together. I felt they made a fantastic couple. I appreciated how she took to the girls right off and embraced them as her own. Her zest for life was so carefree and wonderful. I also love how he couldn’t keep his hands off her. 😊 And I love how they loved each other.
August 29, 2024
4.5/5 An Unlikely Countess is the thirteenth and last book in Those Very Bad Fairbanks series. This was my first book by this author and even though I jumped to the last book in the series, I had no problem reading this as a standalone.
I enjoyed the writing and characters in this quick and lighthearted read.
Julia is the youngest of 12 siblings and feeling adrift and restless as the only unmarried sibling left in what was once a loud and boisterous house. She yearns for the countryside and space to be herself. Rafe is a young (29) widower with seven year old twin daughters looking for a new wife. His mother offers a list of suitable ladies with a note to avoid any Fairbanks at all cost. He’s very staid and respectable until he meets Julia. Muddling his thoughts, manners, and behavior unlike he experienced with his first wife.
With a shorter page count and a fast pace story, I still felt the characters were developed well and got a better sense of Julia’s character as she took on the responsibility of the household and his daughters. It seemed as if she was in her element and made me like her more. Rafe’s feelings and fears could’ve been explored more in a longer story instead of having already worked through these thoughts. I still found myself getting emotional at one point though.
The daughters were sweet and darling and I loved the role they played in showcasing Julia’s positive influence and cementing Rafe's feelings to more than lust.
There’s two encounters with an additional brief scene plus two others that are alluded to. Each encounter was shorter than the last but the two I counted were steamy, passionate, and well written.
I received a complimentary ebook from the author. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed the writing and characters in this quick and lighthearted read.
Julia is the youngest of 12 siblings and feeling adrift and restless as the only unmarried sibling left in what was once a loud and boisterous house. She yearns for the countryside and space to be herself. Rafe is a young (29) widower with seven year old twin daughters looking for a new wife. His mother offers a list of suitable ladies with a note to avoid any Fairbanks at all cost. He’s very staid and respectable until he meets Julia. Muddling his thoughts, manners, and behavior unlike he experienced with his first wife.
With a shorter page count and a fast pace story, I still felt the characters were developed well and got a better sense of Julia’s character as she took on the responsibility of the household and his daughters. It seemed as if she was in her element and made me like her more. Rafe’s feelings and fears could’ve been explored more in a longer story instead of having already worked through these thoughts. I still found myself getting emotional at one point though.
The daughters were sweet and darling and I loved the role they played in showcasing Julia’s positive influence and cementing Rafe's feelings to more than lust.
There’s two encounters with an additional brief scene plus two others that are alluded to. Each encounter was shorter than the last but the two I counted were steamy, passionate, and well written.
I received a complimentary ebook from the author. All opinions are my own.
September 9, 2024
“Miss Fairbanks, please allow me to apologize—”
“The only thing I will allow you, Lord Ashton, is the understanding that you are my enemy. Be warned.”
“You are aware I am the Earl of Ashton,” he said with an arrogant tilt of his head, unable to suppress a smile at her audacity. “Who are you to threaten me? Have you also never heard that to forewarn is to be forearmed?”
She lifted a brow, a smirk playing on her lips. “Ahh, I thought you understood I was Julia Fairbanks, one of the bad Fairbanks.” Without awaiting his reply, she whirled around and walked away. Rafe watched her go, a smile tugging at his mouth. By God, he was hopelessly enchanted.
Have you ever finished a book and immediately wanted to pick it back up? Well, An Unlikely Countess is one of those books! Out of all the titles in the Those Very Bad Fairbanks series, this one is my favorite. It's an electrifying combo of laughs, feels, and irresistible romance! From their very first meet-cute, all the way to the final paragraph, I was hooked. I’m a total sucker for an emotional read, and let me tell you, this one delivers! If I wasn’t grinning from ear to ear, I was laughing out loud. And when I wasn’t laughing, I was full on ugly crying—tears streaming, tissues flying. And can we talk about the adorable kids? Total scene-stealers! This book is an absolute win!
Tired of the Ton’s predictable parties and yawn-worthy events, Julia’s life takes a thrilling turn when a midnight encounter with a mysterious man in the park completely upends her world. That man? None other than the elusive Earl of Ashton, who’s been off the grid since the death of his wife. Now ready to remarry, Rafe has a clear vision of his perfect bride—and let’s just say, Julia aint it. But when scandal throws them together, Julia isn’t backing down. She’s about to wage war on this no-holds-barred mission to capture the earl’s tightly locked heart.
An Unlikely Countess is the perfect finale to a truly wonderful series with a satisfying and unforgettable ending that leaves you smiling long after the last page! This goes without saying, but just in case, I will…I highly recommend this book. If for no other reason but its a wonderful story. Alyssa did a bang up job showing that sometimes being a “VERY BAD FAIRBANKS”....aint so bad at all!
“The only thing I will allow you, Lord Ashton, is the understanding that you are my enemy. Be warned.”
“You are aware I am the Earl of Ashton,” he said with an arrogant tilt of his head, unable to suppress a smile at her audacity. “Who are you to threaten me? Have you also never heard that to forewarn is to be forearmed?”
She lifted a brow, a smirk playing on her lips. “Ahh, I thought you understood I was Julia Fairbanks, one of the bad Fairbanks.” Without awaiting his reply, she whirled around and walked away. Rafe watched her go, a smile tugging at his mouth. By God, he was hopelessly enchanted.
Have you ever finished a book and immediately wanted to pick it back up? Well, An Unlikely Countess is one of those books! Out of all the titles in the Those Very Bad Fairbanks series, this one is my favorite. It's an electrifying combo of laughs, feels, and irresistible romance! From their very first meet-cute, all the way to the final paragraph, I was hooked. I’m a total sucker for an emotional read, and let me tell you, this one delivers! If I wasn’t grinning from ear to ear, I was laughing out loud. And when I wasn’t laughing, I was full on ugly crying—tears streaming, tissues flying. And can we talk about the adorable kids? Total scene-stealers! This book is an absolute win!
Tired of the Ton’s predictable parties and yawn-worthy events, Julia’s life takes a thrilling turn when a midnight encounter with a mysterious man in the park completely upends her world. That man? None other than the elusive Earl of Ashton, who’s been off the grid since the death of his wife. Now ready to remarry, Rafe has a clear vision of his perfect bride—and let’s just say, Julia aint it. But when scandal throws them together, Julia isn’t backing down. She’s about to wage war on this no-holds-barred mission to capture the earl’s tightly locked heart.
An Unlikely Countess is the perfect finale to a truly wonderful series with a satisfying and unforgettable ending that leaves you smiling long after the last page! This goes without saying, but just in case, I will…I highly recommend this book. If for no other reason but its a wonderful story. Alyssa did a bang up job showing that sometimes being a “VERY BAD FAIRBANKS”....aint so bad at all!
September 5, 2024
Rating: 4/5 stars
Steam level: Open-door scenes
Thoughts:
This was a really sweet and comforting book. I enjoyed the story, angst, and relationship development between the main leads.
Julia and Rafe are a sweet couple. I love the way their attraction and steamy scenes were written, and the little moments depicting their realizations of love for one another were so sweet. The author has a talent for describing emotional, momentous moments in such short texts. I didn’t feel a shortage of emotion or satisfaction at all. The angst was written in a perfect length, as well.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the level of angst the author was able to deliver in such a short length! Given that both Julia and Rafe were lonely for so long, it made sense that their happily ever after provided so much joy and comfort to both of them, which made their ending feel so sweet and joyful.
Finally, the steam was written very well. I enjoyed reading their initial attractions and how it led to very delicious steamy moments between the two main characters, especially in the first scene.
There were moments that I felt could have required more explanation, but this is a novella-length story, and all the plot points were resolved as expected.
Overall, this was a sweet historical romance novella. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy historical romances with light angst and high steam!
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Read this if you like:
- Hot steamy scenes
- “Anyone but her!”
- Sweet male lead
- Satisfactory apologies by the male lead
Tropes: Strangers to lovers, widowed male lead, “unsuitable” female lead, kids, miscommunication
Steam level: Open-door scenes
Thoughts:
This was a really sweet and comforting book. I enjoyed the story, angst, and relationship development between the main leads.
Julia and Rafe are a sweet couple. I love the way their attraction and steamy scenes were written, and the little moments depicting their realizations of love for one another were so sweet. The author has a talent for describing emotional, momentous moments in such short texts. I didn’t feel a shortage of emotion or satisfaction at all. The angst was written in a perfect length, as well.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the level of angst the author was able to deliver in such a short length! Given that both Julia and Rafe were lonely for so long, it made sense that their happily ever after provided so much joy and comfort to both of them, which made their ending feel so sweet and joyful.
Finally, the steam was written very well. I enjoyed reading their initial attractions and how it led to very delicious steamy moments between the two main characters, especially in the first scene.
There were moments that I felt could have required more explanation, but this is a novella-length story, and all the plot points were resolved as expected.
Overall, this was a sweet historical romance novella. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy historical romances with light angst and high steam!
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Read this if you like:
- Hot steamy scenes
- “Anyone but her!”
- Sweet male lead
- Satisfactory apologies by the male lead
Tropes: Strangers to lovers, widowed male lead, “unsuitable” female lead, kids, miscommunication
August 25, 2024
Another wonderful Fairbanks…….
I love the bad Fairbanks, and all of their stories. I will truly miss this family and reading about their love lives. Julia and Rafe were made for each other. They both had a hole in their lives that they didn’t know how to fill until they met one another. Even though it may not have seemed the perfect match, fate had other plans for them. They seemed to always find themselves together which led to a HEA that they didn’t see coming.
This story was full of well developed characters, and you could feel the love between them all. Julia’s relationship with Emma and Grace and the letters from her sisters were so loving. It added such depth to the belief and picture of what the future of their family would look like. I liked Rafe from the beginning. Even though he had his mother in his ear, you just always knew he was a man with great character that would do the right thing and follow his heart. I was waiting for this book, and once I started, I couldn’t put it down.
I love the bad Fairbanks, and all of their stories. I will truly miss this family and reading about their love lives. Julia and Rafe were made for each other. They both had a hole in their lives that they didn’t know how to fill until they met one another. Even though it may not have seemed the perfect match, fate had other plans for them. They seemed to always find themselves together which led to a HEA that they didn’t see coming.
This story was full of well developed characters, and you could feel the love between them all. Julia’s relationship with Emma and Grace and the letters from her sisters were so loving. It added such depth to the belief and picture of what the future of their family would look like. I liked Rafe from the beginning. Even though he had his mother in his ear, you just always knew he was a man with great character that would do the right thing and follow his heart. I was waiting for this book, and once I started, I couldn’t put it down.
August 27, 2024
Dive into the tale where Miss Julia Fairbanks is the last single lady standing as her siblings are off getting hitched. But wait, here comes the Earl of Avoidance, Rafe Ashton, dodging the love-seeking missiles launched by society's mamas. A twist of fate lands Julia and Rafe in cahoots, pretending to court to keep the matchmakers at bay. What begins as a sham turns into a riot of snappy comebacks, flirty glances, and a romance that sneaks up on them like a ninja in a ballroom.
This book is a treasure trove of laughs! Julia wields her wit like a sword, and Rafe broods so hard you'd think he invented it. Their sparky dialogue and tender moments will have you cheering for their love story. Julia's fierce independence meets Rafe's secret soft side, making them the dynamic duo of romance. The supporting characters, especially Julia’s meddling siblings, add an extra layer of fun and mischief to the story. If you’re looking for a romance that will make you laugh and swoon, An Unlikely Countess is a must-read!
This book is a treasure trove of laughs! Julia wields her wit like a sword, and Rafe broods so hard you'd think he invented it. Their sparky dialogue and tender moments will have you cheering for their love story. Julia's fierce independence meets Rafe's secret soft side, making them the dynamic duo of romance. The supporting characters, especially Julia’s meddling siblings, add an extra layer of fun and mischief to the story. If you’re looking for a romance that will make you laugh and swoon, An Unlikely Countess is a must-read!
September 2, 2024
The final book in the series, for the youngest sibling Julia. The sibling who appeared to take on the family's new status and enjoy all of encompassed.
But as the only unmarried sibling Julia worried she'll never find her for ever person, and she.missed her siblings.
Enter the Earl of Ashton (not to be confused the the Earl of Ashworth Julia's me stepfather, why do writers have characters with such similar names?), staid widower pushed into looking for a new wife and mother for his daughters, by his uptight exacting mother.
I've enjoyed the series in spite of getting the wrong book when I ordered the previous book in the series. This book could have been the cherry on the top of the series ,but somehow missed it. Everything was plodding along a little slowly and suddenly they're married,mother is horrified, but all so rushed you could blink and miss it.
But as the only unmarried sibling Julia worried she'll never find her for ever person, and she.missed her siblings.
Enter the Earl of Ashton (not to be confused the the Earl of Ashworth Julia's me stepfather, why do writers have characters with such similar names?), staid widower pushed into looking for a new wife and mother for his daughters, by his uptight exacting mother.
I've enjoyed the series in spite of getting the wrong book when I ordered the previous book in the series. This book could have been the cherry on the top of the series ,but somehow missed it. Everything was plodding along a little slowly and suddenly they're married,mother is horrified, but all so rushed you could blink and miss it.
November 8, 2024
I loved the girls. But I hated the fact that a 20 year old suddenly became a mother to 7 years olds. Also, I didn't much care for the H.
I have read the entire series because I am a completionist but I had to roll my eyes at the author's note which states that 'all siblings were different'. I genuinely only liked Fanny and Lizzie's story. The rest of the sisters all suffered from boredom with the ton and longing for Penporth. They have all merged into one in my mind.
For anyone interested in reading a better version of an ill-suited family suddenly coming into title, read the
'Five Deadly Sins' by Kathleen Ayers.
I have read the entire series because I am a completionist but I had to roll my eyes at the author's note which states that 'all siblings were different'. I genuinely only liked Fanny and Lizzie's story. The rest of the sisters all suffered from boredom with the ton and longing for Penporth. They have all merged into one in my mind.
For anyone interested in reading a better version of an ill-suited family suddenly coming into title, read the
'Five Deadly Sins' by Kathleen Ayers.
August 24, 2024
Excellent.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel, it is well written and I liked the storyline immensely, I laughed and I cried.
The addition of a widower and the twin daughters added a further dimension to the tale.
The length was also to my liking, the story was well paced and moved along consistently and it kept my interest throughout.
I’m sad to see this series end and would like to read an update on the family in the future maybe in a Christmas at Penporth novella?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel, it is well written and I liked the storyline immensely, I laughed and I cried.
The addition of a widower and the twin daughters added a further dimension to the tale.
The length was also to my liking, the story was well paced and moved along consistently and it kept my interest throughout.
I’m sad to see this series end and would like to read an update on the family in the future maybe in a Christmas at Penporth novella?
September 15, 2024
Wish I was a Fairbanks!
I absolutely love this series. As most “only-child” do, I have always longed for a big family, and this series adopted me into its delight and didn’t let go. The Fairbanks are fun, loving, and hysterically funny when at their best which is usually when they're at their worst. I could not put this series down and felt very invested. Goodbye to my new “Very Bad Fairbanks Family.” I will miss you!
I absolutely love this series. As most “only-child” do, I have always longed for a big family, and this series adopted me into its delight and didn’t let go. The Fairbanks are fun, loving, and hysterically funny when at their best which is usually when they're at their worst. I could not put this series down and felt very invested. Goodbye to my new “Very Bad Fairbanks Family.” I will miss you!
August 22, 2024
Started off nicely but it finished so abruptly I was left disappointed and felt cheated out of a proper ending. It was like the author could not be bothered to finish writing this story. I felt like she was losing interest in this series when reading the second last book of this series about James Fairbanks. I removed points simply due to the abrupt ending. 🙄
August 26, 2024
Books under 200 pages are the best!
I loved that the tale of their love didn't have as much strife as some books! I think some writers think that continue having their couples having the same problems over and over again to make the books longer get boring! Love all your books and will definitely be looking forward to all your new ones!
I loved that the tale of their love didn't have as much strife as some books! I think some writers think that continue having their couples having the same problems over and over again to make the books longer get boring! Love all your books and will definitely be looking forward to all your new ones!
September 9, 2024
Perfect ending for an absolute incredible series!
This is definitely one of my all-time favorite series to read. Each book is distinct, and each story is fun and well told. An Unlikely Countess was the perfect ending to a great series. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
This is definitely one of my all-time favorite series to read. Each book is distinct, and each story is fun and well told. An Unlikely Countess was the perfect ending to a great series. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
September 11, 2024
Another great story
This was another good story from her. This one had me crying towards the end. I usually don’t like series but I enjoyed this series so much. I will miss the Fairbanks❣️
This was another good story from her. This one had me crying towards the end. I usually don’t like series but I enjoyed this series so much. I will miss the Fairbanks❣️
November 5, 2024
I loved and enjoyed this soooo much
I hate to say goodbye to the Fairbanks
But this was an amazing ending
It made my heart flutter
I totally fell in love with Rafe and Julia.. and let's not forget Grace and Emma
Alyssa Clarke thank you for creating magic
I hate to say goodbye to the Fairbanks
But this was an amazing ending
It made my heart flutter
I totally fell in love with Rafe and Julia.. and let's not forget Grace and Emma
Alyssa Clarke thank you for creating magic
June 15, 2025
Laughter, having fun and being yourself. Julia and Rafe’s story is full of all of the above. I am not usually a lover of children in books but I have read a few that I really enjoyed, including this one. Such a nice love story.
August 24, 2024
Sweet
It was a sweet story and I liked both Julia and Rafe immensely. Their story was the best way to end the series. I love the Fairbanks!
It was a sweet story and I liked both Julia and Rafe immensely. Their story was the best way to end the series. I love the Fairbanks!
August 24, 2024
Sad
Another brilliant book by Alyssa. So sad that it's the last one with those very bad Fairbanks . Thank you
Another brilliant book by Alyssa. So sad that it's the last one with those very bad Fairbanks . Thank you
August 28, 2024
Rade and Julia
What a wonderful end to the Fairbanks Family series. So sweet and romantic. I loved Julia and Rafe's story from the very beginning. Congratulations Alyssa Clarke.
What a wonderful end to the Fairbanks Family series. So sweet and romantic. I loved Julia and Rafe's story from the very beginning. Congratulations Alyssa Clarke.
August 29, 2024
Really enjoyed this series. All the women were very strong and independent characters. Although they met their husbands in unusual ways it worked out in the end. Would recommend to a friend.
April 5, 2025
Such a warm story!
Each story in the series seems to just get better. The best compliment to be offered is that not once have I experienced boredom after reading 13 books.
Each story in the series seems to just get better. The best compliment to be offered is that not once have I experienced boredom after reading 13 books.
October 6, 2024
I loved the way Julia and Rafe met and the slight forbidden romance that followed. Julia was teasing a little which made me laugh but also made the initial chemistry have good tension. I loved the relationship that Julia had with Rafe’s daughters just as much as their relationship. It was so sweet to see how Julia was able to let them have fun while teaching. I also loved to see the subtle changes in Rafe that Julia’s presence brought. Just like the others I have read by this author; the spice was good and I think the amount of it with the plot worked really well.
Thank you @estela.reads.romance and @alyssaclarkewrites for the gifted copy.
Thank you @estela.reads.romance and @alyssaclarkewrites for the gifted copy.
November 8, 2024
A decent read for sure but stories of the Fairbanks family are starting to become simplified and repetitive. I still LOVE the author though and will continue to read more of her work.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews