The Grumpy Count

The Montevor Royals Saga #5

by Alix Nichols

My name’s Margot, and I’m a broke actress.
Worse — I’m trapped in a London mansion with an ogre.
Count Jonas d’Alenq is continental nobility, and his views on women as archaic as his title.
Still, he saved our troupe’s immersive Pride and Prejudice show.

His only condition? To join the cast.
Not just any role, mind you. He insisted on playing Mr. Darcy.
A whim, surely. Just because he’s rich and handsome, he thinks he can act.
The problem? My character, Caroline, is meant to swoon over him.
And, to my horror, I actually do.

Big mistake! Especially since Jonas is hiding something.
His guests are furtive. His past, murky.
Is he a spy? A conman? An upper-crust rogue?
Whatever he is, I’ll derail his plans.
And he’ll never have his wicked way with me again!
Well, maybe just one last time…

If you love imperfect heroes, strong women who challenge them, and a slow burn that explodes into fireworks, then this spicy tribute to P & P is for you! Perfectly enjoyable as a standalone.

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Romance

Kindle Edition

First published March 2, 2023

About the author

Alix Nichols is a caffeine addict, a fan of Mr. Darcy and an award-winning author on Book Riot's list of 100 must-read international romances.
She pens sexy romantic comedies and romantic fantasy. Her books have been described as "pure pleasure" (Kirkus Reviews) that “keep fans of romance hanging off the edge of your seat” (RT Book Reviews).
At the age of six, she released her first book. It featured highly creative spelling on a dozen pages stitched together and bound in velvet paper. Decades later, she still writes. Her spelling has improved (somewhat), and her books have topped bestseller charts around the world.
She lives in France with her family and their almost-human dog.

**To read a rom-com FREE, visit: alixnichols.com/freebies (just copy and paste into your browser).**

Series and Books:

ROMANTIC COMEDIES

It’s Raining Royals (newest series)

1. The Boss Prince
2. The Bastard Prince
3. The Beast Prince

La Bohème (complete series)

1. 
Winter’s Gift

2. What If It’s Love?

3. Falling for Emma

4. Under My Skin
You’re the One (companion novella, free to newsletter subscribers)

The Darcy Brothers (complete series)

1. Find You in Paris
2. Raphael’s Fling
3. The Perfect Catch
Clarissa and the Cowboy (companion novella)

Playing to Win (complete series)

1. Playing with Fire
2. Playing for Keeps
3. Playing Dirty

Coffee Shop Romances (standalones)


The Devil’s Own Chloe
Amanda’s Guide to Love
An Autumn in Paris

ROMANTIC FANTASY

Keepers of Xereill (complete series within a broader saga)

The Enforcer’s Lady (prequel novella)
1. The Traitor’s Bride
2. The Commander’s Captive
3. The Dragon’s Woman
4. The Samurai’s Lover

5. The Vestal’s Steward

Reviews

[Magali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good romantic comedy and good characters
4.5
It's a good continuation of this series (but the story can be read on its own). I liked Margot who spends her time having lots of different scenarios in her head, about everything and everyone, but also Jonas, who plays on the line of mysoginist prejudices. Jonas and Margot's story is cute, hot, tender, with twists throughout due to Jonas' mission that Margot has no idea.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

For some reason, this series takes a bit for me to get into. I honestly don't know why because I wind up loving each book in the end. I can't wait to see who is the next "Key to the Key" and what has to happen in order to get the next key. For this book, if you like Pride and Prejudice, and Mr. Darcy, then you will love this book!

I voluntarily received and read an ARC for an honest review.

[Karissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another path to a key has been revealed. This time the Key Seeker is Count Jonas d'Alenq. He's sent to London to host a week-long production of The Immersive Pride and Prejudice Experience at his Georgian home. The catch...he plays Mr. Darcy. One of the pay-to-play Elizabeth Bennett's is his key to the key. But from the off he is attracted to Margot Nolan who plays Caroline Bingley. Margot is excited for her first major role; all her hard work is finally paying off. She finds her fellow actors an enjoyable bunch and the Count's home an apropos fit for the show. She finds the man himself, Jonas d'Alenq, extremely attractive but his views on women insufferable. They spar and spark off each other; each disliking the other, refusing to change their views.
After an unfortunate incident during the first performance, Margot finds herself spending more time with Jonas by chance and then choice. Another guy is interested in Margot, Peter-the actor playing her brother Mr. Bingley, but she is drawn inexorably to Jonas. Their mutual attraction leads to its' inevitable conclusion and they are rocked to their cores. But Jonas still has a mission to complete, Elizabeth Bennett to woo, and a key to find. Unfortunately his mission hurts Margot and comes up an utter fail to boot. Seeking Margot out at home to apologize, he is astonished to find the Oracle had it wrong and maybe he's subject to fate after all.

This is a case where art imitate life. Their past experiences prejudice them; they are too proud to admit their views might be skewed. They are both proven wrong.

[Linda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angsty, humorous, romantic with mystery and Royals!
The anticipation will draw you in while Margot, the feminist and Jonas, the Count will keep you reading. Their romance comes with lots of angst, humor and passion. Their banter whether friendly or argumentative, is clever and fun mental sparring. This is book four taking place in the Montevor Royals world. Count Jonas d’Alenq is after the “Key to the Key” holder of the fourth of nine mysterious keys which opens an impenetrable vault which contains something that will make or break the existence of Mount Evor, a hidden principality.
Each royal in turn has found his key held by the “Key to the Key” and fallen in love. Jonas says, “not going to happen to me!” That is until he meets the beautiful and feisty Margot. You will find out that Jonas has not had a grief-free life thus far and his impression of women is based on a significant event. I loved how Ms. Nichols supplies hints to mysteries that we aren’t even aware exist yet which surrounds Matteo, Donna and Jonas’ twin Stephen and their father. These mysteries when disclosed will blow your mind. There’s a twist that will make you wonder if the former plotted book concept has switched in this book. If you’ve read other books in this series, you’ll see what I mean.
This book was so good and intriguing that I have already bought the next two. Remember there are nine keys. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Booksprout. If you like Rom-Com which is written well and compelling, you’ll want to read this book.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another vision. Another key. Another Key to the Key. And possibly, another traitor to the Mount Evor throne. I loved Margot’s fierce independence and, while I didn’t always agree with her rampant feminism, I could support the spirit of what she was standing for. Jonas was equal parts tragic hero and alpha-hole, and I kind of loved both those parts with equal fervor. I had so much fun watching these two spar with one another; proving yet again that hate isn’t the opposite of love and just how little it can take to sweeten the emotion. My fingers are crossed that the newly discovered traitor isn’t actually the traitor they appear to be and I’m more eager than ever to see where the author will take us next.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.

[Christi Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: The Grumpy Count
Author: Alix Nichols
Format: ebook
Genre: Romantic Comedy, enemies to lovers, royalty
Standalone: yes
Part of a Series: Book 1 of What Royals Want/book 4 of Its Raining Royals
POV: Margot, Jonás
Steam Level: slow burn to steamy
4/5

The Grumpy Count is the first book in the What Royals Want series and the fourth book on the It’s Raining Royals series. The race is on to find the key to Mont Evers. The problem? We’re not sure who the Key to the Key is for certain. I love the hint of suspense in this series and I can’t wait for the next book in this series. Margot wasn’t my favorite heroine. Her judge attitude rubbed me the wrong way. Jonas was deliberately an ash so Alix Nichols had an uphill battle in making these characters more likable by the end. Surprisingly she succeeded which is why I’m giving this four stars rather than anything lower. Overall I really liked this story, enjoyed the cameos and cannot wait for the next book in this series.

I received an advanced copy of this book for free from the author. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

The search for the Keys continues in this book with a bit of a twist compared to the others. But it was funny as it combines a rich single dad with a feminist actress. It was funny to watch these two meet and try to ignore and stay away from each other but of course that does not happen and got a funny story. Not as much action or danger compared to others in the series but still a good story that made me laugh and read to the end.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review For honest Review Margot Nolan is currently working out of a London mansion property of Count Jonas d’Alenq who took in the theater company after the previous host dropped them a week before the start of the show, “The Immersive Pride and Prejudice Experience.” in this story he is trying to find the "key to the key." To unlock his future . What a great read .

[Elina Reant · Rating 5 out of 5]

_Histoire qui s'inscrit dans la saga Montévor («Le Cortège royal»)_

Salut ! Ici Margot Nolan, une féministe dans le pétrin.
En ce moment, je bosse dans un manoir londonien, propriété du Comte Jonas d'Alenq.
Il a accueilli la troupe dans laquelle je joue, car le précédent hôte nous avait lâchés une semaine avant la première de notre spectacle, "L'expérience Orgueil et Préjugés".
Mais évidemment, il y a un loup.
Derrière sa fortune, son physique et l'amour qu'il porte à son jeune fils, Jonas d'Alenq est un véritable macho aux idées surannées.
Un macho qui a réclamé à jouer un rôle dans notre spectacle. Et pas n'importe lequel! On parle du rôle principal masculin, celui de Mr. Darcy !
Sa seigneurie est un acteur amateur, paraît-il.
Pour lui témoigner sa reconnaissance, notre metteuse en scène a accepté.
Grave erreur ! Je joue Caroline qui doit se pâmer devant M. Darcy. Flatter un réac — que ce soit un Darcy ou un d'Alenq — ne m'amuse pas du tout.
Le plus agaçant dans tout ça ? Malgré nos différends, mon idiot de petit cœur se met à palpiter chaque fois que ce réac sourit.
Et mon corps irraisonné fond quand il m'embrasse...
Sur le point de trahir toutes mes valeurs, je me rends compte que Jonas couve un projet secret.
Que cherchent notre hôte et ses furtifs visiteurs?
Jonas est-il un espion? Un criminel-gentilhomme?
Qu'importe ce qu'il est, je saboterai ses plans.
Et je ne céderai plus jamais à ses avances.
Enfin, peut-être juste une dernière fois...
LE COMTE ARROGANT est une histoire d'amour pétillante, pleine de rebondissements et d'humour, qui s'inscrit dans la saga Montévor («Le Cortège royal»). Si vous aimez les romances slow burn, les héros imparfaits et les femmes qui savent les défier, alors ce livre est pour vous.

Nous revoici parti pour MontEvor et sa quête des clés.
Dans cette nouvelle quête nous faisons connaissance avec Margot, féministe jusqu'au bout des ongles, et accessoirement comédienne de théâtre.
Nous découvrons également Jonas, Comte de son état et comédien à ses heures perdues.
J'ai adorée retrouver la plume d'Alix qui nous entraine cette fois sur les traces de Jane Austen et de son Orgueil et Préjugés, mais qui nous entraine également dans la quête de cette nouvelle clé (bien que j'ai trouvée que sa recherche était reléguée au second plan dans ce tome).
Nous faisons la connaissance de deux personnages intéressants au niveau caractère, leurs joutes verbales sont un véritable délice et leur personnalité l'est tout autant.
Nous retrouvons également de nombreux protagonistes dont nous avons suivi les aventures précédemment et le fil rouge de l'ensemble des tomes se poursuit.
Ce nouvel opus s'inscrit dans une dynamique différente mais est toujours aussi attrayant.
Un nouveau tome à découvrir sans tarder.

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some book pages make it look like this is the first book in a new series but it continues the Mount Evor storyline from previous Nichols books. If you missed them, Mount Evor is a tiny country somewhere in Europe that has somehow managed to keep its existence a secret in the age of satellite photos and google maps. There is a villain named Kurt who is threatening Mount Evor and the heroes and heroines of previous books have been looking for mysterious keys that may help save Mount Evor. The next key seeker, Jonas, thinks a woman named Giselle may have it and joins an immersive theater experience in order to get to know her. This seems like a lot of trouble when he could make contact in some other manner. But this is where he meets Margot who plays Caroline Bingley to his Darcy. They spar over their views of feminism and masculinity but both feel the sexual magnetism of the other. It's not a straight Pride and Prejudice retelling but Austen's personal history plays a small part in the recovery of the keys and true to his Darcy role, Jonas may have some rejection in the cards.

I have enjoyed this story although the secret country requires some suspension of disbelief.

Steam level: Some sexual content
Angst level: Generally low but there is a mugging that could have ended badly and Jonas is grieving for lost family members.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't read like first in a series🤔: heavily on the steamy side💦

3-3.5🌟stars
I liked the author's incorporation of a Jane Austen side to the core of the plot. Here it's a backdrop for the romance in the form of an interactive Pride and Prejudice play with members of the public paying for roles as extras and performing as Elizabeth with a core team of experienced actors. With a different Elizabeth in each of the seven performances. The romance involves Jonas, the "Mr. Darcy" and owner of the Regency mansion venue where they rehearse and perform, and "Caroline Bingley" actor Margot.

I was a bit bowled over by all the long steam scenes and would have preferred a bit more romance. The male lead is a Count but a bit crass at times and I did not feel the emotional connection between him and Margot, the actress female lead.

The secret agent/search and spies part of the plot made this first in the What the Royals Want series seem like a follow-on story, not a stand alone. I definitely felt like I had missed a big chunk of backstory, especially when characters from Jonas' home country are introduced as if I should already know them. Guess I should have read Nichols's It's Raining Royals series first.

The ending was touching but not in a romantic way, focusing on Jonas's family connections.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[FD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of a series about the royals of Mount Evor. These must find certain keys in order to save the kingdom. There is also a villain who wants to prevent the keys from being found by the Royals. That's kind of the line of the series. In every book, whoever finds the key also immediately finds love in the key to the key. In this story it is Jonas' turn to find a key. To do this, he joins a theater company that performs Pride and Prejudice in an original setting; the stately home of Jonas himself. He is attracted to fellow performer Margot, but she is just not the one who can help him with the key, he must take his interest to another contestant, and ignore the distraction called Margot. Margot also takes an interest in Jonas, and doesn't understand his erratic behavior. In addition to finding the key, there are family problems and references to Pride and Prejudice in the background.
Smooth humorous writing style, nice interaction between Jonas and Margot. I think it’s a pity we don't get to see a bit more of the family issues they both have, not necessary for the story, but I would have liked I to know more.
Margot was too sweet and understanding for my taste after Jonas blew it with her
Entertaining romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fun Play Concept; Didn’t Like Main Characters

In the book’s subtitle, the author states it’s an enemies-to-lovers romance. I don't see that at all. The hero and heroine have opposite views on just about everything, but I don't see how that makes them enemies. (In fact, this book’s main trope may better be “opposites to attract.") There was no inciting incident to actually start a true enemies arc that would make this a real enemies-to-lovers story. I liked neither the hero nor the heroine on first meeting. The heroine is an actress and an ardent feminist, yet she has a problem with the non-feminist aspects of a 200-year-old book! It seems like a pointless struggle to me! Accept that earlier times had different ways of looking at the world and work with it as an actress, or don't accept the job! Don't whine and resist doing your job correctly! I wasn't wild about the hero either. Like so many contemporary heroes, he's an arrogant jerk, but he also comes across as misogynistic and objectifies women. While I don't like the whole arrogant “hero” thing, I don't find misogyny and objectification of women acceptable at all in what should be a romance. The only good thing about this book was the idea for the play. The characters left me absolutely cold.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

[Alix Nichols]

Ready to fall in love? I’m thrilled to bring you the next novel in the “It’s Raining Royals” saga! The Grumpy Count: a single dad romance is an electrifying romance between Count Jonas d’Alenq and actress Margot Nolan, set to be released on March 2nd.

Margot and Jonas meet while rehearsing for an adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” in London’s theater district. Strong-willed Margot, unafraid to speak her mind, challenges the handsome, wealthy and macho single dad Jonas at every turn. As the pair spar and clash, onstage and offstage, they realize that their mutual disdain masks something else entirely...

Chemistry sizzles, hearts get broken, and what starts as a battle of wits turns into a passionate love story that will leave you swooning!

👉 Mark your calendars for March 2nd
👉 Add The Grumpy Count to your Goodreads Shelf
👉 Preorder on Amazon the special pre-release price (or wait until Release Day if you have a Kindle Unlimited subscription): https://amzn.to/3KgZ3RO

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant addition to the series 4*
Part of a series of which I’d read each episode, all standalone as far as the romance is concerned. This book is a pleasant contribution to the series where the reader is transported back to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice era with an interesting twist to the ‘Key to the Key’. This time, Count Jonas is tasked with recovering the 4th Key and he arranges to become part of a theatrical company putting on a production of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. He plays Mr. Darcy, the archetypal ideal man most women dream of. Enter Margot, an actress who plays one of his adoring admirers in the play but, who in real life doesn’t look at him as the Universe’s gift to women. What male ego can withstand such disappointment? This episode is steamy and intense with respect to Margot and Jonas’s undeniable attraction for one another but as far as the race for the Key is concerned, I missed the suspense of the previous episodes. However, it is a very pleasant read even if the series is based on a somewhat unrealistic idea. The reader is rewarded with a pleasant HEA, with tension points resolved, making it an enjoyable read that I am happy to recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[wheresthelibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Booksprout for the advanced copy.

Im such a big fan if insta-love with a sprinkle of enemies to lovers trope. Even thlugh they're not really hate each other, but i cherish their banter and undeniable attraction!

The story is pretty straightforward with the Hero, Count Jonas d’Alenq took in a theater company the heroine's -Margot- played at after the previous host dropped them last minute with a catch that he wants to play a part in the show which is the male lead of the play. What a coincidence! Our heroine is the female lead who fawns on the male lead which is something Margot loathe.

I mostly smiling while reading this. Both povs showed their attraction for each other and how they try to resist it everytime. Even their banter is full of cuteness. I also love the way their surroundings and environment feels so alive, detailed yet the explanation didnt get me a headache.

All and all, this book is a light read with stress free character imo eventhough Hero is kind of a jerk but hes the heroine's jerk and im here for it.

I will recommend this for everyone who's tired of stressful plot and hard to swallow characters. If you need a book to relieve some stress the read this book!

[Noreen Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book in what the royals want and i really enjoyed it.Also first book i have read by this author.

It is Jonas and Margot's story.

Margot is an actress in the adaptation of Jane Austin's pride and prejudice.The company who was hosting the play has backed out at the last minute.Enter Count Jonas to save the day.He also wants the part of Mr Darcy!

They are attracted to each other,but they resist the temptation as long as they can.

Jonas has an ulterior motive in helping out with the play and Margot has her own secrets.Loved how their romance takes place during their rehearsals for the play and all the different characters involved.

They do have to work for their happily ever after but they do get there eventually.

Loved how their romance takes place during their rehearsals for the play and all the different characters working with them.

A great read with lots of humour,steam,banter,secrets,suspense and a happily ever after.I want to read the rest of the books in the series.

I recieved an advanced review copy of this book for free and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Kat Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read and didn't know there were others before this one. It says enemies to lovers. They sure aren't enemies. Maybe opposites attract would be better for the trope. It says this book is a standalone but there was not enough background info regarding why they needed keys, how many keys were needed, etc.

Jonas comes off as a jerk. Money can get you anything you want. What he wants for his mission is to find a key, and he will stop at nothing to get his way. His views regarding women turned me off even though later on he declares they really aren't his views. Why project these to other people if they aren't your views?

Margot is a feminist. If you are doing a play based on Pride and Prejudice, times were so different back then. Don't try to change things.

Jonas and Margot had sexual chemistry but there was a lack of communication between them until late in the story.

Jonas' mom had so much hate for Margot. Jonas' solution was to move out of the castle to their own place. This hatred should have been addressed.

I loved Matteo. He was a bright spot in this story.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book in the What The Royals Want series the latest in the Montevor Royals Saga. This book features Jonas the Count and Margot the feminist in a deliciously humorous battle of the sexes. Jonas is involved in the search for the keys to save Mt. Evor and he's looking for the "Key to the Key "holder of the fourth of nine peculiar keys that could help to save Mt. Evor. Jonas thinks that a woman named Giselle has the key so he becomes part of the theater company in order to get to know Giselle and find the key. At the theater he meets Margot who he shares banter and chemistry with she also stars opposite him in the Immersive Pride and Prejudice Experience. Margot plays Caroline to Jonas's Mr. Darcy. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this spicy, humorous romantic comedy to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katherine · Rating 1 out of 5]

In the interest of full disclosure, I could not bring myself to finish this book. I came across it in Kindle Unlimited. Since I spend my days immersed in dense and heavy reading material I thought it would be a great escape like other books that have come up in my recommendations. However, it was not an escape. The main characters are vapid, generally uninteresting, and highly unlikeable. Even so, I could have (and have several other times with other books) overlooked extremely toxic behaviors for the sake of fiction but I could not with this book.

I'm actually pretty surprised to see no other reviewer mentioned the blatant transphobia from one conversation between the two main characters. Additionally, the "hero's" off-putting "alpha male" persona was so over-the-top it felt like the character was stuck in an endless Andrew Tate podcast. I'm all for escapism in fiction but this is not worth anyone's time. It is one of the worst books I've ever partially read. It also holds the honor of being one of only a select few books I've never even bothered to finish.

[Virginia VanSaders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Count Jonas and Margot!

This is the first book in the continuing search for the keys to save Mount Ever. Margot is in a theatre production for a company in London, with nowhere to put on the performance. The owner of the townhouse pulled out right before the start of there show. In walks Count Jonas who has agreed that it be put on in his townhouse. Oh, there’s always a catch. He is to be the male lead. Is there a purpose behind this? Margot plays the female lead. Count Jonas is also a film producer for a company with his sister and cousin. The search is still on for the keys to the vault. Count Jonas is the finder for the next one. Who really is the Key to Key? These two characters have opposite views on almost everything, or do they? An awesome love story with magnetic attraction, lots of steam, some mystery with suspense on the side. A great addition to finding the keys to Mount Evor’s vault!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great addition to the What the Royals Want Series. The 4th key adventure is on and Count Jonas has been tasked with finding and recovering it. Margot has been hired to act in the lead role in The Immersive Pride and Prejudice Experience and Jonas finds a way to fund it and become the lead. These two meet and come off as opposites, Margot and feminist and Jonas one macho sexy man. They spend one week preparing and the second week performing and each night turns out to be one great performance after another. Jonas and Margot end up spending one wonderful night together so on the last night of the play when he ignores her and puts his attention on another woman Margot is hurt and leaves the next day without a word. When Jonas goes to apologize some time later at her home he explains his actions and they have a wonderful conversation that leads to an unexpected outcome. Margot holds out for her happy ever after moment and Jonas does what he can to give it to her!

[Betsey Matharu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. I did enjoy the Pride and Prejudice aspects to it, both in the immersive play and the overarching theme with the tension about feminism versus masculism.
But that was just a small part of the bantering back and forth between the hero and the heroine. A fair amount of romantic tension between our main characters carries them through the entire book.
The mystery aspect concerns his family and artifacts that will allow them to have something back.
I did read an ARC copy of the book, and there were some strange words (one was a grammatical error, but the other two seemed to be on purpose). I cannot imagine using the word "impaled" in a love scene, but it was.
The HEA came on a little sudden and I didn't see the turn around in the hero's mind about her, but had a glimpse of hers near the end.

Good stuff.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonas was on a mission to search for a key, with the clue connected to the theatre production that Margot was a part of.

They felt attracted to each other from the get go but Jonas needed to focus on his mission and tried to push Margot away, unsuccessfully I might add. Jonas acted like a jerk sometimes so I'm not a big fan of his character, but Margot wanted him so I'm gonna concede for her.

I especially enjoyed the pride and prejudice theatre elements in the novel. The depiction of the immersive theatre experience seemed really fun and I wished to see it in reality.

This book is the first in the series and can be read as a standalone, but the plot was connected to the Montevor Royals saga. This story also contains paranormal elements, but I'm not spoiling anything here.

Overall, it has a billionaire romance plus fantasy YA novel feel but with steamy scenes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Grumpy Count continues the search for the keys that will save the Mount Evor royals. In this installment the count, Jonas, is assisting a thespian group that is doing a version of Pride and Prejudice that will use different amateurs as Elizabeth Bennett while Jonas plays Mr. Darcy. The vision has decreed that this will lead to the key. “What vision?” you ask. This reviewer will refer the you to book one, The Boss Prince for the complete backstory, but it briefly will be explained here also. Of course, nothing goes as planned and it appears that another key might have been captured by the bad guys. Alix Nichols has written a story with many twists, revelations, witty banter between Jonas and Margo, the actress playing Caroline Bingley, and enough heat to melt your e-reader. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. Most highly recommended this book and the entire series.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading different takes on romance, and this was no exception. Margot was so funny to me on being such a feminist and arguing about her views with anyone who would listen. She is also an actress in a theatre group who rented Count Jonas d’Alenq’s home for the venue. Of course his one stipulation was that he play Mr. Darcy in this immersive Pride and Prejudice Experience. The funny part was that Margot plays Caroline who fawns over Mr. Darcy which is so against what she believes in real life. All the women are ga ga over Jonas, but the only person he is attracted to is Margot. Their back and forth was funny at times and other times was sad. She has no idea he is trying to find the fourth key to save his hidden country. Everything sure doesn’t go as planned for Jonas. I encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy and voluntarily store a review.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved "The Grumpy Count" by Alix Nichols. I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review - however, I can gladly say I would pay full price for this book. I am a huge fan of this author and as soon as I saw that Ms. Nichols had released a new series I had to read it. I've enjoyed the first three books so far and I just knew I would love this one as well. The writing is spot on - well-constructed storylines and characters that hook you right away and leave you wanting more. We get another "key" with this book and I'm loving the mystery - looking forward to future books to see how it all comes together. I highly recommend picking up this one if you are looking for fun Rom/Com type entertainment.
This author is always a great addition to your book collection.
Happy Reading...enjoy!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think fans of Pride and Prejudice would like this book because a) it's the play the characters are performing and b) there are a few reflections of the characters in the story of The Grumpy Count. However, even with Jonas' opinions on women ultimately being untrue, it still gave me a negative impression of him that he spread his "theories". There was also a comment about transgender that had a negative tone to it which really distracted me from the story. If it weren't for the scene at the cemetery, I would have given the story just 3 stars. It didn't hold my attention as well as previous Mount Evor stories, and I'm not sure I would have understood the whole key hunt/key to the key thing if I hadn't already read the It's Raining Royals series.

I received a copy of the book at my request (and read it in KU), and the opinions here are my own.

[Sue Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging romance with ‘Pride & Prejudice’ theatrical production as a backdrop. I loved the originality of this book: a theatre company putting on an ‘interactive’ production’ of the Jane Austen in the Regency home of Jonas – the ‘Grumpy Count’ of the title. I really liked that feminist Margot is no pushover and challenges seemingly misogynistic Jonas at every turn! This book is part of a series, but despite essentially being a ‘stand-alone’ story it does constantly refer to ongoing events and themes from previous books – which I felt did break up the flow of the narrative in several places (hence only 4*). That being said, Margot & Jonas’ developing romance is highly enjoyable as they are both strong, likeable characters entertaining the reader throughout. A good read, but it may be better if you read the previous stories first.

[Michal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, first off I have to say that Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book. I have multiple editions, and I've read many reimaginings and continuations.

This book is a combination of a modern day P&P along with a cast in the book playing an interactive retelling of the story. The main characters were interesting, had chemistry, and you could see Elizabeth and Darcy in them to a certain degree. There were a few too many in depth explanations of feminism, feminism vs chauvinism, etc for my taste. Also "The Key to The Key" and the many royal family intertwinings were a bit hard to follow. This took away a bit from my enjoyment of the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.