Taming His Scandalous Countess

The Cold Hearts #1

by Viola Morne

Barred from society because of the scandalous death of her husband, Isabelle is a virtual prisoner in her brother's house. A chance encounter with Julian Beaufort, the rakish Earl of Snow, leads to the offer of a marriage of convenience. He will grant her security and respectability, in return for his rights to Isabelle's body. She will be his, whenever and however he wants her.

Lord Snow is determined to possess his new wife, whatever it takes. The enticing wench is a siren in his bed and a vixen out of it. When Snow takes her over his knee, her response is gratifying. Isabelle needs his hand, and the strap, and the cane. Perversely, that's not enough. Lord Snow wants more...

Isabelle thinks she has finally found happiness. Her husband offers her the life she dreamed of. But the shadows of the past Isabelle can't remember are gathering. Snow has demons of his own and the nightmares to prove it.

Isabelle longs to surrender, but she dare not trust him. Snow's hunger for her can't be quenched, yet he vows not to love her. Crisis looms as these two wounded souls try to find their way to each other. When Isabelle's life is threatened, Snow decides he will risk anything to save her, even his heart.

Genres: Historical Romance

101 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 25, 2014

Reviews

[Ltlmer2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

While there are definitely many hot scenes, Ms Morne's characters and their actions don't allow me to truly enjoy her books. Her "heroes" are generally grabby unmitagated assholes that dont even change much from that until basically the last few pages where they supposedly come to their senses, all is forgiven, and they become a changed man for love. There is little if any romance to the books and often there is a callous cruelty instead. Let me be clear, I can quite enjoy bdsm books and even books of villains redeemed,---- and while spanking isnt my thing, I have enjoyed those types of stories as well on occasion----when they are done well and the author instills some connection to the characters for me. That is rarely the case with Ms Morne. I have somehow read several of her books now, (in anthologies and a few stand alones) but always have a disconnect with them. In this case I had trouble with BOTH main characters, who do some heinous things both past AND present and yet they are glossed over and forgiven without thought or consequence. I have tried to view these stories as purely erotica and not "romance" at all but I still have trouble with other things about the story, characters and writing even when viewed in this manner. I may give Winter's story one final chance since he seems to have some redeeming qualities but I fear I am just weary of Ms Morne's style.

[Etta Stark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story kicks off with an intriguing premise. Following the death of her abusive husband in mysterious circumstances, Isabelle has been effectively held prisoner by her brother who denies her any contact with the outside world.

However, a temporary escape, throws her into the path of the Earl of Snow who vows to wed her and make her his own. It is clear from the outset that Snow plans to be a dominant husband. Even when proposing to her, he says “I’ll punish you when you disobey me. That is my way.” Isabelle and Snow’s marriage gets off to a bumpy start and isn’t helped by some absolutely appalling behaviour from Snow. Just as things start to develop nicely for them, a threat from outside their marriage threatens to destroy everything.

I really enjoyed this story and was intrigued by the wider context of the story which concerns Snow’s former comrades, Frost and Winter. This is the first part of the ‘Cold Hearts’ series with the second part ‘Educating his Elinor’ developing the story still further.

[Madison Vonne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Non-consensual sex!

I cannot believe any of the reviews did not warn the public that this absolutely has a scene of aggravated assault that we are just supposed to accept and get over with... Oh I was just trying to break you so of course we forced you to give my friend head. I can't believe how clean other erotica is and they warn the h*LL out of their readers. I always try to have an open mind but not when a woman is 100% Not Consenting to what's being done to her. I don't know what the genre is for rape, but this is it.

[Jo * Smut-Dickted * · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not overly fond of the male MC. In general I prefer my domestic discipline to have much (much) more description of any discipline or sex scene. I wasn't feeling either of the characters (well pity for the lady) but other than that it didn't hold my interest. It's the type of book I read a ton of - and it was just ok.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did rather enjoy the discipline aspects of the book. I felt as though the characters were underdeveloped. I am not into sharing and it makes me pretty annoyed when a man has his wife do sexual favors to his friend that she is not interested in. The book is short so it immediately dives into the story which was nice. Also, I felt it unrealistic that she is just butt naked in front of him only their second time meeting. Unless you’re a lady of the night during that time period she would have never actually been comfortable doing that. Sexual activities when just a couple pages ago she couldn’t stand him. There was no development there. I gave three stars for the spice not the story. The story and character development is lacking.

[Mindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent Story!

This made me angry reading it and only redeemed itself by the end. So having said that I’m off to start the 2nd book of the series. 💜💜💜