My Devoted Viscount

by Shirley Karr

All Miss Sophia Walden has left is her reputation. Unemployed since the school where she taught music abruptly closed, she's found temporary work helping an elderly widow write her memoir. When a runaway former student asks Sophia to help her avoid an unwanted marriage, both of them could be ruined. The last thing Sophia needs is her employer's handsome nephew poking his patrician nose into her secrets.

Vincent, Viscount Fairfax, is on his way to Italy. He plans a quick detour to check on his aunt, to dispel the rumors of ghosts roaming his aunt's seaside estate, and then he'll be off again. But he didn't count on his aunt's intriguing new employee, a petite bluestocking who seems to be hiding something—though it isn't her talent playing the pianoforte or angelic singing voice. Is she connected to the "ghostly" activity?

As Vincent and Sophia engage in playful banter and musical duets, their connection deepens. Vincent believes this could be the prelude to something more ... but he's just passing through.

Unwilling to betray her student, Sophia tries to resist Vincent's charm. He's on his way to Italy, and as soon as the memoir is complete, she will be on her way to employment far away from this manor by the sea. It will break her heart to leave but she doesn't see a future for a bluestocking teacher and a viscount … no matter how much he makes her heart sing.

In this lighthearted Regency romance, love and laughter mingle with secrets and intrigue.A slow burn, strangers-to-friends-to-lovers story with more humor than heat, just a little too naughty to call it sweet.
Author's This story does not follow the current trend of the hero and heroine meeting in the first scene. Or even the first chapter. But when they do meet... well, I wrote the entire story around that scene.

Heat 3/10

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2024

About the author

Shirley Karr’s love of all things Regency began in childhood, when her father’s Air Force career took the family to England for four years. Not only did they visit historic houses, museums, and castles galore, they lived in centuries-old housing. She currently resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband (whom she met on a blind date and married five months later), son, and multiple four-legged family members. To unwind, she loves to make jewelry with gemstones and pearls, grow tomatoes, and go tent camping at the Oregon coast. She’s back after a fourteen-year break from writing, creating light-hearted stories of adventure and romance with a dash of spice, set in Regency England..

Reviews

[Rebekah Wanke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely romantic!
She was hired to transcribe an elderly ladies memoirs. It was to be a temporary position while she looked for more permanent work. With the arrival of the elderly lady’s possibly handsome nephew put everything at risk? Mysteries and secrets to unravel, appealing and interesting characters, and romance all around, the author weaves a tale with a lovely use of language. Expressions such as, “the demented carpenter hammering away in his head” lend color and fun to the story. Very well done! I look forward to reading more of Shirley Karr’s writing!

[Mary Ansell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lighthearted Regency Romance
With humour, smugglers, musicians, artists, secret tunnels, and caves, this book is entertaining from start to finish. The polished writing, believable characters and delightful descriptions of the sea coast add to the reader's enjoyment. This well-written tale features not one, but two romances. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Prafulla Kg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful cover with equally romantic story.Madam authoress has done deep research and has skillfully woven the facts into a unique story.My knowledge of music is woeful however I appreciated her efforts in keeping up the suspense of the various characters involved till the last page.On the whole the book was interesting and I thank Mr. Evan of story origin and madam Shirley Karr for the arc copy and eagerly wait for the next book in the series.

[Aud · Rating 5 out of 5]

“My Devoted Viscount” by Shirley Karr
Ghosts, Sweet Romance, & Adventure
I thoroughly enjoyed losing myself in this story. There is so much to love about the Regency era. But I am so glad I live in the present and can find sweet stories such as this one where I can spend my ‘I am there’ pretend time. Happy Reading ! !

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story that takes the reader away from daily life on a journey to the past in a time of sweet balls, courting and more. Sophie has lost her job. Vincent stops on his way to Italy, to visit his aunt when he meets Sophie. Come read about their love story while you float away on a cloud with them.

[Suze82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

romance and secrets
Reading this book is such a wonderful escape from everyday life. It´s such a shame romance is deemed kitschy in our day, it´s our own loss to always play it cool and avoid expression how you truly feel. For me the mix of a budding romantic relationship and mysteries to be solved was just perfect.

[Chia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shirley Karr captures the allure of Regency romance in My Devoted Viscount, weaving a tale of devotion, intrigue, and enduring love. The titular viscount is the epitome of a swoon-worthy hero, and the heroine’s wit and determination make her a perfect match. The historical details and tender moments make this an unforgettable read for fans of the genre.

[Tzippy Sheffi Elgar · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Devoted Viscount was such a lovely and fun read with a tang of intrigue! I loved Vincent and Sophia. They are wonderful and complex characters. I loved their sweet banter, which was so charming. The slow-burn was delightful and exciting. The story is heartwarming and has a moving happy ever after. I can't recommend it enough!

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The heroine has lost her music teaching position because the school closed so she has found temporary work with an elderly lady. The nephew of the lady shows up for a quick visit on his way to Italy. There are rumors of ghosts so there is a little mystery there. The banter and descriptions make for an enjoyable read.