Not Quite a Countess: An Arranged Marriage Rake Hero Georgian Regency Romance

The Audacious Ladies of Audley #0.5

by Bliss Bennet

Five squabbling guardians. Three rivals for an earldom. And one dashing cavalryman threatening to ruin all Belle's plans...

At fourteen, Arabella Audley inherited her father's Scottish barony—but was denied his English earldom.
Shuffled between multiple guardians for six long years while Parliament dithers over determining the Earl of Audley's rightful heir, Belle's tired of being reduced to the role of pawn.
This year, at the King's Birthday Ball, she'll finally risk a gambit of her own.
The prize?
Her beloved Audley Priory, and the chance to serve its people.
The plan?
Broker a betrothal to one of her rivals for the earldom.
A perfectly sensible scheme—
Until a rakishly handsome cavalry officer checkmates Belle, challenging everything she thought she ever wanted.
Caught between legacy and love, audacious Belle must decide how far she'll go to secure the life—and heart—she truly desires.

If you adore opposites-attract, contested inheritance, court intrigue forbidden romances, then fall in love with Not Quite a Countess, the Georgian-set prequel to the award-winning Audacious Ladies of Audley series.

What readers are
★★★★★ “The strong character development and authentic historical detail were brilliant”
★★★★★ “Compelling, heart-warming, and fun”
★★★★★ “Whip-smart dialogue, well-written characters, and wonderful scenes from Georgian London—a lovely read”

Genres: Historical Fiction

126 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 2025

About the author

Bliss Bennet writes smart, edgy novels for readers who love history as much as they love romance.
Despite being born and bred in New England, Bliss finds herself fascinated by the history of that country across the pond, particularly the politically-volatile period known as the English Regency. Though she’s visited Britain several times, Bliss continues to make her home in New England, along with her husband and ever-growing piles of research books.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not Quite a Countess is meant to serve as a prequel novella to the Audacious Ladies of Audley series, written by Bliss Bennet. It is quite short, and it deals with the issue of whether a woman of noble birth can inherit a title and earldom if her father has decreed it while alive, but there's no precedent for her to inherit after the earl has passed away. Arabella Audley is a baroness of Scottish descent in her own right as Lady Culmaily, but her father was also an English earl, who reportedly wished the title to pass to his daughter (having no sons) upon his death. Now a young woman alone in England, except for her numerous male advisors (and their officious wives), there's some doubt as to whether she can indeed claim her inheritance. Meanwhile, two petitions have been submitted by distant male relatives of the earl for the title. Can Arabella - aka Belle - get her family's title and earldom back by marrying one of these two petitioners, one old enough to be her grandfather (with two eligible grandsons) and the other a selfish, self-centered reprobate?

This is the first story from Bliss Bennet that I've read, and I thought it would be a great place to start the series since it is the prequel. Unfortunately, it did not resonate with me, and I was disappointed, not only because Ms. Bennet was a new-to-me author I had been looking forward to reading, but because another book in this series, Not Quite a Scandal, seemed to have been well-received by other readers in the past. Additionally, the inheritance issue at the heart of this novella was quite well-researched by the author, and the story itself was relatively easy to read.

So what did I take issue with in this installment of the series? First, it is billed as an arranged marriage, but there isn't an arranged marriage during its short 118 pages, and the only arrangement is a far-off possibility IF Belle decides that she wants to increase her chances of winning back her father's title by marrying one of the two petitioners - both of whom are not desirable suitors for a historical romance. And Belle ends up with neither of the two "arranged suitors." Second, the hero, who is a handsome cavalry officer in the King's Light Dragoons, is billed as a rake - but he really is not. At least, not by any standards that I hold for defining a hero as a rake. Is he charming and suave? Yes, but that doesn't make him a rake. Third, the two main characters, Belle and Captain Rye - aka Zacha-Rye-ah Audley, don't spend much quality time together until close to the end, when Belle wonders if she can backdoor her claim to the earldom by marrying an Audley - perhaps the younger son will suffice? She's not that conniving in truth, but how can it be an arranged marriage when she's not being forced to marry either of the men laying claim to her father's title? Belle supposedly is attracted to Captain Rye, and vice versa, but I didn't feel their chemistry. Instead, their interactions felt watered down. Which leads me to my final point: Both main characters didn't feel fully developed, imo, and so my having any investment in whether their romance ended in a happily ever after was pretty much nonexistent. If a review wasn't expected of me after I'd downloaded a copy of this novella, I would have stopped reading about a third of the way through.

As an aside, the brooch that Belle cherishes and keeps with her at all times (it was her mother's) is actually called a Luckenbooth brooch, and I couldn't understand why the author wouldn't name it as such, since she clearly describes the features of it in detail. Most readers like to learn new things; if the author can show us how a woman in the Georgian era might be able to make a claim for her father's earldom, then I'm quite certain we'd love to learn about Luckenbooth brooches too.

As to whether I will read other stories in this series, I'm quite not sure at this time. It might be a while before I try reading another Bliss Bennet book.

I received a free copy of this story from BookSirens, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

[Mindy B (reader_of_the_lost_arcs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE STARS!
Bella and Rye are, I believe, the grandparents of the girls in the rest of the Audacious Ladies of Audley series.

Bella's father died years ago and the question of who inherits the estate has been up in the air since then. Bella decides she is going to take her rightful inheritance, even if she has to marry in order to achieve that.

The story takes place at a birthday party for King George III. She meets Rye, who is a former military captain. He is dashing, a bit irreverent and probably unsuitable for her status. They steal away, where he teaches her some riding stunts while on his horse (!!) They hit it off and it so refreshing that she can be the intelligent woman she really is in his presence, and he shows his caring and tender side.

I also love it that they actually TALK and lay it on the line of what they are really looking for in a life partner, all while trying to evade "capture" from all of the old biddies that are Belle's handlers. I can clearly tell that they are perfect for each other and are going to be fantastically in love.

The next book in the series, NOT QUITE A MARRIAGE, is one of the BEST marriage in trouble books. Ever.

The author's note also says the beautiful cover model is the author's daughter!!

Thank you to Bliss Bennet for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a compelling, heartwarming, and fun historical romance novella related to the Adacious Ladies of Audley series. it has a wonderful period detail set in the Georgian era, strong character development, and a whirlwind romance that was witty, warm-hearted, and delightful. I highly recommend reading!

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Setting Her Goals . . .

Arabella Audley was 14 when she inherited her father’s Scottish barony, becoming Baroness Culmaily. But because she was female, she was not allowed to become an English countess and Parliament made no progress in determining just who should be the Earl’s rightful heir. Will she convince the King at his birthday celebration to make a proper decision for her and end this frustrating waste of time? She has already spent 6 years enduring five guardians, and the lack of progress is getting very tedious. Each of the guardians had their own idea of how Belle should be raised and behave, each opinion differing from the others. Above all, she did not want to lose her beloved Audley Priory to some stranger! Her father had already taught her how to manage an estate, so she was capable and willing to protect the estate’s dependents as well. And so she made a plan and today would try to put it into motion. Lady Mowbray’s emphasis on learning how to properly hold her fan just wasn’t high on her list of priorities, not even if her social standing depended upon it. She already understood she must make a marriage of alliance, not of love, if she wished to win back the Audley lands and title. Her parents had truly loved each other, but saving Audley Priory was her sole focus now and she must forfeit love. Emotion should never be shown in public, especially not now. So she “wafted” her fan instead.

The entrance of a tall, handsome army officer distracted her. His broad shoulders were real muscles and not the fake over-padding of the other men standing around. He started to walk toward her when someone called her name. Arabella had attended school for one year with this young woman, Patty Jones. To her surprise, she stopped the army officer from approaching and placed her hand on his arm. At the same time, Arabella’s guardian made her turn away from them to maintain propriety. Her guardians actually got into a public squabble over their own petty issues. Then the women got into a loud argument over the maker of Arabella’s gown! In the turmoil, Patty made her way through the crowd, the officer following behind her as he smiled at Belle. When it was time to act on her plan, would she and Captain Rye end up the perfect match to accomplish her goals? Or would she lose her estate and the title she intended to claim and be stuck with a poor choice who would never make her happy?

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for a copy of this novella and this is my freely given opinion.

This is a prequel to the Audacious Ladies of Audley, about ancestors of the ladies of series - I am presuming the grandparents, as the ladies are cousins during the series, and this story is set in the late 1700s. Bella has inherited the Scottish barony through her father in her own right, but is fighting to win the right to the English Earldom, as there is no other direct heir. Bella wants to have title to the her beloved home, Audley Priory not just for her sake, but because of her love of the estate and the people and to ensure they are properly cared for. After her father's death, she was under the guardianship if 5 different guardians and chafes at the tight leashes they have on her. But she feels she must follow their rules to have a chance, as there are two others who have issued claims to the crown for the title as well.

An alternative plan is issued to her from one of the claimants, marriage to the son of one of the claimants, then they can combine and strengthen their mutual claims to the title and both would benefit. This seems to be a potentially winning plan.

With a stronger, clearer path to her goal, Bella becomes conflicted when a magnetic, handsome soldier, a Captain Rye, charms and wins her attention. She is conflicted when her potential betrothed is found to be harsh, cold and not likely to allow her to have any say over the management of the estate. Not only that, but it turns out that the charming Rye is the younger brother and black sheep son of one of her rivals for the title. So does Bella choose the path to duty or love?

This was a cute story and what really caught my attention and charmed me was how their story connected to the Astley's, hinting at the beginning of the famed Astley's Amphitheatre. And I quite enjoyed how Bella mentally labelled her guardians and their dictums. But I felt that otherwise the story could use more detail in the characters and relationships that developed and how it connected to the series.

But it did lead to me re-reading Not Quite a Marriage again.

3 stars out of 5

[Ikwi Bookreviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Belle, the only child of a deceased earl, is attempting to marry one of the petitioners for the title to make sure she stays in her ancestral home and in charge of all the lands and tenants. The book is organized around Belle's visit to King George's court to petition the title herself, and she is accompanied by five guardian families. Long story short, she meets a dashing gentleman who eventually turns out to be the solution to her problems, so Belle gets to have both her title and the love of a handsome, charming man.

This was a new author for me and it turned out the book wasn't as great of a match for my tastes as I had hoped. While this is historical romance, so some formality of the prose is to be expected, in this particular case I found it a bit stilted (I admit to skimming in places) and I also think the style created a bit of a barrier between reader and characters. I felt fairly detached from Belle, whose POV we follow, and even more so from her love interest, Captain Rye. Or perhaps it was the time-constrained narrative, which had Belle and Rye go from strangers to betrothed within a day, that made it hard to fully be on board with the main characters' feelings for one another.

I did enjoy the tongue-in-cheek nicknames Belle gave her overbearing guardians. I also quite liked Belle and Rye's honest discussion of their wants and needs for marriage, as well as a depiction of an egalitarian relationship between Patty and her husband.

Overall, I am glad I read the book and got introduced to a new author. It was a short read depicting the court, a circus, and an interesting bid for earldom. It featured a smart and self-possessed heroine, and a quick progression of the romantic relationship.

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ruth Coulson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not sure why Regency and similar times in England hold such fascination for authors and readers alike. Oh, I read and normally enjoy, along with others. But you know, as a woman, it wouldn't be all that great to have lived in those times and under those behavioural strictures.

In this story, Arabella, the chief character has no less than five guardians. Just how that happened isn't specified but as they range up to a Duke and include three spouses this leaves poor Arabella with a terribly upright and correct group of no less than eight to check her every move as she angles to inherit an earldom in her own right. Or failing that to marry the actual inheritor. The candidates aren't promising, given Arabella's strong character and somewhat wild nature. Well, wild for then. Wouldn't turn a head in our more enlightened times.

Now having said that, it occurs to me that one of the reasons this period holds a fascination for us is just that - the contrast with our own times. May we realise just how lucky we are! Another reason, of course, is the beautiful gowns and the sumptuous social occasions of the period. And who could not be delighted then to meet the king - in this case George the Third.

I really love books that set me off to check some piece of information that was not familiar to me. In this case Astley's Riding School which I now find was a real place with a real history. Formerly I had just accepted it when mentioned in many other novels of this period.

So Arabella is Not Quite a Countess, but she will be if she can possibly manage it!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marion Löw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this very fast-paced romance set in the Georgian era. The whole plot takes place in one day during the birthday celebrations of King George III. The author has created a great imagery of etiquette at the court which gives the reader more understanding of the customs of the time. The characters are both very likeable, however I was a little disappointed that the story was only told from Bella's perspective and therefore you didn't get to know Rye better. The chemistry between them was palpable from the beginning and I also really liked their interactions. What I really loved were all the witty alliterations Bella had for her guardians, I was already waiting for the next one and wondering if the author would be able to get the whole alphabet down.

Together with her five chaotic guardians, Arabella "Bella" Audley, Scottish Baroness of Culmaily in her own right, has traveled to the court in London, where she attempts to regain her father's English earldom and become the Countess of Audley.
However, there are two male relatives who could potentially claim the title. Therefore, the simplest solution is to marry one of them to become countess and preserve her father's legacy. If it weren't for the former cavalry officer Zachariah "Rye" Seagrave, to whom she feels immediately attracted...

All in all, a cheerful story with a determined heroine, a charming rake, great world-building and humorous moments that I'm happy to recommend!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arabella Audley’s fervent wish is to inherit her father’s Earldom. While she outright received his Scottish Barony after his death, the English rules of succession were more complicated. Under the guidance of her multiple guardians, she is prepared to outright petition the king. However, with distant relatives also petitioning for the Earldom, Bella has another plan up her sleeve, a marriage alliance to strengthen her position. Her attraction to the dashing Captain Rye is decidedly not part of the plan. Will she choose her family legacy or follow her heart?

Not Quite a Countess serves as a prequel novella to Bliss Bennett’s Audacious Ladies of Audley series, which follows Bella’s granddaughters. Bella is strong willed and determined, unhappy to be reduced to merely a pawn. With five different guardians and their three wives, she gets a lot of conflicting advice, although it’s clear that there is affection and her best interests at heart. Bella is willing to give up dreams of a love match like her parents’ if it means she can protect Audley Priory and its people. Her immediate attraction to Captain Rye challenges that. The connection between Bella and Rye is instant but only in them seeing each other as equals will they both get what they want. With this being a novella, the pacing of their relationship feels a bit rushed, but it has a solid base. This was my first book from this author and I enjoyed her writing style. The novella primed my interest in reading the main series as well.

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

[Margaret P Medberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arabella (Belle) Audley is a Scottish Baroness, a title she inherited at a young age. But now, in Bliss Bennet’s delightful novel, Belle has to fight to secure her rights to her English title. Belle is brought to London for the season, and to hopefully make her case to the King. She also may have to marry one of the other icky choices of suitors who also want to claim title to her estate. And of course, everything is complicated when she meets the dashing war hero Captain Rye, who is showing an interest in her.

Bliss has developed a compelling and fun novel filled with fascinating characters and some nice twists and turns. Her dialogue is spot on, and I love the early “circus” showing that she attends. As in her other novels in the series, Belle pushes the envelope of what is proper for a young lady during the Regency, but finds a way to get away with it. It was a fun read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Reader_for_LifeTLG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lineage, tradition and family honor - Three ideals that spur Belle to pursue her dead father's English title. Her marital choices include an ancient cousin who is upright and trustworthy and a younger cousin who thinks nothing of raiding the estate's coffers to satisfy his vices. Two wholly unsavory options. Good thing another suitor has placed himself in her path. Rye eschews the trappings of the nobility, full of life and joyfulness where his peers are stodgy, stiff and full of themselves. An unlikely pairing given Belle's goal, but not when her own pleasant disposition is measured. A lovely regency story that made me feel like I was in the royal palace of King George and Queen Charlotte, the description was so vivid. A good read that kicks off what bodes to be a great series with a bevy of amusing nicknames Belle attributes to her eight lovingly overbearing guardians.

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

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Follow her heart or obey what duty demands? Arabella Audrey certainly found herself up against a rock and a hard place, filled with doubts, despair, and longings that fate seemed to deny her. This was the first story I've read by this author, and I liked Belle's determination and commitment, but at the same time, I was saddened that these same qualities were affecting her ability to see herself as a person. Captain Rye intrigued me from the start. How romantic everything about him seemed. I found Arabella's comments amusing, the historical information interesting, the situation both protagonists were facing dramatic, and I really liked how their relationship developed. I read this entertaining story in just a few hours and enjoyed the pace of the plot development, the descriptions of the show, the romance, and the ending.

[Regan Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Novella to Kick off a Series!

This is the story of Arabella Audley who inherited her father’s Scottish barony, but was denied his English earldom because of her sex. Shuffled between five guardians for six long years while Parliament dithers over determining the Earl of Audley’s rightful heir, Belle’s tired of being reduced to the role of pawn.

She wants the Earldom and her beloved Audley Priory. And she just might get it if she can arrange a betrothal to one of her rivals for the earldom (two real losers). But then a handsome cavalry officer appears on the scene.

There are many characters in this short story, I assume to lay a foundation for the rest of the series. The author cleverly addresses them with humorous titles and Belle finds a solution to her problem. All ends well when the cavalry officer insists on love.

[Karen]

This is a charming prequel novella in the Audacious Ladies of Audley series. It's the story of Lady Arabella Audley, grandmother of the Regency Audley ladies of the main series. Belle is looking for a way to retain her control over the Audley estate, escape the overbearing clutches of her five (!) guardians, and make a tolerable marriage. These plans are complicated when she meets Captain Rye, who sets her pulse racing but doesn't seem to be able to solve any of her problems. Needless to say, through a convoluted set of circumstances she is able to find a happy ending. As a novella, this worked quite well - I don't think it could have been a full-length novel. I would like to know more about the MCs - an epilogue would have been nice (or maybe a follow-up story).

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short gem is a prequel to The Audacious Ladies of Audley series. Arabella must broker a match in order to retain her claim on the earldom for her beloved Audley Priory. She entertains all offers - old, foppish or otherwise. Obviously, the handsome Captain Rye is not in the running...or does she have a chance with him?

Fascinating historical detail pairs with compelling romance to beguile fans of Bliss Bennet's series. No interesting fact is too small as Bennet paints a realistic portrait of the woman as well as the particular time in British history.

I highly recommend this as a starter book for the series. If you like substantial and deep historical fiction as a vehicle for romance, this is your book!

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bella just wants to run her father's estate. The crown won't let a woman do that, so she will have to marry someone who won't be too rigid and let her run the estate. She is very capable, but a lot of men think women shouldn't be involved in the running of an estate. When Bella runs into an old friend, who has her new husband and another friend with her. Rye is the black sheep of his family. His older brother does everything their grandfather wants him too. He would even marry Bella, even though he is in love with another woman. Rye is perfect for Bella, but he will only marry for love, not so she can run the estate. Can they come to an agreement?

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet little novella is actually a prequel to a series that I haven't read yet but will have to look into the future. It tells the the story of a young lady named Arabella who loses her father and soon there is much debate about her inheritance rights. The next couple of years she has to deal with guardians who are after her fortune until one day she decides to take matters into her own hands and win her own spot in her inheritance. Will she push herself too far to get what she wants? This sweet little story will surely make you smile.

[Ojone Nwosu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captures the struggles of a world where a woman cannot inherit and the struggles she had to go through. However the will to do everything to ensure her fathers legacy is not lost and remains within the family even to her detriment is what Belle is willing to do. However Faith steps in to give her more than what she had expected. In the end she got her desire and much more so much more. Get the

book and enjoy a book you can’t keep down till it’s done. Short but so enjoyable to read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Quite a Countess is Book 0.5 , Prequel to The Audacious Ladies of Audley by Bliss Bennet. I enjoyed this historical romance set in 1768. Arabella is a Baroness in her own right, but, she cannot be granted her father's English title, Earl of Audley. I found the story to be excellent and enjoyable. Arab slow has a plan to get the title of Countess… love has another plan. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[B.J. Sikes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A baroness needs a husband to save her title and her family's lands but all her options are less than satisfactory. The solution to her problem was charming. Great portrayal of the Georgian court and its extensive protocols. Also I particularly enjoyed all the silly nicknames the MC had for her five controlling guardians.

[CORINNE · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily

A short sweet regency romance riddled with women trying to assert themselves as actual people

Mind you five guardians like those would drive me crazy

Still not convinced about love at first sight but ah so romantic

A lovely read

[SynergyQuest · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars - It read a like a novella that ended right when things were getting g good. There are no steamy moments, which is another miss for me. If you want a clean romance, for a few hours car ride, that ends with a HEA this may fit the bill.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Becky Durstenfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short sweet love story. It was a fun read and it was fun to find out that the characters are based on real people. My only regret was that I finished it so quickly.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great start to a new series. Belle is a very outgoing women in a time when their actions were constrained by the ton. Look forward to other books by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her life is unsettled as she tries to gain control of her father Scottish home. She takes a chance to gain control of it by offering it to a rival. Then he arrives and throws it all up in the air. See what is going to happen for her
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I loved it

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first introduction to Bliss Bennet and The Audacious Ladies of Audley. It was a delightful, quick read, finished in under a day!

I received a free copy thru Hidden Gems ARC Readers

[Corinne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good shortish read.

[Priscilla Lawal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set during the georgian era not quite a countess serves as a prequel to Bliss Bennet’s Audacious ladies of audely series. The story begins on a very intriguing note that immediately made me curious about Arabella Audley her motives, her plans, and who she truly is beneath the surface.
The introduction of Captain Rye brought tension and energy to the narrative, adding quite a spark to the historical setting.I liked the small hints of tension and curiosity between Arabella and Captain Rye it gave the story some warmth, even if it didn’t fully draw me in.
Bliss Bennet clearly has a strong commitment to historical accuracy, which comes through in the writing. However, I must admit that I found it difficult to stay fully engaged with the story. This may be because I haven’t read the other books in the series, and perhaps I missed some context that would have deepened my understanding of the characters or their world.
While the writing was elegant and period-authentic, the pacing felt slow for me, and I didn’t feel as connected to Arabella or the romance as I had hoped. For a prequel, I expected more emotional momentum or a hook that would make me eager to dive into the rest of the series.
On my final thought on this sequel,it might be a more enjoyable read for those already familiar with the Audacious ladies of audely series. For newcomers like me, it might not deliver that standalone punch you’d expect from a romantic novella. Still, the historical detail and character glimpses show that Bennet is a skilled writer with a distinct voice, so it was quite alright.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[JMoon25 · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I truly enjoyed the plotline and the idea behind this story, I felt it could have benefited from an additional 100 pages or so to develop the characters and their relationship more fully. A whirlwind romance is always a fun concept! This felt jumpy and lacking - especially as the book came to an end. I loved the early interactions between Belle & Rye and wanted to read much more of this. A few more days' worth of forbidden encounters would have made this a 5-star read for me.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.