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Properly Spanked #2
To Tame A Countess
Take a rousing romp through 1790s England with this second of four Properly Spanked novels…
The Earl of Warren never considered himself the heroic type—or the marrying type. Unfortunately, while attempting to save the mysterious Lady Maitland from the clutches of a degenerate fortune hunter, he ends up shackled to her himself.
It was never in the plans, and worse, his bride doesn’t want him. Rather than feel grateful, Josephine begs to be released from the marriage so she can accomplish her dearest goal—to be left alone. Troubled by an unconventional childhood, scarred by painful memories, Josephine acts out until Warren has no choice but to begin a disciplinary program to bring her to heel.
Although his spankings are firm, painful, and plentiful, he makes little progress in taming his wild countess. But her wildness pleases him in the bedroom, where they spend hours at uninhibited play, fulfilling licentious and carnal lusts. While Josephine struggles to understand her feelings toward her authoritative husband, Warren must decide if having a tame wife is worth the anguish of damaging her already vulnerable heart.
This 82K word novel contains spanking, anal play, sado-masochism, and other sensual practices.
The Properly Spanked Series
#1 Training Lady Townsend
#2 To Tame A Countess
#3 My Naughty Minette
#4 Under A Duke’s Hand
The Earl of Warren never considered himself the heroic type—or the marrying type. Unfortunately, while attempting to save the mysterious Lady Maitland from the clutches of a degenerate fortune hunter, he ends up shackled to her himself.
It was never in the plans, and worse, his bride doesn’t want him. Rather than feel grateful, Josephine begs to be released from the marriage so she can accomplish her dearest goal—to be left alone. Troubled by an unconventional childhood, scarred by painful memories, Josephine acts out until Warren has no choice but to begin a disciplinary program to bring her to heel.
Although his spankings are firm, painful, and plentiful, he makes little progress in taming his wild countess. But her wildness pleases him in the bedroom, where they spend hours at uninhibited play, fulfilling licentious and carnal lusts. While Josephine struggles to understand her feelings toward her authoritative husband, Warren must decide if having a tame wife is worth the anguish of damaging her already vulnerable heart.
This 82K word novel contains spanking, anal play, sado-masochism, and other sensual practices.
The Properly Spanked Series
#1 Training Lady Townsend
#2 To Tame A Countess
#3 My Naughty Minette
#4 Under A Duke’s Hand
ebook
First published October 21, 2014
78 people are currently reading
628 people want to read
About the author
Annabel Joseph
70 books2,217 followersAnnabel Joseph is a NYT and USA Today bestselling BDSM erotic romance author. She writes mainly contemporary romance, although she has been known to dabble in the medieval and Regency eras. She is recognized for writing emotionally intense BDSM storylines, and strives to create characters that seem real--even flawed--so readers are better able to relate to them.
Annabel also writes non-BDSM erotic romance under the name Molly Joseph. You can sign up to receive Annabel's newsletter here: http://wordpress.us7.list-manage.com/...
Some of Annabel's favorite authors are Laura Kinsale, Judith McNaught, Jo Beverley, Flannery O'Connor, Molly Weatherfield, and Anneke Jacob.
Annabel Joseph loves to hear from her readers at annabeljosephnovels(@)gmail.com.
Annabel also writes non-BDSM erotic romance under the name Molly Joseph. You can sign up to receive Annabel's newsletter here: http://wordpress.us7.list-manage.com/...
Some of Annabel's favorite authors are Laura Kinsale, Judith McNaught, Jo Beverley, Flannery O'Connor, Molly Weatherfield, and Anneke Jacob.
Annabel Joseph loves to hear from her readers at annabeljosephnovels(@)gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
November 16, 2014
Oh, yes, this story was definitely "spankalicious.' Much better than Training Lady Townsend (book 1). Likeable hero and heroine. Good conflict. Funny. Emotional. I liked really this story!
It's interesting how the heroes of this series struggle with debauching their wives, which they had always resolved their needs with skilled courtesans/whores. The emotional, along with sexual, fulfillment exceeds their paid experiences. The heroine was afraid for her first time, but she was ignorant of what is considered perverse and within the norm. She enjoyed the naughtiness. Her husband, the hero, was grateful.
I anticipate Minette's romance. Her brother, the To Tame a Countess hero, will struggle with her pairing, who happens to be a debauchery-loving friend.
Grade: B+
It's interesting how the heroes of this series struggle with debauching their wives, which they had always resolved their needs with skilled courtesans/whores. The emotional, along with sexual, fulfillment exceeds their paid experiences. The heroine was afraid for her first time, but she was ignorant of what is considered perverse and within the norm. She enjoyed the naughtiness. Her husband, the hero, was grateful.
I anticipate Minette's romance. Her brother, the To Tame a Countess hero, will struggle with her pairing, who happens to be a debauchery-loving friend.
Grade: B+
May 28, 2016
Spoiler Ahead
This was book two in the "Properly Spanked Series" and it was a really good book. Lord Warren who we met in the first book didn't want a wife while at a party at Lord Baxter's house he meets is young charge Lady Maitland who is a mystery to all and scared of her own shadow. Lady Maitland returned to England after the death of her parents in India and all she wants is to be left alone, but society calls that she be married and she doesn't want a husband she wants a cottage to live in for the rest of her life. When she meets Lord Warren she is terrified of him he is big and handsome and she just wants to be left alone. Lord Warren knows that Lord Strafford wants her for her land and money that inherited from her parents. When she tries to walk to town on her own she gets lost in the woods and Lord Warren comes to her aid and spanks her for going off on her own. When they get back to the house and Lord Baxter sees them Warren has no choice but to marry her and either of the want to be married. This was a really good book Josephine is not use to being in society and she only wants to wear black. Josephine has a lot to learn no one told what happens on the honeymoon and she is shocked that she likes the things that Warren does to her. Warren knows that he has a lot to teach is young wife including how to act in public and he spanks her when she does things wrong like disappearing the day before the ball that Warren is giving to introduce her. Minette who is Warren's sister that he raised helps Josephine hide at Lord and Lady Townsends house. Warren is really mad at his sister and his wife and all three lady's get spankings. Josephine was raised by neglectful parents who really didn't want a child they traveled and the people of India thought she was half tiger and people made fun of her and that is why she is the way she is. The book had some really hot sex scenes after all Warren was a rogue and a rake before he got married with visits to houses of pleasure like the rest of his friends, but with Josephine she brings out the lust in him and although she wouldn't admit it she loved the things that he did to her except the ginger in the but. This book was really good and at times I felt bad for Josephine. The book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book about Minette and August.
February 20, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed this good story by Annabel Joseph; of the Baroness Josephine Maitland, brought up in India, and outside of social conventions of aristocratic Regency England, and of Earl Warren, known as Warren in preference to Idyllwild his given name, understandably.
Warren, previously a man who preferred the batchelor life of the wealthy, with wine, gambling, and loose women, out and about with his aristocratic set.
Here he finds himself acting the hero and marries, and decides to give it a go, training and taming his bride to know how to behave in high society...which leads to both their lives being turned upside down.
The experiences of Josephine as a child in India, I felt for, and the hero in Warren I adored. The, erm...punishments and funishments, were well written, painful, and or, often erotic too, which has to be said, Annabel is well known for.
I loved how this panned out and how Annabel made explicit some very important things about people's make up, their nature and characteristics versus nurture...and whether or not they should be changed or attempted to be changed. How many people do this to each other? How often it has relationships go bad ways and doesn't have the conclusion this does!
Cameo moments with the Townsends stars of first of the series and a setting up for the third also hinted at. I look forward to reading them all.
Negatives, as with the prior book in this series, there's use of an American food that would never be found in Regency Britain. However, the biggest thing that made me blanch were two names, luckily passing characters, Lady Chastity...Chastity was not a name found in Regency times, more an expected virginal state of the unmarried woman and never to be mentioned in public...the use as a name would have provoked outrage. Yet, it has become popular, but only since the 1970's not 1770's, and then there's poor Lord Goss - Goss meanings are awful, look at urban dictionary and traditional ones, at best to gossip, worse to hawk phlegm and spit, and also slang for genitalia, so - her stinking goss pussy - shortened I expect from gross.
I have said this before, if writers set stories in a foreign country and different time setting then it is best to get a knowledgeable beta reader from said country, and one familiar with the times.
Had these minor issues been picked up I would have had this in 5 star instead of 4 star.
However, don't let my niggles put you off as it is a lovely story overall.
Warren, previously a man who preferred the batchelor life of the wealthy, with wine, gambling, and loose women, out and about with his aristocratic set.
Here he finds himself acting the hero and marries, and decides to give it a go, training and taming his bride to know how to behave in high society...which leads to both their lives being turned upside down.
The experiences of Josephine as a child in India, I felt for, and the hero in Warren I adored. The, erm...punishments and funishments, were well written, painful, and or, often erotic too, which has to be said, Annabel is well known for.
I loved how this panned out and how Annabel made explicit some very important things about people's make up, their nature and characteristics versus nurture...and whether or not they should be changed or attempted to be changed. How many people do this to each other? How often it has relationships go bad ways and doesn't have the conclusion this does!
Cameo moments with the Townsends stars of first of the series and a setting up for the third also hinted at. I look forward to reading them all.
Negatives, as with the prior book in this series, there's use of an American food that would never be found in Regency Britain. However, the biggest thing that made me blanch were two names, luckily passing characters, Lady Chastity...Chastity was not a name found in Regency times, more an expected virginal state of the unmarried woman and never to be mentioned in public...the use as a name would have provoked outrage. Yet, it has become popular, but only since the 1970's not 1770's, and then there's poor Lord Goss - Goss meanings are awful, look at urban dictionary and traditional ones, at best to gossip, worse to hawk phlegm and spit, and also slang for genitalia, so - her stinking goss pussy - shortened I expect from gross.
I have said this before, if writers set stories in a foreign country and different time setting then it is best to get a knowledgeable beta reader from said country, and one familiar with the times.
Had these minor issues been picked up I would have had this in 5 star instead of 4 star.
However, don't let my niggles put you off as it is a lovely story overall.
March 15, 2021
God the beginning was so good and I though finally she was gonna write smth good but nope! This isn’t bdsm this is abuse lmao like he can’t spank her everytime she says smth he doesn’t like while they’re just LIVING. While there are definitely many hot scenes the guys their actions don't allow me to truly enjoy her books. Her "heroes" are generally assholes. There is little if any romance to the books and often there is a callous cruelty instead.
November 13, 2014
Book two in Annabel Joseph’s Properly Spanked series, might be my favorite book of hers to date. Yes, you read that sentence right and let me tell you that was hard for me to wrap my head around too, because after all it is a historical spanking book and the reason I fell in love with Annabel’s writing in the first place was the BDSM and TPE elements in her books. But color me surprised, dress me in a petticoat and time warp me back to the 1700’s because I have fallen in love with a certain Lord!
To Tame a Countess is the story of Lord Warren and Lady Maitland. Warren is one of four scoundrels in this series that is being tamed by the establishment of marriage. In book two, Warren finds himself in a precarious position with Lady Maitland and the two must be wed. Their love is not instant but their affections are. I loved how these two broke the mold of the times and discovered one another in the confines of a room on their honeymoon and from there their love bloomed. It was innocent and honest and their discovery of one another was written beautifully.
Lady Maitland was raised overseas with parents who traveled the world, and her biggest fear is being scrutinized under the eyes of the ton. Her nightmares are actually her reality and my heart went out to her when she opened up to Warren divulging her biggest fears. Her upbringing was less than ideal and she is almost uncivilized in the manners of society and must be taught how to be a proper English wife, married to a very prominent Lord….and let me assure you she fails him on many, many occasions. And this is where the spanking comes in, to discipline her to learn how to interact in society….and before you ask, Lord Warren is a master spanker!
Lord Warren falls into that category of men that I love because he had all the characteristics that I find so, so attractive. He had a wit and charm and sense of humor about him that you don’t find in many of Annabel’s men right away. He was beautiful and strong and a true Alpha yet he had such a gentle nature about him and his brotherly love for Minett earned him extra points. Warren teaching Lady Maitland the ways of marital rights and how to please each other were some of my favorite scenes. Warren was a gentle lover, by Annabel’s standards, which made him so damn yummy. Lady Maitland was a star pupil and the pleasures she found laying underneath her husband were off the charts hot.
Annabel continues to write books that captivate me page for page. I laughed and cried in To Tame a Countess and cheered for this lovely couple. There is never redundancy in her books and even though this is in a series, books one and two were completely different. I loved seeing the rest of the scoundrels and can’t wait for the next two stories. I definitely want membership into “The sore bottom club” with Lord Warren doling out my punishment. Five stars is not enough for this book, but that is all I seem to get….so I will imagine it as five shining stars with a cluster of little ones around it. AJ, you have done it again. You are my baga lika.
“You belong with me always, at my side…”
To Tame a Countess is the story of Lord Warren and Lady Maitland. Warren is one of four scoundrels in this series that is being tamed by the establishment of marriage. In book two, Warren finds himself in a precarious position with Lady Maitland and the two must be wed. Their love is not instant but their affections are. I loved how these two broke the mold of the times and discovered one another in the confines of a room on their honeymoon and from there their love bloomed. It was innocent and honest and their discovery of one another was written beautifully.
Lady Maitland was raised overseas with parents who traveled the world, and her biggest fear is being scrutinized under the eyes of the ton. Her nightmares are actually her reality and my heart went out to her when she opened up to Warren divulging her biggest fears. Her upbringing was less than ideal and she is almost uncivilized in the manners of society and must be taught how to be a proper English wife, married to a very prominent Lord….and let me assure you she fails him on many, many occasions. And this is where the spanking comes in, to discipline her to learn how to interact in society….and before you ask, Lord Warren is a master spanker!
Lord Warren falls into that category of men that I love because he had all the characteristics that I find so, so attractive. He had a wit and charm and sense of humor about him that you don’t find in many of Annabel’s men right away. He was beautiful and strong and a true Alpha yet he had such a gentle nature about him and his brotherly love for Minett earned him extra points. Warren teaching Lady Maitland the ways of marital rights and how to please each other were some of my favorite scenes. Warren was a gentle lover, by Annabel’s standards, which made him so damn yummy. Lady Maitland was a star pupil and the pleasures she found laying underneath her husband were off the charts hot.
Annabel continues to write books that captivate me page for page. I laughed and cried in To Tame a Countess and cheered for this lovely couple. There is never redundancy in her books and even though this is in a series, books one and two were completely different. I loved seeing the rest of the scoundrels and can’t wait for the next two stories. I definitely want membership into “The sore bottom club” with Lord Warren doling out my punishment. Five stars is not enough for this book, but that is all I seem to get….so I will imagine it as five shining stars with a cluster of little ones around it. AJ, you have done it again. You are my baga lika.
“You belong with me always, at my side…”
December 10, 2020
This has to be one of the better spicy reads in Annabel Joseph's BDSM-themed Properly Spanked series. Set a few years before the Regency period, To Tame A Countess stars Warren, an agreeable hero. He truly is the brother of Minette, a popular society darling, because he is equally pleasant and charming, if not as chatty, to our heroine Josephine. And she needs a bit of sunshine after having recently returned from India as an orphan.
I enjoyed Warren and Josephine's story. They are a compelling couple to follow with honest obstacles they need to work out together. All the stories in the Properly Spanked series are about 230 pages but the characterization is powerful. You get the characters and you believe them.
Warren is the nice hero, charming and respectable, and he finds himself in a marriage with Josephine, a mysterious and serious lady with unresolved trauma in her past. Warren wants a wife that can help him with his career, to play ball as a society hostess. Josephine feels herself ill-prepared for the task, feeling that she herself is unaccepted.
The turning point between Warren and Josephine is great - how Josephine stands up for herself and for what she believes is right at dinner, and how Warren realizes he screwed up and tells it to her. It is a touching moment, and I got emotionally carried away when Warren tells her she tamed him when all the while he was trying to tame her. It is especially sweet because the major conflict for half of the stories in this series is about disciplining a heroine not fitting into society. It is nice to see that there is room here for the hero to acknowledge, discipline be damned!
I enjoyed Warren and Josephine's story. They are a compelling couple to follow with honest obstacles they need to work out together. All the stories in the Properly Spanked series are about 230 pages but the characterization is powerful. You get the characters and you believe them.
Warren is the nice hero, charming and respectable, and he finds himself in a marriage with Josephine, a mysterious and serious lady with unresolved trauma in her past. Warren wants a wife that can help him with his career, to play ball as a society hostess. Josephine feels herself ill-prepared for the task, feeling that she herself is unaccepted.
The turning point between Warren and Josephine is great - how Josephine stands up for herself and for what she believes is right at dinner, and how Warren realizes he screwed up and tells it to her. It is a touching moment, and I got emotionally carried away when Warren tells her she tamed him when all the while he was trying to tame her. It is especially sweet because the major conflict for half of the stories in this series is about disciplining a heroine not fitting into society. It is nice to see that there is room here for the hero to acknowledge, discipline be damned!
February 19, 2015
I loved this story! The combination of Regency romance with spanking naughtiness makes for a delightful read, and this one was so well done. Annabel Joseph writes punishment scenes that are not for sissies, and often rather hard for me to take, but in this book I appreciated her somewhat harder hand. *wink*
What I loved was a heroine who was innocent, intelligent, and willing to stand up for what she knew to be right. Despite numerous punishments, Josephine never became a doormat - although she did try for a time. Her story had a touch of My Fair Lady to it, although there were no diction lessons. I found her responses believable within the fantasy world of Regency romance.
Our hero was a bit more difficult for me because at times his actions were outrageously selfish, but he had a good heart. Warren eventually came to love and appreciate the unique woman he had married while accepting her foibles. Even better, he never became a besotted pushover in the process.
This story was well balanced and held my interest throughout. There were some laugh out loud moments, my favorite one during the honeymoon when Josephine learns to reciprocate the gift of oral pleasure. I must be a wicked, wicked woman, because I couldn't stop laughing for several long minutes after that one. ;)
What I loved was a heroine who was innocent, intelligent, and willing to stand up for what she knew to be right. Despite numerous punishments, Josephine never became a doormat - although she did try for a time. Her story had a touch of My Fair Lady to it, although there were no diction lessons. I found her responses believable within the fantasy world of Regency romance.
Our hero was a bit more difficult for me because at times his actions were outrageously selfish, but he had a good heart. Warren eventually came to love and appreciate the unique woman he had married while accepting her foibles. Even better, he never became a besotted pushover in the process.
This story was well balanced and held my interest throughout. There were some laugh out loud moments, my favorite one during the honeymoon when Josephine learns to reciprocate the gift of oral pleasure. I must be a wicked, wicked woman, because I couldn't stop laughing for several long minutes after that one. ;)
January 12, 2021
Nice Historical with Spanking
Lady Maitland, who is a Baroness in her own right does not want to be married even if the King demands that she should be, and so she takes off from her guardian's house and heads off through the woods on foot. She is heading to the nearest town in order to talk to her solicitor. However she runs into Lord Warren, who is an Earl, and he finds out what she is up to and tells her that as the King is demanding that she be married that she is not allowed to be taking off on her own. Then Warren informs her that either he is going to tell her guardian Lord Baxter about wheat she was up to or she can agree to punished by him with a switch in the woods. Josephine agrees and she gets a few strikes with a switch on her bottom and then Warren makes her get over his lap and she gets her bare bottom spanked. Warren enjoys spanking her, but at this point has not decided on marrying her as yet. Then he kisses her and loses control for a bit.
Then when they are returning to the house they are greeted by Lord Baxter and Warren asks for her hand knowing that he has compromised Josephine and so must marry her.
After they are married they go to Warren's country house for their honeymoon and when the get to bed they have sex and a great time is had by both.
Later they were talking and Warren objected to what Josephine said so he got a hair brush and spanked her with it. Then afterwards Warren has sex with Josephine and has her ask him to take her.
Warren plans a Ball, but Josephine is terrified of being at the Ball gets Minnette to help and she goes and hides out at Aurelia's house who is married to Warren's friend. Then after Josephine is found Warren makes her bend over the desk in his study and he uses the strap on her. Then Warren gets Josephine to tell him why she is so afraid of society and she tells him about her childhood.
There is some more punishment involved in the story in one case some caning and there is some butt stuff, but eventually the pair of them realizes that they love each other and there is a nice HEA. I thought this was a good story and I recommend it highly.
Lady Maitland, who is a Baroness in her own right does not want to be married even if the King demands that she should be, and so she takes off from her guardian's house and heads off through the woods on foot. She is heading to the nearest town in order to talk to her solicitor. However she runs into Lord Warren, who is an Earl, and he finds out what she is up to and tells her that as the King is demanding that she be married that she is not allowed to be taking off on her own. Then Warren informs her that either he is going to tell her guardian Lord Baxter about wheat she was up to or she can agree to punished by him with a switch in the woods. Josephine agrees and she gets a few strikes with a switch on her bottom and then Warren makes her get over his lap and she gets her bare bottom spanked. Warren enjoys spanking her, but at this point has not decided on marrying her as yet. Then he kisses her and loses control for a bit.
Then when they are returning to the house they are greeted by Lord Baxter and Warren asks for her hand knowing that he has compromised Josephine and so must marry her.
After they are married they go to Warren's country house for their honeymoon and when the get to bed they have sex and a great time is had by both.
Later they were talking and Warren objected to what Josephine said so he got a hair brush and spanked her with it. Then afterwards Warren has sex with Josephine and has her ask him to take her.
Warren plans a Ball, but Josephine is terrified of being at the Ball gets Minnette to help and she goes and hides out at Aurelia's house who is married to Warren's friend. Then after Josephine is found Warren makes her bend over the desk in his study and he uses the strap on her. Then Warren gets Josephine to tell him why she is so afraid of society and she tells him about her childhood.
There is some more punishment involved in the story in one case some caning and there is some butt stuff, but eventually the pair of them realizes that they love each other and there is a nice HEA. I thought this was a good story and I recommend it highly.
July 10, 2022
Never have I ever read a book that was so offensive.
Where do I begin??
I must be honest, after Training Lady Townsend I was hoping that Warren would be an interesting hero. Oh, but the disappointment.
There are a lot of problematic areas with this book. Let me start with the most obvious. The author's whole plot rendered in the exotic nature of India and the 'natives'. Let me be someone to educate the euro-centric population, that in India people are far more open to a women's freedom than whatever polite English society deemed to be.
The heroine's complete regard of the country as savages was not only offensive but racist as well. And the conversation where she tells the MMC of her past with tigers and mobs and Ayah. Absolute bullshit. And the whole point that kindness was only shown by the English? You mean the slavers and colonisers? Oh, and the cherry on top - 'we don't kill people here for being different' what a terrific lie. India was much more open to different skin coloro, languages sexualies and gender identity back then. What an utter lack of knowledge and research this one line portrayed. I dare say, if I was in England during the time period of the book - I would have killed myself or boarded for a trip to India ASAP.
Where do I begin??
I must be honest, after Training Lady Townsend I was hoping that Warren would be an interesting hero. Oh, but the disappointment.
There are a lot of problematic areas with this book. Let me start with the most obvious. The author's whole plot rendered in the exotic nature of India and the 'natives'. Let me be someone to educate the euro-centric population, that in India people are far more open to a women's freedom than whatever polite English society deemed to be.
The heroine's complete regard of the country as savages was not only offensive but racist as well. And the conversation where she tells the MMC of her past with tigers and mobs and Ayah. Absolute bullshit. And the whole point that kindness was only shown by the English? You mean the slavers and colonisers? Oh, and the cherry on top - 'we don't kill people here for being different' what a terrific lie. India was much more open to different skin coloro, languages sexualies and gender identity back then. What an utter lack of knowledge and research this one line portrayed. I dare say, if I was in England during the time period of the book - I would have killed myself or boarded for a trip to India ASAP.
November 27, 2014
3 1/2 stars
February 20, 2015
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first in this naughty series. It had a bit too many slaps than tickles for my personal taste...
September 12, 2018
Delightful, I love this series! Annabel Joseph is my favourite erotic romance author, and while I don't identify with her historical heroines as much as I do the contemporary ones, I love the built in power dynamic of historical marriages enough to make up for it. This whole series is definitely less consensual than her contemporaries, so I'd avoid it if you are into that, but personally I dig it. This is both a romance between the Earl of Warren and his new wife, Josephine, and a dirty story about spanking and other forms of punishment. Definitely recommend of both those things interest you!
March 10, 2022
1.5 stars. Did not like the heroines backstory
November 4, 2020
Just.. don’t LOL. Sorry. I...NOPE.
October 29, 2014
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I love historical romance and I love erotica, so put them together and I am one very happy reader. Add in the fact that the author is Annabel Joseph, and you have the recipe for a fantastic book.
To Tame a Countess takes all the typical historical romance plotlines (arranged marriage, innocent maiden, reformed rake) and turns it all just a little bit to the left to create something original and endlessly endearing.
This book is the second installment in Ms. Joseph’s Properly Spanked series. The series follows a group of titled gentlemen who are well known for their lascivious pursuits and their determination to avoid matrimony. When the Earl of Warren heads off with his sister to a house party, he has no plans on marrying. But after meeting the beautiful and mysterious Lady Maitland, he finds himself intrigued. Then through a series of unexpected circumstances, the two find themselves married. Now they must learn about each other and find their way amongst the conventions of the ton.
I have loved every book of Ms. Joseph’s that I have read and To Tame a Countess is no exception. It’s Ms. Joseph’s ability to create characters with depth and emotions that speak straight to my heart that captivates me with each page. Warren is an absolutely fascinating character who grabbed my attention from the first pages. We first see his softer side as he deals with his younger sister who is a handful. He managed to be forceful, yet gentle, with her while letting her know how much he cared for her. He was the same with Josephine. Of course the fact that he was handsome, rich, titled and alpha certainly didn’t hurt.
Josephine had a difficult childhood which had serious repercussions on her as an adult. As her story was revealed, my heart couldn’t help but break for her pain. I was so pleased to see her find confidence and poise as Warren’s wife. Ms. Joseph was able to showcase the often difficult emotional journey that Josephine was experiencing while still keeping the story upbeat. Josephine blossomed under Warren’s hands and I loved that despite her husband’s bedroom practices, she was able to maintain her sweetness and innocence.
It wouldn’t be an Annabel Joseph book without steamy, hot erotica; and even though To Tame a Countess is an historical romance, Ms. Joseph didn’t skimp on the spice. Warren introduced his wife to a wide variety of kink. Who knew that lords and ladies of the past were so kinky? It was a joy to see Josephine embrace all the bedroom antics and find such pleasure and joy in her husband’s arms. Warren appreciated his luck in finding a woman who could not only accept but enjoy his style of lovemaking.
To Tame a Countess can stand on its own without reading the first book in the series, but why not read both? Then you can have double the fun and double the entertainment. Luckily, there are two more gentlemen who need to find their soul mate. And since Ms. Joseph continues to impress me with each book she writes, I can’t wait to read the next book in this delightful series.
I love historical romance and I love erotica, so put them together and I am one very happy reader. Add in the fact that the author is Annabel Joseph, and you have the recipe for a fantastic book.
To Tame a Countess takes all the typical historical romance plotlines (arranged marriage, innocent maiden, reformed rake) and turns it all just a little bit to the left to create something original and endlessly endearing.
This book is the second installment in Ms. Joseph’s Properly Spanked series. The series follows a group of titled gentlemen who are well known for their lascivious pursuits and their determination to avoid matrimony. When the Earl of Warren heads off with his sister to a house party, he has no plans on marrying. But after meeting the beautiful and mysterious Lady Maitland, he finds himself intrigued. Then through a series of unexpected circumstances, the two find themselves married. Now they must learn about each other and find their way amongst the conventions of the ton.
I have loved every book of Ms. Joseph’s that I have read and To Tame a Countess is no exception. It’s Ms. Joseph’s ability to create characters with depth and emotions that speak straight to my heart that captivates me with each page. Warren is an absolutely fascinating character who grabbed my attention from the first pages. We first see his softer side as he deals with his younger sister who is a handful. He managed to be forceful, yet gentle, with her while letting her know how much he cared for her. He was the same with Josephine. Of course the fact that he was handsome, rich, titled and alpha certainly didn’t hurt.
Josephine had a difficult childhood which had serious repercussions on her as an adult. As her story was revealed, my heart couldn’t help but break for her pain. I was so pleased to see her find confidence and poise as Warren’s wife. Ms. Joseph was able to showcase the often difficult emotional journey that Josephine was experiencing while still keeping the story upbeat. Josephine blossomed under Warren’s hands and I loved that despite her husband’s bedroom practices, she was able to maintain her sweetness and innocence.
It wouldn’t be an Annabel Joseph book without steamy, hot erotica; and even though To Tame a Countess is an historical romance, Ms. Joseph didn’t skimp on the spice. Warren introduced his wife to a wide variety of kink. Who knew that lords and ladies of the past were so kinky? It was a joy to see Josephine embrace all the bedroom antics and find such pleasure and joy in her husband’s arms. Warren appreciated his luck in finding a woman who could not only accept but enjoy his style of lovemaking.
To Tame a Countess can stand on its own without reading the first book in the series, but why not read both? Then you can have double the fun and double the entertainment. Luckily, there are two more gentlemen who need to find their soul mate. And since Ms. Joseph continues to impress me with each book she writes, I can’t wait to read the next book in this delightful series.
February 11, 2016
ini edisi gw mo jalan ngantor trs kepentok, kaki nya memar dan berakhir dikosan eheheehehe.. .dan gw penasaran jg, abisan Warren kan kalau kata si Hunter tu lebih liar, nama nya kan Idylwild (aneh yak) dan beken dgn naman Wild Warren hmpfh, tp pas baca bukunya sukaa deh.. apalagi pas buku nya Hunter die jg bantuin Hunter buat buka mata kl istrinya tu cinta ama die, dan die jg cinta istrinya.. overall Warren justru yg paling "hangan" dibanding b4 ini menurut gw kwkwkw.. paling baek maksudnya hahahaha...
Warren ini dari umur 10th ude jadi Earl, karena emak-bapaknya kecelakaan kereta dan otomatis ngegedein adeknya Wihelmina aka Minnett kr saat itu adeknya masih bayi jadinya kebapakan dan amat sangat overprotectip deh sama si Minnett ini. Makanya pas Minnett cerita kalau die dapet kenalan baru, Josephin, Baroness apa gw lupa gelarnya yg baru dateng dari India karena emak-bpknya si Baron meninggal pas kecelakaan dan Josie dapet gelar bapaknya (gw masih ga ngerti kenapa anak perempuan bisa dapet gelar deh), di mata Minnett yang sangat cerita, Josie ini kebalikan die banget deh, sll pake baju berkabung, tertutup, trs bener2 takut sama ton gt. Warren awalnya cuma dengerin adeknya ngoceh doang si, die jg blm pernah liat Josie langsung. Sampai pas pesta pamannya Josie (ah sepupu keknya ding) buat cariin Josie suami dan Warren dateng jg buat nganter Minnett ini die liat Josie. Iyap, ketakutan, tertutup tapi cantik hahahahahaha
Josie punya masa lalu kelam, dari kecil dicuekin ortunya, trs ortunya demen banget berpetualang gt, ketika masa itu lumrah ninggalin anak di Ingris sementara ortu jj, ini kaga.. si Josie di ajakin, tp diurusin sama pembantu bahkan ada kesan kalau ortunya ini pengen Josie mati aja. Dan ada kejadian di India, yg ini baca sendiri deh, makanya die takut banget sama "keramaian". Ketika sepupunya demand die musti merit, biar ntar anaknya dapetin gelar Baron dan ada yg ngurus kekayaan ortunya, die makin ketakutan, pengen lari tapi perempuan pada masa itu kan pegang duit aja kaga boleh, ke bank aja kaga boleh. Sampai die mutusin buat lari dr rumah sepupunya dan ke gap sama Lord Warren di hutan serta menimbulkan skandal. Sepupunya demand Warren buat meritin Josie kr tercemar, dan Warren bisa apa?
ah sebelumnya, ada Lord jg yg jelas2 ngincer Josie jadi istrinya kr hartanya dan Warren merasa protektip gt ke Josie karena "rapuh". Pokoknya akhirnya mereka merit gt deh, Josie yang kaga tau apa2 diajarin macem2 sama Warren, tapi Josie ttp kekeh kalau die kaga suka keramaian, awalnya ga mau cerita, pokoknya kekeh takut doang dan ga mau tau. Sementara Warren ini kan duduk di parlemen, die butuh dukungan ton. Ya gt si... konfliknya lebih ke kurang ngobrol ehehehee... tapi Warren nya sabaaaarrrr... deh suka XD
Warren ini dari umur 10th ude jadi Earl, karena emak-bapaknya kecelakaan kereta dan otomatis ngegedein adeknya Wihelmina aka Minnett kr saat itu adeknya masih bayi jadinya kebapakan dan amat sangat overprotectip deh sama si Minnett ini. Makanya pas Minnett cerita kalau die dapet kenalan baru, Josephin, Baroness apa gw lupa gelarnya yg baru dateng dari India karena emak-bpknya si Baron meninggal pas kecelakaan dan Josie dapet gelar bapaknya (gw masih ga ngerti kenapa anak perempuan bisa dapet gelar deh), di mata Minnett yang sangat cerita, Josie ini kebalikan die banget deh, sll pake baju berkabung, tertutup, trs bener2 takut sama ton gt. Warren awalnya cuma dengerin adeknya ngoceh doang si, die jg blm pernah liat Josie langsung. Sampai pas pesta pamannya Josie (ah sepupu keknya ding) buat cariin Josie suami dan Warren dateng jg buat nganter Minnett ini die liat Josie. Iyap, ketakutan, tertutup tapi cantik hahahahahaha
Josie punya masa lalu kelam, dari kecil dicuekin ortunya, trs ortunya demen banget berpetualang gt, ketika masa itu lumrah ninggalin anak di Ingris sementara ortu jj, ini kaga.. si Josie di ajakin, tp diurusin sama pembantu bahkan ada kesan kalau ortunya ini pengen Josie mati aja. Dan ada kejadian di India, yg ini baca sendiri deh, makanya die takut banget sama "keramaian". Ketika sepupunya demand die musti merit, biar ntar anaknya dapetin gelar Baron dan ada yg ngurus kekayaan ortunya, die makin ketakutan, pengen lari tapi perempuan pada masa itu kan pegang duit aja kaga boleh, ke bank aja kaga boleh. Sampai die mutusin buat lari dr rumah sepupunya dan ke gap sama Lord Warren di hutan serta menimbulkan skandal. Sepupunya demand Warren buat meritin Josie kr tercemar, dan Warren bisa apa?
ah sebelumnya, ada Lord jg yg jelas2 ngincer Josie jadi istrinya kr hartanya dan Warren merasa protektip gt ke Josie karena "rapuh". Pokoknya akhirnya mereka merit gt deh, Josie yang kaga tau apa2 diajarin macem2 sama Warren, tapi Josie ttp kekeh kalau die kaga suka keramaian, awalnya ga mau cerita, pokoknya kekeh takut doang dan ga mau tau. Sementara Warren ini kan duduk di parlemen, die butuh dukungan ton. Ya gt si... konfliknya lebih ke kurang ngobrol ehehehee... tapi Warren nya sabaaaarrrr... deh suka XD
December 7, 2014
Warren and Josephine were both a little flighty, but luckily they made that work for them by the end of the book!
Lord Warren attends a house party with his sister, the effervescent Minette, planning to spend his time in the palour playing cards and drinking. Circumstances don't quite allow that and he instead ends up with wife.
His wife isn't some proper English lady though, she was removed from England with her parents and grew up in the wilds of India and Africa. She knows nothing of English society and has no desire to participate in it. Warren must though, he is well respected and has his sister to settle
This is the conflict in their relationship, because he can mold his wife to his sexual preferences however he wishes. She has no notions on what could or should be expected of her, so she goes along with everything he wants in the bedroom. What happens outside of the bedroom is the problem and causes her more sore bottoms then ever!
The story takes us along, and I wasn't sure how this conflict between these two would ever be solved until the very end, when, with a little give and a little take from both of them, seems to have things work out
I truly enjoyed the book, even though I wasn't a huge fan of Warren. Josephine was amazing in her sweet nature, her blatant honesty and her true thrill for life. Warren was stuffy, reserved and oh so proper in all matters outside the bedroom, he would have been a bore. He also only saw what he wanted and never appreciated the jewel he had in his wife
That made it all the better when he came to the realization and made the swoon ever so much more deep when he did!!
Lord Warren attends a house party with his sister, the effervescent Minette, planning to spend his time in the palour playing cards and drinking. Circumstances don't quite allow that and he instead ends up with wife.
His wife isn't some proper English lady though, she was removed from England with her parents and grew up in the wilds of India and Africa. She knows nothing of English society and has no desire to participate in it. Warren must though, he is well respected and has his sister to settle
This is the conflict in their relationship, because he can mold his wife to his sexual preferences however he wishes. She has no notions on what could or should be expected of her, so she goes along with everything he wants in the bedroom. What happens outside of the bedroom is the problem and causes her more sore bottoms then ever!
The story takes us along, and I wasn't sure how this conflict between these two would ever be solved until the very end, when, with a little give and a little take from both of them, seems to have things work out
I truly enjoyed the book, even though I wasn't a huge fan of Warren. Josephine was amazing in her sweet nature, her blatant honesty and her true thrill for life. Warren was stuffy, reserved and oh so proper in all matters outside the bedroom, he would have been a bore. He also only saw what he wanted and never appreciated the jewel he had in his wife
That made it all the better when he came to the realization and made the swoon ever so much more deep when he did!!
November 18, 2014
Although I have not been known to be a huge fan of historicals, I *AM* a huge fan of Annabel Joseph. When I heard she had a new historical spanking series coming out I knew i had to give it a try. She pulled me in with the first book in the series such that I was breathlessly anticipating the next book.
She did not disappoint. This was a delicious romp through Edwardian England with lots of naughty delicious fun. Warren is just the standoffish cad you'd expect, he wants his painted paid for girls and has no intention of being tied down to a wife. Josephine, after being dragged to the four corners just wants to be left the hell alone.
A ballroom meeting at a country estate tangle them up tightly and the fun begins. This was a true page turner and I finished it all in one sitting because I couldn't put it down.
Very much looking forward to the next chapter in this odyssey and am now looking around for more historicals to sink my teeth into, although they will have a tall order in comparing with this delicious delight.
She did not disappoint. This was a delicious romp through Edwardian England with lots of naughty delicious fun. Warren is just the standoffish cad you'd expect, he wants his painted paid for girls and has no intention of being tied down to a wife. Josephine, after being dragged to the four corners just wants to be left the hell alone.
A ballroom meeting at a country estate tangle them up tightly and the fun begins. This was a true page turner and I finished it all in one sitting because I couldn't put it down.
Very much looking forward to the next chapter in this odyssey and am now looking around for more historicals to sink my teeth into, although they will have a tall order in comparing with this delicious delight.
April 19, 2015
Annabel Joseph is one of my favourite authors- I eagerly await each new release, and usually have it finished within a few hours of its being available (such is the curse of a fast reader).
She consistently lives up to my (now quite high) expectations, and To tame a Countess is no exception. Warren had me when he called Minette "mopsy"- there's just something about gentle brotherly love that really endears me to a character. I very much enjoyed the characterisation of Josephine- it's an unusual back story (and that's always welcome), and I felt her anxiety. And of course, there are some hot hot hot scenes.
Can't wait for the next in the series
She consistently lives up to my (now quite high) expectations, and To tame a Countess is no exception. Warren had me when he called Minette "mopsy"- there's just something about gentle brotherly love that really endears me to a character. I very much enjoyed the characterisation of Josephine- it's an unusual back story (and that's always welcome), and I felt her anxiety. And of course, there are some hot hot hot scenes.
Can't wait for the next in the series
October 25, 2014
I loved To Tame a Countess. This series contains both my favorite scenarios for a book, arranged marriages and a little kink. Annabel does a great job with both.
The Earl of Warren and Lady Maitland must fulfill their roles in society and marry so their reputation is upheld.
Despite having to marry, the two were able to form a bound with each other. I loved watching Lady Maitland grow from a scared girl into a woman.
Although her brother hated her constant chatting, I loved Minette. She's a girl who knows who she is and want she wants
The Earl of Warren and Lady Maitland must fulfill their roles in society and marry so their reputation is upheld.
Despite having to marry, the two were able to form a bound with each other. I loved watching Lady Maitland grow from a scared girl into a woman.
Although her brother hated her constant chatting, I loved Minette. She's a girl who knows who she is and want she wants
September 13, 2015
Great second installment to this historical series!
This is Warren's story, one of Lord Townsend's childhood. friends and the brother of my favorite Minnette, her book is next in the series! Warren is only interested in a good time & being a good brother to Minnette until he happens upon Lady Josephine hiding behind a plant at a grand social event! Josephine is mourning her parents & recently arrived from exotic lands. The lady is deeply troubled by her past. That's all I'll say about the story! Loved the writing, a bit slower than the first book, but overall enjoyable.
This is Warren's story, one of Lord Townsend's childhood. friends and the brother of my favorite Minnette, her book is next in the series! Warren is only interested in a good time & being a good brother to Minnette until he happens upon Lady Josephine hiding behind a plant at a grand social event! Josephine is mourning her parents & recently arrived from exotic lands. The lady is deeply troubled by her past. That's all I'll say about the story! Loved the writing, a bit slower than the first book, but overall enjoyable.
January 18, 2015
The writing was impressive. The writer lead me on a journey into the lives of two very different people who ordinarily wouldn't suit and managed to get them to fall in love. Warren is a worldly man and Josephine is a frightened little girl who doesn't understand the new environment she find herself in. Maybe that's why they work. I love how domineering Warren is and Josephine's courage is praise worthy. I don't think it is a story that I will have a hard time forgetting, but if ever I come across it in the future, I will definitely remember reading it. at least bits of it....
November 18, 2014
4.5*
I liked this one more then the 1st book.
Warren was a bit self-absorbed, but he had good intentions. I liked Josephine a lot, she tried to be "good", but damn it was too hard sometimes! :)) Ms Joseph writes compelling characters and I love the flow of her stories, she always gets me to connect with her "people". I can't wait for Lord Warren's sister, I truly wish the book would be published even sooner *sigh*
I liked this one more then the 1st book.
Warren was a bit self-absorbed, but he had good intentions. I liked Josephine a lot, she tried to be "good", but damn it was too hard sometimes! :)) Ms Joseph writes compelling characters and I love the flow of her stories, she always gets me to connect with her "people". I can't wait for Lord Warren's sister, I truly wish the book would be published even sooner *sigh*
November 16, 2014
I really love this historical novel of domestic discipline. Josephine is quite the puzzle and finally learning her secrets lets her odd behaviour make sense to the reader and Lord Warren. Glimpses were given of what to expect in the next two books and Arlington (Under a Duke's Hand) looks like his will be very fun. And we also get to know Minette, Lord Warren's sister, in this one. Her story will be next.
I don't remember historicals being this much fun to read!
I don't remember historicals being this much fun to read!
December 12, 2015
This is book two in the "Properly Spanked" series. This is a stand alone book so don't feel that you have to read the books in order! This is a very hot book! It finds the hero and heroine being semi-forced to the alter. The hereione has had a upsetting childhood with being moved around so much but not so loving parents, who died and left her alone. The hero, lost his parents at an early age too. I did feel like the hero was to hard on her but found that I liked him at the end!
November 10, 2014
I really enjoy Annabel Joseph's writing style and loved this book. The characters are fully formed and distinct. The way that Annabel writes is very visual and I could easily imagine how the characters look and "see" the world they live in. Every book I read if hers I always think is my favourite and this is just the latest one. I would highly recommend to anyone who is fond of this genre.
November 1, 2014
3.5 Stars
I was anxious to start this book and I really liked Warren from his role in the first book. However, the characters fell short for me. I couldn't get over the abrasive nature with which Warren regarded Josephine. It was well written, but just didn't quite click for me. I'm hoping the next installment will reel me back in.
I was anxious to start this book and I really liked Warren from his role in the first book. However, the characters fell short for me. I couldn't get over the abrasive nature with which Warren regarded Josephine. It was well written, but just didn't quite click for me. I'm hoping the next installment will reel me back in.
January 6, 2015
Another amazing read by Annabel!!!
So happy I caved and decided to read these historical masterpieces!!! I love this era. The costumes, the language, the men and their way to properly seduce their so very proper women.
Read this series!!!
Right now! Stop what you're reading and one click these!!!
Love,
This PROPERLY SPANKED Fan
So happy I caved and decided to read these historical masterpieces!!! I love this era. The costumes, the language, the men and their way to properly seduce their so very proper women.
Read this series!!!
Right now! Stop what you're reading and one click these!!!
Love,
This PROPERLY SPANKED Fan
October 14, 2015
I have to give this one 3 stars because I just cannot stand a weak female main character. She acts entirely childish over and over for no good reason. That being said I still enjoyed reading the story and the writing was also good, I just can't make myself give it a better rating.
November 28, 2017
I love the innocence of the heroin in this book. It'S really good book despite it was portrayed in 18 centuries where all the toys are not yet introduced. I love how they end up together and how the husband teaches all the indecent things to her innocent wife. Ship this couple. Peace
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