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The Scandalous Sisters #2
The Rebellious Countess
He lied about everything—except his desire.
Máira Blair believed she’d married for love. Her new husband, the Earl of Dorset, promised her adventure, passion, and a future filled with dreams. But her honeymoon becomes a nightmare when she wakes aboard a ship bound for war-torn France—and discovers her husband isn’t an earl at all, but a pirate with secrets darker than the sea itself.
Stranded in a foreign port, Máira must summon every ounce of her courage to survive. Yet when the man who deceived her returns to save her—and the missing Earl of Astley—her heart faces an even greater battle. Because Sir Elias Drake may be her captor, her husband, and her ruin… but he’s also the only man who’s ever truly seen her.
Elias married for duty, not love. But Máira’s fierce spirit and fiery touch shatter every rule he’s ever lived by. As danger closes in and the line between enemies and lovers blurs, they’ll risk everything for one final chance—to survive, to forgive, and to claim the love neither of them ever expected.
At sea, in war, and in love—there are no safe harbors.
In The Rebellious Countess, Helene Matheson continues her Scandalous Sisters series with a sweeping tale of passion, deception, and redemption on the high seas. Perfect for readers who crave the sensuality of Lisa Kleypas and the adventure of Scarlett Scott, this story proves that sometimes the most dangerous voyage of all is the one toward love.
Máira Blair believed she’d married for love. Her new husband, the Earl of Dorset, promised her adventure, passion, and a future filled with dreams. But her honeymoon becomes a nightmare when she wakes aboard a ship bound for war-torn France—and discovers her husband isn’t an earl at all, but a pirate with secrets darker than the sea itself.
Stranded in a foreign port, Máira must summon every ounce of her courage to survive. Yet when the man who deceived her returns to save her—and the missing Earl of Astley—her heart faces an even greater battle. Because Sir Elias Drake may be her captor, her husband, and her ruin… but he’s also the only man who’s ever truly seen her.
Elias married for duty, not love. But Máira’s fierce spirit and fiery touch shatter every rule he’s ever lived by. As danger closes in and the line between enemies and lovers blurs, they’ll risk everything for one final chance—to survive, to forgive, and to claim the love neither of them ever expected.
At sea, in war, and in love—there are no safe harbors.
In The Rebellious Countess, Helene Matheson continues her Scandalous Sisters series with a sweeping tale of passion, deception, and redemption on the high seas. Perfect for readers who crave the sensuality of Lisa Kleypas and the adventure of Scarlett Scott, this story proves that sometimes the most dangerous voyage of all is the one toward love.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2025
2 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Helene Matheson
3 books138 followersHelene Matheson is the pseudonym for Amazon bestselling author Kym Roberts.
After following her childhood dream to serve and protect, Helene retired from public service and began a new dream—creating happily ever afters. First publishing in mystery and romantic suspense, she decided to add her love of travel and history to her personal oeuvre. From the first page to the last, Helene promises to take you on a journey to the Scottish Highlands that will arouse your imagination and capture your heart.
When she’s not writing or researching her next regency romance novel, she can be found rummaging through antique stores, estate sales, and flea markets looking for that next piece of inspiration.
You can find Helene at her website KymRoberts.com and at kymroberts911 on social media.
After following her childhood dream to serve and protect, Helene retired from public service and began a new dream—creating happily ever afters. First publishing in mystery and romantic suspense, she decided to add her love of travel and history to her personal oeuvre. From the first page to the last, Helene promises to take you on a journey to the Scottish Highlands that will arouse your imagination and capture your heart.
When she’s not writing or researching her next regency romance novel, she can be found rummaging through antique stores, estate sales, and flea markets looking for that next piece of inspiration.
You can find Helene at her website KymRoberts.com and at kymroberts911 on social media.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 20, 2026
This second book in The Scandalous Sisters series was an exciting historical romance. It was full of drama, action, adventure, intrigue, secrets, betrayal, espionage, emotional issues, and other twists that were very entertaining. The characters were complex and interesting, and their path to live was tumultuous and engaging. I highly recommend reading!
August 18, 2025
Action packed, steamy love story with feisty heroine and mother in law as well as a hero who has to struggle with putting his duty first or his love for her. Excellent read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2025
I loved this book and can't wait for the next sister's book. Miss Matheson swept into the 1800s and held my attention throughout the book. The story starts with our heroine in dire straits, and before I knew it, I was right there with her. Elias and Maira's characters are well-developed. They drew me into their dangerous adventure. Their passion is palpable and so very believable. (The bathtub scene is so hot, I read it twice.)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 18, 2025
The Rebellious Countess is my first book by Ms. Matheson and I have to say I was surprised to have enjoyed it as much as I did.
Maira Blair is a young woman eager to fall in love and because of that she instantly falls for the first scoundrel who talks to her sweetly. Luckily for her, her scoundrel has a heart of gold and as he tries to do right by her, everything goes awry. He’s kidnapped, she’s attacked and then saved by a violent woman I LOVED who is appropriately named HAG. Then our lovable scoundrel escapes but can’t find his wife. Maira, however, finds him and there is hell to pay—a very different kind of hell than what I had expected. It was the perfect revenge/tease scene and every woman should take heed;) The adventures are non-stop since Maira’s husband is actually a spy on a mission for the Crown.
There is heartbreak and sorrow for our H&H but in the end a happily ever after I absolutely loved. I highly recommend this book for historical romance readers. I will definitely go back and read book 1 in the series and look forward to the next Scandalous Sister book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Maira Blair is a young woman eager to fall in love and because of that she instantly falls for the first scoundrel who talks to her sweetly. Luckily for her, her scoundrel has a heart of gold and as he tries to do right by her, everything goes awry. He’s kidnapped, she’s attacked and then saved by a violent woman I LOVED who is appropriately named HAG. Then our lovable scoundrel escapes but can’t find his wife. Maira, however, finds him and there is hell to pay—a very different kind of hell than what I had expected. It was the perfect revenge/tease scene and every woman should take heed;) The adventures are non-stop since Maira’s husband is actually a spy on a mission for the Crown.
There is heartbreak and sorrow for our H&H but in the end a happily ever after I absolutely loved. I highly recommend this book for historical romance readers. I will definitely go back and read book 1 in the series and look forward to the next Scandalous Sister book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2025
My first experience with historical romance was watching Bridgerton on Netflix with my roommates in my dorm and we immediately realized we had been missing out. This summer I had time to dive into a few H.R. books and The Rebellious Countess caught my eye on Insta.
Maira and Elias are that couple who meet but are in different places in their lives. Yet despite knowing that, they can’t keep away from one another. They argue and bicker, tease and torment, but all that must go by the wayside because they are soon fighting for their lives. Together they conquer every gun, knife, wall and locked door that is thrown in their path as they travel through enemy territory in France in search of a spy captured by the French. Their passion is off the charts and in the end they rescue the spy with a little help from a
bad-a$$ mom.
I am very happy I chose this book to read on summer break and can’t wait to pick up the next one in the series—the tease for it at the end of The Rebellious Countess is hot!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Maira and Elias are that couple who meet but are in different places in their lives. Yet despite knowing that, they can’t keep away from one another. They argue and bicker, tease and torment, but all that must go by the wayside because they are soon fighting for their lives. Together they conquer every gun, knife, wall and locked door that is thrown in their path as they travel through enemy territory in France in search of a spy captured by the French. Their passion is off the charts and in the end they rescue the spy with a little help from a
bad-a$$ mom.
I am very happy I chose this book to read on summer break and can’t wait to pick up the next one in the series—the tease for it at the end of The Rebellious Countess is hot!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 16, 2025
This is a different kind of regency series. The Blair sisters, six ladies left alone in the world when their parents died, and no marriage certificate could be found! Now all must make their way in the world with the ton shunning them and calling them worse names. The first book in this series was hard for me to read and I almost did not start this book. Am so glad I did, this is an amazing story of how strong people are when they don’t even know it. Máira, was over the moon when the Earl of Dorset takes an interest in her. She fell in love with him quickly and they married soon. She is hoping being married to an Earl with help her sisters too. She is so looking forward to their honeymoon till she finds herself on a pirate ship with her new husband ignoring her. He lied to her! Is he a pirate? No after being left all along in French Port (she doesn’t speak French well) where the English are not wanted but at war! The dangers she faces, injured and scared out of her mind. When who shows up, yup Elias Drake the missing husband who is not whom he told her. Wow, what a woman she turns out to be. Elias married her for a mission he is on to save The Earl of Astley. Only to find out his new wife is a friend of his. As the secrets, lies and danger take them places neither wanted nor needed. They will learn so much about each other. Neither can stop the attraction and passion. Elias knows he is not good enough for her and poor Maira after all she had done and gone thru to help him will not beg. Oh, my how will this end. You need to grab a copy to find out. This story has so many wonderful characters that help make the story and some nasty, evil villains too. Once you get started you can’t put this book down, you will need plenty of tissues, and plenty of something cool to drink too. What a read. So many twist and turns. I can’t wait for the next book. I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest, if somewhat long honest opinion and am freely giving it.
August 18, 2025
The Counterfeit Earl and his Scottish Lady
I just finished reading “The Rebellious Countess” written by Helene Matheson, book two in her Scandalous Sisters series. This author is new to me, however, I am glad I chose to read this historical romance novel. The author wasted no time to delve into the meat of the story. Máira Blair Is the scandalous sister that married The Earl of Dorset after a mere month. She discovers her husband is not an earl but a knight on a recovery mission. Máira Blair is actually married to Sir Elias Drake, a scoundrel, a lier, a privateer, a pirate, a recovery agent, a spy, an agent for the crown, and who knows what else. He is a man with a with a dangerous occupation who was in need of a Scottish wife to accomplish the next phase of his mission. Maira soon gets caught up in his mission and quickly proves her worth. I enjoyed the plot of this story which is set in France during England’s war against Napoleon. It moved along quickly making this a page turner. Both main characters, Máira Blair and Elias Drake are well thought out, strong leading characters. The banter between them was witty, funny, complete with innuendos and heated desire. Their connection is passionate and sizzling right from the start. This story has action, adventure, erotic moments, and thrilling intrigue. I like strong female characters in my historical romance stories, and Maira fits the bill, she comes alive in the story and holds her own during the couple’s adventures. Overall, this story is well written and I feel comfortable recommending it. I also look forward to reading about the next sister and what adventures she undertakes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
I just finished reading “The Rebellious Countess” written by Helene Matheson, book two in her Scandalous Sisters series. This author is new to me, however, I am glad I chose to read this historical romance novel. The author wasted no time to delve into the meat of the story. Máira Blair Is the scandalous sister that married The Earl of Dorset after a mere month. She discovers her husband is not an earl but a knight on a recovery mission. Máira Blair is actually married to Sir Elias Drake, a scoundrel, a lier, a privateer, a pirate, a recovery agent, a spy, an agent for the crown, and who knows what else. He is a man with a with a dangerous occupation who was in need of a Scottish wife to accomplish the next phase of his mission. Maira soon gets caught up in his mission and quickly proves her worth. I enjoyed the plot of this story which is set in France during England’s war against Napoleon. It moved along quickly making this a page turner. Both main characters, Máira Blair and Elias Drake are well thought out, strong leading characters. The banter between them was witty, funny, complete with innuendos and heated desire. Their connection is passionate and sizzling right from the start. This story has action, adventure, erotic moments, and thrilling intrigue. I like strong female characters in my historical romance stories, and Maira fits the bill, she comes alive in the story and holds her own during the couple’s adventures. Overall, this story is well written and I feel comfortable recommending it. I also look forward to reading about the next sister and what adventures she undertakes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
August 17, 2025
In the second installment of the Scandalous Sister series by Helene Matheson, I was absolutely swept away by the thrilling tale of Máira Blair and Ellison Collins—or rather, Sir Elias Allistair Drake, the spy behind the charming facade.
Máira, delightfully spirited, believes she’s engaged to the respectable Earl of Dorset. However, her world flips when she discovers her fiancé’s true identity: a crown agent on a covert mission to rescue the Earl of Astley. Their marriage, built on deception, takes an unexpected turn as Elias’s plans unravel, thrusting Máira into a whirlwind adventure across war-torn France. What was supposed to be a simple honeymoon morphs into weeks of perilous escapades, filled with cloak-and-dagger intrigue, unexpected twists, and moments both hilarious and heart-stopping.
I adored Elias’s endless litany of excuses for why their marriage couldn’t work, all while his heart betrayed his growing admiration for Máira. Their dynamic is electric—she’s a fiery heroine, resilient and fearless, while he grapples with duty and undeniable affection. Matheson masterfully blends secrets, deceit, pulse-pounding action, and emotional highs and lows, crafting a rollercoaster of a narrative that keeps you turning pages well into the night.
The Rebellious Countess isn’t just about espionage and daring escapes; it’s about the evolution of trust and love against the backdrop of betrayal and danger. Matheson’s storytelling sparkles with humor, heartfelt moments, and adventure. I’m already eager for the next book in this captivating series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Máira, delightfully spirited, believes she’s engaged to the respectable Earl of Dorset. However, her world flips when she discovers her fiancé’s true identity: a crown agent on a covert mission to rescue the Earl of Astley. Their marriage, built on deception, takes an unexpected turn as Elias’s plans unravel, thrusting Máira into a whirlwind adventure across war-torn France. What was supposed to be a simple honeymoon morphs into weeks of perilous escapades, filled with cloak-and-dagger intrigue, unexpected twists, and moments both hilarious and heart-stopping.
I adored Elias’s endless litany of excuses for why their marriage couldn’t work, all while his heart betrayed his growing admiration for Máira. Their dynamic is electric—she’s a fiery heroine, resilient and fearless, while he grapples with duty and undeniable affection. Matheson masterfully blends secrets, deceit, pulse-pounding action, and emotional highs and lows, crafting a rollercoaster of a narrative that keeps you turning pages well into the night.
The Rebellious Countess isn’t just about espionage and daring escapes; it’s about the evolution of trust and love against the backdrop of betrayal and danger. Matheson’s storytelling sparkles with humor, heartfelt moments, and adventure. I’m already eager for the next book in this captivating series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 14, 2025
We have a nonstop adventure that you are eager to turn the next page and won’t put it down!
We have the Ellison Collins , Earl of Dorset aka Sir Elias Alistair Drake spy for the crown!
Elias is on a mission for the crown and in need of a wife he has chosen beautiful Lady Maira Blair Drake sister to a Duchess! Maira has been treated as a misfit and mocked and scorned due to her dubious heritage! No marriage license was found for her parents!
Elias has wooed her and married her but he certainly has shared his privateering (pirating) or his espionage he is involved in! He had planned to send her home before his mission took him to France! Well the best laid plans and all that…
There are some very reckless moments for them both partially due to Maira’s stubbornness and naivety! She is smart in some ways very and her book knowledge makes for some very steamy moments!
This is a reunion with mother and son, a reconnaissance of some VIP persons captured and tortured by the French!
But love blooms in unexpected places and none more unexpected than the life and death situations that Elias and Maira survive! There are so many surprises along the way do try to keep up! I love our hero and the heroine definitely holds her own! Bravo well done! These two survived hell and back enough times to love for all time!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We have the Ellison Collins , Earl of Dorset aka Sir Elias Alistair Drake spy for the crown!
Elias is on a mission for the crown and in need of a wife he has chosen beautiful Lady Maira Blair Drake sister to a Duchess! Maira has been treated as a misfit and mocked and scorned due to her dubious heritage! No marriage license was found for her parents!
Elias has wooed her and married her but he certainly has shared his privateering (pirating) or his espionage he is involved in! He had planned to send her home before his mission took him to France! Well the best laid plans and all that…
There are some very reckless moments for them both partially due to Maira’s stubbornness and naivety! She is smart in some ways very and her book knowledge makes for some very steamy moments!
This is a reunion with mother and son, a reconnaissance of some VIP persons captured and tortured by the French!
But love blooms in unexpected places and none more unexpected than the life and death situations that Elias and Maira survive! There are so many surprises along the way do try to keep up! I love our hero and the heroine definitely holds her own! Bravo well done! These two survived hell and back enough times to love for all time!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2025
I thought that the first book in this series had a complicated plot and I feel the same way about this one. This story features letters between Iseabail and Nash from the first book at the beginning of each chapter to help navigate the action. FMC Maira is Iseabail's sister. Maira is in need of rescuing because she was deceived into marrying Elias, a wicked rogue who was masquerading as an Earl. Her new husband left her high and dry in France in the middle of a war.
There were many, many things that Maira and Elias needed to sort out before they could have a happy ending. Some parts of the story were quite sad. I really wondered how the couple was going to make it through. This story was much higher on the intrigue than is typical in the HR genre. However, it still had every bit of the steam and drama that one would expect.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There were many, many things that Maira and Elias needed to sort out before they could have a happy ending. Some parts of the story were quite sad. I really wondered how the couple was going to make it through. This story was much higher on the intrigue than is typical in the HR genre. However, it still had every bit of the steam and drama that one would expect.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2025
An adventurous, high-stakes historical romance with all the drama and swoon you could ask for! Máira Blair thought she married an English earl—but ends up on a pirate ship headed straight into danger. Betrayed, abandoned, and forced to fight for her life, Máira proves she's no damsel in distress. But just when she’s ready to write off her roguish husband, Sir Elias Drake shows he might just be the hero she never saw coming.
Packed with action, intrigue, sizzling chemistry, and a heroine who refuses to be tamed, this story is a wild ride from start to finish. A perfect mix of daring escapades and emotional depth—ideal for readers who love strong heroines, brooding heroes, and romance that defies all odds.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Packed with action, intrigue, sizzling chemistry, and a heroine who refuses to be tamed, this story is a wild ride from start to finish. A perfect mix of daring escapades and emotional depth—ideal for readers who love strong heroines, brooding heroes, and romance that defies all odds.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2025
An adventure from the beginning.
Elias is on a secret mission from the Crown and needs a Scottish wife.
Maira marries him under the misconception he is an Earl and he loves her.
There are mishaps and misunderstandings in this dangerous undertaking but the chemistry and romance between the two is real.
Page turning compulsion just to see what happens next.
Second in a series about six sisters.
I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.
Elias is on a secret mission from the Crown and needs a Scottish wife.
Maira marries him under the misconception he is an Earl and he loves her.
There are mishaps and misunderstandings in this dangerous undertaking but the chemistry and romance between the two is real.
Page turning compulsion just to see what happens next.
Second in a series about six sisters.
I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.
August 10, 2025
Elias Drake has some explaining to do to his bride Maira on their “honeymoon “. The honeymoon turns into a few weeks of a cloak and dagger adventure with a lot of twists and turns along the way.
Loved this book! It took me in from page one and I just had to keep reading. Generally I like a longer book and did not read the first one, so I really wasn’t up the back story of the sisters. But I was caught up in the tale to the very end which led to a tease for the next story! Can’t wait!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved this book! It took me in from page one and I just had to keep reading. Generally I like a longer book and did not read the first one, so I really wasn’t up the back story of the sisters. But I was caught up in the tale to the very end which led to a tease for the next story! Can’t wait!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2025
Book two, a series of six sisters left without parents or the proper structures necessary to marry. This is Maira's story: believing she married for love, she finds herself with a pirate on a mission instead of a Lord. The lies, deceitfullness, the war, search, steam and twists built into this story makes us riviting and adventurous. Strong characters, well written and fully engaging.
August 15, 2025
I am loving this series. I want the rest of this series to be written RIGHT NOW. He's trying to be honourable whilst deceiving her. She's in love and finding her way in a foreign land and circumstances. The deeper they head into danger, the more they protect and care for each other.
August 20, 2025
Does he redeem himself?
Doubtful.
Maira married Elias, but he duped her into the marriage for his own means. He dumps her, which was unforgivable. Then for some reason comes back for her. She deserved a far better man. As he never really stones for his multitude of sins.
Doubtful.
Maira married Elias, but he duped her into the marriage for his own means. He dumps her, which was unforgivable. Then for some reason comes back for her. She deserved a far better man. As he never really stones for his multitude of sins.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews