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A Countess to Corrupt: A Holiday Historical Regency Romance Novel
“The Masquerade strips souls bare, little one… and I already own yours.”
Desperate to provide for her family, Ophelia agrees to work as a painter at the most dangerous place of all… the Devil’s Masquerade.
Earl Tristan thrives on secrets, control, and temptation. But the moment his newest hire steps through the door, he knows he’s doomed. For before him stands the one woman he never expected to his sister’s best friend.
Tristan agrees to hire her as long as their secrets remain within these walls. But the Masquerade was built to expose her desire, not contain it. And the devil wants to be the one who sets it ablaze…
*If you like a realistic yet steamy depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then A Countess to Corrupt is the novel for you.
An enchanting regency romance of 80,000 words (around 400 pages), written by Violet Hamers and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.
Pick up "A Countess to Corrupt" today to discover Violet's fantastic new story!
Desperate to provide for her family, Ophelia agrees to work as a painter at the most dangerous place of all… the Devil’s Masquerade.
Earl Tristan thrives on secrets, control, and temptation. But the moment his newest hire steps through the door, he knows he’s doomed. For before him stands the one woman he never expected to his sister’s best friend.
Tristan agrees to hire her as long as their secrets remain within these walls. But the Masquerade was built to expose her desire, not contain it. And the devil wants to be the one who sets it ablaze…
*If you like a realistic yet steamy depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then A Countess to Corrupt is the novel for you.
An enchanting regency romance of 80,000 words (around 400 pages), written by Violet Hamers and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.
Pick up "A Countess to Corrupt" today to discover Violet's fantastic new story!
454 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 23, 2025
49 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Violet Hamers
88 books69 followersViolet Hamers knew from an early age that writing was something she always wanted to do. Growing up, her time was divided between writing stories and taking part in theatrical plays, that she used to perform exclusively for her family and friends.
As she loves reading and writing, she is rarely found without a book in her hands, or her fingers glued to a keyboard. Her love for reading led her to Jane Austen's world--the regency historical world that won her over in comparison to any other genre!
Even though being an author is not a simple task, her dream of becoming one has finally come true as she is currently writing Regency novels...romances her readers will love!
Follow Violet into a world of romance and fairytale, of passion and intrigue, and live unforgettable happy-ever-afters along with her protagonists that she guarantees you will remember forever.
As she loves reading and writing, she is rarely found without a book in her hands, or her fingers glued to a keyboard. Her love for reading led her to Jane Austen's world--the regency historical world that won her over in comparison to any other genre!
Even though being an author is not a simple task, her dream of becoming one has finally come true as she is currently writing Regency novels...romances her readers will love!
Follow Violet into a world of romance and fairytale, of passion and intrigue, and live unforgettable happy-ever-afters along with her protagonists that she guarantees you will remember forever.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 3, 2026
This is book 5 in the Devil’s masquerade series, but is also a standalone. Although I think it helps if you have read at least one of the prior books in the series. It is the story of Tristan and Ophelia. Please do read the extended prologue as it provides essential backstory.
Earl Tristan is a senior member of the Masquerade club and brother to Theo, who is best friends with Ophelia. Ophelia is an unwed 27 year old whose close circle of friends have all married. Ophelia has never been interested but also distracted by trying to keep her father’s household afloat. She supplements her father’s bad investments with payment for her proffered paintings and art lessons.
Ophelia’s agent organises her a job at the Masquerade club, which is a very controversial and exclusive private members club where patrons can express themselves freely in erotic ways. Ophelia has to go because she cannot afford to turn down the hefty pay offer. She goes wearing a male disguise and a mask and meets the masked owner of the club. But she recognises him by his hands. Her best friend’s arrogant and troublesome brother who she has always labelled as Lord Perfect! The owner refuses to give Ophelia the job after the audition (a painting) and Ophelia threatens to share his secret to make him give her the job. He then discovers her identity. They strike a deal of sorts and promise to keep each other’s identity secret (although Tristan has more secrets he is hiding) and Ophelia is given another audition which impresses Tristan.
The story details the change in Ophelia and Tristan relationship from arch enemies that have always bickered with each other in public to becoming increasingly attracted to each other in private while she paints at the club. This is interspersed with society events where they have to continue to bicker.
Ophelia’s father is gravely ill and begs Ophelia to seek a husband to provide her with future security - so she reluctantly talks to the occasional gentleman at functions, getting closer to Lord Weavington - which concerns Tristan as he does not trust Weavington at all - and he is quite frankly jealous! Theo can see the potential between our main characters and plants little seeds that both ruminate on.
There is a side story for Tristan of trying to identify and locate a unsavoury character, Perley, potentially threatening him, the club and the shared businesses. This drive to find Perley leads Tristan to want to keep in control of his emotions so everyone, including Ophelia, Theo and his friends remain safe.
Ophelia is being assertively courted by Weavington but she is increasingly uncomfortable in their further interactions but she promised her father she would look for a suitor so …
But the chemistry between Ophelia and Tristan screams off the page as their initial love/hate dynamic clearly changes into lust, passion and more.
There is very entertaining banter, great characters in their friends, personal growth for both Tristan and Ophelia especially as they overcome their fears, a growing threat that needs to be resolved, the tension between Tristan and Ophelia is excellently written, plus there is plenty of romance and heat.
Another enjoyable book from this author but I do wish she would get a better proofreader.
I generously received an ARC from the author and freely offer this review.
Earl Tristan is a senior member of the Masquerade club and brother to Theo, who is best friends with Ophelia. Ophelia is an unwed 27 year old whose close circle of friends have all married. Ophelia has never been interested but also distracted by trying to keep her father’s household afloat. She supplements her father’s bad investments with payment for her proffered paintings and art lessons.
Ophelia’s agent organises her a job at the Masquerade club, which is a very controversial and exclusive private members club where patrons can express themselves freely in erotic ways. Ophelia has to go because she cannot afford to turn down the hefty pay offer. She goes wearing a male disguise and a mask and meets the masked owner of the club. But she recognises him by his hands. Her best friend’s arrogant and troublesome brother who she has always labelled as Lord Perfect! The owner refuses to give Ophelia the job after the audition (a painting) and Ophelia threatens to share his secret to make him give her the job. He then discovers her identity. They strike a deal of sorts and promise to keep each other’s identity secret (although Tristan has more secrets he is hiding) and Ophelia is given another audition which impresses Tristan.
The story details the change in Ophelia and Tristan relationship from arch enemies that have always bickered with each other in public to becoming increasingly attracted to each other in private while she paints at the club. This is interspersed with society events where they have to continue to bicker.
Ophelia’s father is gravely ill and begs Ophelia to seek a husband to provide her with future security - so she reluctantly talks to the occasional gentleman at functions, getting closer to Lord Weavington - which concerns Tristan as he does not trust Weavington at all - and he is quite frankly jealous! Theo can see the potential between our main characters and plants little seeds that both ruminate on.
There is a side story for Tristan of trying to identify and locate a unsavoury character, Perley, potentially threatening him, the club and the shared businesses. This drive to find Perley leads Tristan to want to keep in control of his emotions so everyone, including Ophelia, Theo and his friends remain safe.
Ophelia is being assertively courted by Weavington but she is increasingly uncomfortable in their further interactions but she promised her father she would look for a suitor so …
But the chemistry between Ophelia and Tristan screams off the page as their initial love/hate dynamic clearly changes into lust, passion and more.
There is very entertaining banter, great characters in their friends, personal growth for both Tristan and Ophelia especially as they overcome their fears, a growing threat that needs to be resolved, the tension between Tristan and Ophelia is excellently written, plus there is plenty of romance and heat.
Another enjoyable book from this author but I do wish she would get a better proofreader.
I generously received an ARC from the author and freely offer this review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2026
An Interesting Story
I enjoyed this story but there were a lot of typing errors and also American grammar that would not have been used in Regency times, and certainly not by aristocrats.
Duke Tristan and Ophelia had been friends for many years but had also argued. Tristan ran an exclusive adult-only club. Ophelia was an artist who usually dressed as a man to protect her identity. She had always stated she did not want to marry. Without knowing who she was, Tristan commissioned Ophelia to paint scenes from the club. When he discovered her identity he realised she was interested in the explicit scenes she saw at the club. Together they explored some of her new knowledge whilst still protecting her reputation.
When Ophelia's father became ill, he requested that she found a husband to give her security when her father was no longer around to protect her. When a suitor did approach Ophelia, it led to a chain of events that brought danger, an abduction, charges of fraud, and murder. Will Tristan and Ophelia realise that they need to be together and that their love can survive all the danger? An interesting story but it does need much better proof-reading.
I enjoyed this story but there were a lot of typing errors and also American grammar that would not have been used in Regency times, and certainly not by aristocrats.
Duke Tristan and Ophelia had been friends for many years but had also argued. Tristan ran an exclusive adult-only club. Ophelia was an artist who usually dressed as a man to protect her identity. She had always stated she did not want to marry. Without knowing who she was, Tristan commissioned Ophelia to paint scenes from the club. When he discovered her identity he realised she was interested in the explicit scenes she saw at the club. Together they explored some of her new knowledge whilst still protecting her reputation.
When Ophelia's father became ill, he requested that she found a husband to give her security when her father was no longer around to protect her. When a suitor did approach Ophelia, it led to a chain of events that brought danger, an abduction, charges of fraud, and murder. Will Tristan and Ophelia realise that they need to be together and that their love can survive all the danger? An interesting story but it does need much better proof-reading.
January 2, 2026
Violet Hamers has done it again. I have enjoyed reading the journey of these young ladies and the handsome men whose hearts they captured. Ophelia Wesley is their unmarried friend who never wants to marry. She loves painting and some of her paintings are sold in a gallery under the alias of SR. She loves her girlfriends but loathes the brother of one, calls him Lord Proper.
Tristan, Lord of Darlington, is the secret owner of a risqué club called The Devil’s Masquerade. When he hires a male artist to paint four pictures of the infamous club, he inadvertently hires SR. Ophelia disguises her self as a male. And the intrigue begins, throw in a villain from the past and the plot deepens.
Once again Violet Hamers has woven a great love story, intrigue and danger. A great read.
Tristan, Lord of Darlington, is the secret owner of a risqué club called The Devil’s Masquerade. When he hires a male artist to paint four pictures of the infamous club, he inadvertently hires SR. Ophelia disguises her self as a male. And the intrigue begins, throw in a villain from the past and the plot deepens.
Once again Violet Hamers has woven a great love story, intrigue and danger. A great read.
January 1, 2026
Hot and steamy
Violet brings us the story of the final friend to fall in love Ophelia to Tristan and what a wonderful story it is with us meeting and catching up with this group of friends all I have to say is make sure you read all the books in order to get the full joy of this series
Violet brings us the story of the final friend to fall in love Ophelia to Tristan and what a wonderful story it is with us meeting and catching up with this group of friends all I have to say is make sure you read all the books in order to get the full joy of this series
January 15, 2026
Meh.
I read every one of these books and the plots and characters were engaging. However, these books need a proofreader badly. There are wrong names used in places. There are wrong words, missing words and too many words in places. It was totally distracting and drove me crazy. If these books ever get cleaned up, I would recommend them but not until then.
I read every one of these books and the plots and characters were engaging. However, these books need a proofreader badly. There are wrong names used in places. There are wrong words, missing words and too many words in places. It was totally distracting and drove me crazy. If these books ever get cleaned up, I would recommend them but not until then.
January 10, 2026
loved the story…
The interaction between Ophelia and Tristan was captivating from the start and never ebbed. The way their relationship developed - she an artist, he needing paintings for his erotic club never let me down. I recommend it highly.
The interaction between Ophelia and Tristan was captivating from the start and never ebbed. The way their relationship developed - she an artist, he needing paintings for his erotic club never let me down. I recommend it highly.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews