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How To Court A Countess: A lesbian Regency romance for fans of hidden identities, sapphic longing and matchmaking drama! New in 2026!
Not yet published
Expected 19 Nov 26A thief to steal…the Countess’s heart?Former pickpocket Amelia is trapped in a life of servitude to the man who caught her. He offers a Help him win the hand—and fortune—of Countess Beatrice by posing as a governess. In return for information that will help his courtship, he’ll grant Amelia her freedom.
Complications arise when Amelia meets the jaw-droppingly lovely Beatrice. Amelia feels startlingly at home in the Countess’s household and their clandestine meetings in the music room quickly become a nightly habit… Amelia can’t deny their connection—but when her liberty depends on Beatrice’s marriage to another, can she risk following her heart?
Perfect for fans
🌈 LGBTQIA+
🎭 Hidden identity
Complications arise when Amelia meets the jaw-droppingly lovely Beatrice. Amelia feels startlingly at home in the Countess’s household and their clandestine meetings in the music room quickly become a nightly habit… Amelia can’t deny their connection—but when her liberty depends on Beatrice’s marriage to another, can she risk following her heart?
Perfect for fans
🌈 LGBTQIA+
🎭 Hidden identity
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Amelia is tired of paying off her debt to the nefarious man she once stole from. Thankfully, she has one last job to do, and then she'll be free. The mark? Beatrice, a widow who has just come out of mourning. Amelia's "captor" hopes to win Beatrice's trust, and then her money, and will use Amelia to do it. Amelia is tasked with posing as Beatrice's new governess in order to learn everything she can about Beatrice, and then report to her "boss". Initially it's easy, but as Amelia and Beatrice grow closer, lines blur, and Amelia is faced with an impossible decision: determining where her loyalties lie, and who will ultimately be free?
I'm THRILLED to have read another beautifully written novel by the incredibly talented Emma-Claire Sunday. She imbues her characters with such empathy, compassion, and care. I adored the entire ensemble cast. The main character's passion for music was woven perfectly into the plot. I love scenes in which some facet of the arts help the characters discover and build on their mutual attraction...and this novel achieved that goal in spades! This story is set at Christmas, but can be enjoyed any time of year. It's a great holiday read, though!
I'd like to thank Harlequin and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I'm THRILLED to have read another beautifully written novel by the incredibly talented Emma-Claire Sunday. She imbues her characters with such empathy, compassion, and care. I adored the entire ensemble cast. The main character's passion for music was woven perfectly into the plot. I love scenes in which some facet of the arts help the characters discover and build on their mutual attraction...and this novel achieved that goal in spades! This story is set at Christmas, but can be enjoyed any time of year. It's a great holiday read, though!
I'd like to thank Harlequin and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Emma-Claire Sunday has absolutely hit her stride. This is my favorite of her books so far, and it feels lovingly crafted. I think most importantly it isnt a queer awakening for either character, and as they navigate their relationship, it's about removing other obstacles rather than whether or not they are OK with their own identities.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Okay, I absolutely ATE this one up. 😭
Give me a sapphic Regency romance, a gorgeous countess, a former pickpocket pretending to be a governess, secret meetings and an attraction that absolutely should not be happening…And I will read it all in one sitting!
I loved Amelia. There’s something about a character who has spent her life simply trying to survive suddenly finding herself somewhere she actually feels like she belongs that got me right in the feelings. And then there’s Beatrice… The chemistry between these two was EVERYTHING.
The secret identity/forbidden romance trope added just the right amount of tension because you’re constantly waiting for everything to come crashing down. And those clandestine music-room meetings? YES. Give me all the stolen moments and yearning!!
Give me a sapphic Regency romance, a gorgeous countess, a former pickpocket pretending to be a governess, secret meetings and an attraction that absolutely should not be happening…And I will read it all in one sitting!
I loved Amelia. There’s something about a character who has spent her life simply trying to survive suddenly finding herself somewhere she actually feels like she belongs that got me right in the feelings. And then there’s Beatrice… The chemistry between these two was EVERYTHING.
The secret identity/forbidden romance trope added just the right amount of tension because you’re constantly waiting for everything to come crashing down. And those clandestine music-room meetings? YES. Give me all the stolen moments and yearning!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Content warnings (CWs): mild sexual content (there are a couple of sex scenes but they're not that explicit)
Ages: Beatrice is 30, I don't think Amelia's age is mentioned
Setting: England, November/December 1824
I would recommend this book if you're looking for a sweet, holiday-themed, sapphic regency romance.
Beatrice is a widowed countess recently out of mourning. She is a bit of a recluse and is very closed-off, mainly because "fitting in" to society is a chore/performance in almost every way for her. She hates socializing with most people and doesn't think she's good at it, she was married for many years to a man who made her miserable and for whom appearances were paramount, and she is a lesbian who feels compelled to feign heterosexuality. (I wouldn't say that compulsory heterosexuality is a theme here, though. Beatrice knows and has accepted that she is attracted to women and not men.) She also has trust issues from past relationships in which she was much more devoted/committed than her lovers & was deeply hurt by the discovery. Her main motivation is her children, Felix(7) and Mary(1). Mary is a bit of a sidenote as a character, but Felix is featured quite a bit. I think he was one of my favorite aspects of the book. He's very gentle and inquisitive and Beatrice frets a lot about the fact that he will be pressured to be otherwise by the world; the fact that Amelia (who is pretending to be Felix's governess) values his nature as much as Beatrice does is a big part of the reason she falls for Amelia.
Amelia is a conwoman/thief with abandonment issues. She's bisexual & has had casual lovers in the past, but no serious relationships. Due to the nature of her upbringing, she wants to avoid entanglements that can lead to being hurt, especially since being recently abandoned by the band of thieves she called her family. She lies about her identity (under duress) to Beatrice for the majority of the book, but for the most part feels like she can be "herself" in Beatrice's household. Found family is a big theme in the story, especially for Amelia's character, but also for everyone else in the household. Beatrice's household staff make up a handful of side characters who enrich the story without taking away from the romance.
Beatrice and Amelia's relationship is quite well done. The relationship has a deadline (about a month) that lends some interesting drama. Beatrice has been hurt in the past, so a no-strings affair with a fixed end point adds an element of safety for her. Amelia struggles with deceiving Beatrice while falling in love with her, but also with deceiving the others who are very welcoming and kind to her. Beatrice struggles with falling in love because she knows they can't be together long-term. If it's not obvious from the cover, music has a significant presence in the story as well. The MCs use music as a way to bond and communicate & their mutual love of it is probably what pushes them together in the first place.
I'm not sure Beatrice's trust issues were addressed to the extent I would like, but at the end it doesn't feel like their relationship is "over" like it does in most romance novels. It gave the impression that their relationship will continue to grow. In some ways it feels like it's just getting started. I suppose some people might not find it satisfying, but I think it works well for a book with a somewhat short timeline.
Content warnings (CWs): mild sexual content (there are a couple of sex scenes but they're not that explicit)
Ages: Beatrice is 30, I don't think Amelia's age is mentioned
Setting: England, November/December 1824
I would recommend this book if you're looking for a sweet, holiday-themed, sapphic regency romance.
Beatrice is a widowed countess recently out of mourning. She is a bit of a recluse and is very closed-off, mainly because "fitting in" to society is a chore/performance in almost every way for her. She hates socializing with most people and doesn't think she's good at it, she was married for many years to a man who made her miserable and for whom appearances were paramount, and she is a lesbian who feels compelled to feign heterosexuality. (I wouldn't say that compulsory heterosexuality is a theme here, though. Beatrice knows and has accepted that she is attracted to women and not men.) She also has trust issues from past relationships in which she was much more devoted/committed than her lovers & was deeply hurt by the discovery. Her main motivation is her children, Felix(7) and Mary(1). Mary is a bit of a sidenote as a character, but Felix is featured quite a bit. I think he was one of my favorite aspects of the book. He's very gentle and inquisitive and Beatrice frets a lot about the fact that he will be pressured to be otherwise by the world; the fact that Amelia (who is pretending to be Felix's governess) values his nature as much as Beatrice does is a big part of the reason she falls for Amelia.
Amelia is a conwoman/thief with abandonment issues. She's bisexual & has had casual lovers in the past, but no serious relationships. Due to the nature of her upbringing, she wants to avoid entanglements that can lead to being hurt, especially since being recently abandoned by the band of thieves she called her family. She lies about her identity (under duress) to Beatrice for the majority of the book, but for the most part feels like she can be "herself" in Beatrice's household. Found family is a big theme in the story, especially for Amelia's character, but also for everyone else in the household. Beatrice's household staff make up a handful of side characters who enrich the story without taking away from the romance.
Beatrice and Amelia's relationship is quite well done. The relationship has a deadline (about a month) that lends some interesting drama. Beatrice has been hurt in the past, so a no-strings affair with a fixed end point adds an element of safety for her. Amelia struggles with deceiving Beatrice while falling in love with her, but also with deceiving the others who are very welcoming and kind to her. Beatrice struggles with falling in love because she knows they can't be together long-term. If it's not obvious from the cover, music has a significant presence in the story as well. The MCs use music as a way to bond and communicate & their mutual love of it is probably what pushes them together in the first place.
I'm not sure Beatrice's trust issues were addressed to the extent I would like, but at the end it doesn't feel like their relationship is "over" like it does in most romance novels. It gave the impression that their relationship will continue to grow. In some ways it feels like it's just getting started. I suppose some people might not find it satisfying, but I think it works well for a book with a somewhat short timeline.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*** Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC! ***
I love a good sapphic regency romance and I'm glad we've been getting more for the genre over the past few years. Usually, I make notes as I read about the things I like and dislike. I couldn't this time. I was too busy devouring this book through the night and into the early morning hours, then again when I'd finished my chores and could read some more.
I love the characters. Both Amelia and Beatrice are relatable and their problems feel realistic. Amelia comes from a life of thievery and was betrayed by the people she considered her family. Beatrice has felt out-of-place all her life because she looks different from the people in this locality. Both have had to pretend to be people they aren't to fit the expectations of others. As their relationship develops, they learn that they don't always have to hide their true selves, that they can have safety and home with their own found family.
One thing I especially loved was the how their shared love of music becomes a strong throughline in their relationship. Too often, I've read romances where a commonality between the two love interests is found and mentioned a few times, but the reader doesn't get to see the couple engage in that activity much. Sometimes, it's even in the book title, but is hardly shown in the book. It's great that these characters get to have this one thing they're both passionate about that they do together, usually alone, that isn't sexual.
Speaking of doing things alone together... this one's light on the spice. That's totally fine with me. I, personally, would have preferred more, but I'm not docking it points because it makes sense for the time period, the timeframe of the story, and the characters having a lot to do. What we did get was sweet and I absolutely adored the bit where Beatrice is self-conscious about lactating and Amelia reassures her.
The climax and resolution of the story are handled smoothly and with minimal frustration and stress. I love, love, love the way Beatrice handles it all, practical and compassionate, but still rightfully angry. Quite the breath of fresh air compared to the usual way characters react to finding out they've been lied to.
The only complaint that comes to mind is that Amelia never interacts with Beatrice's baby, Mary. Heck, Beatrice hardly interacts with her other than for breastfeeding. It would have been good to see more of those interactions (because Beatrice is a very involved parent) because all the focus was on Franklin, her older son.
Overall, a very enjoyable read with a romance that feels fresh. I didn't want to put it down! If you're looking for a sapphic regency romance that's light spice and minimally frustrating, this is for you. I've got to read some of the other books by this author!
I love a good sapphic regency romance and I'm glad we've been getting more for the genre over the past few years. Usually, I make notes as I read about the things I like and dislike. I couldn't this time. I was too busy devouring this book through the night and into the early morning hours, then again when I'd finished my chores and could read some more.
I love the characters. Both Amelia and Beatrice are relatable and their problems feel realistic. Amelia comes from a life of thievery and was betrayed by the people she considered her family. Beatrice has felt out-of-place all her life because she looks different from the people in this locality. Both have had to pretend to be people they aren't to fit the expectations of others. As their relationship develops, they learn that they don't always have to hide their true selves, that they can have safety and home with their own found family.
One thing I especially loved was the how their shared love of music becomes a strong throughline in their relationship. Too often, I've read romances where a commonality between the two love interests is found and mentioned a few times, but the reader doesn't get to see the couple engage in that activity much. Sometimes, it's even in the book title, but is hardly shown in the book. It's great that these characters get to have this one thing they're both passionate about that they do together, usually alone, that isn't sexual.
Speaking of doing things alone together... this one's light on the spice. That's totally fine with me. I, personally, would have preferred more, but I'm not docking it points because it makes sense for the time period, the timeframe of the story, and the characters having a lot to do. What we did get was sweet and I absolutely adored the bit where Beatrice is self-conscious about lactating and Amelia reassures her.
The climax and resolution of the story are handled smoothly and with minimal frustration and stress. I love, love, love the way Beatrice handles it all, practical and compassionate, but still rightfully angry. Quite the breath of fresh air compared to the usual way characters react to finding out they've been lied to.
The only complaint that comes to mind is that Amelia never interacts with Beatrice's baby, Mary. Heck, Beatrice hardly interacts with her other than for breastfeeding. It would have been good to see more of those interactions (because Beatrice is a very involved parent) because all the focus was on Franklin, her older son.
Overall, a very enjoyable read with a romance that feels fresh. I didn't want to put it down! If you're looking for a sapphic regency romance that's light spice and minimally frustrating, this is for you. I've got to read some of the other books by this author!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*Possible Spoilers*
How to Court a Countess is good fun. I like that the title doesn’t spoil the entire plot at first glance. Kind of impressive coming from Harlequin, honestly. The book centers around an unlucky con-artist named Amelia, and a reclusive widowed countess named Beatrice. As the two battle power-hungry men and the status quo, they find solace and love in each other.
Raised by a family of criminals, Amelia learned that being useful is the ticket to freedom. Her actual passion is playing music. After being left as collateral damage, she is given two choices: serve an insecure man to pay off debt, or rot away in jail. She chooses option A. So, Amelia gets sent to secure a widow’s hand in marriage on behalf of her boss.
Given her backstory, I found it a bit unbelievable that she is so morally sound. Amelia is kind, and sees the best in people. I would’ve liked to dive deeper into how she came to be an empathetic person living a life of crime. Throughout the book, Amelia mentions memories that define her worldview, such as learning instruments as a child or watching loved ones fall to corruption. It would have been cool if there had been flashbacks of her living through those experiences. Amelia is a character so controlled by the past, that getting bits of it told in the present tense would’ve strengthened her narrative.
Beatrice is both a loving mother and a closeted lesbian. Securing the reputations of her children is most important. As a wealthy young widow living in 1824, being out of wedlock is something that needs to be rectified. Beatrice lets her son play with dolls, is passionate about charity work, and doesn’t bat an eye at neuro-divergent and disabled folks. Her character is perfectly likable, if a little boring.
I liked the two women together, even if there was a bit more telling than showing the tension between them. Amelia gives Beatrice space to put herself first, and Beatrice shows Amelia that love isn’t always transactional. I liked how they bonded by playing nightly concerts with each other. There’s something very pretty about pouring emotion into music, and wordlessly trusting the other to finish a melody.
A Harlequin romance isn’t delivering gut-wrenchingly beautiful prose and top-tier character development; it doesn’t need to. How to Court a Countess was predictable and made for light reading. I liked Amelia and Beatrice, even if they read as a little superficial and undeveloped at times. I loved reading about Amelia’s no-good but very good intentions.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
How to Court a Countess is good fun. I like that the title doesn’t spoil the entire plot at first glance. Kind of impressive coming from Harlequin, honestly. The book centers around an unlucky con-artist named Amelia, and a reclusive widowed countess named Beatrice. As the two battle power-hungry men and the status quo, they find solace and love in each other.
Raised by a family of criminals, Amelia learned that being useful is the ticket to freedom. Her actual passion is playing music. After being left as collateral damage, she is given two choices: serve an insecure man to pay off debt, or rot away in jail. She chooses option A. So, Amelia gets sent to secure a widow’s hand in marriage on behalf of her boss.
Given her backstory, I found it a bit unbelievable that she is so morally sound. Amelia is kind, and sees the best in people. I would’ve liked to dive deeper into how she came to be an empathetic person living a life of crime. Throughout the book, Amelia mentions memories that define her worldview, such as learning instruments as a child or watching loved ones fall to corruption. It would have been cool if there had been flashbacks of her living through those experiences. Amelia is a character so controlled by the past, that getting bits of it told in the present tense would’ve strengthened her narrative.
Beatrice is both a loving mother and a closeted lesbian. Securing the reputations of her children is most important. As a wealthy young widow living in 1824, being out of wedlock is something that needs to be rectified. Beatrice lets her son play with dolls, is passionate about charity work, and doesn’t bat an eye at neuro-divergent and disabled folks. Her character is perfectly likable, if a little boring.
I liked the two women together, even if there was a bit more telling than showing the tension between them. Amelia gives Beatrice space to put herself first, and Beatrice shows Amelia that love isn’t always transactional. I liked how they bonded by playing nightly concerts with each other. There’s something very pretty about pouring emotion into music, and wordlessly trusting the other to finish a melody.
A Harlequin romance isn’t delivering gut-wrenchingly beautiful prose and top-tier character development; it doesn’t need to. How to Court a Countess was predictable and made for light reading. I liked Amelia and Beatrice, even if they read as a little superficial and undeveloped at times. I loved reading about Amelia’s no-good but very good intentions.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 5, 2026
OMG, this book was perfect. I picked it up because I was intrigued by the premise and the cover. In how to court a countess we get Amelia and Lady Bloom.
Amelia is an orphan who has had a rough upbringing and makes a living as a thief. During her last “job” she got caught and now she has to do anything that Reverend Tyborn asks of her and he wants her to go into Lady Bloom’s house as a governess and gather information on how he can court and marry Lady Bloom to get money and prestige. Amelia thinks it will be an easy job but doesn’t count on really liking Lady Bloom and finally starting to feel like she belongs somewhere.
This was a pretty tight story and had me interested from the get go. I loved how the story develops and the secondary characters and I was dying to know how they went going to work it out!
If you have liked the author’s prior books, you will like this one. I think it’s even better than her cheese book!
If you are looking for a great queer historical romance for the holidays season, you should grab this one.
Amelia is an orphan who has had a rough upbringing and makes a living as a thief. During her last “job” she got caught and now she has to do anything that Reverend Tyborn asks of her and he wants her to go into Lady Bloom’s house as a governess and gather information on how he can court and marry Lady Bloom to get money and prestige. Amelia thinks it will be an easy job but doesn’t count on really liking Lady Bloom and finally starting to feel like she belongs somewhere.
This was a pretty tight story and had me interested from the get go. I loved how the story develops and the secondary characters and I was dying to know how they went going to work it out!
If you have liked the author’s prior books, you will like this one. I think it’s even better than her cheese book!
If you are looking for a great queer historical romance for the holidays season, you should grab this one.
October 26, 2026
ARC REVIEW
I adore a good sapphic historical romance so I absolutely ate this one up!
tired of thieving and conning in order to pay off a debt owed to her previous mark, amelia has one final job to do; get to know the countess and convince her to marry the Reverend.
what starts as job like Any other becomes a journey of finally feeling a sense of belonging in a world which has otherwise felt foreign to amelia.
the gentle spark ignited between Amelia and the countess, Beatrice, in their first meeting is fanned into a flame through clandestine meetings in which they share vulnerability in a way neither has before.
i loved their shared love of music and the way this acted as a form of communication between them. Their growing love becomes intoxicating and makes it impossible To stop reading.
I adore a good sapphic historical romance so I absolutely ate this one up!
tired of thieving and conning in order to pay off a debt owed to her previous mark, amelia has one final job to do; get to know the countess and convince her to marry the Reverend.
what starts as job like Any other becomes a journey of finally feeling a sense of belonging in a world which has otherwise felt foreign to amelia.
the gentle spark ignited between Amelia and the countess, Beatrice, in their first meeting is fanned into a flame through clandestine meetings in which they share vulnerability in a way neither has before.
i loved their shared love of music and the way this acted as a form of communication between them. Their growing love becomes intoxicating and makes it impossible To stop reading.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An absolutely beautiful regency era queer love story. I could not have been chosen for a better arc. The FMCs are so beautifully complex, the child of one of the FMCs is so perfectly loveable, the villain is the right amount of heinous and everything just fit together as perfect as perfect can be. I cried happy tears at the conclusion of this book. As an adoptee I was not prepared for the subject matter and I as very nervous. Emma Claire Sunday, however, handled the issue of adoption with complete dignity and respect to our unique experiences, the same way she does with the LGBTQ characters in this beautiful book. I love it so dearly. Thank you for letting me read this.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a fast paced historical gem following Amelia, a former pickpocket forced to pose as a governess to help a man win the wealthy Countess Beatrice. The scheme backfires - wink wink 😉
🎭 Hidden identity
👑 Regency era
💕 sapphic
🪞 Opposites attract
❤️🔥 Slow burn
☠️ forbidden attraction
✨ Grumpy / sunshine
🌶️ Spicy
🎭 Hidden identity
👑 Regency era
💕 sapphic
🪞 Opposites attract
❤️🔥 Slow burn
☠️ forbidden attraction
✨ Grumpy / sunshine
🌶️ Spicy
October 17, 2026
First of all big fan of the fact that this was set at Christmas time as there is nothing I love more than the holiday season! So throwing an adorable sapphic romance during that time is everything! It was so easy to want to see Amelia and Beatrice get their happily ever after! They had such good chemistry and also had great storylines outside of the romance! Always adore cute found family moments especially when they stick up for each other! Also seeing the reverend get his comeuppance was very satisfying! Over all it’s definitely a cozy read for winter season
Thankful to have received an eARC from Harlequin and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Thankful to have received an eARC from Harlequin and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews