Daphne du Maurier award finalist for Best Historical Mystery
Maggie thought she was married to an earl . . . but it seems that her late and unlamented husband lied to her from the day they met. Now—penniless and stranded in London—she has thrown herself on the mercy of the real Lord Warwick. What's a counterfeit countess to do?
Edward, the Earl of Warwick, desires only to get rid of the beautiful woman who arrived at his house with no less than fourteen trunks, a younger sister, a maid, and a very large cat. Her preposterous explanation is of no importance—but her late husband held the clue to the identity of England's greatest traitor, a clue the Foreign Service must get at any cost. Edward will have to guard her night and day—but he cannot guard his heart.
Since being named Notable New Author for 1997, Cheryl Bolen has published more than 35 books with Kensington/Zebra, Harlequin, Love Inspired Historical, Montlake, and independently. She has broken into the top 5 on the New York Times and hit the USA Today bestseller list. Her 2005 One Golden Ring won Best Historical, Holt Medallion, and her 2011 My Lord Wicked was awarded Best Historical in the International Digital Awards, the same year her Christmas novella was chosen as Best Novella. Her books have been finalists for other awards, including the Daphne du Maurier, and have been translated into eight languages. She’s also been the number 1 bestselling historical romance author in Germany.
She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and English from the University of Texas and a master's degree from the University of Houston. Her favorite pursuits are reading diaries of dead English women, traveling to England, and watching the Texas Longhorns play football and basketball. She and her recently retired professor husband are the parents of two sons. One is an attorney, the other a journalist.
This is exactly the type of historical romance that I love to read. It has a strong female main character and a wonderful “alpha” male lead character. This story has a little intrigue dealing with traitors to the English crown that are spying for Napoleon. An interesting twist to this story is that our heroine, Maggie, is an American colonist (born to English Loyalist parents). Maggie is a totally likable character and her younger sister, Rebecca, is the quintessential “bookworm” and I loved her for it (that would have been me). Maggie’s estranged husband dies from a fall. Being left almost penniless and with nowhere to go, she brings her ladies’ maid and sister to England to claim the Lord of Warwick’s holdings as her own…. And the fun begins…. When she arrives there is already a Lord of Warwick in the house on Curzon Street. Read this utterly entertaining tale of Maggie and her search for a new husband and the mystery of her deceased husband.
I liked a lot of this book but I couldn't get past some of the foundations of the story, like her being so beautiful she rendered every man speechless and witless.
I was not sure that I would like this when I first started reading it, although I do love historical fiction. I do not think that the synopsis that I read gave the book justice. This book was everything I wanted from a historical romance and more. I love the words that the characters used to describe each other and their surroundings. I loved the characters because all of them were not only described perfectly so that a proper image of the characters, as the author viewed them, was also projected to the readers. Each character had their own personality, and I loved the leading lady's personality. She was very outspoken, which is something I am not. The leading male character was indeed mysterious, and the author led me to believe that he was exactly what the leading female character viewed him as in the beginning. I believe she called him "odious"! There were times when I felt like he was being very ridiculous, but that is exactly what made you want to keep reading the book. The relationship between the characters that the author painted was excellent, and there was never a point where I did not know who the author was talking about. Each character was distinct. The overall story told in this book was unlike anything I have ever read. I feel that it was original and I hope to read more about the characters! Especially Maggie's sister Rebecca. I relate more with Rebecca, especially with her love of books, and I am hoping that in the future she opens up more to "coming out" and starting to have men "call upon her". She can't remain a maiden forever! I feel that the story about Rebecca will be marvelous as the author has painted her as quite a complex character as well. I do, however, feel sorry for all of the men whose hearts Maggie broke in this book. :) A definite 5 star read. I recommend to anyone who enjoys historical romance! Reviewer for Bloggin with M. Brennan.
This title was free. I suppose that indicates generosity on behalf of the author and/or publisher. Even so, Counterfeit Countess is worth little more. I stopped reading it in depth within minutes of the ridiculous opening chapter, skimmed to the predictable ending, laughed at the nonsensical letter purportedly penned by Napoleon, re-read the glowing reviews that had encouraged me to download this tale, shook my head at them (as well as the information in the blurb that CC was shortlisted for the Daphne du Maurier award) deleted my copy and have now added my rating to the mix. Thankfully, I paid nothing for the story, so my disappointment is only in the time I wasted reading it.
The story line was cute but predictable. I found Edward to be to moody and he sucked the life out of every room he entered. However, Maggie more than made up for his disappointing countenance.
A wonderful story that kept me turning the page. I loved Maggie and her ‘run away mouth’, she didn’t always think before she spoke and was honest to a fault. As you can imagine there was definitely humour in this story. Maggie thought she was a countess and travelled to England from America with her younger sister to claim her deceased husband’s properties. At the London house she discovers the real Lord Warwick and finds out her marriage was based on lies which has left them destitute and opens a can of worms.
The real Lord takes the ladies under his protection, he knew the man she had married, a traitor to England. The story unfolds spies, betrayal, kidnapping and murder are only a some of the trials and tribulations they endure while beautiful Maggie looks for a husband to solve her problems. All the while, the dashing Lord Warwick, who is betrothed to gentle Lady Fiona finds Maggie hard to resist.
When American-born Maggie, the widowed Countess of Warwick, arrives at her London home accompanied by her younger sister, older maid, overweight cat and fourteen trunks, no one is more surprised than Edward, the Earl of Warwick. The very much alive, very much single (although nearly betrothed to Lady Fiona Hollingsworth) and very much authentic Earl of Warwick.
Maggie’s deceased husband turned out to be a traitor named Lawrence Henshaw, who masqueraded as Lord Warwick after fleeing England to America with ill-gotten gains from selling sensitive English secrets to the French.
Edward, who works in the Foreign Office, is suspicious of Maggie’s possible involvement in (or at least knowledge of) her husband’s treacherous dealings. He is ordered to keep her at his home and try to discover Henshaw’s French contacts.
When someone breaks into Warwick House, ransacks Maggie’s things and steals her deceased husband’s few belongings, it becomes obvious her life is in danger. Despite Edward’s concern that harboring Maggie and her sister will cause complications with Lady Fiona, he is determined to keep them safe. And the ruse he and Maggie come up with to explain her continuing presence in his house creates more opportunities for jealousy and self-examination on Edward’s part (much to his surprise).
Edward tries to deny his immediate attraction to Maggie, convincing himself that Lady Fiona is the perfect woman to make him happy. Maggie, however, has the unfortunate habit of blurting out whatever she’s thinking, including her thoughts about Edward’s attractiveness and the fact that he’s perfect husband material (for herself, not Lady Fiona).
Counterfeit Countess is a fun, humorous historical filled with intrigue and plot twists that will keep you guessing who the bad guys are right up until the end. Maggie is a witty, willful heroine who wants what she wants and Edward is a loyal, honorable hero who is forced to reconsider his idea of true love. Maggie’s sister Rebecca is a charming supporting character, adding the perfect counterpoint.
Cheryl Bolen does an amazing job of creating sexual tension, intriguing suspense and entertaining characters. I look forward to the next Brazen Brides book.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review.
This is my first exposure to this author, and hopefully, it won't be my last.
Maggie has just arrived in London from America with the hopes of securing a husband. Her previous husband left her destitute and she has come to lay claim to his property and title - only to discover that it was all a lie. She is not a countess and the home she arrived at is not hers.
Edward is suddenly awakened by a commotion downstairs. He soon discovers a woman claiming to be his countess!
Thus, the opening pages introduce the main characters. But, these characters are much more than you first realize. As the chapters unfold, you'll learn all about Maggie and Edward - exactly who they are.
Early on, the reader is introduced to a mystery. Maggie's husband was labeled a traitor and that's why he escaped to America. Upon returning to London, her presence stirs up all sorts of criminal activity and they quickly realize that someone close to Edward is a traitor - But WHO?
I must commend the author for her exceptionally well defined characters. Not only were the primary characters fully developed, but the reader got a good understanding of the secondary characters as well. The mystery isn't terribly complicated, but it held my interest until the end. I'd also like to add that laced throughout is plenty of witty dialogue and humor. By and large, it's a fun, humorous romance with a layer of whodunnit. The author did an excellent job of blending these elements.
Details Language - PG, basically clean - a few regency era curse words that are mild by today's standards. Romance - The reader is in the room for a couple of steamy scenes that push the ratings towards R. However, these can easily be skipped over without any issue. The remainder of the book is more PG with some kissing. Violence - PG-13 - There is a fight scene midway through and then a tense moment at the end where a character gets hit and another dies. Blood is mentioned. HEA - Yes Cliffhanger - No. This is a complete story. However, the author does announce that one of the secondary characters will have their book coming up next.
The hero, Edward, and heroine, Maggie, were more like the villain in the romantic plot to me. What kind of man, claiming to be in love with his betrothed (Fiona) for years, disregard all of that as soon as a prettier and younger woman comes through his door? Not only does he cheat on his betrothed, he proposes marriage to the prettier model, more than once, while still engaged. And to top it off, he has no regrets about any of it. I can't see anything honourable in that, yet, repeatedly, he's acknowledged as being ever so honourable. To Maggie's credit she declined his proposal while he was engaged, but she didn't speak favourably about his betrothed. She never met the woman, but based on pure jealousy referred to Fiona as horse face and other demeaning adjectives. At least she changed her tune once she actually met Fiona, but still, it showed poorly on Maggie's character in my opinion. The romance between Maggie and Edward is based on the physical, so I wonder if he met a more beautiful woman if he'd drop her like a hot potato too. I preferred all the other characters, except maybe the traitor, in the story. It was difficult to finish reading this book because of the 2 HS. If Edward didn't have a fiancé, or didn't love her, I would have given it a higher rating. But I can't get over how poorly they treated the innocent, admirable, and honourable Fiona.
I would recommend this book for those who don't mind cheating and strong sexual content. If you have a problem with either, give it a pass.
A Most enjoyable examination of honor, allegiance and above all love!
From the start we, the readers, are introduced to a delightful heroine, an incomparable and she knows it! But she conducts herself in such a way that it is no wonder all the men who came in contact with her loved her, including our hero the Earl of Warwick, but he was promised to another! Maggie thinks she is Countess Warwick because the man who woo'd and married her in Virginia turned out to be a wastrel and scoundrel had the grace to die and because of bad family relations she came to England only to learn her deceased husband was not only a scoundrel but a spy and traitor and NOT the Earl! It becomes obvious as you read further into the narrative that the Countess has faulty judgment regarding men but was spot on with the Earl whom she falls for instantly and he, her. The thing is someone thinks she has a document given to her by her husband and they had to flee to protect her! But who do you trust? The preponderance of her suitors work for the Home Office including the Earl and it becomes apparent that someone else besides her husband was a traitor! Good read!
I loved this book. It was entertaining and sweet. The story is about Lord Warwick, who thinks he's happy and engaged to a young lady who has just lost her mother therefore their engagement can't be announced till she is out of mourning. Then his house is descended upon by "Lady Warwick". WHAT???! He isn't married who is this woman? And she has the nerve to order his servants around, demanding accommodations. She informs him that she owns the castle and has come home to live. He then sets her straight and tells her that she has married a liar. So fearing she will be put out she does what any self respecting woman would do, she cries. Of course he can't throw her out into the night so he says she can spe nd the night...along with her younger sister and fat, hairy cat! So amusing! The story goes on to get even better when his boss decides she might be a spy and he must keep her close at all times to prevent her from consorting with enemy. Ms. Bolen outdoes herself with this book. There's romancing, sizzling lovemaking, murder, & lots of surprises.
Maggie, Lady Warwick has travelled from Virginia to London with her sister and a very fat cat, to claim her late husband's estate. Edward the Earl of Warwick is awoken to female screeching in his town house. The beautiful woman who's entourage has invaded his home is claiming to be the previous Earl's widow. He knows that is not possible. Maggie finds out her husband was not who he claimed to be,. In fact he was a spy who only just escaped the hangman. Now for the sake of her sister she has to use her womanly wiles to stay long enough to find a new husband. Edward works for the crown, he must determine if the widow knows who her husband was working with. But that soon proves to be a dangerous assignment.
A lovely Regency romp. Lots of adventure, humour and wonderful entertaining characters. Twists and turns and lots of suspects. Great fun.
I do love a good Regency romance, and Cheryl Bolen writes a good one. This story about Edward (a counterfeit Earl who works for the Crown) and Maggie (a counterfeit Countess) involves a mystery about a secret document and an excellent knowledge and description of the English countryside wherein the mysterious hijinks and relationship adventures take place. Regency courtships usually follow prescribed societal rules and this one is no different, except that there are some lovely slip-ups during Edward's and Maggie's unusual courtship...and, of course, their happy ever after is reached despite the adventures, hijinks and slip-ups. It was fun reading this romance, as well as rewarding. I really like this author's storytelling ability!
This is a sweet book. I very much enjoy Cheryl Bolen's style of writing. There is intrigue, deceit, a little bit of mild heat and love of course! She blends everything into a story that is very engrossing. I finished this book in just a few hours because I could not really put it down. Lady Warwick comes to England to live in her dead husbands home, only to find that she is not the Lady Warwick. She was married to The Scoundrel. However, Edward, the current Lord Warwick, allows her to stay in his home when he finds out who The Scoundrel was. There are spies, cutthroats and even Almack's. Great story. I know I will be reading the next in the series.
This is the 1st book in the Brazen Brides series. I read the 3rd book in this series 1st & this book 2nd though-so they can be read as standalones! This was a very entertaining book! All the men that fall in love with the Counterfeit Countess sound like perfect men & I now that I've finished the book, I'm dieing to know what happens to the men Maggie (the counterfeit countess) turned down! I definitely recommend this book! I couldn't put it down! I never would've guessed who the "bad guy" turned out to be! A very enjoyable read!!
This book kept your interest as to who is the real traitor & who is hiding more than they are letting on. The Counterfeit Countess, Maggie keeps everyone on their toes & Edward, the Earl of Warwick (?) is one of them, however; he cannot resist her, as she is truly addictive. Cheryl, did a good job in keeping the pace of the book flowing & you guessing as to who the traitor is.
A very quick read with a kind of Victorian espionage. All the characters are well developed. I'm looking forward to the next in the series as they are going to continue the characters of this book. It is definitely for adult readers bc of the hot steamy scenes. Cheryl Bolden is a great story teller that most readers will thoroughly enjoy.
I have read several of Ms Bolen's books over the years. They are all witty with a good story lines. However, I think this book is her best book so far. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series, as well as other books she has written.
It's hard to call this an historical mystery, since the romance dominates. The villain is easy to predict, but the mystery held my interest. Bolen's characters are always interesting and well drawn. An easy but satisfying read.
A brooding hero and a sexy, smart heroine are the perfect duo to engage in espionage, intrigue and romance. A few interesting twists and turns keep this story interesting.
Cheryl Bolen is a talented author. I know her books will be good. This book was a great start for the Brazen Brides series. The characters are well written. Maggie's character is beautiful, intelligent, and outspoken. Edward is mysterious. I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
I just did not love it. The story was interesting but sometimes the story fell flat. I will give the next book a shot but I am definitely hoping that it improves.