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Secret Lives of the Ton #3
An Unexpected Countess
"Dash it, Miss Forrester, what are you doing up here?"
The Earl of Hartwick delights in scandalizing the ton with his behavior. But it's his turn to be scandalized when, on an escapade, he bumps into Miss Sarah Forrester—in the rain, at night, on a rooftop!
Sarah is hunting for a diamond, and the last thing she needs is the infuriating Hart distracting her. But he's looking for the jewel, too! They may be rivals, but the sparks between them are uncontrollable. And soon Sarah finds herself longing for another treasure—becoming Hart's countess!
The Earl of Hartwick delights in scandalizing the ton with his behavior. But it's his turn to be scandalized when, on an escapade, he bumps into Miss Sarah Forrester—in the rain, at night, on a rooftop!
Sarah is hunting for a diamond, and the last thing she needs is the infuriating Hart distracting her. But he's looking for the jewel, too! They may be rivals, but the sparks between them are uncontrollable. And soon Sarah finds herself longing for another treasure—becoming Hart's countess!
281 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 22, 2017
17 people are currently reading
718 people want to read
About the author
Laurie Benson
32 books111 followersLaurie Benson is an award-winning historical romance author who writes stories about men in boots and the women who fall for them. She began her writing career as an advertising copywriter, where she learned more than you could ever want to know about hot dogs and credit score reports. Now, she loves taking readers on romantic adventures with her novels. To-date, those novels are sold over twelve countries, have been translated into eight languages, and one of them has even been adapted into a graphic novel.
When she isn't at her laptop avoiding laundry, Laurie can be found browsing antique shops, going on ridiculously long hikes with her family, and reading on the beach.
You can learn more about Laurie and her upcoming books by visiting her website at lauriebenson.net.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
When she isn't at her laptop avoiding laundry, Laurie can be found browsing antique shops, going on ridiculously long hikes with her family, and reading on the beach.
You can learn more about Laurie and her upcoming books by visiting her website at lauriebenson.net.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 19, 2023
Sara ir Hartas ieškojo paslėpto deimanto, tačiau jie rado ne tik deimantą, jie rado kai ka brangiau už visas pasaulio brangenybes ir pinigus, jie atrado meilę vienas kitam. Labai romantiška knyga su dektektyviniu prieskoniu.
May 6, 2017
The chemistry between Hart and Sarah just sizzles, they are both witty, intelligent and complex individuals that take no prisoners when sparring. Their differences are what makes them such a perfect pair Hart’s sophisticated silver tongue paired with Sarah’s sharp mind and caring persona makes for a fun and very entertaining to-ing and fro-ing between them.
This is great read, there is the perfect amount of romance and adventure with a huge, fabulous twist that is so unexpected. The Unexpected Countess is a huge success a thrilling jaunt with an original plot, it is just so good! Laurie has really out done herself with Hart and Sarah she has done such a great job with them, especially Hart who is seriously great man to get to know.
I like Laurie Benson’s work her, fun and charming personality just oozes off the page . But what I particularly like about Benson’s writing is that you get a real feeling of a writer who loves what she does, she puts her heart and soul into her work, her warmth is so palpable, her work is comforting as well as thrilling which I find so rare.
Full review at Chicks Rogues and Scandals
https://chicksroguesandscandals.wordp...
This is great read, there is the perfect amount of romance and adventure with a huge, fabulous twist that is so unexpected. The Unexpected Countess is a huge success a thrilling jaunt with an original plot, it is just so good! Laurie has really out done herself with Hart and Sarah she has done such a great job with them, especially Hart who is seriously great man to get to know.
I like Laurie Benson’s work her, fun and charming personality just oozes off the page . But what I particularly like about Benson’s writing is that you get a real feeling of a writer who loves what she does, she puts her heart and soul into her work, her warmth is so palpable, her work is comforting as well as thrilling which I find so rare.
Full review at Chicks Rogues and Scandals
https://chicksroguesandscandals.wordp...
September 22, 2018
Methinks this is more of a YMMV gap, because it's not really a bad book -- just too schmoopy for my taste. I was hoping for a noir regency, but instead it was a lot of lighthearted banter without any real peril -- one of those sappy, cutesy romps with a tiny thread of Scooby Doo that occasionally wandered in by accident.
Yawn.
Preferences aside, it wasn't poorly written, though the pace seemed off. There was no flow to the blackmail/diamond bit, & the backstory conflicts (Hart's father, Sarah's brother) only showed their urgency when page filler was needed. Indeed, the father & brother subplots were intriguing & I would have enjoyed more about overcoming these (rather serious) obstacles. But instead we had to have conversations with previous series couples & savor the cutesy baby scenes. Zzzz. 🙄
One thing I did like: neither Hart nor Sarah are very keen on babies, & they're glad to postpone making a family until the vague, nebulous future. They also get exasperated with former friends whose lives have been consumed by their children. If only more romance couples had that attitude, because seriously. Not all your readers are enthralled by babies, ok? Throw us a bone. :P
Yawn.
Preferences aside, it wasn't poorly written, though the pace seemed off. There was no flow to the blackmail/diamond bit, & the backstory conflicts (Hart's father, Sarah's brother) only showed their urgency when page filler was needed. Indeed, the father & brother subplots were intriguing & I would have enjoyed more about overcoming these (rather serious) obstacles. But instead we had to have conversations with previous series couples & savor the cutesy baby scenes. Zzzz. 🙄
One thing I did like: neither Hart nor Sarah are very keen on babies, & they're glad to postpone making a family until the vague, nebulous future. They also get exasperated with former friends whose lives have been consumed by their children. If only more romance couples had that attitude, because seriously. Not all your readers are enthralled by babies, ok? Throw us a bone. :P
May 28, 2023
Na štai, perskaičiau ir paskutinę dalį, nuo kurios ir susidomėjau šia serija. Šį kartą aistros pagardintos paslaptimis, intrigomis ir net galvosūkiais. Ir netikėtumais. Didelis malonumas skaityti. Bent man.
June 1, 2017
Have received this arc in return for an honest review, naughtiness scale 4*
A very beautiful fantastic book by an author who never lets us down, truly utterly adored from start to finish, most definitely a roller coaster in the most epic way possible with regards to how I was able to connect with the characters and one or two I most definitely shouted at but because of their behaviour not the wonderful author who made it possible to connect with each.
I never give spoilers but I will say this I defy anyone who loves regency romance to not adore this very Uncommon Book 😉 there are many facets to the story and as a whole made it an absolute joy to read and no doubt I will be re reading the series as a whole again back to back as I adore to do even though this could be read as a stand alone I also highly recommend reading all 3
Thank you Lady Laurie for being an amazing author I very much look forward to reading more 💖
A very beautiful fantastic book by an author who never lets us down, truly utterly adored from start to finish, most definitely a roller coaster in the most epic way possible with regards to how I was able to connect with the characters and one or two I most definitely shouted at but because of their behaviour not the wonderful author who made it possible to connect with each.
I never give spoilers but I will say this I defy anyone who loves regency romance to not adore this very Uncommon Book 😉 there are many facets to the story and as a whole made it an absolute joy to read and no doubt I will be re reading the series as a whole again back to back as I adore to do even though this could be read as a stand alone I also highly recommend reading all 3
Thank you Lady Laurie for being an amazing author I very much look forward to reading more 💖
February 15, 2018
Superb
What an enjoyable read. I loved every minute of this wonderfully written book. Hart and Sarah’s repartee made this one of the best books I’ve read lately... I need more Laurie Benson
What an enjoyable read. I loved every minute of this wonderfully written book. Hart and Sarah’s repartee made this one of the best books I’ve read lately... I need more Laurie Benson
February 24, 2019
Fantastic book! Well deserved 5 stars.
May 22, 2017
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: http://wp.me/p3QRh4-yu
Sarah Forrester is the daughter of an American diplomat, who is currently on assignment in England. When Sarah intercepts a letter intended for her father which indicates that her deceased brother was a traitor, not the hero they believed him to be, she decides to comply with the would-be-blackmailer's terms. The unknown correspondent requires that he receive a missing diamond in exchange for his silence. The path to the diamond is somewhat of a scavenger hunt, as the clues to its whereabouts are painted on links of a bracelet belonging to Lady Everill, who constantly wears the bracelet, never letting it out of her sight. The blackmailer is not the only one who wants the diamond. The Regent himself is eager to have it, and has enlisted his friend, the Earl of Hartwick ("Hart") to retrieve it.
Hart and Sarah are acquainted, as their best friends are married to each other. They have a bit of a snarky relationship, though they actually enjoy the sniping with each other. As they each set off on their quest, they keep running into each other. It's soon obvious to both of them that the meetings aren't coincidental, and they both want the diamond. At first they have no reason to trust each other, and are very cagey about their motivations, but when they reach an impasse because they each have one key, they devise a contest where the one who solves the final puzzle will win the diamond.
Hart is a charming, handsome, somewhat arrogant rake. who regularly sleeps with other men's wives. I have to admit that this really bothered me, as it said to me that he didn't respect marriage and had no qualms about cuckolding his peers. We later learn that this is not a lifestyle that he just fell into, but rather one that he made a conscious decision to adopt. Beneath his outward carefree appearance, he hides a lifetime of hurt, confusion, and a sense of abandonment. While I could never fully justify the choices he made, I at least came to understand his motivations and reasons.
Sarah is fearless and determined. I admire her resolve to protect her parents from any further grief over her brother's actions. Though some of her own deeds weren't the wisest, and certainly were dangerous, her heart was in the right place, and I liked her very much. I loved her honesty and her ability to stand up to Hart, and to give as good as she got.
When Sarah and Hart take a break from their hunt long enough to indulge in a kiss, they discover a sizzling connection that takes them both by surprise. When temptation becomes too great to endure, they agree to give in to passion, with no expectations and their eyes wide open. Hart has no intention of every marrying, and Sarah will be returning to America when her father's diplomatic assignment is complete. Even if they wanted a future together, it's not possible.
Before long, I found myself totally engrossed in AN UNEXPECTED COUNTESS. The sheer fun and outrageousness of some of the scenes and dialogue had me smiling, and hoping that this seemingly unlikely couple could find a way to be together. Hart won me over as he discovered that he did have a heart and was capable of love and of changing. Author Laurie Benson also tossed in a couple of interesting plot twists, and penned an intelligent resolution that left me very satisfied with the outcome. AN UNEXPECTED COUNTESS is well written, passionate, complex, and a very enjoyable read.
Sarah Forrester is the daughter of an American diplomat, who is currently on assignment in England. When Sarah intercepts a letter intended for her father which indicates that her deceased brother was a traitor, not the hero they believed him to be, she decides to comply with the would-be-blackmailer's terms. The unknown correspondent requires that he receive a missing diamond in exchange for his silence. The path to the diamond is somewhat of a scavenger hunt, as the clues to its whereabouts are painted on links of a bracelet belonging to Lady Everill, who constantly wears the bracelet, never letting it out of her sight. The blackmailer is not the only one who wants the diamond. The Regent himself is eager to have it, and has enlisted his friend, the Earl of Hartwick ("Hart") to retrieve it.
Hart and Sarah are acquainted, as their best friends are married to each other. They have a bit of a snarky relationship, though they actually enjoy the sniping with each other. As they each set off on their quest, they keep running into each other. It's soon obvious to both of them that the meetings aren't coincidental, and they both want the diamond. At first they have no reason to trust each other, and are very cagey about their motivations, but when they reach an impasse because they each have one key, they devise a contest where the one who solves the final puzzle will win the diamond.
Hart is a charming, handsome, somewhat arrogant rake. who regularly sleeps with other men's wives. I have to admit that this really bothered me, as it said to me that he didn't respect marriage and had no qualms about cuckolding his peers. We later learn that this is not a lifestyle that he just fell into, but rather one that he made a conscious decision to adopt. Beneath his outward carefree appearance, he hides a lifetime of hurt, confusion, and a sense of abandonment. While I could never fully justify the choices he made, I at least came to understand his motivations and reasons.
Sarah is fearless and determined. I admire her resolve to protect her parents from any further grief over her brother's actions. Though some of her own deeds weren't the wisest, and certainly were dangerous, her heart was in the right place, and I liked her very much. I loved her honesty and her ability to stand up to Hart, and to give as good as she got.
When Sarah and Hart take a break from their hunt long enough to indulge in a kiss, they discover a sizzling connection that takes them both by surprise. When temptation becomes too great to endure, they agree to give in to passion, with no expectations and their eyes wide open. Hart has no intention of every marrying, and Sarah will be returning to America when her father's diplomatic assignment is complete. Even if they wanted a future together, it's not possible.
Before long, I found myself totally engrossed in AN UNEXPECTED COUNTESS. The sheer fun and outrageousness of some of the scenes and dialogue had me smiling, and hoping that this seemingly unlikely couple could find a way to be together. Hart won me over as he discovered that he did have a heart and was capable of love and of changing. Author Laurie Benson also tossed in a couple of interesting plot twists, and penned an intelligent resolution that left me very satisfied with the outcome. AN UNEXPECTED COUNTESS is well written, passionate, complex, and a very enjoyable read.
Read
August 24, 2017"Delightfully unexpected plot twists, with lively dialogue and witty repartee, this adventure and treasure hunt romance is a charmer. Benson pits an independent American heroine with a roguish English nobleman and lets them cross swords as they vie to see who can find a special yellow diamond first. The quick pace and mystery allow readers to fly through the pages until they reach the surprising resolution. A fun third addition to the Secret Lives of the Ton series" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).
Miniseries: Secret Lives of the Ton
Miniseries: Secret Lives of the Ton
July 29, 2017
An Unexpected Twist (or two!)
Blackmail, a jewel heist, a puzzle/treasure hunt, a handsome but annoying rake, an impetuous American and a sly dowager: what's not to love with this book! IN this finely spun tale inspired by a real jewel that went missing, I enjoyed revisiting characters from the first two books in the series as I fell in love with the main characters. Looking forward to Ms. Benson's next works!
Blackmail, a jewel heist, a puzzle/treasure hunt, a handsome but annoying rake, an impetuous American and a sly dowager: what's not to love with this book! IN this finely spun tale inspired by a real jewel that went missing, I enjoyed revisiting characters from the first two books in the series as I fell in love with the main characters. Looking forward to Ms. Benson's next works!
April 27, 2017
I've been waiting for Hart's story for a while. Thank goodness I was not disappointed. I love his charm and smart mouth. The heroine is perfect for him. When the chemistry is right it makes reading a story so much better. Definitely found a home on my keeper/read again shelf.
September 6, 2017
Sarah Forrester walks around in men’s trousers. But it’s for the purpose of disguise not a whimsical affectation. She’s always running into Phineas Attwood in the most unusual places. However, it’s because they’re both in pursuit of an elusive gemstone. The stage is set, the players are in place and the race is on.
The storyline is intriguing and the sparks between the two leads credible, heated and amusing. Sarah is lively and bold in speaking her mind, a forthrightness put down to her American roots. Phineas finds her infuriating but he finds he likes her courage, spirit and that he never knows what she actually might say next.
The author artfully juxtaposes familial structure in displaying the very differing temperaments of her two leads. Phineas comes off as being brash and cocksure but it hides a deep-seated insecurity. He yearns for love and affection yet early losses in his life means he shies away from any situation that might yoke him to a woman. Sarah has always known warmth and family affection, especially from her vanished brother. She can understand the Earl’s fear even if she doesn’t share it.
They come together frequently enough to justify the sparks that start to fly between them and the secondary plotline about the gem is significant enough to merit its inclusion and its powerful, startling denouement.
This is one of the better romances, one that includes heated pre-marital sex and an amusing happy ending. It’s a novel that can appeal to older and younger romance readers.
The storyline is intriguing and the sparks between the two leads credible, heated and amusing. Sarah is lively and bold in speaking her mind, a forthrightness put down to her American roots. Phineas finds her infuriating but he finds he likes her courage, spirit and that he never knows what she actually might say next.
The author artfully juxtaposes familial structure in displaying the very differing temperaments of her two leads. Phineas comes off as being brash and cocksure but it hides a deep-seated insecurity. He yearns for love and affection yet early losses in his life means he shies away from any situation that might yoke him to a woman. Sarah has always known warmth and family affection, especially from her vanished brother. She can understand the Earl’s fear even if she doesn’t share it.
They come together frequently enough to justify the sparks that start to fly between them and the secondary plotline about the gem is significant enough to merit its inclusion and its powerful, startling denouement.
This is one of the better romances, one that includes heated pre-marital sex and an amusing happy ending. It’s a novel that can appeal to older and younger romance readers.
June 7, 2017
This is the first book by Laurie that I have read and I absolutely loved this book. The matching of wits between the two main characters was fun to read. I loved the shock of who the blackmailer was. I believe at one point a guessed but then completely dismissed it and was focused on it being someone else.
Tiny issues I had with this book, was Hart's father -- his sudden interest in Sarah. He did say he had seen the way the interact, but other than the first time we read that he saw her, I don't know how/when he saw them. Granted, it could just be a part of Hart's father's manipulations. Another issue I had was Hart 'moaning' over the fact that Sarah said she would never marry him. It's like he conviently forgot that he told her that he would never marry. The last issue I had was the end dealings with the blackmailer. I wished that there was a little bit more closure.
Scratch that as the last issue. The last issue I had was the Dowager. She knew things and there is no indication of how she knew, I would have liked to find out how she found out about what Sarah was doing. Also, the characters, particularly Sarah, had no idea when the Dowager helped her out.
Overall this was an amazing story and I feel a very strong need to go and read the first two stories in this series.
Tiny issues I had with this book, was Hart's father -- his sudden interest in Sarah. He did say he had seen the way the interact, but other than the first time we read that he saw her, I don't know how/when he saw them. Granted, it could just be a part of Hart's father's manipulations. Another issue I had was Hart 'moaning' over the fact that Sarah said she would never marry him. It's like he conviently forgot that he told her that he would never marry. The last issue I had was the end dealings with the blackmailer. I wished that there was a little bit more closure.
Scratch that as the last issue. The last issue I had was the Dowager. She knew things and there is no indication of how she knew, I would have liked to find out how she found out about what Sarah was doing. Also, the characters, particularly Sarah, had no idea when the Dowager helped her out.
Overall this was an amazing story and I feel a very strong need to go and read the first two stories in this series.
September 2, 2018
I had been looking forward to Hart and Sarah’s story since the characters had been introduced in the debut novel from this author “An Unsuitable Duchess” (and which is also brilliant) and I wasn’t disappointed. It was everything I’d hoped it would be. I may have received an ARC knowing that in exchange I would provide an honest review but I couldn’t be more delighted with it or happy to spread the word. With its sprinkling of historical details that just suck you into the era, I followed the twists and turns of a plot involving a vivacious and self-sufficient heroine who I would want as a best friend and an irresistible hero who just couldn’t stay away from her. The exchanges between them were lively and entertaining throughout and I defy anyone not to laugh out loud at page 144 and not cry at page 271. Beautifully written, this is a gem of a book.
June 13, 2017
This was my first Laurie Benson book & it certainly won't be my last! A delightful mix of intrigue, with and romance; Hart & Sarah are a delightful couple with repartee worthy of Beatrice and Benedick or Darcy and Elizabeth! I was cheering for them all the way.
While this is the third in a trilogy it is easy to read as a standalone. That said I'll definitely be going back to read the first two!
While this is the third in a trilogy it is easy to read as a standalone. That said I'll definitely be going back to read the first two!
February 12, 2018
I'm so glad we finally get Hart's story. This charming rake meets his match in Sarah as they both hunt for the same jewel. The dialogue sparkles and these two are made for each other. Their sizzling connection takes them both by surprise and it's very sexy! There are some fun plot twists as Benson keeps us guessing until the end. Fun, sexy and thoroughly entertaining. A must read for historical romance lovers!
July 10, 2018
If I could rate this 10 stars I would! I've been hoping Hart and Sarah would get a story since I first saw them in "An Unsuitable Duchess", the first book in the "Secret Lives of the Ton". Author Laurie Benson did an excellent job of finally bringing Sarah and Hart together and giving us so much more within the story than I was expecting! Great book, Great author! Sad to see this series end and looking forward to more books from this author in the future!
November 26, 2017
This is my first Laurie Benson book and I loved it. The H and h have the kind of chemistry I like in a romance. And their banter made me laugh out loud more than once. The Dowager also is a character one just has to love. The mysteries (yes, there is more than one) had plenty of twists and turns that kept me wondering how all of it would end. Well done, Ms. Benson!
June 9, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I was hoping that Sarah and Hart would get their own story and I wasn't disappointed. I loved the dialogue and repartee as well as the pacing and adventurous storyline. Would absolutely recommend.
September 30, 2017
What a fantastic book. Ever since I've started to read it, I simply couldn't put it down! I simply loved this book.
October 10, 2017
After really enjoying the first book, I couldn't wait to read this one. I enjoyed it, but not as much as the first story.
July 30, 2018
Great book, Great author :)
September 25, 2018
The story is set in 1819 London.
Miss Sarah Forrester is literally caught by Phineas Attewood.
The plot blends elements from: National Treasure and To Catch a thief.
Miss Sarah Forrester is literally caught by Phineas Attewood.
The plot blends elements from: National Treasure and To Catch a thief.
May 6, 2020
Įtraukianti meilės istorija nuo pirmo iki paskutinio puslapio
May 5, 2021
This book was terrific! The hero & heroine step off the page and they are the perfect couple. the Harlequin Historicals are great.
July 1, 2021
Probably my favorite in this miniseries, and one I very much looked forward to reading. Glad it didn't disappoint.
February 21, 2025
Just okay.
May 17, 2017
An Unexpected Countess is the third book in the Secret Lives of the Ton series. Even though I have missed the first two books I was delighted to find that this book can be read as a standalone. Although after reading An Unexpected Countess I really must go back and read all of the series.
Sarah and Hart's first meeting on the roof is a great opening and the fact that Sarah could stand up to Hart and be his equal is brilliant. The story moves quickly and I always enjoy a little bit of mystery within a story so this definitely helped to capture my attention even more.
Hart is full of charm but with Sarah he can't help but goad her and I loved the verbal sparring between Sarah and Hart. They have fantastic chemistry that just deepens as the story progresses. Hart isn't just your average rake and I liked the fact that as Sarah got to know him the layers of his personality are revealed. Sarah is strong willed and determined which makes her a great heroine. Her loyalty to her family and trying to protect them is admirable although at times she does get herself into some interesting scrapes.
There is adventure, romance and wonderful sizzling chemistry between two great characters!
With many thanks to Laurie Benson for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Sarah and Hart's first meeting on the roof is a great opening and the fact that Sarah could stand up to Hart and be his equal is brilliant. The story moves quickly and I always enjoy a little bit of mystery within a story so this definitely helped to capture my attention even more.
Hart is full of charm but with Sarah he can't help but goad her and I loved the verbal sparring between Sarah and Hart. They have fantastic chemistry that just deepens as the story progresses. Hart isn't just your average rake and I liked the fact that as Sarah got to know him the layers of his personality are revealed. Sarah is strong willed and determined which makes her a great heroine. Her loyalty to her family and trying to protect them is admirable although at times she does get herself into some interesting scrapes.
There is adventure, romance and wonderful sizzling chemistry between two great characters!
With many thanks to Laurie Benson for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
June 5, 2017
Oooh, I'm sorry that ended! I love Sarah & Hart! <3 I can't wait for the next in this series! I really hope there are many more to come!
May 25, 2017
I had been looking forward to Hart and Sarah’s story since the characters had been introduced in the debut novel from this author “An Unsuitable Duchess” (and which is also brilliant) and I wasn’t disappointed. It was everything I’d hoped it would be. I may have received an ARC knowing that in exchange I would provide an honest review but I couldn’t be more delighted with it or happy to spread the word. With its sprinkling of historical details that just suck you into the era, I followed the twists and turns of a plot involving a vivacious and self-sufficient heroine who I would want as a best friend and an irresistible hero who just couldn’t stay away from her. The exchanges between them were lively and entertaining throughout and I defy anyone not to laugh out loud at page 144 and not cry at page 271. Beautifully written, this is a gem of a book. I absolutely loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews