The Countess Refuses: Regency Suspense Romance (The Belles of Bath) Book 1

by Katy Walters

Cassandra struggles to care for her siblings. Not only does she struggle to pay an extortionate rent, but also fights to protect her sister Belle from the Baron’s lustful demands. He gives an ultimatum, either Belle agrees to be his mistress or the family face immediate eviction. On the very morning of the threatened eviction, the family solicitor visits Cassandra informing her; she has inherited not only a title, but land and a castle, albeit a crumbling ruin. Not only is her family saved from ruin, she now has the means to help her neighbors, from the greed of the baron.
Enter a scheming dowager duchess intent on taking the castle from Cassandra by fair or foul means. She plans to manipulate Cassandra into marriage with her son Maximilian the 6th Duke of Taunton. However, Max enjoys his life as a rakehell. Marriage is not on his agenda. Mesmerized on meeting Cassandra, Max plans to install her as his favorite mistress.
Can Cassandra outwit the schemes of the dowager? Can she overcome her rising passion for Max, knowing his reputation?
Will Belle escape the treacherous plans of the merciless Baron intent on making her his own?

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 25, 2017

About the author

I live with hubby on the South Coast of England. I often write in the beach hut gaining inspiration by walking along the beach with Lily my golden retriever.

I draw on my work and past studies for the books. They form the core of the novels. I am so glad I can now write full time.

I have a B.A. Hons in Psychology that included Artificial Intelligence, another B.A. Hons in Eng. Lit and Creative Writing. My M.A. was in Religion and Mysticism; I also have a Hon.Dr.Sc. concentrating on Pain control and Complementary Healing methods.
These subjects enrich the thrillers and paranormal novels that I am writing.

Reviews

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I found this book to be easy to read, and fun. It is a very light read, nothing too heavy, and the story line went quickly. On the other hand, I'm not sure it was well done overall. On the surface, the storyline is about a young woman, raising her sisters and brother, and coming into an enormous fortune. She meets the duke, who of course is expected to find a wife, marry and produce the heir and the spare. Romance ensues, and the storyline goes on with the typical HEA.
Digging a little deeper though, and there are things that don't quite add up in the details. The Regency timeline doesn't feel quite authentic. The idea that a young woman would be brought into this massive fortune but that they live hand to mouth in a castle that is falling down around them with lands that haven't been taken care of for years, it just makes any of the story kind of tangle in on itself.
The best part of the entire book though was a side plot line that happened with the main character's sister. That ended up well, though I'm not quite sure how believable it is historically.
As long as you don't look into the details, the story is a great, quick enjoyable read.

[Sue Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow -- Katy Walters does write a book that is easy to read!!!

This book is about a young woman (Cassandra Whitney), who is raising her sisters and brother. As she fights to save her family, she is shocked and delighted to learn she is the heiress to a title, an estate and a ruin of a castle. She then meets the duke, who of course is expected to find a wife. I don't write spoilers -- but the story is an easy read that will keep your interest until the end!!!

This is a really easy read that is enjoyable without a lot of thought necessary to stay on top of the story.