What do you think?
Rate this book
Axedale #1
Courting the Countess
Professor of Archeology Henrietta “Harry” Knight becomes Countess of Axedale upon her father’s death and takes a sabbatical from Cambridge University to begin refurbishing the long-neglected and run-down Axedale Hall. The child of a loveless marriage, witness to her father’s infidelities and her mother’s pain, Harry has no intention of ever falling in love.
Annie Brannigan is a survivor, remaining positive through hardships. As an agency housekeeper, she moves from post to post with her daughter Riley, taking care of people who have everything she will never have. Annie’s greatest wish is to find her happy ever after.
Can love restore the countess’s heart and the crumbling Axedale Hall, or will the first foundations of love turn to dust?
Annie Brannigan is a survivor, remaining positive through hardships. As an agency housekeeper, she moves from post to post with her daughter Riley, taking care of people who have everything she will never have. Annie’s greatest wish is to find her happy ever after.
Can love restore the countess’s heart and the crumbling Axedale Hall, or will the first foundations of love turn to dust?
Audible Audio
First published September 13, 2016
40 people are currently reading
676 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Frame
30 books446 followersJenny Frame is from the small town of Motherwell in Scotland, where she lives with her partner, Lou, and their well loved and very spoiled dog. She has a diverse range of qualifications, including a BA in public management and a diploma in acting and performance. Nowadays, she likes to put her creative energies into writing rather than treading the boards. When not writing or reading, Jenny loves cheering on her local football team, which is not always an easy task!
Jenny Frame is the Royal Academy of Bards 2013 Hall of Fame Author.
Jenny Frame is the Royal Academy of Bards 2013 Hall of Fame Author.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
February 16, 2018
'Netgalley ARC provided by The Publisher in exchange for my unbiased opinion'
Nuh uh & Bloop! This story was way too frustrating,difficult at times confusing to even get through to the ending so a 2.5 stars rating is the highest that i will put this book its also to show an effort put forth by the author because she also did try to write a good storyline that had lots of integrity and development between one of the main ladies/adult and the teenager which was the only awesome part in this book. The downside no chemistry in this storyline...
Nuh uh & Bloop! This story was way too frustrating,difficult at times confusing to even get through to the ending so a 2.5 stars rating is the highest that i will put this book its also to show an effort put forth by the author because she also did try to write a good storyline that had lots of integrity and development between one of the main ladies/adult and the teenager which was the only awesome part in this book. The downside no chemistry in this storyline...
August 27, 2016
3 1/2 Stars. This is my first book by Frame, and I thought it was pretty good. Being from the USA and not really knowing titles, I just assumed this book would be a historical romance. I soon realized, when a character said "smartphone", that this is a current book. I actually think I liked it more because of that. It was a current romance, but still made you feel like you were stepping back in history. The story is about a housekeeper, Annie, who moves her daughter into the grand house of the new Countess, Harry Knight. Harry doesn't want to be a Countess, she only wants to renovate the home to it's original glory, than move on with her life. As sparks seem to fly between Annie and Harry, they don't know if they should take a chance or run far away.
I was up and down on liking the characters. I could not stand Henrietta (Harry) at all, in the beginning. I did like the other main Annie, to start off with. But as the book went on, the characters swapped for me. I started to find Annie very annoying, and I realized Harry was really a damaged kid, in an adult's body. As Harry grew, as a character, I grew in my compassion for her. The one character, who did remain consistently likeable, was Annie's daughter Riley. She was absolutely adorable, and one of the better written kids in any LesFic book. She added to the story and the relationship between the two mains.
When it came to the romance of the book. That was also a bit up and down. Get ready for some angst! There was so much "I want you, but I'm running away". "But maybe I really do want you, no, I'm running away again". Drove me a bit nuts. This, and the on and off likeability of the main characters, is what stopped me from rating this more than 3 1/2 Stars. Now. there was some good romantic parts, and even parts that made me feel enough to tear up. The sex scenes were pretty well done, also.
I'm going to recommend this book to romance fans, that like some angst in their books. And also don't mind going through some ups and downs, and quite a bit of indecision.
An ARC was given to me from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, for a honest review.
I was up and down on liking the characters. I could not stand Henrietta (Harry) at all, in the beginning. I did like the other main Annie, to start off with. But as the book went on, the characters swapped for me. I started to find Annie very annoying, and I realized Harry was really a damaged kid, in an adult's body. As Harry grew, as a character, I grew in my compassion for her. The one character, who did remain consistently likeable, was Annie's daughter Riley. She was absolutely adorable, and one of the better written kids in any LesFic book. She added to the story and the relationship between the two mains.
When it came to the romance of the book. That was also a bit up and down. Get ready for some angst! There was so much "I want you, but I'm running away". "But maybe I really do want you, no, I'm running away again". Drove me a bit nuts. This, and the on and off likeability of the main characters, is what stopped me from rating this more than 3 1/2 Stars. Now. there was some good romantic parts, and even parts that made me feel enough to tear up. The sex scenes were pretty well done, also.
I'm going to recommend this book to romance fans, that like some angst in their books. And also don't mind going through some ups and downs, and quite a bit of indecision.
An ARC was given to me from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, for a honest review.
August 25, 2016
Jenny Frame remained true to herself and continues to write in her style. After three published novels and a lot of pages of free online fiction, the relationship dynamics for all of her main characters remain very similar. In Courting the Countess we have Henrietta Knight aka Harry -- rich, vulnerable, handsome, tall, butch, archaeologist and noblewoman (female name shortened to male has been a must for Frame's aristocrat butches so far), opposite Annie Brannigan -- positive and strong, lovely, petite, working woman and single mother. Academically and financially successful, but emotionally immature Harry needs help of one little strong woman to mature, to take responsibility for her heritage, and finally find her happily ever after.
Maybe too naive and full of tropes, but technically well-written, relaxing and entertaining. I liked it.
I recommend this story mostly to those who might enjoy a lesfic version of a contemporary British aristocracy fairytalish romance novel with distinctive butch-femme relationship dynamics with all the trimmings. Others might be disappointed, so consider yourself warned.
3 stars
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
Maybe too naive and full of tropes, but technically well-written, relaxing and entertaining. I liked it.
I recommend this story mostly to those who might enjoy a lesfic version of a contemporary British aristocracy fairytalish romance novel with distinctive butch-femme relationship dynamics with all the trimmings. Others might be disappointed, so consider yourself warned.
3 stars
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
August 27, 2016
Well there we go.
Better than Heart of the Pack, but I have to admit that is setting the bar really low...
This is a very simple tale, with relatively simple characterisation and plot - the writing is nice and flows quite well.
If you haven't read any other works by this author, than you could do worse than start with this one as they do seem awfully repetitive now.
Wish I liked it more.
Better than Heart of the Pack, but I have to admit that is setting the bar really low...
This is a very simple tale, with relatively simple characterisation and plot - the writing is nice and flows quite well.
If you haven't read any other works by this author, than you could do worse than start with this one as they do seem awfully repetitive now.
Wish I liked it more.
March 3, 2019
WOW!
Both main characters have very opposite personalities. One is an ice queen and the other is loved by everyone. One doesn't believe in love and forever and the other longs for a "forever" love. There is a mutual attraction and despite this attraction, Harry does not want to give up control. Both life changed in ways neither of them anticipates. A amazing tale of love with a captivating plot and fascinating characters. The writing is beautiful and I was hooked from page one. I highly recommend this book.
Both main characters have very opposite personalities. One is an ice queen and the other is loved by everyone. One doesn't believe in love and forever and the other longs for a "forever" love. There is a mutual attraction and despite this attraction, Harry does not want to give up control. Both life changed in ways neither of them anticipates. A amazing tale of love with a captivating plot and fascinating characters. The writing is beautiful and I was hooked from page one. I highly recommend this book.
January 16, 2018
“Courting the Countess” had so much potential, but ultimately disappointed because of one of the MCs. Rich girl meets poor girl; player meets devoted mother; two women each with tortured pasts…so much potential.
MC Harry didn’t have the best childhood, but her issues pale beside that of MC Annie (and many many others in life). Yet Harry is almost deliberately unhappy, wallowing in self-loathing and self-misery, and excelling at being an insensitive jerk to everyone around her. Annie, however, is the epitome of perfection: a terrific mom to 10yo Riley, a housekeeper/manager extraordinaire, gorgeous, and able to see gentleness, kindness and goodness in Harry long before I did, and she has an effervescent personality and positive, hopeful attitude toward the future despite her past and her current financial struggles.
Annie is seeking her forever love, and Riley is convinced Harry is her knight in shining armor. Harry, though, spends most of the book telling Annie that only lust exists, not love. Still, Harry falls in love with Annie, but of course that means she must hurt her by staying away or only fucking her, because otherwise she’ll hurt her. Yeah….not so sensible.
Annie, for her part, gives in to lust and gives Harry her v-card only to regret it since Harry doesn’t believe in forever or in love.
They continue to argue, to flirt, to fight and to recognize they want different things in life. Until Harry decides she does want forever, but now Annie can’t trust her. Sigh….their angst isn’t so much frustrating as annoying. Cute precocious Riley, loved by both, continues to push them to be together. Hmmm….this is the fourth book I’ve read in a week that includes a young child helping lesbians find true love; perhaps I need to expand my dating criteria! When did lesfic become MILFfic? ;)
So anyway, the book kind of plods along with Harry’s former sex-buddy Clara calling everybody, butch lesbian Quaid being set up for a sequel, hot Vicar Bridget being set up for a sequel, servants being more lovable and honorable than aristocracy and Harry and Annie and Riley finding HEA at the last minute. I was just kind of glad it ended.
The narrator did a fine job, as usual, though I didn’t care for her voice for Harry - perhaps that’s part of why I never ended up liking her much. I jumped on “Courting the Countess” because I enjoyed “Unexpected”, but “Courting the Countess” isn’t nearly as good despite being by the same author and narrator. I rate the book 2.7*, rounded to 3*.
MC Harry didn’t have the best childhood, but her issues pale beside that of MC Annie (and many many others in life). Yet Harry is almost deliberately unhappy, wallowing in self-loathing and self-misery, and excelling at being an insensitive jerk to everyone around her. Annie, however, is the epitome of perfection: a terrific mom to 10yo Riley, a housekeeper/manager extraordinaire, gorgeous, and able to see gentleness, kindness and goodness in Harry long before I did, and she has an effervescent personality and positive, hopeful attitude toward the future despite her past and her current financial struggles.
Annie is seeking her forever love, and Riley is convinced Harry is her knight in shining armor. Harry, though, spends most of the book telling Annie that only lust exists, not love. Still, Harry falls in love with Annie, but of course that means she must hurt her by staying away or only fucking her, because otherwise she’ll hurt her. Yeah….not so sensible.
Annie, for her part, gives in to lust and gives Harry her v-card only to regret it since Harry doesn’t believe in forever or in love.
They continue to argue, to flirt, to fight and to recognize they want different things in life. Until Harry decides she does want forever, but now Annie can’t trust her. Sigh….their angst isn’t so much frustrating as annoying. Cute precocious Riley, loved by both, continues to push them to be together. Hmmm….this is the fourth book I’ve read in a week that includes a young child helping lesbians find true love; perhaps I need to expand my dating criteria! When did lesfic become MILFfic? ;)
So anyway, the book kind of plods along with Harry’s former sex-buddy Clara calling everybody, butch lesbian Quaid being set up for a sequel, hot Vicar Bridget being set up for a sequel, servants being more lovable and honorable than aristocracy and Harry and Annie and Riley finding HEA at the last minute. I was just kind of glad it ended.
The narrator did a fine job, as usual, though I didn’t care for her voice for Harry - perhaps that’s part of why I never ended up liking her much. I jumped on “Courting the Countess” because I enjoyed “Unexpected”, but “Courting the Countess” isn’t nearly as good despite being by the same author and narrator. I rate the book 2.7*, rounded to 3*.
April 17, 2017
What the reviewer Heinerway said.
It's a romance novel. I could do with a bit less of the back and forth commit-can't commit-I can-I don't believe you etc. I have read Frame's online Dalton Family Saga and there are similarities- but I like both the MCs in this book much more than Dalton's. Here, both Harry & Annie are capable and strong people albeit with difficult pasts. Definitely the best of her novels that I've read. I would re-read this book.
I wouldn't mind a revisit with either the vicar, Bridget or Quade or better yet both.
It's a romance novel. I could do with a bit less of the back and forth commit-can't commit-I can-I don't believe you etc. I have read Frame's online Dalton Family Saga and there are similarities- but I like both the MCs in this book much more than Dalton's. Here, both Harry & Annie are capable and strong people albeit with difficult pasts. Definitely the best of her novels that I've read. I would re-read this book.
I wouldn't mind a revisit with either the vicar, Bridget or Quade or better yet both.
July 27, 2018
3 Stars for the Audio version.
In general when I listen to an audio book that I had originally read myself, I often give it the same or better star ratings. In this case I removed a star. I liked it better the first time I read it. Maybe my mood at the time? Reading vs. listening? The narrator, Nicola Victoria Vincent was not the best I ever heard, but she was OK. so that wasn't a problem.
I think this time around, I didn't like Harry very much - too emotionally immature and although she had a difficult childhood (absent parents, etc.) she had a woe is me attitude throughout most of the book. And it wasn't (as Annie pointed out) THAT bad when compared to Annie's. Eventually, Harry gets over it (it is a romance after all). Maybe because I recently read books in which the characters had very rough childhoods, similar to Annie's - poor, no parents, foster care system, homelessness, etc. that I had less patience with her attitude.
That being said, I still gave it 3 stars - I still liked it overall and I won't be surprised if I pick it up again for another read.
In general when I listen to an audio book that I had originally read myself, I often give it the same or better star ratings. In this case I removed a star. I liked it better the first time I read it. Maybe my mood at the time? Reading vs. listening? The narrator, Nicola Victoria Vincent was not the best I ever heard, but she was OK. so that wasn't a problem.
I think this time around, I didn't like Harry very much - too emotionally immature and although she had a difficult childhood (absent parents, etc.) she had a woe is me attitude throughout most of the book. And it wasn't (as Annie pointed out) THAT bad when compared to Annie's. Eventually, Harry gets over it (it is a romance after all). Maybe because I recently read books in which the characters had very rough childhoods, similar to Annie's - poor, no parents, foster care system, homelessness, etc. that I had less patience with her attitude.
That being said, I still gave it 3 stars - I still liked it overall and I won't be surprised if I pick it up again for another read.
April 6, 2017
A nice enough story but a bit too melodramatic for this old cold heart.
September 9, 2016
A nice honest to god romance novel. A sort of historical romance without the historical part.
April 23, 2017
An ARC was given to me from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, for a honest review.
My synopsis
When her father dies Harry Knight becomes the Countess of Axedale. She intends to restore Axedale Hall to commemorate her dearly beloved Grandfather and his wishes. When the restoration is complete she will go back to Cambridge and her bachelorette ways.
Annie has been hired to be the housekeeper at Axedale Hall until the restoration is complete. She arrives with her daughter, Riley and meets the cold front that is Harry Knight. Riley is interested in all the Roman history at Axedale Hall and begins a friendship with Harry on their shared interests.
Annie and Harry’s relationship is a rocky one. One where they believe in different things but ultimately are more attracted and drawn to one another than they ever have been before…
Can Annie Clean up the Countess’s act and find a way to want the same things?
My Review
This was the first book I have read by Jenny Frame and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought it was written well and described the characters emotions beautifully.
Annie was probably my favourite. She was warm and loving but knew her own mind and was a nothing but supportive to the lovely Riley (Annie’s young Daughter). Annie believes in a ‘Fairy Tale’ romance and leaves you feeling like in life you shouldn’t settle for anything less.
The relationship between Harry and Riley was what showed the softer side of Harry at first. I only began to warm to Harry when she and Riley struck up the loveliest of friendships.
The sexual tension in this book was off the charts. You could have sliced it with a butter knife. I loved that element and it left me understanding the want these women had for one another.
I don’t want to spoil the ending but I will say this… The love these women find in each other is not only about them (don’t get me wrong their love is very present and emotional) but it’s about family and doing anything you can for the people you love. It’s very sweet actually.
All in all a lovely read and will definitely keeping my eye out for what’s next from Jenny Frame. I’m secretly hoping that this is a series and that The Vicar and the handsome farmer find love… Maybe not with each other but that would mean two books! Yay!
4.5 stars
https://lesreveur.com/2016/10/08/cour...
My synopsis
When her father dies Harry Knight becomes the Countess of Axedale. She intends to restore Axedale Hall to commemorate her dearly beloved Grandfather and his wishes. When the restoration is complete she will go back to Cambridge and her bachelorette ways.
Annie has been hired to be the housekeeper at Axedale Hall until the restoration is complete. She arrives with her daughter, Riley and meets the cold front that is Harry Knight. Riley is interested in all the Roman history at Axedale Hall and begins a friendship with Harry on their shared interests.
Annie and Harry’s relationship is a rocky one. One where they believe in different things but ultimately are more attracted and drawn to one another than they ever have been before…
Can Annie Clean up the Countess’s act and find a way to want the same things?
My Review
This was the first book I have read by Jenny Frame and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought it was written well and described the characters emotions beautifully.
Annie was probably my favourite. She was warm and loving but knew her own mind and was a nothing but supportive to the lovely Riley (Annie’s young Daughter). Annie believes in a ‘Fairy Tale’ romance and leaves you feeling like in life you shouldn’t settle for anything less.
The relationship between Harry and Riley was what showed the softer side of Harry at first. I only began to warm to Harry when she and Riley struck up the loveliest of friendships.
The sexual tension in this book was off the charts. You could have sliced it with a butter knife. I loved that element and it left me understanding the want these women had for one another.
I don’t want to spoil the ending but I will say this… The love these women find in each other is not only about them (don’t get me wrong their love is very present and emotional) but it’s about family and doing anything you can for the people you love. It’s very sweet actually.
All in all a lovely read and will definitely keeping my eye out for what’s next from Jenny Frame. I’m secretly hoping that this is a series and that The Vicar and the handsome farmer find love… Maybe not with each other but that would mean two books! Yay!
4.5 stars
https://lesreveur.com/2016/10/08/cour...
September 12, 2016
I will admit now, upfront, that I am a fan of Jenny Frame's writing. This is the third book of hers I've read, and the third book I've loved. Henrietta "Harry" Knight, member of the gentry, has closed herself off from all the kinder forms of human emotion and interaction. This is due to a horrible childhood, and bad family life. Her first act as the new Countess of Axedale is to restore her family home, the home her father allowed to fall into such disrepair. As the workers endeavor to revert the manse to its former glory, the inside needs to be cleaned and restored as well. Enter Annie Brannigan, housekeeper extraordinaire. She's very good at her job, and the reason for her work ethic is that she wants to give her daughter, Riley, a better life. Harry doesn't want anything to do with the two, but she's forced to continue Annie's employment until such a time as a replacement can be found. The continued contact between Harry and the two new additions creates feelings that cause Harry to keep running. However, the feelings slowly open Harry up to exploring the possibilities of trust and love. Sometimes, Annie feels like she's a bit too willing to wait while Harry sorts herself out, but the attraction between the two women is undeniable and unrelenting. Truthfully, this reminded me of a modern day, lesbian Barbara Cartwright book. And since I loved Cartwright's books, this book was definitely in my bailiwick. Annie's daughter, Riley, is the one who really steals the show in this book, and part of me wishes she had even more scenes and interaction. The story is about family and belonging at its core. And for me, this book relayed that in a very entertaining and enjoyable way.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in order to give an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in order to give an honest review.
March 26, 2019
Oh wow this novel was cheese, cheese and some more cheese. It was so cute at times and so cheesy at times. I'd highly recommend it for a upliftment of your mood :)
June 1, 2017
I absolutely loved this audio book, amazing narrator she had me from the first second, also a brilliant love story.
September 6, 2016
***Book provided by Net Galley and Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review***
This is a very simple and easy to read butch-femme romance. The love story is a bit too long and the author could have probably spared us some of the artificial angst created by prolonging the self-punishment behavior of the two leading characters. I also felt that the book could have gained a lot if the author had explored a little bit more in detail the lives and loves of the village's inhabitants.
Although this is no masterpiece, the side plot line was interesting, the writing was good, and the romance felt credible enough. The book has a bit of everything I look for in a romance: tenderness, love, passion and angst. So if you're looking for a decent romance novel, and you don't expect too much, this may be your book of choice.
This is a very simple and easy to read butch-femme romance. The love story is a bit too long and the author could have probably spared us some of the artificial angst created by prolonging the self-punishment behavior of the two leading characters. I also felt that the book could have gained a lot if the author had explored a little bit more in detail the lives and loves of the village's inhabitants.
Although this is no masterpiece, the side plot line was interesting, the writing was good, and the romance felt credible enough. The book has a bit of everything I look for in a romance: tenderness, love, passion and angst. So if you're looking for a decent romance novel, and you don't expect too much, this may be your book of choice.
December 24, 2016
ARC received from the publisher via Net galley for an honest review.
I liked this book. At first, I had trouble with the style of writing. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to get into the story. However, I quickly liked the characters and before long I no longer noticed the style. It's not a wow book. But more of just a nice flowing story with a nice ending.
There were some problems. There was a really big build up with a somewhat rushed ending. There were some odd religious references and a very irreverent Vicar that just seemed somewhat out of place.
I enjoyed the setting, the references to Roman history and archaeology.
Overall, a nice story.
3.5 stars
I liked this book. At first, I had trouble with the style of writing. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to get into the story. However, I quickly liked the characters and before long I no longer noticed the style. It's not a wow book. But more of just a nice flowing story with a nice ending.
There were some problems. There was a really big build up with a somewhat rushed ending. There were some odd religious references and a very irreverent Vicar that just seemed somewhat out of place.
I enjoyed the setting, the references to Roman history and archaeology.
Overall, a nice story.
3.5 stars
February 16, 2017
Ok let's be clear about it: this is a Romance.
It has all the tropes and the idealizations of the genre. We are not stepping out of that, not going into an original novel.
Having said that, I found it a compelling, moving romance novel.
It may stretch a little bit too much on the psychological extreme difficulty by one of the main characters to open up to love. But feelings and emotions are intense and complex enough to make all the characters dear to me, to make me love them. Enough for me to be touched.
4.5 stars
It has all the tropes and the idealizations of the genre. We are not stepping out of that, not going into an original novel.
Having said that, I found it a compelling, moving romance novel.
It may stretch a little bit too much on the psychological extreme difficulty by one of the main characters to open up to love. But feelings and emotions are intense and complex enough to make all the characters dear to me, to make me love them. Enough for me to be touched.
4.5 stars
August 22, 2016
*ARC provided by Netgalley and Bold Strokes for an honest review*
When I started reading this book I was expecting the same plotlines as Jenny Frame has relied on in past books but I was surprised to find subtle changes that had been made. Anyone who has read Ms Frame's fan fiction series 'The Dalton family saga' will be able to spot the similarities between the two stories but hopefully they will also notice the differences.
Harry, like Alex Dalton is emotionally shut off and a very dominant, masculine character that really likes sex but unlike Alex and other of Frame's characters, Harry has a softness to her that isn't just her giving someone else control but rather a side to her that is sensitive and in touch with her emotions. The reason that i highlight this change is because I had a real problem with the fact that her masculine characters had a tendency to behave like men and lose the the small things that make woman so great in my eyes.
The story had a bit too much angst woe for my liking and I would have preferred if they had been able to work through there problems a bit more maturely instead of constantly running from their feelings and causing each other more heartache than if they just admitted the truth to one another.
If I were to give an absolutely honest rating I would give this book a rating of 3 1/3 but since Goodreads only allows whole numbers I have given it a 3.
When I started reading this book I was expecting the same plotlines as Jenny Frame has relied on in past books but I was surprised to find subtle changes that had been made. Anyone who has read Ms Frame's fan fiction series 'The Dalton family saga' will be able to spot the similarities between the two stories but hopefully they will also notice the differences.
Harry, like Alex Dalton is emotionally shut off and a very dominant, masculine character that really likes sex but unlike Alex and other of Frame's characters, Harry has a softness to her that isn't just her giving someone else control but rather a side to her that is sensitive and in touch with her emotions. The reason that i highlight this change is because I had a real problem with the fact that her masculine characters had a tendency to behave like men and lose the the small things that make woman so great in my eyes.
The story had a bit too much angst woe for my liking and I would have preferred if they had been able to work through there problems a bit more maturely instead of constantly running from their feelings and causing each other more heartache than if they just admitted the truth to one another.
If I were to give an absolutely honest rating I would give this book a rating of 3 1/3 but since Goodreads only allows whole numbers I have given it a 3.
April 30, 2017
Sometimes you hear about a book and just know it has to be in your life, and Courting the Countess by Jenny Frame was exactly that for me. A rich girl/poor girl romance with a modern day countess and her housekeeper? Check. Thawing the ice queen (or taming the beast, if you prefer, since this countess is the most delicious butch)? Double check. The countess is also a professor and archaeologist? There aren’t enough checks in the world.
Full review: http://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/re...
Listen to the podcast: https://thelesbiantalkshow.podbean.co...
Full review: http://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/re...
Listen to the podcast: https://thelesbiantalkshow.podbean.co...
January 18, 2023
3.5 ⭐ Audible version - I really liked it and yet was really annoyed by it as well. Narration was top notch.
I really enjoyed the first half of the book. I love when one character is kinda prickly and brusk and other one slowly wins them over. Plus a cute kid that is not annoying at all and also helps the broody one stop being so broody. Yes! Sign me up!
The story only started to go down hill for me when we get too much into the "I love her, but I can't tell her because I know I am no good for her and will eventually hurt her" schtick. It just went on and on. Then when she FINALLY comes clean and declares her love, the other one goes into the "you don't really mean it. i must leave for my own protection" deal. it's just kinda tired and not fun to read.
I loved it again once the characters stopped being dumb asses and the ending was great.
Shelves:
read, audible, butch-femme, country-england, falling-for-the-boss, frustrating-af, lesbian-romance, own, rich-girl-poor-girl, royalty, series
I really enjoyed the first half of the book. I love when one character is kinda prickly and brusk and other one slowly wins them over. Plus a cute kid that is not annoying at all and also helps the broody one stop being so broody. Yes! Sign me up!
The story only started to go down hill for me when we get too much into the "I love her, but I can't tell her because I know I am no good for her and will eventually hurt her" schtick. It just went on and on. Then when she FINALLY comes clean and declares her love, the other one goes into the "you don't really mean it. i must leave for my own protection" deal. it's just kinda tired and not fun to read.
I loved it again once the characters stopped being dumb asses and the ending was great.
Shelves:
read, audible, butch-femme, country-england, falling-for-the-boss, frustrating-af, lesbian-romance, own, rich-girl-poor-girl, royalty, series
December 12, 2017
I am a sucker for super sweet romances. I am even more of a sucker for a super sweet romance with an insanely hot butch in it. Jenny Frame is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. This is the third book I have read of hers and none of them have been disappointing. I love the modern day fairy tale. It is like reading a historical fiction romance, yet with modern day extras. I love them. I hope she continues to write these novels, because I am a fan. My only complaint and the reason it isn't a five star favorite for me, is the weak conflict. I need a villain to hate. I need a conflict that makes me want to skip a couple of pages to make sure everything turns out alright. If the conflict improves, it will be five stars every time from me. Can't wait for the next!! ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for honest review.
September 7, 2016
ARC provided by NetGalley in return for an impartial review.
This was an improvement on the first two novels by Jenny Frame. I thoroughly enjoyed Annie and Riley, and Harry was interesting enough. The idea of bringing an estate back to life provided an interesting backdrop.
The relationship between Harry and Annie gravitated between sweet and infuriating. I loved the gestures from Annie and Harry's relationship with Riley, but the back and forth of 'I need a commitment' and 'I can't be what you need' drove me nuts. Over, and over and over for half of the damn book, and then they reversed positions until I just wanted to scream. But it did manage to avoid a trope that I assumed would pop up, so kudos for that.
It's a fairly quick read, and an improvement from this author. Quade was also an interesting secondary character, I'm assuming a possible sequel for her.
This was an improvement on the first two novels by Jenny Frame. I thoroughly enjoyed Annie and Riley, and Harry was interesting enough. The idea of bringing an estate back to life provided an interesting backdrop.
The relationship between Harry and Annie gravitated between sweet and infuriating. I loved the gestures from Annie and Harry's relationship with Riley, but the back and forth of 'I need a commitment' and 'I can't be what you need' drove me nuts. Over, and over and over for half of the damn book, and then they reversed positions until I just wanted to scream. But it did manage to avoid a trope that I assumed would pop up, so kudos for that.
It's a fairly quick read, and an improvement from this author. Quade was also an interesting secondary character, I'm assuming a possible sequel for her.
July 27, 2017
I listened it as an audiobook and although I would give the book only three stars, the narrator raised it by another star - she made the book enjoyable.
A lot of the story was quite annoying, but there were bit really enjoyable. But all in all it was not really my kind of romance.
A lot of the story was quite annoying, but there were bit really enjoyable. But all in all it was not really my kind of romance.
March 21, 2020
In these days of self-isolation and no-go Saturday's I'm delighted to spend the afternoon in the company of Jenny Frame and her village world of wealth, loveliness and HEA. Love it!!
March 7, 2021
Beauty and the Countess?
I couldn't help but wonder if Frame drew inspiration from the classic Disney tale 'Beauty and the Beast' as I read this wonderful story. Annie was the charming, sweet yet determined, strong-willed woman who melted the hearts of anyone who met her. Then there was Countess Harry, the gruff, grumbly, moody woman who stomped around and growled at anyone who crossed her path. Ordering people what to do, where not to go, not to touch this or that. Classic Beast mode. I had fun "watching" Annie slowly break down Harry's highly erected walls and ultimately shattering Harry's defenses. Their chemistry was undeniable, so much so, that at times I wondered if the plaster in the huge house was going to peel right off whenever their energies collided. Sexual tension aside, which was always lingering in the background, this story had a nice family feel to it. Annie's little girl, Riley, was a delight to get to know and I loved the moments between Riley and Harry. It showed a softer side to the beast, a side where Harry had no choice but to reveal because she couldn't deny the charismatic, bright-eyed, beautiful child. Having Harry fall in love with the child, Annie's child, only made it easier for Annie to fall for the tall, tough, and gruff Countess with the heart of gold.
I have read this story countless times, but recently, I had the privilege of listening to it. I was thrilled that my favourite narrator Nicola Victoria Vincent was reading, she has a gift at bringing the characters to life and can make every single butch character of Frames' sound so irresistible. Courting the Countess was even better listening to it as opposed to reading it.
This was an entertaining story filled with funny moments, passion, and lots of history.
I couldn't help but wonder if Frame drew inspiration from the classic Disney tale 'Beauty and the Beast' as I read this wonderful story. Annie was the charming, sweet yet determined, strong-willed woman who melted the hearts of anyone who met her. Then there was Countess Harry, the gruff, grumbly, moody woman who stomped around and growled at anyone who crossed her path. Ordering people what to do, where not to go, not to touch this or that. Classic Beast mode. I had fun "watching" Annie slowly break down Harry's highly erected walls and ultimately shattering Harry's defenses. Their chemistry was undeniable, so much so, that at times I wondered if the plaster in the huge house was going to peel right off whenever their energies collided. Sexual tension aside, which was always lingering in the background, this story had a nice family feel to it. Annie's little girl, Riley, was a delight to get to know and I loved the moments between Riley and Harry. It showed a softer side to the beast, a side where Harry had no choice but to reveal because she couldn't deny the charismatic, bright-eyed, beautiful child. Having Harry fall in love with the child, Annie's child, only made it easier for Annie to fall for the tall, tough, and gruff Countess with the heart of gold.
I have read this story countless times, but recently, I had the privilege of listening to it. I was thrilled that my favourite narrator Nicola Victoria Vincent was reading, she has a gift at bringing the characters to life and can make every single butch character of Frames' sound so irresistible. Courting the Countess was even better listening to it as opposed to reading it.
This was an entertaining story filled with funny moments, passion, and lots of history.
did-not-finish
October 3, 2021All the cliches and all the tropes. Which look there's nothing inherently wrong with that. But eh I guess there was nothing unique or special about it, so the obvious plot issues were too obvious.
I struggle with the whole bad-boi butch who takes charge and never lets anyone close except to fuck and has a seriously bad attitude. Until the sweet passionate insubordinate with a cute smart kid comes along and melts her icy heart and makes her want more.
If anything the main butch Harry is completely unlikable. We first meet her having some rough sex with a woman she often sees and paying her for the service, and telling her not to touch her because that's not part of it. Ok.
Then she's gruff with Annie the housekeeper when she first meets her and is rude and playing power games because of her attraction to her. While Annie swoons and fans herself while still keeping up her strong stoic decorum in public and is desperately trying to impress this woman, why? I dunno. She sets out a plan with her daughter (WTF???) to help the countess learn to make friends and learn to love and let them in. It's very frustrating and unrealistic. No person with a daughter they cared about would subject them to this farce, let alone get them engaged with such a juvenile plan.
It's all very shallow with petty games and I couldn't find myself caring.
I struggle with the whole bad-boi butch who takes charge and never lets anyone close except to fuck and has a seriously bad attitude. Until the sweet passionate insubordinate with a cute smart kid comes along and melts her icy heart and makes her want more.
If anything the main butch Harry is completely unlikable. We first meet her having some rough sex with a woman she often sees and paying her for the service, and telling her not to touch her because that's not part of it. Ok.
Then she's gruff with Annie the housekeeper when she first meets her and is rude and playing power games because of her attraction to her. While Annie swoons and fans herself while still keeping up her strong stoic decorum in public and is desperately trying to impress this woman, why? I dunno. She sets out a plan with her daughter (WTF???) to help the countess learn to make friends and learn to love and let them in. It's very frustrating and unrealistic. No person with a daughter they cared about would subject them to this farce, let alone get them engaged with such a juvenile plan.
It's all very shallow with petty games and I couldn't find myself caring.
September 19, 2016
This is my first book from Jenny Frame.
For starters, Harry is on my top 10 most irritating MC I've ever read.
She's described as super hot, like everyone will fall for her.
Ohhh-kay! :)
And also she's tagged as an Ice queen but sometimes I think it's way over the edge especially on how she treats Annie and her kid, Riley.
And all of a sudden she's like "okay I like this kid (Riley) she's different, she's nice and she also likes Roman history."
Right.
I don't really feel their chemistry. I can't keep my eyes rolling through out the book.
And I don't know what Annie sees in Harry.
And how they fall in love? Did I missed it?
No offense, I've tried to like this. And I was hoping that maybe something will change, but till the end I didn't connect with the book.
Maybe I will try again to read this soon.
If you like stories with Boss falling for the help maybe you will like this.
If not for Vicar Bridge I will give this a 2.
For starters, Harry is on my top 10 most irritating MC I've ever read.
She's described as super hot, like everyone will fall for her.
Ohhh-kay! :)
And also she's tagged as an Ice queen but sometimes I think it's way over the edge especially on how she treats Annie and her kid, Riley.
And all of a sudden she's like "okay I like this kid (Riley) she's different, she's nice and she also likes Roman history."
Right.
I don't really feel their chemistry. I can't keep my eyes rolling through out the book.
And I don't know what Annie sees in Harry.
And how they fall in love? Did I missed it?
No offense, I've tried to like this. And I was hoping that maybe something will change, but till the end I didn't connect with the book.
Maybe I will try again to read this soon.
If you like stories with Boss falling for the help maybe you will like this.
If not for Vicar Bridge I will give this a 2.
August 24, 2016
Well I enjoyed the first book and this one did not disappoint as least for me anyway. I felt the struggles that Harry with the dysfunction of her family. Annie and Riley was great as well and even learn some this about the Roman Empire was great as well.
Arc Given by NetGalley for a honest review.
Arc Given by NetGalley for a honest review.
August 30, 2019
I'm surprised at the low rating, perhaps it's the slowburn. But I think that's what I've enjoyed the most about this series. It's that despite having instant attractions, it takes the main characters a while to fully take on their relationship. I don't mind that at all, paired with a little angst here and there is what makes me enjoy romance books. Perhaps for a village style romance the side characters can seem a little irrelevant most of the time since it's entirely focused on the mains.
Sure it can seem annoying how much they both changed or resisted their attraction despite how obvious everyone thought they should be together. I think it's quite human for people to have these doubts, despite the clear feelings they have, it's very true for Annie to take into account Riley's well being.
I wasn't too sold at Harry being a womaniser of sort, especially with Clara being the only woman ever mentioned so often. But that's good I suppose, hard for me to see Harry settling for Annie and Riley otherwise.
But I still rather enjoyed the dynamics, it's not the most angsty read, but I felt it's balanced for an easy romance read about the rich girl meets poor girl
Sure it can seem annoying how much they both changed or resisted their attraction despite how obvious everyone thought they should be together. I think it's quite human for people to have these doubts, despite the clear feelings they have, it's very true for Annie to take into account Riley's well being.
I wasn't too sold at Harry being a womaniser of sort, especially with Clara being the only woman ever mentioned so often. But that's good I suppose, hard for me to see Harry settling for Annie and Riley otherwise.
But I still rather enjoyed the dynamics, it's not the most angsty read, but I felt it's balanced for an easy romance read about the rich girl meets poor girl
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2024
This author is going to be tagged by me the modern Jane Austen with her stories. Very old school romance in modern living. One cannot but swoon
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews