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The Accidental Viscountess
Spinster and poor relation Dorothea Hindley is in London for one reason: to help launch her cousin into society, something that would be a great deal easier if Dorothea’s aunt hadn’t revived a long-standing feud with the mother of a viscount. The best Dorothea can expect for herself is a dreary marriage to a vicar. But in trying to keep her family from becoming the laughingstocks of London, Dorothea finds a surprising ally in the viscount himself.
Martin Drayton, Viscount Abernathy, can’t afford the distraction of the ancient feud his mother insists on reviving. King George III lies mad at Windsor Castle and Martin is involved in supporting the Prince of Wales’ cause in the Regency Bill. But when he enlists Dorothea’s help to cool the flames of the feud, their undeniable attraction simply adds fuel to the fire.
Marrying a viscount never entered Dorothea’s head. But a moonlit kiss could lead to a scandal neither of them can afford. Can the accidental viscountess and her unexpected husband get their families to stop feuding long enough to save both the monarchy and their marriage?
Martin Drayton, Viscount Abernathy, can’t afford the distraction of the ancient feud his mother insists on reviving. King George III lies mad at Windsor Castle and Martin is involved in supporting the Prince of Wales’ cause in the Regency Bill. But when he enlists Dorothea’s help to cool the flames of the feud, their undeniable attraction simply adds fuel to the fire.
Marrying a viscount never entered Dorothea’s head. But a moonlit kiss could lead to a scandal neither of them can afford. Can the accidental viscountess and her unexpected husband get their families to stop feuding long enough to save both the monarchy and their marriage?
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 7, 2020
37 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Caro Kinkead
13 books14 followersAs a child, Caro Kinkead was told Dr. Seuss' job was "writing books," and decided that was her goal when she grew up - along with being a ballerina and an archeologist and about a dozen other things. A fear of snakes signaled the end of her ambition to find the next Tutankamon's tomb, the dancing (and acting) didn't quite pan out, but the love of writing remained, allowing her to enjoy those varied careers and more in her imagination.
Born and raised in Houston, TX, Caro grew up in a family of readers, where she developed a love of science fiction and fantasy thanks to her father, and old movies and the art of costuming from her mother. These days, she and her husband share a home in the Los Angeles area with their cats, a sizable book collection, and more yarn than she'd care to admit to
Born and raised in Houston, TX, Caro grew up in a family of readers, where she developed a love of science fiction and fantasy thanks to her father, and old movies and the art of costuming from her mother. These days, she and her husband share a home in the Los Angeles area with their cats, a sizable book collection, and more yarn than she'd care to admit to
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 15, 2020
Nice romance with plenty of plot, action and character development overall. I voluntarily received this book for an honest review.
June 15, 2020
ONE LANDSLIDE OF DOUBLE TROUBLE!!!
Holy haints! Caro drags the skeletons out into the light, ratcheting up the zeal and gusto as tempers flare, old wounds reopen and feuds regain momentum, wrapping this little gem up sleek, shiny and tight. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, booting this gem into a tempest, bursting it into a frenzy with an eye-opening culmination. Sparks fly as drama, turmoil, intrigue, spiraling suspense and intense situations along with a boatload of chaos, you have one block busting experience. Crazy mishaps and surprising circumstances, showcase the taxing trials and challenging tribulations, stumbling through the stunning twists and wicked turns, putting our characters through their paces, testing them in ways they never saw coming. Amazing scenario's that punch dead center with such intensity and unnerving precision, catapulting this gem with unforseen impacts, blowing this baby wide open. Dynamics and countenance in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this web so deep until everything else ceases to exist. The characters are complex and authentic with depth and traits that blend and flow, transforming into genuine relatable personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and depictions creating a colorful backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Amazing job Caro, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
Holy haints! Caro drags the skeletons out into the light, ratcheting up the zeal and gusto as tempers flare, old wounds reopen and feuds regain momentum, wrapping this little gem up sleek, shiny and tight. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, booting this gem into a tempest, bursting it into a frenzy with an eye-opening culmination. Sparks fly as drama, turmoil, intrigue, spiraling suspense and intense situations along with a boatload of chaos, you have one block busting experience. Crazy mishaps and surprising circumstances, showcase the taxing trials and challenging tribulations, stumbling through the stunning twists and wicked turns, putting our characters through their paces, testing them in ways they never saw coming. Amazing scenario's that punch dead center with such intensity and unnerving precision, catapulting this gem with unforseen impacts, blowing this baby wide open. Dynamics and countenance in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this web so deep until everything else ceases to exist. The characters are complex and authentic with depth and traits that blend and flow, transforming into genuine relatable personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and depictions creating a colorful backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Amazing job Caro, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
June 26, 2020
More About a Hideous Mother-in-Law Than the Romance
I love a good Regency, as it is my favorite romance sub-genre. The premise of this sounded good, but unfortunately, for me, it missed the mark completely. I found the beginning scene confusing with all these unfamiliar people whose names I didn't know or recognize yet and this terrible tension and bad blood that I just didn't understand. While I don’t like info dumps in stories, sometimes authors can go to the other extreme. And then there is the compromise and subsequent marriage.
The biggest problem with the book, I think, is that the focus really shifted after the marriage. Except for the wedding night, I don't really feel like the bulk of the book after the marriage focuses on the couple at all. It seemed like it focused more on the horrid relationship between the viscountesses. His mother was just awful—an old biddy unwilling to gracefully transition to her role as dowager countess—and he wasn't man enough to stand up to her often enough or defend and support his wife. Ugh. It seemed to me that these two women were just in too many scenes together far too often, sometimes with a buffer and sometimes not.
But to me, it felt as if there were zero romance in this romance. I have read, of course, many Regency compromise stories. The couples do go through an adjustment period, slowly learning about each other, but over the course of the book, they manage to fall in love. That's why we read these types of books! But that doesn’t happen in this story. We see no build to their relationship. Frankly, they actually have to be on the page together more often than they were in this book for that to happen. If I want to read a book about hideous in-laws, Regency romance is not the place I look... because I'm there for the romance. That belongs in a family drama book, not in a romance—at least not to this extent, where it felt like it completely overshadowed everything from the midpoint on. I did find the backdrop of the history of the Regency Bill to be interesting. I just wish there was actually some romance and love in this book. If you like your Regency romances to have an actual romance, steer clear of this book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I love a good Regency, as it is my favorite romance sub-genre. The premise of this sounded good, but unfortunately, for me, it missed the mark completely. I found the beginning scene confusing with all these unfamiliar people whose names I didn't know or recognize yet and this terrible tension and bad blood that I just didn't understand. While I don’t like info dumps in stories, sometimes authors can go to the other extreme. And then there is the compromise and subsequent marriage.
The biggest problem with the book, I think, is that the focus really shifted after the marriage. Except for the wedding night, I don't really feel like the bulk of the book after the marriage focuses on the couple at all. It seemed like it focused more on the horrid relationship between the viscountesses. His mother was just awful—an old biddy unwilling to gracefully transition to her role as dowager countess—and he wasn't man enough to stand up to her often enough or defend and support his wife. Ugh. It seemed to me that these two women were just in too many scenes together far too often, sometimes with a buffer and sometimes not.
But to me, it felt as if there were zero romance in this romance. I have read, of course, many Regency compromise stories. The couples do go through an adjustment period, slowly learning about each other, but over the course of the book, they manage to fall in love. That's why we read these types of books! But that doesn’t happen in this story. We see no build to their relationship. Frankly, they actually have to be on the page together more often than they were in this book for that to happen. If I want to read a book about hideous in-laws, Regency romance is not the place I look... because I'm there for the romance. That belongs in a family drama book, not in a romance—at least not to this extent, where it felt like it completely overshadowed everything from the midpoint on. I did find the backdrop of the history of the Regency Bill to be interesting. I just wish there was actually some romance and love in this book. If you like your Regency romances to have an actual romance, steer clear of this book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
June 2, 2020
Dorothea is a young orphaned niece who is raised by her aunt and uncle. Dorothea is at a ball when her aunt comes face to face with her nemesis. The outcome is what gossips live for. Dorothea meets an unexpected ally in Martin to find a way to bring peace between the two women. Rumour, inneundos, gossip and imaginative slights make life difficult for everyone around the two women. Dorothea and Martin are drawn to each other and are caught kissing. Martin proposes and they are soon wed. Tensions rise, divisions form, arguments flair up, resentment comes to the surface.
This book is outstanding! A true historical romance in which politics of the time drives the plot to its exciting conclusion. The amount of detail, research and skill provides a really compelling story. The characters are all brought to life, there are some a reader will love and some a reader will just want to throttle (lol) Needless to say the story is well written and has a fast paced plot. There is a slow burn romance between Dorothea and Martin as there relationship undergoes alot of external pressure. I loved how brilliant Dorothea is; and how Martin tries to juggle all the responsibilities he has I really loved this book and I especially loved reading the author's notes on the history as she has included links to actual parliament documents! This book is certainly worth more than 5 stars!
This book is outstanding! A true historical romance in which politics of the time drives the plot to its exciting conclusion. The amount of detail, research and skill provides a really compelling story. The characters are all brought to life, there are some a reader will love and some a reader will just want to throttle (lol) Needless to say the story is well written and has a fast paced plot. There is a slow burn romance between Dorothea and Martin as there relationship undergoes alot of external pressure. I loved how brilliant Dorothea is; and how Martin tries to juggle all the responsibilities he has I really loved this book and I especially loved reading the author's notes on the history as she has included links to actual parliament documents! This book is certainly worth more than 5 stars!
May 18, 2020
Dorothea is an engaging character - I loved the way she always had a notebook with her, on which she jotted things down. Martin was a little harder to root for.
Disclaimer: I'm personally acquainted with the author through a shared writers' group.
I found it a little hard to get into in the beginning - a lot of characters were introduced all at one time, but once I got through that, it was a lot of fun. I liked the historical details about hammering out the Regency that was about to be established; I'm nerdy that way. There were other pleasant details, like the bookstore crush, caused by the release of a new novel by a popular author. And I liked that here was a happily for ever, or happily for now, that did NOT end with a wedding, but went beyond it, to the problems and pleasures when two healthy young people who don't know each other particularly well, are joined together "in the bonds of matrimony" and THEN have to work things out.
It's fun; read it.
Disclaimer: I'm personally acquainted with the author through a shared writers' group.
I found it a little hard to get into in the beginning - a lot of characters were introduced all at one time, but once I got through that, it was a lot of fun. I liked the historical details about hammering out the Regency that was about to be established; I'm nerdy that way. There were other pleasant details, like the bookstore crush, caused by the release of a new novel by a popular author. And I liked that here was a happily for ever, or happily for now, that did NOT end with a wedding, but went beyond it, to the problems and pleasures when two healthy young people who don't know each other particularly well, are joined together "in the bonds of matrimony" and THEN have to work things out.
It's fun; read it.
June 15, 2020
Dorothea Hindley was only trying to introduce her cousin into society at the ball. But her aunt could not drop the endless feud which only proved an embarrassment to the families. Martin Drayton, Viscount Abernathy, son of her aunt’s nemesis, also wants to avoid the gossips’ attention with a Regency Bill in Parliament. So he joins with Dorothea to diffuse things. The bad part was that in working together, the two become aware of an undeniable attraction for the other and, caught in a kiss, Martin will have to propose and marry Dorothea. Is their sacrifice in vain, or can they together end this feud once and for all?
I’m not fond of politics, but the author did a good job with this one. I enjoyed the main story line and the cast of characters. I liked Dorothea’s strength and am glad she got her “reward” in the end. Grab your copy and enjoy what a trying time they had to endure sometimes!
I’m not fond of politics, but the author did a good job with this one. I enjoyed the main story line and the cast of characters. I liked Dorothea’s strength and am glad she got her “reward” in the end. Grab your copy and enjoy what a trying time they had to endure sometimes!
November 5, 2022
I've had a itch to read a historical romance but unsure of which one I wanted. I picked The Accidental Viscountess because I wanted a juicy scandal. Now, there wasn't too much of a scandal but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it. I really loved Dorothea, she was just so strong, level-headed, and logical. Of course, I rooted for her throughout the book, wanted nothing but a happy ending for her.
Martin, on the other hand, was not my favorite love interest. At first, I really liked him but as the story progressed I kept thinking that maybe Dorothea deserved better, but due to his POV chapters I do understand his frustrations at certain times. The story was quick and fast paced as things seemed to progress very quickly. I must admit I was hoping this would be a but spicier than what it was, but those smutty scenes were done very well. Now, because things were too quickly, I feel like the ending wrapped up a bit too quickly.
Overall, an entertaining historical romance.
Martin, on the other hand, was not my favorite love interest. At first, I really liked him but as the story progressed I kept thinking that maybe Dorothea deserved better, but due to his POV chapters I do understand his frustrations at certain times. The story was quick and fast paced as things seemed to progress very quickly. I must admit I was hoping this would be a but spicier than what it was, but those smutty scenes were done very well. Now, because things were too quickly, I feel like the ending wrapped up a bit too quickly.
Overall, an entertaining historical romance.
November 26, 2020
This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read!. A fantastic book that has it all!
I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for a fiction enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. It was a fun story with twists and turns. This was a well-scripted piece the author has done a great job at research and I loved the notes by the author at the end. I highly recommend Caro books
I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for a fiction enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. It was a fun story with twists and turns. This was a well-scripted piece the author has done a great job at research and I loved the notes by the author at the end. I highly recommend Caro books
December 28, 2022
An interesting read. Classic marriage due to a compromising situation. The lady is a poor relation living with her aunt, and her new mother in law hates her. For good measure there’s a spoilt cousin. I thought the characters were well developed and the story certainly held me. However, I felt we lost track of the romance a little towards the end, and would have liked to have known more about what happened after the final ball. Did mother in law leave, were she and Dorothea ever reconciled, and what happened to the cousin? All unanswered questions. Maybe the later books in the series will answer some of the questions? Be nice if the blurb at the end said if this was the case or not. So enjoyed but felt the story was not quite finished.
July 30, 2020
This is my first time reading something by Ms. Kinkead and it was a very charming read. Dorothea and Martin were strong and endearing characters. Their chemistry was undeniable and they definitely had a great connection. It was nice how the author also focused on Dorothea and Martin adjusting to their married life, as it's not all about desire and lust. The author did a great job of bringing that time period and the characters to life. It was an entertaining and enjoyable read, and I will surely be looking for more of Ms. Kinkead's books to read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 23, 2020
I enjoyed this romance story with Miss Dorothea Hindley and Lord Martin Drayton the Viscount of Abernathy
Miss Dorothea Hindley has come with her cousin family to London to help. But when a old feud heats up things started to happened.
Martin Drayton the Viscount of Abernathy mother is part of this old feud. To help protect his family reputation he needs to stop the fighting between his mother and Miss Dorothea aunt. So he comes up with a plan to enlist the help of Dorothea aid.
It was a fun story with the twists and turns. I had me guessing a lot what might happen next.
I received a complimentary copy via Booksprout. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
Miss Dorothea Hindley has come with her cousin family to London to help. But when a old feud heats up things started to happened.
Martin Drayton the Viscount of Abernathy mother is part of this old feud. To help protect his family reputation he needs to stop the fighting between his mother and Miss Dorothea aunt. So he comes up with a plan to enlist the help of Dorothea aid.
It was a fun story with the twists and turns. I had me guessing a lot what might happen next.
I received a complimentary copy via Booksprout. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
January 2, 2023
“Miss Hindley, I have a proposition for you.”
I had such fun reading this book !!!
Wow !!! Such a start for the new year !!!!
I can’t believe I’m getting through so many different genres and I’m enjoying them all !!! This time we have a regency romance with a marriage of convenience and a very troublesome mother in law and sister in law !!! I loved this book a lot and I was there for Dorothea and Martin’s romance every step of them way !!!
I think they worked through their relationship the best way possible ( considering how frustrating his behaviour was during the first half of the book ) !!!
This series is bound to be really good!!
I had such fun reading this book !!!
Wow !!! Such a start for the new year !!!!
I can’t believe I’m getting through so many different genres and I’m enjoying them all !!! This time we have a regency romance with a marriage of convenience and a very troublesome mother in law and sister in law !!! I loved this book a lot and I was there for Dorothea and Martin’s romance every step of them way !!!
I think they worked through their relationship the best way possible ( considering how frustrating his behaviour was during the first half of the book ) !!!
This series is bound to be really good!!
June 13, 2020
Loved it.....but if you can read this without wanting to smack at least three of the characters, then you are a better person than I....which just shows how well the author ensnares the reader. This book illustrates just how far people will go to avoid scandal. There is a feud, parental meddling, and even a bit of politics. Dorothea must really love Martin to put up with his mother. Read it. You will be glad you did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2020
Politics! Feuds! Oh my!
Caught between two warring parties a spinster is trying to help her cousin oh and keep the family from being laughingstocks in merry old London. Now, who comes to her rescues none other the viscount who her aunt hates. Oh what a tangled web and such fun to read. Politics play a part in the tale and all is not well. This was a well-scripted piece the author has done a great job at research and I loved the notes by the author at the end. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Caught between two warring parties a spinster is trying to help her cousin oh and keep the family from being laughingstocks in merry old London. Now, who comes to her rescues none other the viscount who her aunt hates. Oh what a tangled web and such fun to read. Politics play a part in the tale and all is not well. This was a well-scripted piece the author has done a great job at research and I loved the notes by the author at the end. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
June 19, 2020
A very interesting storyline regarding the politics of the day and I really liked how the author focused more on how Dorothea and Martin had to adjust to married life without actually getting to know each other. Marriage is not just attraction and desire but there also has to be a mutual like and respect for each other to make everything work as the two have to discover for themselves. I will be reading more from this author!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 16, 2020
Book one in the Just a Touch of Scandal series, by an Author I have not read before. This is Dorothea Hindley and Viscount Abernathy, Martin Drayton, his sister Cecilia, and the man Cecilia loves Sir Roger Phipps, the Dowager Lady Abernathy's story. At times Martin and his Mother made me want to scream. I want to read the next book in the series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 25, 2020
Dorothea is an poor relation who is helping her aunt launch her cousin in to society. There is a long-standing feud between her aunt and Lady Abernathy who has a daughter she's also launching in society. Lady Abernathy's son and Dorothea try working together to get the feud ended between the two families. They end up getting caught kissing and end up marring
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 20, 2023
easy read
This storyline involves a twenty some year old feud between two ladies in the ton. A variety of situations and disasters occur in the midst of it all. There are heas in the end but for me somehow there seemed to be unexplained things left about the feud and the party’s involved which left some loose ends in the story, for me personally. I can’t put my finger on it exactly why I feel this. I just do. Overall an easy read
This storyline involves a twenty some year old feud between two ladies in the ton. A variety of situations and disasters occur in the midst of it all. There are heas in the end but for me somehow there seemed to be unexplained things left about the feud and the party’s involved which left some loose ends in the story, for me personally. I can’t put my finger on it exactly why I feel this. I just do. Overall an easy read
June 19, 2020
This story isn’t as good as I felt it could be. It had many good point in it but I felt that once the marriage occurred the husband just could not see his wife’s point of view and instead mostly saw his mothers. This of course caused issues for them being newly married. I did like how it ended though.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2023
MiL from hell!
A lovely romance with likeable characters. The conflict came from the truly awful mother in law. The oh so genteel fireworks flew between her and her new daughter in law. I liked that we saw the transition to the Regency in this book. Just enough politics to root the story in time without diverting too far from the central romance.
A lovely romance with likeable characters. The conflict came from the truly awful mother in law. The oh so genteel fireworks flew between her and her new daughter in law. I liked that we saw the transition to the Regency in this book. Just enough politics to root the story in time without diverting too far from the central romance.
October 7, 2022
I would rate this book more like 3.5. I thought the story was new and different from your average regency romance, however it was in need of a good editor. Warning, there were a few intimate scenes between husband and wife.
May 6, 2020
I loved this book. A delight to read.
June 21, 2020
A really enjoyable regency story. Well written and entertaining with a good storyline. Well worth reading
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2020
I liked Martin & Dorthea's book. Good characters. It was a fun, entertaining read. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
January 22, 2022
fast and fun read!
A fun and fast read and the characters are easy to care for. The romance builds steadily and it’s great to have such a happy ending for everyone.
A fun and fast read and the characters are easy to care for. The romance builds steadily and it’s great to have such a happy ending for everyone.
July 31, 2023
Overly dramatic and childish. Writing style not for me. DNF early
October 22, 2023
Needs more editing among other things.
June 29, 2025
I have a lot of reviews to do today so these are going to be short and sweet. This was a pretty good read. I did enjoy the romance that grew.
November 29, 2023
I got this for the free Apple book promotion and I was a bit disappointed. The story had potential but this is so awkwardly paced. The first 100 pages were so boring I almost dnf. Then it got interesting but not by much. I’m still confused about the feud storyline. It was at times entertaining but hard to get through overall.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews