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The Countess
A plea for help from her sister Natasha brings Countess Alexandreya Romanova to St. Petersburg — a city soon to be at the mercy of the new Czar, Peter the Mad. She finds Natasha trapped in a miserable marriage, and so notorious for her love affairs that Alexandreya’s own reputation becomes suspect.
Dmitri Varanov, leader of Catherine II’s Cossack troops, is arrogantly determined to have Alexandreya, and their passionate battle is as fierce as the war between mad Peter and ruthless Catherine. For Dmitri despises all women as deeply as Alexandreya mistrusts all men ...
Dmitri Varanov, leader of Catherine II’s Cossack troops, is arrogantly determined to have Alexandreya, and their passionate battle is as fierce as the war between mad Peter and ruthless Catherine. For Dmitri despises all women as deeply as Alexandreya mistrusts all men ...
188 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1967
30 people want to read
About the author
Valentina Luellen
32 books7 followersPseudonym for Judith Hagar. AKA Judith Polley and Helen Kent.
Valentina Luellen is one of the pen names of Judith Hagar. She published 33 historical romances for Mills & Boon, with many of the tiles featured in the Masquerade series.
Valentina Luellen is one of the pen names of Judith Hagar. She published 33 historical romances for Mills & Boon, with many of the tiles featured in the Masquerade series.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 5, 2020
It was a pretty great historical romance set during the critical time when Catherine not-yet-the-Great vied with her mad husband Peter for control over the Russian throne.
The hero is a rough, tough, unapologetic Cossack who hates women, particularly the corrupt aristocrats who don't mind a tumble in his bed but otherwise wouldn't be caught dead with this parvenu of peasant stock.
The heroine is an innocent country bumpkin from minor nobility who has scarce left her isolated countryside villa until she comes to the dazzling and dangerous St. Petersburg Court.
I really enjoyed the beginning. The antagonism between the two was palpable. The heroine stood up to him and they exchanged entertaining insults and sarcastic retorts.
I almost never say this but I think the book would have benefited from a few more pages to see the plot and characters develop. As it was, I felt the whole climax of the book, which was Catherine and Peter's fight to the death, was kind of glossed over and so was the resolution of the Great Big Terrible Misunderstanding and ultimate reconciliation between the lovers.
No doubt the author was restricted by the format. This could have potentially been a 4 or 5 star read for me if developed into a full fledged historical drama the likes of Christine Monson or Teresa Denys have produced.
The hero is a rough, tough, unapologetic Cossack who hates women, particularly the corrupt aristocrats who don't mind a tumble in his bed but otherwise wouldn't be caught dead with this parvenu of peasant stock.
The heroine is an innocent country bumpkin from minor nobility who has scarce left her isolated countryside villa until she comes to the dazzling and dangerous St. Petersburg Court.
I really enjoyed the beginning. The antagonism between the two was palpable. The heroine stood up to him and they exchanged entertaining insults and sarcastic retorts.
I almost never say this but I think the book would have benefited from a few more pages to see the plot and characters develop. As it was, I felt the whole climax of the book, which was Catherine and Peter's fight to the death, was kind of glossed over and so was the resolution of the Great Big Terrible Misunderstanding and ultimate reconciliation between the lovers.
No doubt the author was restricted by the format. This could have potentially been a 4 or 5 star read for me if developed into a full fledged historical drama the likes of Christine Monson or Teresa Denys have produced.
September 24, 2025
3.5 stars
* A Romance Worth Reading Despite Its Flaws
This author has a genuine gift for writing passionate, authentic love stories. Having read both this Russian Imperial romance and her previous work "Prince of Deception," I can confidently say she excels at creating male protagonists who embody true chivalry and protectiveness—qualities I believe lie at the heart of genuine manhood. Her male leads don't just desire their heroines; they're driven by an instinct to shield and defend them, which creates deeply moving romantic dynamics.
* What Works Beautifully
The romantic scenes between the main characters are absolutely exquisite. Every interaction between Alexandrya and Dimitri crackles with emotion and authenticity. The author captures those profound moments of connection that make you believe in their love completely. Her treatment of intimate scenes strikes the perfect balance—passionate yet tasteful, allowing readers to feel the emotional depth without compromising on decency.
The character development, particularly of Dimitri, is compelling. His journey from bitter prejudice to vulnerable admission of love feels genuine and earned. When he finally breaks down and confesses "the woman I love," it carries real emotional weight because we've seen his internal struggle.
* Where It Falls Short
Unfortunately, the historical backdrop feels more like historical fiction than romance. The story is weighed down by excessive political intrigue, violence, and tragedy that often overshadows the central love story. While some conflict is necessary for tension, the relentless darkness—murders, court conspiracies, and brutal political maneuvering—creates an atmosphere that sometimes works against the romantic elements.
The historical accuracy is also questionable. The author takes significant liberties with actual historical figures and events, which can be jarring for readers familiar with Russian Imperial history.
* Final Thoughts
Despite these issues, I found myself continuing to read purely for the romantic scenes. The connection between the main characters is so beautifully written that it carries the entire story. If you can look past the historical inaccuracies and heavy political plotting, you'll find a love story that truly resonates.
This author understands the emotional core of romance—the way two people can find each other across impossible circumstances and social barriers. For that alone, her work is worth reading.
* A Romance Worth Reading Despite Its Flaws
This author has a genuine gift for writing passionate, authentic love stories. Having read both this Russian Imperial romance and her previous work "Prince of Deception," I can confidently say she excels at creating male protagonists who embody true chivalry and protectiveness—qualities I believe lie at the heart of genuine manhood. Her male leads don't just desire their heroines; they're driven by an instinct to shield and defend them, which creates deeply moving romantic dynamics.
* What Works Beautifully
The romantic scenes between the main characters are absolutely exquisite. Every interaction between Alexandrya and Dimitri crackles with emotion and authenticity. The author captures those profound moments of connection that make you believe in their love completely. Her treatment of intimate scenes strikes the perfect balance—passionate yet tasteful, allowing readers to feel the emotional depth without compromising on decency.
The character development, particularly of Dimitri, is compelling. His journey from bitter prejudice to vulnerable admission of love feels genuine and earned. When he finally breaks down and confesses "the woman I love," it carries real emotional weight because we've seen his internal struggle.
* Where It Falls Short
Unfortunately, the historical backdrop feels more like historical fiction than romance. The story is weighed down by excessive political intrigue, violence, and tragedy that often overshadows the central love story. While some conflict is necessary for tension, the relentless darkness—murders, court conspiracies, and brutal political maneuvering—creates an atmosphere that sometimes works against the romantic elements.
The historical accuracy is also questionable. The author takes significant liberties with actual historical figures and events, which can be jarring for readers familiar with Russian Imperial history.
* Final Thoughts
Despite these issues, I found myself continuing to read purely for the romantic scenes. The connection between the main characters is so beautifully written that it carries the entire story. If you can look past the historical inaccuracies and heavy political plotting, you'll find a love story that truly resonates.
This author understands the emotional core of romance—the way two people can find each other across impossible circumstances and social barriers. For that alone, her work is worth reading.
June 13, 2024
The story is brilliant. You'll be moved by the main characters in the story.
July 13, 2012
Countess Alexandreya Romanova is rushing from her provincial home in Bratz to St. Petersburg to help her sister Natasha. On the road, her carriage is nearly driven into a snowbank by a regiment of Cossacks, the personal guard of Grand Duchess Catherine. Soon after, at a roadside inn, she meets their enigmatic leader, Dmitri Varanov, who gives her his own room in the overbooked hostel. Although initially open-minded towards the peasant-born soldier, Varanov’s hostility towards aristocratic women, his vulger assumptions about her morality, and his violent attempt to seduce her turn Alexandreya against him. Unfortunately, Varanov’s position at court means that he is impossible to avoid.
http://www.numbersonthespines.com/201...
http://www.numbersonthespines.com/201...
May 5, 2020
Set in Russia 1761, romantic intrigue set against the struggle between Tsar Peter and his wife the future Catherine the Great.
Originally published by Wright & Brown in 1967.
Another good well written story and knowledgeable historical information at the time of Catherine the Great.
Originally published by Wright & Brown in 1967.
Another good well written story and knowledgeable historical information at the time of Catherine the Great.
November 16, 2009
readable
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews