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The earl of Shaftesbury's countess must be refined. Cultured. Perfect. It was a lesson that proper Evelyn Ashley-Cooper had learned flawlessly over six oppressive years of marriage. Even when widowhood freed her from the prison her life had become, Eve still floundered under the veneer of perfection that her domineering husband demanded, unable to unleash the lively girl she once was from the confines of her prim exterior.

But when her long-lost first love Francis MacKintosh, earl Glenrothes reappears in her life, Eve is tempted by the desire to escape her proper façade and the longing to truly live once again. Discovering that enticement alone cannot overrule years of tyranny, Eve struggles between her old self and the new, between yearning to be with him and a determination never to put herself under the thumb of another man - even one she discovers she still loves as much as her Glenrothes.

Since meeting a vivacious, young Eve many years before, Francis MacKintosh has become a man embittered by life, by a wife who has made him a cuckold to the whole of Scotland and by a humiliating divorce that has rained scandal down upon the heads of himself and his family for years. Never had he thought that he would find Eve, his Eden, once again or that he would dare push aside his disdain of the fairer sex, to trust and love once more. But for Eve, for the love and happiness he is suddenly certain they can find only in each other, he finds himself willing to take a chance.

If only he might convince his true love to do the same!

Francis' seduction and ability to blend her proper side with the spirited Eve of years past lure the countess back to him but just when happiness seems but a step away, their mutual pasts will come crashing down around them attempting to tear them apart and Eve and Francis will have to risk their lives for a future together.

The question remains, will their rediscovered love be enough to conquer all?

379 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 30, 2011

288 people are currently reading
423 people want to read

About the author

Angeline Fortin

44 books282 followers
Angeline Fortin is an award-winning author of historical and time-travel romance, offering readers fun, sexy, and often touching tales of love across time.

With a degree in U.S. History from UNLV and experience as a historical interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg, she brings authenticity and rich historical detail to every page. Her passion for the past—particularly the charm of Victorian London and the mystique of Edinburgh—shines through in her vividly crafted settings.

A former military wife, Angeline has lived coast to coast and everywhere in between, having visited 49 of the 50 U.S. states (Alaska, you’re next!). Her overseas travels—especially to beloved destinations like Scotland and England—provide endless inspiration for the time-travel adventures and heartfelt romances she crafts.

A native Minnesotan, Angeline currently resides in Rochester, Minnesota, with her husband and three beloved dogs: active Aussies, Blue and Pippi—who are extremely smart but have no idea what personal space is—and her sweet senior rescue mutt, Oliver. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her lost in a good book or film, tackling home design projects, or cheering for her beloved Minnesota Vikings with the endless faith that they will win the Superbowl… someday.

Above all, she loves what she does every single day: telling unforgettable stories.

Follow her adventures on social media—she’s just about everywhere!

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5 stars
295 (43%)
4 stars
234 (34%)
3 stars
114 (16%)
2 stars
22 (3%)
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17 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Somia.
2,066 reviews169 followers
August 27, 2019
3.5 Enjoyable Stars

The Earl of Shaftesbury's Countess - Evelyn (Eve) Ashley-Cooper has endured 6 years of a highly oppressive marriage, but even now freed from her husband she finds herself as a widow struggling against the veneer of perfection that was forced on her. A hunger to be the wild, exuberant woman she was is matched by her fear that she will never regain her sense of self.

When the man she briefly met before her marriage, a man she was intensely drawn to reappears in her life, he finds herself slowly draw out of her shell. Francis MacKintosh, the Earl Glenrothes since having met the captivating Evelyn years ago, has become a man embittered, distrusting women due to a wife who publicly cuckold him, and took great delight in doing so. Finally achieving a scandalous divorce, he has no interest in women, until he once again comes across Evelyn.

This book is high in angst, and there is an emotional intensity underlining some of the character interactions and memories that had me aching for the heroine. The chemistry between the two is clear and ensures some steamy moments. That being said I do wish there had been more evidence of the bitterness Francis was consumed by and how meeting Evelyn once again, shed him of this.

Whilst I enjoyed this I will say this, Francis calling Evelyn ‘my paradise’ had me rolling my eyes a tad, the book could have done without the endearment as far as I’m concerned – it really didn’t work for me – in such moments it felt like the romance was somewhat contrived, luckily such moments were fleeting. Also, when he and Evelyn met for the second time before she was married, the hero’s behaviour was poorly done

I really wish Evelyn’s little boy had been a clearer and more direct component of the story, rather than just hearing about him for the first 45% of the book, I would have liked to have seen him interacting with his mother and others (whilst we see him a bit in the latter half of the book it wasn’t enough). I think the author missed out on adding a certain level of charm and possibly humour by not having him in scenes. Plus, at times the way in which the author depicted him, made him seem older than 5, I know he is meant to be a young lord but still.

I also wished the author had provided more interactions with Evelyn and her parents – interactions that had depth, as they could have added a very interesting dimension to the book.

There are some editing issues that need to be rectified at present – grammar issues and at times there is too much space given to writing about the internal thoughts of the main characters.

Potential Triggers:

99p on Amazon.
105 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2020
The premise is interesting and I felt for the poor abused heroine struggling with her emotional locks. But somehow the story didn't evolve, the characters didn't grow.
Profile Image for Jessica White.
501 reviews49 followers
August 3, 2025
I love taking a chance on a new to me historical romance author and had a lot of fun reading Angeline Fortin. Evelyn (Eve) and Francis meet on a London street and it’s clear they have instant attraction. Evelyn is hoping to hold out for a love match and wonders if Francis might be the answer to her singleness. Only problem is that he’s already married and she’s technically betrothed. Fast forward years later and neither Francis nor Eve have forgotten their chance encounter and wondered “what if” they had been able to court? At a ball in Scotland they find themselves both changed, both without spouses, and both still very physically attracted to one another.

I loved seeing a hero work at wooing the heroine, trying to prove to her all of the reasons they should be together. In some ways I got frustrated with Eve who even though has Francis fully available to her, still does not want to take the step towards marriage. I think maybe a little length could’ve been shaved off here because the story lulled just a little bit waiting on Eve to commit. The second act was quite a bit of fun and nothing I expected so if you like a little bit of intrigue and a plot twist with your romance then you’re in for a treat.

Philip Battley narrates this wonderfully. I liked getting to sample a bit of the narration prior to requesting the audio and chose to listen to this because I really enjoyed his voice. He does British aristocracy flawlessly and it was a nice surprise to have a male narrator for the entirety of a romance. Thank you to Tantor Audio for my early listening copy. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Steam: 🌟.5️⃣
Narration: 📣📣📣📣.5️⃣
Profile Image for Mariana.
725 reviews83 followers
September 4, 2020
Did not finish

Too slow. Idea was good but execution did not work for me. I can't put my finger on why. I just didn't relate or feel the characters' emotions. Sexually explicit but not successfully erotic. I made it to 65% before deciding I just don't care what happens, and I don't want to spend my time finishing.
Profile Image for Shana.
8 reviews6 followers
April 16, 2012
A nice light historical romance romp. The series of 3 novels helps to round out the characters.
Profile Image for Maggie .
95 reviews11 followers
February 3, 2015
The book really NEEDS proofreading!! It's difficult to go through all the typos, repeated or missed words and grammar errors to get to the story.
Profile Image for Sharon Kallenberger Marzola.
1,347 reviews19 followers
July 28, 2025
This was my first Angeline Fortin novel, and while the premise was strong and full of potential, the execution didn’t quite live up to the promise of the blurb.

The story follows Evelyn Ashley-Cooper, a spirited woman whose rebellious nature is crushed after being forced by her parents into a marriage of status over love. Her husband, the Earl of Shaftesbury, is emotionally and psychologically abusive, breaking Eve down through a series of punishments until she becomes a shell of her former self. Upon his death, Eve slowly begins reclaiming her independence. When Francis MacKintosh,an unforgettable figure from her past, reenters her life. She remembers his kindness, and hope flickers for a different future. However, trauma and the weight of their shared past threaten to unravel her again.

I found Eve and Francis to be compelling characters, and I appreciated the emotional weight of Eve’s healing journey. That said, the pacing dragged at times, and I found myself speeding up the narration to get through certain scenes. Some plot developments felt forced or historically inaccurate. In particular, I was curious about the interactions between Francis and his ex-wife. Her actions pulled me out of the story, making me wonder if it was possible, given that men had the upper hand at that time.

Another issue was missed opportunities for deeper character development. I wanted more insight into their pasts and emotional connections, which would have helped make their romance feel more grounded and earned.

Narrator Philip Battley does a decent job, delivering the dialogue with clarity and solid pacing, but it wasn’t enough to fully carry the story during the slower parts.

Despite its flaws, I see promise in the series. The ending sets up book two in an intriguing way, and I’m hopeful it will better capture the emotional depth and romantic tension hinted at here.
Profile Image for Brenda Ryckman.
19 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2020
I have had this book in my e-reader for years and just never got around to it. When I did finally do a tidy up of my e-reader I found I had the first 5 books in this series which told me I must have enjoyed the purchase blurb so I thought I would start this year with this series. Now I wonder what took me so long! I devoured all 7 current books and can not wait for the rest. I can only think that because I like to read a whole series in one attack that I was waiting for the rest but man-oh-man am I glad I chose this series to start the year off as there is no better way to begin. If you have not started collecting them yet I just saw the first 6 books in 1 handy box set so grab them & enjoy. Angelina Fortin will have you in tears and holding you sides from laughter in each of her books. I only hope she includes Temple's story before she finishes the set.
Minor spoiler alert, I just read a blurb for one of her new series and it looks like the next generation of MacIntosh men are getting into print already but I could be wrong. It could be just a coincidence that the name is recurring, but I sure hope I am not wrong.
I LOVE multi generational book sets.
👍 Keep up the GREAT work Angeline.
376 reviews
January 12, 2022
lots of suspense

After finishing this book, I had the impression I had read 2-3 books in one. There were so many twists and turns, so much action, so many emotional roller coasters, it was confusing. There is a story in itself when she meets our hero, Francis. The beginning was pretty hilarious… I loved it. Then we go forward to our heroine (Evelyn’s) widowhood, her meeting with her childhood love (Francis), then, oops, her deceased husband comes back, apparently not deceased. Then we discover her evil husband has become more or less insane as he starts killing off people, all in an attempt to destroy her life, presumably because she loves another man. Whew! It was certainly entertaining. But I confess I prefer books to be less macabre. Also, there was too much graphic sexual content for my taste. And there were many grammatical errors and typos. But if you love lots of action and suspense, this book is for you.
Profile Image for Jayna.
1,255 reviews12 followers
July 21, 2025
They briefly meet (measured in minutes, not hours), instantly fall in love, share a kiss, do not see each other for years. They meet again and still in insta-love. Insta-love to the extreme. There is virtually no interaction before they are in love. Then they are in lust and constantly have sex.

I can't say there is no character development, as the author did give them some issues to overcome, but it is very little.

There is a very predictable climax.

For all that this is kind of lacking, I did like some of the side characters and may continue the series.

Philip Battley narrates. It is told in many POVs (not just Evelyn and Francis), so I guess dual narrators wouldn't have exactly worked here. But I wanted more.

I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Book Him Danno.
2,399 reviews78 followers
February 14, 2018
A novel of star crossed lovers who are torn apart after a very brief meeting. He is married and she is wed to an Earl by her parents who are seeking a title for her. Fast forward 8 years and change locales to Scotland. She is just finishing up a year of mourning, her very controlling husband was lost at sea and had been declared dead, and she is very pleased. Enter the man who was married and is also an Earl. After a bitter divorce he has rarely been seen public and does not socialize. It is by chance he again encounters the now Countess and sparks begin to ignite their long dormant love. This is a love story that will keep your interest from beginning to be,

I have rated this book 4 stars.

I obtained this book from Amazon in Kindle format.
Thank you Frank
302 reviews
August 22, 2020
True Love Doesn't Come Easy

This was a fascinating read. I gave it 4 stars. I found myself unable to quit reading once I stared this tale. The two main characters find each other early in the story but are not given a happy ending. The reader takes a six year journey with each character into their separate life experiences during that span of time. There were some very shattering scenes of her abusive marriage. Background about his martial story is also given.
But as with all good stories they find each other again. It isn't easy, there are trials and interesting tribulations in order for a happy ending.
1,292 reviews11 followers
July 15, 2025
This book was a solid 3.5*. I liked the narrator who performed the various accents well. The romance itself was lacking a bit. I mean, Frances and Evelyn are meant to each other, but why?? Also, Evelyn just took her personality change a little too far. It was so contrived. I really liked Frances and his family, very supportive, very close and sometimes cheeky.

Overall, it was a decent read, but I felt something was missing in the romance front.

#netgalley #AQuestionofLove
Profile Image for PollyAnna Joy.
Author 4 books27 followers
October 23, 2025
Francis & Eve

For some reason, I struggled to begin A Question of Love. Clearly, I had been intrigued enough by the blurb to have purchased the book, though. I am very glad I prevailed. I honestly thought the guy having the most recent affair with Vanessa was Jack! I do love a love-at-first-sight story, especially when the man falls hard and fast and remains steadfast throughout everything attempting to keep the lovers apart. *le sigh* *sa-wooon*
116 reviews
January 5, 2018
I'm torn about this book. I loved the premise, how two people meet and then years later they reconnect against all odds to fight the troubles they've been through. But for some reason I felt that it was lacking in some undefineable way. Worth reading but most likely won't read the rest of the series..
Profile Image for Sharon Eikenberry-Deary.
732 reviews5 followers
June 21, 2018
You find your soulmate

Evie and Francis meet by accident both we in awe of each other. When Evie found she had to marry she ran to Francis this when she found he was married. Eight years later they see each other. The story of there lives have hardened them both but thru love and slot of ups and downs they found the best true love
Profile Image for Lori.
773 reviews3 followers
July 15, 2024
A Second Chance At Love

When Eves dad chose the man for her to marry, he didnt know what she would go through. Then news reached her that her husband William, Earl of Shaftedbury was dead, so she chose to go on with life. And she gets her second chance at love with Francis, Earl of Glenrothes who divorced his first wife. So read and see if they have a happy ending.
83 reviews
April 12, 2019
Oh gosh I loved this book

Great book! Enjoyed it very much, I will recommend it. This author is becoming one of my favorite ones, I have purchased two of her books being Laird of all time one of them and I will keep buying more.
9 reviews
May 22, 2020
No time travel

Good but not my cup of tea. I like the time travel novels much more. If you are into romance these are good, I’m a SF person and enjoy time travel books romance or otherwise. I have read the other series she has written and enjoyed them much more.
Profile Image for Barbara Michael.
333 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2018
What an adventure

I loved the characters. and the stories behind each one. The plot was such that it kept my interest thru out the story.
1,363 reviews8 followers
August 11, 2019
Actually a better story than the synopsis indicated. I enjoyed this longer length Regency romance.
2 reviews
July 23, 2020
An exciting rollercoaster

loved the story of Eve and Francis. A love lost but they found each other again. whitty, funny and thrilling at times.
21 reviews
October 3, 2020
Loved this book.

Finally a book that held my interest intensely. This story had so much drama, intriguing plots that I could hardly stop reading
69 reviews
June 2, 2022
I love the chemistry between Eve and Francis, the action and the romance, but I wish there is more plot evolving around Laurie, sometimes I feel that Eve kind of forgetting her son.
1,405 reviews
July 26, 2022
Enjoyed this book immensely! Lots of interesting characters, and many arcs.
Profile Image for Chandra.
371 reviews24 followers
January 5, 2014
GENRE: Romance fiction, Victorian era, Historical romance

SETTING: New York, London, Scotland

SYNOPSIS
She feels she met the perfect man. He is drawn to her at first sight. Life sends them both in totally different directions only to meet again years later.

CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTER: She moved with her family from affluent America to being a spitfire in high society England during the Victorian era. Later she loses herself, caring only about what other people think of her and on meeting the demands and expectations of high society.

CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: He has been cheated and believes that marriage is not for him. With his Scottish burr, he becomes a recluse and no longer smiles or enjoys life; all because of the women referred to by his brothers and one sister as, "Francis' damned wife"

WHAT I LIKED: Enough pages to read and read and to really read as in reading a book. YAY. Leaves something to the imagination WITHOUT the sexual overload found in many romance fiction books.

WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: Monotonous reminders of her difficulty in returning to the person she was earlier in her life. I also knew where each overall transition in the story was going without details...."Well gee, no surprise there. I knew where that one was going".

TYPICAL ROMANCE STUFF:
Well guess what !!!! NO cunts; NO his shaft; NO his groin; NO concentration on virginity. YES...some tongue trailing across the body but nothing heavy. More STORYLINE than "sexual acts".

FOUR of Five stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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