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Her Countess to Cherish
Miss Beatrice Everson has managed to marry the Earl of Sinclair, solving her family’s disastrous financial problems for good. She should be the happiest woman in London, but a less than satisfactory wedding night has Beatrice fleeing her husband and planning an affair with the dashing Mr. George Smith.
Lady Georgina Smith has a secret she must keep at all costs: she divides her time running a bluestocking salon as Gina, and carousing across London as George. Captivated by Beatrice’s wit and charm, Georgina realizes that her secret is in danger—along with her heart.
When Beatrice discovers that her wedding night has resulted in an unexpected pregnancy, she sees an opportunity to have it all by divorcing Sinclair and marrying George. However, Georgina isn’t sure that a lifetime spent as a man is staying true to herself. Beatrice and Georgina must risk giving up their secrets to finally have their heart’s desire. But is the risk too great to take?
Lady Georgina Smith has a secret she must keep at all costs: she divides her time running a bluestocking salon as Gina, and carousing across London as George. Captivated by Beatrice’s wit and charm, Georgina realizes that her secret is in danger—along with her heart.
When Beatrice discovers that her wedding night has resulted in an unexpected pregnancy, she sees an opportunity to have it all by divorcing Sinclair and marrying George. However, Georgina isn’t sure that a lifetime spent as a man is staying true to herself. Beatrice and Georgina must risk giving up their secrets to finally have their heart’s desire. But is the risk too great to take?
242 pages, Paperback
First published August 10, 2021
About the author
Jane Walsh
8 books65 followersJane Walsh is a queer historical romance novelist published by Bold Strokes Books who loves everything Regency. She is delighted to have the opportunity to put her studies in history and costume design to good use by writing love stories. Jane’s happily ever after is centered on her wife and their cat and their cozy home together in Canada. You can find her at www.janewalshwrites.com and discover all her latest releases at www.boldstrokesbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 23, 2021
“Her Countess to Cherish” is a sequel to Jane Walsh’s “Her Lady to Love.” This is a slow-burn regency romance featuring a bisexual/bigender couple. It also includes a pretty big cast of queer characters with a wide array of sexualities and genders.
Beatrice (Bea) Everson has finally connived herself into marriage with the Earl of Sinclair. After a disastrous night together, Bea runs off to the countryside to spend time with Jacquie and Nora, the mains from “Her Lady to Love.” After arriving, she realizes Lady Georgina (Gina) Smith and her cousin George Smith are already guests. She doesn’t care for Gina too much but she likes to flirt with George. Bea has no idea Gina and George are the same person. Georgina is bigender and goes by Gina/George depending on how they feel that day.
I’ll admit I wasn’t crazy about Bea in “Her Lady to Love” and in the beginning she’s not too changed from that. I was interested in seeing what Walsh would do with her to get her to change my mind about Bea deserving a happily ever after. She’s still manipulative, snobby, and selfish and I found it difficult to like her for a good portion of the book. In learning her history, it was easier to see why she behaved the way she did even if I didn’t always agree with the way she about things. Georgina on the other hand, I loved from the very beginning. They are truly a kind-hearted person and spends their time trying to make things equal for all by running a bluestocking salon. Georgina is visiting Nora and Jacquie as they are hoping to start another branch of the salon Georgina started in London.
The two of them together brought some funny moments as their personalities are polar opposites. It was especially amusing because Bea doesn’t realize George and Gina are the same person for a while and that lead to a lot of situational humor that I enjoyed. At first glance these two should not get along. They have extremely different views on everything. Bea just wants to spend her time shopping and socializing while Georgina spends all their time trying to make change, especially for women and queer people. They were alike in one aspect. Neither had ever really felt accepted as who they were for different reasons. I liked seeing how them accepting each other as who they truly were changed each of them in turn. In their acceptance they were each able to grow and have more fulfilling lives.
My only real complaint was the pacing. It’s slow-burn, which I loved, but then the last quarter or so felt rushed. Otherwise, this is a fun queer regency romance. Walsh clearly spent time researching as it felt authentic to me.
Like I said, this is a sequel and can be read as a standalone, however, I recommend reading “Her Lady to Love” first to get a better understanding of all the characters and really appreciate the Bea’s change.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Beatrice (Bea) Everson has finally connived herself into marriage with the Earl of Sinclair. After a disastrous night together, Bea runs off to the countryside to spend time with Jacquie and Nora, the mains from “Her Lady to Love.” After arriving, she realizes Lady Georgina (Gina) Smith and her cousin George Smith are already guests. She doesn’t care for Gina too much but she likes to flirt with George. Bea has no idea Gina and George are the same person. Georgina is bigender and goes by Gina/George depending on how they feel that day.
I’ll admit I wasn’t crazy about Bea in “Her Lady to Love” and in the beginning she’s not too changed from that. I was interested in seeing what Walsh would do with her to get her to change my mind about Bea deserving a happily ever after. She’s still manipulative, snobby, and selfish and I found it difficult to like her for a good portion of the book. In learning her history, it was easier to see why she behaved the way she did even if I didn’t always agree with the way she about things. Georgina on the other hand, I loved from the very beginning. They are truly a kind-hearted person and spends their time trying to make things equal for all by running a bluestocking salon. Georgina is visiting Nora and Jacquie as they are hoping to start another branch of the salon Georgina started in London.
The two of them together brought some funny moments as their personalities are polar opposites. It was especially amusing because Bea doesn’t realize George and Gina are the same person for a while and that lead to a lot of situational humor that I enjoyed. At first glance these two should not get along. They have extremely different views on everything. Bea just wants to spend her time shopping and socializing while Georgina spends all their time trying to make change, especially for women and queer people. They were alike in one aspect. Neither had ever really felt accepted as who they were for different reasons. I liked seeing how them accepting each other as who they truly were changed each of them in turn. In their acceptance they were each able to grow and have more fulfilling lives.
My only real complaint was the pacing. It’s slow-burn, which I loved, but then the last quarter or so felt rushed. Otherwise, this is a fun queer regency romance. Walsh clearly spent time researching as it felt authentic to me.
Like I said, this is a sequel and can be read as a standalone, however, I recommend reading “Her Lady to Love” first to get a better understanding of all the characters and really appreciate the Bea’s change.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 7, 2021
Woke historical romance.
I rarely go for queer historical romances. The only ones I've read are from Jae, who did an incredible job with them. But I developed a liking for storylines about women dressed up as men in historical times after reading Backwards to Oregon, so I decided to give this a try.
I'm not entirely in love with this story but unlike other people, my issue isn't with the characters. Many people find Bea manipulative and self-serving and though that might be true, it didn't bother me at all. I also like Georgina (George / Gina) who is sweet, considerate and gentlemanly and I like them as a pair.
But this book isn't only queer. It is also woke and I find it hard to reconcile modern concepts of sexuality and gender fluidity with the regency era. It felt unrealistic and it was hard for me to be on board with it. The universe that is being set up is homonormative. Almost all the characters are queer and the rest who aren't, are accepting and inclusive. There are also conversations between characters on Georgina's gender identity issues (They identify sometimes as a man and sometimes as a woman) and of women's rights that are definitely better had in the 21st century than the early 19th century.
This book is not bad but it just didn't turn out as I had expected and I found it hard to click with it. But for those who are considering giving this a try, you might like to know that the characters of this book also appear in another book called Her Lady to Love that mainly features Lady Honora and Jacqueline, who now live together in a Boston marriage and in a residence where this book is mostly set in.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I rarely go for queer historical romances. The only ones I've read are from Jae, who did an incredible job with them. But I developed a liking for storylines about women dressed up as men in historical times after reading Backwards to Oregon, so I decided to give this a try.
I'm not entirely in love with this story but unlike other people, my issue isn't with the characters. Many people find Bea manipulative and self-serving and though that might be true, it didn't bother me at all. I also like Georgina (George / Gina) who is sweet, considerate and gentlemanly and I like them as a pair.
But this book isn't only queer. It is also woke and I find it hard to reconcile modern concepts of sexuality and gender fluidity with the regency era. It felt unrealistic and it was hard for me to be on board with it. The universe that is being set up is homonormative. Almost all the characters are queer and the rest who aren't, are accepting and inclusive. There are also conversations between characters on Georgina's gender identity issues (They identify sometimes as a man and sometimes as a woman) and of women's rights that are definitely better had in the 21st century than the early 19th century.
This book is not bad but it just didn't turn out as I had expected and I found it hard to click with it. But for those who are considering giving this a try, you might like to know that the characters of this book also appear in another book called Her Lady to Love that mainly features Lady Honora and Jacqueline, who now live together in a Boston marriage and in a residence where this book is mostly set in.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2021
Oh wow, this pleasantly surprised me! While I enjoyed Her Lady to Love, nothing about it wowed me, so I was expecting more of the same with this book. But in Her Countess to Cherish, I was impressed with the the plot, the pacing, and the development of the romance and characters. I think that fans of the Feminine Pursuits series by Olivia Waite will enjoy this book because it contains cute tender moments, feminist badassery, friends supporting each other, wholesome queer side characters, and of course, well-researched Regency details!!
Miss Beatrice Everson (27, m-spec), the haughty and flippant daughter of a financially unstable family, is unsatisfied with her sham marriage and promptly escapes to the countryside to visit her friends. While I didn’t like Beatrice much at all in the first book, I’m happy to say I ended up really liking her by the end of this one! Her character development was wonderful to see, and when her likable qualities are revealed, it’s not at all like she turns into a completely different person. Yes, Bea is still a very flawed person with a checkered past, but she’s certainly not beyond redemption.
Georgina Smith (31, bigender, m-spec) has devoted her life to making knowledge more accessible. While she was my favorite character in Her Lady to Love, it seemed like she might’ve been one of those characters who was just too perfect. However, in this book, we see that Georgina is also a flawed person who’s prone to occasional selfishness, and that there are gaps in his (albeit very enlightened) view of the world that Beatrice can help to fill. I love the nuanced descriptions of his bigender identity: for example, how you can usually tell his gender (and therefore, if he wants to be addressed as George or Gina) by the way he’s dressed, but how sometimes certain functions call for him to present as the gender that conflicts with his actual gender that day.
The romance is well-developed and the MCs’ chemistry is so cute! It’s an opposites-attract slow burn with touches of mistaken identity and dislike-to-love. At first Beatrice is romantically into roguish George, but finds his "cousin" Gina to be a boring scholar whose interests vehemently clash with Bea’s preference for a luxurious lifestyle. I love how Bea comes to unconditionally love and respect both genders and all sides of Georgina, and how Georgina is quick to see that there’s a lot to love about Bea. There are countless cute moments for lovers of the little things like me (lake scene, anyone????), and I just love how everything turns out for them in the end!
Lastly, I can’t not mention the lovely cast of queer side charaacters! Nora, Jacquie, Phin, and Hawthorne from the first book are back, as well as some new characters including Georgina’s wonderful transgender valet, Legrand, and a 19th-century drag queen who goes by Petty Mischief. There’s also some focus on the raiding of gay male bars, called “molly-houses,” and how Georgina begins steps to work against this. I appreciated how this unpleasant yet important aspect of history was included.
In short, this book satisfied my ever-constant desire for good queer historical romance. I loved getting to intimately know these two side characters from Her Lady to Love: one who seemed reprehensible and one who seemed nearly flawless, but who are actually both kindhearted, flawed people who complement each other wonderfully!
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Miss Beatrice Everson (27, m-spec), the haughty and flippant daughter of a financially unstable family, is unsatisfied with her sham marriage and promptly escapes to the countryside to visit her friends. While I didn’t like Beatrice much at all in the first book, I’m happy to say I ended up really liking her by the end of this one! Her character development was wonderful to see, and when her likable qualities are revealed, it’s not at all like she turns into a completely different person. Yes, Bea is still a very flawed person with a checkered past, but she’s certainly not beyond redemption.
Georgina Smith (31, bigender, m-spec) has devoted her life to making knowledge more accessible. While she was my favorite character in Her Lady to Love, it seemed like she might’ve been one of those characters who was just too perfect. However, in this book, we see that Georgina is also a flawed person who’s prone to occasional selfishness, and that there are gaps in his (albeit very enlightened) view of the world that Beatrice can help to fill. I love the nuanced descriptions of his bigender identity: for example, how you can usually tell his gender (and therefore, if he wants to be addressed as George or Gina) by the way he’s dressed, but how sometimes certain functions call for him to present as the gender that conflicts with his actual gender that day.
The romance is well-developed and the MCs’ chemistry is so cute! It’s an opposites-attract slow burn with touches of mistaken identity and dislike-to-love. At first Beatrice is romantically into roguish George, but finds his "cousin" Gina to be a boring scholar whose interests vehemently clash with Bea’s preference for a luxurious lifestyle. I love how Bea comes to unconditionally love and respect both genders and all sides of Georgina, and how Georgina is quick to see that there’s a lot to love about Bea. There are countless cute moments for lovers of the little things like me (lake scene, anyone????), and I just love how everything turns out for them in the end!
Lastly, I can’t not mention the lovely cast of queer side charaacters! Nora, Jacquie, Phin, and Hawthorne from the first book are back, as well as some new characters including Georgina’s wonderful transgender valet, Legrand, and a 19th-century drag queen who goes by Petty Mischief. There’s also some focus on the raiding of gay male bars, called “molly-houses,” and how Georgina begins steps to work against this. I appreciated how this unpleasant yet important aspect of history was included.
In short, this book satisfied my ever-constant desire for good queer historical romance. I loved getting to intimately know these two side characters from Her Lady to Love: one who seemed reprehensible and one who seemed nearly flawless, but who are actually both kindhearted, flawed people who complement each other wonderfully!
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2022
3.8 stars
I liked this second book in this series much more than the first ‘My Lady to Love’. The characters and the story had more depth. Maybe the writing was better also. There were a lot of repetitions in the first book, which made the story not only feel superficial but also chopped. Here the writing and the story flowed nicely. I love historical romances and this time Walsh delivered for me, so I am glad that I tried this second book even though the first one disappointed me a little. Though I still think that some parts of the book are not very realistic I didn’t mind that this time. It’s positive to think that maybe queer people in the early 1800 supported each other though I don’t believe there was aS much openness as the book suggests. Between reading this book and we this review I’ve also read the third book ‘Het Duchess to Desire’ which I liked even more. I think lovers of historical romance will like ‘ Her Countess to Cherish’ and ‘Her Duchess to Desire’.
I liked this second book in this series much more than the first ‘My Lady to Love’. The characters and the story had more depth. Maybe the writing was better also. There were a lot of repetitions in the first book, which made the story not only feel superficial but also chopped. Here the writing and the story flowed nicely. I love historical romances and this time Walsh delivered for me, so I am glad that I tried this second book even though the first one disappointed me a little. Though I still think that some parts of the book are not very realistic I didn’t mind that this time. It’s positive to think that maybe queer people in the early 1800 supported each other though I don’t believe there was aS much openness as the book suggests. Between reading this book and we this review I’ve also read the third book ‘Het Duchess to Desire’ which I liked even more. I think lovers of historical romance will like ‘ Her Countess to Cherish’ and ‘Her Duchess to Desire’.
June 20, 2022
utter perfection
longer review to come, but this blew me away!!!it’s easily one of the best books I’ve read this year🙌🏼 Ty Kelleen for the rec!
longer review to come, but this blew me away!!!it’s easily one of the best books I’ve read this year🙌🏼 Ty Kelleen for the rec!
July 25, 2022
I love a nasty heroine, I really do. Beatrice knows what she needs and she knows how to get it, but also she didn't build the walls around her for no reason, you know? I identify so strongly with saying something mean, and regretting it, but you've already committed to being a b*tch and you can't go back now bc you can't let anyone know you have Feelings, so you just have to stealthily be kind while outwardly being awful. #relatable queen.
ALSO!! Georgina is so lovely, and I've never read a bigender character written the way that he is. His needing to pretend to be two different people in society and Beatrice's opposing feelings regarding each of them made for SUCH a fun premise, but I was really glad that Georgina's opening up to Beatrice about who she is was on her own terms rather than being played up for dramatic effect, which was a possibility that concerned me. It really shouldn't have; Jane Walsh takes such care with her characters and allows their relationships to blossom very naturally.
And my final thought, without spoilers—the ending is not at all the one I expected, but it's the one we all deserved.
CW: police violence, infidelity, sexual content
ALSO!! Georgina is so lovely, and I've never read a bigender character written the way that he is. His needing to pretend to be two different people in society and Beatrice's opposing feelings regarding each of them made for SUCH a fun premise, but I was really glad that Georgina's opening up to Beatrice about who she is was on her own terms rather than being played up for dramatic effect, which was a possibility that concerned me. It really shouldn't have; Jane Walsh takes such care with her characters and allows their relationships to blossom very naturally.
And my final thought, without spoilers—the ending is not at all the one I expected, but it's the one we all deserved.
CW: police violence, infidelity, sexual content
September 13, 2021
(2.5)
Rep: bi mc, bi bigender mc, achillean, lesbian & gnc side characters, Black & Indian side characters
Rep: bi mc, bi bigender mc, achillean, lesbian & gnc side characters, Black & Indian side characters
July 18, 2021
Okay, this was a pleasant surprise that I really, really enjoyed! It's the second book in a series (but can be read as a standalone) and is a F/F romance set in the regency era - just that simple fact made me sold for the concept. It's rare to find historical romances with queer characters and I absolutely loved the diverse cast we got in this book.
Beatrice and Georgina are the couple we get to follow this time and the start of their story is... complicated. You see, Georgina identifies as both a man (George) and woman (Gina). In other words the plot isn't exactly what you think. Georgina doesn't disguise herself/himself as a man to be able to do stuff women wasn't allowed to do back in that time, it is because she/he identifies as both genders.
"She was herself and also himself . She was both ."
Aaaaand Bea happens to fall in love with George, while she more or less hates Gina. So it's definitely complicated, but it all falls were nicely into place as the story proceeds.
At first I had a hard time liking Beatrice, but she did grow on me. What I also have come to understand after reading some reviews of the first book, Her lady to love , is that her character was not likable at all in that book. So I'm glad I got to read this one first and get a better impression of her (even though it was a rocky start). Or maybe I would have liked it all the same since she redeems herself quite good anyway.
However, I found Georgina interesting from the very beginning and I loved reading chapters from both George's and Gina's PoV. It added an another depth to her/his character which I really liked seeing.
Side note, the side characters were great as well and I loved that Bea and Georgina weren't the only queer couple we got to read about, but also Jacquie and Nora (from the first book), Hawthorne (a duke) and Phineas, and also establishments where people from the LGBTQ+ community could get together as a, more or less, safe space. But women were still not allowed there...
Overall, a book that I thoroughly enjoyed with an interesting setting and complex, and flawed, characters that really makes me want to read more by Jane Walsh.
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books for providing me this ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Beatrice and Georgina are the couple we get to follow this time and the start of their story is... complicated. You see, Georgina identifies as both a man (George) and woman (Gina). In other words the plot isn't exactly what you think. Georgina doesn't disguise herself/himself as a man to be able to do stuff women wasn't allowed to do back in that time, it is because she/he identifies as both genders.
"She was herself and also himself . She was both ."
Aaaaand Bea happens to fall in love with George, while she more or less hates Gina. So it's definitely complicated, but it all falls were nicely into place as the story proceeds.
At first I had a hard time liking Beatrice, but she did grow on me. What I also have come to understand after reading some reviews of the first book, Her lady to love , is that her character was not likable at all in that book. So I'm glad I got to read this one first and get a better impression of her (even though it was a rocky start). Or maybe I would have liked it all the same since she redeems herself quite good anyway.
However, I found Georgina interesting from the very beginning and I loved reading chapters from both George's and Gina's PoV. It added an another depth to her/his character which I really liked seeing.
Side note, the side characters were great as well and I loved that Bea and Georgina weren't the only queer couple we got to read about, but also Jacquie and Nora (from the first book), Hawthorne (a duke) and Phineas, and also establishments where people from the LGBTQ+ community could get together as a, more or less, safe space. But women were still not allowed there...
Overall, a book that I thoroughly enjoyed with an interesting setting and complex, and flawed, characters that really makes me want to read more by Jane Walsh.
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books for providing me this ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 11, 2022
RE-READ: July 2022
This was as wonderful during the re-read as I remember it being. I think I maybe even loved it make the second time around. Great characters, wonderful romance and an interesting story.
4/5 stars
This was absolutely fantastic! It perfectly combined my love for period dramas in film with a wonderful wlw romance. I don't often read historical romance (I honestly don't know why), but this book really makes me want to jump back into the genre. This was definitely a case of going in with little expectations, and coming out finding a new author that I love, characters floating around in my head for days afterwards and a compelling romance.
Although I am definitely no expert in history, it was so clear that the author knew what she was talking about. I felt so immersed into the time period in every aspect of the story, from the language to the dress and social expectations. This really pulled on my love for period drama films, which I grew up on, so it felt as if I was in my very own historical romance. This really added a feeling of warmth to the book for me, like I wanted to be curled in front of a fire reading this. The setting also just added a whole new level of interest for me. As someone that loves history, I enjoyed just being in the time, going to the balls and being immersed in a different time. That is definitely something this book did really well.
I loved the diversity of characters we had here, not only in terms of sexuality and gender identity, but also in terms of personality. As a Queer reader, I am always happy for some good representation, so I loved Georgina and their experience with gender fluidity. I also really loved that there was no big fanfare of homophobia or bigotry against them. While their was mention on judgement being passed against these characters, as is to be expected, it really didn't weigh the book down. While Gina was a caring, honourable and intelligent character, Beatrice was much more fiery, confident and unapologetic. I loved them both and together they were even better. Their romance really flew off the page, sweeping me up in this epic romance that felt equal parts down to earth and like a love story of the ages.
After finishing this I am looking forward to reading so much more from this author, I was so pleasantly surprised by this book!
This was as wonderful during the re-read as I remember it being. I think I maybe even loved it make the second time around. Great characters, wonderful romance and an interesting story.
4/5 stars
This was absolutely fantastic! It perfectly combined my love for period dramas in film with a wonderful wlw romance. I don't often read historical romance (I honestly don't know why), but this book really makes me want to jump back into the genre. This was definitely a case of going in with little expectations, and coming out finding a new author that I love, characters floating around in my head for days afterwards and a compelling romance.
Although I am definitely no expert in history, it was so clear that the author knew what she was talking about. I felt so immersed into the time period in every aspect of the story, from the language to the dress and social expectations. This really pulled on my love for period drama films, which I grew up on, so it felt as if I was in my very own historical romance. This really added a feeling of warmth to the book for me, like I wanted to be curled in front of a fire reading this. The setting also just added a whole new level of interest for me. As someone that loves history, I enjoyed just being in the time, going to the balls and being immersed in a different time. That is definitely something this book did really well.
I loved the diversity of characters we had here, not only in terms of sexuality and gender identity, but also in terms of personality. As a Queer reader, I am always happy for some good representation, so I loved Georgina and their experience with gender fluidity. I also really loved that there was no big fanfare of homophobia or bigotry against them. While their was mention on judgement being passed against these characters, as is to be expected, it really didn't weigh the book down. While Gina was a caring, honourable and intelligent character, Beatrice was much more fiery, confident and unapologetic. I loved them both and together they were even better. Their romance really flew off the page, sweeping me up in this epic romance that felt equal parts down to earth and like a love story of the ages.
After finishing this I am looking forward to reading so much more from this author, I was so pleasantly surprised by this book!
August 9, 2021
This is the queer sapphic regency romance of my dreams. A prickly bisexual heroine, an earnest bigender bluestocking lead, queers all around. This is exactly what I want in a romance novel.
Bea has a rivalry with Gina, has a crush on George, and does not know they're the same person! It's such a delight.
(A quick note on gender pronouns: Georgina is bigender, and uses she/her and the name Gina on some days, and he/him and the name George on other days.)
This book is so complex and honest, while being hilarious and joyful at the same time. It tackles the intricacies of friendship between queer women, and what it takes to build community. There are such satisfying arcs for both Bea and Georgina, and there's an immensely satisfying ending that really is a happily ever after. One thing that's magnificent about this book is that it takes these beloved tropes - "heroine" in pants, bluestocking, mistaken identity, marriage of convenience - and queers them so deftly. It is also so deeply romantic. The idea of being seen fully and seeing someone else in return, beyond prejudice and misconception, beyond social conventions and personal flaws, is the beating heart of this book. It's so beautiful and raw and powerful.
I love reading about queers finding community, thriving, and working for change in their world in the past. One of the things I love about reading historicals, and especially historicals with queer, disabled, BIPOC, and other marginalized leads, is that it reminds me that we have always been here. We have always been falling in love and finding joy and working make the world around us better for ourselves and people like us. It makes me think about ancestry, and about the resilience of myself and my communities. It makes me grateful and it makes me proud and it makes me feel seen. And this book is all of that.
If you loved Sarah MacLean's Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover but also love you books queer as hell, this one's for you. Her Countess to Cherish quickly became a favorite read, and I absolutely recommend starting with the first in the series, Her Lady to Love, for even more queer sapphic regency joy.
Big big thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for this ARC!
CW: Police violence, cheating (not between leads)
Bea has a rivalry with Gina, has a crush on George, and does not know they're the same person! It's such a delight.
(A quick note on gender pronouns: Georgina is bigender, and uses she/her and the name Gina on some days, and he/him and the name George on other days.)
This book is so complex and honest, while being hilarious and joyful at the same time. It tackles the intricacies of friendship between queer women, and what it takes to build community. There are such satisfying arcs for both Bea and Georgina, and there's an immensely satisfying ending that really is a happily ever after. One thing that's magnificent about this book is that it takes these beloved tropes - "heroine" in pants, bluestocking, mistaken identity, marriage of convenience - and queers them so deftly. It is also so deeply romantic. The idea of being seen fully and seeing someone else in return, beyond prejudice and misconception, beyond social conventions and personal flaws, is the beating heart of this book. It's so beautiful and raw and powerful.
I love reading about queers finding community, thriving, and working for change in their world in the past. One of the things I love about reading historicals, and especially historicals with queer, disabled, BIPOC, and other marginalized leads, is that it reminds me that we have always been here. We have always been falling in love and finding joy and working make the world around us better for ourselves and people like us. It makes me think about ancestry, and about the resilience of myself and my communities. It makes me grateful and it makes me proud and it makes me feel seen. And this book is all of that.
If you loved Sarah MacLean's Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover but also love you books queer as hell, this one's for you. Her Countess to Cherish quickly became a favorite read, and I absolutely recommend starting with the first in the series, Her Lady to Love, for even more queer sapphic regency joy.
Big big thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for this ARC!
CW: Police violence, cheating (not between leads)
September 1, 2021
I learned, after reading this, that there's a book before this one that introduces us to at least Beatrice. Or, shall I say, Lady Beatrice Sinclair now, after dragging her family out of poverty by marrying Lord Sinclair and having him pay off her father's debts. He's cold and sneering toward her, since she threw herself at him and she and her family apparently ran off the woman he was supposed to marry. Bea isn't really excited about Sinclair, and the day after their wedding and her first night providing wifely duties, she flees to the country to stay with a friend for awhile.
Said friend is living with a friend of her own - who just happens to be the woman Bea shoved aside in order to marry Sinclair. While she and Bea are a little frosty to start, it turns out Bea did her a favor, because now she gets to live with the woman she loves instead of the man she doesn't.
We then meet Georgina Smith, who is also staying, and Bea takes an immediate dislike to her. To me, it seemed that Bea was projecting, because I found Bea to bea not a terribly nice person: she was snobbish, selfish, sour, and unthinking. What Georgina saw in her was a mystery to me, but I know, instalove.
Speaking of instalove, Bea was charmed by George Smith, Georgina's cousin and someone she met at her wedding. Such Bea's luck that George is also staying at this house in the country, too! She hopes to run into him there (spoiler: she does, mainly in the library).
I think what amazed me most about this book is just how many LGBTQI+ people are in this tiny town. It seemed like you couldn't swing a dead cat around without hitting someone that fit somewhere in that group.
One thing I can give this book is that the principals don't immediately fall into bed with one another. It's more of a slow burn of a romance, although I still wasn't a fan of Bea along the way.
Bea finds out she's pregnant, and decides she will divorce Sinclair and marry George instead, without bothering to talk to George about it, which leads to some rockiness. Eventually, she disposes of that idea, and admits to Sinclair she is pregnant but shock of all shocks, he's suddenly turned into an ultra caring, forgiving, and entirely other person in the three months she's been gone. They come up with a solution, and everyone's story wraps up like a nice little gift.
It's always nice to see books with gay+ main characters,but this really struck me as something written as a message book, with long discussions that would be more suitable to 2021 than 1800 England. I'm not opposed to message books per se; my problem comes when virtually every piece of the book is a message the reader is hit over the head with time and again. The ending was rather forced and tidy, but at least there were no loose ends.
I'm going with three stars out of five.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the reading copy.
Said friend is living with a friend of her own - who just happens to be the woman Bea shoved aside in order to marry Sinclair. While she and Bea are a little frosty to start, it turns out Bea did her a favor, because now she gets to live with the woman she loves instead of the man she doesn't.
We then meet Georgina Smith, who is also staying, and Bea takes an immediate dislike to her. To me, it seemed that Bea was projecting, because I found Bea to bea not a terribly nice person: she was snobbish, selfish, sour, and unthinking. What Georgina saw in her was a mystery to me, but I know, instalove.
Speaking of instalove, Bea was charmed by George Smith, Georgina's cousin and someone she met at her wedding. Such Bea's luck that George is also staying at this house in the country, too! She hopes to run into him there (spoiler: she does, mainly in the library).
I think what amazed me most about this book is just how many LGBTQI+ people are in this tiny town. It seemed like you couldn't swing a dead cat around without hitting someone that fit somewhere in that group.
One thing I can give this book is that the principals don't immediately fall into bed with one another. It's more of a slow burn of a romance, although I still wasn't a fan of Bea along the way.
Bea finds out she's pregnant, and decides she will divorce Sinclair and marry George instead, without bothering to talk to George about it, which leads to some rockiness. Eventually, she disposes of that idea, and admits to Sinclair she is pregnant but shock of all shocks, he's suddenly turned into an ultra caring, forgiving, and entirely other person in the three months she's been gone. They come up with a solution, and everyone's story wraps up like a nice little gift.
It's always nice to see books with gay+ main characters,but this really struck me as something written as a message book, with long discussions that would be more suitable to 2021 than 1800 England. I'm not opposed to message books per se; my problem comes when virtually every piece of the book is a message the reader is hit over the head with time and again. The ending was rather forced and tidy, but at least there were no loose ends.
I'm going with three stars out of five.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the reading copy.
September 8, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an e-ARC of this book.
*Review contains minor spoilers*
This book was an extremely sweet, slow burn, regency era romance. It has a huge cast of queer characters. The main characters have fluid sexualities and gender identities. I was worried that difficulties or struggles the characters face the would be central to the plot, but it was refreshing and so enjoyable to see a historical queer romance where characters grappling with homophobia/transphobia/discrimination wasn’t the focal point of the story. I couldn’t help but smile at this.
However, the plot moved slowly at times, and extremely quickly at others. At times it was hard to keep track of all the characters and changes.
The writing was enjoyable, but at times felt unrealistic for the era. This is not a bad thing, but it did mean I had to remind myself at times that it was historical.
The ending also seemed rushed, where all the loose ends had to be quickly tied up into a happily ever after that was unexpected based on what we know of the characters by the end. More character development would have made the plot twists revealed in the last few pages feel less jarring and more interesting.
Overall this was an enjoyable book !
August 8, 2021
Miss Beatrice Everson has managed to marry the Earl of Sinclair, solving her family's disastrous financial problems for good. She should be the happiest woman in London, but a less than satisfactory wedding night has Beatrice fleeing her husband. Lady Georgina Smith has a secret she must keep at all costs: she divides her time running a bluestocking salon as Gina, and carousing across London as George. Captivated by Beatrice's wit and charm, Georgina realizes that her secret is in danger--along with her heart. When Beatrice discovers that her wedding night has resulted in an unexpected pregnancy, she sees an opportunity to have it all by divorcing Sinclair and marrying George.
A new author to me & I’m sitting on the fence with this book whilst it was well written I didn’t like the characters. I found Beatrice to be manipulative & selfish wanting her cake with cream & a cherry on top. I did like Gina / George but whilst I thought she was brave to live as she did I found I didn’t care what happened to the pair. I’m not sure if I’d read any more from the author. This just wasn’t for me
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A new author to me & I’m sitting on the fence with this book whilst it was well written I didn’t like the characters. I found Beatrice to be manipulative & selfish wanting her cake with cream & a cherry on top. I did like Gina / George but whilst I thought she was brave to live as she did I found I didn’t care what happened to the pair. I’m not sure if I’d read any more from the author. This just wasn’t for me
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
August 19, 2021
I enjoy regency stories. There is something appealing about that time period. Queers not only found community, but thrived, and worked for change in those communities. These reads also show possibility and that success has happened before and success can continue to happen. It makes me grateful and proud to be part of the community.
Georgina and Beatrice are interesting characters. Georgina is interesting because she fights hard and long for social justice and the rights of women. I love the idea and concept of salons. She also fights for herself as a bigender person. Beatrice is interesting because she is helping her family by marrying a titled man yet looking for happiness. Also enjoyable was the setting and clothing description. I appreciated the detail. The ending was a little contrived but hey, it is what it is.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
Georgina and Beatrice are interesting characters. Georgina is interesting because she fights hard and long for social justice and the rights of women. I love the idea and concept of salons. She also fights for herself as a bigender person. Beatrice is interesting because she is helping her family by marrying a titled man yet looking for happiness. Also enjoyable was the setting and clothing description. I appreciated the detail. The ending was a little contrived but hey, it is what it is.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
April 1, 2026
Al principio no apostaba mucho por Beatrice como protagonista porque no me gustó especialmente en el libro anterior pero me ha sorprendido gratamente su evolución. Y bueno, ¡GEORGINA! I'll protect them at all costs. Qué maravilla de personaje y qué bonito está tratado el que sea no binarie.
A parte del romance Jane Walsh ha servido feminismo, movimiento de la clase obrera y lucha queer así que no se puede pedir más. Desde luego recomiendo esta serie de libros a todas las que, tras los Bridgerton de Netflix, quieren historias sáficas de época. No necesitamos esperar a Francesca y Michaela (aunque las esperamos igualmente con ganas 💖)
Solo me queda decir: que vivan las sáficas de la regencia.
A parte del romance Jane Walsh ha servido feminismo, movimiento de la clase obrera y lucha queer así que no se puede pedir más. Desde luego recomiendo esta serie de libros a todas las que, tras los Bridgerton de Netflix, quieren historias sáficas de época. No necesitamos esperar a Francesca y Michaela (aunque las esperamos igualmente con ganas 💖)
Solo me queda decir: que vivan las sáficas de la regencia.
August 7, 2021
I quite enjoyed this historical romance involving a bigender character. I think it might be one of the first stories I've written with a bigender character and I thought it was given nuance and respect.
The setting was fun (to me to read about, I'm sure it would've been hell to live through), the characters were likable (mostly), and the romance had chemistry.
I recommend this book to fans of the genre.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The setting was fun (to me to read about, I'm sure it would've been hell to live through), the characters were likable (mostly), and the romance had chemistry.
I recommend this book to fans of the genre.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 15, 2021
this was a cute and quick read! it was definitely lighthearted, and i really enjoyed reading from the POV of a queer bigender character. however, i didn’t really feel any chemistry in the romance, so i never felt truly excited by the development of the story. i think it was a sweet read overall, but just not totally for me. probably more of a 2.5! i recommend this to anyone who wants a warm and fast queer romantic read.
October 21, 2021
I enjoyed this book. I loved the concept of Gina and her gender identification. Now I didn’t love Beatrice in the beginning but you later learn and understand why she did want she did.
She wants to be able to freely love who she loves. And to be able to make decisions because of herself and out of obligation to her selfish family
I loved the ending. I was worried about how this happy ending would came together logically for its time nut I was happy with the happy ending.
She wants to be able to freely love who she loves. And to be able to make decisions because of herself and out of obligation to her selfish family
I loved the ending. I was worried about how this happy ending would came together logically for its time nut I was happy with the happy ending.
August 6, 2023
Just what I needed. Probably actually a 3.5 (it could have done with some more polishing) but I enjoyed it.
CW: infidelity, police raid of a gay bar (everyone is warned and gets out in time)
CW: infidelity, police raid of a gay bar (everyone is warned and gets out in time)
May 9, 2024
Good rep (bisexual/bigender), but poor execution. Writing was amateurish, characters were flat, zero chemistry to be had, and a slow/lackluster plot. Not for me.
August 20, 2021
Queer regency romances are new to me but definitely something I'm enjoying lately so I couldn't go past giving Her Countess to Cherish a read. After reading the blurb, I was very intrigued by how the author would conclude the novel to give us that mandatory HEA, even though there seemed to be quite a few challenges for our MCs. I thought this was done really well, with all ends concluded nicely and in a way that seemed realistic within the era it was set.
The characterisation of Georgina/George was really well done. They felt like two individuals who just inhabited the same body at certain points. I really enjoyed reading about them both. However, I found Beatrice slightly off-putting for the entirety of the novel. She's selfish and calculating, which didn't make me particularly invested in her or her romantic endeavours.
Additionally, I thought the latter part of the novel was really rushed. Although I think the resolution was good in itself, I wished the author spent some time settling in our characters and their newfound arrangement. We were only provided this very quickly in the epilogue, which also felt rushed.
All in all, an interesting sapphic regency romance.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
The characterisation of Georgina/George was really well done. They felt like two individuals who just inhabited the same body at certain points. I really enjoyed reading about them both. However, I found Beatrice slightly off-putting for the entirety of the novel. She's selfish and calculating, which didn't make me particularly invested in her or her romantic endeavours.
Additionally, I thought the latter part of the novel was really rushed. Although I think the resolution was good in itself, I wished the author spent some time settling in our characters and their newfound arrangement. We were only provided this very quickly in the epilogue, which also felt rushed.
All in all, an interesting sapphic regency romance.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2022
Her Countess to Cherish is a slow-burn regency romance about Miss Beatrice Everson, a woman who married for money and now finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, and Lady Georgina / Mr. George Smith, a genderfluid bluestocking who lives for passion and purpose. They're an odd mix, and their romance takes nearly half the book to develop into even a kiss, but the way in which Jane Walsh so tactfully and respectfully explores a love triangle between two people is well worth the read.
To be completely honest, Beatrice rubbed me the wrong way from the very first page. I didn't like her, I didn't respect her, and I didn't particularly care what happened to her. I found her to be somewhat cold and callous, and while she's not necessarily selfish (she did, after all, marry a man she despises to save her father from his gambling debts), she is most certainly manipulative and self-serving. The first few times they meet, Georgina/George is more annoyed by than attracted to the newly married houseguest, and it's only because I adored them that I was willing to trust their instincts and welcome Beatrice into their heart.
Once I began reading this as a story of redemption rather than romance, accepting that we were supposed to find Beatrice rather sour at first, so that we could better appreciate her becoming sweet later, I found I warmed up to the story. There are a lot of ways this could have gone wrong, especially with the portrayal of Georgina/George, but I loved that Walsh allowed them to be both man and woman, someone happily slipping from one role or persona to the other, and that made the second half of the story succeed despite the odd pacing and rushed finale.
The supporting cast here is strong, particularly in the form of Lady Honora and Miss Jacqueline, whose wonderful relationship has me eager to go back and catch up with Her Lady to Love. Despite a rocky start with Beatrice and my initial uncertainty as to whether I wanted to keep reading, Her Countess to Cherish is worth reading for Georgina/George alone, with their nonbinary representation pairing quite nicely with the bluestocking theme of women's social and educational movement, which embraces all of the characters in one way or another.
https://beauty-in-ruins.blogspot.com/...
To be completely honest, Beatrice rubbed me the wrong way from the very first page. I didn't like her, I didn't respect her, and I didn't particularly care what happened to her. I found her to be somewhat cold and callous, and while she's not necessarily selfish (she did, after all, marry a man she despises to save her father from his gambling debts), she is most certainly manipulative and self-serving. The first few times they meet, Georgina/George is more annoyed by than attracted to the newly married houseguest, and it's only because I adored them that I was willing to trust their instincts and welcome Beatrice into their heart.
Once I began reading this as a story of redemption rather than romance, accepting that we were supposed to find Beatrice rather sour at first, so that we could better appreciate her becoming sweet later, I found I warmed up to the story. There are a lot of ways this could have gone wrong, especially with the portrayal of Georgina/George, but I loved that Walsh allowed them to be both man and woman, someone happily slipping from one role or persona to the other, and that made the second half of the story succeed despite the odd pacing and rushed finale.
The supporting cast here is strong, particularly in the form of Lady Honora and Miss Jacqueline, whose wonderful relationship has me eager to go back and catch up with Her Lady to Love. Despite a rocky start with Beatrice and my initial uncertainty as to whether I wanted to keep reading, Her Countess to Cherish is worth reading for Georgina/George alone, with their nonbinary representation pairing quite nicely with the bluestocking theme of women's social and educational movement, which embraces all of the characters in one way or another.
https://beauty-in-ruins.blogspot.com/...
August 8, 2021
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley for the eARC.
This was an enjoyable F/NB romance, though I’ll admit to having some difficulty with it at the start.
Beatrice has schemed her way into a marriage with an Earl but found the reality less than satisfactory. Rather than stay where she feels unwanted, she flees to the country to stay with her friends, Jacquie and Nora.
Jacquie and Nora, a couple who I believe were established in an earlier book in his series (I didn’t realise this was part two until I started it, but I don’t think it matters. Anything that needed to be known was explained within this book), already have some interesting houseguests – Lady Gina Smith, a bluestocking seeking to establish a new ladies salon in the village where Jacquie and Nora reside, and her cousin, George Smith.
In reality, George and Gina are the two identities taken on by Georgina, who is non binary. Beatrice finds herself charmed by both until Georgina reveals to her the truth – it’s the true start of a sweet romance. There are, of course, complications, because Beatrice is still unhappily married.
Not being non binary myself, I’m hesitant to comment overmuch on the representation, though I believe the author consulted a sensitivity reader on this respect, which is always a positive sign. I did think it was well done though, with Georgina’s explanations to Beatrice considered and simple.
The characters themselves were charming, if frustrating at times. Beatrice is very difficult to like for the first quarter of the book. She comes across as selfish and scheming and it’s a little difficult to have a great deal of sympathy for her when her problems are entirely a result of that. She does warm up though and it’s revealed that there’s a lot more to her than meets the eye. I also enjoyed Georgina, who is much easier to like from the outset but does develop some stubborn ways of thinking towards the end that left me frustrated.
I did enjoy the romance, though at times I was wishing for something a little more. I think this is largely a personal thing because I tend to prefer my romances flavoured with a drop of mystery or fantastical element. Not at all the book’s fault, and readers of regency romance would very much enjoy this.
This was an enjoyable F/NB romance, though I’ll admit to having some difficulty with it at the start.
Beatrice has schemed her way into a marriage with an Earl but found the reality less than satisfactory. Rather than stay where she feels unwanted, she flees to the country to stay with her friends, Jacquie and Nora.
Jacquie and Nora, a couple who I believe were established in an earlier book in his series (I didn’t realise this was part two until I started it, but I don’t think it matters. Anything that needed to be known was explained within this book), already have some interesting houseguests – Lady Gina Smith, a bluestocking seeking to establish a new ladies salon in the village where Jacquie and Nora reside, and her cousin, George Smith.
In reality, George and Gina are the two identities taken on by Georgina, who is non binary. Beatrice finds herself charmed by both until Georgina reveals to her the truth – it’s the true start of a sweet romance. There are, of course, complications, because Beatrice is still unhappily married.
Not being non binary myself, I’m hesitant to comment overmuch on the representation, though I believe the author consulted a sensitivity reader on this respect, which is always a positive sign. I did think it was well done though, with Georgina’s explanations to Beatrice considered and simple.
The characters themselves were charming, if frustrating at times. Beatrice is very difficult to like for the first quarter of the book. She comes across as selfish and scheming and it’s a little difficult to have a great deal of sympathy for her when her problems are entirely a result of that. She does warm up though and it’s revealed that there’s a lot more to her than meets the eye. I also enjoyed Georgina, who is much easier to like from the outset but does develop some stubborn ways of thinking towards the end that left me frustrated.
I did enjoy the romance, though at times I was wishing for something a little more. I think this is largely a personal thing because I tend to prefer my romances flavoured with a drop of mystery or fantastical element. Not at all the book’s fault, and readers of regency romance would very much enjoy this.
August 18, 2025
Stars: 4.5 Stars
Format: Digital
Series: Sequel to Her Lady to Love
Steam Level: Steamy
I read this for the I Heart Sapphic 2025 Reading Challenge for the prompt Disguised As A Man.
I’m always irritated to learn after I finish a book that it’s actually a sequel to another book and it isn’t clear about that. The only reason I found this out is because I glanced preview of a review that said so. At least I now know that this book works as a Stand Alone.
Quick Thoughts:
- I did not like Beatrice at first but she very quickly grew on me and I ended up loving her
- I also did not like Sinclair at all and actively wished for his downfall until almost the very end. That takes some very skilled writing to do that. I can hold a literary grudge like no other
- Watching Beatrice and Georgina both evolve as people and grow closer was fun to watch. At times it felt slow but that was mostly because, as a reader, I was privy to both of their feelings and so I knew what was going on
- Loved that Georgina was very clear that she was a woman and was a man, there was no pretending at being something she wasn’t
- Also I greatly appreciated that Georgina’s pronouns changed in story depending on the gender she was presenting as at the time
- I wonder if I can bribe Jane Walsh to write Legrand and Reina’s love story
- Everything is just so delightfully queer in this book. I know a common argument about a situation like this is that it’s unrealistic but queer people find each other all over the place and in odd places. This time period isn’t as buttoned up and stodgy as a lot of people want to believe
- I’m usually not fond of this type of epilogue where everything is perfect but there was something about it that I simply adored
- The reason I took off half a star is that it didn’t feel like Beatrice and Georgina spent enough time together on page to fully buy ințo them falling in love enough work and fight to be together
Overall I really enjoyed this book, so much so that I got the book this was a sequel to. Normally I would refuse to read that previous book on principle but I really liked Nora and Jacqueline and want to see their love story.
Format: Digital
Series: Sequel to Her Lady to Love
Steam Level: Steamy
I read this for the I Heart Sapphic 2025 Reading Challenge for the prompt Disguised As A Man.
I’m always irritated to learn after I finish a book that it’s actually a sequel to another book and it isn’t clear about that. The only reason I found this out is because I glanced preview of a review that said so. At least I now know that this book works as a Stand Alone.
Quick Thoughts:
- I did not like Beatrice at first but she very quickly grew on me and I ended up loving her
- I also did not like Sinclair at all and actively wished for his downfall until almost the very end. That takes some very skilled writing to do that. I can hold a literary grudge like no other
- Watching Beatrice and Georgina both evolve as people and grow closer was fun to watch. At times it felt slow but that was mostly because, as a reader, I was privy to both of their feelings and so I knew what was going on
- Loved that Georgina was very clear that she was a woman and was a man, there was no pretending at being something she wasn’t
- Also I greatly appreciated that Georgina’s pronouns changed in story depending on the gender she was presenting as at the time
- I wonder if I can bribe Jane Walsh to write Legrand and Reina’s love story
- Everything is just so delightfully queer in this book. I know a common argument about a situation like this is that it’s unrealistic but queer people find each other all over the place and in odd places. This time period isn’t as buttoned up and stodgy as a lot of people want to believe
- I’m usually not fond of this type of epilogue where everything is perfect but there was something about it that I simply adored
- The reason I took off half a star is that it didn’t feel like Beatrice and Georgina spent enough time together on page to fully buy ințo them falling in love enough work and fight to be together
Overall I really enjoyed this book, so much so that I got the book this was a sequel to. Normally I would refuse to read that previous book on principle but I really liked Nora and Jacqueline and want to see their love story.
August 6, 2021
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
While I wasn’t super wowed by Jane Walsh’s debut historical, I was still interested in what she would do next, so I picked up Her Countess to Cherish. The premise did give me some pause, as I’ve grown a bit apprehensive of the cross-dressing trope, although the fact that it was f/f was already a cool twist.
But my fears were immediately assuaged. While I can’t speak to the experience of gender fluidity itself, I liked the way this was expressed while still staying fairly accurate to the language the characters would have known at the time, describing how Georgiana came to the realization: “She was herself and also himself. She was both.” I will say that this mix of pronouns does result in the text occasionally being a little confusing, but I can understand the reasoning behind it, and with closer attention, I could make sense of it.
It was fun how this double identity played into Georgina’s dynamic with Beatrice, with “George” falling in love with her, “Gina” and Beatrice frequently being at odds. It’s a fun little twist on the typical setup in similar books, where the hero meets the heroine in her disguise and not.
Beatrice herself is in a dire situation, having been compelled to marry for advantage to a man who mistreated and shamed her, then ended up pregnant with his child. She isn’t always the most likable character, but I could understand her being a bit prickly, and I think it also helped that, while I read the first book, my memory of it is rather fuzzy.
This book was a nice surprise to me in its portrayal of gender fluidity, along with a delightful romance between two sympathetic characters. If you love queer historical romance, you should absolutely check this out.
While I wasn’t super wowed by Jane Walsh’s debut historical, I was still interested in what she would do next, so I picked up Her Countess to Cherish. The premise did give me some pause, as I’ve grown a bit apprehensive of the cross-dressing trope, although the fact that it was f/f was already a cool twist.
But my fears were immediately assuaged. While I can’t speak to the experience of gender fluidity itself, I liked the way this was expressed while still staying fairly accurate to the language the characters would have known at the time, describing how Georgiana came to the realization: “She was herself and also himself. She was both.” I will say that this mix of pronouns does result in the text occasionally being a little confusing, but I can understand the reasoning behind it, and with closer attention, I could make sense of it.
It was fun how this double identity played into Georgina’s dynamic with Beatrice, with “George” falling in love with her, “Gina” and Beatrice frequently being at odds. It’s a fun little twist on the typical setup in similar books, where the hero meets the heroine in her disguise and not.
Beatrice herself is in a dire situation, having been compelled to marry for advantage to a man who mistreated and shamed her, then ended up pregnant with his child. She isn’t always the most likable character, but I could understand her being a bit prickly, and I think it also helped that, while I read the first book, my memory of it is rather fuzzy.
This book was a nice surprise to me in its portrayal of gender fluidity, along with a delightful romance between two sympathetic characters. If you love queer historical romance, you should absolutely check this out.
July 16, 2021
Four stars. This didn’t quite land the same way as the first book, Her Lady to Love. I think the main reason was that I found Georgina a little hard to sympathize with. I really enjoyed Beatrice. I thought it was a good idea to follow up with her after she saved Nora from an engagement to the earl. That seemed like a win-win in the first book, but the resulting issues in this book all fit into place. The earl was a jerk, but at least he has his own backstory. It paved the way for Beatrice’s fantastic redemption arc. She was always clearly a good person, but after atoning for her less admirable actions, she shapes up into the perfect protagonist to root for. But Georgina… let me first say that his/her character was interesting. I was wondering about that full name vs George/Gina as I read, so I liked how the author explained it all. Georgina is clearly hardworking and an upstanding member of society. But my impression of the conflict at the end was that his/her priorities made him/her a little callous. Georgina was the first to start thinking about love, but was late to verbally express it. He/she immediately shut down the idea that Beatrice presented, even though I thought it wasn’t an entirely flawed solution, given the limited options of the era. I got really frustrated that the ball was entirely in Beatrice’s court to resolve the conflict, when it should have been shared. I was left wondering if they were a good match at all.
Everyone else seemed to get the ending they deserved. I liked how the premise allowed for Jacquie and Nora to have such large roles in this book, but there was still plenty of room for an entirely different setting. Overall, nicely done… except maybe for the Georgina situation.
Everyone else seemed to get the ending they deserved. I liked how the premise allowed for Jacquie and Nora to have such large roles in this book, but there was still plenty of room for an entirely different setting. Overall, nicely done… except maybe for the Georgina situation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2021
3.5 stars
I was pleasantly surprised by this heartfelt LGTBQ+ historical romance.
We follow Beatrice who has snook her way into high society by marrying the Earl of Sinclair through a lie, in order to solve her families money worries.
When her new husband treats her less than favourably on their wedding night, she runs away to the country to stay with her best friend.
There she meets Lady Georgina Smith and her cousin Mr George Smith. Bea adores the company of George but finds his cousin Gina totally abhorrent to begin with.
George and his cousin Gina have a secret.. they’re actually one in the same. Georgina feels both male and female and presents as her different gender on different days. As George falls for Bea, Georgina realises her secret is in danger.
Will Beatrice accept her for who she is and where does Beatrice’s marriage to the Earl of Sinclair leave their hearts?
Her Countess to Cherish was heartfelt, fun and flirty. I enjoyed all the characters and found myself smiling a lot as I was reading.
I really liked watching the friendships and relationships blossom and found the first half of the book really believable but unfortunately the last 30% of the book felt off with it’s pacing and just felt slightly rushed and therefore fell a little flat for me. I’d have liked just a little bit more ‘something’ before everything was so nicely resolved.
I did enjoy this book though and read it really quickly!
Would recommend if you like a heartfelt LGTBQ romance.
I was pleasantly surprised by this heartfelt LGTBQ+ historical romance.
We follow Beatrice who has snook her way into high society by marrying the Earl of Sinclair through a lie, in order to solve her families money worries.
When her new husband treats her less than favourably on their wedding night, she runs away to the country to stay with her best friend.
There she meets Lady Georgina Smith and her cousin Mr George Smith. Bea adores the company of George but finds his cousin Gina totally abhorrent to begin with.
George and his cousin Gina have a secret.. they’re actually one in the same. Georgina feels both male and female and presents as her different gender on different days. As George falls for Bea, Georgina realises her secret is in danger.
Will Beatrice accept her for who she is and where does Beatrice’s marriage to the Earl of Sinclair leave their hearts?
Her Countess to Cherish was heartfelt, fun and flirty. I enjoyed all the characters and found myself smiling a lot as I was reading.
I really liked watching the friendships and relationships blossom and found the first half of the book really believable but unfortunately the last 30% of the book felt off with it’s pacing and just felt slightly rushed and therefore fell a little flat for me. I’d have liked just a little bit more ‘something’ before everything was so nicely resolved.
I did enjoy this book though and read it really quickly!
Would recommend if you like a heartfelt LGTBQ romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2021
3.5 stars, rounded up
Her Countess to Cherish centers on Beatrice, who is trapped in an unhappy marriage, and Georgina, a genderfluid bluestocking. While spending a summer away from their respective responsibilities, Beatrice and Georgina fall for each other. However, as the summer comes to a close, Beatrice's marriage and Georgina's work threaten to tear them apart.
I did not read the first novel, but I never felt confused through this one. I really enjoyed this novel. I love historical romances, and LGBTQ+ novels in this genre are few and far between. Both Beatrice and Georgina were charming, and the romance between them was sweet and well-paced. Seeing a genderfluid character in a historical setting was really interesting, and I thought it was well done. From the description of the novel, it was unclear to me that Georgina was genderfluid, and I kind of wish that was spelled out a little bit more as it would have erased any confusion at the start. I also enjoyed the queer circle of characters surrounding the protagonists, as having a safe space in this setting was heartwarming and just made me happy.
I thought the conclusion could have been paced a little better, as the conflict was resolved rather quickly and painlessly, but at the same time, I am a sucker for a happy ending so this didn't bother me too much. Reading this novel has made me want to read the first one and excited for any additions that may be made to this series. I recommend!
Thank you to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Her Countess to Cherish centers on Beatrice, who is trapped in an unhappy marriage, and Georgina, a genderfluid bluestocking. While spending a summer away from their respective responsibilities, Beatrice and Georgina fall for each other. However, as the summer comes to a close, Beatrice's marriage and Georgina's work threaten to tear them apart.
I did not read the first novel, but I never felt confused through this one. I really enjoyed this novel. I love historical romances, and LGBTQ+ novels in this genre are few and far between. Both Beatrice and Georgina were charming, and the romance between them was sweet and well-paced. Seeing a genderfluid character in a historical setting was really interesting, and I thought it was well done. From the description of the novel, it was unclear to me that Georgina was genderfluid, and I kind of wish that was spelled out a little bit more as it would have erased any confusion at the start. I also enjoyed the queer circle of characters surrounding the protagonists, as having a safe space in this setting was heartwarming and just made me happy.
I thought the conclusion could have been paced a little better, as the conflict was resolved rather quickly and painlessly, but at the same time, I am a sucker for a happy ending so this didn't bother me too much. Reading this novel has made me want to read the first one and excited for any additions that may be made to this series. I recommend!
Thank you to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2021
Miss Beatrice Everson (Bea) manages to marry the Earl of Sinclair solving hers and her family's financial problems. She has hopes for a mutual beneficial arrangement with Sinclair, but he only wants an heir. After their wedding night she departs to the country to visit her friends Jacquie and Lady Honora (Nora). Bea finds that Gina and her cousin Mr. George Smith are also visiting.
This is the sequel Her Lady to Love and takes place closely following the end of that book. I was discouraged at first because I didn't have good memories of Bea's character from the first novel. She seemingly took what she wanted before someone could take it from her. Imagine my surprise when Jane Walsh sets up a wonderful redemption story. Bea is genuinely kind, owns up to her past mistakes and tries to make up for her past in quietly doing good things within her power.
George/Gina I did like from the first book. I love the authors explanation of his/her identity and fit into society. Georgina loves her bluestocking works and the salons where she promotes them. She wants to start something similar for Nora and Jacquie. I was disappointed at her choice when Bea makes a first suggestion of a future together. But this new and improved Beatrice and she will find a way to save the day in a grand and magnificent way.
This is for anyone who would enjoy a Regency Era queer romance. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
This is the sequel Her Lady to Love and takes place closely following the end of that book. I was discouraged at first because I didn't have good memories of Bea's character from the first novel. She seemingly took what she wanted before someone could take it from her. Imagine my surprise when Jane Walsh sets up a wonderful redemption story. Bea is genuinely kind, owns up to her past mistakes and tries to make up for her past in quietly doing good things within her power.
George/Gina I did like from the first book. I love the authors explanation of his/her identity and fit into society. Georgina loves her bluestocking works and the salons where she promotes them. She wants to start something similar for Nora and Jacquie. I was disappointed at her choice when Bea makes a first suggestion of a future together. But this new and improved Beatrice and she will find a way to save the day in a grand and magnificent way.
This is for anyone who would enjoy a Regency Era queer romance. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up.
I really enjoyed this book. It follows Beatrice (Bea), a recently married countess who falls in love with Georgina who is gender fluid and is extremely well written. I thought the chapter switches between George/Gina were done exceptionally well and it all flowed together. I disliked Bea at the start but she grew on me as the novel progressed. I also really loved Cici as a character although she wasn't in it much.
I appreciated the wide spectrum of characters in this and how it showcased a wide variety of ways in which people of different gender identities and sexual orientations are making their lives in this version of Regency England.
My biggest gripe with this book has nothing to do with the story itself but instead the marketing, I've seen a lot of things selling it is a lesbian romance which I don't think it is as Georgina is gender fluid but that's not really related to the story itself so it's mostly irrelevant, just a pet peeve.
Overall I had a lot of fun reading this and it was a delightful quick read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an Arc of this in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. It follows Beatrice (Bea), a recently married countess who falls in love with Georgina who is gender fluid and is extremely well written. I thought the chapter switches between George/Gina were done exceptionally well and it all flowed together. I disliked Bea at the start but she grew on me as the novel progressed. I also really loved Cici as a character although she wasn't in it much.
I appreciated the wide spectrum of characters in this and how it showcased a wide variety of ways in which people of different gender identities and sexual orientations are making their lives in this version of Regency England.
My biggest gripe with this book has nothing to do with the story itself but instead the marketing, I've seen a lot of things selling it is a lesbian romance which I don't think it is as Georgina is gender fluid but that's not really related to the story itself so it's mostly irrelevant, just a pet peeve.
Overall I had a lot of fun reading this and it was a delightful quick read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an Arc of this in exchange for an honest review.
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