La guía de la dama para provocar a un conde de Transilvania: un romance histórico (La guía de la dama para el amor)

The Lady's Guide #6

by Emmanuelle de Maupassant, Elizabeth Marin (Translator)

Why would a man abandon his bride following a single night of passion?

Five years after her heartbreak and humiliation, Sofia is determined to find out—and to claim her rightful place by his side, even if it means travelling to the wild mountains of Carpathia to make her home in a decrepit castle.

Muddling along with Count Roznovatu's eccentric family, Sofia begins to think she can melt the stony heart of her errant husband.

Cursed by his bloodline, Constantin was a fool to believe marriage to Sofia would save him.

Now, the one woman he has always loved is in danger, for Castle Roznov’s dark secrets are about to be revealed.


Discover more in 'The Lady's Guide' historical romance series.
GUARANTEED: Adventure, intrigue, sizzling love scenes, and breathtaking romance.


The Lady’s Guide to a Highlander's Heart
The Lady's Guide to Mistletoe and Mayhem
The Lady’s Guide to Escaping Cannibals
The Lady’s Guide to Deception and Desire
The Lady's Guide to Scandal


Each can be read individually and in any order.

Genres: Historical, Romance, Second Chance, Second Chance Romance, Audiobook, Historical Romance

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2022

About the author

Emmanuelle lives in a medieval tower house in the Highlands, with her husband and Ernie McFloof (connoisseur of bacon treats and squeaky toys).

She writes historical romance filled with adventure, suspense, and red-hot passion.

Visit her website - www.emmanuelledemaupassant.com - to find a FREE story to download, and to sign up for her newsletter (monthly gossip, giveaways and goodies).


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Emmanuelle lebt mit ihrem Mann (Hersteller von Tee und Obstkuchen) und ihrer Schnüffelnase, Ernie, auch bekannt als ihr liebstes Fellknäuel und Liebhaber von quietschenden Spielzeugen und Schinken.

Liebst du liebesromane und Hörbücher?

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***

Emmanuelle de Maupassant vive con il marito e ama i suoi fagottini pelosi a quattro zampe (che sono dei grandi intenditori di giocattoli da mordere e snack al bacon).

Iscriviti alla newsletter di Emmanuelle per ricevere direttamente nella tua casella di posta notizie in anteprima sulle nuove uscite, ricevere degli omaggi, e per dare un’occhiata dietro le quinte.

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Emmanuelle de Maupassant vive con su esposo y ama las mascotas peludas de la variedad de cuatro patas (expertos en juguetes ruidosos y golosinas de tocino).

Regístrate en el boletín de Emmanuelle, para ver los nuevos lanzamientos, obsequios y las historias detrás de escena, entregados directamente a tu bandeja de entrada.

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***

L'auteure publie (des romances historiques) sous trois noms de plume : Annabelle Quinn, Anna Quinn et Emmanuelle de Maupassant.

Elle vit avec son mari et a un sérieux penchant pour les terriers à poils longs (amateurs de jouets qui font pouêt-pouêt et de gourmandises au bacon).

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Reviews

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Sophia‘s daddy passes away she travels to Corpathia to be with the husband who left her the day after their honeymoon. She wants to belong somewhere and since legally it’s to him that’s where she went. When she arrives her husband Constantine momentarily hoped he was there because she loved him and she thinking he cared nothing about her pretended like she was only there for a place to be. When they found his brother stabbed the footman and Constantine both say it was suicide wen she asked if they’re going to call the Dr. Constantine says it’s a family tradition to bury the corpse right away but when she see’s him move she’s not so sure he’s a corpse? Will she find out things that stop her from wanting Constantine are when everything is on the table and all relatives known to her well they finally be honest with each other? I love Emanuel de Maupassant‘s books I know how they’re going to end but its the journey in between that makes her book so great. I mean most people wouldn’t even buy a book knowing how it ends but I have loved this authors books for a long time and although the ending stayed the same the journey keeps changing. This is truly a five-star read and one I highly recommend. If you love historical regency romance then you should definitely give this book a listen Garrith Davis is the narrator and he always does such a great job. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate most of my review.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, where to begin. In this amazing story you are transported to 19th century Transylvania, complete with a drafty castle, a count, dramatic weather and a simmering romance, The tension (sexual, romantic and suspenseful) builds until you think you will implode! But all is not what it seems and there are tons of secrets and mysteries within the castle walls. No spoilers but I was hooked from the very start with this tale of Sophia and Constantin who are the classic star-crossed lovers. The language and setting and descriptions really do make you feel that you are there and you will get goose-bumps at times. And the "lady's Guide to All Things Useful" (I love it) makes an appearance in this book as in the others in the series, to add a little levity and serious advice to ladies of the era. If you thought your family was dysfunctional, read on! I was lucky to read and review an early copy of the manuscript, thanks.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been five years since Sofia's new husband humilated her by leaving the morning after their wedding night. Now that her father has passed away, Sofia has no one else and is determined to find her estranged husband and take the place she deserves, at his side, even if that means living in a crumbling castle in the Carpathian mountains. In the company of the new Count Roznovatu's exceedingly odd family, Sofia is ever hopeful that she'll be able to melt her husband's cold heart. Constantin foolishly thought marrying Sofia would be his saving grace, a way to overcome the weakness he carries in his blood. Now, Sofia is in danger because of him and all he's struggling to keep the family's secrets hidden.

This author is the best at setting up a creepy, suspenseful setting with gothic vibes and plenty of intrigue that will keep you reading. The housekeeper in this book was giving me all the Mrs. Danvers vibes and my only complaint is that Sofia was perhaps a bit too nice and I definitely wanted to see Constantin stick up for her more. Constantin's reason for wanting them to stay apart and his efforts to keep Sofia safe did make sense, but they were a bit less than what I was expecting after so much build up. I would've liked more romance between these two and less of Constantin ignoring Sofia, but we get less of that since their courtship occurred before the beginning of the story. Despite his standoffishness, or maybe because of it, I couldn't help but root for Constantin and Sofia. This feeling was also boosted by the fact that they were surrounded by such odd characters and everyone was so cryptic. Overall, this was a nice, quick read that held my attention and I found it to be a great escape from reality for a little while.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...

[Aj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gothic and dark, an utterly enticing story and a sizzling love that can't be denied. I was drawn in from the first pages, and the imagery was stark and real. Constantin and Sofia are both strong and have an undeniable attraction. A breathtaking romance with a forever love that conquers all.

[Sonia N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emmanuelle promised us, adventure, intrigue, sizzling love scenes and a breathtaking romance!”
She definitely delivered!
This is a well written dark, gothic with mystery and suspense, romance. Sofia is a beautiful and independent young lady. An abandoned bride traveling to Transylvania for her husband. She soon learns that he lives in a large and isolated castle.
Constantin loves her but wants her away from his home. He is a handsome, brooding and mysterious man. But she doesn’t give up.
He has colorful family members, a jealous cousin and the servants are also mysterious and secretive.
I loved this book so much that I will read it again and again! So well written, with attention to details and so suspenseful, with tragedy and very entertaining.
All of the secrets come out towards the end! Then there’s a wonderful epilogue, and I love epilogues especially this one!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why would a man abandon his bride following a single night of passion? Five years after her heartbreak and humiliation, Sofia is determined to find out and to claim her rightful place by his side, even if it means travelling to the wild mountains of Carpathia to make her home in a decrepit castle.
Cursed by his bloodline, Constantin was a fool to believe marriage to Sofia would save him.
Now, the one woman he has always loved is in danger, for Castle Roznov’s dark secrets are about to be revealed.
A well written engrossing read that had it all romance, mystery, intrigue, adventure & passion. I loved the dark & broody Constantin but adored the feisty Sofia who never gave up no matter what was thrown at her. There are plenty of secrets, very interesting family members & an attraction that sizzles. It’s very entertaining, it's tragic & it's a wonderful love story. Plus the icing on the cake is the lovely epilogue.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Mephala · Rating 4 out of 5]

CW: brief mention of incest

It seemed I was firmly in the ‘vampire’ mood after reading two interactive novels with undead protagonists, because when I saw the title and the blurb of this book - I immediately snagged it to read 🤭

The Lady's Guide to Tempting a Transylvanian Count was such a fun story!

I really enjoyed how the author played with the possibility of something supernatural happening in the Castle Roznov. I loved the clever way the story made the reader question whether Sofia married a Dracula-esque Count or if all the mysterious events surrounding the brooding Constantin and his eccentric family could be easily explained, and not by anything preternatural.

I loved how gothic the whole story felt – from the foggy mountain landscapes and the castle’s dark corridors, to gruesome murder of Constantin’s brother. The scenes of Sofia wondering the crypts or sneaking into Sigismund’s chamber were fantastic – spooky, with gorgeous gothic flair.

I liked how the relationship between Sofia and Constantin progressed – how the author showed they were a married couple, but might as well be strangers. There was a lot of beautiful chemistry and tension between them, and the way the story developed allowed them to find each other again and rediscover the lost love they shared before.

Count Roznovatu’s medical research was intriguing and definitely grounded the otherwise very paranormal feeling story.

I think my favourite moments were when Sofia and Tatiana visited the village – the way that whole place was described was marvelous.

Last, but not least – the mystery surrounding the Roznovatu clan kept me interested and intrigued. It was clever (if a little predictable) what the truth really was and perfectly matched the feel of the book.

The Lady's Guide to Tempting a Transylvanian Count was a lovely, gothic style story. I really enjoyed it.

4/5 stars

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you read Emmanuelle De Maupassant's "The Lady's Guide .." books? If you have, then you know about this little guidebook, if you haven't, then, by all means, you have to experience it and why not start with this book since the books in this series can be read in any order? I love Ms. Maupassant's writing style. Her settings are always unique and described in such a way I can mentally walk with the characters and speaking of which, Sofia and Constantin are so beautifully flawed they become easily relatable. There is such a connection between these two and the passion fairly sizzles when they're around one another but there's a HUGE secret that Constantin is keeping and Sofia's insecurities just keep feeding her imagination. It's a wonderful story with a feel of old-world gothic.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lady’s Guide to Tempting a Transylvania Count is the sixth book in The Lady’s Guide… series, but reads well as a stand alone. Sofia and Constantin were married five years ago, but after one passionate night, he left her. After the death of her father, Sofia desires to belong to a family again, and is determined to make her husband’s family her own, but between a reluctant husband and secrets and deaths, does Sofia have a chance of winning her husband’s heart?

Oh my goodness, I have been loving this series and this was the perfect addition! I loved the dynamic between Sofia and Constantin, I loved their journey to finding love, and I loved all of the mysterious elements, including ones that felt slightly like a vampire existed in the castle! Sofia was so brave, heading into the unknown, trying her best to fight for a future with her husband, and I loved how she faced adversity with her head held high. We didn’t get too much from Constantin’s point of view, but we saw that he was torn between what he wanted and protecting those he loved. I felt like most of his actions backed up what was in his heart, until it came to his wife, who he just wanted to push away, but in his way, that was how he could protect her. Sometimes it was hard to read because there was so much tension and hurt between them, so much longing, too. But I did love their connection, and I think it made the fight to come together that much sweeter. There were some mysteries and secrets and traces of danger that I couldn’t resist and made me not want to put this book down!

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing, Suspenseful, Mystery

**The Lady's Guide To Tempting A Transylvanian Count**is a historical novel set in gothic Carpathia. This book is an intriguing, suspenseful tale and second-chance love story.

Sofia's marriage all but ended after one night with her husband, Constantin, when he inexplicably left. Heartbroken and humiliated Sofia has remained with her father, until his passing has necessitated finding Constantin, so that she has somewhere to live. After such a long separation both mask their feelings carefully. Sofia, however is keen to understand the reasons for her husbands desertion of her, while Constantin wants to protect Sofia. There is a family curse, unexplained deaths, misunderstandings, mystery, and family secrets all to uncover in this story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook. The narrator was excellent, the characters were really entertaining, and the plot was intricate and intriguing. There was plenty going on throughout, and lots of supressed attraction and chemistry between the two main characters.

Another excellent installment in the Lady's Guide series, although this is very much a standalone story and you wouldn't need to have listened to any other audio in the series to enjoy this one.

I would definitely recommend to lovers of historical romance stories.

[Lorena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in Emmanuelle de Maupassant’s The Lady's Guide... series of historical romances. Each story stands alone.

This didn’t really work for me as a romance, but I thought it was delightfully creepy fun as a Gothic mystery. Setting her story in a dark and dilapidated Transylvanian castle filled with secrets, where a noble family tries to hide their curse and their many crimes, the author has created an oppressive atmosphere. Our poor heroine Sofia is determined to make the best of her difficult situation and win back the affection of her estranged husband, but she seems to be surrounded by danger with no idea who she can trust.

Constantin seems like a good man with very poor communication skills; he was just too distant for me to feel any romance between this couple. There is passion, though, if you are looking for jealousy and lust in the bodice-ripper tradition.

This worked well as an audiobook, with sound effects and music contributing to the spooky atmosphere. I enjoyed the narration by Gareth J. Davies. His performance was well paced and easy to understand, and I loved his accented character voices.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author and volunteered to provide an honest review. If you like Gothic mystery/suspense and tortured romance, give this a try.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a wild, fun, unexpected, entertaining ride – from start to finish. The story is very compelling with many twists and turns, some of which were unexpected in good ways. Constantin is a strong hero with a heart of gold. Sofia is strong, stubborn and determined. She has spunk and an inner strength that is admirable. These two together are interesting to watch.

The story gave me gothic feels from the start, maybe because the title says Transylvanian. It has that mythical feel to it and maintained it until the very end, which I honestly enjoyed. This story captured my attention from the start and held it until the very end – I wanted to know how they were going to make it to their HEA. It’s well written and transported me to another time and place – which I love when I’m reading a book.

This is the first book in the series that I’ve read, and I was able to thoroughly enjoy it and not feel like I was missing any piece for not having read any previous books. Having said that, I will be reading the other books in this series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[JenReviews4U · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had so many questions as this story sucked me in. This unique and very well-written gothic romance novel shares the story of the cursed Constantin and Sofia his wife who hasn't yet lived with him after 5 years of marriage. Now Sofia is at Castle Roznov and she doesn't receive the warmest of welcomes, not even from her husband. But Sofia is headstrong and determined to fit in. However the further she explores her new home and its inhabitants, the more secrets the castle and the family reveal. Will Constantin ever open his heart to Sofia or will she become the castle's next victim?
This book truly has a wonderful storyline all wrapped up in a dark adventure full of mystery and twists, with a little romance on the side. Questions will be answered but will there be a HEA?
I highly recommend this book even if you aren't into gothic, dark romance, these characters and this storyline are well worth it.
I received an advanced copy from the author, my thoughts and opinions are my own and I am voluntarily writing this review.

[Lyn Brownlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark, sad and at times erotic story of a cursed family.
Sofia and Constantin’s story.
Abandoned by her husband the day after her wedding night Sofia is left with her father. Five years have passed and after her fathers death, now alone, she has no choice but to seek out her husband.
Her travels to his home in Transylvania is fraught with danger and upon reaching the castle the reception is frosty and unwelcoming.
Constantin and Sofia have plenty of unresolved issues and a lot of sexual tension.
Strange things happen from the moment she enters the castle and all of the sinister deeds had me engaged and trying to work out who could be doing this to the family.
They certainly had enough enemies.
I enjoyed reading this story and highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable 4.5*
Sofia’s husband abandoned her with her diplomat father, the morning after their wedding night with no word of explanation and refused to answer any of the letters she sent him. Five years later, with the death of her father, she is determined to live in a home that has roots. Even if that home is in the remote Carpathian Mountains and contains strangers to her. Her journey does not go smoothly and she is not welcomed kindly. There are a lot of secrets at Castle Roznov and the reader eventually discovers why Sofia was abandoned but I had a hard time dealing with the Count’s treatment of Sofia which seemed unnecessarily harsh. That put on one side, this was a book full of tensions, evil secrets, strong passions and eventually love and harmony.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Rosemary Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobooks of this title.

Okay, I freely admit I love this author's work, for each new story, comes a unique and intriguing tale, that gets my imagination engaged, and I am swept up into the story as if I am a fly upon the wall, listening and seeing all that is happening.
The atmosphere created, right from the first chapter has the mental link to all those Count Dracula scenarios we have all encountered over our years of media watching. I am not giving the plot away, but to say no vampires make an appearance, may help those that are squeamish to blood sucking.
Finally I have to applaud the total audio effects, and the narrator's ability to create each characters persona, through his vocalizations.

[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well after reading this dark and mysterious love story, I found it be exceptionally thrilling. Constituent and Sophia was amazing during the hunt for answers in the family castle. There was so much deception and hidden secrets among the halls and Constantine felt that he was the only one who protect the family from their own misdeeds. These were the moments were the book became even more interesting for me. Sophia was a bit of a sleuth herself, but hers was to find answers for her husband to love her. Constantine and Sophia love affairs spark some flames. Their intimate moments could have been elaborated with more details and imagination. The dialogue among the characters could be more seductive and sensual. The book is a great read and I had a good time reading it.

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely Recommended!
This story was a really great way to begin the month and I enjoyed every single second of it.
It is a dark but beautiful romantic novel with characters who pull at one first one way and then another. I will admit that every now and then I wanted to give Constantin a solid thump on his head to make him see the light of day with his fabulous wife (Lol!).
These stories are just getting better and better and I really hope you read this one.
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) and my voluntary and unbiased review is recorded above.

[AmazingJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story has Entertainment, Angst, Suspenseful & Romance.

A Wonderful & Suspenseful Story that will have you turning page after page.
I really enjoyed this Book, Sofia & Constantin's characters were great. Traveling to his estate after Sofia's father passed away, she finds herself in a bad situation until her husband (Constantin) shows up & saves her. Yet he hasn't been in her company for 5 years/their wedding night. The Story starts getting better as they arrive at his estate. The twists & turns of events just made the Story even more interesting.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful Gothic love story. Sofia and Constantine strong-willed people who are obviously in love. They face some rather harsh complications, but over the course of their story it becomes undeniable that love can conquer them all. I enjoyed the descriptions of the setting and the characters, the sound effects, and the music. Along with the excellent narration by Gareth J. Davies they helped bring the story to life.
I received the audiobook as a gift and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I enjoyed book 6 of "The Lady's Guide" series. The story had a mystifying atmosphere as it took place in a castle located in the Carpathian Mountains. The mystery was intriguing. The characters were convoluted. The plot moved along at a fast pace. There were some descriptive sexual scenes. Gareth J Davies' narration was good and added to the story's entertainment. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was Sofia’s and Constantin’s story. Sofia was so brave to venture into the unknown to go to her estranged husband. They had been apart for 5 years. I can quite understand that Sofia wanted answers. However, nothing is straightforward, there are many secrets and mysteries surrounding Constantin’s family. Constantin had his reasons but found it difficult to explain his actions. There are passionate moments and dangerous times. This was an entertaining story.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chirp

This romance has all the melodrama of an 80’s paperback bodice ripper (including the bodice ripped.) I have to say, the best way to enjoy this is on audiobook. The story is slow, but every now & then they play this pipe organ-type music that is just hilarious. You have a scene end (intense or regular,) & then…dun, dun, duuuun! I swear I cracked up every time. This one is 100% worth a listen!

[Mili Fay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not for me. I liked the touch of Dracula legend in the storyline, but I could not connect to any of the characters. I also could not see why these people formed an attachment. I just found this story strange. I would have liked to see the romance develop. The villain of the story was pretty obvious from the beginning. A really strange reason as well to go on a rampage. I need my books to make more sense.

[Dominique Englebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

How I love a dark romance!
The start of the book was somehow reminiscent of Van Helsing for me, with the dark landscape, the uncouth protagonists and the very superstitions one can find in the land of Vlad the Impaler. The intrigues, the ill-fated heroes, the curse which seems to hang on the castle like a somber miasma, all conspire to fascinate. One can hardly expect a happy resolution.

[Amy Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic edition to Emmanuelle's The Lady's Guide. She never fails to draw you in and give you a wonderful story that stays with you long after you finish reading. Sofia and Constantin are beautiful together and their romance is one for the ages. This world grabs you and you can feel the dark mystery envelope you. I highly recommend this book. Enjoy!

[Suzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it. Sophia has headed to the her Count's castle to claim her husband that disappeared five years ago. He is hiding a secret about his family and she is determined to figure it out so she can have the man she fell in love with back again. A very good read!!!

[Bev Bridges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic book I listened to this book on audiobooks great sounds effects and music.

Thanks Gareth for your amazing voice truly help bring this book together.
Emmanuelle your a a fabulous writer, I you do more in ladies guide series.
I would recommend this book if you like misunderstood myths of the heart.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have this book on audio and am not sure if it was the narration or the writing, but it came across as stilted. I thought the story dragged a little bit. The story was full of both Constantine and Sofia having inner dialogues and self justifications. There was an unexpected twist near the end which resulted in Constantine's admission of love and them finding their HEA.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually read and listening to audio. This was a treat. Loved every single minute of this. I grew up watching creature feature as the story is told with mystery and music to highlight a climax in the story. It was kind of corny but that's what made it so enjoyable. Will definitely be reading and listening more from this Author.