My Favorite Countess

The Stanton Family #3

by Vanessa Kelly

She is difficult, demanding, and at times, quite fierce. And Dr. John Blackmore can't take his eyes off her. The Countess of Randolph is the most striking woman he has ever seen...and the most infuriating patient he has ever tended.

Mired in responsibility, Bathsheba doesn't have time to convalesce in the country. She should be in London, hunting for a wealthy new lover to pay off her late husband's vast debts, not dallying with a devastatingly handsome doctor.

But it is only a matter of time until the good doctor and the obstinate countess will have to contend with the sparks that fly between them. And once their bodies surrender, their hearts may follow.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance, Fiction

376 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2011

About the author

Vanessa Kelly is a bestselling author of historical mystery and historical romance. She has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Maggie Medallion for best historical romance. She is a USA Today, Barnes & Noble, BookScan, and Amazon bestseller several times over. To date, her books have been published in eleven languages. Vanessa also wrote USA Today bestselling contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels with her husband, under the pen name of V.K. Sykes.

After receiving her MA in English literature from Rutgers University, Vanessa spent several years in the Ph.D program at the University of Toronto, studying women authors of the 18th Century. She worked as a researcher for many years, and currently resides in Ottawa, Canada, with her husband.

Reviews

[HR-ML · Rating 4 out of 5]

Regency in Yorkshire & London.

Featured Dr. John Blackmore, physician +accoucheur
(man-midwife) w/ 2 medical degrees and Bathsheba,
a widowed countess with horrid Reggie memories. John
served patients at St. Bart's hospital, in the 'stews' &
in Mayfair.

Reg was a spendthrift. Sheba worried new earl, Reg's
cousin Matthew, inherited mostly debts. The solution?
Sheba decided to wed a wealthy man.

The story had more angst than I usually prefer & Sheba
had a limited filter on her mouth. John & Sheba made this
story come alive. They shared painful memories of their
pasts. Sheba alternated between displaying bravado and
vulnerability. And at times frankly her rudeness was too
much for the circumstances. But we saw her grow into her
'better self.'

My favorite scene? John stood up to Dr. Steele (who used
outdated methods) w/o involving fisticuffs. It felt refresh-
ing to have a mature hero (not always the case).

[D.G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too bad this book languished on my TBR for such a long time. I really liked it!

✔ Doctor is a hero who cares for the poor but still used the knowledge of the time - no advocating methods that hadn't been discovered yet!
✔ The heroine was experienced - no simpering miss! - and ruthless enough to do whatever it takes to protect her family.
✔ Heroine was freaking afraid of illnesses - as a any normal person should be, specially during that time, when if you weren't careful, an infected toenail could kill you.
✔ Hero would come toe to toe with the heroine - who was very strong willed - and come out on top (pun intended)

I'll definitely read this author's backlist.

[Nelly S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This could easily have been a 4 star review if the love scenes could have been a bit more inspiring and less mechanical; I actually fell asleep while reading one! But I really liked the characters, the plot and how the H/h relationship developed so it's a shame that the author couldn't get this part right.

I loved Bathsheba who is a widowed countess. She is a prickly, difficult heroine who comes across as a shrewish character but we come to learn that she has very good reasons for being so. Her late husband was an emotionally abusive, sexually depraved, and obsessively jealous man. He spread false, vicious rumours about her throughout the Ton claiming that she had multiple lovers, thus ruining her reputation.

Dr. John Blackmore is a strong, caring, dedicated doctor who has a successful private practice, but also dedicates himself to delivering babies and providing health services to poor mothers in St. Giles. He saves Bathsheba from a life threatening fever and continues pursuing her again and again even though she constantly pushes him away--because she's scared about her feelings for him, she doesn't think he has enough money, etc.

So I liked the book but the sexy times were a tad flat--and hey, this is a romance after all!

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Favorite Countess explains in a delightfully awesome manner why a woman from a previous story was such an unbearable and nasty harridan and how she ends up deserving the love and acceptance she gets in this book. Once I realized who this book was about I was all excited with anticipation and the author met every one of my hopes as the plot unfolded.

Lady Randolph, Bathsheba, truly earned the title of heroine. She’s a woman of her time who has been dealt with an overabundance of bad luck, sadness and victimization. As a woman with a noble title she’s not expected to have to worry about much and it’s acceptable for her to grace the parties and the dress makers in fashion and with attitude. All of it is a front. What a reader will find out is that Bathsheba is a woman driven to desperation and she will do anything she has to in order to protect her family. She has tried it in the past and fortunately failed. She can’t fail in this book and a reader comes to understand how much is riding on the success of her personal sacrifices. A reader feels her wounds, her worry and her crushing fears of failure. She’s a truly tortured heroine and it’s going to take a special kind of man, a genteel warrior, to reach her heart and the terrified woman hiding within.

Enter Dr. John Blackmore. He needs more patience than patients. I couldn’t resist saying that. But it’s also very true. Bathsheba has the poor guy dancing down an emotion-filled path filled with thorns, potholes and honeyed candy. He’s a smart, educated and intelligent man who would do Sir Sherlock Holmes proud. He watches, observes and sees what everyone else has failed to see and benefits from the insight he gains. He applies it to his practice with the poor and he applies it to the heroine. She is as injured as some of his patients to be sure and I really enjoyed watching the hero peel back Bathsheba’s defensive layers to find the jewel within. He is as methodical as a surgeon -- focused and intent. I loved his steady strength, his sense of humor and his finesse. He’s not perfect and I liked that too. Readers will find out that he has his own burden, his own fear that dogs his path and colors many of his decisions. It will take a very scary and dramatic confrontation to bring it all to the fore.

The conflict in this story is complicated and delightfully meaty which kept me turning the pages at a swift clip. I never could second guess the hero or heroine because they never did quite what I expected. It kept me off kilter but I’m glad to say they did that to each other too. That was fun. There were a few elements of external conflict that really showcased the strength of character and personality of both the hero and heroine. I also thought it made them grow into better people as the story continued. It wasn’t an easy growth nor was it without pain. Those make for the best reading and Ms. Kelly delivers.

When John and Bathsheba succumb to the passion that burns inside them for each other, the pages turn smoking hot. I simply have to say that playing doctor was never so much fun especially when the guy is a real doctor. I found that I fanned myself from frequently heated cheeks because the scenes were so well written, I could visualize them. Thank goodness it’s winter right now.

I also appreciated how Ms. Kelly had Lord Silverton and his family, as well as the Stantons from the previous book, play pivotal supporting roles in this story. I enjoyed seeing them again and I thought their gradual acceptance of Bathsheba a sweet and telling addition to the book. It gave me the warm and fuzzies. And no, readers do not need to read the first book to appreciate My Favorite Countess. This book completely stands on its own because the hero and heroine are such vibrant and well rounded personalities. The secondary characters are frosting on a very yummy cake.

My Favorite Countess is a thrilling and heart-touching historical romance that truly grips a reader right from the emotional beginning. The pace, dialogue and dramatic conflicts kept me on the edge of my seat while the interaction and by-plays between John and Bathsheba kept me entertained and committed to their story in the hope of their finding a happily ever after. That they did with a very poignant, sincere and lightly humorous wrap up that satisfied the romantic in me. I am thrilled with the quality of writing that Ms. Kelly provides and I heartily look forward to her next book. My Favorite Countess is quality romance.

originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...

[Verity · Rating 5 out of 5]

The unfortunately named sheep, Batsheba, is not verra accepting of his profession (Obstetrician). Per doctor's orders, nauti John can board my rusty ship & detonate me w/ his medically certified staff.

[Manda Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this sexy, passionate story pitting a worldly widow, desperate to keep her family from losing everything, against an up and coming doctor/midwife who treats both the wealthy of Mayfair and the poverty-stricken of St. Giles. Bathsheba isn't an easy heroine to love, but the fact that she is all too human made her a refreshing change from the typical angelic historical heroine. She unrepentantly enjoys sex. She does not suffer fools gladly. And she speaks her mind. I loved that she had real flaws and an actual character arc that showed her change from the beginning of the book to the end. John, a physician-midwife, was stubborn and high handed and arrogant, which made him strong enough to offer Bathsheba a relationship of equals. The multiple strands of plot, featuring disgruntled doctors, judgmental matrons, and plenty of sexytimes, are woven beautifully together into a story that will satisfy anyone who loves gritty historicals and passionate love stories--not unlike Liz Carlyle's earlier works. And the fact that John is a physician/midwife is a welcome relief from the usual noble heroes. Thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not, under any circumstances, going to purchase, never mind read, this story because I so hated Bathsheba from the previous book SEX AND THE SINGLE EARL, where Bathsheba nearly destroyed the relationship between Simon and Sophie. But...others who follow the blogs I follow seemed to think this was a wonderful story, so I relented and purchased a copy for myself - but I was determined only to read it for the sole purposes of placating my own feelings about Bathsheba...Well, I read it, and surprisingly, I really loved this book because Bathsheba became human to me - not matter how much I hated her initially. Vanessa Kelly remarkably was able to maintain many of the qualities I hated about Bathsheba (snooty, rude, arrogant) but insert humaninity into her that made her real - flawed, but real. She also balanced out her negative qualities with a super nice hero who helped Bathsheba be the person she wanted to be. Excellent read, great characters, great plot, and characters who aren't perfect, but realistic.

[Teresa Kleeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so loved this book. The sparks between Dr. John Blackmore and the Countess of Randolph is so electrifying.

The Countess of Randolph swore she would never let another man rule over her. She was in love with her first husband however, that loved he used against her to keep her in line. He was a crazy jealous man and had fetishes that Bathsheba The Countess was appalled by.

The Ton believed the stories and rumors about her. But she doesn't let that stop her. When circumstances leads Bathsheba to have to find another rich man to marry to take care of her late husbands bills, she swears she will marry a man who is wealthy but she only feels fondness for him and she will never let her heart be the deciding factor.

Bathsheba only knows this can happen if she gets back to London. She is staying in the country with her cousin. Because her and her husband didn't have an heir her mild manner cousin who has no head for business has inherited the Earl's title position. He leaves the finances in Bathsheba's capable hands. Matthew never trained to be an Earl in fact Matthew would rather read a book.

Bathsheba has a secret and to protect that secret she needs to capture a rich husband to keep the secret hidden and taken care of. While when she is in the country with her cousin, she is called away on an urgent task. She's gone for over 5 days and when she returns back to the country manor she becomes deathly ill.

When Dr. John Blackmore is called to Earl's house to take care of Bathsheba he finds her to be the most striking woman he's ever seen in his life. He also finds her to be the most infuriating patient he has ever tended too. The longer he tends to her. The more he comes to care for her and realizes she's not the person the Ton believes her to be.

This is a wonderful tale of love blooming between two stubborn people. Reading this was thoroughly enjoyable. I felt so emotions reading these two story. I really believe anyone reading this book will enjoy it as much as I have.

[Lena Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Vanessa Kelly book, and it certainly won't be the last. This is not your traditional, predictable historical romance with balls and teas and carriage rides. This is gritty, real life and features two characters I would never have expected in a story with a Countess on the cover. The heroine is a widow who, at first blush, is extremely unlikeable. She's arrogant, sharp-tongued, and rude. The only reason the ton puts up with her is because she's so beautiful and because of her title. Kelly does an incredible job of redeeming this character in a realistic way. The character stays true to herself throughout the novel. She doesn't do a one-hundred-eighty degree shift and completely change. Instead, she gradually grows and changes because of the experiences she endures. She learns to care about others, and the reader learns to care about her, and to understand what made her the woman she became. She is a deeply flawed character. I love that the author doesn't try to totally redeem the heroine and make her turn out to be perfect. She remains a flawed character throughout, but what she goes through does change her and make her a better person, flaws and all.

The hero isn't an Earl or a Duke. He doesn't even have a title. He's a doctor, in today's terms, an obstetrician. Kelly takes us into the gritty world of the very poor, showing us their very real plight through the eyes of a man who cares deeply for the people he treats. He risks his life and his reputation to save society's throwaways. It is precisely his gift as a doctor, his ability to read people's expressions and body language to understand and diagnose them, that enables him to see past the aloof, arrogant exterior of the heroine. He is the only person who sees the scared, vulnerable woman beneath the shell. He is the perfect match for the heroine, in every way.

The love story between these two complex characters is incredibly emotional and riveting. There are so many layers to these characters and they are so compelling that I still can't stop thinking about them even after finishing the novel. In spite of all the baggage and secrets both characters have, the resolution of the conflict does not rely on any gimmicks or frustrating misunderstandings. The author resolves each conflict realistically, using the hero's keen sense of understanding of human nature to help him see the truth, rather than let silly assumptions stand in the way between the characters.

If you enjoy deep, emotional, complex characters and an original plot with two unusual characters, you will love My Favorite Countess. This is one of the best historical romances I have ever read.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

RATING: 4.5)MY FAVORITE COUNTESS by Vanessa Kelly is an exciting historical romance set in 1817 London and 1817 Compton Manor,Yorkshire. It will written with depth and details.The characters are not only enchanting,charming but also obstinate,demanding
at times,difficult at times and quite fierce. When Bathsheba meets Dr. John Blackmore she never expected to feel not only a sensual pull toward the good Dr. Blackmore but to also,dare I say, fall in love with him.For, Bathsheba,the Countess of Randolph, is in desperate need of a rich husband since her dead husband left her near penniless. She must support not only a household but also her sister,who is hidden away due to her illness. The now Lord Randolph,who is her ex-husband's cousin is not good with money.So Bathsheba feel she has a responsibility to them,even if it means her unhappiness. Dr. Blackmore is not only handsome,sexy,but he can't keep his eyes off of Bathsheba when they first meet and she him.What follows can only be sensual tension,while they both come to grips with their new found lust for each other.In the meantime Dr. Blackmore,also is on staff at one of the finest hospitals in London and he is working toward helping the less fortunate citzens of London. While the money isn't good he is in his own right weathly.Together, Bathsheba and Dr. Blackmore will surrender not only their bodies but also their hearts. This is a fast paced,page turning story that will leave you in awe of the differences between the upper and lower classes of Regency London during the 1800's,the sacrifices some make,and the differences some can and do make during this era. This is a must read. My Favorite Countess will become your favorite also. This book was received for the purpose of review from the publisher and details can be found at Zebra Book, published by Kensington Publishing Corp. and My Book Addiction Reviews.

[Katherine 黄爱芬 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bathsheba, countess yg sudah menjanda sedang kalang kabut mencari suami baru utk menutupi utang menggunung lahan yg diwarisi dari suaminya. Tiba-tiba dirinya jatuh sakit krn memikirkan tanggungjawab yg hrs dipikulnya, terpaksa dia membiarkan dirinya dirawat dan disembuhkan oleh si dokter tampan, John Blackmore. Dan keduanya jelas saling tertarik. Blackmore berniat menikahi Bathsheba, tetapi Bathsheba memiliki banyak pertimbangan. Ketika Bathsheba diajak berkeliling daerah kumuh tempat Blackmore biasanya mengunjungi pasien2nya, Bathsheba ngeri dan mempertanyakan dokter berdedikasi ini. Bathsheba menolak lamaran Blackmore. Tetapi saat dia hrs mencari Blackmore utk menolong Meredith (teman dekatnya yg akan melahirkan), Bathsheba akhirnya menyadari bhw asumsinya tidak selalu benar.

Dengan setting thn 1817, author membawa kita pada suasana saat dimana kebanyakan dokter pd masa itu sangat pongah, hanya mau melayani kaum bangsawan dan enggan melayani dan memandang rendah serta sinis kolega mereka spt dokter Blackmore yg dgn sukarela mendatangi para rakyat jelata. Para bangsawan juga akhirnya bimbang menentukan mana dokter yg kompeten atau tidak. Konflik sudah pasti tak terelakkan krn perbedaan kepentingan ini.

Karakter Bathsheba adalah type heroine yg berani, tegas, keras kepala dan agak sedikit jalang. Dgn masa lalu gelap yg dilaluinya ketika mengarungi bahtera rumah tangga dgn seorang bangsawan brengsek, mengajarkan Bathsheba utk berhati-hati dalam menentukan calon suami berikutnya. Sedangkan karakter Blackmore adalah type hero yg kompeten tetapi cenderung mengorbankan dirinya sendiri.

Alur cerita awalnya memang agak lambat dan sedikit membosankan, tetapi author piawai dgn diselingi adegan romance yg hot. Storyline terjalin apik dan tidak membingungkan. Bagi pecinta historical romance, buku ini saya rekomendasikan utk dibaca.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really and truly highly recommend this book. Vanessa is really a fantastic writer. My Favorite Countess will draw you in from the beginning, so much so that you won't want to put it down. And, the sex scenes are absolutely RED HOT!!! This book will appeal to all readers that love Historical Romance. In 1817, Widow Bathsheba Compton cannot enjoy her new marital status as she cannot pay her abusive late husband's major debt, nor pay for the care of her mentally disturbed sister who she never sees. The aristocrat knows her only hope to pay the bills rests with marrying a wealthly noble. She is difficult, demanding, and at times, quite fierce. And Dr. John Blackmore can't take his eyes off her. The Countess of Randolph is the most striking woman he has ever seen...and the most infuriating patient he has ever tended. Mired in responsibility, Bathsheba doesn't have time to convalesce in the country. She should be in London, hunting for a wealthy new lover to pay off her late husband's vast debts, not dallying with a devastatingly handsome doctor. But it is only a matter of time until the good doctor and the obstinate countess will have to contend with the sparks that fly between them. And once their bodies surrender, their hearts may follow. . . My Favorite Countess

[Ilze · Rating 3 out of 5]

Engaging story about the redemption of a woman who has made grave mistakes and earned people's dislike, although she has had to deal with some tragic situations not of her making. Bathsheba had a vile husband, she feels huge guilt over the fact that her mentally-crippled sister is in care (but not with her) and she is in severe financial difficulty. She decides that she has to nab herself a rich husband to solve her financial difficulties, but falls for an idealistic doctor instead.

Everything works out in the end, of course, but the bumps along the way, as well as the details about obstetric practice in the early 19'th century, make for an interesting story. 3.6 stars.

[Janga · Rating 5 out of 5]

With an intriguing transformation of villainess to heroine and a doctor hero who captured this reader's heart--and her mind, Vanessa Kelly added another keeper to my library.

Look for my full review at Just Janga (March 10, 2011):
http://justjanga.blogspot.com/2011/03...

[Shawna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars – Historical/Regency Romance

[Socrate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Londra
Iunie 1817

John eşuase, şi încă o femeie murise. În curând, aveau să reînceapă zvonurile, şoptite pe străduţele şi aleile din Saint Giles, împrăştiind teamă şi ignoranţă, asemenea unei boli contagioase.
Îngerul Morţii.
Aşa îi spuneau unii dintre localnici. Cu greu îi putea învinovăţi, deşi logica rece îi zicea că aceşti oameni se înşelau. Cu toate acestea, moartea se târa în urma lui. Oricât de mult se chinuia să o învingă, în aceste locuri întunecate rareori ieşea victorios. Lăsă bisturiul pe tava aflată pe podea, lângă patul cioplit grosolan. O masă ponosită de lemn, câteva scaune rupte şi inegale şi un cufăr vechi alcătuiau mobila chiriaşului. În lumina tremurândă de la o lampă veche şi câteva lumânări, camera era martorul vieţii grele a acestor biete suflete din mahalalele Londrei. Asistentul lui şi studentul la medicină, Roger Simmons, aşeză cu grijă o pătură jerpelită şi murdară peste corpul pacientului. De fapt, peste pacienţi, din moment ce John nu putuse să salveze nici bebeluşul doamnei O’Neill. Copilul născut mort se afla în braţele mamei sale, alături de ea pentru eternitate. John spera ca locul unde se aflau acum avea să fie mai milostiv decât acest focar de infecţie mohorât.
– Nu se mai putea face ceva ca să o salvaţi, doctore Blackmore, şi ştiţi asta.
Vocea aspră a lui Roger, având încă accentul zonei Spitalfields unde crescuse, sparse liniştea stranie care se aşternuse în camera din care se auziseră ţipetele femeii până cu puţin timp în urmă.
– Asta spui tu.
Vorbele hârşâiră gâtul lui John, în timp ce îşi ştergea sângele de pe degete pe o bucată de cârpă. În momentul în care devenise clar că doamna O’Neill era pe moarte, o tăiase, într-o încercare inutilă de a salva copilul. Dar, ca de obicei, ajunsese prea târziu.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok. Vanessa. Good Job.
You took that character I loathed from the previous book and made her a heroine. Not necessarily a likeable one but a heroine nonetheless. She was flawed, snarky, harsh, and exactly how she was portrayed before. There wasn't some drastic about face with Bathsheba, and I think when you name a character Bathsheba you gotta live up to that name. And you did.

John was a great hero, sensitive and grumpy and hard when he needed to be (the pun was fully intended people revel in it). The two worked well together and the romance was well paced.

All in all great read, extra great because it made me go back and pick up Mastering the Marquess (which I own!!) and want to read Meredith and Silverton's story again. So A+ work

[Karen Hackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY FAVORITE COUNTESS by Vanessa Kelly is book 3 of The Stanton Family.

She is difficult, demanding, and at times, quite fierce. And Dr. John Blackmore can't take his eyes off her. Bathsheba, the Countess of Randolph, is the most striking woman he has ever seen . . . and the most infuriating patient he has ever tended.

MY FAVORITE COUNTESS is an emotional journey where Bathsheba and John confront their demons and the danger. Kelly’s stories are well-written with captivating plots and strong protagonists ensnare by the emotional intensity of their relationships and rising sexual tension. It is an unforgettable, sensual Regency historical romance readers will enjoy.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wouldn't say that this book was perfect as I didn't quite like how the romance flowed but that didn't mean that this book wasn't great. I really liked how John and Bathsheba complemented each other, their chemistry was palpable. And I liked how Bathsheba changed from the villain in previous book to a true heroine. I even liked her more that the other two heroines
I also liked how John fought for his belief and also his expertise. John who was a doctor was a fresh change from other heroes in other historical romance but he was no less charming. He was confident, kind and tender, a true heartthrob.
There were many things I liked from this book, it was a keeper.

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. At times predictable, but enjoyable. Definitely a good diversion for a few days, so I can take a breather from the heart crushing force of "small great things". I liked getting a little back story on man midwifery in the 1800's, the author did her research and created a good character John Blackstone.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third of the Stanton family bundle. The author managed to do the impossible and successfully made the conniving mistress from the previous book the heroine. I think this is just a masterful effort. Bathsheba, Lady Randolph, is a flawed and intriguing heroine. I am soooo thankful she didn’t end up with Simon.

[Karen Darling · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could not finish this book. I love a bold heroin, but this heroin was down right rude and disrespectful for no good reason. I also think that you have to read the prior books in order to truly understand what was happening in this book. I am happy that this book was free.

[Preye · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnf@ 45%
This book came highly recommended from a friend here and on Instagram so I was sure I would love it. Pretty disappointing. The female mc grated on my nerves and I couldn't understand why the male mc behaved like a sick puppy.

[Wenny Widjaja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cerita tentang Bathsehba bagus tapi tetep menurut saya paling bagus cerita Sophie.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

5/10

[Neelam Jha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dnl

[Stacie Marquart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.

[Ellyn (Mrs. Darcy in my Dreams) · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. Realized I hadn't finished the first in this series so decided to bale on this one.

[Jo]

I just can't. Whilst the hero is intriguing, the heroine has too far to come back for me to get through the rest. DNF in Chapter 8.

[Dc dewi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karakter jon yg sgt amat membantu.Batsheba lama2 bikin eneg.Niatnya mo nyari suami kaya tp stuck di jon.bilang g mau;tp lngsng klepek2 disentuh.