Daphne du Maurier award finalist for Best Historical Mystery“This story is full of romance and suspense. . . No one can resist a novel written by Cheryl Bolen. Her writing talents charm all readers. Highly recommended reading! 5 stars!” – Huntress Reviews“Bolen pens a sparkling tale, and readers will adore her feisty heroine, the arrogant, honorable Warwick and a wonderful cast of supporting … of supporting characters.” – RT Book Reviews
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Maggie thought she was married to an earl . . . but it seems that her late and unlamented husband lied to her from the day they met. Now—penniless and stranded in London—she has thrown herself on the mercy of the real Lord Warwick. What’s a counterfeit countess to do?
Edward, the Earl of Warwick, desires only to get rid of the beautiful woman who arrived at his house with no less than fourteen trunks, a younger sister, a maid, and a very large cat. Her preposterous explanation is of no importance—but her late husband held the clue to the identity of England’s greatest traitor, a clue the Foreign Service must get at any cost. Edward will have to guard her night and day—but he cannot guard his heart.
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I was not able to put down this book once I read the first sentence. The story was charming and suspenseful. The characters were believable.
Just who is the real traitor?
Maggie is not only beautiful, she also believes she is the Countess of Warwick.
Edward, the Earl of Warwick is in awe of her beauty, but he knows she is not his countess. There is definitely a mystery to solve and a romance afoot.
Counterfeit Countess by Cheryl Bolen is a slow, but fun romance-mystery. The writing was good, and I appreciated the balance of dialogue to description and introspection. The mystery was made more interesting with several viable suspects and the humorous moments really lighted the story. I liked the lead characters, Maggie and Edward, but I really liked Rebecca and Fiona. I hope they each get their own stories. The sweet and satisfying ending really tied this read together nicely.
Content 411: In addition to a moderate amount of secular and religious swearing, there are also several detailed onscreen sex scenes.
Cheryl Bolen has a way with Regency Romance that’s just a little bit Spicer than most historical romances. Her characters are not your typical never bend the rules “beau monde”. Her characters are so real, they leap off the pages and become a part of your life. With Cheryl Bolen, Regency London is not all glitter and lights, it is real and gritty with the problems of a class system described in all its glory. Yet, her characters always seem to rise above it all, while exposing and righting the wrongs of society, and creating their own happy future.
With Counterfeit Countess, Brazen Brides series, Cheryl adds to steamy romance, an element of danger and intrigue. This novel has twists and turns that keep you guessing to the very end who is the true villain! Also, Counterfeit Countess, is full of quick, brilliant, repartee. Very entertaining read! Can hardly wait to read the next book!
A great story, I didn’t need some of the steamy.
This was a great book, that I did not want to end. I wished the other books in the series would be a continuation of their lives, but sadly that is not to be. A great story with plot twists I could never have expected.
I love historical romances
This girl has already been through the mill having married a trickster and she is pretty amazing, just showing up at the real Earl’s house and laying claim — but then it is a real turn about on that end later — lots of twists and turns but it all turns out well. Super fun read.
This book is a fun easy read with just enough steam to satisfy even the most romantic among us.THe characters are realistic and easy to relate the mystery that runs through the whole story totally keeps you from ever putting the book down for a second.
What a great story! Looking forward to reading more of the series
Good story but yukky sex.
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This was a very interesting book to read as it had so much action adventure and it was hard to predict the ending.
I love anything she writes
Cheryl Bolen is a great writer! The plot of this book is very original. Very interesting action. Great reading.
Great and different love story. Can’t wait to read the others in the series
A good read
Maggie Henshaw sows up in the middle of the night, introducing herself as the Countess of Warwick, claiming the estate is now hers since her husband died four months ago. Edward Stanfield, Earl of Warwick,, after he recovers from his shock, untangles the truth: Maggie had been married to an imposter, a former code breaker in the foreign office who had betrayed England to France. For a variety of reasons, Maggie, her sister Rebecca Peabody, and her servant are invited to stay at Warwick house. This novel is a romance / mystery / spy thriller, and a terrifically good read.
I found this book silly, from the opening with the would countess be screeching to the foolish dialogue. I didn’t finish the book.
Couldn’t put it down!
I have read many Books by Cheryl Bolen & enjoyed they immensely yet this Book was a Huge Disappointment.
Edward & Maggie’s Story just didn’t sit well with me. Sorry this is long Review, I just want to show what you would be reading.
Maggie is a Rotten, Spoiled, arrogant & counterfeit Woman.”
Example ;
“She had racked her brains trying to come up with some way to continue living in modest dignity with her sister, but no viable possibilities presented themselves.”
“And Lord Warwick made no secret of his devotion to that wretched Fiona Hollingsworth.”
“Lord Warwick belonged with his precious Fiona (damn her!),”
How Edward Continued to say how he was to marry his precious Fiona yet only a few days after Maggie showed up at his home he couldn’t remember Fiona’s Voice or anything about her because he could only think about Maggie’s “Bounteous Breasts” & her ethereal Beauty :
Maggie shows up at Edwards & as he descends from the stairs he sees her & is immediately bewitched by her.
What was likely the most beautiful female he had ever seen stood spitting out orders to his servants.
He was powerless to keep his gaze on her incredible chocolaty eyes,
“settle on a remarkably lovely pair of breasts that were only partially covered by the bodice of her elegant gown.”
“He was beginning to know those breasts fairly well–at least by sight–and was certain the nipples had been in perfect horizontal alignment last night.”
“Where Maggie’s breasts were the size of generous apples (he tried desperately NOT to picture them), her sister’s compared only to walnuts.”
He hugged Fiona & thought to himself ;
“He felt as if he were embracing a thirteen-year-old boy.
Why had he never before noticed her absence of a bosom?”
At Fiona’s Home Edward is ;
“Peering at those lovely breasts, without having to be reminded of Greenwich and the most incredible lovemaking in his entire life.”
“He weighed a breast in his cupped hand, then drew the nubbed nipple into his mouth as she began to moan and arch against him.”