Review and Giveaway: The Countess Confessions

The Countess Confessions (Boscastle Affairs - Book 2) by Jillian Hunter

Publication Date: 02/04/2014
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Signet Eclipses
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 352
ISBN-10: 0451415337
ISBN-13: 978-0451415332

(Received for an honest review from Signet Eclipse)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Indiebound

Jillian Hunter on the WEB: website, facebook, goodreads

Books in the series: 

The Mistress Memoirs (2013), The Countess Confessions (2014)

Coverart: Click the Image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

Excerpt from, The Countess Confessions, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature.

Synopsis:

New York Times bestselling author Jillian Hunter has charmed readers with her “sizzling sexual chemistry and rapier wit"(Booklist). Now she returns to the scandalous Boscastle family…

All Emily Selwick wanted was to convince the man she had adored for years that she was the woman he ought to marry. She never expected that her ill-fated deception at a party would uncover a scheme against the Crown and ensnare her in the sensual trap of an enigmatic stranger.

Damien Boscastle, the Earl of Shalcross, knows he must marry Emily to defend her honor and keep his mission secret. But, by saving her reputation, he will draw her into his arms as well as a dangerous intrigue.

After a whirlwind courtship that leaves her breathless, Emily finds herself wed to a husband who vows not only to protect her from his menacing world—but to train his wife in the pleasures of passion.

Thoughts:

Jillian Hunter brings readers the second book in her spin-off Boscastle Affairs series, The Countess Confessions. This a sexy romp through the ton, with a bit of fortune telling, a smidgen of espionage and a big dose of romance. Hunter fans will love revisiting the Boscastle family with Damien being the hero for this novel. Hunter's sharp wit is amazing during the banter between hero and heroine and her trademark ability to write captivating characters was at it's best. Damien's protective nature comes out when Emily is in danger both in body and in reputation. Readers will love this addition to the series.

What I liked:

This book is the second in a spin off series featuring the Boscastle family. It also considered book 14 in the original series, but I think it fits well in either category. Jillian Hunter is a old pro at writing historical romance and her experience really shows in her latest book, The Countess Confessions. She uses several plot devices that give this story an originality that is sometimes missing in the genre. Yes, it is set in the Regency era, but it is distinctly outside the norm. It features a young woman, who essentially ends up in the wrong place, at the wrong time and finds herself in a mountain of trouble.

Emily had in a mind a simple little scheme to get a man she was interested in's attention. But she ends up in the middle of a plot against the crown. I loved the way the author used the Gypsy girl scenario as a catalyst for the hero and heroine to meet. I thought it was both cute and something I hadn't seen before. Readers will find it a fresh and interesting plot line that will have them wondering exactly what is going to happen next.

Many Regency romances focus on a woman's reputation being put in danger by her actions with a man. This story also leans that way, but it is a bit more complicated than the typical plot line. Not only is Emily in danger of losing her reputation, but her life is on the line as well, when she stumbles into Damien mission to find a group of anarchists. This also showed a lot of originality. It works from a tried and true theme and adds a new dimension, making it much more interesting than the normal set up.

Damien was a fantastic hero. Not only does he show loyalty to his country but he also shows loyalty to Emily throughout the story. He is passionate and full of surprises, in the bedroom and out of it. When he realizes that he must propose to Emily to keep her safe he doesn't want a marriage in name only, he wants her as his wife and he intends to show her everything about love and being intimate. I loved the way he was so accepting of her and how he only wanted the best for her. I felt like he was a very worthy character and that he had is priorities in the right place making him the ultimate hero.

Hunter has created a very intriguing novel and I think readers will really enjoy the spy angle, as well as, the love story. If definitely has it's place, but the romance is where it's at in this novel. The chemistry between main characters is scorching. I loved their interactions together throughout the book whether is was bantering back and forth or in the midst of love making they always respected each other and made each moment matter. Hunter wrote them very sensuously but also very emotionally mature.

What I didn't like:

Not much of a criticism, but I wanted more spy stuff. More intrigue and danger. I loved the romance but I think the story would have benefited with a little more attention to the conflict in the story. Still a wonderful book with great characters and a very romantic lead couple.

Bottom Line:

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next adventure with the Boscastle's they are some kind of family. The romance was the central crux of the story but that little added benefit of the espionage gave it interest and originality. Loved it!

The Countess Confessions is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Jillian Hunter is the author of more than twenty critically acclaimed novels, including the Bridal Pleasures series: The Duchess Diaries, A Bride Unveiled, and A Duke's Temptation. The Countess Confessions marks the thirteenth Boscastle Regency romance, following The Mistress Memoirs. Jillian's  The Wicked Duke Takes a Wife and A Wicked Lord at the Wedding are New York Times bestsellers. She has received several awards, including the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. She lives in Southern California with her husband and three daughters.

Giveaway Details:

The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of The Countess Confessions by Jillian Hunter.

~ You must be an email subscriber to participate.
~ US addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST, March 13th.

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