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    The Countess
    The Countess
    The Countess
    Audiobook9 hours

    The Countess

    Written by Lynsay Sands

    Narrated by Sarah Coomes

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    “You can’t help but fall in love with Lynsay Sands!”
    —Christina Dodd

     

    New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lynsay Sands trades in highland kilts for lush ballrooms and high-waisted gowns in The Countess, the first in a brand new, sexy, laugh-out-loud funny Regency romance series. Fans of Julie Garwood, Jill Barnett, and Teresa Medeiros will adore The Countess, and sympathize with her hilarious attempts to cover up the untimely demise of her despicable husband, even as the late earl’s twin brother sets her heart aflutter. The much adored creator of the popular Argeneau vampire family paranormal romance novels, the incomparable Lynsay is equally adept at historical romance—as this wonderful Regency romp so emphatically demonstrates!

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHarperAudio
    Release dateJun 28, 2011
    ISBN9780062112972
    The Countess
    Author

    Lynsay Sands

    Lynsay Sands is the nationally bestselling author of the Argeneau/Rogue Hunter vampire series, as well as numerous historicals and anthologies. She’s been writing since grade school and considers herself incredibly lucky to be able to make a career out of it. Her hope is that readers can get away from their everyday stress through her stories, and if there are occasional uncontrollable fits of laughter, that’s just a big bonus.

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    Reviews for The Countess

    4/5

    157 ratings18 reviews

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    • 5/5
      Christiana, because of a gambling debt from her father, was forced to marry, a man that she once fell in love with and found charming and irresistable, however the minute he put his ring on her finger, everything about him changed. He was no longer the man she once knew, but someone that for a year, emotionally abused her, and Christiana desperate to escape but has no idea on how to go about it. Then her husband falls dead, and so as a temporary measure to escape a scandal until she can get her sisters married, she hides him away and puts him on ice..literally. But then that evening at ball, she comes face to face with a furious looking man that resembles her husband most strongly, and she is in shock...that after being dead has come back alive. Richard Fairgrave is the real Earl, but his twin brother had him almost killed, and has just returned to face his villionious brother, George, who has taken his own title away from him. But then he finds out that his brother is dead, and has married, and decides to act as the real Earl. However the one person he didn't expect to come in his way, was Christiana, who is reluctant to believe that this is the new Earl, who has suddenly reformed, but a sensual passion begins to climb between them, but the truth is bound to come out, and when it does will Christiana wants to remain with Richard and take a leap of faith on the love she is starting to feel for him.The Countess is the first in the Madison Sisters series by Lynsay Sands. I have loved her vampire series, and I have enjoyed a few of her historical, and the minute that I saw this book in the store, I knew I had to buy it, for the cover and blurb sold me, and I don't regret it. I don't get the chance to buy many books because of my budget, but I decided it was time to treat myself, and The Countess is definitely going to be a re read for sure. From the first page I fell in love with Christiana, she had such a vibrant personality and I couldn't help but be drawn to her. I also loved the interaction between Christiana and Richard, there were so many times that I laughed especially at the beginning, with the way these two circled each other, it was very entertaining to say the least. The Countess overall was a enjoyable read, with a perfect mix of chemistry and a bit of a mystery, that kept this reader on the edge of her seat. I truly fell in love with Richard and Christiana, and looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I hope its just as a enjoyable ride as the Countess has been!!

      1 person found this helpful

    • 5/5
      absolutely loved it! give the full roller coaster of emotions.
    • 5/5
      love this book. looking forward to the second book
    • 3/5
      Interesting story. Left a lot of loose ends but I see there is a sequel that is Suzette’s story so hopefully that will address them. Over all, a good book. Sands rarely disappoints
    • 3/5
      This leans towards the 'particularly unlikely' end of the spectrum, characters (both hero and villain) very conveniently expound upon their reasoning and influence on events, and the mystery needed more work. But, rather than feel like rolling my eyes in response, something about them just made me kind of chuckle instead. Perhaps it felt a bit like a 'caper'. You can't judge slapstick on the same scale you would use for high drama. I can't give it more than 3 stars, but its flaws didn't rub on me as they might in another book. I'll read the next in the series. One caveat- I was really, really hoping that Richard would reveal himself to his twin's wife before bedding her. Not doing so beforehand was an enormous trick to pull on someone (to put it the kindest way possible, (though I think it legitimately counts as rape in our modern legal system)) and it also forced her into a marriage she may not have chosen had she known. I think she probably would have chosen him anyway, since he's much nicer and it would help avoid scandal for her family and all... but it's some awfully shabby honor on his part all the same!
    • 3/5
      Christiana is married to a man who treats her badly, verbally abusing her, and very different from when he was courting her. When she finds him dead, she and her two sisters are relieved more than anything. Then his twin brother (and the real Earl) shows up. He was also treated badly by George, and Richard expects to get revenge only he finds out George is dead, and now Richard (the real Earl) has a wife - Christiana.I've read some of Ms. Sands' vampire books and generally enjoyed them. I wasn't sure about a Regency historical, and unfortunately, for the most part, those fears were realized. Think Weekend at Bernies set in Regency England and you have this book. I admit that some parts, especially in moving George's body around, were really funny. But all of the characters were so stupid it was hard for me to like them (and I tried). Obvious things were blithely overlooked with large plot holes throughout the story.A lot of the book is taken up by the two sisters and their potential romances which will be the next two books in the series. The ending was telegraphed far in advance.It's a quick read, but I think I'll go back to her vampire books.
    • 3/5
      When I read this book I found myself smiling a number of times. The problems encountered when you try to hide a dead body ! This is a fun easy romance to read.

      The fairy tale courtship did not turn into a happily-ever-after . . .

      Not until her husband dropped dead, that is. He had been horrible enough to Christiana during their short marriage, and she was not going to allow the traditional period of mourning to ruin her sisters' debuts as well. So she decides to put him on ice and go on as if nothing's happened . . .

      Until the real earl appears. Richard Fairgrave had every intention of confronting his villainous twin who had robbed him of his name and title . . . only to discover that he had died. Quietly assuming his identity, Richard must now deal with a maddening desire for his ravishing inherited "wife"— certainly a gold digger and possibly a murderess. And Christiana must deal with an unwanted new "husband" . . . and they both must figure out what to do before the ice melts!
    • 5/5
      A really fun steamy story full of humor as they fumble around solving a mystery. Christiana's husband dies and she packs him in ice then takes her sisters to a ball. She is surprised when husband walks into the ball but she doesn't know he has a twin, Richard.
    • 3/5
      Sands writes really light-hearted, funny romps. Though The Countess started out rather serious, it wasn't long before the silly side of the story emerged. This is the start of a new trilogy about three sisters with large dowries who must marry to save their family from ruin. I read them out of order because I didn't realize they were connected. I really enjoyed them, though they were rather farcical at times. They're told in tandem, which means they were kind of redundant at times, but overall they were light and fun reads.

      Although I enjoyed much of the story, I really had to suspend disbelief to buy the basic premise. The blackmail angle didn't work for me at all, since I thought the case behind it was rather flimsy (a he said/she said kind of thing that could easily be explained away).

      Aside from that this was a fun story. I like that Sands explored the issue of trust between a husband and wife. I also liked both main characters and the full cast of secondary characters.
    • 4/5
      This blurb is just irritating as well as deceiving. It leads me to believe that Richard has assumed the dead brother’s place without Christiana knowing it, and he believes her a “gold digger”. WRONG! But I am way ahead of myself.First, I never read any of Linsay’s Vampire books. I sort of lost interest in those after Ann Rice’s Vampire series, but I have read her two Historical Romances, “The Switch” and “Love is Blind” which I liked a lot. I do like the humor and wit she weaves through her stories. It truly is Laugh-Out-Loud reading.With this story, Linsay is introducing us to three sisters who were left a dower from their Grandmother, and this book displays the same charm, humor and wit I’ve come to expect of her. Still, it was a bit disappointing. I can’t put my finger on it but there you have it. It was too simple, too predicting and just too lighthearted. Our Heroine was too meek and she let her husband mentally abuse her for the past year of their marriage. He kept all of her friends and family away from her and slowly subdued her will and her spirit. In my opinion the Author didn’t take this story far enough for me. Maybe that’s why I just didn’t connect with Christiasna. Later on, once she gets her back bone, we’re even more confused about why she just gave up on herself for a year.On the other hand we have Richard, Earl of Radnor, the REAL one, who was a straight forward chap and knew where he’s going and what he’s about. He was a total opposite of the “pretender”. He was patient, kind, passionate and his concern for Christiana’s well-being and for her reputation was genuine. I liked him very much. We also get to meet his friends and I’m really looking forward to their story.Now we come to the plot: Who killed the “pretender”? Richard figured out quite quickly that it wasn’t Christiana, and while they all are surprised by the big “reveal”, we are not. Well, I wasn’t, but I won’t tell you. Suffice it to say it was revealed by a whimper and not a bang…I have to say that the most fun I had reading this book was when Richard discovers the body of his brother and tries to smuggle it out and then in the house. It truly was “Weekend at Bernie’s” Regency Style!To recommend this book or not? Hmmmm…..Yes, I’ll recommend it, if for nothing else, but for those LOL scenes and I have to say that Suzette’s story has intrigued me. “The Heiress” will be coming out February 22nd, and I will buy it.Melanie
    • 1/5
      I found this book is better when being re-told than when read??!!I was telling the story to a friend of mine and she seemed to enjoy it.Well, I didn't enjoy reading it.It was supposed to be funny, but I found myself a bit annoyed with the fact that they kept moving and doing things around a dead body that belonged to a family member. It was fun in the beginning, then it was just disturbing.And I didn't like the Hero, we are told that he is a good person, but I just didn't see it, his character was not very well written and i found him annoying.I ended up skipping parts just to finish it.
    • 4/5
      Ok Here I go..I am much more familiar with Ms Sands Argeneau Vampire Series than her Historical Novels, I decided if they are half as funny what the hell, I will give it a try.The Countess reminds me of the screwball comedies of the 40's mixed Think Arsenic and Old Lace mixed with Weekend at Bernie's, some of the action was enough to me me laugh out loud.At one point when the butler was describing what he saw, the scene so well described very funny indeed. What Ms Sand delivers is a Funny, Charming, Sexy tale. A fun start to a new Trilogy
    • 5/5
      Christiana could not help but agree to marry Dicky after their whirlwind courtship. He was courteous, charming, and quite frankly treated her like a princess. But that all changed after their "I Do's". Instead of the fairytale marriage she expected, Dicky became cruel, mentally abusive and alienated her from her friends and family. When Dicky suddenly drops dead she is definitely no heartbroken widow. Instead she and her sisters hide the body away and attend a ball. Needless to say it is quite the surprise when shortly after their arrival at the ball they encounter Dicky... alive and well.Richard Fairgrave - the real (and much alive) Earl of Radnor has come back to London to confront his twin brother who has stolen not only his identity but his life. But before finding his brother, he runs into his "wife". A wife who is staring at him with nothing short of horror. Now what is a respectable man to do - make known the fact that his brother usurped his life... or find a way to save this woman, her sisters and himself from scandal...I loved this story! Ms. Sands expertly weaves a tale full of mystery and adventure but also full of laughter and romance. I absolutely loved all the characters in this story... well, everyone except that despicable Dicky (whom thankfully dies right at the start). Their interactions were downright hilarious. From Christiana's efforts at trying to catch a glimpse of Richard's bum, to the dead body that keeps popping up at the most inopportune moments. I loved it! I found myself laughing out loud constantly. Christiana and her sisters (whom are very interactive in this story) were a hoot. I loved how they dealt with Dicky's death, their father's gambling and eventually with their own beau's in the story. The gentlemen - Richard, his close friend Daniel, and Robert (the girls' childhood friend) were also just as entertaining. The romance between Christiana and Richard sizzles. Their chemistry (even that one time with the whiskey) was spot on. I loved their interludes, their push and pull, the private conversations in the "closet", etc. This was such an unexpected treat. It was light-hearted, romantic and insanely funny. A great beginning to the series and a fabulous introduction to this author - since this is my first Lynsay Sands book.
    • 5/5
      Very funny.... good read when down.... must read again!
    • 4/5
      Not so much of the Sands humor I so dearly love, don't got me wrong parts will have you lol just with a different type of funny. Regardless this story is irresistible it will suck you in and keep you flipping the pages =) I won't give it away but I loved the ending I didn't see that coming at all & I so thought I knew who the killer was..Can't wait for the next book I absolutely love the H/H already and can't wait to read there story.
    • 1/5
      Think of a historical "Weekend at Bernies" and, yes, it was that bad. Christiana is in a horrible marriage to an earl...but she's not really married to the earl, she's married to his evil twin pretending to be the earl. He tried to murder the real earl but Richard, the real earl was actually only sent to America. Anyway, the evil twin is poisoned and dies. Christiana sees this as her opportunity to be free but she and her sisters realize that they have to get one of the sisters married quickly so their father's gambling debts can be paid. So, they decide to hide the evil twins death by packing him on ice. That same day, the good twin returns and discovers what the evil one has been up to (and that he is dead). Richard, the good twin, steps into his brother's shoes so he can figure out what's going on and Christiana believes that her husband isn't really dead. Richard (and a friend) now spend their time hiding the body. Christiana realizes that her husband has changed and is intrigued to the point that they start fooling around in his bedroom. Christiana is uncomfortable as they roll around the bed and, the sheet shifts to uncover the body of the evil twin...They've been fooling around in the same bed as him.This is really the plot of this book. I normally love Lynsay Sands but what on earth happened. Is this book a joke? Really, someone let me know.
    • 4/5
      What do you do when the husband who has treated you cruelly for the past year drops dead and your sister needs you to take her to a ball that night to find her own husband so she can use her dowry to save your father? Why you hide the body and pretend everything is ok. And what are you to think when the dead husband walks into the ballroom and acts like a different person? So begins a delightful slapstick filled with secrets, near misses and romance. This is the first book in a trilogy focusing on three sisters and three men whose reason for coming together involves the dead husband. The story is well done as we watch Christiana blossom and learn to trust after being mentally beaten down for the past year. Trying to keep the secret is quite humorous, and I’d love to see it done on film.Read as an ARC through Net Galley.
    • 4/5
      The Heiress (Madison Sisters #2) by Lynsay Sands This is the Second book in the Madison Sisters Trilogy and just a tiny bit weaker than the first book “The Countess” which was fabulously funny and romantic.This is a comedy of errors since Suzette wants a poor husband, one that she can manage and manipulate. She thinks that she has found it with Daniel Woodward, a close friend of her sister the Countesses husband. However, what she does not know about him can really throw her plans in the rubbish!Daniel doesn’t want the attentions of money seeking misses or the attentions of their grasping Mama’s, so he pretends poverty and Suzette is thrilled. Now Daniel tries to gently tell her the truth all the while trying not to succumb to the temptation of Suzettes charms and determined to avoid the villain who is trying to end his life.I found this selection in this trilogy to be a little difficult to follow since it is running parallel in time and storey to “The Countess” and that was a new experience for me. I think that others may not have the same issues with this that I did. But I did want to warn people that it is a tad disconcerting at times. Otherwise, this is a perfectly charming and cute addition to the Madison Sister’s Trilogy. I cannot wait to read the third addition to this series and they will become “keepers” on my shelves.