"An emotionally powerful tale with the perfect balance of humor and enchanting romance!"
Reviewed by Miranda Owen
Posted November 28, 2014
Romance Historical
THE ACCIDENTAL COUNTESS is Book two in Valerie
Bowman's Playful Brides series. I think it's
better to
read this series in order because a lot of the characters
in this story, and their relationships to each other are
established in the previous book.
THE ACCIDENTAL COUNTESS
is such a compelling story because the heroine finally has
an opportunity to get the man she has pined for since she
was a teenager. The fact that she and the hero
corresponded
through letters while he was away living the life of a
soldier just adds to the romance.
Lady Cassandra Monroe is a very sympathetic heroine. She
is
definitely not a doormat, but she has always been a mild-
mannered, sweet-natured peacemaker. For years she felt as
though the man of her dreams was always out of reach for
two reasons -- he always saw her as his best friend's kid
sister, and he was betrothed to her cousin. However, now
thanks to the machinations of her friend, she has an
opportunity to get close to him the way she never could
before. Masquerading as the fictional Patience Bunbury,
Cass tries to seduce Julian.
I like how Valerie Bowman made
the assumed identity plot not all about Julian. As
Patience, Cass feels free to be bold and make choices she
might normally repress. By the end of the story, Cass is a
woman who is determined to not let others control her
destiny.
In addition to the romance, THE ACCIDENTAL
COUNTESS is also about friendship, self-discovery, and
identity. Cass, Lucy, and Jane have strong friendship. In
some ways, the conflict that arises between two of the
friends rivals the conflict that arises between Cass and
Julian.
Like the previous book, THE ACCIDENTAL COUNTESS is a
delightful farce. I'm so glad Valerie Bowman put these
farcical elements in the story as a counterpoint to the
drama created by the romantic longing and
that made me laugh out loud. The supporting characters
like
misunderstandings. There were a few scenes in the story
Lucy, as well as the verbal jousting between Cass's other
friends -- Garrett and Jane -- help create some light-
hearted
moments. I was also happy to see Lord Berkeley and hope
Valerie Bowman gives him a story of his own in the future.
THE ACCIDENTAL COUNTESS is sweet and funny -- just how I
like my historicals. Valerie Bowman crafts an emotionally
powerful tale with the perfect balance of humor and
enchanting romance. As a reader who doesn't like loose
ends, I love that the ending is extremely satisfying and
fits the characters. I look forward to the next book in
this series.
SUMMARY
CAN A SCANDALOUS CHARADE For seven long years, Lady Cassandra Monroe has waited
for
the man of her dreams to return from the war.
Unfortunately,
he happens to be engaged to her flighty cousin. What Cass
wouldn’t give to take her cousin’s place! When he
mistakes
Cass for Patience Bunbury, a fictitious friend her cousin
has invented to escape social obligations…even with her
future husband, Cass thinks this is her chance. LEAD TO TRUE AND LASTING LOVE?
After defeating Napoleon at Waterloo, Captain Julian
Swift
is not quite ready to settle down and enter into his
unwanted arranged marriage—especially when the real
object
of his affection turns out to be a beguiling beauty he
meets
at a party. Patience Bunbury is witty, independent,
passionate…and, unbeknownst to him, the cousin of his
current fiancée. When the truth about Cass comes out—and
Julian discovers that their courtship is anything
but
accidental—will he surrender his heart to a woman who
really
is too good to be true?
Excerpt“It seems Penelope has left prematurely for Miss
Bunbury’s house party and in addition to missing us,
she’s missed her intended, back from the war. Such a
pity.” Lucy Hunt sighed dramatically.“You said you are going there,” Julian replied. “I assume
that means you know where this house party is?” “Oh, yes. We know precisely where it is,” Lucy replied
serenely. “Could I trouble you to give me the direction? It’s
imperative that I speak with Penelope as soon as
possible.” Lucy’s smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Eager to see
your future bride, Captain Swift?” He tugged at his collar again. “Something like that.” Cass had to look away. This was excruciating. She
couldn’t listen any longer. And what possible address
could Lucy give him? It was preposterous. She’d have to
come out with the truth now that he’d caught her in her
lie. “I’d be more than happy to share the address with you,
Captain Swift.” Lucy set her teacup on the table in front
of her and folded her hands on her lap. “In fact, I can
do even better than that.” “Better than the address?” Julian tilted his head in
inquiry. Cass’s insides went hot and cold. Suddenly, it all came
together, the sly look Lucy had flashed, the failure to
introduce her, the questions she’d asked Julian, the
things she’d said. “Yes.” Lucy turned to Cass and splayed her hands in front
of her as if displaying her for the first time. “Because
this is Miss Patience Bunbury right here and we would be
delighted to invite you to her house party.”
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