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.