THE VISCOUNT NEEDS A WIFE is set in the world of Jo Beverley's "Company of Rogues" series but is a stand- alone novel, and can be enjoyed by readers new to her books. THE VISCOUNT NEEDS A WIFE is an engaging story about a marriage of convenience due to a very inconvenient viscountcy. I love marriage of convenience- themed romances, and the witty dialogue between the hero and heroine really make THE VISCOUNT NEEDS A WIFE one of the best historical romances I've read. The heroine often describes the hero as a kind of master chess player, but their amusing verbal sparring is like watching a superb tennis match.

I love the novel idea, in THE VISCOUNT NEEDS A WIFE, of having an unexpected viscountcy thrust upon a hero and have that be one of the worst things to ever happen to him. Right away, after learning how much Beau Braydon does not want a title and everything that comes with it, he immediately becomes a more interesting character to me. I like both main characters immensely -- Braydon with his suave urbane persona, and Kitty with her pragmatic and romantic balance. I love having the story told from both perspectives and getting a peek at their innermost feelings. The divine verbal back-and-forth between Braydon and Kitty makes for delicious sexual tension, and makes the eventual love scenes more intense.

The evolving relationship between Braydon and Kitty and their love story always takes precedence, but Jo Beverley also throws in two mysteries to shake things up a little. For readers who enjoy stories about spies and political intrigue, Braydon investigates a plot that seems to be directed at the royal family. For me, the best thing about this aspect of THE VISCOUNT NEEDS A WIFE, is how Braydon eventually goes to Kitty as a sounding board, and it's one more thing to bond them together. Likewise, when Kitty becomes involved with a puzzle regarding the previous viscountess, not only is it a fascinating mystery in it's own right, but Braydon is eventually drawn in and they become closer as a result.

THE VISCOUNT NEEDS A WIFE is a masterfully written mix of good storytelling, witty dialogue, and amazing chemistry between the hero and heroine. I love the attention to detail and the many parallels in THE VISCOUNT NEEDS A WIFE. The overbearing mothers and the shadows of their late sons loom large in THE VISCOUNT NEEDS A WIFE, but Kitty's friends and devoted dog help lighten the mood at times. I very much look forward to the next book by Jo Beverley.