THE RELUCTANT COUNTESS is Eloisa James's second book in the Would Be Wallflowers series. (Third book if you count MY AMERICAN DUCHESS, since the main character, Merry, is seen/referenced so much in this book.) This novel can be read as a stand-alone without any loss.
The book focuses on the beautiful and flirty Lady Yasmin, whose mother married a Frenchman and was a mistress of Napolean, and Giles, Earl of Lilford, who is determined to live a life without gossip or scandal attached to his name to make up for the past actions of his parents. Definitely people at cross purposes in their lives and actions.
In classic enemies-to-lovers fashion, Yasmin and Giles are attracted to each other even as their mannerisms repel. Although the story moved in a rapid clip, I was disappointed with the supporting characters including Giles's sister Lydia, as an over-the-top villain who never gets her smackdown in a satisfactory way. I also expected more from Giles throughout the story, especially when it came to Yasmin and Lydia. Even though I love an epilogue, this one seemed disconnected. However, the sexy scenes are very steamy and enjoyable to read. Looking forward to the next novel in the Would Be Wallflowers series.
New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James returns to the Would-Be Wallflowers series with an enemies-to-lovers romance between a proper earl and an entirely improper lady—whom he can’t stop thinking about.
Giles Renwick, Earl of Lilford, has never made a fool of himself over a woman—until he meets Lady Yasmin Régnier. Yasmin is ineligible for his attentions in every way: not as a wife, certainly not as a mistress (she is a lady!), nor even as a friend, since they vehemently dislike each other. Her gowns are too low, and her skirts are dampened to cling to admittedly lovely thighs. She loves to gossip—and giggle.
She isn’t dignified, or polite, or even truly British, given that her father’s French ancestry clearly predominated. Not to mention the fact that her mother had been one of Napoleon’s mistresses, a fact she makes no effort to hide.
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