Prudence Youlgrave is out to marry above her station and secure a happy life. Catesby Burgoyne is out to continue his noble family's good name. ... read full description
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Jan 30, 2012
Jan
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Oct 04, 2011
Melanie
rated it: 
The following review I've done for Romance Reader At Heart website
RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:
Jo Beverley knows her craft, and she never disappoints. Her books are not just fun and exciting to read, but they make you feel like you're right in the thick of things! What a wonderful and unique love story she brings us this time.
I found the plot original and unique; the story fresh and engaging. In giving us Cate (Catesby Burgoyne), she has created More...
RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:
Jo Beverley knows her craft, and she never disappoints. Her books are not just fun and exciting to read, but they make you feel like you're right in the thick of things! What a wonderful and unique love story she brings us this time.
I found the plot original and unique; the story fresh and engaging. In giving us Cate (Catesby Burgoyne), she has created More...
Jul 09, 2011
Jackie
rated it: 
After hearing Jo Beverley speak at the RWA conference (about what romance writers, particularly American ones, get wrong when they write about the English past), it was fun to get hold of her latest and give it a read. Beverley writes intelligently about intelligent characters, something that is all too rare in the field, and her research and historical grounding shine through in this addition to her oeuvre.
But this isn't one of her best books. It begins slowly, with the h/h meeting in More...
But this isn't one of her best books. It begins slowly, with the h/h meeting in More...
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Jun 11, 2011
Evangeline
rated it:
3.5 stars
I haven't read a Beverley release in years, but out of desperation to read something that wasn't set in the Regency era or was overly silly or sexed up, I grabbed An Unlikely Countess. This is a very adult, very simple historical romance, and the history was woven tightly into the narrative (sometimes too tightly, which is what knocked the grading down a half a star). Cate and Prudence are really interesting characters thrown into a sobering situation, but sometimes their abso More...
I haven't read a Beverley release in years, but out of desperation to read something that wasn't set in the Regency era or was overly silly or sexed up, I grabbed An Unlikely Countess. This is a very adult, very simple historical romance, and the history was woven tightly into the narrative (sometimes too tightly, which is what knocked the grading down a half a star). Cate and Prudence are really interesting characters thrown into a sobering situation, but sometimes their abso More...
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Apr 30, 2011
Sara
rated it:
I'm of two distinct minds about this book.
I love Jo Beverley, but generally I like the Company of Rogues better than the Mallorens. And while JB's writing was just as good as always, I was not a fan of the heroine. Yes, I understand that 99% of the things ladies do in historical romances would never happen, and really, most ladies in this circumstance would be exactly like Prudence, whingeing about their proper "station" in life which has been so rudely ripped away from them but More...
I love Jo Beverley, but generally I like the Company of Rogues better than the Mallorens. And while JB's writing was just as good as always, I was not a fan of the heroine. Yes, I understand that 99% of the things ladies do in historical romances would never happen, and really, most ladies in this circumstance would be exactly like Prudence, whingeing about their proper "station" in life which has been so rudely ripped away from them but More...
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Mar 08, 2011
Bookaholics
rated it:
An Unlikely Countess by Jo Beverly
Historical Romance -March 1st, 2011
3 1/2 stars
Impoverished, Prudence has been left by her selfish brother. Even though Prudence and her mother had saved and scrimped every penny so that her brother could become a lawyer and earn a comfortable leaving, her brother did not reciprocate the generosity. He went on to marry a rich wife and forgot about Prudence. After her mother’s death, Prudence is barely making ends meet and surviving. Whe More...
Historical Romance -March 1st, 2011
3 1/2 stars
Impoverished, Prudence has been left by her selfish brother. Even though Prudence and her mother had saved and scrimped every penny so that her brother could become a lawyer and earn a comfortable leaving, her brother did not reciprocate the generosity. He went on to marry a rich wife and forgot about Prudence. After her mother’s death, Prudence is barely making ends meet and surviving. Whe More...
Mar 05, 2011
RomanceNovelNews.com
rated it:
Review by Rita Jett for Romance Novel News
Catesby Burgoyne has cultivated a reputation as the scandalous second son of the Earl of Malzard. After being kicked out of the service, (he was forced to sell his commission) he returns home to an icy welcome. He is cut out of the family after a nasty fight with his older brother, who is now earl.
Living her life on progressively little, Prudence is now looking forward to a genteel lifestyle. Pru and her mother have sacrificed s More...
Catesby Burgoyne has cultivated a reputation as the scandalous second son of the Earl of Malzard. After being kicked out of the service, (he was forced to sell his commission) he returns home to an icy welcome. He is cut out of the family after a nasty fight with his older brother, who is now earl.
Living her life on progressively little, Prudence is now looking forward to a genteel lifestyle. Pru and her mother have sacrificed s More...
Aug 19, 2011
willaful
rated it:
It’s really hard for me to review this, because what mostly comes to my mind is what I didn’t like about it, and the positives I think of are mostly backhanded critiques. (More enjoyable than her last few... I actually finished it...) and all that makes it seem like I didn’t enjoy it. Honestly, it does not hold up to her earlier books -- unless it’s just me and my tastes have changed. But it did keep my interest.
Let me try to find some positives:
Well done “fish out of water More...
Let me try to find some positives:
Well done “fish out of water More...
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May 01, 2011
Marilyn
rated it:
Three and 1/2 stars. I'm new to romance and I believe this is the first Jo Beverley book I've read. I'm pretty sure it won't be the last. I was completely sucked into the story from the beginning, liked Prudence, liked Cate, liked the situation they created for themselves and then had to live with, liked the writing, liked the historical detail (might be too much for a romance veteran but was just right for this rookie).
I also liked having characters get to know one another a bit befo More...
I also liked having characters get to know one another a bit befo More...
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Mar 08, 2011
Joy
rated it:
Another spin-off of the Malloren series. When Cate Burgoyne (male) rescues her from attackers, Prudence Youlgrave is hesitant to open up to him--yet they from a sort of bond as she confesses to him that her middle-class brother (who lives in another town) is neglecting her and she barely has enough money to survive. When she finally goes to her brother and obtains his help, she finds herself married off to an unappealing merchant. Cate arrives just in time to stop the wedding and steal the bride
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Sep 26, 2011
Barbara
rated it:
Catesby Burgoyne is an impetuous younger son who rescues Prudence Youlgrave from ruffians and spends a brief time with her that makes quite an impression on them both. After his brother dies unexpectedly, Cate’s fortunes suddenly improve and he decides to find out if Prudence is doing well and has achieved her dream of a home and marriage. When he rescues her once again, they’re put in an inconvenient position and must make the best of it by getting married. I enjoyed this story; it was a ref
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Mar 06, 2011
Janet
rated it:
Perhaps more like 3 1/2* but a very good book that kept me turning the pages until I finished it. The Return of the Rogue is a Beverley that has never been one of faves and this plot was very similar but somehow more believable. Delightful, well-matched couple: he unexpectedly inherits an earldom and she's been gently raised altho has fallen on hard times. They marry (and I literally turned ahead 50+ pages to make sure they would find each other again!) and then set about the business of learnin
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Mar 22, 2011
Nisha
rated it:
There are books that are good enough to continue reading, but not interesting enough to rave about. This was one such book.
Set in the Malloren universe, it featured Prudence and Catesby - a newly wed couple who lived near the Countess of Arradale. Actually, it starts with the improvised heroine struggling with her brother's abandonment and falls into trouble with some local troublemakers. A drunk, penniless hero saves her and somehow delivers her safely to her home. While they never ma More...
Set in the Malloren universe, it featured Prudence and Catesby - a newly wed couple who lived near the Countess of Arradale. Actually, it starts with the improvised heroine struggling with her brother's abandonment and falls into trouble with some local troublemakers. A drunk, penniless hero saves her and somehow delivers her safely to her home. While they never ma More...
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Mar 16, 2011
Jennifer
rated it:
I feel like this was two separate books. I felt like the first part of the book was boring and I didn't like the heroine. I found her snappy and unattractive. I was bored. Then, the book picks up again in the middle of the story when Prudence has discarded her fiance and taken up with Cates. She felt like a completely different person to me then -- more interesting and more sympathetic. I enjoyed reading about her problems figuring herself out as a countess and figuring out Cate. I like h
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Apr 04, 2011
Tori Benson
rated it:
Originally posted at http://www.smexybooks.com/2011/04/review...
Favorite Quote: “Are you a gamester? she asked. “Will you lose it all and leave me and the perhaps the children, in a place like White Rose Yard?”
“On my honor, no. Nor am I a drunkard, though I do as you know, enjoy drink.”
“So do I, “ she replied wistfully.
When Catesby Burgoyne rescues a woman from ruffians, he never imagines the ways this woman will change his life.
Prudence More...
Favorite Quote: “Are you a gamester? she asked. “Will you lose it all and leave me and the perhaps the children, in a place like White Rose Yard?”
“On my honor, no. Nor am I a drunkard, though I do as you know, enjoy drink.”
“So do I, “ she replied wistfully.
When Catesby Burgoyne rescues a woman from ruffians, he never imagines the ways this woman will change his life.
Prudence More...
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Mar 23, 2011
Jess the Romanceaholic
rated it:
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Lovers of steamy romances may wish to pass this one by. While I wouldn’t qualify it as YA by any means, as there is some third-base action that is rather skimmed over, there is no actual consummation.
Overall, this was a rather average, albeit enjoyable, read. Once I warmed up to Prudence a bit, it turned out to be a decent read. Despite Cate’s unfortunate name, he was a good, honest man who mana More...
Lovers of steamy romances may wish to pass this one by. While I wouldn’t qualify it as YA by any means, as there is some third-base action that is rather skimmed over, there is no actual consummation.
Overall, this was a rather average, albeit enjoyable, read. Once I warmed up to Prudence a bit, it turned out to be a decent read. Despite Cate’s unfortunate name, he was a good, honest man who mana More...
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Apr 08, 2011
Jennie
rated it: 
I found myself really enjoying parts of this book, yet others left me feeling "meh". It had that sort of rushed feeling to the ending, with everything getting wrapped up quickly, yet leaving me vaguely unsatisfied. The hero and heroine were different from many we see in these types of historicals, and I liked that. Catesby, our hero, is likeable in the rogueish, misunderstood son type of way. Prudence, the heroine, has moments of likeability, yet others whe's very selfish and snobb
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Oct 07, 2011
Minna
rated it:
Meh. This book was kinda boring. In a nutshell:
Pros:
Very good historical detail
Nice warmth between the h/h (not the usual hackneyed hatred at first sight)
Cons:
No actual chemistry between h/h- the one bedroom scene that finally happened mere pages from the end was so boring and anticlimactic I practically skimmed it
Stupidly melodramatic villain and overly emphasized revenge plot
Abrupt ending with inconsistent supporting characters
This book was a gigantic pile of meeeeeeeh for me.
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Pros:
Very good historical detail
Nice warmth between the h/h (not the usual hackneyed hatred at first sight)
Cons:
No actual chemistry between h/h- the one bedroom scene that finally happened mere pages from the end was so boring and anticlimactic I practically skimmed it
Stupidly melodramatic villain and overly emphasized revenge plot
Abrupt ending with inconsistent supporting characters
This book was a gigantic pile of meeeeeeeh for me.
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Apr 14, 2011
Mem
rated it:
#11 in Jo Beverley's Malloren World.
Prudence Youlgrave is alone after the death of her mother, waiting for her brother to send for her. He is starting a career as a lawyer, made possible by the sacrifices of his mother and sister. His selfishness has left Prudence alone and in poverty.
Catesby Bourgoyne, younger brother to the Earl of Malzard, saves Prudence from thugs. He's argued with his brother and has left to go seek his fortune.
The Earl of Malzard's death changes e More...
Prudence Youlgrave is alone after the death of her mother, waiting for her brother to send for her. He is starting a career as a lawyer, made possible by the sacrifices of his mother and sister. His selfishness has left Prudence alone and in poverty.
Catesby Bourgoyne, younger brother to the Earl of Malzard, saves Prudence from thugs. He's argued with his brother and has left to go seek his fortune.
The Earl of Malzard's death changes e More...
May 10, 2011
Gail
rated it:
The hero and heroine first meet when they're both impoverished--she's been abandoned by her brother who she's scrimped to make a lawyer. Now he is, he's not supporting her. Hero is a younger brother who's been essentially banished by his brother the earl. He helps the heroine, and goes on his way back to London. Months later, his brother has died suddenly (illness, I think), and now he's the earl. He's been an outcast most of his life--a big, blustery, active type--but now he has to come home an
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May 15, 2011
Li
rated it:
Slightly mixed feelings on this book, not one of the stronger Malloren books, IMO.
What I didn't like first - and these are very much YMMV* things: One of the plotlines I'm not particularly keen on is when characters purposely mislead others, and this formed one of the bigger conflicts in this book. Secondly, Jo Beverley has always excelled in historical detail, which is why I love reading her books, but this book was possibly too realistic in parts - and with her spelling out the ch More...
What I didn't like first - and these are very much YMMV* things: One of the plotlines I'm not particularly keen on is when characters purposely mislead others, and this formed one of the bigger conflicts in this book. Secondly, Jo Beverley has always excelled in historical detail, which is why I love reading her books, but this book was possibly too realistic in parts - and with her spelling out the ch More...
Oct 03, 2011
Joy
rated it:
I haven't found any of Beverley's later Malloren books to be nearly as fun as her earlier one, and this one continues that trend. Woe and alas. The stakes in this one feel very low: there's not all that much conflict between the two leads once circumstances maneuver them into marriage, and the book ends up feeling a bit pointless. A cameo appearance by the Countess of Arradale feels as if it's stuck in the story solely to please fans of the earlier books, but does little for this book.
May 08, 2011
BonnieL
rated it:
OK - it was probably more of a 3 - 3.5 but this was such a breath of fresh air after the drivel and silliness I've been reading, labelled as "spritely regency" that I've probably over-rated it. A good story, lots of factual historical detail, the main weakness being in the romance between the hero and heroine that I just felt never caught fire. Still, even though it's a Georgian novel (with guest appearance by Rothgar's Diana) it's a better read than I've enjoyed in a long time.
Jun 05, 2011
Mommyreview.com
rated it: 
This is more historical than romance... If you like that this is the book for you. Frankly it just gave me a headache. Prudence never fully comes to be secure in herself and is barely secure in her relationship and then the book ends. I just keep finding more and more historical romances disappointing. This is the first book I've read from this author... If you suggest another title that is better please do tell I'm always willing to try an author a second time around.
Oct 27, 2011
Denise
rated it:
The time is 1765 and the place is England. The woman is getting mugged and the gallant man steps in to help. Sounds about right for a historical romance...and the story goes from there. Time passes, some interesting things happen to both the man and the woman, then they meet again the day that she is getting married. When it comes to the part of the ceremony when the minister asks if anyone objects...well you can guess...he does. I won't say any more about the plot but it is a very good story.
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Mar 07, 2011
Kecia
rated it:
Once again Jo Beverley has matched an appealing, roguish hero with an unconventional heroine in a wonderful, romantic adventure set in the Georgian era. While pointing out the inequities of the age, both of class and of gender, she still makes you believe in the possibilities between individuals who approach life with caring and integrity. Only lacks a fifth star because I wanted more of Catesby and Prudence together.
Aug 16, 2011
Manda
rated it:
Cate and Prudence. Really cute setup, kind of meanders in the middle with a stupid villain plot. They talk everything out within a few pages, which is a refreshing change. Characters clearly from other novels hang around with no real purpose. Georgian England, not regency, which is fun fashion-wise. She dressed like a Felicity doll. No sex til the last page -- felt tacked on and not needed at that point.
Mar 06, 2011
Deborah
rated it:
It is rare these days for a book to force me to keep reading at the end of my commute. This one insisted on being finished as soon as humanly possible. The story was about a relationship, yes, there were traditional romance elements, but the relationship, not the twists, was at the center. I liked both of these people, I liked the path their attraction, affection, and love took.
Mar 17, 2011
Janga
rated it:
An Unlikely Countess gave me the historical accuracy and multi-dimensional characters that have kept me reading Jo Beverley for more than two decades. I love Prudence and Cate, and the development of their relationship was a refreshing change from the no-sooner-looked-but-fell-into-bed stories that I find too common in the past few years. And I must add that seeing Diana exercise her power and show that she's more than the wife of a powerful man was a bonus that had me cheering. This one os anot
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Sep 25, 2011
Michele
rated it:
set in georgian england. a man falls in love with a poor woman. Then his brother dies and he inherits and earldom...he rescues the woman he loves from a scoundrel and then the scoundrel tries to seek revenge on the couple. The Malloren connection occurs at the very end of the book when rothgars wife, diana comes to the aid of the beleagured couple.
