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Bachelor Chronicles #6
La condesa perfecta
El conde de Clifton tiene un objetivo en la vida: encontrar a la condesa perfecta y casarse con ella. Pero cuando se topa con Lucy Ellison todos sus planes se desmoronan. Lucy es experta en descifrar códigos secretos, hacer trampas en los juegos de cartas, violar cerraduras y entrenar a futuros espías como el mismo conde, tanto en las habilidades necesarias para proteger a su patria como en los misterios del amor. Ahora, Clifton parte en una peligrosa misión y antes de marcharse le promete a Lucy que ella será su esposa. Pero la guerra los mantendrá separados durante demasiado tiempo, y cuando él por fin regresa, no puede encontrarla. Desencantado, el conde terminará proponiéndole matrimonio a la rica y adorable Annella Corby. Y justo en ese momento reaparece Lucy en la vida del conde, hecha una furia y, al mismo tiempo, deseosa de recuperar al hombre de sus sueños. ¿Podrá el amor de antes sobreponerse a los deseos de venganza?
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
About the author
Elizabeth Boyle
95 books2,092 followersElizabeth Boyle is the New York Times bestselling author of 28 historical romance novels and several novellas. Her most recent novel, O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, is a mix of women's fiction and historical fiction, with a bit of magic thrown in. This story of friendship and empowerment has garnered rave reviews. Her next book in the series, WE THREE KINGS will arrive in the Fall of 2027.
Her first novel, Brazen Angel, won Dell's Diamond Debut Award and the Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best First Book. Her books are called "fast-paced," "adventurous," and "funny."
Not sure where to begin? If you love adventure, try THIS RAKE OF MINE or ONE NIGHT OF PASSION.
If you need to laugh, SOMETHING ABOUT EMMALINE, LOVE LETTERS FROM A DUKE, or THE VISCOUNT WHO LIVED DOWN THE LANE.
Want a little magic in your romance? Try HIS MISTRESS BY MORNING.
When not writing, Elizabeth enjoys knitting, gardening, travel and reading a wide variety of stories. She lives with her family in Seattle.
Sign up for her weekly newsletter, Five Things for Friday on her website. A weekly roundup of books, shows, and things to cook or laugh over, her readers love this weekly laugh.
Her first novel, Brazen Angel, won Dell's Diamond Debut Award and the Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best First Book. Her books are called "fast-paced," "adventurous," and "funny."
Not sure where to begin? If you love adventure, try THIS RAKE OF MINE or ONE NIGHT OF PASSION.
If you need to laugh, SOMETHING ABOUT EMMALINE, LOVE LETTERS FROM A DUKE, or THE VISCOUNT WHO LIVED DOWN THE LANE.
Want a little magic in your romance? Try HIS MISTRESS BY MORNING.
When not writing, Elizabeth enjoys knitting, gardening, travel and reading a wide variety of stories. She lives with her family in Seattle.
Sign up for her weekly newsletter, Five Things for Friday on her website. A weekly roundup of books, shows, and things to cook or laugh over, her readers love this weekly laugh.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
December 8, 2020
Esta es la primera vez que leo un libro de Elizabeth Boyle y me ha dejado un buen sabor de boca.
Amé la primera parte de la historia con una protagonista tan atípica y un Conde que es todo estirado.
Su relación de amor/odio al principio me encantó, había mucha tensión y química entre ellos.
Tuvieron escenas muy divertidas.
Pero la segunda parte no me gustó, siento que sucedió todo muy apresurado, odié porque se separaron y no volvieron a verse después de tantos años y siento que no disfruté tanto esta parte porque a mi no me gustan tanto los libros de segundas oportunidades.
Lo que más me gusto de este libro fueron sus protagonistas y no tanto la historia en sí
Amé la primera parte de la historia con una protagonista tan atípica y un Conde que es todo estirado.
Su relación de amor/odio al principio me encantó, había mucha tensión y química entre ellos.
Tuvieron escenas muy divertidas.
Pero la segunda parte no me gustó, siento que sucedió todo muy apresurado, odié porque se separaron y no volvieron a verse después de tantos años y siento que no disfruté tanto esta parte porque a mi no me gustan tanto los libros de segundas oportunidades.
Lo que más me gusto de este libro fueron sus protagonistas y no tanto la historia en sí
December 24, 2011
Guh. Oh, man was this one not good.
This is one of those "we used to know each other, fell in love a long time ago, he left, and I had a crappy life" stories. But, instead of filling us in on their backstory a little at a time, a huge chunk of this book is a flashback. That drove me NUTS. She could have told us all we needed to know in a couple of paragraphs, not 200 pages.
Also, I hate that he called "BETRAYAL!" when he came back from war two years later and found out, after not having sent her any letters or anything (just flowers), that she got married. HOW COULD SHE? You left! Ugh!
When we finally make it back to present time, the two main characters don't have a scene together until page 265! WAYYYYYY too late! They have to fall in love again! They have to like each other again! They have to learn to forgive each other again! Two years is a long time to be apart.
On pg 325, the Hero finds about about The Boy. THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE. Now, from the summary on the back, I thought the kid would be the impetus for the getting together, but is he? NO. He's barely even a plot point. Honestly, I don't even know why he's in this.
And then, as if not knowing the Hero at all, much less liking him, wasn't enough, as soon as he finds out about The Boy, he tries to take him away from the Heroine! WHAT? I get being upset about what he thought the circumstances were, but no. That I cannot forgive.
In the present part of the story, the Hero and Heroine had about four scenes together. FOUR. No joke.
Also, the "demmed" and "gel" got on my nerves.
Skip. Skip hard.
This is one of those "we used to know each other, fell in love a long time ago, he left, and I had a crappy life" stories. But, instead of filling us in on their backstory a little at a time, a huge chunk of this book is a flashback. That drove me NUTS. She could have told us all we needed to know in a couple of paragraphs, not 200 pages.
Also, I hate that he called "BETRAYAL!" when he came back from war two years later and found out, after not having sent her any letters or anything (just flowers), that she got married. HOW COULD SHE? You left! Ugh!
When we finally make it back to present time, the two main characters don't have a scene together until page 265! WAYYYYYY too late! They have to fall in love again! They have to like each other again! They have to learn to forgive each other again! Two years is a long time to be apart.
On pg 325, the Hero finds about about The Boy. THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE. Now, from the summary on the back, I thought the kid would be the impetus for the getting together, but is he? NO. He's barely even a plot point. Honestly, I don't even know why he's in this.
And then, as if not knowing the Hero at all, much less liking him, wasn't enough, as soon as he finds out about The Boy, he tries to take him away from the Heroine! WHAT? I get being upset about what he thought the circumstances were, but no. That I cannot forgive.
In the present part of the story, the Hero and Heroine had about four scenes together. FOUR. No joke.
Also, the "demmed" and "gel" got on my nerves.
Skip. Skip hard.
August 15, 2022
Well that happened
January 17, 2020
Ha sido una historia de esas que te gustan desde el primer momento. Típica de regencia. Lucy, tiene el carácter de las protas que a mí me gustan, y él no se queda en menos. Debería de tener al menos 100 páginas más, porque hay asuntos que no se explican y se precipita. Por eso le pongo 3 estrellas en lugar de 4.
June 18, 2011
A bit of housekeeping, first, and a minor quibble: this book starts a new chapter in the Bachelor Chronicles. Properly, it's The Bachelor Chronicles: The Standon Widows #1, and it *should* work as its own distinct series. That said, I'm not sure that it does; I have to wonder if some of the poor reviews I've seen of this title are because it does need that grounding in the previous books. All the familiar players are here from other Bachelor Chronicles (personally, I derived a great deal of enjoyment in this book from seeing Duchess boss these ladies around-- but had I not known Duchess already, I probably would have thought of her as rather high-handed and callous.) The solution's pretty easy: just read the other books in the series before you tackle this one. ;)
So. I loved the conceit of this new series: because so MANY Marquesses of Standon married and then died without issue, there are no less than THREE widowed Lady Standons trailing about, making pests of themselves, sharing a greatly reduced widow's portion (hey, it's not the sort of thing that was intended to be shared three ways) and generally draining the coffers of the fine gentleman who finally DID live long enough to become the Duke of Hollindrake. (Hey, he had to-- Felicity "Duchess" Langley wasn't going to settle for anything less than strawberry leaves.) Duchess's solution? Cut off their portions entirely, throw them in a ramshackle house together (fine address, but in poor repair, with a horrid staff), and don't let them leave until they're married.
Lady Lucy Ellyson Standon is first at bat-- daughter of the infamous spymaster George Ellyson, who personally trained the finest men in His Majesty's most secret service... as well as his daughter. Lucy is just as formidable as her father, and she also knows firsthand how dangerous spy work is. She knows how fruitless it is to love a spy, when so few of them come back. And yet... Justin Grey, the Earl of Clifton, promised to marry her when the war was over. She worried for him... waited for him... and then at last moved on. Little surprise she's ready to kill him herself when she finds out he's back in London after seven YEARS, and planning marriage... to ANOTHER WOMAN.
So. I loved the conceit of this new series: because so MANY Marquesses of Standon married and then died without issue, there are no less than THREE widowed Lady Standons trailing about, making pests of themselves, sharing a greatly reduced widow's portion (hey, it's not the sort of thing that was intended to be shared three ways) and generally draining the coffers of the fine gentleman who finally DID live long enough to become the Duke of Hollindrake. (Hey, he had to-- Felicity "Duchess" Langley wasn't going to settle for anything less than strawberry leaves.) Duchess's solution? Cut off their portions entirely, throw them in a ramshackle house together (fine address, but in poor repair, with a horrid staff), and don't let them leave until they're married.
Lady Lucy Ellyson Standon is first at bat-- daughter of the infamous spymaster George Ellyson, who personally trained the finest men in His Majesty's most secret service... as well as his daughter. Lucy is just as formidable as her father, and she also knows firsthand how dangerous spy work is. She knows how fruitless it is to love a spy, when so few of them come back. And yet... Justin Grey, the Earl of Clifton, promised to marry her when the war was over. She worried for him... waited for him... and then at last moved on. Little surprise she's ready to kill him herself when she finds out he's back in London after seven YEARS, and planning marriage... to ANOTHER WOMAN.
February 13, 2012
Some parts of this book were enjoyable. By far my favorite part was the camaraderie between the 3 widows.
I felt the book spent way too much time in the flashback (about 50%). That didn't leave much time for the present and it felt rushed and short. Nothing really happened once the book made it back to the present.
I felt the book spent way too much time in the flashback (about 50%). That didn't leave much time for the present and it felt rushed and short. Nothing really happened once the book made it back to the present.
May 4, 2021
A Regency spy romance featuring a headstrong mischief-making Duchess and the spy who left her? Why yes, please!
Lucy Ellyson, daughter of infamous spymaster George Ellyson has worked alongside her father training men to serve in His Majesty's secret service for years but nothing could have prepared her for the feelings Justin Grey aka Earl of Clifton ignited within her. After a night of rapture, he promises to come back for her, but as Lucy's father has drilled into her head, "Men like Clifton don't love women without bloodline or title like her."
If you aren't following along with the series from its inception, the beginning is slightly jarring as you acclimatize to the various characters. This story is more of a flashback of Lucy and Clifton's past but it does tie nicely into current-day activities.
Years roll by and Lucy is left to make difficult choices both for herself and the only remaining family she has left. As one of three Lady Standon widows, Lucy has garnered quite the reputation and Felicity "Duchess" Langley has grown tired of Lucy and the other Lady Standons draining her coffers, so she presents an ultimatum, get married or else (yikes).
To make matters worse Clifton waltzes back into Lucy's life and kindles the long-lost flame between them, only now Lucy isn't an untitled peasant girl, but a widow with secrets that could rip her world apart.
I enjoyed the easy banter and the mystery surrounding the entire novel, my only qualm was that I wished the author spent less time with the detailed flashback and gave us more relationship drama and interaction with our two MCs.
Lucy Ellyson, daughter of infamous spymaster George Ellyson has worked alongside her father training men to serve in His Majesty's secret service for years but nothing could have prepared her for the feelings Justin Grey aka Earl of Clifton ignited within her. After a night of rapture, he promises to come back for her, but as Lucy's father has drilled into her head, "Men like Clifton don't love women without bloodline or title like her."
If you aren't following along with the series from its inception, the beginning is slightly jarring as you acclimatize to the various characters. This story is more of a flashback of Lucy and Clifton's past but it does tie nicely into current-day activities.
Years roll by and Lucy is left to make difficult choices both for herself and the only remaining family she has left. As one of three Lady Standon widows, Lucy has garnered quite the reputation and Felicity "Duchess" Langley has grown tired of Lucy and the other Lady Standons draining her coffers, so she presents an ultimatum, get married or else (yikes).
To make matters worse Clifton waltzes back into Lucy's life and kindles the long-lost flame between them, only now Lucy isn't an untitled peasant girl, but a widow with secrets that could rip her world apart.
I enjoyed the easy banter and the mystery surrounding the entire novel, my only qualm was that I wished the author spent less time with the detailed flashback and gave us more relationship drama and interaction with our two MCs.
May 18, 2023
Regency romance
Opposites attract
Second chance
Count x Spymaster's daughter
I really liked Lucy and Clifton.
Lucy was the bright and resourceful heroine, always full of surprises. While Clifton was a stiff, and proper gentleman but never without a warm heart full of compassion.
The pair cross paths when Clifton arrives at Lucy's doorstep to be trained to become a spy by her father (the best spy master, out there) and serve England. The two knock heads, and got off all on the wrong foot. But a few days spent together with Lucy actively assisting her dad in training him, they both learn a new side to the other and eventually fall in love.
But of course life happens, and they part ways. Only to run into each other under the most incomprehensible circumstances to them both. Like the synopsis says, there's a secret from the past that threatens any potential of them ever getting back together. But before that, do they even want to get back together in the first place?
This was a fun, consuming and yet a light-hearted read.
I also have to mention that the story had me caring about the charming and flirtatious Mariana (Lucy's sister) and the fun and laid-back Malcolm (Clifton's brother). The other side characters— Sammy, Rusty, Minerva, and Elinor also all grew on me.
Despite all this, something about the writing still wasn't for me. I read the book, and even enjoyed it. But I wasn't super invested in the characters, and I'm afraid they aren't going to be all that memorable to me.
“Do you even know how to fire that thing?”
“My lord, I haven‟t the least idea if it‟s loaded, but are you willing to find out?”
Opposites attract
Second chance
Count x Spymaster's daughter
I really liked Lucy and Clifton.
Lucy was the bright and resourceful heroine, always full of surprises. While Clifton was a stiff, and proper gentleman but never without a warm heart full of compassion.
The pair cross paths when Clifton arrives at Lucy's doorstep to be trained to become a spy by her father (the best spy master, out there) and serve England. The two knock heads, and got off all on the wrong foot. But a few days spent together with Lucy actively assisting her dad in training him, they both learn a new side to the other and eventually fall in love.
But of course life happens, and they part ways. Only to run into each other under the most incomprehensible circumstances to them both. Like the synopsis says, there's a secret from the past that threatens any potential of them ever getting back together. But before that, do they even want to get back together in the first place?
This was a fun, consuming and yet a light-hearted read.
I also have to mention that the story had me caring about the charming and flirtatious Mariana (Lucy's sister) and the fun and laid-back Malcolm (Clifton's brother). The other side characters— Sammy, Rusty, Minerva, and Elinor also all grew on me.
Despite all this, something about the writing still wasn't for me. I read the book, and even enjoyed it. But I wasn't super invested in the characters, and I'm afraid they aren't going to be all that memorable to me.
“Do you even know how to fire that thing?”
“My lord, I haven‟t the least idea if it‟s loaded, but are you willing to find out?”
August 11, 2015
More flashbacks!
Ms. Boyle has once again employed her pen to the use of a flashback to tell a story. Only this time the flashbacks in How I Met My Countess work. The type of flashback makes all the difference. This time there was no interruption of storyline. In fact, the first part of the story is one big flashback, and that's what makes it work.
We also have what appears to be a series within a series. The Bachelor Chronicles is still getting passed around, but we have the beginning of the three Lady Standon's stories. The three Lady Standons were introduced in Love Letters from a Duke and they were just one of many problems which Aubrey Sterling inherited. The Lady Standons are: Lady Minerva Hartley, Miss Lucy Ellyson, Miss Elinor Wraxton - all at one time a Lady Standon - and they don't get along together very well. In fact, you could say they fight, bicker, squabble and seem to spend all of the new Duke's money. Well, the new Duke has a new wife. Remember the very forceful Felicity Langley? The three Lady Standons have met their match in her; she's putting her foot down.
She forces the three women into a house, the one she borrowed, and gives them the Bachelor Chronicles and an ultimatum: find a husband and get out of my husband's hair.
First off is Miss Lucy Ellyson's book, How I Met My Countess, and our hero is Justin Gray, Earl of Clifton. The book begins with Lucy, Lady Standon running into Justin, the Earl of Clifton, literally. Almost immediately we travel back in time to when these two first meet. Justin and his illegitimate brother, Malcolm, have been sent to Lucy’s father to be trained in the rudiments of spying, sneaking, code breaking, covert operations, and the saving of England. Unbeknownst to the two men, Ellyson's two daughters also participate in the training of spy recruits.
Justin and Lucy do not get off to a good start. In fact, they rub each other the wrong way almost from the beginning. He thinks she is just a silly woman and she thinks he is a worthless aristocrat. She plays numerous tricks on him in the beginning, but soon learns that she was wrong in her estimation of his character. As she falls more and more under his spell, she realizes that she could lose him when he starts doing espionage for real, so she decides to make him into the best spy ever. Then he goes off and is not heard of for seven years. Lucy has tried to wait for his return, but due to circumstances beyond her control, she is unable to wait any longer and she marries.
There are lies, deceits, and misunderstanding galore in this story. There are also a few surprises, some I saw coming and some I didn't. Overall, this was a satisfactory book, it fits into the series pretty well and Justin and Lucy were a delight. It seemed to slow down a little toward the end and I had to push myself to continue. There was more energy involved in knocking down the wall that keeps this couple apart than in actually seeing them fall in love, but still it is a pleasant read. It's not the best one of the series, but it's adequate. We have one and 1/2 books to go in this series.
Ms. Boyle has once again employed her pen to the use of a flashback to tell a story. Only this time the flashbacks in How I Met My Countess work. The type of flashback makes all the difference. This time there was no interruption of storyline. In fact, the first part of the story is one big flashback, and that's what makes it work.
We also have what appears to be a series within a series. The Bachelor Chronicles is still getting passed around, but we have the beginning of the three Lady Standon's stories. The three Lady Standons were introduced in Love Letters from a Duke and they were just one of many problems which Aubrey Sterling inherited. The Lady Standons are: Lady Minerva Hartley, Miss Lucy Ellyson, Miss Elinor Wraxton - all at one time a Lady Standon - and they don't get along together very well. In fact, you could say they fight, bicker, squabble and seem to spend all of the new Duke's money. Well, the new Duke has a new wife. Remember the very forceful Felicity Langley? The three Lady Standons have met their match in her; she's putting her foot down.
She forces the three women into a house, the one she borrowed, and gives them the Bachelor Chronicles and an ultimatum: find a husband and get out of my husband's hair.
First off is Miss Lucy Ellyson's book, How I Met My Countess, and our hero is Justin Gray, Earl of Clifton. The book begins with Lucy, Lady Standon running into Justin, the Earl of Clifton, literally. Almost immediately we travel back in time to when these two first meet. Justin and his illegitimate brother, Malcolm, have been sent to Lucy’s father to be trained in the rudiments of spying, sneaking, code breaking, covert operations, and the saving of England. Unbeknownst to the two men, Ellyson's two daughters also participate in the training of spy recruits.
Justin and Lucy do not get off to a good start. In fact, they rub each other the wrong way almost from the beginning. He thinks she is just a silly woman and she thinks he is a worthless aristocrat. She plays numerous tricks on him in the beginning, but soon learns that she was wrong in her estimation of his character. As she falls more and more under his spell, she realizes that she could lose him when he starts doing espionage for real, so she decides to make him into the best spy ever. Then he goes off and is not heard of for seven years. Lucy has tried to wait for his return, but due to circumstances beyond her control, she is unable to wait any longer and she marries.
There are lies, deceits, and misunderstanding galore in this story. There are also a few surprises, some I saw coming and some I didn't. Overall, this was a satisfactory book, it fits into the series pretty well and Justin and Lucy were a delight. It seemed to slow down a little toward the end and I had to push myself to continue. There was more energy involved in knocking down the wall that keeps this couple apart than in actually seeing them fall in love, but still it is a pleasant read. It's not the best one of the series, but it's adequate. We have one and 1/2 books to go in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2016
Lucy era filha de uma condessa italiana aloucada e escandalosa e de um batedor de carteira, que se tornou um dos melhores espiões da coroa e também um professor para os que tinham intensão de entrar como espiões do reino.
Clifton era um conde arrogante e pomposo e ela no momento em que o viu não gostou de jeito nenhum dos modos dele. Ela era uma expert e ajudava a preparar os aprendizes as maneirices e vigarices (ensinadas pelo pai) a ele e ao irmão bastardo Malcon. No início o ignorava suas chamadas e suas exigências. É durante o treinamento que, ela logo descobre que ele era feito de outro estofo, apesar da cavalheirismo, existia um homem honrado, corajoso e valoroso.
Então, mesmo o pai avisando que ela não devia se apaixonar por ele e que ele jamais se casaria com ela, ela se entregou a ele.
E no dia seguinte, ele viajou e ela não viu mais, somente sete anos depois a encontrou, já viúva. Mas, Clifton ignorava por que ela o tratava com indiferença e vai em busca de respostas que precisa, como teve sua fortuna espoliada, necessita descobrir quem é a viúva Standon (no caso ela), a quem seu irmão deixou um legado e que pode permitir recuperar o esplendor de sua terras.
Elizabeth Boyle escreve com humor característico, a momentos de risos, bons diálogos, emoções e surpresas e personagens(o pai, a irmã dela e o irmão dele, as outras viuvas, etc) que te agradam. Embora esse não seja o melhor dela, foi um boa e divertida leitura.
Clifton era um conde arrogante e pomposo e ela no momento em que o viu não gostou de jeito nenhum dos modos dele. Ela era uma expert e ajudava a preparar os aprendizes as maneirices e vigarices (ensinadas pelo pai) a ele e ao irmão bastardo Malcon. No início o ignorava suas chamadas e suas exigências. É durante o treinamento que, ela logo descobre que ele era feito de outro estofo, apesar da cavalheirismo, existia um homem honrado, corajoso e valoroso.
Então, mesmo o pai avisando que ela não devia se apaixonar por ele e que ele jamais se casaria com ela, ela se entregou a ele.
E no dia seguinte, ele viajou e ela não viu mais, somente sete anos depois a encontrou, já viúva. Mas, Clifton ignorava por que ela o tratava com indiferença e vai em busca de respostas que precisa, como teve sua fortuna espoliada, necessita descobrir quem é a viúva Standon (no caso ela), a quem seu irmão deixou um legado e que pode permitir recuperar o esplendor de sua terras.
Elizabeth Boyle escreve com humor característico, a momentos de risos, bons diálogos, emoções e surpresas e personagens(o pai, a irmã dela e o irmão dele, as outras viuvas, etc) que te agradam. Embora esse não seja o melhor dela, foi um boa e divertida leitura.
May 8, 2026
The widowed Lady Standon, once Lucy Ellyson, is facing an ultimatum from the duke who controls her dower allowance: live with her nemeses the two other widowed Lady Standons (all previously married to other men) or find a match to move out. She married in haste years ago, and never planned to remarry, having lost her heart long ago to the Earl of Clifton. Clifton has returned from spying on the Continent to find out that his half brother left his portion of his fortune to a Lady Standon, and Clifton needs to know why. Lucy needs to see the will too, to gain control over the funds that she didn't know she had access to, but she'll have to work with Clifton who she still thinks abandoned her.
This series continues to be a lot of fun. Spies, hidden and mistaken identities, and antics combined with great character writing and characters from the first half of the series makes for a really great time. This is the first of the "Widows of Standon" trilogy within the Bachelor Chronicles series, and forcing three women who squabble into the same household and telling them to get along or else is the Duchess's way of exerting her control. This is a second chance romance told in dual timeline, which works really well (even with the previous book being dual timeline second chance, it feels very different!).
This series continues to be a lot of fun. Spies, hidden and mistaken identities, and antics combined with great character writing and characters from the first half of the series makes for a really great time. This is the first of the "Widows of Standon" trilogy within the Bachelor Chronicles series, and forcing three women who squabble into the same household and telling them to get along or else is the Duchess's way of exerting her control. This is a second chance romance told in dual timeline, which works really well (even with the previous book being dual timeline second chance, it feels very different!).
February 9, 2021
Lucy Ellyson, the improper daughter of an infamous spy, saves the life of the Earl of Clifton. He intends to make her his countess after the war ends, but when he finally is able to return to her, he finds that she′s vanished.
Meanwhile, Lucy is living a new life in the heart of Mayfair. But she′s as scandalous as ever, and when Clifton finally happens upon her, she′s landed in the sort of trouble that only a hasty marriage can solve. He′s more than willing to step in, but their future is all too quickly threatened by secrets from the past.
Meanwhile, Lucy is living a new life in the heart of Mayfair. But she′s as scandalous as ever, and when Clifton finally happens upon her, she′s landed in the sort of trouble that only a hasty marriage can solve. He′s more than willing to step in, but their future is all too quickly threatened by secrets from the past.
November 30, 2022
How I Met My Countess was an excellent sleep aid, but I can't say it was an excellent book. I've been trying to get into it for the past six months, but I couldn't get past page 61. Why? Because the interaction between stuffed shirt Justin and harrumph Lucy lulled me to sleep.
Their banter was kinda boring, no matter how volcano-like Mr. Cardboard was, bland on the outside, burning on the inside. Lucy was no better, a firecracker with a gooey inside. ::shudders:: Plus, the plot was essentially: girl meets boy > boy thinks girl is an idiot; girl thinks same > boy realizes girl's hot; girl realizes the same > boy has to go to war > girl marries > boy comes back broooken > boy gets into a fight with girl and calls her names > they make up; no apology > the end. It went too fast. There wasn't enough time spent on fleshing out anything except the spy portion of the book.
The characters felt kind of flat with no motivation except omg-my-insta-love-is-still-strong-after-seven-years-where-is-my-lover? Also, Lucy did nothing during her time as an ex-marchioness. She also didn't change. The same went for Justin. He went to war, got his brother killed, and developed six-foot-thick scars. But all the emotion we got from him was: my dear Lucy, you are so great. Let's live together forever.
I like my characters a bit less cardboard-like in romance books. That's why I really like Lisa Kleypas's writing. But that's my opinion. I just hope How I Met My Countess is more exciting for you than it was for me.
Their banter was kinda boring, no matter how volcano-like Mr. Cardboard was, bland on the outside, burning on the inside. Lucy was no better, a firecracker with a gooey inside. ::shudders:: Plus, the plot was essentially: girl meets boy > boy thinks girl is an idiot; girl thinks same > boy realizes girl's hot; girl realizes the same > boy has to go to war > girl marries > boy comes back broooken > boy gets into a fight with girl and calls her names > they make up; no apology > the end. It went too fast. There wasn't enough time spent on fleshing out anything except the spy portion of the book.
The characters felt kind of flat with no motivation except omg-my-insta-love-is-still-strong-after-seven-years-where-is-my-lover? Also, Lucy did nothing during her time as an ex-marchioness. She also didn't change. The same went for Justin. He went to war, got his brother killed, and developed six-foot-thick scars. But all the emotion we got from him was: my dear Lucy, you are so great. Let's live together forever.
I like my characters a bit less cardboard-like in romance books. That's why I really like Lisa Kleypas's writing. But that's my opinion. I just hope How I Met My Countess is more exciting for you than it was for me.
September 22, 2021
Listened to the audiobook. This was technically a re-read as I had read the book when it first came out and also again later when I was downsizing books and then re-read them before passing them on to a friend. The narrator did an excellent job of bringing the characters to life and the story has held up well and does not feel dated. Lucy is one of my favorite heroines in this series and Clifton with his surprising competence at skulduggery makes for an excellent foil for her.
March 6, 2023
Some of the descriptions and dialogue were moderately impressive. But the plot was downright terrible. The half-flashback style made it so that both parts of the story felt underdone and underdeveloped. To me, at least. Some people seemed to really adore this book but I just didn’t get it.
August 31, 2024
This started out a little slow but not bad.
September 4, 2010
How I Met My Countess by Elizabeth Boyle
Avon, 2010
345 pages
Romance; Historical; Series
4/5 stars
Source: Picked up cheap in a thrift store.
I've never read a romance that had so many chapters set in the past but it's necessary in order to fully tell the love story of Lucy and Clifton (His name appears to actually be Justin Grey but he's never called that.) Seven years earlier, he and his brother Malcolm arrived at her father's home to be inducted in to the world of spies. Along the way, they fall in love. But Lucy is illegitimate and Clifton is an earl so her father tried to manage her expectations. Seven years later she is widowed after marrying in desperation and thinking Clifton had forsaken her. He in turn believes her to have been untrue.
I really loved Lucy, a vibrant and exciting woman. She has a mean right hook and a tart tongue She did not seem of her time but I didn't mind. I was less enthused about Clifton, mostly because he was sometimes too intent on dominating her. He also has trust issues (see Spoiler). But he is genuninely heroic, having faithfully served England as a spy all these years.
SPOILER: I don't believe this is really a spoiler but better safe than sorry. Mickey is obviously Lucy's nephew and Clifton's as well for while Clifton hearts Lucy, his brother Malcolm loves her sister. But when Clifton meets Mickey, he jumps to the ludicrous conclusion that Lucy and Malcolm had produced the child. END SPOILER.
I believe this marks the start of what I'm calling the Lady Standon series as Lucy, Elinor, and Minerva are all called by that name. They all married men they didn't love and this is now their chance to get their happily ever after. Check out Elizabeth Boyle's website for more info.
One interesting aspect is toward the end where Lucy takes a rather philosophical approach to life that such a thing had to happen in order for other things to happen. The second book, featuring Elinor, is also set up.
My big problem with this book is how problems cropped up and were quickly dispensed with. There were a lot of problems but they never lasted for long. However I liked that the couple were pretty much always in love and were eager to resume their relationship after those misunderstandings were cleared.
This is all set in Elizabeth Boyle's Regency World with references to spymaster Pymm, spy Temple (hero of my beloved Stealing the Bride), and Felicity Langley (from Love Letters from a Duke) in a rather unsympathetic portrayal. There are also two hilarious dowagers who come to help the Lady Standons remarry and who will hopefully be in the next two books.
Overall: A perhaps too fast-paced romance spy novel with an amazing heroine from the ever-delightful Elizabeth Boyle.
Cover: Why hello Miss Cleavage-pretty necklace!
Avon, 2010
345 pages
Romance; Historical; Series
4/5 stars
Source: Picked up cheap in a thrift store.
I've never read a romance that had so many chapters set in the past but it's necessary in order to fully tell the love story of Lucy and Clifton (His name appears to actually be Justin Grey but he's never called that.) Seven years earlier, he and his brother Malcolm arrived at her father's home to be inducted in to the world of spies. Along the way, they fall in love. But Lucy is illegitimate and Clifton is an earl so her father tried to manage her expectations. Seven years later she is widowed after marrying in desperation and thinking Clifton had forsaken her. He in turn believes her to have been untrue.
I really loved Lucy, a vibrant and exciting woman. She has a mean right hook and a tart tongue She did not seem of her time but I didn't mind. I was less enthused about Clifton, mostly because he was sometimes too intent on dominating her. He also has trust issues (see Spoiler). But he is genuninely heroic, having faithfully served England as a spy all these years.
SPOILER: I don't believe this is really a spoiler but better safe than sorry. Mickey is obviously Lucy's nephew and Clifton's as well for while Clifton hearts Lucy, his brother Malcolm loves her sister. But when Clifton meets Mickey, he jumps to the ludicrous conclusion that Lucy and Malcolm had produced the child. END SPOILER.
I believe this marks the start of what I'm calling the Lady Standon series as Lucy, Elinor, and Minerva are all called by that name. They all married men they didn't love and this is now their chance to get their happily ever after. Check out Elizabeth Boyle's website for more info.
One interesting aspect is toward the end where Lucy takes a rather philosophical approach to life that such a thing had to happen in order for other things to happen. The second book, featuring Elinor, is also set up.
My big problem with this book is how problems cropped up and were quickly dispensed with. There were a lot of problems but they never lasted for long. However I liked that the couple were pretty much always in love and were eager to resume their relationship after those misunderstandings were cleared.
This is all set in Elizabeth Boyle's Regency World with references to spymaster Pymm, spy Temple (hero of my beloved Stealing the Bride), and Felicity Langley (from Love Letters from a Duke) in a rather unsympathetic portrayal. There are also two hilarious dowagers who come to help the Lady Standons remarry and who will hopefully be in the next two books.
Overall: A perhaps too fast-paced romance spy novel with an amazing heroine from the ever-delightful Elizabeth Boyle.
Cover: Why hello Miss Cleavage-pretty necklace!
May 12, 2010
Regency spy romances are usually a great read. You have the intrigue, the noble cause, and the romances are unique from traditional Regency stories. The hero and heroine are thrown together in tense, urgent, or even dangerous circumstances and then we get to see how they reconcile or keep the relationship going after all the craziness is over.
I really enjoyed Boyle's writing. She's not a witty as Julia Quinn, or as devilish as Celeste Bradley, but there is something about her style that kept me glued to this book. It's an imperfect novel. The meat of the story is told in a flashback, which is unconventional in Regency romances and totally worked. The 'present day' storyline was somewhat weak and felt a little contrived with too many subplots and a clearly obvious set-up for the next book. I don't mind when authors do this, but it can be done with a little more subtlety than Boyle attempts here.
Regardless of my issues with plot, the main story (told mostly in the flashback) was great, but could have been more developed. I think had the author focused on this plot and dropped the remainder, the love story would have felt less rushed.
This was my first Elizabeth Boyle novel, and although not my favorite read, I look forward to discovering more of her work. Can anyone suggest a stronger novel?
I really enjoyed Boyle's writing. She's not a witty as Julia Quinn, or as devilish as Celeste Bradley, but there is something about her style that kept me glued to this book. It's an imperfect novel. The meat of the story is told in a flashback, which is unconventional in Regency romances and totally worked. The 'present day' storyline was somewhat weak and felt a little contrived with too many subplots and a clearly obvious set-up for the next book. I don't mind when authors do this, but it can be done with a little more subtlety than Boyle attempts here.
Regardless of my issues with plot, the main story (told mostly in the flashback) was great, but could have been more developed. I think had the author focused on this plot and dropped the remainder, the love story would have felt less rushed.
This was my first Elizabeth Boyle novel, and although not my favorite read, I look forward to discovering more of her work. Can anyone suggest a stronger novel?
February 7, 2010
I wanted to like this book far more than I did. I enjoyed the flashback (which took up most of the book) quite a bit, but I really hated the framing story. I know, I know - she had to fit this book into a series rather than just allow a good stand-alone to hit the shelves - but it was so distracting and unnecessary. I read romances to follow a love story, not to read some ridiculousness about pet dogs and multiple entitled women who are dowagers of the same title. I could not have cared less about all of that business. I want to shake this author - she can clearly write, but she feels the need to follow these stupid conventions. Elizabeth Boyle, feel free to break from the mold! We'll follow you into the future of romance novels!
January 17, 2012
It took me a while to get into this novel. However once I got a third of the way I couldn't put it down. This is the sixth in a series but the first i read.
Clifton was training to be a spy when he met Lucy. His instructors daughter. They fall in love, and he promises to come back for her. 7 years later she is now a widow living a dowager house with a little boy (whom we assume is her bastard son)
want to know how it ends?
Clifton was training to be a spy when he met Lucy. His instructors daughter. They fall in love, and he promises to come back for her. 7 years later she is now a widow living a dowager house with a little boy (whom we assume is her bastard son)
want to know how it ends?
June 10, 2021
La trama es original, la protagonista es hija de un agente que trabaja para el gobierno formando a nobles y ladrones para ser espías. Él es uno de ellos. Ella es lista, nada convencional, sabe robar, descifrar códigos, vamos lo más alejado a una dama de la sociedad londinense. Él es un conde. Arrogante, serio, siempre en su lugar. Hasta que se conocen más y se dan cuenta de su amor. Pero el trabajo de él les separará, y se volverán a ver 7 años después. Me ha gustado mucho la parte en la que surge el amor. Pero la primera parte se me ha hecho algo pesada y la parte final aunque tiene sorpresas y engancha bastante, tiene un final muy rápido, sin dejarte mucho tiempo para pensar en su final feliz. Además el libro da algún salto en el tiempo que es difícil de seguir por todos los personajes que aparecen y la complicada vida de ella. Es una lectura agradable, original por la trama, con personajes fuertes e interesantes y que engancha mucho, pero para mi le ha faltado algo para conseguir emocionarme.
April 20, 2018
The preview I read of this was exciting and there were elements that I liked but overall the whole thing felt rushed. It began as a spy story but then that plot kept getting put on hold and of course the heroine never got near any real action, and then the whole three dowagers storyline could have been a fun one but jumping between the two just left both parts feeling underdeveloped.
At around the 80% mark I was wondering how all the plot threads could possibly be wrapped up in the space remaining - the answer being by rushing some, forcing convenient coincidences on others, and abandoning a few altogether.
This had potential and there were some very fun moments but overall it fell short of expectations.
At around the 80% mark I was wondering how all the plot threads could possibly be wrapped up in the space remaining - the answer being by rushing some, forcing convenient coincidences on others, and abandoning a few altogether.
This had potential and there were some very fun moments but overall it fell short of expectations.
June 21, 2022
I love the author Elizabeth Boyle! She does romance/humor/ historical fiction like few others! Lucy Ellyson and her sister and father teach men how to be spies during the war with France. Her father was a master thief as a child until caught and reformed and he raised his daughters how to pick pockets and open safes at an early age. A most irregular household! The Earl of Clifton has gone to the "training school" to learn to spy and learn how to survive in France. His brother , Malcom is also there for training. Lucy and the Earl fall in love but he is gone for 7 years without communication and much has happened while Clifton is away. When he comes back much has happened. If you like romance, historical and humor and mystery as I do you just might want to give this story a try!
July 7, 2024
Tenía una premisa muy buena y es que ella es viuda, y su verdadero amor no fue el hombre con quien se casó sino un conde con el que se ha vuelto a encontrar y en el pasado le rompió el corazón.
Este libro se divide en dos partes muy claras, la parte donde te cuenta el pasado que me sobraba totalmente. Y la parte del presente que esta desaprovechada porque medio libro se va en contarte el pasado y ya queda pocas páginas para lo que podría ser un romance súper picantón e intenso, que la pareja está bien pero tampoco resalta. Además ella convive con las viudas de la familia que están en una situación un tanto problemática.
Me lo he pasado bien aunque sobraban páginas y faltaban otras.
Este libro se divide en dos partes muy claras, la parte donde te cuenta el pasado que me sobraba totalmente. Y la parte del presente que esta desaprovechada porque medio libro se va en contarte el pasado y ya queda pocas páginas para lo que podría ser un romance súper picantón e intenso, que la pareja está bien pero tampoco resalta. Además ella convive con las viudas de la familia que están en una situación un tanto problemática.
Me lo he pasado bien aunque sobraban páginas y faltaban otras.
January 31, 2020
En definitiva una situación complicada en una época tradicional en la que se pueden abarcar diferentes ángulos de ver la trama, siempre dependiendo desde el punto de vista en que lo mires, pero que de un modo u otro en mi caso ha sido devorada, definitivamente necesito seguir leyendo más sobre Elizabeth Boyle.
Reseña completa: https://atrapadaenunashojasdepapel.bl...
Reseña completa: https://atrapadaenunashojasdepapel.bl...
March 29, 2020
Of all the books in the series, this one didn't have much of a plot. It was slow paced and the back story took up most of the book ( book is 15 chapters). By the time the real story began in chapter 9 I was bored. Lucy , Lady Stand on #3 was not that likeable and the Earl of Clifton not that interesting. We meet the other 2 Lady Standons Elinor and Miranda. I hope their books are more interesting for this one was a snoozefest.
July 19, 2018
I liked the setting and the characters, but I didn't like the structure and thought the end was really rushed. I don't mind flashbacks usually, but I just found the timing odd. And the end was really, really rushed - it seemed like there was as much plot in the last few chapters as there was in the rest of the book.
February 1, 2022
Le faltó, me dejó en ascuas. Necesitaba más. Es entretenida pero siento que transcurrió demaduados rápido, necesitaba un poco de relleno. Mínimo 50 páginas más le faltó. Es la segunda vez que leo un libro de la autora y me dejó igual que el primero, con ganas de más, pero no en el bueno sentido. Es como si te hubieras leído un libro por la mitad o un libro en proceso que dejaron abandonado.
November 4, 2022
3.5 rounds up to 4 stars for me. A fun read, with a world of characters intriguing enough to get me to read more in the series I think (dang it, there goes my TBR).
Pull quote/note
"'What does that mean?' she shot back, her defiance rising in high dudgeons, her eyes wary." (63) I didn't know that could be pluralized
Pull quote/note
"'What does that mean?' she shot back, her defiance rising in high dudgeons, her eyes wary." (63) I didn't know that could be pluralized
October 1, 2024
No estuvo mal pero creo que falto' algo en la trama... sobre todo al final. Me parecio' al final todo paso' muy rapido
Apesar de eso me gustaron las personalidades de los 2 protagonistas y sus enfrentamientos hasta llegar al amor.... y la personalidad de muchos personajes secundarios
Apesar de eso me gustaron las personalidades de los 2 protagonistas y sus enfrentamientos hasta llegar al amor.... y la personalidad de muchos personajes secundarios
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