Countess So Shameless

Scandal in London #1

by Liana LeFey

No one can compete for Lady Mélisande’s coveted affections like the Italian rogue she met five years prior during a visit to Versailles. Her encounter with Lord Alessandro Orsini awakened a passion so fierce that the mere memory of it still ignites her senses. So when the celebrated rake resurfaces in London, Mélisande succumbs to temptation and shamelessly proposes an affair for the Season.

Alessandro has never forgotten the girl he met in Versailles—his perfect match. Though the fiercely independent lady has sworn off marriage, it doesn’t stop him from vowing to make her his wife. While seducing her body, he wages tender warfare on her heart’s defenses. But a bitter rival also burns to possess Mélisande, and luck has provided the means to bend her to his will: a scandalous secret that could ruin her. The price of his silence is nothing less than her hand in marriage, forcing Mélisande to choose between the desires of her heart and everything else she holds dear.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Audiobook, Historical Fiction, Georgian

301 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 27, 2012

About the author

Liana loves to weave incendiary tales that capture the heart and the imagination, taking the reader out of the now and into another world. The glory and splendor of the 18th Century provides a lush, glittering backdrop for her fairy tale romances. It’s a time of sensuous lovers, passionate music, lavish royal courts and deadly intrigues.

Liana lives in Texas with her own dashing hero of nearly twenty years, their delightful progeny, one spoiled-rotten feline overlord, and several tanks of tropical fish. She’s been devouring historical romances since her early teens and is now delighted to be writing them for fellow enthusiasts.

Reviews

[Missy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn’t connect with the characters.

[Lynn Spencer · Rating 3 out of 5]

C+ so 3.5 stars When I started reading romance, I stuck almost entirely to historicals and romantic suspense. When I saw this month’s TBR Challenge prompt, I knew I had no shortage of historical reading in my closet o’TBR. I decided to go with a new-to-me author and picked up Liana LeFey’s 2012 debut, Countess So Shameless. This Georgian historical, set in France and England during the reign of George II, has enough intelligence and unique characterization to keep me reading but also enough eyeroll-inducing plot twists to make it difficult for me to recommend.

The novel opens at Versailles where the teenaged Melisande Compton has come to court with her French mother and English father. We learn very quickly that this isn’t entirely a pleasure visit and while in France, Melisande learns a dangerous and devastating family secret. Overcome with emotion, she runs headlong into Lord Alessandro Orsini, a rakish diplomat for the Papal States. Though warned early and often by her mother of Alessandro’s unsuitability and danger to properly brought up young women, Melisande finds herself enjoying his company and is quite swept off her feet.

Alessandro feels likewise and when the two cross paths again some years later in England, we learn that his meeting with Melisande (“Melly”) was a deep love at first sight. And LeFey writes this part of her book very well. I’ll admit to being a jaded enough reader that love at first sight plots often feel hackneyed and leave me cold. However, I could believe in Alessandro’s love for Melly. As I read, it struck me that Alessandro didn’t just admire Melly’s body or want to touch her. He genuinely enjoys her company and just loves her. I found this refreshing and endearing after reading too many historicals where “love at first sight” basically means that the sight of the heroine sets the hero’s codpiece a-twitching.

This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: http://allaboutromance.com/tbr-challe...

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Musings

I ended up really enjoying this book. It started out a little slow and it took me a while to warm up to the characters, but by the end of the book, I really wanted them to find their HEA. I also listened the the audio book and it was quite good. Happy ☺reading 📚!

[MyChienneLit · Rating 3 out of 5]

After stealing a kiss from Italian rogue Duke Alessandro Orsini during a brief chance encounter with him in the gardens of Versailles, Lady Melisande is simultaneously awakened to passion and ruined for all other men. Upon her return to England a few days later, her parents demand that she marry the man she has been betrothed to since childhood, but Melisande refuses, and no other man is able to stir her passions either. Alessandro, previously a committed rake, cannot forget Melisande, because he doesn't know her full name, he is unable to find her despite five years of fruitless searching until his diplomatic travels lead him to England. Both Melisande and Alessandro are stunned when they are reunited at a society event, but their attraction is still immediately apparent. Melisande and Alessandro embark upon a torrid love affair under the guise of a fake engagement, but can they keep their hearts from becoming engaged as well? Can Alessandro protect Melisande from the jealous enemies she has made and from the secrets she hides?

This Georgian-era romance features a torrid love affair, scandal, betrayal, secrets, and jealousy, with a dash of political intrigue. It is a window into the world of London high society during that time period. The characters were not especially well developed and seemed fairly uni-dimensional, especially the supporting ones. Charlotte, for example, is an empty-headed child. Lord Harrington is evil personified with no redeeming qualities whatsoever. While these kinds of stereotypical characters serve as great foils, their overuse ultimately detracts from the richness of an otherwise vividly drawn picture of Georgian London. However, the plot is lively and executed well, making this an entertaining read. Of additional note is the performance quality of the audiobook version of this novel. I listened to this book on audible, and in my opinion, the artist who recorded this book did a superb job. The different voices she uses for each of the main characters enhances the reader's experience without being a distraction, and she does a wonderful job making the pages come alive. If I continue with the series, I plan to continue it on audible.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel as Lady Mélisande was a strong character, given a title in her own right, allowed to choose a husband, was given easy options but chose her truth. She flaunted society's notions, faced down bullies who tried to demean her and planned a place for assignations (process was a hoot reading her rouge friend advising)
Lord Alessandro Orsini became a reformed rake 'sigh'. His deception ultimately convinced his beloved that he'd been searching for five years after only a brief encounter.

It has lots royal intrigue, secret tyrsts, an intelligent female, unrequited love, blackguards, deception & dueling. Enjoy

[Rekell Griffin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow

The book is rather slow moving. The ending was very anti-climatic. Even the flow of the book needs more improvement.

[Lassarina Aoibhell · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a charming little romance if you don't think too hard about the plot. I liked Mèlisande and Alessandro, but I felt like his backstory in particular was a bit pasted on without too much thought for the consequences. Also, obvious terrible villain was obvious and terrible.

The plot has an interesting setup that remains relevant throughout - Mèlisande is the illegitimate daughter of the King of France, given a name by her mother's husband who has raised her as his own - but honestly I felt like she was a little too perfect. She has a perfect loving family (until they pass on to clear the way for the plot) and wonderful loving friends and she's beautiful and a chess master and delightfully good at society and of course she's rich and also happens to be allowed to hold a title on her own recognizance—that of a countess no less—in Georgian England. And she gets away with playing the spoiled brat because she's just oh so charming.

Well. Okay.

The thing is, I would've willingly gone along with any of those attributes in isolation and even a few of them in combination, but the entire stack just sort of makes me frustrated. I realize that romance is often a genre of wish fulfillment, but I find it more personally fulfilling when there's some kind of imperfection in the heroine (and the hero), something that meaningfully challenges them. I never really felt like there was any conflict for Mèlisande that she didn't create herself, and even that didn't feel meaningful to me.

I'm talking a lot about the heroine, but that's because the hero honestly felt like a prop there to serve as the final mechanism of resolving the plot in a way that effectively cost Mèlisande nothing and didn't require her to learn or grow in any way. At the end of the day it just didn't feel like there was anything to this romance; it's cotton candy, and now I'm all sticky and my mouth tastes like overwhelming sugar and I want some real food.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, flip towards the back and verify you have the glossary for French wording. I wish I would have known about this language glossary in the back before I began reading; that would have saved a lot of my confusion. Some of the wording was a bit confusing - most was in English but some words were in French. It was creative and written for the time period it is set, but I'm not that intelligent to figure out what the word(s) mean lol

Also, some of the characters go by various names so that was a little confusing as well. If I read slower than usual, I followed along better.

When Melisande went to see “her majesty” I had to look back to see if she was going to see her father; I couldn't remember his name. Her father is Louis, Godfather is George (and who she was going to see).

I really liked how the beginning of each chapter was labeled - design wise and description. One minor detail I would suggest is after the date, insert "X number of years later". I had to flip back each time a new date was dated to determine how much time had passed.

I also found it funny to hear a character talk about traffic in horses.

Overall, I was skeptical at first, but this novel turned out very well. As long as you read fairly moderately/slow and definitely pay attention, things make sense. Pay close attention to character names and nicknames to avoid confusion.

4 out of 5 stars

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

No one can compete for Lady Mélisande’s coveted affections like the Italian rogue she met five years prior during a visit to Versailles. Her encounter with Lord Alessandro Orsini awakened a passion so fierce that the mere memory of it still ignites her senses. So when the celebrated rake resurfaces in London, Mélisande succumbs to temptation and shamelessly proposes an affair for the Season.

Alessandro has never forgotten the girl he met in Versailles—his perfect match. Though the fiercely independent lady has sworn off marriage, it doesn’t stop him from vowing to make her his wife. While seducing her body, he wages tender warfare on her heart’s defenses. But a bitter rival also burns to possess Mélisande, and luck has provided the means to bend her to his will: a scandalous secret that could ruin her. The price of his silence is nothing less than her hand in marriage, forcing Mélisande to choose between the desires of her heart and everything else she holds dear.

[Anissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book from Liana LeFey. I received it free from a contest. I enjoyed her book. Although it was a little to graphic at times for me. But by no way does that mean I didn't like the story or how well it was written and it was written quite well! The heroine Melisande finds out who her real father is. Once she knows things change for her. She is now able to pick her own husband if she wants one! She will retain her status in society either way. So she bucks convention and chooses to have fun instead. She meets up with Alessandro again and is delighted he has agreed to an affair. He is also quite happy to meet her again since he hasn't forgotten their chance encounter in Versailles. While she is after an affair only he is after so much more. A test of wills and actually Melisande gets herself in a lot of scraps...but delightful tale either way!

[Leigh Goldian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

This story was fantastic. There was drama, love, romance, and mystery. I looooved the ending! The characters were very well written and I liked the historical aspects as well.

[Heather McCoubrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Royalty

A wonderfully enticing & quick read. I could not put this book down once I began. I will definitely keep this author on my radar. I’m already looking forward to the second book in this series!

[sandra spiece · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read

I really liked the strong character of the heroine. She really appeared very strong without compromising her great sexuality. Very involved plot which kept you thinking how in the world would it all get resolved

[bibliolatry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written

This was a very romantic book due to the hero, Alessandro. He was such a romantic, honorable, caring man after he fell in love with Melisande. I couldn’t put it down.

[Jurnee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book

I truly enjoyed this book, it has it all. Sweet innocent love, intrigue, scandal & a touch of darkness. Worthy of a space in my library.

[A.C. Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Countess and Duke

A fun, interesting story of shaded beginnings, true love and the guts it takes to make it to happily ever after.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice resd

The book had adventure love and a happy ending with characters ranging from evil to kind. Also enjoy the epilogue giving it a nice finish

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly good story. First time with this author. Well written

[Summer Thomson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Predictable plot, but enjoyable as well.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining, Romantic, Passionate

Lord Alessandro Orsini representing the Holy Roman Empire in England, was always surrounded by a giggling, bevy of young women wherever he was and Melisande, age 14, although all eyes and ears, was determined not to be pulled into the foolishness of these young maidens plus the dire warnings of her mother to stay far away from him and his debauchery. Her mother, Isabelle d’Orleans Compton, Countess of Wilmington and her husband, Spencer Wilmington had arranged a marriage between her and their neighbors’ son, David Pelham. David and Melisande had played together since babies, spent all of their youth as best friends, but were not in love and refused to be married to each other. The Wilmingtons took Melisande to France to meet King Louis XV as Isabelle had been his courtesan, became pregnant with Louis’ baby and Spencer married Isabelle and took the baby as his own child. This was a deep, dark secret, although Melisande met King Louis and he would have acknowledged her as his bastard child, but she loved her foster father and preferred to stay with him.

Sometime later when the families were putting the pressure on their children Melisande and David to marry, Melisande ran away into the woods with her head, butting into Alessandro and knocking him down. They spent some time talking and Alessandro recognized her as looking like the woman in the picture in King Louis’s palace and knew she had to be his child. He talked at length and he kissed her before they parted. She never forgot the passion that arose in her and she never forgot him. He never forgot her, but she had told him her name was Melisande D’Orleans and he could never find her.

As the years passed and her parents died, Melisande was awarded the Wilmington Estate, the fortune with it and the title of Countess until such time as she should marry and have a son and the estate would then pass to her son. Melisande had many suitors, if not for her beauty, then for her fortune, but she became extremely independent and spent much time with the men playing chess and cards. It was her concept that although she allowed a few kisses, until she met a man who could stir her emotions like Alessandro did, she would never marry for convenience. Because of her title and wealth, she ignored anything that didn’t interest her and became the subject of much gossip. Then one day fate threw Allesandro back into her life, passion blossomed and she decided to never marry but just have him as a lover as long as it was convenient. This took a toll on her reputation, friends and integrity and life became one long string of entertaining actions, deceits, and intrigues of the elite and royalty of English and France. It had some excellent sexual scenes done with taste, but helped to build the charisma between these two lovers. I truly enjoyed it. It was a fast read and I couldn’t put it down.

[BookMaven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too Many Plot Devices

Melisande Compton, Countess of Wilmington, has decided not to marry. She is a countess in her own right, and the King of England is her godfather. He assures her that he will not press the issue for now. Melisande does not feel anything, but friendship, for any of the men she knows, but, once, long ago, when she was 15, she met a man that set her heart racing. Melisande thought she would never see him, again, but she turned at the latest ball and there he was, after all these years, Alessandro Orsini, Duke of Gravina, Emissary of the Roman Curia and Prince of the Holy Roman Empire by order of Charles VI. Melisande wanted him, but a cruel enemy and a secret from her past just might thwart her plans.

This book had lots of exciting details and the "secret" could have propelled this book to greatness, but the secret takes a back seat to petty revenge by a huge egomaniac. In my opinion, there were just too many problems that were not given their due. If there were fewer plot obstacles then there would have been more development of the remaining plot elements. That would have allowed the reader to get more involved. As it was, there seemed to be a list of obstacles, and a few paragraphs to solve it, then on to the next one. The reader is not given time to develop an attachment to the outcome.

I read these historical romances, in part, for the HEA. This ending seemed very abrupt and seemed like just another collection of problems that were inadequately addressed. The "secret" that was supposed to be a plot driving element, seemed to be treated as a minor annoyance to be swept under the rug, in the end.

I prefer my books with more depth. The plot had such promise, but, for me, it just fell short of the mark. IMHO, the international political aspects should have been the focus, not the ravings of a maniac. And the outcome of the duel was just another unnecessary detour interrupting the flow of the book.

The book was just very average for me. I will not be looking up anymore LeFey writings.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 - 4 stars

I ordered this book from the library to read before I began TO WED IN SCANDAL, the second Liana LeFey book in the series "A Scandal in London." The synopsis on the back cover of COUNTESS SO SHAMELESS and the few previously submitted reviews for this book on this goodreads site together give enough information about this Georgian period romance that I will not attempt another summary here.

As I was reading through the book, I was expecting that the second and third romances that seemed to be blossoming would be the subject of the rest of the series. Since those apparently also have a HEA at the end of this book, I'm curious to read on to see whether LeFey's next book(s) can also capture my interest.

The author's writing style is engaging, witty and mostly light. When the true villain appears, it is immediately obvious; the irony is that he causes everything to happen in exactly the opposite ways that his words and deeds have intended.

One comment about the title: I expected the heroine of the book to be a person of loose morals, yet she was truly an innocent. Her scandalous behavior seemed mostly to be her determination to remain single and to design her own wardrobe to be more comfortable! Being exceedingly wealthy and a countess in her own right, she was still tolerated in high society.

Yes, there are a couple of intimate scenes in this story, so if you are put off by all such things, you probably don't read most romance novels, but do heed this word of caution. Again, I think the title was a bit misleading, perhaps to gain an audience who would then be drawn into the actual story that Ms LeFay has written.

I've won the second book as an ARC copy, so I will review it when I've finished reading it. I do hope to be able to endorse this new author's second book.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Countess So Shameless is set not in the Regency but in the Georgian era. It was fun to see something with another historical background. It starts in the French Court and ends up in Italy. In between the action is in England. The two main characters are well developed and there are interesting side characters to add to the mix. Look for a plot with some interesting twists and turns. It did keep me guessing. The background of Melly, the Countess So Shameless, was complicated and there were several possible outcomes for the book. I was a little surprised by how everything was resolved but thought it was a good way to come to a HEA. I think that The Scandal in London series will be one to watch.

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

My rating: C (3 stars)

Not much to say about this one. I started it a week or so ago and just could never finish it until yesterday. The story started off strong and then deflated. I’m not sure what about it just didn’t do it for me. It just got rather boring around middle ways and slowly I lost interest

The main characters are Lady Melisande and Alessandro. The secondary characters I liked a lot. There is action, lots of drama, and secrets. Lots of secrets.

Would I read the next book in the series? No, probably not (unless I read really good reviews). I love the fact that this ebook is loanable.

*** Ebook borrowed from booklending.com ***

[Atunah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one started out much stronger than it ended. Or more so the middle which seemed a bit let down for me.
It was really good, but for some reason I had some problems connecting to the characters.
This might have just been my mood, I don't know. It happens.
I'll try the author's next, as I did enjoy the "voice" so to speak. I liked the writing style.

[Angi Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story!! You could feel the sexual tension between the characters. She have you some if Melly's story right away and held onto a few things until the very end. I loved the high spirited Melly and Alessandro made me melt! They were a pair made for each other. There was a great side story as well:).

[Sheri Braddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet story

Strong heroine daring and secure meets hopeless romantic so called lady killer lots of side stories and intrigue loved it read in 7 hours flat, great sexual tension. The friendships involved we key to the story working very much enjoyed all characters even the bad guy he was typical jerk but got his in the end

[Antica · Rating 5 out of 5]

i think I need to relisten to this audio book, I don't remember when I finished it but I remember that I loved it.

[Judith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had a more interesting premise than most - and was ok in execution. May read others in series if they are on special.

[Jessica Edouard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been looking forever it seems to fine a historical romance author who could compete and hold my attention to the likes of Judith McNaught or Julie Garwood and here she is!