The Decadent Countess

by Deborah Miles

Young widow Miranda arrives in England to meet her late husband's family, only to find she has been mistaken for her scandalous stepmother, the decadent countess. Miranda revels in her new role as the notoriously outspoken coquette. But then she clashes with her handsome, aloof brother-in-law Leo. As Miranda's confidence begins to falter, Leo is torn between pursuing this bewitching beauty and preserving his family's reputation...

251 pages, Hardcover

First published January 3, 2003

About the author

Kaye Bennett was born on 17 November 1957 in Geelong, Victoria, Australia. She spent much of her childhood in New South Wales. She reads a great deal, and although she will read anything - mystery, thrillers and horror - romance is her favorite. She has had a varied career that has included working in the Department of Justice in Brisbane and working as a clerk with the Commonwealth government. To survive a series of mind-numbing jobs, she turned to writing. She then sold a number of short stories to Australian magazines, and when she won a local short story contest, suddenly her name was in the newspaper, and she dreamed of becoming a full-time writer. She has always had an interest in history, and she started writing historical romances as Deborah Miles for Mills & Boon (Harlequin), she also wrote as Lilly Sommers, before writing as Sara Bennett historical romances and as Sara Mackenzie paranormal romances.

Kaye Dobbie lives in an old house in the old gold rush town Bendigo, in the state of Victoria, Australia. She is married to an accountant and they have two children who are growing up all too quickly. The household is ruled by three cats, who all arrived without an invitation and decided to stay, and a dog who believes it's a person. In between writing and driving her children to and fro, she enjoys spending time in her garden. She is particularly fond of her collection of old world roses - they have such wonderful names! She tries to keep the house and garden tidy, but rarely succeeds—she'd rather be writing or reading.

Pseudonym for author Sara Bennett

Reviews

[Tiffany Manning · Rating 1 out of 5]

It took me a while to read this book, as it was lacking oomph and energy in parts. It's not a book I would personally read again.

[Elisa Vangelisti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rilettura. Le prime quaranta pagine raccontano di una vedova che si reca dalla famiglia del marito defunto per avere sostegno. Peccato che la credano un’altra donna e che lei non sveli l’equivoco a causa dell’atteggiamento del duca capofamiglia, arrogante e presuntuoso. Il tutto raccontato con noia, lentezza e ripetizioni a volontà. Libero subito per sgombrare la libreria.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sthg to reread. Don't think I want to buy anymore of her bks.