A Scandalous Countess (Mallorens #12) by Jo Beverley
Historical Romance
February 7, 2012
Signet

Favorite Quote: “Home. You are home. “

Once again, Jo Beverley transports us back in to the decadent and dazzling world of the Mallorens with the second book in her intriguing Three Countesses trilogy. Set in the Georgian era, Ms. Beverley’s opulent descriptions of the glittering ton with their witty dialogues and lively dalliances set against a dark background of intrigue continues to elevate this series beyond the normal historical romance.

Lady Georgia Maybury was married at the tender age of sixteen to the Earl of Mayberry and proceeded to shock and delight the beau monde with her daring escapades. Nicknamed Lady May for her flighty behavior; her husband did nothing to curtail her exploits but rather encouraged her as he was secure in her love for him. When her husband is killed in a duel, Georgia loses everything except her marriage provision and is forced to live once again with her parents. When her year of mourning comes to an end, her past behavior comes back to haunt her as vicious rumors of infidelity surface. Georgia plans to wait out the scandal until her mourning period ends but even time cannot turn back the tide that has turned society against her. Her only hope is to marry well again.

Lord Dracy is a former navel officer who inherits a improvised estate from a cousin. Scarred and poor, his chances of finding an heiress with a large purse to marry him is almost nonexistent. Forced to come up with funds to restore the estate, he bets his horse against the neighboring gentry. When Georgia’s father bets his racing horse against Dracy’s, Dracy knows his horse will win and hopes to use the Earl of Hernescroft’s horse to stud. However, Georgia’s father has a different prize in mind. His daughter. He feels that Dracy’s strong navel discipline will tame Georgia’s wild ways and protect her from the backstabbing ton.

Our protagonists, Georgia and Dracy, were a delight to meet. Both strong, lively, and intelligent, they had a wonderful chemistry that is apparent from their first meeting. Though an unlikely match, their relationship flourishes and deepens as they become further acquainted with one another. While Georgia’s beauty initially attracts Dracy, it’s her charm and intelligence that captivates him. He realizes quickly that the face she presents to society only serves to hide a delightfully witty young lady who’s still waters run deep. And though Dracy isn’t what she imagined for a second husband, as she spends more time with him, she realizes that he is exactly what she wants and needs. Their engaging banter keeps the storyline and their relationship flowing smoothly. I love the notes and letters that are sprinkled through out. We learn a lot about Georgia through these.

My Dearest Dracy,

I am bereft that you prefer trees to me, and you’d be justly served if I were to address you as Humphrey at all times That should steal your dark demeanor, would it not? I shall expect more careful attendance in the future. For now, I will insist that Lizzie teach me frugal household management. I believe people subsist entirely on offal and potatoes if necessary.

Your helpmate in training,

Georgia

Ms. Beverley does a nice job allowing Georgia to grow from being somewhat frivolous to more grounded without breaking her spirit or subduing her passion. Dracy, like her first husband, understands the flame that resides within her and seeks to cherish and nourish it rather then extinguish it.

“Did I tell you you were my anchor?”

“I’d rather you fly, Georgia, then be tethered by me.”

While you see very few actual love scenes, I mean this IS an unmarried couple and Dracy reassures Georgia they have all the time in the world for him to show her the wickedness he has planned, Ms. Beverly adeptly shows us the passion and love that has built between them. They have a wonderful romantic sensual way about them that reassures you that they could very well have a very happy future together.

The scandal that just won’t die is deeply plotted though long winded and intertwines around our villain with flair. It does take a while to get through all the back story and intricacy of the plot. There were times when it becomes too much information and I began to lose sense of what was going on. I also felt the language in this one was filled with more innuendos and poetic sentiments than normal and it causes some confusion. I did enjoy that Dracy, unlike some historical romantic heroes, doesn’t automatically blame our heroine for the problems they encounter. Georgia and Dracy get some help in finding out who benefits from Georgia being ostracized from some unexpected allies and her brother, Perriam, carries a lot of weight in the story as her staunchest supporter. I hope to see more of him in the future.

All in all I found this a nice historical filled with humor, smexy romance, and just enough scandal to leave you cheering at the end for our couple.

Overall Rating: C+

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