An intriguing encounter…

with the lady next door

Henry, Earl of Beaufort, was London’s most eligible bachelor. Only now, someone is trying to frame him for murder!

He finds an unexpected ally in his enchanting neighbor, Suzanne, who, after fleeing the American Civil War, also finds herself on the fringes of society.

She agrees to help prove his innocence, and a fake engagement provides the perfect cover.

Until his real feelings threaten their charade…

Titles in the Southern Belles in London series include — The Return of His Promised Duchess —♥— The Making of His Marchioness —♥— Falling for His Pretend Countess —♥—

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Booksprout ARC

Title:  Falling for His Pretend Countess
Series:  Southern Belles in London #3
Author:  Lauri Robinson
Genre:  Historical Romance
Published:  April 25, 2023
Publisher:  Harlequin Historical
My Rating:  4.5

I’ve enjoyed the Southern Belles in London series, and it appears that Suzanne’s story in Falling for His Pretend Countess brings us to the conclusion… maybe, I’ve learned to never say never where series are concerned, but this does appear to be the final story.

Suzanne has a plan for her financial future while in London, waiting for the war to end back home in Virginia.  She’s written a novel and has tried to present it to the best publishing house in London, only to be turned away without anyone even reading one line of it.  So, she’s going to the source, the owner of the publishing house who just happens to be the next-door neighbor of the home where she is staying.  It might be said that she’s tracking Henry, but when they meet at the same ball it seems fate has smiled upon her… perhaps.

Henry is trying to make his escape from this particular ball for a very specific reason; he needs to get to another district in the area, one with a dangerous and shady reputation.  There have been three murdered women in this district, and it’s looking very suspiciously like he is involved.  He’s out to prove his innocence, catch the real killer, and avenge his sister’s death.  But he cannot do any of that if he cannot get away from this ball or the lovely neighbor who is determined to speak to him no matter the cost to her reputation.

Falling for His Pretend Countess is a delightful romance full of mysteries, and frustrations for both Henry and Suzanne.  I had my suspect picked out rather early, and it was a joy to watch them be taken down through both Henry’s and Suzanne’s efforts.  I loved watching this pretend relationship blossom into something far more for each of them as they follow the clues to a killer and fall in love along the way.  I had fun here, and that’s the entire point.  If you love a well-written, engaging, emotional romance then you’ll enjoy this one.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or author’s team via Booksprout. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent.*

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