From page one, Lynsay Sands' The Countess held my attention and would not let it go until the very last page. The plot is ordinary enough, but the twists and turns you encounter while turning page after page are what make it a memorable read. The sex isn’t so bad, either.

Christiana Fairgrave-Madison has been married to the most horrid man for about a year when he suddenly drops dead while drinking his favorite whiskey. When her sisters come by for an unexpected visit, they immediately come to a decision. They will say nothing about the death of Christiana’s husband and put him on ice while they go to a ball. Dicky was mean to Christiana all throughout their marriage. She doesn't see what harm it will do to hold off telling anybody that she is now a widow - not when her sister has to marry well in order to pay off their father’s gambling debts.

Except at the ball that night, her husband, Richard Fairgrave, makes an appearance looking most definitely alive! And what is most unexpected? The cravings he makes her feel when they touch during a dance, the yearning she tries hard to deny when their eyes meet across a crowded floor. Yet why when he abuses her so, does she want him like nothing else?

Richard Fairgrave has returned to his rightful place after having nearly been killed by his twin brother, who has been impersonating him for a year. When Richard learns his brother is dead, some of the anger he feels about not getting to confront George turns into an inferno of passion when Richard and Christiana get home that night. They are married, right? It’s not like the marriage hasn’t been consummated.

The Countess is sure to delight and thrill. I so love it when an author can make me laugh.