The Reluctant Countess

A Would-Be Wallflowers Novel

By: Eloisa James

Narrated by: Susan Duerden

New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James returns to the Would-Be Wallflowers series with an enemies-to-lovers romance between a proper earl and an entirely improper lady—whom he can’t stop thinking about.

Giles Renwick, Earl of Lilford, has never made a fool of himself over a woman—until he meets Lady Yasmin Régnier. Yasmin is ineligible for his attentions in every way: not as a wife, certainly not as a mistress (she is a lady!), nor even as a friend, since they vehemently dislike each other. Her gowns are too low, and her skirts are dampened to cling to admittedly lovely thighs. She loves to gossip—and giggle.

She isn’t dignified, or polite, or even truly British, given that her father’s French ancestry clearly predominated. Not to mention the fact that her mother had been one of Napoleon’s mistresses, a fact she makes no effort to hide.

So what—in heaven’s name—possesses him to propose?

And what will he do if she says yes?

©2022 Eloisa James (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers

Great book!

This was a great book. Wonderfully narrated. I could not stand the horrible sister but I suppose we weren’t meant to like her and her ill mannered personality. Enjoy!

sing song narration

The story is sweet, enjoyed the fluff and romance. I am a bit put off by the sing song style of narration, preferring a more realistic conversational tone.

Another Outstanding Story!

I waited a few months for this book and to read Yasmine and the Earl of Lilford’s story and it was definitely worth the wait!Once again, the author did a great job in helping the reader understand each character—even the antagonist(s). It was also nice to see Cleo as well as the Duchess of Trent once again.

Enjoyed

For the first half of this book, I was convinced that Eloisa James had selected the wrong hero! But she won me over.

Susan Duerden is still obnoxious but not as throbbing as she was for Jo Beverly’s books. Ms. James deserves better however.

Eloisa James is the most underrated writer

The depth of backstory and motivation of each character is art.
She puts you in the middle of the action, and each scene moves the story along and creates the most satisfying narrative tension.
Susan Duerden is an amazing voice actor.
My dissociation thanks both of them.

Love this story!

I love that I couldn’t put it down waiting for Giles and Yasmin to get together. I must say I was ready to fight Lidia for Yasmin! She was a big hater and a hypocrite!

Absolutely Wonderful!

This was such a wonderful story! I could not put down this book! Terrific complex characters. Giles and Jasmine were just so lovely when all misunderstandings were resolved. Narration by Susan Duerdon was terrific as usual.

Ah, a real story with real themes and big love and imperfect hero’s and heroines and good friends!

I really wasn’t certain about getting the audio version of the second of the Woodby wallflowers book, but I loved the character of Lady Yasmine. So I gave it a try, and I am so glad I did!! The narration was SO much better on this one, the story was Lovely and well paced and kept me interested and opinionated and laughing and occasionally tearing up throughout. I would highly recommend it.

Did not disappoint

I always look forward to the next book in the series. I love reading about the previous characters and even though the book can be a stand alone book, having snippets of ongoing info from previous characters is a bonus. Love Eloise James books. So engaging and fun.

James gets better with every book

I am usually not a fan of the arrogant aristocrat who treats the heroine with disdain trope ( feels too much like negging) but in James’ hands he was a human being. The heroine is complex, sympathetic, and holds her own. Pacing is great, Duerden is a pleasure as always. This was fun to listen to!