The Countess

By: Lynsay Sands

Narrated by: Sarah Coomes

Length: 9 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's Summary

The fairy tale courtship did not turn into a happily-ever-after....

Not until her husband dropped dead, that is. He had been horrible enough to Christiana during their short marriage, and she was not going to allow the traditional period of mourning to ruin her sisters' debuts as well. So she decides to put him on ice and go on as if nothing's happened....

Until the real earl appears. Richard Fairgrave had every intention of confronting his villainous twin who had robbed him of his name and title - only to discover that he had died. Quietly assuming his identity, Richard must now deal with a maddening desire for his ravishing inherited "wife" - certainly a gold digger and possibly a murderess. And Christiana must deal with an unwanted new "husband"... and they both must figure out what to do before the ice melts!

©2011 Lynsay Sands (P)2011 HarperCollins Publishers

Screwball comedy will make you laugh out loud!

What other book might you compare The Countess to and why?

So far, The Countess has no comparison. I did not expect a historical romance to be so laugh-out-loud funny. I have never had that experience before. I hope to find other books like it.

What about Sarah Coomes’s performance did you like?

Sarah Coomes is like the William Shatner of historical romance narration. Her pacing tends to the over-dramatic, with oddly-timed, suspenseful pauses in her phrasing. She was perfect for this book! So much of the humor was in the delivery, and Sarah Coomes was spot on.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed so many times, which was wholly unexpected. Even laughed on a second listen. I snorted and guffawed enough that my husband couldn't believe I was actually listening to a historical romance. He thought I must have chosen a new genre. Now he wants to listen to this book too!

Any additional comments?

I never expected a screwball comedy in a historical romance novel. It was such a pleasant surprise! No matter how the characters were described, in my mind all I could see was Cary Grant and Claudette Colbert. This was a delightfully funny, farcical romp that was well worth the credit. Excellent work, Lynsay Sands!

Entertaining!

I'm with the majority on this book....I thought it was funny and entertaining. It was romantic with just enough silly humor to keep me smiling. It is a good escape when you need some silly in your life. I realize everyone has a different sense of humor but if you enjoy silly romantic fun then you will enjoy this! If you enjoy only serious romances all the time then you probably need a good laugh. Try laughing sometime its good for you!!

The Countess most enjoyable

Would you listen to The Countess again? Why?

Probably. Very entertaining.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Countess?

When Richard showed up at the ball.

Which scene was your favorite?

Love scene with Dickie's body in the bed.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

At first, the narrator was a bit of a distraction with a strong accent, but I changed my mind and found her to be a delightful reader. I enjoyed her very much....she was especially great with her change of voice for each character.

Any additional comments?

Some parts I found quite "steamy". Loved it. Kept my mind off of my everyday worries.

Loved it

I guess humor like many things is all relative. I thought this book was hilarious, verging on slapstick. I could just imagine the shenanigans in my mind. It is farfetched and silly, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you take everything literally, maybe this isn???t your cup of tea, but if you want escapism and some laughs this is it.

Laugh out Loud Funny Romance

Would you listen to The Countess again? Why?

Yes, I will almost certainly be listening to this one again. It is so funny and entertaining. When I sought out this book it was just the perfect comedic touch I needed on a rough day.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Get your daily dose of laughs.

Funny. Reminded me of "Weekend at Bernie's"

Silly but enjoyable just the same. Nasty husband dies. Heroine and her sisters try to cover it up so they won't have to go into mourning because the sisters need to marry rich husbands quickly to pay off father's gaming debts. Identical twin brother who is the real earl shows up although he's supposed to be dead. The dead body gets moved around. Fun listen.

So very funny!

Of course Sarah Coomes rules again! She is so great and when she performs as a guy its pretty convincing! At one point, Christiana is drunk and hilarious, I don't think it would have been as funny if I would have been reading it.

I think my favorite part of this book was when Christiana and Richard meet at the Ball. I was dying laughing!

Revating

The plot was funny and very entertaining...I could not put it down.However one thing that always erks me is how all the women of London society always lose there head and can't seem to keep there virginity in tact after being kissed or touch by a man lol.....is there one book where the women of that period does not go all stary eye after a mere kiss.Or maintain her virginity without the man being the one to have the sense or is gentleman enough to stop before her reputation is destroy... the regency period is a good break from the paranormal which I have been stuck in lol....

FUNNY & ENTERTAINING

I truly enjoyed this story. All the characters are enjoyable and the story flows and is not boring. Very light, funny and entertaining story. Enjoy.

What a hoot!!!!!

I love the way Lyndsay Sands writes, she puts so much humor in it. This story is almost slapstick. I laughed the whole time. I love a good romantic comedy.
Keep on keepin' on, Lyndsay.
Laura Moats

hilarious

one of the funniest tongue in cheek period romances I've listened to.
very enjoyable - loved it